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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 JAMADA ALAWWAL 4, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Citizens, expats Liverpool treated alike, survive penalty Municipality drama to chief assures4 sink20 Saints Barrak handed two years Min 06º Max 18º in jail for insulting Amir High Tide 02:38 : 16:57 Fiery opposition leader defiant, plans to revive protests Low Tide 09:05 & 21:31 40 PAGES NO: 16442 150 FILS By B Izzak US convenes war council in Kuwait KUWAIT: The court of appeals yesterday sentenced prominent opposition leader Musallam Al-Barrak to two KUWAIT: New Pentagon chief Ashton Carter will hold years in jail on charges of insulting HH the Amir during talks today in Kuwait with top US commanders and a public rally. A defiant Barrak, an outspoken former MP, diplomats to discuss the war effort against the said jail sentences will “not defeat” him and vowed that Islamic State jihadist group, officials said. Carter flew he will make the “walls of prison explode with his ideas”. to Kuwait City from Afghanistan yesterday to chair Leading former opposition MPs, leaders of opposi- the extraordinary meeting that will see more than tion groups and activists flooded social media with two dozen senior military officers and ambassadors strong condemnations almost immediately after judge gather at the sprawling US Army base of Camp Anwar Al-Enezi passed the Arifjan, officials said. Carter, an experienced Pentagon sentence. Former speaker technocrat who took office last week, “wants it to be Ahmad Al-Saadoun and many an open conversation regardless of rank,” a senior US other former MPs and activists defence official told reporters. gathered at Barrak’s diwaniya The meeting was not intended to produce a new in Andalus, where he strategy but to allow Carter to better understand the announced a plan to revive challenge posed by the jihadists and the range of opposition-led protests fol- efforts aimed at defeating them, said the official, who lowing a lull of over a year. spoke on condition of anonymity. Carter will be look- Barrak told the crowd that ing for an update on all facets of the campaign on the Popular Action Movement both the military and diplomatic front, including the (PAM) will invite all opposition Iraqi government’s efforts to recruit Sunnis into the groups for a meeting to work fight against the IS extremists, the official said. The out a plan to revive protests. In Musallam Al-Barrak talks also will examine how to counter the IS group his speech, Barrak hit out at across the region. the government, the National Assembly and the prime Carter likely will raise questions about “what it minister, saying that MPs in the current Assembly are means when we have groups swearing allegiance to puppets in the hands of Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber ISIL in Libya, in Egypt, in Afghanistan,” said the official Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. using another acronym for IS and “how are we think- He also said that the opposition has been out of the ing about the next few years of the counter-terrorism Assembly for three years but no development has taken fight,” the official said. The meeting will include the place although the opposition was blamed for blocking commander running the anti-IS campaign, development. Barrak said he is proud to be in jail for Lieutenant General James Terry, as well as the heads KUWAIT: US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter (left) is greeted by Kuwait’s Defense Minister Sheikh Khalid stances like the ones he had expressed at the public ral- of US Central Command, Africa Command, European Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah at Kuwait International Airport yesterday. Carter is on his first overseas trip since ly two years ago, adding that the most corrupt MP was a command, Special Operations Command and Joint starting the Pentagon job last Tuesday. — AFP mosque imam for six months and had received KD 9 Continued on Page 13 million in bribes. Continued on Page 13 News Sisi calls for joint Arab force, hails Gulf in brief CAIRO: Egypt’s president said yesterday a video that showed him seated on an that the need for a joint Arab military force armchair with his desk in the background No private school is growing every day as the region faces in front of a giant Egyptian white, red and fee increases: MoE the threat of Islamic militancy. President black flag. His comments were made in Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi also said in a recorded short clips interrupted by archival footage By A Saleh address aired by state television that of him meeting world leaders or speaking Egypt’s military has no interest in invading on previous occasions as well as Egyptian KUWAIT: Education Minister Badr Al-Essa yesterday issued or attacking other nations, but will defend military servicemen going through their a decision freezing school fees for the scholastic year 2015- Egypt as well as the region “if required and drills. 2016 at all private Arab, bilingual, British, American, French, in coordination with our Arab brothers”. “The need for a unified Arab force is Indian, Filipino, Pakistani and Iranian schools. The schools A soldier-turned-politician, the growing and becoming more pressing will charge the same fees of the 2014-2015 school year, Egyptian leader says both Jordan and the every day,” said Sisi, who took office in during which many schools had United Arab Emirates have offered to dis- June. As military chief, Sisi led the July already raised their fees. According patch military forces to aid Egypt following 2013 ouster of the Islamist Mohammed to the decision, all schools will also last week’s beheading in Libya of 21 Morsi, Egypt’s first freely elected president, follow instructions about wages of Egyptian Coptic Christians by Islamic State after millions took to the streets to teachers and administrative staff as militants. Egyptian warplanes struck demand that he step down. Sisi’s assertion per decision number 19724/2002 Islamic State positions in the eastern that a joint Arab military force was needed issued on March 17, 2002. The Libyan city of Darna early last Monday, just was the first public confirmation by an decision also authorized the assis- hours after the release of a video showing Arab leader that the creation of such a tant undersecretary for private the beheadings. Sisi said in his address force was a possibility. education in setting the regula- Badr Al-Essa that the warplanes struck 13 targets which Last November, the AP reported that KOBANE, Syria: A Turkish soldier gestures on top of an army vehicle in a tions needed for fees to be collect- had been “carefully surveyed and studied”. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab ed for the school year 2016-2017 by Dec 3, 2015. The deci- street in this town yesterday during an operation to evacuate a garrison He gave no further details. Emirates and Kuwait were discussing the guarding the Suleyman Shah mausoleum in northern Syria. — AFP sion added that schools that violate its regulations will be Sisi delivered his recorded comments in Continued on Page 13 warned by a 30-day notice, after which concerned schools’ transactions would be stopped for a month unless the vio- lation is undone. It said that if violations remain after the Saudi effort to promote Turkey pulls tomb, one-month period, the school’s license would be cancelled as of the end of the school year. open society in tatters guards from Syria Met refutes foul VIENNA: Austria was enthusiastic when figures who sit on its board with Muslim, Saudi Arabia said it was ready to bankroll Hindu and Buddhist representatives, and Damascus slams ‘flagrant aggression’ weather reports a center for religious and cultural under- experts who view KAICIID as a cautious ANKARA: Almost 600 Turkish troops area inside Syria close to the Turkish standing in Vienna - but two years after attempt at outreach by the late king who pushed deep into Syria early yesterday border where officials said the tomb By Nawara Fattahova its launch, the desert kingdom’s foray hoped that reforms - however modest - in an unprecedented incursion, evacu- will be relocated within days. Turkish into promoting a more open society initiated by the center would trickle ating Turkish soldiers guarding a his- television showed pictures of troops KUWAIT: Reports on social media warning against abroad while continuing to repress rights down into Saudi society. toric tomb who had been stranded in triumphantly planting the Turkish flag hurricanes, thunderstorms, heavy rain and floods at home is in tatters. Its vice president, a Continued on Page 13 territory controlled by Islamic State at the new location in the nighttime were denied yesterday by Meteorologist Mohammed former Austrian justice minister, has quit jihadists. The Damascus government, operation. Turkish tanks had earlier Karam, Director of the Civil Aviation’s Weather over comments interpreted as down- which no longer controls the area but driven through the ruined streets of Forecast Department. “The weather is little windy playing Saudi beheadings. And the cen- tonight, but wind speed will is at loggerheads with Ankara over the the Syrian town of Kobane - controlled ter’s silence over the flogging of a Saudi decrease and the weather will Syria conflict, lashed out at what it by Kurdish fighters after a months- blogger for criticizing Islam has drawn be stable. The wind will be described as a “flagrant aggression” on long battle with jihadists - on their weekly street protests and condemna- northwesterly and moderate, Syrian territory. way to the tomb. tion from Austria’s chancellor - who said with some clouds tomorrow. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet There were reportedly 40 Turkish the nation “will not tolerate” the center’s Reports about unstable Davutoglu said the mission had suc- soldiers guarding the mausoleum refusal to repudiate Saudi human rights weather are just rumors,” ceeded, with the soldiers returning complex of Suleyman Shah on the violations. Karam told Kuwait Times. He safely home and also bringing back Euphrates River, which under a 1920s “I believe that the center needs to be also advised people to only the tomb containing the remains of treaty is considered sovereign Turkish done away with,” said demonstrator follow warnings on the Suleyman Shah, grandfather of the territory and carries huge symbolic department’s official website Norbert Brandl outside the turn of the Ottoman empire’s founder, Osman I. A importance to Turks as a link to their century downtown palace housing Mohammed Karam www.met.gov.kw or its social Turkish government official confirmed pre-Ottoman past. After taking every- media accounts. Meteorologist KAICIID - the King Abdullah Bin to AFP that the mission was the first thing of historical value, the Turkish Essa Ramadan also said that wind speed is excepted Abdulaziz International Center for incursion Turkish troops had launched troops detonated the building that to gradually drop today after frigid temperatures hit Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue. inside Syria since the civil war began in housed the tomb so it was not mis- Kuwait, plunging the mercury to 3-5 degrees. “Either that or it has to speak up against 2011. used afterwards by jihadists, Turkish Ramadan predicted that the temperature would these unbelievable incidents.” VIENNA: In this picture taken on Feb 6, In a hugely symbolic move, Turkish media said. gradually start rising by Wednesday. But the center also has backers. They 2015, members of the Austrian Greens troops also seized control of a new Continued on Page 13 include prominent Christian and Jewish protest in front of the KAICIID. — AP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 LOCAL Crown Prince congratulates Kuwaitis on national days

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah congratulated the Kuwaiti people on the 54th anniver- sary of Independence, the 24th anniversary of Liberation and the ninth anniversary of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s assumption of power. HH the Crown Prince said that this year’s celebrations are special as they came after the UN proclamation of HH the Amir as a Humanitarian Leader, and of Kuwait as a Humanitarian Center. HH Sheikh Nawaf expressed his sin- cere congratulations to Kuwaiti people and residents on the dear occasion. He wished Kuwait and its people more progress and welfare under the wise leadership of HH the Amir. He voiced pride of HH the Amir’s full-of-achieve- KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber ments march and his relentless efforts Al-Sabah receives a book presented by Sheikha Dr Rasha Al-Humoud Al- to meet the aspirations of Kuwaiti peo- Jaber Al-Sabah. ple. HH the Crown Prince also thanked Sheikha Dr Rasha Al-Humoud Al-Jaber Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Acting National Assembly the well-wishers, state officials, people Al-Sabah. Sheikha Rasha, an advisor at Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Speaker Ahmad Hajji Lari yesterday. —KUNA and residents, who congratulated him His Highness the Prime Minister’s Sabah, and Deputy Prime Minister and on the ninth anniversary of assumption Diwan, presented HH the Sheikh Nawaf Minister of Defense Sheikh Khaled Al- to power. He lauded their sincere and an encyclopedia titled ‘The Heroic Acts Jarrah Al-Sabah. hard work for the noble goal of achiev- of the Kuwaiti People in London During His Highness also received Amir visits Jordan today ing prominence for Kuwait. He praised the Iraqi Invasion - 1990-1991.’ Parliament Deputy Speaker Ahmad Lari, Kuwait’s remarkable progress and Also yesterday, HH the Crown Prince Information Minister and Minister of KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Kingdom of Jordan. Separately, HH the Hamad Al-Sabah, Acting National development in different domains as received HH the Prime Minister Sheikh State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir received at Seif Palace yesterday Assembly Speaker Ahmad Hajji Lari and well as the stability, safety and welfare Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah accompanied by an official delegation, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign enjoyed by its people. First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs is set to leave for Amman, Jordan today Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Separately, HH the Crown Prince Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al- for a brotherly visit to the Hashemite Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Hamad Al-Sabah. —KUNA received at Seif Palace yesterday Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Mubarak Al-Sabah. — KUNA National Guard releases detainees

KUWAIT: Major-General Hashem Al-Rifae, the Acting Undersecretary of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG), issued a decree yesterday, releasing personnel detained for disciplinary reasons on the occasion of national celebrations. KNG said in a press release that the decision comes in accordance with the instructions of Head of the KNG, His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al- Sabah, and Deputy Chief Sheikh Mish’al Al-Ahamd Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. HH Sheikh Salem Al-Ali and Sheikh Mish’al Al- Ahmad congratulated HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as well as all KNG staff on the occasion of the Major-General national occasions and the ninth anniversary of HH KUWAIT: Deputy Minister of the Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah (left) attending the closing ceremony of the sea heritage festi- Hashem Al-Rifae the Amir’s assumption to power. —KUNA val.— KUNA Embassies in Austria, Cuba Kuwait’s sea heritage celebrate national days festival concludes VIENNA/HAVANA: The Kuwaiti Embassy in mercial bilateral cooperation, as the visit pre- Austria hosted a ceremony yesterday to mark sented to the delegation a brief idea about the KUWAIT: The closing ceremony of the sea her- heritage commission. Kuwait’s 54th National Day anniversary, 24th Kuwaiti investment atmosphere, while the itage festival was held late Saturday under the Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah addressed the atten- Liberation Day anniversary, and the ninth Kuwaiti businessmen were briefed on the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh dees, starting by congratulating top state lead- anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh investment opportunities in Austria. Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. ers on the National Days. He added that this Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber A-Sabah assumption The Ambassador stressed the importance Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of year’s festival was distinguished by fishing con- to power. The event was attended by a num- of Kuwait’s ambitious five-year plan which put the Amiri Diwan Affairs, attended the celebrato- tests grouping 300 contestants, including Gulf ber of senior local officials, political, economic, basic pillar for huge developmental projects, ry gathering, held at the fishermen diwanian in Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens, indicating and cultural figures, besides heads of diplo- wishing that Austria would contribute to such Al-Watyah. He was greeted upon arrival at the that veteran fishermen were also involved in matic missions and representatives of interna- schemes. site by General Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad some similar activities. Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al- Sheikh Salem Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- tional organizations. Sabah, head of the sea heritage com- The Kuwaiti Ambassador to Austria, Sadeq Fuel station Al-Sabah, Hawally Governor, and Sheikh Salem Sabah distributed awards to the winners after- mission, speaking at the ceremony. Mohammad Ma’rafi, welcomed all the honored Ma’rafi hailed the distinguished economic Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the head of the sea wards. — KUNA quests to the celebration organized for the first cooperation between Kuwait and Austria, as time at Imperial Hotel, located in the mid of they are reflected through a number of impor- the Austrian capital. Ma’rafi congratulated HH tant projects, including the new fuel station the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- specialized in offering fuel for heavy trucks. KRCS distributes aid to Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- This fuel station is considered the forth in Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Kuwaiti peo- its type, possessed by Kuwait Oil Corporation ple on this occasion, wishing Kuwait further (KOC), besides other 10 fuel stations owned by progress and prosperity. KOC in partnership with other parties, he said. 5,000 Syrian families The national celebrations this year come in He indicated that Kuwait has a total of 600 fuel conjunction with the 50th anniversary of stations distributed over 24 European coun- establishing the diplomatic ties with Austria, tries. recalling the brave position taken by Austria Chief of the Organization of the Petroleum KRCS ‘beacon in humanitarian relief’ during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, he Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund for ZAHLE/KUWAIT/RABAT: The Kuwait Red Crescent in appreciation for the tangible efforts at the global try’s National Committee for UNESCO, and the affirmed. International Development Sulaiman Jasir Al- Society (KRCS) announced yesterday that it handed philanthropic level. ISESCO closely cooperate, holding regular conven- Harbash congratulated HH the Amir Sheikh out humanitarian aid to about 5,000 Syrian refugee Tuwaijri, who made these remarks on the occa- tions, seminars and workshops. Deep understanding Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, applaud- families living in Beqaa governorate in eastern sion of his planned official visit to Kuwaiti due The diplomat described the relations ing the Kuwaiti continuous support to OPEC Lebanon. today, further affirmed that HH the Amir ‘earned’ the Radical thoughts between both countries as based on deep fund’s projects in developing countries. KRCS Chairman Dr Hilal Al-Sayer said that the UN-granted title of Humanitarian Leader. “The UN Tuwaijri praised efforts of the Kuwaiti Ministry of understanding, joint cooperation and are The Director General of the International Kuwaiti leadership, government and people are selection of the State of Kuwait as a Humanitarian Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, organizing annual meet- developing in various fields. Kuwait values the Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano, keen on supporting displaced Syrians to alleviate Center and His Highness the Amir as a ings of heads of cultural centers and organizations wise neutral policy adapted by Austria, OPEC Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Badri also their sufferings amid hard weather conditions in Humanitarian Leader has come as a result of facts, in Latin American and Caribbean countries. He expressing hope for more solid cooperation, congratulated the Kuwaiti political leadership their makeshift shelters. sensed by every-body,” he said, adding that the expressed identical sentiments toward the Kuwaiti he said. and the Kuwaiti people on that occasion. The aid included food parcels, cleaning materials ISESCO “deeply admires such designation because it International Islamic Charitable Organization. He also praised the political relations Meanwhile, heads of Arab and Islamic and fuel for heating as well as gifts for children, he is well aware that the State of Kuwait has been play- Regarding his mission to Kuwait, Tuwaijri said he between both nations, noting the mutual visits diplomatic missions in Austria including the added. According to recent statistics, the number of ing a leading role in realm of humanitarian activities would be coming to the Gulf State in response to an including the recent one by the delegation of ambassadors of Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Saudi Syrian refugees in Lebanon exceeded one million. at various levels.” invitation by Minister of Education and Higher Kuwaiti-Austrian Parliamentary Friendship Arabia, Jordan and Iran congratulated the Kuwait, a co-founder of the Islamic organization, Education Dr Bader Al-Essa, and as part of a Gulf Committee, headed by MP Christine Muttonen Kuwaiti political leadership on national cele- Humanitarian relief set up in 1982, has played an instrumental role in tour. He noted that his talks with Kuwaiti officials to Kuwait last week. brations, wishing further progress and pros- Meanwhile, Albanian Ambassador to Kuwait promoting it, he said, affirming that the Gulf State would deals with boosting cooperation and follow- The visit resulted in enhancing the com- perity to Kuwait and its people.—KUNA Kujtim Morina said that KRCS has become a beacon has been keen on honoring its financial contribu- ing up on resolutions of conferences that had been in the humanitarian relief field, thanks to its imme- tions to the organization. Kuwait, namely the coun- previously organized by the ISESCO.— KUNA diate response in offering aid to countries in need all over the world. He added in press remarks yesterday after meet- ing KRCS’ Deputy Chairman Anwar Al-Hasawi that KRCS is a distinguished pioneer institution in that field, regionally and internationally, and is highly appreciated and respected by all active world bod- ies in the humanitarian field. The Society will continue to be a main supporter of any humanitarian work, in accordance with the country’s foreign policy in offering aid to countries suffering from natural disasters and political con- flicts. The two sides discussed offering relief to Albania as it suffered lately from floods that caused great material damage to public and private prop- erties, houses and farmlands.

Tangible efforts Separately, Dr Abdulaziz Othman Al-Tuwaijri, the Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), said VIENNA: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Austria Sadeq Mohammad Ma’rafi and his wife wel- that the United Nations has recently taken the ini- come Tunisian Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative at tiative to honor His Highness the Amir Sheikh International Organizations in Geneva Ghazi Jum’ah. — KUNA Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his country ZAHLE: KRCS staff distribute aid to Syrian refugees. — KUNA photos MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 LOCAL Investment Authority overhauls graduates training program

By Nawara Fattahova tutions,” Director of the Training Department The enhancement plan covers a number of Aasi Al-Hajri said during the press conference new aspects to the program. “The plan includes KUWAIT: Since 1995, the Kuwait Investment held yesterday at the Ministries Complex. updating training curriculum that guarantees Authority (KIA) has conducted a training pro- trainees the best and most current finance train- gram for new Kuwaiti graduates to prepare them Competitive environment ing available, containing CFA Level I at the core for a successful career in the finance and invest- “The finance sector is a dynamic and highly with an increased emphasis on practical learn- ment sector. To make this useful program even competitive environment to operate in, experi- ing. Also, the program will now be open to more successful, the KIA decided to enhance the encing numerous important changes over time. Kuwaiti applicants from a range of quantitative New Graduates Training Program. In recognition of this and with continued degree programs including engineering among In the past 20 years, 560 trainees have suc- demand for high caliber finance professionals in others. In addition, alumni networking opportu- cessfully completed the training program, with the market, KIA in cooperation with a global nities will be enhanced, providing graduate many progressing to senior leadership positions consulting firm recently completed a thorough trainees with greater access than ever to Kuwaiti in both local and foreign financial institutions. review of the training program with one objec- finance professionals both in Kuwait and at the international level,” he pointed out. More enhancements are in the pipeline, said Hajri. “These include a clarification of entry requirements to complement the program’s KUWAIT: Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry Khaled Al-Jarallah met yesterday objective to recruit and train high-potential with Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Kuwait Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Fayez. future Kuwaiti finance professionals, using inter- Discussions between the two sides focused on bilateral relations and the latest nationally recognized tests such as GRE, TOEFL developments in both the regional and international arenas. —KUNA and IELTS. On-the-job training or in-service opportunities will be revised within the KIA,” he revealed. Securities liquidated Market’s demands Deputy Director of the Training Department Hashem Al-Saif noted that the enhancements to pay 20,000 laborers for 2015 will ensure the continued success of the program and meet the demands of the job mar- By A Saleh expatriate employees and replace them with ket by producing high-caliber and world-class Kuwaitis. finance professionals. The program has attained KUWAIT: The Manpower Public Authority great success and the demand of trainees has has started liquidating over half a million Azmi blasts German deal increased, said Saif. “Every year two groups of dinars deposited as financial securities by MP Hamdan Al-Azmi charged the health trainees graduate, each consisting of 20 trainees. various companies so that it could pay the ministry was full of violations under Minister So annually 40 trainees graduate, and this num- overdue wages of 20,000 laborers registered Ali Al-Obaidi, like the contract signed with KUWAIT: Aasi Al-Hajri, Director of the Training Department at Kuwait Investment Authority ber has increased from 30 graduates when we on already finished government contracts, Germany’s Stuttgart University that went into (center), speaks at the press conference. —Photo by Joseph Shagra started the program,” explained Saif. said informed sources, noting that this meas- effect last May. He added that many citizens Receiving applications for the June 2015 ure would include 580 government project have filed complaints against the German “From its inception, the program has been tive - to ensure the program continues to be one batch is now open until March 5, 2015. For fur- files. The sources added that as a result, doctors at Al-Razi Hospital, although they unique due to the combination of classroom- of the most valuable and prestigious opportuni- ther details about the program and how to many business owners wanting to legalize cost millions to provide better medical servic- based training with invaluable workplace assign- ties available to fresh Kuwaiti graduates seeking apply, the interested applicants can check the their files have been flocking to the govern- es. Azmi added that none of the clauses ments with leading international financial insti- a career in finance and investment,” added Hajri. website www.kia.qov.kw for further details. ment contracts department. included in the contract, such as medical pro- fessional training and development and dis- Kuwaitization policy patching doctors on training scholarships, MP Mohammed Al-Huwailah filed parlia- had so far been put into practice. mentary inquires to the ministers of finance, Kuwait’s inflation electricity and water, commerce and indus- E-post department try, social affairs, justice and Islamic affairs, The Ministry of Communication will communications, municipality, oil, Assembly establish a special new electronic depart- affairs, health, housing and education about ment for postal services, where traditional appointing Kuwaiti masters and PhD hold- stamps would be replaced by electronic rate up 2.81% in Jan ers. He also inquired about measures by ones with special serial numbers in a bid to these ministries to reduce the number of prevent forgery and reuse.

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s consumer prices index (CPI) or miscellaneous goods and services. The groups Meanwhile, the CPI of the major group of “furnish- inflation rate rose in January 2015 by 2.81 percent whose consumer prices dropped month-on-month ing equipment and household maintenance” hiked compared to the same month of last year, the were: food and beverages, clothing and footwear, by 3.53 percent year-on-year and remained Kuwait produces 180 million Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) announced yester- communications and recreation and culture. unchanged month-on-month. day. The details data showed that the consumer The CPI of the major group ‘housing services’ cubic feet of free gas daily The CSB, however, stated in its monthly report prices index of the group ‘tobacco and medicines’ rose by 5.03 percent year-on-year, and remained that the inflation rate dropped by 0.07 percent in soared by 1.45 percent year-on-year and by 0.20 unchanged month-on-month. Furthermore, the CPI January 2015 vis-a-vis December 2014 as a result of percent month-on-month. Meanwhile, the CPI of of the major group ‘education’ ballooned by 6.57 100 solar-powered stations planned the decrease in prices of some major groups. The the ‘health’ group surged by 1.11 percent year-on- percent year-on-year and remained flat month-on- KUWAIT: Kuwait Oil Company’s (KOC) cur- said that the company has hit record levels CSB data showed that the consumer prices of three year and 0.16 percent month-on-month. month. rent free gas production is estimated at 180 estimated at around 1 percent, pointing major groups increased, retreated for four others The CPI of the major group ‘food and beverages’ million cubic feet daily, while its associated out that KOC was granted a number of and remained flat for five groups compared with Miscellaneous goods jumped by 1.45 percent year-on-year, but declined gas production is 1.5 million cubic feet dai- international awards in that field. On the that of December. The CPI of the major group of ‘miscellaneous by 0.27 percent month-on-month. The CPI of the ly, a senior oil official said Saturday. conference, the company’s CEO affirmed The groups which recorded rises month-on- goods and services’ jumped by 2.13 percent year- major group ‘clothing and footwear’ surged by 0.31 The state-run company’s current crude the importance of preventive medicine for month were: tobacco and medicines, health and on-year and 0.15 percent month-on-month. percent year-on-year and slipped by 0.15 percent oil production is also estimated at 2.65 mil- KOC’s staff and workers, noting that work- month-on-month. lion cubic feet daily, Hashem Hashem, ers’ health and wellbeing is an integral part KOC’s CEO, said in a press statement on the of the company’s strategy. Restaurants and hotels sidelines of the Occupational Health in Oil The CPI of the major group ‘restaurants and Industry Conference. Solar power hotels’ grew by 3.98 percent year-on-year, but Meanwhile, the KOC’s 2020 strategy to Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Executive remained unchanged month-on-month. The CPI of increase production to four million barrels Officer of Kuwait National Petroleum the main group of ‘recreational and cultural’ rose by per day is currently going according to its Company (KNPC) for Marketing and 0.08 percent year-on-year, but dropped by 0.46 per- predetermined schedule, Hashem said, Planning Shukri Al-Mahrous unveiled that cent month-on-month. The CPI of the main group expecting the company’s total production, Kuwait has plans to build 100 solar-pow- of ‘transport’ swelled by 1.54 percent year-on-year of the planned strategy, to reach 3.65 mil- ered fueling stations. and remained flat month-on-month. Meanwhile, lion barrel per day. The 100 stations would be built in five the CPI of the major group of ‘communications’ KOC has recently increased the number years; 20 stations every year, Mahrous told decreased by 0.20 percent year-on-year and by 0.10 of its drilling rigs in order to be consistent reporters on the sidelines of his participa- percent month-on-month. The Central Statistical with the current number of oil wells in the tion in the KNPC’s annual meeting with Bureau issues a monthly report on the Consumer country, he mentioned, noting that it is also contractors which started yesterday. He Prices Index (CPI) which gives indications of the part of the company’s development plans pointed out that the first 20 stations are rates of changes in prices for the commodity for oil fields. In 2013, the number of drilling expected to start operation by 2017. The groups influencing the families’ expenditure and rigs was 50 and it has currently increased to plans come within the framework of the the ability of consumer spending. This index uses 80, said Hashem, expecting the number to KOC’s efforts to increase reliance on renew- the year 2007 as the base year. —KUNA increase to 120 rigs by 2016. able energy in generating electricity, he On KOC’s gas burning operations, he said. — KUNA

Burgan Bank supports KACCH activities

KUWAIT: As part of its commitment to Burgan Bank is assuring that children and Ooredoo inaugurates support all segments of the society, their families are receiving fundamental Burgan Bank reaffirmed its support to the treatments to recover from fatal and ter- Kuwait Association for Care of Children minal illnesses. Hospitals (KACCH) by presenting its annu- KACCH is a volunteering organization new branch in Avenues al donation. This year is the bank’s 14th working under the umbrella of World consecutive year of commitment to Child Care Program that aims to assist chil- KACCH. dren in coping with the stress of being in KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, a member of the being closer to our customers wherever they are. exclusively made for Kuwait’s national celebra- Hessa Al-Najadah, Senior Officer - hospital for treatment. The association international telecom Ooredoo Group, celebrat- We will be announcing more key locations in the tions. Public Relations at Burgan Bank, present- provides a healthy and entertaining envi- ed the inauguration of its latest branch in the future. This ongoing expansion strategy is reflec- Alayoub added: “We aim at being closer to ed the annual donation to Lamia Al ronment to the children through the kids Avenues. The branch, located on Second tive of our core value, which is connecting with our customers throughout our store locations Abdulkareem and Mary Dempsey-Booz clubs that KACCH established in many Avenue, is Ooredoo’s third branch in Kuwait’s our customers.” providing our innovative products and services from the Executive Committee of KACCH hospitals in Kuwait. biggest mall, a key location with very high com- The new branch follows a cutting edge mod- to exceed their expectations.” at the Amiri Hospital. Burgan Bank will continue supporting mercial traffic. ern design in alignment with Ooredoo Group In addition to its branches, Ooredoo also Burgan Bank is a firm believer in creat- programs similar to KACCH, which are Commenting on the launch, Corporate standards, reflecting the brand’s vibrant spirit. offers its customers an interactive online shop, ing a lasting difference. Thus, over the past built to encourage the welfare of the Communications Director at Ooredoo Kuwait, An inauguration ceremony was held at the loca- accessible around the clock. The online shop, 13 years, the bank has maintained contri- entire society. The bank’s contribution Mijbil Alayoub said: “We’re happy to be serving tion last Friday evening and was attended by which is Kuwait’s first online telecom shop, pro- butions to support the development of underlines its firm Corporate Social our customers at a prime location like The Ooredoo representatives. Lucky customers and vides exclusive offers and free delivery, and can healthcare within pediatric facilities at var- Responsibility strategy that is dedicated to Avenues. Our strategy of expansion focuses on guests were provided with gifts from Ooredoo be accessed on www.shop.ooredoo.com.kw ious health institutions. By doing so, supporting humanitarian causes. LOCAL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 Crime Citizens, expats treated Report Abusive mother alike: Municipality director sentenced to jail By Mesh’al Al-Enezi anniversaries. He added that though foam had been official- By Hanan Al-Saadoun ly banned in previous years, some importers had been using KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality Director Ahmad Al-Subaih illegal ways to import it within other merchandise. KUWAIT: The Appeals Court said in an exclusive statement to Kuwait Times that the sentenced a Kuwaiti teacher municipality and its employees do not differentiate ‘False’ complaints eye election to three years and six months between citizens and expatriates and that all transactions Well-informed sources at the Ministry of Social Affairs in jail. She was convicted of are only done according to rules and regulations. Subaih and Labor said that the minister’s office had recently torturing and beating her also noted that his door is open to all investors be them received a number of complaints from Kuwaiti engineers daughter after she was Arabs or foreigners. concerning abusive measures taken by some of the min- divorced, sources said. The Responding to a question about importing some istry officials. The sources added that the complaints might child’s father said in front of banned foodstuffs items like pork or others, especially that be vexatious and made on purpose before holding Kuwait the court that he will not give some communities do not know they are banned in Engineers Society board elections in the coming months. up the right of custody of his Kuwait, Subaih stressed that such likelihood was impossi- daughter and the rest of their ble to happen thanks to the very strict measures adopted Updating ‘special needs’ files children, who he said had ‘suf- by relevant ministries like the Ministry of Commerce and Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of opening the fered all types of torture and Industry, Ministry of Health and the municipality. new headquarters of the Public Authority for People with negligence’ allegedly commit- Special Needs, Minister of Social Affiars and Labor, Hind Al- ted by their mother. According to the investigations report, Railway lines intersecting farms Subaih said that special teams had been formed to act as the mother severely beat, burnt, and bit her daughter to ‘take Minister of Communications and Minister of State for linkage between the authority and various state bodies fol- revenge’ against her divorced husband, Lawyer Abeer Al- Municipal Affairs Essa Al-Kandari refused compensating lowing up their concerns including the ratio of recruitment Fawaz said. The report also said when the father discovered farm lands in Wafra that would intersect with the planned in each ministry. Subaih added that the authority is cur- this act, he demanded his daughter be examined by the fami- new railway line that is due to go through various gover- rently reviewing the files on the handicapped in order to ly doctor, who stated the above mentioned injuries. norates. He also stressed that assessing compensations update their information on data systems according to was not up to the municipality and that this should be international standards. Drug addict arrested done by the finance ministry, Kandari said. Meanwhile, the authority’s director Dr Tareq Al-Shatti said that since establishment, the authority had been keen Drugs Control General Kuwait Municipality Director Ahmad Al-Subaih Department arrested a Interior cautions on foam on developing the services provided to people with spe- bedoon man in posses- Municipal Council Member and Head of Hawalli cial needs. He added that branches had been opened in Employee’ and ‘Sign Language’. He also noted that the sion of 750 grams of Committee Yousif Al-Ghareeb urged Kuwait Municipality, various governorates and that the authority staff members authority takes care of people with special needs provid- hashish and KD 4,000. Interior Ministry and Environment Public Authority to pre- had undergone special training courses to help deal with ing them with various medical, psychological, social and The suspect was placed vent trading in ‘foam’ during the national and liberation days people with special needs such as the ‘Comprehensive financial services. under surveillance for a while, before his house was raided and the Commercial Bank clarifies drugs and money were found. He said the drugs KD 815,000 embezzlement case were intended for traf- ficking purposes and for his personal use. He was CBK asserts faith in customers sent to the relevant authorities for further KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait’s implements a banking principle to meet com- action. (CBK) management has taken necessary steps mitments towards customers and make sure regarding recent news on an embezzlement that they do not get affected with such inci- case in a local CBK branch, where the branch dents,” Ibrahim said. He added that the bank is Smuggling foiled manager allegedly misused KD 815,000 from currently reviewing all procedures for various Customs officers at customers’ accounts over two years, CBK banking operations that take place in the bank Kuwait International spokesman Yacoub Al-Ibrahim said. in order to improve systems as well as supervi- Airport arrested an The bank has taken necessary procedures sion over them, in a way that spares the bank Indian man who tried to about the aforementioned incident, including from any similar incidents in future. smuggle 4 kilograms of informing the relevant authorities represented Ibrahim thanked all concerned official bod- heroin into the country. by Central Bank of Kuwait, as well as the Public ies for the speedy handling of the incident, The officers found the Prosecution, in addition to taking the legal which resulted in the arrest of the suspect, and drugs concealed inside procedures to arrest the suspect. An investiga- lauded the Public Prosecution (Public Funds the man’s luggage, tion team was formed in the bank to find all Prosecution Sector), criminal detectives and which were searched details related to the embezzlement incident, the Interpol. He also thanked all customers, KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammad Khaled Al- adding that the bank took into consideration particularly those whose accounts were upon his arrival on a Kheder met yesterday the Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait Carlos Saenz de Tejada, flight from his home making an official announcement about the embezzled, for their understanding and appre- who was accompanied by the Spanish military attache. The meeting tackled means incident after the legal procedures are com- ciation of the banks’ efforts in dealing with this country. The man was to boost bilateral military relations as well as issues of common interest, the Defense plete. “The bank management moved to safe- circumstance, adding that any procedure tak- sent to the proper Ministry’s Morale Guidance and Public Relations Department said in a press state- The heroin found in the pas- guard the rights of its customers, which result- en by the bank in such cases will result in pre- authorities to face ment. The meeting was attended by the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and ed in having the customers’ accounts in the serving customers’ rights and assets that are senger’s luggage. charges. Planning Major General Ahmad Abdulwahab Al-Omair. — KUNA concerned branch not affected. [The bank] kept in the bank confidentially. Minister lauds SACGC’s educational efforts

Robot’s project to be introduced at Kuwait’s schools

KUWAIT: Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa commended educational efforts by the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity (SACGC), stressing the ministry pays more attention to arts, sciences and math- ematics. Essa made the remark while visit- ing the center to be briefed on class- es, curricula as well as workshops of applied sciences and ceramic arts. He said that there is cooperation among the ministries of education in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states in the field of inven- tion, adding his ministry does its best to achieve development and make progress inside the country. He not- ed that the robot’s project which is KUWAIT: Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa planned to be introduced at Kuwait’s receives a memento from a student at the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for schools in the near future will be a Giftedness and Creativity. source of pride as it will cope with swift scientific developments.

Skilled generation On his part, the Director General of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS) Dr Adnan Shihab Eldin said that a team of international experts has been developing the center for six months. He voiced his hope that the cen- ter would materialize the idea of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, which aims at building a generation skilled by technology and technical sci- ences. He said that the KFAS is cooperating with the ministry through inaugurating new classes Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa interacts in some governorates to achieve with a student at a workshop in the center. the goals and build knowledge- based economy. — KUNA

Ban on Bulgarian poultry imports

KUWAIT: Chairperson and Director-General of the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) Nabila Al-Khalil ordered a tempo- rary ban yesterday on imports of all live birds and eggs from Bulgaria. The PAAAFR said in a statement said that the ban was due to a report from the World Health Organizations (WHO) on the outbreak of bird flu in Bulgaria. — KUNA Director General of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science Dr Adnan Shihab Eldin listens to a student during a mathematics workshop. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 LOCAL ‘Meeting of the minds’ with Pecha Kutcha Kuwait University hosted ‘successful’ event

By Ben Garcia and everyone here tonight,” she said at the start of community and the world. “The design is very the program. important, and we want to make an impact on the KUWAIT: Pecha Kutcha Nights (PKN) organized a world positively. We should not go to university just successful ‘meeting of the minds’ at Kuwait More campaigning because we want to make money - we study University’s Khaldiya premises where they dis- The first speaker, Dalal Al-Holi, talked about because we want this world to be a better place,” she cussed ideas, works and thoughts. Pecha Kucha Lambah, a new online company in the design and argued. Nights are informal and fun gatherings of creative architectural section. The company develops World Heritage people from all walks of life. During the presenta- designs for magazines. Two speakers - Dr Nada Mishary Al-Najar presented his ‘Kuwaitology’ KUWAIT: Editor-in-Chief of the Lebanese Al-Sheraa magazine Hassan tion, six speakers shared their ideas with a group of and Dr Noura Al-Ibrahim - then spoke about the idea. Noura Musalam presented her idea about the Sabra visited Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA) yesterday, and that students and volunteers in the lobby of the univer- sity Wednesday evening. during his visit to the state of Kuwait. He was received by KJA Treasurer The speakers showcased their ideas in 6 minutes Adnan Al-Rashid, and board members Fatima Hussein, Jassim Kamal and with 20 slides each. “Each presenter has six minutes Duhairan Abalkhail. and 40 seconds each. The goal is to present multi- ple ideas in a few minutes to raise questions, start a conversation and share their views with the speak- NBK offers double ers and audience right after the presentation,” said points for Miles World Dr Aseel Al-Ragam, the Pecha Kucha organizer in MasterCard Cardholders During National and Liberation day holidays

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) resorts worldwide and renowned car rental adds an exclusive benefit for its new Miles companies. The cardholders also enjoy the World MasterCard Credit Card, by doubling ease and convenience of booking their travel the miles points spent locally and abroad through a dedicated website or a call center. using the card during National and The new Credit Card rewards cardholders Liberation day. with 10,000 free NBK Miles points when NBK customers benefit from this offer on using the card for the first time regardless of 25th and 26th of February 2015. For every the transaction amount. Cardholders also cumulative KD 1 spent in Kuwait with NBK get NBK Miles points every time they use the Dr Aseel Al-Ragam Miles World MasterCard Credit Card, card- card in Kuwait, and they get even more Kuwait. The event is the eleventh edition since the holders will earn 6 miles points. Cardholders points when using the card overseas includ- launch of the Petcha Kutcha Kuwait Chapter in will increase their chances by using their ing online shopping at international web- 2009. Speakers are from various professional disci- Card abroad to 10 miles points for every 1 sites. plines, from architects to doctors, law professors, KD spent internationally during these two government officials, students and kids. days. Additional benefits NBK Miles World MasterCard Credit Card The new NBK Miles World MasterCard Dream come true is the best of its kind in Kuwait. This unique Credit Card provides NBK customers with a “The event at Kuwait University is a dream Credit Card gives customers the freedom variety of additional benefits, that include come true for us. We are holding this to coincide and flexibility to fly with any airline, on any complimentary access to over 500 of the with the national holidays, especially to bring the KUWAIT: Scenes from the Pecha Kutcha event, held at Kuwait University recently. route originating from any destination and most prominent lounges at more than 300 attention of young people to this iconic building - — Photos by Joseph Shagra to any destination at any time of the year, airports worldwide, local and global the Kuwait University - part of the 1960’s modern with no travel restrictions or expiry of NBK concierge services, free travel insurance cov- architecture. I am happy that Kuwait University future of medicine for women and diabetes. The inclusion of Kuwait Towers in the United Nations Miles points. NBK Miles World MasterCard erage up to USD 2 million annually, free hosted this event, as I teach architecture here and speakers stressed on the need for more campaign- World Heritage list. “Kuwait Towers or Abraj Al- credit cardholders can also earn miles with valet parking, luxury lifestyle offers and it’s the first time they hosted Pecha Kutcha in this ing to be done for the health rights for women, Kuwait is the work of art. It is the twentieth century the airlines’ miles program when redeeming instant discounts locally and globally that campus. I am thankful to the Architecture especially in receiving fair treatment, since many monument in the region. The towers are symbol of their NBK Miles points. cover travel, dining, shopping, entertain- Students’ Association. They’ve been very support- of the medicines and medical diagnoses are only struggle of the Kuwaiti people to find a solution to ment, and much more. ive to organize and prepare for this event. I want intended and modeled for men. “We should cam- the water scarcity in this country at that time,” she Travel booking NBK Credit Cards are accepted worldwide them to share something that will benefit the soci- paign for the rights to health for women just like mentioned. The new NBK Miles World MasterCard is and are the safest, most convenient and ety and people around us, and make use of the we did over the rights to vote for women,” the two The presentation format was devised by Astrid the only travel Credit Card in Kuwait that rewarding way to pay. For more information, platform available to them,” she added. doctors said. Klein and Mark Dytham of Klein Dytham architec- offers customers the option of using NBK log onto nbk.com/miles or contact NBK Call Aseel said their achievement so far has been Sarah Al-Rukhayes presented her thesis in archi- ture. The first Pecha Kucha Night was held in Tokyo Miles points to book their travel with more Center on 1801 801, or follow NBK on tremendous as they were able to connect to the tecture and design, which she wrote as a student at in Feb 2003. Klein Dytham architecture still organiz- than 800 airlines including low cost airlines, Twitter @NBKPage, and on Instagram right people and become a bridge to many. “It’s a Arizona State University. She created an incredible es and supports the global Pecha Kucha Night net- in addition to 150,000 luxury hotels and @NBKPage. networking venue - we value ideas, we value each design of a modern house that had an impact in the work and organizes Pecha Kucha Night Tokyo. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Jarida Report Bribe-takers ‘On duty’ amongst us in absence By Mudaffar Abdullah n February 17, the local press revealed the con- KUWAIT: Supervision and Inspection Department at tents of a message sent by the Cabinet’s secre- the Interior Ministry discovered a lieutenant who did tariat general to various ministries with His not report to his work for nearly a year. His playing O Highness the Prime Minister’s instructions to track and truant was discovered during an inspection tour that Corruption fight bribery that has been causing unfinished transac- resulted in issuing several citations to officers and tions to stack in government departments and estab- policemen for violations most of which are related to lishments. In his message, the PM urged Cabinet mem- absence and working hours. The lieutenant was sup- bers to activate prevention measures to fight the phe- posed to work at Kuwait Airport and was absent for a nomenon, which he described as ‘alien’ to the society, year though the record shows he has been present. by enhancing cooperation amongst various bodies, namely the Ministry of Interior (MoI). I believe we are facing something more than a con- Fake detective robs Public cept here. It is the PM himself, not a tweeter - as we An Iranian national complained against a per- have got used to in terms of getting information - who son who claimed to be a detective in Rawdha, funds is reporting bribery. The PM is the head of the execu- saying that he robbed him of KD 200 before tives, who according to the constitution, runs and con-

protectors Al-Anbaa fleeing. The complainant gave police the license trols various ministries. Therefore, what we have here is plate number of the alleged robber. Detectives a declaration, a confession, a complaint, a warning - are investigating. you name it - which is a very brave step by the PM towards commencing a process of reform in the state’s management body. Money missing from account Another thing is that the PM’s request, undoubtedly, A Jordanian national reported that an unidentified shatters the angelic image of a society that is no differ- person is stealing money from his bank account. He ent than many others in many of its daily life details, told police that he found the money missing from Kuwait, US on fight against good and bad. Today, we are talking about Kuwaiti his account several times, totaling KD 2,000. bribe-takers, and just for the sake of softening the mes- Investigations are under way. sage, the Cabinet described the phenomenon as ‘alien’ extremist ideologies to the Kuwaiti society. What can be easily inferred from this message is that Citizen, girlfriend arrested with shabu it is a clear and direct request made to each minister A citizen and his girlfriend were arrested at a KUWAIT: The United States Ambassador to Kuwait Logistic support asking for a plan to stop bribery in their respective min- checkpoint in Hawally. The two had drugs and Douglas Silliman said that the solid relations between Kuwait provided logistic support to the allied forces. istries to get transactions done more swiftly, cooperate with other government bodies and get help from the shabu. Both were sent to narcotics department. Kuwait and the US are considered evidence of the The first communications conference Kuwait organized Meanwhile the police are on the lookout for a MoI’s detection expertise to expose bribes. bedoon person who ran away while the citizen importance of strengthening joint defense to fight IS ideology underscored the As a first step towards achieving this, we expect a was arrested along with the girl, who he said cooperation. It is also proof enough for the importance of efforts to convince young hotline to be set to receive reports about bribes from was his girlfriend. In another incident, a citizen commitment of the United States to sup- men and others that IS and other terrorist citizens and expatriates. We also expect activating the who is wanted to serve a one year jail sentence port Kuwait and protect it against any organizations are not suitable alterna- role of ‘fake’ applicants in various government estab- lishments in cooperation with MoI in detecting resisted arrest when Ahmadi detectives went to threats, he said. He also lauded Kuwait’s tives. his Egaila house. He was found abnormal, and briberies. Notably, the Anti-Corruption Authority, which had 22 bags of shabu and eight pieces of support for the allied forces in their war On the American move in case Kuwait was established in compliance with law number hashish. The detectives arrested him and an against the Islamic State (IS) group, was threatened by IS or others, Silliman 12/2012, is directly concerned with and responsible for investigation is on. besides its role in fighting extremist ide- said: “I will not answer hypothetical mat- the PM’s request as per article 4, clause 4 which calls for “protecting state bodies from bribery, trading and ologies and terrorism. There are joint ters that did not take place. But what I abuse of powers with the aim of making personal gains Fugitive caught with drugs American-Kuwaiti efforts to prevent emphasize is the strong relations and preventing wasta (connections) and favoritism”. Hawally police arrested an Eritrean national in pos- financing terrorism in Syria and Iraq and between the two countries which is However, people with a different opinion may pro- session of hashish and shabu. He was wanted to other areas, he said. enough proof on the importance of mote an argument that bribery can sometimes be hard serve a three-year-old sentence, and for having an Silliman said political and diplomatic strengthening mutual defense coopera- to prove, which is worthwhile, yet it is conditioned with expired violation since 2005, police said. continuing the current management pace and manner relations between the two countries focus tion, and enough evidence on the United in relying on manual bookkeeping without considering on the efforts of international alliance to States’ commitment to supporting and automation that has already started in some ministries. Drunk on the road face many terrorist organizations includ- US Ambassador protecting Kuwait.” This excuse will even get stronger as long as we do not ing IS, Nusra Front and Al-Qaeda, as well as Douglas Silliman Silliman congratulated His Highness follow anti-corruption methods and make use of other A citizen sitting on the hood of a car while his countries’ experiences. Lebanese friend was driving drew the attention many other extremist factions. He said the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- In addition, boosting public awareness about of police. Upon questioning, police found a that his government works with Kuwait to strengthen Sabah and the Kuwaiti leadership on the occasions of bribery is very important and it is a task that ought to liquor bottle inside the car. The duo were in ine- the necessary efforts to prevent financing terrorism in the 54th Independence Day and 24th Liberation be done by both the information ministry and the briated condition, police said. —Al-Rai Syria and Iraq. anniversary. —Al-Qabas Public Commission to Combat Corruption because some employees may think that receiving a gift or a sum from an applicant to a public tender is something normal, even if all procedures are sound and legal. At the end of the day, a public servant has received a Al-Qabas bribe. What we also expect after this warning bell rung by the PM is that some sluggish or uncooperative minis- Misled actions ters would be dismissed for incapability to stop bribery create factions in their ministries and subsidiary establishments.

By Abdellatif Al-Duaij Al-Qabas hose who insulted the judiciary have insulted themselves also. But still mere punishment is not ‘Outstanding’ students Tenough for such offenders and a mere punish- ment does not suit with the public harms they have face learning difficulties committed. Those who do not doubt the judiciary’s integrity but trigger a political agitation that affects the nation By Abdulmohsen Jamal gravely also deserve punishment. The battered nation needs a very long time to recover, free from its effects, repercussions and harms that may have reached many nce again Al-Qabas is focusing on the distress establishments and the honor of the country. of our students abroad - this time through an Those who promote false claims about the judicia- Ointerview with the head of the cultural office ry’s corruption or its biasness are wrongly influenced in Washington DC Dr Abdelwahab Al-Dhafiri - who by the ‘national’ political action. spoke about many important issues that concern our Despite our reservation in the country since many students there. years for the tribal and religious background of the There is no doubt that the role of our cultural agitating group that has replaced the national opposi- office in the United States of America is important to tion and despite our uncovering of their fake claims follow the large number of Kuwaiti students who are and their tribal and religious origins from the start, away from their country. We must laud the role of they were able to represent the national action of officials and their efforts to solve difficulties our stu- protest and convince a large portion of the public dents face while studying, be it over education, hous- ing, social integration with the American society or understanding the American law, apart from the psy- Those who promote false chological situations students face there. But what drew my attention during this frank and claims about the judi- valuable interview is when Dr Dhafiri said - that stu- ciary’s corruption or its dents who are unable to learn among those on the scholarship make up 23 percent of the total, a large, biasness are wrongly influ- scary percentage. So how is it possible that nearly a quarter of our scholarship students are having learn- enced by the ‘national’ ing difficulties, although they are supposed to be outstanding students with high success percentages political action and ability to learn, reasons they were given scholar- ships for. about their patriotism. The protesters may have The scholarship students must be among those achieved this with the help of some national powers, who receive a grade of 80 percent to be eligible for or at least with the negligence of those powers. the scholarship, so there must be something else. A It will be difficult for the true national democratic serious study must be made at the higher education powers to recover or overcome the harms that suc- level to find out how to deal with the scholarship stu- cessfully distorted the image of national struggle. dents. This makes it necessary to disassociate with any Dhafiri focuses in the interview on the level of suspicious link with the reckless political groups and education of graduates in Kuwait, which is an issue isolate them from the national struggle in order to pre- that needs serious study to deal with at the national serve the history and truth of this struggle, and in turn level, and the education ministry must pay great to confront any distortion. attention to it. It is necessary to study these students’ There are some who demanded that the backward inability to continue their education in American uni- tribal and religious groups apologize and express versities. There may be other reasons that are not regret towards the lies and claims they made. Those related to learning inability only, and this compels us tribal groups do not have enough credibility or the to study the phenomenon seriously and search for respectful political balance. other reasons that may be psychological, financial or The apology of the backward groups will not serve homesickness for some students. anything and will not change much. The distortion This is an effort that we hope the ministry and our that happened to the national action continues, and cultural office there should inform us about, and we the backward nature of the new opposition, forces thank them in advance for their interest and keen- them to continue their methods and lies because they ness on our scholarship students, especially that they do not have anything else to do. are known to be outstanding. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 UK debates how to stop Kerry, Zarif meet for nuke talks as deadline looms girls joining IS group

Page 8 Page 10 41 dead as Bangladesh ferry sinks Rescuers search into the night for missing passengers PATURIA: An overcrowded ferry sank in a Bangladesh river yesterday, leaving at least 41 people including 11 children dead as rescuers searched into the night for missing passen- gers, officials said. The ferry collided with a cargo vessel and sank within min- utes on the Padma river, the second deadly boat accident in a fortnight in the country, which has a history of ferry tragedies. “Divers have recovered 41 bodies. The dead included 11 children and seven women,” local police chief Rakibuz Zaman told AFP. Officials said they did not know the exact number of peo- ple missing, but passengers said between 70 to 150 people had been on board, while Zaman said 50 of those “swam ashore or were rescued by other vessels”. Amid fears for those still missing, search and rescue efforts were continuing into the night, with the aid of floodlights from other ferries on the river, Zaman said. Rescuers were unloading bodies from small boats some 70 kilometres (50 miles) west of the capital Dhaka at the Paturia ferry terminal, where grieving relatives gathered to identify them. “We found one body but five are still missing. We were returning home after the opening of a temple,” Hindu holy man Kumud Ranjan Goswami said of his colleagues. An 18-year-old girl broke down in tears as rescue workers brought the bodies of three members of her family into the terminal-including her one-month-old baby sister. “They took a meal at my home and then left for home (on the ferry),” the girl who gave her name only as Akhi said of her family’s visit. “A few hours later they are all gone,” she told AFP, staring at the baby. Survivors said the MV Mostofa was overcrowded with passengers crammed into the upper and lower decks, leaving them scrambling to find their loved ones when the tragedy struck. “I was holding my mother’s hand when the cargo boat hit our ferry from behind,” an 18-year-old who gave his name as Al Amin told AFP at the terminal. “Within two minutes the ferry was sunk. Before I realised I was washed away to the middle of the river. “I swam and a ferry rescued me. But I don’t know what happened to my DHAKA: Bangladeshi relatives react as they find the body of a victim after a ferry accident at Paturia some 70kms east of Dhaka yesterday. An overcrowded ferry sank in a mom.” Bangladesh river leaving at least 41 people including 11 children dead as rescuers searched for missing passengers, officials said. — AFP “I was on the deck of the ferry and fell into the river. Those Feared trapped who were on the deck were able to come out but none of the An official said a salvage vessel was on its way to raise the passengers inside could get out,” Rahman told the paper. sunken ferry, adding that the master of the cargo ship and Boat capsizes are common in Bangladesh, one of Asia’s two other crew had been arrested. poorest nations, which is criss-crossed by more than 230 The Padma river is one of the largest in the delta nation, rivers. Experts blame poorly maintained vessels, flaws in and boats are the main form of travel in many of design and overcrowding for most of the tragedies. Bangladesh’s remote rural areas, especially in the south and This month, at least five people including a minor were northeast. Bangladeshi ferries do not normally keep passen- killed when an overloaded ferry carrying some 200 passen- ger lists, making it difficult to establish how many are missing gers capsized in an estuary in the south of the country. after an accident. About 50 people were also killed in August last year when Local newspaper Prothom Alo quoted one survivor, a crowded ferry sank in rough weather in the Munshiganj dis- Hafizur Rahman, as saying the cargo ship hit the boat 15 min- trict. Naval officials have said more than 95 percent of utes after departure from Paturia en route across the river- Bangladesh’s hundreds of thousands of small and medium- causing it to overturn and trapping many passengers. sized boats do not meet minimum safety regulations. — AFP Maldives arrests former president

MALE: Maldives authorities arrested former President and current opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed yesterday, ordering him to stand trial for his 2012 deci- sion to arrest a senior judge. Nasheed’s supporters protested in the streets of the capital, Male, following the arrest in a sign that the Indian Ocean archipelago nation, in just its seventh year of multiparty democra- cy following 30 years of autocratic rule, could be plunging into political uncertainty. A document signed by a senior criminal court judge seen by The Associated Press said Nasheed was being charged under anti- terrorism laws. Television stations in the country aired scenes of the arrest. Nasheed resigned as president in February 2012 following weeks of public protests against his order to arrest Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed. In 2013, he lost the presiden- tial election to current President Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, a half-brother of the country’s 30-year auto- cratic ruler, Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom. The arrest comes weeks after a key ally of Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, whose support helped him win the presidency, defected from the ruling coalition to align with Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party to launch a series of protests to force Gayyoom to resign. — AFP INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 Embattled Libyan govt loses grip as general expands power BAYDA: In a hotel lit by a generator in the eastern want to build a state nobody should be above although nothing happened. He has since given a air force with the support of his son, a member of Libyan town of Bayda, Economy Minister Munir Ali accountability,” said a minister in Thinni’s cabinet, series of televised speeches announcing such the eastern parliament. The regular army is now Asr outlines optimistic plans to attract investment asking not to be named. things as the establishment of a military council, the calling itself the “Libyan National Army”, a name to a country ravaged by war and political chaos. imminent “liberation” of Benghazi, and his retire- already in use by Haftar’s troops. Outside, Bayda lies in darkness after another Uneasy alliance ment plans. Military sources say regular army commanders in power cut. Hundreds of residents wait outside Haftar tends to pop up whenever there is Officials in Bayda struggle to explain their rela- Benghazi feel sidelined as Haftar’s officers say they petrol stations that have closed as a result of a upheaval in Libya. He helped Muammar Gaddafi to tionship with Haftar. They need his forces but prefer speak for the government. In an apparent power debilitating power struggle between two rival gov- power in 1969 but fell out with him after a disas- not to talk about it. Lawmakers have several times play, Haftar’s forces tried to stop Thinni from visiting ernments that has wrecked basic services. trous defeat suffered by troops he was command- confirmed and then denied the existence of a Benghazi. Thinni suspended his interior minister, Growing frustration over the reality of life in east- Omar al-Zanki, for making the incident public after ern Libya, which contrasts with the promises of Haftar put pressure on the prime minister, military politicians, is feeding support for a former army sources say. general, Khalifa Haftar, who has set himself up as a warrior against Islamist militancy and who some Weakness also see as their saviour. Thinni is in a weak position, even in his seat at The internationally recognized prime minister, Bayda, a town in the Green Mountains of eastern Abdullah al-Thinni, and his government sit in Bayda, Libya. It is packed with people who have fled Tripoli while a rival faction, Libya Dawn, has set up its own complaining of threats or attacks from Libya Dawn. government in Tripoli, 1,200 km away, after taking “The situation not stable,” said a soldier at a over the capital last summer. checkpoint near Thinni’s office. Some 50 protesters “I am tired of politicians just talking and talking,” have showed up several times to demand Thinni’s said Raed, an oil service manager who has been resignation. His scared staff left their posts on one demonstrating in front of Thinni’s office. “Thinni is occasion. “I don’t like Haftar. But only he as a mili- too weak to end this mess. We need a military coun- tary man, and a military council, can save Libya,” cil headed by Haftar.” said a protester who gave his name as Abdelaziz. A Haftar, who has merged his own troops with reg- Libyan entrepreneur dismissed the protesters as ular army forces to fight Islamist militants, is styling “thugs paid by the new Gaddafi, Haftar.” himself as a would-be strongman in the east. But Having no ministries, Thinni’s team work out of while his fighters have won back some territory hotels or rented villas. They claim to be in contact from Islamists in Benghazi, Haftar is proving a divi- with Tripoli-based state bodies but power cuts in sive figure among those around Thinni, the parlia- Bayda make it almost impossible to make calls. ment, and a federalist movement demanding Thinni’s economy ministry said it had released autonomy for the east. strategic wheat reserves in response to a flour crisis. Critics say Haftar, who did not respond to a TRIPOLI: Muammar Gaddafi’s last premier Al-Baghdadi al-Mahmudi (back-3rdL) sits dressed in But the chairman of a Tripoli-based state fund in request for an interview, sees himself as Libya’s ver- prison blues with other defendants behind the bars of the accused cell during a hearing as part of charge of allocating wheat said he was not aware of sion of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a for- their trial yesterday in a courthouse in Tripoli. — AFP any such statement. “We have a crisis committee in mer military man. Certainly, Haftar misses no oppor- place,” said economy minister Asr when asked how tunity to praise Sisi. His war planes joined Egyptian ing during Libya’s war with Chad in the 1980s. decree signed by the parliamentary speaker recall- basic services will be restored. jets bombing suspected Islamic State targets in He was rescued with the help of the United ing Haftar to official duty. He acknowledged difficulties but said Libya had Libya this week after the jihadist group released a States and lived there until he joined the uprising But there is no doubt that he is dominating poli- a bright future as an investment destination and video showing the beheading of Egyptian Coptic against Gaddafi in 2011. In 2013, the grey-haired tics in the east. Haftar’s top air force officer, Saqer al- trade gateway for Africa. “There is no need to be Christians. “Haftar wants to dominate. But if you army veteran ordered parliament dismissed Joroushi, has been put in command of the regular worried about Libya’s economy.” — Reuters Kerry, Zarif meet for nuke talks as deadline looms There is still a distance to travel: Kerry

GENEVA: US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Geneva yesterday for fresh talks with his Iranian counterpart on Tehran’s nuclear pro- gramme, after warning “significant gaps” remain ahead of a key deadline. World powers are trying to strike a deal with Iran that would prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb in return for an easing of pun- ishing international economic sanctions. Iran denies its nuclear programme has mili- tary objectives. Kerry had been set to arrive in the Swiss city ADEN: Yemeni supporters of the separatist Southern Movement take part in a Sunday morning for two days of talks with protest in the southern city of Aden yesterday, demanding the United Nations and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the League of Arab States to recognize their state. Yemeni President Abedrabbo but was delayed in London. Mansour Hadi escaped his house arrest from Sanaa to Aden, where he was being US and Iranian diplomats have been meeting held by a Shiite militia group that has seized control of the capital. — AFP in Geneva since Friday, and senior negotiators from the so-called P5+1 group of Britain, China, Yemen leader Hadi meets France, Russia, the United States and Germany were also expected to meet to help drive the governors after fleeing Aden talks forward.

ADEN: Yemeni President Abedrabbo government for a decade, have rejected the Clock ticking Mansour Hadi led a meeting of governors in proposed division of regions in the federation Speaking before the talks, Wang Qun, direc- the southern city of Aden yesterday as he plan. The president called Saturday for the tor general of the arms control and disarmament resumed some of his duties after escaping national commission overseeing the drafting department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, house arrest in the capital. of a new constitution to again convene, say- said: Our resolve is greater than the difficulties.” The Western-backed leader fled to Aden ing it should meet in Aden or Taez province There is a heightened sense of urgency as the on Saturday after sneaking out of his resi- until Sanaa “returns as a safe capital for all clock ticks down towards a March 31 deadline to GENEVA: US Secretary of State John Kerry (Far R) goes for a stroll with assistant and security dence in Sanaa, where he was being held by a Yemenis”. agree on a political framework for the deal. on the shore of Lake Geneva upon his arrival yesterday in Geneva. Kerry arrived in Geneva for Shiite militia group that has seized control of But Kerry warned in London Saturday that renewed talks with his Iranian counterpart on Tehran’s nuclear programme, after warning “sig- the capital. The militiamen, known as Huthis, Aden ‘temporary capital’ “there are still significant gaps, there is still a dis- nificant gaps” remain as a key deadline approaches. — AFP have installed a “presidential” council to By escaping house arrest, “Hadi has tance to travel.” replace Hadi, who after his escape declared regained the political initiative and stripped “President (Barack) Obama has no inclination after two previous deadlines were missed. 3 in a move to torpedo the deal. all their measures “null and illegitimate”. the Huthis of legitimacy,” said analyst Fahd whatsoever to extend these talks beyond the A key stumbling block in any final deal is “I will go to the US next week in order to Hadi tendered his resignation last month Sultan of the Yemeni Political Reform organi- period that has been set out,” Kerry said. thought to be the amount of uranium Iran explain to the American Congress, which could under pressure from the Huthis but it was sation. Talks sponsored by UN envoy Jamal He said the P5+1 was “unified” in its views of would be allowed to enrich, and the number influence the fate of the agreement, why this never approved by parliament. Benomar in Sanaa to end the political dead- what was needed to reach a deal, adding that and type of centrifuges Tehran can retain. agreement is dangerous for Israel, the region Yesterday he received the governors of lock stalled Saturday following Hadi’s escape the Geneva talks would help show “whether or Under an interim deal reached in November and the entire world,” he said. various southern Yemeni provinces, Aden but were expected to resume late yesterday. not Iran is able to match its words about its will- 2013, Iran’s stock of fissile material has been Israeli officials have also allegedly leaked pur- governor Abdulaziz bin Habtoor said. “The Benomar had announced on Thursday a ingness to show that its program is fully peace- diluted from 20 percent enriched uranium to five ported details from the talks showing the US president will keep up his political efforts to “breakthrough” in talks as parties, including ful.” As a sign that efforts were intensifying, US percent in exchange for limited sanctions relief. was moving towards softening its demands on lead from Aden,” bin Habtoor told reporters Huthis, agreed on the “form of the legislative Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz arrived in Geneva Experts say such measures pushed back the how many of Iran’s some 20,000 centrifuges it after the meeting, which was also attended authority in the interim period.” Saturday to take part in the talks for the first “breakout capacity” to make an atomic weapon, can retain. The push instead would reportedly by army and security chiefs. But the pan-Arab Nasserist party said such time. Ali Akbar Salehi, the director of the Iranian which Iran denies pursuing in the first place. be towards strictly limiting the amount of “His priority is to normalise the security sit- discussions are “no longer useful” and invited Atomic Energy Organisation, was also participat- enriched uranium Iran would be allowed to uation in Aden in order to receive foreign del- Hadi to “assumes his duties as a head of state.” ing in the negotiations. ‘Dangerous’ agreement stockpile in the country. Observers stressed the egates who have requested appointments to Powerful tribes in the oil-rich province of Observers said Moniz and Salehi’s participa- Negotiations have been complicated by hard- urgency of reaching an agreement and warned meet him,” he said. Marib, east of Sanaa, went further, urging tion was a promising sign that a deal could be liners both in Iran and the United States, as well that a failure to do so would have dire conse- Aden is jointly controlled by troops loyal Hadi to declare Aden a “temporary capital of within reach. But Kerry played down any sugges- as by Israel lobbying against a deal. quences. “Another extension is extremely unlike- to Hadi and allied local militia known as the Yemen until Sanaa is liberated.” tion that their participation signalled a break- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ly,” Kelsey Davenport, head of the Popular Committees. Southern Yemen is “Hadi’s exit has turned the table on all par- through, saying Moniz was present because of warned during a cabinet meeting Sunday that if Nonproliferation Policy Arms Control friendly territory for Hadi, himself a southern- ties, especially those involved in talks,” said the “technical” nature of the discussions. the framework agreement is signed, it “will allow Association in Washington, told AFP. If no agree- er, and local leaders have refused to recog- political analyst Majed al-Modhaji. While the political aspects of the deal must Iran to develop the nuclear capabilities that ment is reached, she warned, both sides will like- nise the authority of the council formed by It also “marks a change in the balance of be nailed down by the end of next month, the threaten our existence. ly head “back down the path of escalation, with the Huthis. An aide to Hadi said the president power in favour of the state and at the deadline for signing the full agreement is June Netanyahu is controversially planning to Washington increasing sanctions and Iran ramp- used the meeting to call for restarting a politi- expense of the Huthis,” according to Ibrahim 30 — a cut-off point that looms all the larger address the US Congress on the issue on March ing up its nuclear program.” — AFP cal transition process that stalled after the Sharqieh, from the Brookings Institution in Huthis overran Sanaa in September. Doha. He said that Hadi, elected by some sev- “He underlined the need to implement the en million voters on February 21, 2012, “con- recommendations of the national dialogue” tinues to represent the legitimate authority at Iraqi minister chides US which include turning the republic into a fed- home and internationally.” The Huthis last eration of six regions, the aide said. month seized the presidential palace and The Huthis, who hail from the northern besieged Hadi’s residence, prompting him to over Mosul assault timing Saada province where they fought the central offer his resignation. —AFP

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s defence minister criticised the that an Iraqi and Kurdish military force of 20,000 to reporters on Saturday he would not telegraph the United States yesterday for declaring a timeframe 25,000 troops is being prepared to recapture the precise timing of an offensive to retake Mosul. Kalashnikov turns sights for an offensive to recapture the Islamic State’s city, probably in April or May. But Obeidi declined Obeidi was speaking as Prime Minister Haider al- northern stronghold of Mosul, saying military com- to confirm that timetable, and expressed irritation Abadi met the general in charge of US forces in the on military markets manders should not show their hand to the enemy. at the remarks from the unnamed US official. Middle East, General Lloyd Austin. “This is urban warfare and we have civilian pop- Abadi noted that international support to Iraq ABU DHABI: Russian firearms maker over Russia’s role in the Ukraine, where the Khaled al-Obeidi said the timing of the Mosul Kalashnikov Concern aims to concentrate on West accuses Moscow of fanning separatist assault was for Iraq to decide, and that a US Central ulations. It is very important to take time and accu- had increased in recent days, his office said, with- its markets in the Middle East and Africa and unrest and arming rebels. Since July, when Command official who predicted the attack was racy in setting the plan for this battle,” he told a out giving details. He also pointed to progress diversify its product range to offset the the restrictions first took effect, Kalashnikov’s likely to take place in April or May had no knowl- news conference in Baghdad. “mobilising and recruiting people in Nineveh, impact of Western sanctions, its chief execu- sales have ceased in the United States, its edge of the issue. “A military official should not reveal the timing Anbar and Salahuddin to liberate them from terror- tive said yesterday. biggest foreign market for civilian weapons. Islamic State fighters seized Mosul last June as of an offensive,” he added. “The battle for Mosul ist gangs” referring to the main areas of Islamic “Sanctions changed sales. After that we “We had big plans for the US market. they swept through northern Iraq towards starts when preparations are complete, and select- State control. had more sales of military weapons in new People there love our products and our sales Baghdad, meeting virtually no resistance from the ing the time is up to Iraqi military commanders.” Obeidi said Iraqi security forces began a military markets in the Middle East and Africa,” Aleksey had doubled there,” he said. Now the com- army and establishing a self-declared caliphate Iraqi officials say the Mosul attack will take place operation on Sunday to drive Islamic State fighters Krivoruchko told Reuters at the International pany has had to refocus its business on the straddling the border between Iraq and Syria. within months, but they have often said Baghdad out of the western town of al-Baghdadi in Anbar Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi. military market, where it is looking to diver- The United States and its allies have waged needs greater international military support and province. “It is not just the AK-47, we are diversifying sify, he said. On Sunday Kalashnikov months of air strikes against Islamic State targets have declined to set a date. “I believe a major victory will be achieved in the our strategy into a wide range of products - announced in Abu Dhabi that it had rockets, drones and others,” he said. acquired 51 percent stakes in both Zala and Washington is training up and equipping the “I don’t know where the American official got next few hours if our forces maintain a steady Both Kalashnikov and its majority owner, Aero, a Russian developer of drones, and Iraqi military to recapture territory. The battle for this information... They absolutely do not have advance,” he said. Last week, Islamic State insur- Rostec State Corporation, were among the Euroyachting Rybinskaya Shipyard, which Mosul - the largest city in northern Iraq - is expect- knowledge on this issue,” Obeidi said. gents seized most of al-Baghdadi, threatening a companies made the subject of sanctions makes landing craft. —Reuters ed to be pivotal in that struggle. Following criticism of the US military briefing, nearby air base where US Marines are training Iraqi A US Central Command official said on Thursday the new US defense secretary, Ash Carter, told troops. — Reuters MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Hundreds mark 50 years since Malcolm X’s assassination

NEW YORK: Activists, actors and politi- self-reliance. Three members of the cians gathered Saturday in New York Nation of Islam were convicted of mur- City to honor civil rights leader Malcolm der in his death. He had repudiated the X with a ceremony at the Harlem site Nation of Islam less than a year earlier. where he was assassinated 50 years ago. In an interview with The Associated About 300 people converged to hear Press on the eve of the anniversary remarks from one of Malcolm X’s six observance, Shabazz said she was daughters, Ilyasah Shabazz, as well as pleased that the site is now a place for elected officials. The ceremony was people to get a sense of empowerment. held at the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty “One of the great things about Shabazz Memorial and Educational Malcolm is that he redefined the civil Center, formerly known as the Audubon rights movement to include a human Ballroom. rights agenda,” she said. “So while we A blue light shone onto the floor in are focusing on integrating schools, the exact spot where he was gunned integrating housing and all these other down. A mural with images of Malcolm things, Malcolm said that we demand X adorned a wall. “He was just a young our human rights ‘by any means neces- man who gave all that he possibly sary.’ And that means ... that we have to could,” Shabazz said after a moment of address these problems. That we have silence marking the time of his death. to identify them, and absolutely discuss Malcolm X, whose full name was El- them.” Social and political activist Ron Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was 39 when he Daniels delivered the keynote address, was shot in the theater on Feb. 21, calling Malcolm X a man of honesty and 1965, as he was preparing to address integrity. He ended his speech with several hundred of his followers. chants of “Long Live Malcolm X!” as By the time he died, the Muslim people stood and clapped. The ceremo- leader had moderated his militant mes- ny concluded with a reading by actor WASHINGTON: Park services workers clear the snow along Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House in Washington, Saturday. The National sage of black separatism and pride but Delroy Lindo of a eulogy for Malcolm X Weather Service is calling for 3 to 6 inches of snow and then a trace to a small amount of ice in the area. — AP was still very much a passionate advo- that was written by the late actor and cate of black unity, self-respect and activist Ossie Davis. — AP Freezing readings ‘warm’ Northeast amid snowstorms Rain and above-freezing temperatures in Tennessee

NEW JERSEY: Amid relentless snowstorms and of the Northeast, while areas farther south and unnecessary travel. Blowing snow swirled brutal wind chills, the above-freezing tempera- closer to the coast were expecting a wintry mix through the streets of Philadelphia and New York tures in Sunday’s forecast for the Northeastern of snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain. City. US never looked so good. New England, where Boston has seen more The Federal Aviation Administration briefly Snow continued to fall in the region into the than 8 feet of snow from several strong storms in issued a ground stop on Saturday to keep flights morning or turn to icy rain but temperatures recent weeks, was again under siege. Three to 6 from taking off for Philadelphia International were expected to warm to highs near the mid- inches of fresh snow was forecast for much of the Airport because of reduced visibility and high 30s in Boston and Portland, Maine, and near 42 in region, as well as a wintry mix including rain as winds, airport spokeswoman Mary Flannery said. Philadelphia. Even with the wind chill, it could temperatures climb yesterday. She said about 20 percent of the flights into seem a “balmy” 30 to 35 degrees in New York City and out of the airport were canceled and many on Sunday. Snowpack others were delayed. The FAA was reporting that “We have a little teaser with this warmup,” said Buttrick said existing snowpack will become the three airports in the New York metropolitan Kim Buttrick of the National Weather Service in heavier as it absorbs any rain that does fall and area, Washington Dulles International Airport Taunton, Massachusetts. “But temperatures are endanger strained roofs. “It especially will be and Memphis International Airport in Tennessee going to go back to being below normal today problematic for flat roofs,” she said. “On a sloped also were experiencing significant delays and tomorrow.” roof, with that loading, the weight of the snow because of the weather. The snow began falling over the East Coast on may just come falling down, and could be a haz- The eastern United States did not have the Saturday, dropping a wintry mix as far south as ard with icicles. It could also take the gutters with market cornered on misery, however: A winter northern Georgia. The National Weather Service it.” storm was threatening to bring 2 feet or more said storm brought 6 inches or more of snow to The storm also brought headaches elsewhere: of snow to parts of Colorado by the beginning some areas in the Northeast yesterday morning. Rain and above-freezing temperatures in of the work week. Heavy snow up to 3 inches NEW YORK: Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, center, listens as the Malcolm X By Saturday night, about 8 inches had fallen in Tennessee prompted state emergency officials to an hour began falling Saturday on the Front eulogy, written by actor and activist the late Ossie Davis, is read Saturday, as family, Baltimore, while Washington had 5 inches and warn of possible flash flooding from melting Range, while in Wyoming, a 50-mile stretch of activists, actors, and politicians remembered the civil rights leader during a ceremo- New York City had 2. Into Sunday, as much as 8 snow. Officials in the Washington area, where 4 Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie ny at the New York site in Harlem where he was killed 50 years ago today. — AP inches of snow was possible in some inland areas to 8 inches was expected, urged drivers to avoid was closed. —AP p10 2_Layout 1 2/22/15 9:06 PM Page 1

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

France in new bid to nail fighter jet deal with India

NEW DELHI: France’s defence minister But negotiations have proved Doubts over costs Modi for his first visit to Europe as premier While his government has pledged to will visit New Delhi this week in a fresh fraught, both under Modi’s government But the government has also commis- in April. Dassault was able to celebrate the push forward with purchases which stalled bid to nail a troubled deal to sell 126 and its Congress predecessor, while a sioned a report about the project costs, signing of a purchase agreement with under Congress, Modi wants to end India’s Rafale fighter jets which has been committee which is looking into the adding yet more uncertainty. Speaking at Egypt last Monday for 24 Rafales, the first status as the world’s number one defence snagged for three years and now faces deal has reportedly found that it was not an air show in Bangalore last week, foreign sale of the fighters. importer and to have 70 percent of hard- new questions about its cost. the cheapest option. Parrikar said he expected the contract While the company’s chief executive ware manufactured domestically by the Jean-Yves Le Drian will meet his France’s defence ministry has said the negotiation committee (CNC) to submit its Eric Trappier has acknowledged the Indian turn of the decade. With clouds hanging counterpart Manohar Parrikar and other visit will give the governments a chance report within weeks. negotiations have taken longer than over the Rafale deal, there have been officials today and tomorrow to prevent “I have asked the CNC to speed up the expected, he told France’s Les Echos finan- reports India could instead buy more to discuss “international affairs and the sale’s collapse ahead of an upcom- process of completion of the report for us cial daily recently that “we are not particu- Russian-made Sukhoi jets. But the head of defence industry issues”, but there is lit- ing visit to Paris by India’s Prime Minister to take a decision on the acquisition of larly worried”. the Indian air force said that the Sukhois Narendra Modi. tle doubt Rafale will dominate proceed- Rafale,” he told reporters. One of the main sticking points has had different capabilities and could not be French company Dassault Aviation ings. Le Drian’s visit comes barely two India’s Business Standard newspaper been over who should carry the can for seen as a like-for-like replacement, as he won the right in January 2012 to enter months after he also came to India for reported earlier this month that the com- any problems with the 108 planes that called for the Rafale deal to be expedited. exclusive negotiations with India to sup- talks with Parrikar when they both mittee had found the Rafale proposal was would be made in India, with the govern- “Rafale has been selected as L1 (lowest ply 126 Rafale fighters, with experts say- agreed to push on with negotiations. in fact more expensive than a rival one by ment in Delhi wanting guarantees from bidder),” Arup Raha said in Bangalore. “It is ing a final deal could be worth $12 bil- Modi’s right-wing government, which Eurofighter for its Typhoon jets. The paper Dassault. Dassault however has baulked at important that we have the MMRCA lion. won power in elections last May, has quoted defence ministry sources as saying the idea of taking responsibility for the (Rafale) and we need to have it in the The idea is for Dassault to supply 18 been blowing hot and cold about the the Rafale deal was “effectively dead” larger Indian-made batch of fighters. India, quickest possible time”. of the twin-engine fighters later this year progress of discussions. although the Indian top brass is still pub- which has long been the world’s largest Raha insisted no alternative plan was while the remaining 108 would be made A defence ministry spokesman said licly backing it. buyer of defence equipment, is in the being considered at the moment but did by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd during Le Drian’s visit in December that If the deal were to collapse, it would be midst of a multi-billion-dollar upgrade of not rule one out for the future. “No, we under technology transfer agreements outstanding differences “would be a huge embarrassment for the French gov- ageing hardware, and recently lifted a cap don’t have a Plan B as of now. We are only with India. resolved in a fast-track manner”. ernment, which is preparing to welcome on foreign investment in defence. working on Plan A,” he said. — AFP UK debates how to stop girls joining IS group

LONDON: Britain debated yesterday how Institute of Strategic Dialogue think-tank to stop teenage girls joining the Islamic last month. State group in Syria after three high-achiev- ing youngsters became the latest to run ‘No single journey to terrorism’ away from home. Opinions vary on what can be done to Close schoolfriends Kadiza Sultana, 17, stop it. Under a new law which came in this and 15-year-olds Shamima Begum and month, the passports of Britons suspected Amira Abase left their east London homes of travelling to Syria or Iraq can be seized on Tuesday and flew to Istanbul, raising before travel-although the girls in this case concerns they would travel on to Syria to were not suspected in advance. join IS jihadists. Prime Minister David Cameron’s govern- All three were spoken to in December ment also plans to introduce additional by police investigating the disappearance measures in the coming months including of a friend who went to Syria but Scotland exit checks on passports and enhanced Yard insists there was “nothing to suggest screening at airports. at the time that the girls themselves were Turkish Airlines, with whom the girls at risk”. Others question whether warning flew to Istanbul, said its responsibility was signs were missed and more should have checking passengers’ visas and pre-flight been done to stop them travelling. security issues were the “responsibility of Someone using a Twitter account in official airport authorities.” Cameron said Begum’s name last Sunday seems to have Saturday that the case highlighted that “the contacted Aqsa Mahmood, a woman from fight against Islamist extremist terror is not Glasgow, Scotland who reportedly trav- just one that we can wage by the police elled to Syria last year to marry an IS group and border control”. Calling the situation fighter. “deeply concerning”, he urged schools, uni- Mahmood’s family, who strongly con- versities and colleges to recognise their demn her actions, have questioned why roles. But Sayeeda Warsi, Britain’s first more was not done to take action in the female Muslim Cabinet minister who wake of this. resigned last year over the government’s “We are aware from contacts with the Gaza policy, warned there was no “single Special Branch of police that her social journey to somebody becoming a terrorist”. ZHOLOBOK: Russia-backed separatists, some injured, walk on a snowy road in no man’s land after being released by the Ukrainian military in a media contact is regularly checked and She highlighted the role of the Internet in prisoner exchange, near Zholobok, Ukraine, Saturday. Ukrainian military and separatist representatives exchanged dozens of prisoners under regularly monitored,” Aamer Anwar, lawyer radicalising young Muslims in an interview cover of darkness at a remote frontline location Saturday evening. —AP for the Mahmood family, told the BBC yes- with Sky News Sunday. terday. That was echoed by Ross Frenett of the “The fact that she is now engaging with Institute of Strategic Dialogue, who Arms pullback accord, prisoner other young people and trying to recruit stressed more effort should be made to them, they’re saying ‘what exactly is the counter online propaganda. security services doing in this country?’” He also advocated more help for fami- The debate reflects an issue of growing lies like those of the three girls-who swap bolster Ukraine truce concern in Britain. Counter-terrorism Saturday issued emotional appeals for their experts estimate that around 50 women return-in identifying the signs of radicalisa- have travelled from the UK to Syria to join tion. European leaders to take part in ‘Dignity March’ the IS group, while tales of “jihadi brides” “An awful lot of extremism... is people have become a staple of Britain’s tabloid looking for a sense of belonging,” Frenett KIEV: Ukraine’s army and separatist rebels Donetsk republic, Eduard Basurin, said via the US threat of more sanctions press. said. “That’s not unique to people who are appeared yesterday to be complying at least separatists’ news agency that “preparatory work” The Debaltseve rout and other ceasefire Some 550 women from across Europe maladjusted. An awful lot of extremism of partially with their truce accord, saying they will for the withdrawal would be carried out before breaches have drawn a furious reaction from the have travelled to Iraq and Syria, where they all types actually comes from people with start pulling back heavy weapons from the the actual pullback starts tomorrow, with the United States, which blames Russia for the 10- often marry fighters and help to recruit well-off backgrounds who tend to be very frontline after carrying out a prisoner exchange. process to be finished by March 7. month conflict despite Moscow’s repeated others, according to a study from the well adjusted”. — AFP But ongoing breaches of a week-old cease- denials. fire-especially by the pro-Russian rebels, who Scepticism over truce “If this failure continues, make no mistake, overran a strategic town in a bloody offensive- In another sign that both sides in the conflict there will be further consequences including have already prompted a threat from the United might now be willing to apply the truce, or at consequences that will place added strains on States of “serious” new sanctions against least parts of it, an overnight prisoner exchange Russia’s already troubled economy,” US Secretary Moscow within days. took place in which 139 Ukrainian soldiers were of State John Kerry stormed during a press con- An AFP journalist in the eastern rebel strong- traded for 52 rebel fighters. ference in London on Saturday. hold of Donetsk heard intense shelling for an Some of the soldiers struggled on wooden He believed President Barack Obama would hour early Sunday to the north of the city, near crutches across a war-torn landscape in the “in the next few days” decide on “additional the regional airport that fell to the rebels a frontline town of Zholobok, near Lugansk, with steps (that) will be taken in response to the month ago after fierce battles. support from their comrades. breach of this ceasefire”. He predicted “serious Fears were also rising over Mariupol, a gov- One freed insurgent, Roman Biarinov, said he sanctions” could be imposed. ernment-held port city that is rapidly becoming was going to get married and then return to the The United States and the European Union another flashpoint. Continued shelling has been fight. “We have to defend this land. We are going have already imposed several rounds of sanc- reported there and Kiev alleges that 20 Russian to win. I don’t know how, but we will win,” he tions on Russia. tanks have been deployed towards it. said. Scepticism reigns over whether the cease- In a further show of solidarity with Kiev’s pro- Despite those hostilities, Ukrainian officials fire will fully take hold, especially after a rebel Western government, several European leaders and the separatists said they have jointly agreed assault Tuesday and Wednesday on the strategic were to take part in a “Dignity March” in the to finally start the pullback of heavy weapons-a town of Debaltseve, a transport hub between Ukrainian capital marking the first anniversary of step meant to have begun on Tuesday and com- Donetsk and the other main rebel city of the toppling the country’s pro-Kremlin president pleted by March 3 under the truce. Lugansk. after bloody street protests. “The papers have been signed to begin with- The offensive killed 179 soldiers over the past The event was to include EU president LONDON: Abase Hussen, father of 15-year old British girl Amira Abase, holds a bear that drawing heavy weapons all along the frontline,” month, according to one Ukrainian presidential Donald Tusk, along with the presidents of Amira gave to her mother, during an interview at New Scotland Yard, central London Ukrainian General Olexander Rozmaznin told aide. Some 2,500 Ukrainian troops had to flee Germany, Lithuania, Moldova and Poland, yesterday, as relatives of three missing schoolgirls believed to have fled to Syria to join AFP. The rebel leader of the self-proclaimed Debaltseve under heavy rebel fire. according to Kiev officials. — AFP Islamic State (IS) militant group have pleaded for them to return home. —AFP Indian aid worker freed in Afghanistan

NEW DELHI: An Indian priest has been freed bouring country as director of international The kidnapping last year came soon after in Afghanistan eight months after he was kid- educational charity Jesuit Refugee Service. An an attack on the Indian consulate in Herat in napped by unidentified gunmen, Prime official at the Indian embassy in Kabul, speak- May by four heavily armed gunmen, who Minister Narendra Modi said yesterday. ing on condition of anonymity, said Kumar were repelled by security forces. India has “secured the release” of aid work- was “in good health, and in good condition”. The consulate assault was the latest in a er Alexis Prem Kumar who was snatched in India’s foreign ministry, meanwhile, said series of attacks on Indian targets in Afghanistan’s western province of Herat last Kumar “is now back in the safety of his home- Afghanistan. Nine civilians, including seven June while visiting a school, Modi said in a land and arrangements are being made for children, were killed in August 2013 when sui- series of tweets. him to rejoin his family soon”. cide bombers targeted the Indian consulate in “Delighted at securing the release of Indian “The matter of his release has been pur- the main eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, Jesuit priest Father Alexis Prem Kumar from sued by our leadership, including at the high- detonating an explosives-packed car. captivity in Afghanistan,” Modi said. Modi said est levels the Prime Minister,” the ministry said India was one of the chief enemies of the he has informed Kumar’s family of the priest’s in a statement. hardline Taleban regime which ruled “safe return” after being held for eight Kumar’s family said they were overjoyed Afghanistan before its ousting in the wake of months, without giving details of the release and relieved after hearing the news. “We do the September 11 attacks on New York and or whether a ransom had been paid. not have words to express our joy. We have Washington. Kumar, whose family comes from India’s been praying for the last eight months for his Pakistan was the Taleban’s main ally, and southern state of Tamil Nadu, had been work- release. It is a very good moment. Our prayers there have been accusations in India that ing in Afghanistan for some four years before have been answered,” Kumar’s younger broth- Pakistani security forces were complicit in NEW DELHI: Indian priest Father Alexis Prem Kumar (C) waves as he leaves Indira his abduction from the school in Sohadat vil- er John Joseph told the Press Trust of India previous attacks on its missions in Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi yesterday, following his release from cap- lage. He was working in the strife-torn neigh- news agency. Afghanistan. — AFP tivity in Afghanistan. — AFP Lifestyle FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Fashion from the Jeremy Scott Fall 2015 collection is modeled during Fashion Week in New York City. — AP Photos NEW YORK FASHION WEEK Jeremy Scott channels the nursery t’s too bad that Kanye West didn’t bring young daughter North “I was really inspired by the idea of dolls,” Scott said in a back- cinched at the waist with skinny belts. Kors, in a backstage inter- when he checked out Jeremy Scott’s fashion show on stage interview, “and how when you loved them so much you cut view before Wednesday’s show, described his fall collection as IWednesday. The nursery motif - dolls, hippos, little lambs, ted- their hair and you painted on them.” “So I wanted to kind of cap- “opulent restraint.” There wasn’t just men’s suiting. There was dy bears - would have made the toddler feel right at home. Scott’s ture that loved toy, the loved doll kind of feeling. There’s lots of men’s suiting in cashmere. There wasn’t just a military coat. There shows are never less than whimsical and entertaining, and this prints - definitely inspired by nursery rhymes like ‘Humpty was a military coat with orange sparkle on the lower sleeve. There one held true to form. Models sauntered down the runway in Dumpty’ or ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb.’” Scott doesn’t waste too was tweed, trumpet skirts and mohair. In the colors of barley, a babydoll mini-dresses and tights in pastel colors like baby blue much time thinking about how people will be evaluating his young fawn, charcoal and slate, Kors had icons on his mind and and yellow and bright pink. They wore sweet baby bonnets or clothes. “I just want people to have a good time,” he said. “It’s their yin-yang balance from head to their fur muffs to their shoes. long stocking caps. cold outside but warm in here.” Also in the front row, and repre- Go back to the ‘30s, he urges. — AP Their hair was covered with paint splotches. A few dresses senting rock ‘n roll: Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony were actually made of canvas and then painted on. Truth is, this Kiedis. was pretty demure for Scott, who’s been known in previous col- lections to have a man covered entirely in fur like Chewbacca, or Kor’s furs and flats little gold machine guns hanging from a bustier. Pretty demure, The ladies on the runway of Michael Kors don’t do lunch. They and demurely pretty. do business - in fur, Oxfords and sumptuous sweaters and suits MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

1,500 homes damaged by Cyclone Marcia in Australia

MACKAY: Australian officials said yesterday al damage,” said Queensland Premier funding to those affected in Queensland. bours’ roofs flying across the paddock,” said expected to recede. all efforts were being made to help those hit Annastacia Palaszczuk. “In Yeppoon and “The power of the cyclone is evident Karen Johnston, who was in her home in Queensland has been smashed by sever- by Tropical Cyclone Marcia, which smashed Rockhampton around 100 are severely everywhere. The destruction of the vegeta- Marmor, 45 kilometres south of al major storms and cyclones over the past through Queensland state leaving 1,500 impacted... people can’t go back into their tion is extraordinary, obviously a lot of build- Rockhampton, as the cyclone passed. few years. Cyclone Oswald, also a category homes damaged and thousands without homes. Our fundamental priority now is on ings have been severely damaged,” “And the horses were running around the five, flooded parts of the state in 2013, rack- electricity. Marcia was one of two fierce those families who have been the most Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Warren paddock and all I could think was, ‘We are ing up insurance claims of some Aus$977 cyclones which hit northern Australia within severely impacted.” Truss said as he toured the state. going to have a horse decapitated or sliced million (US$765 million). hours on Friday. The first, Tropical Cyclone As the clean-up gathered pace, some in half’,” she told the Australian Broadcasting In the Northern Territory a state of emer- Lam, hit remote communities in the 50,000 properties remained without electric- Destruction Corporation. gency has been declared for the areas worst- Northern Territory near Elcho Island, some ity and some residents in more remote areas In the central Queensland town of The Bureau of Meteorology cancelled its hit by Cyclone Lam, with trees ripped up and 500 kilometres (300 miles) east of Darwin. were expecting to wait a week to be recon- Biloela, about 100 kilometres south of severe weather warning for Queensland yes- some homes destroyed. Marcia, a maximum category five storm, nected. Yeppoon, several hundred homes are terday, saying ex-tropical cyclone Marcia had Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam tore through the east of Queensland state “There are over 1,800 (power) lines down. believed to have been inundated by flood- now travelled offshore and was expected to Giles told Elcho Island residents the govern- and badly affected Yeppoon, 670 kilometres This is absolutely significant, and we are ing brought by the storm. remain there. ment would do all it can to help. “I was north of the capital Brisbane, before heading doing everything we possibly can to restore Despite the destruction, authorities have But flood warnings were in place for expecting people to be much more devas- south to Rockhampton. power,” Palaszczuk said. The government has so far not received reports of serious injuries parts of the state’s southeast, although the tated, but people are in very good spirits,” he “We’ve had assessments of over 1,500 committed army reservists to help with the or deaths. But residents have spoken of the Mary River has peaked in the town of said. “It’s heartbreaking for anyone to come houses that have had some kind of structur- clean-up in Yeppoon, as well as disaster relief terror of the storm. “You could see the neigh- Gympie south of Rockhampton and is and see.” —AFP Australians on death row ask Indonesia to let them live Australia govt voices strong opposition

DENPASAR: Two Australians on Chan made a statement to the Indonesians for many more years to Australia’s government has death row appealed to Indonesian media after visiting the pair in come,” Michael Chan told reporters voiced strong opposition to the president Joko Widodo yesterday to Kerobokan prison on Bali island. outside the prison. planned executions. let them live so they can continue “We see and hear many prison- The statement comes after “Our brothers are very grateful helping fellow prisoners in a reha- ers doing courses go on to jobs and Indonesia authorities delayed their for the support and kindness shown bilitation programme, their brothers better lives. Our brothers’ great execution by up to a month, back- to them by so many people, and we said. wishes for the President is to allow tracking on an earlier pledge to put are amazed at their strength and The kin of drug smugglers them to continue this help, to the two men before the firing squad resilience during this stressful time,” Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew rebuild the lives of many more by the end of February. Michael Chan said. “As they reflect on their past they are also thankful to the Indonesian government, the prison officials and many volunteers that have allowed them to create a holistic rehabilita- tion programme that is now the CLINTON: Soldiers unload a coffin carrying the remains of US Army Cpl. C.G. envy of most prisons worldwide,” he Bolden, during graveside service for the Korean War soldier Saturday, in added. Clinton, Ark. Bolden was taken prisoner in South Korea in January 1951 and Chan and Sukumaran, who have is believed to have died about three months later of starvation. —AP been on death row since 2006, claim they have themselves been rehabilitated. But Widodo, who has System let us down with vowed a tough approach to ending what he has called Indonesia’s “drug Sydney siege ‘monster’: PM emergency”, rejected their appeals for clemency. SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Tony checks and scrutiny on the pathway to citi- “Myu and Andrew love Indonesia, Abbott admitted yesterday “the system” zenship. they have a great respect for the had let the public down by failing to pro- Indonesian people and its culture, tect it from the “monster” who carried out a 18 calls to security hotline and it was through the support of deadly siege in a Sydney cafe. The review revealed that 18 calls were the Indonesian justice system that Armed with a pump-action shotgun, made to an Australian national security they were able to help set up many Iranian-born self-styled cleric Man Haron hotline about Monis in the days before he programmes that have helped a lot Monis took 17 people hostage in Sydney’s carried out the siege. The calls between of Indonesians and has also helped Lindt Chocolate Cafe on December 15. December 9 and 12 were all concerned better themselves, and they are very Some 17 hours later he shot dead cafe about offensive material on his Facebook grateful for that”, said Chinthu manager Tori Johnson, 34, prompting page. Sukumaran. police to storm the building and kill him. “None of the calls related to any inten- Widodo, a vocal supporter of Another hostage died in the crossfire. tions or statements regarding a pending capital punishment, in January In the aftermath of the siege which attack-imminent or otherwise,” the review authorised the execution of six con- shocked the nation it emerged that Monis, said, adding that all were all considered by victed drug smugglers including who had been living in Australia since the intelligence and police authorities. five foreighers. 1990s, was on bail at the time for a string of “On the basis of the information avail- Chan and Sukumaran are charges, had no gun licence and had long able at the time, he fell well outside the DENPASAR: Brintha Sukumaran (right) sister of Australian on death row, Myuran Sukumaran, among seven foreigners-including been on the radar of security agencies. threshold to be included in the 400 highest citizens from France, Ghana, Brazil “Plainly, in their totality, the system has priority counter-terrorism investigations,” arrives to visit him at Kerobokan prison in Denpasar on Bali island yesterday. Foreign Minister and Nigeria-who have lost their Julie Bishop called on Indonesia to give two Australians on death row an “indefinite stay of exe- let us down,” Abbott told reporters in the review said. appeals for presidential clemency, Sydney in releasing the government’s first “He was only one of several thousand cution” as she clarified her Prime Minister’s comments linking their fate to aid, media reports the final hope of avoiding the firing review into the incident. “Plainly, this mon- people of potential security concern.” said on Saturday. —AFP squad. —AFP ster should not have been in our communi- In a statement, Abbott and New South ty. He shouldn’t have been allowed into the Wales state Premier Mike Baird said the country. He shouldn’t have been out on review found “there were no major failings bail. He shouldn’t have been with a gun. of intelligence or process in the lead-up to Thai police detain three And he shouldn’t have become radicalised.” the siege”. Abbott said the review found that deci- Right up until the siege, intelligence and sions were made about Monis at various law enforcement agencies had “never levels-beginning with the immigration found any information to indicate Monis demonstrators in Bangkok department but extending to mental had the intent or desire to commit a terror- health authorities, the police and intelli- ist act”. gence agencies-which were justifiable But the review found that in the last BANGKOK: Thai police detained three The military has responded aggressively to adjustment”. under the circumstances. months of his life, Monis had apparently demonstrators yesterday after they called for any form of opposition to the coup. Junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha, appointed “We don’t believe that at any particular become inspired by the Islamic State group a public forum to exchange ideas with the rul- Protesters have been arrested for handing prime minister after the coup, has threatened decision-making point, grievous errors and had rapidly become radicalised. ing military junta, in the latest move against out copies of George Orwell’s anti-authoritari- punitive measures against those who criticise were made, but the totality of decision- Australia raised its threat level to high in making let this monster loose in our com- September and carried out a series of freedom of expression. an novel “1984” or flashing the three-fingered the regime including banning opponents munity,” he said. counter-terrorism raids following the At least one of the demonstrators held up a salute from the Hollywood franchise “The from travelling abroad. Abbott, who on Monday will deliver a departure of some of its nationals to Iraq white T-shirt emblazoned with a bird that had Hunger Games”-both acts that have become The coup was the latest chapter in national security address, said when it and Syria to fight with Islamic State and its beak and feet bound during the small unofficial forms of opposition to the regime. Thailand’s long-running political crisis that came to the tipping point in balancing the other jihadist groups. gathering near the capital’s Victory Last month three former ministers, a broadly pits Bangkok’s middle class and royal- protection of the individual against the “The Martin Place murderer right up to Monument. prominent leader of the opposition Red Shirt ist elites, backed by parts of the military, safety of the community, “precisely where the very end was not specifically advocat- The generals have banned political gather- movement and the lawyer of ousted premier against rural and working-class voters loyal to we draw the line in the era of terrorism will ing violence against Australians,” Abbott have to be reconsidered and the line may said. “We have some hundreds of people ings of more than five people under martial Yingluck Shinawatra were among those Yingluck and her brother Thaksin, deposed in have to be redrawn”. who are currently talking about violence law, imposed two days before they grabbed forced to report to barracks for “attitude an earlier 2006 coup. —AFP The prime minister said that in Monis’s against members of the community. We power from an elected government last May. case, authorities had realised fairly quickly have many more people who are suscepti- Police Colonel Vichai Dangprakob told AFP that he had lied on his initial application to ble to ideologies which justify violence. We the trio were detained for several hours after come to Australia, as he flagged more can’t monitor all of them.” —AFP the gathering for “attitude adjustment”. He lat- er confirmed they had been released without Myanmar rebels deny attack on a formal arrest or charge. “Attitude adjustment” sessions are used by Red Cross-protected refugees the junta to haul in those deemed to be unco- operative with the military. The junta insists YANGON: Kokang ethnic rebels battling groups were joining the Kokang in combat Myanmar forces in the country’s north denied against the government. the summonses are simply invitations-though several government accusations yesterday, “They are not supporting us materially nor in reality any refusal to cooperate would likely including that they attacked a Red Cross- are they are joining the fight, though they are lead to significant censure. flagged truck that was carrying refugees fleeing our close allies,” Htun Myat Lin said. “The army only talked to them and adjust- fighting in the area. He denied as well an assertion by the mili- ed their attitude,” said Vichai, adding that Kokang spokesman Htun Myat Lin said the tary official, Lt. Gen. Mya Tun Oo, that the police fined the three 100 baht ($3) each for report by state media of Saturday’s attack was Kokang rebels were paying former Chinese sol- “disturbing the public”. not true, and that his group did not even have diers to join them and provide military training, forces in the area of the alleged ambush. saying that China does not support them and Yesterday’s rally was staged by members of The state-run Myanma Ahlin newspaper that they have no contact with China. a group called Serichon (Freeman) Thailand reported that the rebels used heavy weapons to Htun Myat Lin said government forces 58, which handed out a statement during the attack a truck carrying 15 refugees, wounding pounded Kokang outposts Saturday using MIG- event claiming they were not gathered in five people, including a TV cameraman from 29 fighters and Mi-35 attack helicopters, result- protest. state-run Myanma Radio and Television and a ing in the burning of several houses and vil- It added that the group was calling for the Myanmar Red Cross volunteer. lages. junta-appointed government “to brainstorm The two sides traded similar accusations More than 50 military troops and 70 Kokang ideas with people across the country”. about an attack Tuesday on a seven-car rebels have been killed in fighting since Feb. 9, Myanmar Red Cross convoy carrying 100 people according to the government. The group did not detail what ideas it that wounded a driver and another volunteer. The president of the Myanmar Red Cross, hoped to discuss but called for a broader The Kokang special region, which lies near the Tha Hla Shwe, said he was “very much disturbed forum than the reform council put in place by border with China, is difficult to access, and veri- by this second attack on a Red Cross vehicle.” the military after the coup to work on initia- SEOUL: South Korean students and members of civic group playing the role of South fying claims by either side is difficult. “It is unacceptable that Red Cross volunteers tives such as combating corruption. Korean independence army and Japanese army, perform during a rally against “This is the second time the government has carrying out their humanitarian function are tar- The junta says it will hold fresh elections in Japan’s Takeshima Day in front of Japanese Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, yester- spread this kind of propaganda,” Htun Myat Lin geted. Even though I don’t know who was early 2016 once reforms including tackling said by phone. He also denied accusations responsible for the attack, I would like to strong- dau. Japan’s Shimane Prefecture held the annual Takeshima Day ceremony, com- made to reporters Saturday by a senior ly request all parties not to attack Red Cross per- corruption and curbing the power of political memorating the Takeshima, the disputed islets called Dokdo in South Korea and Myanmar military official that other ethnic rebel sonnel and civilians,” he said. —AP parties are codified in a new constitution. Takeshima in Japan. —AP NEWS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 Saudi effort to promote open society in... Continued from Page 1 achieve that goal. But Roman Catholic Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran foreshadowed Islam specialist Ruediger Lohlker says that the center hasn’t the present dispute, urging the center to work for religious free- existed nearly long enough for that goal to bear fruit, and sug- dom everywhere, including in countries “where such freedoms gests those criticizing it be patient. Opposition by the clergy and are not guaranteed.” The opposition Greens, moderate Muslim other powerful conservative Saudi factions means that domesti- organizations and human-rights groups were opposed from the cally, “the process of reform tends to be plodding,” he said. In any outset, with some fearing that the center was a front for Saudi case, supporters argue that KAICIID’s mandate is not to speak out attempts to spread the conservative Wahhabi version of Islam in against individual human rights abuses but to facilitate dialogue Europe. between religions. And they note that Austria - along with co- Concerns morphed into outrage even before the Badawi case backer Spain and The Vatican as an observer - signed on fully over comments by KAICIID deputy director Claudia Bandion- aware of Saudi Arabia’s record of flogging, beheading and muti- Ortner. The former Austrian justice minister stepped down late lating those convicted of a range of crimes. At best, they say, last year after dismissing as “nonsense” suggestions that behead- expectations that the center now will condemn Saudi blogger ings were commonplace in Saudi Arabia, and describing as “com- Raif Badawi’s sentence of 50 lashes each over 20 weeks is naive - fortable” the black, all-encompassing abaya that women there and at worst a stunt by Chancellor Werner Faymann’s Socialist are forced to wear. Faymann has critics even within his ruling party to gain voter support by exploiting public outrage over the coalition. The centrist People’s Party who govern with his sentence. Socialists says the chancellor is hurting Austria with his demands. At Faymann’s urging, the foreign ministry commissioned a And the government report is in some ways a contradictory report that demands the center’s “withdrawal from Vienna” unless document. While issuing its ultimatum, the report - drawn up by it starts speaking out against “human rights violations with a reli- the Foreign Ministry which is under People’s Party control - also gious component”. The chancellor says that if KAICIID stays quiet notes that the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia “was known over Badawi, it “is not worthy of being called a dialogue center - it at the time of KAICIID’s opening and was no different than today”. is a silence center”. The center’s Jewish board member calls such It says the Saudis already have warned that further pressure comments perverse. “In many respects, the government is now might result in serious diplomatic and economic fallout, includ- questioning its own decision,” says Chief Rabbi David Rosen, not- ing OPEC pulling up stakes and ending its 50-year presence in ing that Austria agreed to host KAICIID “knowing that Saudi Vienna. Arabia is not the embodiment of human rights.” Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said he hoped The project was born of Abdullah’s 2007 audience with Pope the center “can continue to do its work promoting dialogue”, and Benedict XVI to discuss interreligious and intercultural dialogue. noted that the center and its international status was recognized U.N. Secretary General Ban-Ki-moon attended the center’s by the UN - a hint that any Austrian move to force it out would splashy opening five years later, along with the Saudi, Austrian call into question Vienna’s commitment to hosting other UN-rec- and Spanish foreign ministers and more than 650 other guests. ognized organizations. Spanish government officials had no The three spoke only vaguely about the need to overcome reli- comment while the Saudi Embassy in Vienna directed all queries gious differences and expressed hope that KAICIID would to the center, also noting its international status. — AP A person walks through a snowstorm outside the Wells Fargo Center after an NHL hockey game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Nashville Predators on Saturday in Philadelphia. — AP US convenes war council in Kuwait Continued from Page 1 meant to transcend bureaucratic divisions and informa- tion “stovepipes”, officials said. Sisi calls for joint Arab force, hails Gulf Special Operations Command, said Pentagon Carter told reporters before arriving in Kuwait City that spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby. he had called the meeting because he was “trying to Continued from Page 1 ing to show that he and members of his inner circle want- Diplomats and civilian officials due to take part assess the situation in Iraq, Syria, and the region more ed to milk them for every dollar. “We must be alert to all include John Allen, President Barack Obama’s envoy to generally”. The IS threat was “a regional issue”, Carter said, creation of a military pact to take on Islamic militants, the attempts that are designed to drive a wedge between the anti-IS coalition as well as the US special envoy to “and I wanted to have all of that expertise represented”. with the possibility of a joint force to intervene around the us and our brothers,” he said, addressing his Gulf allies. Syria, Daniel Rubinstein, he said. Washington’s ambassa- On his first trip abroad as defence secretary after being Middle East. Last week, security and military officials said “Know well that we can never insult you. We are with you dors to Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the sworn in last Tuesday, Carter came to Kuwait after a two- discussions of the plan were back on track after a hiatus, in the face of all the challenges that you confront,” he said. United Arab Emirates will also attend the meeting. Senior day visit to Afghanistan, consulting commanders about with Jordan, France, Italy and Algeria now viewed as possi- Sisi did not directly mention the leaks in his broad- intelligence officials also will be on hand for talks that are the pace of a US troop withdrawal. — AFP ble additional partners. cast yesterday. Turning to domestic issues, Sisi said a Yesterday, Sisi lavishly praised Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and “first batch” of detained youths will be released from the United Arab Emirates for their multibillion dollar aid to prison within days, without elaborating. The govern- Turkey pulls tomb, guards from Syria Egypt following Morsi’s ouster. Their aid, he said, was “the ment has waged a sweeping crackdown on Morsi’s Continued from Page 1 permission from no one, we conducted it with our own main reason that Egypt continued to stand fast against all Islamist supporters as well as young members of the initiative,” he said. the challenges and difficulties it faced”. He also sought to groups that fuelled the uprising that toppled autocrat assure his oil-rich Gulf Arab allies over audio leaks purport- Hosni Mubarak in 2011. — AP President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated the The tomb of Suleyman Shah, who is said to have armed forces on the operation - codenamed Shah Firat died in 1236, is considered Turkish territory under the (Shah Euphrates) - and confirmed that the tomb would 1921 Treaty of Ankara between the Turkish authorities be relocated in the Syrian district of Eshme, just 200 m and France, which then controlled French-mandated Barrak handed two years in jail from the Turkish border. Syria. The figure of Suleyman Shah helps Turks link the “Our flag will continue to fly in a new place to keep Ottoman dynasty, which according to tradition was Continued from Page 1 court scrapped the sentence for being illegal and decided alive the memory of our ancestors,” he said. A soldier was founded by Osman in 1299, with the early Turkic tribes to handle the case. The government however did not killed in an accident during the operation to evacuate the who swept through Anatolia from Asia. “A nation cannot Saadoun said that the jail sentence against Barrak heed with warnings from Barrak and the opposition and guards at the tomb, which is some 37 km inside Syrian build a future without a past and symbols of the past,” should signal the start of eradicating corruption and cor- amended the electoral law, which is now called the sin- territory, the Turkish army said in a separate statement. It said Davutoglu. rupt forces in Kuwait. gle-vote law. said the soldier lost his life in the “initial stage” of the Davutoglu and Erdogan said the transfer of the tomb Like the previous time, Barrak yesterday said he will sur- The amendment led to massive demonstrations by the operation but emphasised there were no clashes during to a new location inside Syria was fully within interna- render himself to police when they come to take him, pro- opposition, which boycotted the election held in Dec the mission. tional law as it did not violate the 1921 treaty. This is not vided they produce the original copy of the ruling and the 2012. Opposition groups also boycotted elections held in The army said the decision to evacuate the guards and the first time the tomb has been relocated - it was execution order. Until late yesterday, police has not arrest- July 2013 after the constitutional court dissolved the pre- relocate the tomb was taken because of the worsening moved in the 1970s when its then location, also on the ed Barrak. “You can jail my body but not my ideas and will,” vious Assembly. Since then, the opposition has been sub- security situation in the area, part of Syria’s Aleppo Euphrates, was flooded by the Syrian authorities to con- he said. Barrak’s lawyer Abdulrahman Al-Barrak said on his stantially weakened after crowds attending its activities province that is under the control of IS jihadists who have struct the Tabqa Dam that forms Lake Assad. The tomb Twitter account that he and the other defense lawyer and protests dwindled to a few dozens from tens of thou- captured swathes of Iraq and Syria. Davutoglu said the had for years been watched over largely by conscripts Thamer Al-Jadaei will today file an appeal challenging the sands before. operation had posed “considerable potential risks” but in but in March 2014 Turkey reportedly sent several dozen ruling to the court of cassation, whose rulings are final. Barrak however remained adamant that Kuwait’s the end Turkey had left nothing behind. “It was a highly special forces to guard it. Along with the appeal, the lawyers will also demand that chronic political crisis will not be resolved without funda- successful operation to the last degree,” he said. He said Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad were the jail sentence be suspended until the cassation court mental political reforms, including an elected govern- that 572 Turkish soldiers using 39 tanks, 57 armoured formerly close allies but fell out when Damascus began issues its verdict. ment in a multiparty system of governance. The former vehicles and 100 other military vehicles took part in the suppressing an uprising in 2011. Ankara now believes The sentence was issued against Barrak, secretary gen- lawmaker is facing dozens of court cases over a variety of eral of the PAM, for allegedly insulting HH the Amir in pub- accusations and he has been taken to prison several times operation. The government official said that warning ousting the Syrian president is a key condition for end- lic and undermining his authorities. The charges were filed in the past two years. His arrests have led to street shots had been fired to prevent any danger from IS. ing Syria’s civil war. The operation to evacuate the sol- against Barrak after he delivered a fiery speech on Oct 15, protests that turned into clashes between police and Denouncing the incursion, the Syrian foreign ministry diers guarding the tomb took place as Turkey comes 2012 in which he publicly addressed the Amir to warn him activists. said it had been informed by Ankara but Turkey had not under pressure from its Western allies to play a greater and the government against amending the electoral law. Since the mass protests of 2012, the authorities have waited for their consent. The Syrian statement said the role in the fight against IS jihadists. The United States That public rally outside the National Assembly building in cracked down on the opposition, handing down heavy fact that IS had not attacked the tomb “confirmed the and Turkey on Thursday signed a deal to train and Kuwait City was attended by tens of thousands of opposi- jail terms and even revoking the citizenship of PAM depth of the ties between the Turkish government and equip thousands of moderate Syrian rebel forces tion supporters, who called for reforms and fighting cor- spokesman Saad Al-Ajmi last September. The crackdown this terrorist organization”. Iran’s deputy foreign minister, opposing Assad after several weeks of talks. Turkey’s ruption. Barrak was a member of parliament at the time. has been condemned by human rights groups, who have Hossein Amir Abdollahian, said there is no justification opposition angrily lashed out at the government, The criminal court in April 2013 sentenced Barrak to called for changes to the law to prevent people being for Turkey’s military action. Tehran is a close ally of Syria. accusing it of dressing up a military withdrawal as a vic- five years in jail after the judge ignored demands by jailed for exercising free speech. Article 25 of Kuwait’s Turkey’s foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, confirmed tory. “For the first time in the history of the Turkish lawyers to summon top officials to testify in the case. As a 1970 penal code provides for jail terms of up to five years that Ankara had notified Syria before the operation that Republic, we are losing territory without fighting for it,” result, lawyers walked out of the session and the judge for anyone who publicly “objects to the rights and author- it was vacating the tomb temporarily, and that it would said Gursel Tekin of the opposition Republican People’s passed the tough sentence. A month later, the appeals ities of the Amir or faults him”. return to the area when it is “ready” to do so. “We got Party (CHP). — Agencies MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Issues European jihadis unable to join IS, locked at home

By Mariam Karouny

he flow of European fighters from Europe to territory held by the ultra-hardline Islamic State is drying up due Tto tighter restrictions imposed by European states that have prevented would-be jihadis from travelling, fighters from the group said. Fighters in Syria and Iraq contacted by Reuters said the impact was limited on the battlefield since European fighters make up only a fraction of the forces of Islamic State. “Now most of the (foreign) fighters are coming from Asian countries, like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. They are tough fight- ers,” an Islamic State militant who fought with the group in both Syria and Iraq, told Reuters via the Internet. Some also said that restrictions might backfire on European countries when jihadis who are prevented from travelling to the Middle East are encouraged to wage individual attacks at home. European countries are working hard to reduce recruit- ment by the group, sometimes referred to by the acronyms ISIS or ISIL, which has seized wide swathes of Iraq and Syria Modi bets on GM for second green revolution and is now the target of a US-led campaign of air strikes. The group takes pride in having attracted fighters from across the globe, including thousands from Europe. Western countries By Krishna N Das and Mayank Bhardwaj Javadekar told Reuters last week. “Confined, safe unit of Dow Chemical, and Syngenta. aubergine, as well as new varieties of cotton. fear that some European fighters could return home and car- field trials are on. It’s a long process to find out Punjab, ruled jointly by the BJP and a local party, ry out attacks in their native countries. n a fenced plot not far from Indian Prime whether it is fully safe or not.” Second Green Revolution gave the go-ahead for mustard in October fol- lowed next month by Delhi, then indirectly run by The presence of European fighters drew particular atten- Minister Narendra Modi’s home, a field of Modi was a supporter of GM crops when he Largely agricultural India became self-sufficient mustard is in full yellow bloom, represent- was chief minister of Gujarat state over a decade in food grains after the launch of the Green the federal government in the absence of a local tion in the West last year when a man with a British accent O ing his government’s reversal of an effective ban ago, the time when GM cotton was introduced in Revolution in the 1960s, when it introduced high- government. “The (federal) government is, for a appeared in videos of British and American prisoners being on field trials of genetically modified (GM) food the country and became a huge success. yielding seed varieties and the use of fertilizer and change, being decisive,” Pental said, adding his beheaded. European countries have arrested people for crops. The GM mustard planted in the half-acre Launched in 2002, Bt cotton, which produces its irrigation. The challenge now is to replicate that mustard strain could be ready to be released for recruiting for Islamic State. Several have passed laws allowing field in the grounds of the Indian Agricultural own pesticide, is the country’s only GM crop and success in edible oils and vegetables, which are commercial farming in a year or two. travel documents to be seized from those who travel to fight. Research Institute in New Delhi is in the final stage covers 95 percent of India’s cotton cultivation of increasingly in demand. India imports about 60 Environmental group Greenpeace however One Syrian supporter of the group said such measures of trials before the variety is allowed to be sold 11.6 million hectares. From being a net importer, percent of its edible oil needs at an annual cost of remains opposed. “The current government’s rush were a sign that its importance was being recognised. “At commercially, and that could come within two India has become the world’s second-largest pro- up to $10 billion - its third-biggest import item with open field trials without addressing the fun- first these countries took us lightly, they thought the fighters years, scientists associated with the project say. ducer and exporter of the fibre. after crude oil and gold. damental loopholes in the regulatory mechanism will come here and die. But what they did not see coming India placed a moratorium on GM aubergine in However, grassroots groups associated with The trials of the mustard plant, which provides is a matter for serious concern,” said Manvendra was that they get trained and also started to contact their 2010 fearing the effect on food safety and biodi- Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party the highest yield of all oilseeds, are being led by Singh Inaniya, a campaigner for Greenpeace India. friends and relatives to join,” said the Syrian supporter who versity. Field trials of other GM crops were not for- (BJP) have opposed GM crops because of the Delhi University researchers headed by Deepak “This leaves us vulnerable to contamination with lives in an Islamic State-held territory. mally halted, but the regulatory system was reliance on seeds patented by multinationals. The Pental, a scientist who returned to India in 1985 untested and potentially hazardous GM food. We Islamic State is now stretched, waging battles on several brought to a deadlock. But allowing GM crops is Swadeshi Jagran Manch, a nationalist group from Britain. He has said that he has developed a urge the Union Government to roll back approvals fronts in both Iraq and Syria while trying to administer areas critical to Modi’s goal of boosting dismal farm pro- which promotes self-reliance, has vowed to hold transgenic mustard strain that raises output by up given to open air field trials of GM crops.” under its control. Fighters proclaiming loyalty to the group ductivity in India, where urbanisation is devouring protests if GM food crops are made commercially to 30 percent but that further trials were halted But the environment ministry official said stud- also have emerged in several countries including Libya and arable land and population growth will mean available. “There is no scientific evidence that GM after the moratorium. The federal environment ies have found no ill effects from GM foods and Egypt. Several members said the group fields 60,000 fighters there are 1.5 billion mouths to feed by 2030 - more enhances productivity,” said Pradeep, a ministry began approving GM field trials in that local firms should partner with multinationals in Iraq and Syria, mostly local Sunni Muslims. About 550 even than China. spokesman for the group. “And in any case, why August, although applicants need to seek no- like Monsanto, which has already licensed its Bt German citizens have joined fighting in Syria and about 180 Starting in August last year, his government should we hand over our agriculture to some for- objection certificates from states where the trials Cotton product to several Indian companies. are believed to have returned, German officials have said. resumed the field trials for selected crops with lit- eign companies?” A handful of agrichemical and are to be conducted. “Farmers are smart and deserve wider choices,” a Germany plans to seize personal identity cards of would-be tle publicity. “Field trials are already on because our seeds companies dominate the global market for States ruled by the BJP are spearheading the spokesman for Monsanto in India said. “They will jihadis for up to three years according to a draft law. mandate is to find out a scientific review, a scientif- GM crops, including Monsanto Co., DuPont trials: Last month, Maharashtra gave the all-clear only reward products, practices and partnerships France has cracked down since mid-2014, ramping up a ic evaluation,” Environment Minister Prakash Pioneer, a unit of DuPont, Dow AgroSciences, a to open field trials of rice, chickpeas, corn and which create value on their farms.” —Reuters campaign after new anti-terrorism laws were passed by par- liament late last year. French officials estimate that about 400 French citizens are in Syria, 180 have returned to France, 200 want to go and 200 are somewhere in Europe trying to ‘Cursed’ Indian river faces modern world get there. British officials think some 600 people have gone to fight, with 300 now returned. Police can now seize the By Tim Sullivan Chambal badlands is a place where a dirt path can growth. Farmers struggling with the poor soil now here to interfere with the river,” said Dr. Rajiv passports of nationals trying to leave the country for up to reveal a tangle of narrow valleys with 100-foot- have fertilizers and tractors. Chauhan, a scientist and Chambal River expert with 30 days, and can temporarily prevent citizens suspected of or many centuries, it was a curse that saved high walls, and where a bandit gang could easily In so many ways, that has been good news. the India-based Society for Conservation of Nature. involvement with Islamic State from re-entering Britain. the river. It was a series of curses, actually - a disappear. Poverty remains widespread across the Chambal, “But with the bandits gone, the pressure on the riv- “This important legislation will disrupt the ability of people centuries-long string of unrelenting bad news The bandits’ power - rooted in caste divisions, but there are more roads now to get crops to mar- er is now just too much.” In theory, the wildest parts to travel abroad to fight and then return,” Home Secretary F in this rugged, hidden corner of northern India’s isolation and widespread poverty - was enormous. ket, and mobile phones to call the doctor when of the river are protected. A narrow 250-mile stretch Theresa May said in a statement. industrial belt. There was an actual curse at first, a Countless governments, from Mughal lords to someone gets sick. Unemployment remains ram- of the Chambal was declared an official sanctuary in long-held belief that the Chambal River was unholy. British viceroys to Indian prime ministers, vowed to pant, but there are occasional new jobs. With the the late 1970s, closing it to everyone but longtime Lone Wolves There was the land itself, and the more earthly curse humble them. Countless governments failed. As good, though, came troubles that threaten the villagers, approved scientists and the handful of Despite the crackdown, the group continues to receive of its poor-quality soil. And above all there were the India modernized - as British rule gave way to inde- Chambal and its wildlife: polluting factories, illegal tourists who make it here. fresh fighters through neighbouring countries. Several jihadi bandits, hiding in the badlands and causing count- pendence, and a modern nation began to take sand mining and fish poachers who hack at gharials But India’s wildlife agencies are woefully under- sources said that travelling through Turkey remains the main less eruptions of violence and fear. shape - the Chambal remained a place apart, a with axes when the animals get tangled in their trained and underfunded. Forestry officials often route. Turkey has responded to strong criticism from But instead of destroying the river, these things feared region where politicians seemed more like nets. As India’s population and economy grows, need to borrow boats to patrol the river. Banditry Western allies alarmed at the flow of fighters into Syria by protected it by keeping the outside world away. The criminals and where, in most villages, bandits were more people are moving closer to the river. may have faded, but corruption is rampant: Locals ramping up border controls, officials and diplomats have isolation created a sanctuary.It is a place of croco- the true power. “We were so isolated for so long,” Suddenly, the Chambal was no longer syn- who illegally cut firewood in the sanctuary pass said. This month the Turkish army said at least 19 people diles and jackals, of river dolphins and the occasion- says Hemrudra Singh, a soft-spoken aristocrat with onymous with lawlessness. Instead, it meant forestry department checkpoints without chal- intent on joining Islamic State had been detained close to al wolf. Hundreds of species of birds - storks, geese, a crumbling family fort overlooking the Chambal cheap land and untapped resources. Quickly, lenge. More factories are being built upstream the frontier, including 13 foreigners. “The impression we babblers, larks, falcons and so many more - nest River from the village of Bhareh. He understands people began to come. And almost as quickly, from the sanctuary, and their pollutants are leaking have is that Turkey has tightened things up,” one western along the river. Endangered birds lay small speckled into the river. Increased farming has caused a spike diplomat told Reuters. eggs in tiny pits they dig in the sandbars. Gharials, in dangerous fertilizer and pesticide runoff, scien- Anti-Islamic State activists inside Syria say there has been rare crocodile-like creatures that look like they tists say. Billions of gallons of water are siphoned tension among the group with some members, mainly for- swaggered out of the Mesozoic Era, are common- away for irrigation. eigners, fleeing. Fighters deny this. “The (foreigners) are not place here and nowhere else. The most immediate worry is illegal sand min- leaving the State. In two months in Baiji we received 180. In Today, tucked in a hidden corner of what is now ing, which can strip away thousands of tons of one of the training camps here forty percent of the fighters a deeply polluted region, where the stench of riverbank on a single day, causing immense are foreigners,” said a fighter who is now based in Iraq. Baiji, industrial fumes fills the air in dozens of towns and amounts of silt to spill into the river, upsetting its site of Iraq’s biggest oil refinery, has been one of the main tons of raw sewage is dumped every day into many delicate ecology. Demand for sand has soared battlefields between fighters and Iraqi government forces. rivers, the Chambal has remained essentially wild. across India in recent years as the economy has The group has had its eyes on Europe since it first But if bad news saved the river, good news now grown, leaving an emerging middle class clamor- appeared. In many of its videos, fighters declare that one of threatens to destroy it. The modern world, it turns ing for housing. Since most new Indian housing is its targets is “Rome”, by which they mean Christian Europe out, may be the most dangerous curse of all. made of concrete, and concrete requires sand, the generally. It is now encouraging what it calls “lone wolves” to surge in building has given rise to a sprawling net- carry out attacks inside Europe. “If they cannot come here Sages and Bandits work of black-market sand dealers. The “sand they still fight these infidels inside the countries they live in,” The fears that shaped this region go back more In this photo taken on April 29, 2014, Indians lead their camels, carrying pro- mafia,” as the Indian media calls it, has no qualms a fighter who gave his name as Bakr said. —Reuters than a thousand years, to when sages said the vision, across the Chambal River near Bhopepura village in the northern plundering the easy pickings along a wild river- Chambal (the term refers both to the river and the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. —AP bank. rugged land around it) had been cursed and vil- Take a boat along the Chambal River on nearly lagers whispered that it was unholy. In a culture any day, and the mafia’s power quickly becomes All articles appearing on these where rivers have long been worshipped, farmers that isolation well. Until 10 years ago, Bhareh could the problems began. clear. Not far from the village of Bhopepura, dozens pages are the personal opinion of avoided planting along the river’s banks. “People only be reached by boat during the monsoon sea- of tractors regularly snake down a dirt road to the always said things were different in this area,” says a son. The New Curse river, pulling trailers filled with wiry, shovel-wield- the writers. Kuwait Times takes no laborer working along the Chambal River on a hot Only in the late 1990s did life in the Chambal The garbage multiplied. So did construction ing men who hop down once they reach the river- responsibility for views expressed afternoon. He is thin, with the ropy toughness and begin to change significantly. Ancient dirt paths projects near the river and, with them, industrial bank. These are the sand mafia’s labor force, men therein. Kuwait Times invites read- the distrust of outsiders so common here. He gives became paved roads, prying open villages that had pollutants. Torn plastic bags now sometimes blow who can earn $15 for a long, exhausting day of only his first name, Gopal. “People,” he says, “were been isolated for centuries. The bandits’ local politi- through the ravines, and small stone quarries dump work. That is good pay around here. ers to voice their opinions. Please afraid to come.” cal patrons were driven from power. Their foot sol- refuse into creeks that feed the Chambal. In 2007 The mining is illegal, but the laborers say their send submissions via email to: opin- A few centuries later the bandits arrived, men diers were killed in shootouts with police, and their and 2008, more than 100 dead gharials washed up bosses have paid off local officials. While none of [email protected] or via snail who hid in the maze of riverside ravines and kept hideouts were forced deeper into the ravines by the on riverbanks - perhaps 25 percent of the world’s the miners will give their full names, they also mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. outsiders away for generations. They were the last spread of new roads. The last famed bandit, Nirbhay wild gharials at the time. While scientists have never make no effort to hide what they’re doing. The true protectors of the Chambal, it turns out. For Gujjar, was killed by police in 2005. Today, cellphone been able to pinpoint the cause, and the popula- mining area, perhaps 30 acres in total, can be easily The editor reserves the right to edit hundreds of years, the outlaws ruled the labyrinth towers and motorcycle dealers and satellite TVs are tion has grown back to a degree, most experts seen from both banks of the river. While the men any submission as necessary. of scrub-filled ravines and tiny villages along the everywhere. New businesses and new schools have believe pollution introduced a toxin into the river. work, tractors rigged with loudspeakers blare river. Spread across thousands of square miles, the opened, ushered in by years of Indian economic “In the old days, there weren’t many people Bollywood songs. —AP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 SPORTS

Premier League’s golden boy Newcastle embarrass Shearer Valls wins Tour of Oman LONDON: David Silva is the best player in the Premier League, according to his LONDON: Newcastle United’s display in their 5-0 capitulation against cham- MUSCAT: Spanish climbing specialist Rafael Valls experienced the greatest Manchester City team mate Edin Dzeko and the Spaniard made a powerful case pions Manchester City was “pathetic”, according to former captain and moment by far of his career in winning the Tour of Oman yesterday as Matthias for the lofty claim by scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Newcastle United on record goalscorer Alan Shearer. Brandle of Austria clinched the sixth and final stage. Valls, who seized control in Saturday. Silva was the driving force in a rampant City performance that closed The Magpies, 11th in the Premier League with only one win in 2015, con- winning the feature stage of the race, the climb to the Green Mountain on Friday, the gap at the top of the Premier League to five points and signalled to leaders ceded a penalty inside 30 seconds and were 3-0 down after 21 minutes. Two had a nine-second advantage over American Tejay van Garderen, while another Chelsea that the title race was far from over. further goals condemned Newcastle to a 5-0 defeat, their heaviest since a 6- Spaniard, the experienced Alejandro Valverde, was third overall, 19 seconds adrift. Dzeko had good reason to sing the praises of the diminutive string-puller, 0 loss against Liverpool in April 2013. Newcastle have one just one of eight Tour de France champion Vincenzo Nibali scraped into the top 20, more than who delivered an inch-perfect long-range arrow of a games since John Carver took temporary charge following Alan Pardew’s three minutes off the pace. For 27-year- pass to set the striker up for City’s third goal before departure to Crystal Palace last month. old Valls it ended several years of angst helping himself to a quick-fire double at the start of “They were pathetic. It was embarrassing, from the first minute to the and self-doubt over whether he would the second half. That took his tally for the season to last,” Shearer, who scored 206 goals in 10 seasons for Newcastle, said on BBC ever prove himself at the highest level. nine league goals, his most since arriving in the Match of the Day. “These have been three dream days, and Premier League in 2010, while it was the first time “I can just imagine the Newcastle team talk before the game; ‘Right lads, this is the apotheosis,” said Valls, who was he had been directly involved in three goals. this team have got Barcelona (in the Champions League) on Tuesday, let’s succeeding Britain’s 2013 Tour de France “The pass from David was first-class... and for just keep it tight for the first 10 or 15 minutes. Let’s get in among them, put me he is the best player in the Premier League,” winner Chris Froome, the winner of the pre- one or two tackles in and see if they fancy it.’ “But after 20 or 30 seconds, Dzeko told Sky Sports. “To have him here with vious two editions of the race but who didn’t that is out of the window. us is an amazing thing, because with David you compete this year. “It is a reward for the past can always score goals.” City’s return to form, having Newcastle just didn’t get near them. It was just far, far too easy for City. four or five difficult years that I have experienced. scored nine goals in their last two games, arrested a These are top players. You cannot give them time on the ball like that. “City “I have proved to myself that I can ride at the level I worrying slump that had threatened to let Chelsea showed so much hunger to get the ball back, even when they’re 3-0 up. I had before. “It gives me a lot of confidence,” added take the title at a canter.—Reuters never saw that once from Newcastle. It was pathetic.” Newcastle host relega- Valls, whose only previous victory was a stage in the Tour tion-threatened Aston Villa at St James’ Park on Saturday. — Reuters of San Luis five years ago. —AFP Kings spoil Sharks party

SANTA CLARA: Marian Gaborik scored the Washington beat the New York Islanders for its give the Stars a 4-2 lead. But then Jakub Kindl Predators coach Peter Laviolette made his Lazar also scored for Ottawa, and Andrew tiebreaking goal early in the third period, and fourth straight victory. had two goals 45 seconds apart in the third first trip back to Philadelphia since being fired Hammond made 21 saves for his second win in the Los Angeles Kings spoiled San Jose’s out- After the first-place Islanders forced over- to tie it 4-all in his return from the minors. It after beginning last season 0-3. Laviolette led two NHL starts. door party with a 2-1 victory over the Sharks time by scoring with goalie Chad Johnson on was the first two-goal outburst for Kindl in Philadelphia to the Stanley Cup finals in 2010 Aleksander Barkov scored for the Panthers, on Saturday night. the bench, Kuznetsov followed OT by beating 242 career games. and an Atlantic Division title the following sea- who missed an opportunity to pass Boston in Kyle Clifford also scored and Jonathan Johnson on the first attempt of the shootout. Curtis McKenzie and Shawn Horcoff gave son. the race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Quick made 31 saves as the Kings won their Holtby subsequently denied all three New the Stars a 6-4 advantage before Justin Conference. Roberto Luongo stopped 35 seventh straight game and dealt more heart- York attempts, the last by Ryan Strome. Abdelkader’s power-play goal and Pavel CANADIENS 3, BLUE JACKETS 1 shots. break to their Northern California rivals after The Islanders were 12-1 in games decided Datsyuk’s second of the game tied the score Max Pacioretty scored twice in the first peri- knocking San Jose out of the playoffs the past after regulation, including 7-1 in shootouts. again. od, and Montreal held off Columbus to snap a DEVILS 3, HURRICANES 1 two seasons. Eric Fehr put the Capitals up 2-1 at 14:26 of the Horcoff’s goal chased Jimmy Howard from two-game skid. Tomas Plekanec added an Devils defenseman Andy Greene capped a Gaborik silenced an enthusiastic crowd of third period. Matt Niskanen also scored for the game after he gave up a season-high six empty-net goal for the Canadiens, and Carey three-goal first period against Carolina with 70,205 just over 4 minutes into the third peri- Washington, and Nickas Backstrom had an goals. Jonas Gustavsson stopped two shots Price stopped 32 shots for his 33rd win of the his first in 71 games. Former Hurricane Tuomo od when he took the puck away from Brent assist for his NHL-leading 64th point. for the Red Wings. season. Nick Foligno scored for the Blue Ruutu and Adam Henrique also scored for the Burns in the neutral zone and skated in before Strome put in a rebound from the left circle Dallas goalie Kari Lehtonen had 29 saves Jackets, who got 21 saves from Curtis Devils, who won their third straight and beating Antti Niemi with a shot from the top at 19:12 of the third period to tie it. Travis but allowed a season-high seven goals. McElhinney. Montreal, which avoided its first improved to 10-2-3 in their past 15 home of the circle. The Sharks were unable to get the Hamonic scored early for the Islanders. The Datsyuk also had two assists. Kronwall, three-game losing streak since early games. Rookie goalie Keith Kinkaid and Cory equalizer against Quick. Burns scored the lone teams split four games this season. Abdelkader and Gustav Nyquist each had a December, is 32-3-1 when its opponents score Schneider combined to make 31 saves. Kinkaid goal for the Sharks, who have lost six of eight goal and an assist. Daley, Cole, Horcoff and two goals or fewer. stopped 17 shots before leaving after he sus- games to put their 10-season streak of playoff RED WINGS 7, STARS 6 Jamie Benn each had a goal and an assist for tained a lower-body injury with 6:01 left in the appearances in jeopardy. Niemi made 27 Niklas Kronwall scored 36 seconds into the Stars. DUCKS 2, OILERS 1 second period. Jeff Skinner scored with 6:04 saves. overtime and Detroit defeated Dallas after Ryan Getzlaf scored the go-ahead goal with remaining to deprive New Jersey of its third overcoming a pair of two-goal deficits in a LIGHTNING 4, COYOTES 2 7:13 remaining in the third period to lift shutout. CAPITALS 3, ISLANDERS 2 wild third period. Ondrej Palat scored twice, and Ryan Anaheim over Edmonton. Francois Evgeny Kuznetsov scored the lone goal in a Trevor Daley, Cody Eakin and Erik Cole Callahan had a goal and an assist to help Beauchemin also scored for the Ducks, who MAPLE LEAFS 4, JETS 3 shootout, Braden Holtby had 30 saves, and scored in a 3-minute span of the second to Tampa Bay hold off Arizona. Ben Bishop increased their comfortable lead in the Pacific James van Riemsdyk scored 3:47 into over- earned his 30th win of the season as the Division. They have won back-to-back road time to give Toronto a win over playoff-hope- Lightning withstood a shaky finish to games at Calgary and Edmonton after drop- ful Winnipeg. Van Riemsdyk beat Michael improve to 3-1 on their five-game trip and ping five of six overall. Teddy Purcell had the Hutchinson during a 2-on-1 rush for his 22nd remain a point behind Atlantic Division-lead- goal for the Oilers, who have lost four of five. goal of the season. Daniel Winnik had a goal ing Montreal. Michael Stone and Mark Edmonton was playing its ninth game in 15 and an assist, and Leo Komarov and Nazem Arcobello scored for the Coyotes, and Mike days. Beauchemin scored with a power-play Kadri also scored for the Maple Leafs. Smith made 23 saves in Arizona’s fifth straight drive from the point just 45 seconds into the Winnipeg earned one point to get to 71 in loss overall and eighth in a row at home. game. Anaheim goalie John Gibson finished the crowded Western Conference playoff race. Arizona, which had a franchise-record, nine- with 26 saves. The Jets have a tenuous hold on a wild-card game road skid earlier this season, dropped spot with San Jose, Minnesota and Los to an NHL-worst 9-16-4 at home. Steven SENATORS 4, PANTHERS 1 Angeles. Jacob Trouba, Mark Scheifele and Stamkos scored his 32nd goal into an empty Kyle Turris had a goal and two assists to Michael Frolik scored for the Jets, who also got net with 4.3 seconds left. lead Ottawa over Florida, giving the Senators contributions from recent trade acquisitions consecutive wins for the first time in seven Drew Stafford (two assists) and Tyler Myers PENGUINS 4, BLUES 2 weeks. Bobby Ryan, Erik Karlsson and Curtis (one assist). Hutchinson made 29 saves. — AP Blake Comeau had two goals and an assist to lead Pittsburgh past St. Louis. Patrick Hornqvist and Brandon Sutter also scored for NHL results/standings the Penguins, who snapped a three-game skid. Sidney Crosby got his 40th assist on Hornqvist’s goal. Pittsburgh is 12-4-2 against Washington 3, NY Islanders 2 (SO); Philadelphia 3, Nashville 2 (SO); Toronto 4, Winnipeg 3 (OT); Western Conference teams and 5-1-1 in its Montreal 3, Columbus 1; Ottawa 4, Florida 1; New Jersey 3, Carolina 1; Anaheim 2, Edmonton 1; last seven road games. Playing in place of Pittsburgh 4, St. Louis 2; Detroit 7, Dallas 6 (OT); Tampa Bay 4, Arizona 2; Los Angeles 2, San Jose 1. starter Marc-Andre Fleury, backup goalie Thomas Greiss stopped 21 shots and had the Western Conference Tampa Bay 37 18 6 199 162 80 Blues shut out until Dmitrij Jaskin scored with Pacific Division Detroit 33 14 10 170 149 76 AUSTRIA: Austria’s Matthias Mayer center) celebrates on podium his first place with 5:27 left. Ian Cole added a goal for St. Louis at WL OTLGFGAPTS Boston 28 21 9 151 154 65 second placed Adrien Theaux of France (left) and third placed Kjetil Jansrud of 18:38. Vladimir Tarasenko assisted on both Anaheim 37 16 7 178 168 81 Florida 26 20 12 142 161 64 Norway of men’s super-G of the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup. — AFP Blues goals. Vancouver 33 22 3 165 155 69 Ottawa 24 23 10 163 161 58 Los Angeles 28 18 12 161 152 68 Toronto 24 31 5 167 183 53 Calgary 32 23 4 171 156 68 Mayer shines, gloom for Maze FLYERS 3, PREDATORS 2 Buffalo 17 38 4 109 200 38 Wayne Simmonds had a goal in regulation San Jose 30 23 8 171 174 68 Arizona 20 32 7 133 198 47 Metropolitan Division SAALBACH: Olympic downhill champion contender Jansrud, who completely missed and the shootout to lead Philadelphia past Edmonton 17 34 10 140 205 44 NY Islanders 39 19 2 195 168 80 Matthias Mayer finally made the World Cup his downhill on Saturday and made it back to Nashville. Ryan White also scored in regula- Central Division NY Rangers 35 16 6 181 142 76 mark his talent deserved by winning both within 116 points of overall World Cup leader tion for the Flyers, who improved to 3-7 in Nashville 39 13 7 179 140 85 Washington 33 17 10 179 149 76 races on home snow in Saalbach. Marcel Hirscher in the standings. Slalom spe- shootouts this season. St. Louis 38 17 4 186 146 80 In contrast, Slovenia’s Tina Maze endured a cialist Hirscher made one of his few Super-G Colin Wilson and Craig Smith scored in Pittsburgh 33 17 9 167 148 75 Chicago 35 19 5 175 138 75 dreadful weekend in Maribor, failing to score a appearances in Saalbach, finishing 17th. regulation for NHL-leading Nashville, which Philadelphia 25 23 11 158 172 61 Winnipeg 30 20 11 169 166 71 point in the two technical races on her home “Clearly I came here to score 200 points but lost consecutive games for the first time this New Jersey 24 26 9 133 158 57 Minnesota 30 21 7 162 154 67 snow to allow World Cup holder Anna you can’t always get what you want,” Jansrud season. Jakub Voracek opened the shootout Columbus 26 28 3 150 176 55 Dallas 27 23 9 187 192 63 Fenninger of Austria close the gap in the over- said. “It’s going to be a close battle to the fin- by beating Pekka Rinne with a backhander. Carolina 21 30 7 130 158 49 Colorado 25 23 11 154 166 61 all standings. ish and a great fight with each race. But if After Rob Zepp stopped Matt Cullen, Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one Mayer, the gifted 24-year-old speed spe- Hirscher starts to hold up in the Super-G, I will Simmonds beat Rinne through the legs, then Eastern Conference Atlantic Division point in the standings and are not cialist, was an unexpected gold medallist in have to practice my slalom.” Zepp clinched the win by denying Craig included in the loss column (L). Sochi last year and he had only repeated his The race for the big globe looks set to be Smith. Nashville dropped to 5-5 in shootouts. Montreal 38 16 5 157 131 81 Olympic triumph once in the World Cup, at even closer in the women’s World Cup with the Lenzerheide finals last winter. On a Fenninger now only 84 points behind Maze a Saalbach course seldom used in the past 20 month from the end of the season. years, however, Mayer set the record straight The Austrian won Saturday’s giant slalom by adding his first Super-G victory on Sunday but Maze straddled a gate in Sunday’s slalom to his downhill triumph the previous day. after crashing out in the first run the previous “A double after my Olympic title and my day. “It definitely doesn’t work out well for me victory last year- I’m finding my pace at last. here,” she said. “I don’t really know what to say Obviously my injury in November did not help about the World Cup.Obviously Anna is skiing my season start,” the Austrian, who tore knee too well for me right now and it looks like it’s ligaments in training for the early season, told going to be really tight,” she added. reporters. “Now I feel I’m where I should be.” The slalom was won by Olympic and world In one minute 31.53 seconds, the Austrian champion Mikaela Shiffrin of the United beat Super-G world bronze medallist Adrien States, who collected her third World Cup vic- Theaux of France by 0.21 seconds and tory of the winter. Second-placed Slovak Norway’s Kjetil Jansrud was third, a further Veronika Velez Zuzulova and third-placed 0.04 adrift. Czech Sarka Strachova finished more than a The result was a consolation for big globe second adrift. — Reuters

Alonso crashes as McLaren toils BARCELONA: Two-time world champion gave him first aid. “He was conscious and spoke Fernando Alonso brought the morning session with the doctors. “However, as per usual proce- on the final day of the second pre-season test dure in such circumstances, he was then airlift- in Barcelona to a premature end when he ed to hospital where he is undergoing precau- crashed the McLaren-Honda MP4-30. The tionary checks.” Spaniard had managed just 20 laps on another Jenson Button was already scheduled to troubled morning for the struggling giants, take over from Alonso for the afternoon session who lag well behind every other team on the having been very limited in his running on grid in terms of mileage with the start of the Thursday and Saturday due to a faulty seal. season less than a month away. Alonso It was a much more positive morning for received medical attention at the circuit and the other Spanish driver on show as rookie was then airlifted to hospital. Carlos Sainz Junior was fastest in the Toro “Fernando Alonso’s McLaren-Honda car left Rosso in a time of 1min 25.604. Sebastian Vettel the track at turn three, causing the right-hand was second quickest for Ferrari, whilst side of his car to strike the wall,” McLaren said in Mercedes continued their mileage marathon in a statement. “Fernando was driven to the cir- testing as Nico Rosberg logged another 68 laps cuit’s medical centre where the circuit’s doctors despite an early spin-off into the gravel. —AFP SANTA CLARA: Matt Irwin No. 52 of the San Jose Sharks tangles with Justin Williams No. 14 of the Los Angeles Kings in the third period at Levi’s Stadium. — AFP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 SPORTS Pelicans cool Heat

MIAMI: Eric Gordon scored 16 of his 24 points in the third quarter and, even after losing Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson to injuries, the New Orleans Pelicans had no trouble beating the Miami Heat 105-91 on Saturday night. Omer Asik scored 15 points and Tyreke Evans added 13 to help the Pelicans snap a four-game slide. Mario Chalmers scored 20 points for Miami, which was playing for the first time since learning that All-Star forward Chris Bosh will miss the remainder of the season with blood clots on one of his lungs. The Heat made that announcement earli- er Saturday. Dwyane Wade scored 19 points and Hassan Whiteside finished with 11 points and 16 rebounds for the Heat, who kept the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Goran Dragic, making his DUBAI: Simona Halep of Romania (left) winner of the tournament holds the trophy Miami debut after being acquired in a trade from with the runner-up Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic after the final match of Phoenix, had 12 points. the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. — AP Davis departed with 3:07 left in the first quarter, moments after he attempted a shot and made con- tact with Miami’s Hassan Whiteside. Davis - who Halep clinches missed two games earlier this month, plus the All- Star Game because of the shoulder issue - immedi- ately grimaced in pain, then hobbled off the court Dubai Open title while grabbing the shoulder even before play could be stopped. Anderson was ruled out shortly before halftime after spraining his right knee jostling for a DUBAI: Top-seeded Simona Halep earned the tising my return; I think I have a good return. “I rebound. tenth title of her career and made it a Gulf dou- didn’t serve very well, but I did other things ble by capturing the Dubai Open with a tena- okay.” The match might have taken a very differ- cious and skilful 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) win over Karolina ent course had Pliskova converted a break point THUNDER 110, HORNETS 103 Pliskova on Saturday. The Romanian will defend at advantage receiver in the fourth game, when Russell Westbrook had 33 points and 10 assists the Doha title next week in good spirits after Halep saved it with a decent first serve, or suc- and Oklahoma City beat Charlotte for its fifth proving too mobile and tactically too flexible for ceeded with another break point at 30-40 in the straight victory. With Kevin Durant sidelined by the 22-year-old Pliskova, who has served the sixth game. soreness in his right foot, Westbrook was 12 of 27 most aces on the WTA Tour this year - now 149 - On that occasion Pliskova was not quite from the field and t 9 of 9 from the foul line, stretch- but missed two break point chances early on,. quick enough to contain an immaculate back- ing his streak of consecutive free throws to 43. and they proved costly. hand driven magnetically parallel to the side- Serge Ibaka had 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Halep, who had shown herself a great fighter line. Halep broke serve in the next game for 4-3, EnesKanter had 10 points and 13 rebounds in his by coming back from close to defeat to advanced to 5-3, closing out the set two games first game with the Thunder. Al Jefferson had 20 Ekaterina Makarova in the quarter-finals, took later, with Pliskova suffering a dip in morale. This points and 12 rebounds, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist nine points in a row to reach 5-3 against was made worse by one horrendous smash into had a season-high 20 points for Charlotte. Ploskova and gain control of the first set. Halep the net from a short lob. Pliskova did however also recovered from a break down in the second, show signs of recovery in the second set. She CLIPPERS 126, KINGS 99 and survived the disappointments of missing a broke for 2-0 and later hung on well when Halep JJ Redick scored 24 points, hitting four 3-point- match point on her serve in both the tenth and served for the match at 5-4 and 6-5. ers and all eight of his free throws, and Los Angeles twelfth games. On the second occasion she bun- But an uncharacteristic forehand drive into routed Sacramento for its fourth straight victory. gled it with two double faults in a row. the net put Pliskova four points to five down in Austin Rivers had a career-high 28 points and However she eventually closed the match the tie-break, an opportunity Halep took well by out in from 3-4 down in the tie-break, and after winning the next pair of points on her serve. fellow reserve Jamal Crawford added 23 to help the finishing it with another of many accurate back- Pliskova’s consolation is a big leap from 18 in Clippers improve to 4-1 without injured All-Star hand drives, burst into mighty smiles towards a the world to 12, though she may have paid a Blake Griffin. DeAndre Jordan had 11 points and 15 large Romanian contingent before sanctifying penalty for having played more than any other rebounds. DeMarcus Cousins scored 21 points for herself. “I really love this. I’m lost for words,” she player on the tour. A left hip problem required the Kings. Coach George Karl was tagged with his said, though in fact Halep quickly found them treatment in the second set, and she will, she first loss after winning his debut against Boston on MIAMI: Miami Heat forward James Ennis (32) goes to the basket as New Orleans Pelicans cen- when asked how she had dealt with the steep says, have to adjust her schedule so that it does- Friday night. and difficult Pliskova serve. n’t worsen more. “It’s not serious I think, but it’s ter Jeff Withey (5) defends in the second half of an NBA basketball game. — AP “It’s such a good serve that I spent time prac- just too many matches for me,” she said. — AFP ROCKETS 98, RAPTORS 76 Corey Brewer had a season-high 26 points, James Harden scored 16 of his 20 points in NBA results/standings Nadal loses in Rio semis Houston’s big third quarter and the Rockets cruised past Toronto. Harden, the NBA scoring leader, got Oklahoma City 110, Charlotte 103; New Orleans 105, Miami 91; Chicago 112, Phoenix 107; RIO DE JANEIRO: After 52 straight semi-final in a clay season which would culminate in a off to a tough start and had just four points by half- Houston 98, Toronto 76; LA Clippers 126, Sacramento 99. claycourt wins stretching back 12 years, top ninth Roland Garros title, but a series of injuries time. The Rockets led by four with less than 4 min- seeded titleholder Rafael Nadal saw his streak thereafter hampered Nadal. utes left in the third before going on a 12-1 run, Eastern Conference Western Conference end Saturday, exiting the Rio Open to Italian The Mallorcan came to Brazil on the back of a with seven points from Harden, to take a 68-53 lead Atlantic Division Northwest Division Fabio Fognini. poor start to the year after a first round exit in into the fourth and end his night. A night after han- W L PCT GB Portland 36 18 .667 - Fognini, who had lost his four previous meet- Qatar and a quarter-final loss at the Australian dling Atlanta 105-80, the Raptors had a chance to Toronto 37 18 .673 - Oklahoma City 30 25 .545 6.5 ings with the 14-time grand slam champion, Open. Nadal was furious after he was forced into extend their road winning streak to a franchise- Brooklyn 22 31 .415 14 won 1-6, 6-2, 7-5 to reach a Sunday final against a late night start Friday with all four quarter- Denver 20 34 .370 16 Spaniard David Ferrer. finals played on center court and all going the record six games. Instead they were done in by 23 Boston 20 32 .385 15.5 Utah 20 34 .370 16 Second seed Ferrer reached the trophy distance. Fognini’s last eight meeting with turnovers to snap a four-game winning streak over- Philadelphia 12 42 .222 24.5 Minnesota 12 42 .222 24 match with a 7-5, 6-1 win over Austrian Andreas Argentine Federico Delbonis lasted more than all and lose away from home for the first time since NY Knicks 10 44 .185 26.5 Pacific Division Haider-Maurer. “I played well in the first set but three hours before the Australian Open doubles Jan. 21. James Johnson led Toronto with 27 points. Central Division Golden State 43 9 .827 - lacked tactical and physical continuity there- champion alongside compatriot Simone Bolelli Chicago 35 21 .625 - LA Clippers 37 19 .661 8 BULLS 112, SUNS 107 Cleveland 34 22 .607 1 after,” said Nadal. “It was very humid out there emerged a 6-4, 6-7, 7-6 winner. It was the Phoenix 29 27 .518 16 Pau Gasol had 22 points and 14 rebounds and Milwaukee 31 23 .574 3 and I got tired much quicker than normal. I start- Italian’s fatigue which showed early on as Nadal Sacramento 19 35 .352 25 ed cramping as well-which is very unusual for blitzed him in the opening set. An early break in Chicago beat revamped Phoenix for its fifth victory Detroit 22 33 .400 12.5 me,” said the Spanish star. the second looked as if the titleholder would in six games. Jimmy Butler added 19 points, Derrick Indiana 22 33 .400 12.5 LA Lakers 13 41 .241 31 Nadal, who only came off court at 3:30 am emerge victorious. Rose had 16, Mike Dunleavy Jr. 15, and Taj Gibson Southeast Division Southwest Division after Friday night’s quarter-final win over Instead, a double fault allowed Fognini a toe and Aaron Brooks came on strong in the fourth Atlanta 43 12 .782 - Memphis 39 14 .736 - Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas, was visibly fatigued, hold. He threw that one away in missing a sim- quarter to finish with 12 points apiece. Washington 33 22 .600 10 Houston 37 18 .673 3 allowing his early momentum to slip as he ple volley but thereafter the momentum swung PJ Tucker led Phoenix with 20 points. Marcus Miami 23 31 .426 19.5 Dallas 37 20 .649 4 crashed out after 2hr 17 min. inexorably his way with a trio of breaks seeing Morris scored 17 points. Eric Bledsoe had 13, and so Charlotte 22 31 .415 20 San Antonio 34 21 .618 6 “I am very pleased as I played the best in the the Italian level matters. Nadal tried to dig his did Brandon Knight in his Suns debut. Phoenix lost Orlando 18 39 .316 26 New Orleans 28 27 .509 12 world on this surface. This is my best career win way out of trouble in the decider as, trying to for the seventh time in eight games. — AP to date,” said 28th-ranked Fognini, seeded four avoid a first loss in 21 matches in Brazil, he at the event whose inaugural edition Nadal won began to run out of juice as Fognini took the last year. That success was a building block early honors on his third match point. —AFP Goosen ahead at tricky Riviera

PACIFIC PALISADES: South African veteran “I had to work hard to try and stay positive Furyk (68). On a mild day at Riviera, Goosen Retief Goosen survived a trying time on the and focused. But I’m still in the lead, and that’s birdied three of the first eight holes, draining back nine in tough scoring conditions at the a good place to be. Canadian Graham DeLaet, a 35-footer at the eighth to storm three Northern Trust Open to stretch his lead to two seeking his first PGA Tour victory, was alone in strokes clear at nine under. shots after the third round on Saturday. second after carding a 70 while Spanish world Out in three-under 32, he struggled on the A stroke in front overnight, Goosen ground number seven Sergio Garcia was among a back nine with bogeys at the 10th, 12th, 13th out a two-under-par 69 on a firm and fast-run- group of four players knotted at five under and 15th that cut his lead to one. ning Riviera Country Club where the players after shooting a 68. However, he conjured a surprise birdie at faced a testing challenge reminiscent of a Level with Garcia were South Korean Bae the par-three 16th, where he chipped in from major championship. Sang-moon (66), PGA Tour rookie Carlos Ortiz an awkward spot in rough above a bunker, The 46-year-old South African, a twice for- of Mexico (68) and long-hitting American J.B. and picked up another shot at the par-five mer U.S. Open winner, rebounded from four Holmes (69) on a multinational leaderboard 17th after reaching the green in two and two- bogeys in six holes after the turn with two late stacked with quality players. Masters champi- putting. “I didn’t hit the ball that great on the birdies to post an eight-under total of 205. on Bubba Watson, who won last year’s back nine, especially my driver, and put myself “It wasn’t easy out there for me,” Goosen, a Northern Trust Open, was just four strokes off in a few bad places,” Goosen said. “Overall, seven-times winner on the PGA Tour who has the pace after returning a 70, level with rising very happy. Obviously a very good finish and not triumphed on the circuit since the 2009 young American talent Jordan Spieth (70) and a nice chip-in on 16 that kept the scorecard Shooting tourney concludes Transitions Championship, told reporters. former major winners Vijay Singh (69) and Jim going.” — Reuters KUWAIT: The shooting tournament of the Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown late Sheikh Abdallah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- concluded Saturday in the presence of Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber President of Kuwait and Arab Shooting Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the Federations Eng Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi, Kuwait people,” he said. Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations Osaimi also said the late Sheikh Secretary General Obaid Al-Osaimi, and Abdallah Al-Mubarak contributed to the KSSC board members. development of the defense ministry, and The tournament lasted three days, as laid the foundation for building Kuwait shooters from club, National Guard, and the Armed Forces. He also played a major role shooting school competed in the Olympic in Kuwait’s information development apart skeet, trap and double trap events. from laying the foundation for Kuwait Osaimi said the tournament enjoyed Cultural Club. large participation by shooters, who com- Osaimi thanked the family of Sheikh peted for the cup as Kuwait celebrates its Abdallah Al-Mubarak for their generous National and Liberation Days. “We at Kuwait and continued support to Kuwait Shooting Shooting Sport Club take this opportunity and their encouragement to shooters to to congratulate HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah continue their efforts towards success. He

Results of the tournament: Skeet - men: Zaid D. Al-Mutairi, Mansour Uqla Al-Rashidi, Abdallah Al-Turqi Al-Rashid. Trap - men: Saad Al-Hubaida, Irshaid Hadi Al-Rashidi, Talal Abdallah Al-Rashidi. Double trap - men: Hamad Al-Afasi, Ahmad Al-Afasi, Mashal Sanat Al-Dhafiri. Trap - women: Hajar Fawzi, Asmaa Walid Al-Qatami, Sarah Al-Hawal. Skeet - women: Afrah Adel, Sheikh Al-Rashidi, Iman Al-Shamma. Skeet - Juniors: Hamad Al-Khaldi, Nasser Al-Mutairi, Bader Al-Daihani. Trap - juniors: Mohammad Al-Hamly, Khalid Al-Murad, Fares Al-Mutairi. Skeet - Shooting school: Hamad Al-Ablani, Hamad Al-Rashidi, Ahmad Al-Azmi. Trap - shooting school: Rashid Al-Rashidi, Hamad Hussein, Bandar Salah. LOS ANGELES: Retief Goosen, of South Africa, hits out of a bunker on the 7th hole during the third round of the Northern Trust Open golf tour- nament at Riviera Country Club. — AP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015

Braveheart Berrington has no time for auld grudges SYDNEY: Giving a taster of the sort of batting he we’ll take it from there,” Berrington told is capable of, Richie Berrington took one step reporters after the West Indies warm-up. Having down the University Oval track and smashed a come up short against the Black Caps, England, Daniel Vettori delivery high over the long-on Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Australia remain boundary and into the window of the TV com- potential victims of the upset that would signal mentary box. mission accomplished for the Scots at their third The sumptuous six in Scotland’s World Cup World Cup. opener against New Zealand on Tuesday was only a sample of what the 27-year-old can pro- SWEETER UPSET duce as circumstances forced him to display the Berrington may have been born in South more circumspect side to his game. A top order Africa but his accent bears witness to an collapse had brought him to the crease in the upbringing as Scottish as the tartan that adorns fifth over to face a hat-trick ball and application the sleeves of his World Cup match shirt. That rather than pyrotechnics were the order of the said, he was not about to leave any hostages to day in his 80-ball half-century. If Scotland were to fortune by entering into conjecture about get within a sniff of a victory in the remainder of whether a victory over England, still regarded as the World Cup, however, no one should be sur- the “auld enemy” by many Scots, would be the prised to see Berrington leading the charge. sweeter upset. His half-century in the Dunedin defeat was “We’ve got five opportunities to beat full his seventh in one-dayers and he is one of only member sides and we want to beat one of these 13 players to have scored a century in an inter- teams, whether it’s England or not we’ll wait and national Twenty20. Berrington achieved that see,” he said firmly. Scotland’s qualification for 100 off 56 balls to drive Scotland to victory over the World Cup in the tournament in New Bangladesh in 2012. Zealand last year not only earned them ODI sta- He also caught the eye in the World Cup tus but also ensured the funding that allows the warm-ups with 66 as the Scots came up four likes of Berrington to remain professional. As a runs short of victory over West Indies and 52 man who packed supermarket shelves before he from 40 balls to drive the Scots to the brink of took up the game full-time, Berrington knows their 179-run triumph over Ireland. Unlike the how important it was but he and his team mates Irish, the Scots have never won a World Cup are determined that it not be the extent of their game nor beaten a top tier nation, a state of achievement. “The group’s been together for affairs they are determined to rectify over the while now and we’ve been working hard before next few weeks. “We are very much looking to the start of this World Cup,” he said. “In the take it one game at a time, our first goal is to warm-ups we played some good cricket so we’re turn over one of the five full member teams and quite confident.” — Reuters

DUNEDIN: Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene dives to make his ground as Afghanistan’s Samiullah Shenwari attempts to catch the ball during their Cricket World Cup match. — AP Jayawardene century saves face for Sri Lanka

DUNEDIN: Mahela Jayawardene’s century res- cued Sri Lanka from a batting meltdown as SCOREBOARD they beat Afghanistan by four wickets in their World Cup match in Dunedin yesterday. DUNEDIN, New Zealand: Completed scoreboard in the World Cup Pool A match between Sri Set a modest target of 233 to win the Pool Lanka and Afghanistan at University Oval in Dunedin yesterday: A game, 1996 champions Sri Lanka were Afghanistan 54-1 (1w), Herath 10-0-41-1 (1w), Mendis 3-0-13-0. stunned when openers Lahiru Thirimanne Javed Ahmadi c Herath b Lakmal 24 and Tillakaratne Dilshan both fell for golden Nawroz Mangal c Thirimanne b Mathews 10 Sri Lanka ducks. Asghar Stanikzai c Mendis b Herath 54 L. Thirimanne lbw b Dawlat Zadran 0 They were in further strife at 51 for four Samiullah Shenwari c Mathews b Perera 38 T. Dilshan c Afsar Zazai b Shapoor Zadran 0 before Jayawardene (100) and skipper Angelo Mohammad Nabi b Malinga 21 K. Sangakkara b Hassan 7 Richie Berrington Mathews (44) rectified the innings with a 126- Najibullah Zadran c Perera b Lakmal 10 D. Karunaratne c Mangal b Hassan 23 run partnership before Sri Lanka won with 10 Afsar Zazai c Herath b Malinga 19 M. Jayawardene c Mangal b Hassan 100 Preview balls to spare at University Oval. Mirwais Ashraf c Lakmal b Malinga 28 A. Mathews run out (Nabi) 44 Jaywardene’s crucial innings was his 19th Dawlat Zadran b Mathews 4 J. Mendis not out 9 England vulnerability ODI century and one of his most valuable as Hamid Hassan c Mendis b Mathews 0 T. Perera not out 47 Sri Lanka, losing finalists at the last two World Shapoor Zadran not out 1 Extras (lb2, w3, nb1) 6 Cups, were in trouble before he set about Extras (lb6, w16, nb1) 23 Total (6 wickets; 48.2 overs) 236 boosts Scottish belief taming the bowling. Total (all out; 49.4 overs) 232 Did not bat: R. Herath, S. Malinga, S. Lakmal This was Sri Lanka’s first win in two games Fall of wickets 1-34 (Nawroz Mangal), 2-40 (Javed Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Thirimanne), 2-2 (Dilshan), CHRISTCHURCH: Under-fire England have Anderson sent down 15 overs in the first two Ahmadi), 3-128 (Asghar Stanikzai), 4-157 3-18 (Sangakkara), 4-51 (Karunaratne), 5-177 fuelled Scotland’s self-belief going into their games for a return of none for 104. His new-ball this tournament following a 98-run defeat by New Zealand, but the plaudits went to World (Samiullah Shenwari), 5-169 (Mohammad Nabi), (Mathews), 6-178 (Jayawardene) World Cup Pool B showdown at Hagley Oval in partner Stuart Broad has figures of two for 93 6-175 (Najibullah Zadran), 7-221 (Mirwais Ashraf), Bowling: Dawlat Zadran 9-0-44-1 (1w), Christchurch today. from 12.2 overs. Cup debutants Afghanistan, who only let themselves down with a slow run-rate in the 8-227 (Dawlat Zadran), 9-227 (Hamid Hassan), 10- Shapoor Zadran 10-1-48-1, Hamid Hassan 9- At any other time the outcome would be a “England don’t look as if they’ll get out of the 232 (Zazai). 0-45-3 (1nb), Mirwais Ashraf 8.1-0-31-0, Nabi foregone conclusion with England expected to group at this stage,” was the blunt assessment of second half of their innings. Bowling: Malinga 9.4-1-41-3 (1nb, 5w), Lakmal 10- 5.2-0-28-0 (1w), Stanikzai 0.5-0-6-0, Shenwari cruise to victory without pressure. former England captain Paul Collingwood who Sent in to bat in spicy, overcast conditions 1-36-2 (2w), Mathews 7-0-41-3 (2w), Perera 10-0- 6-0-32-0 But for England these are not ordinary times. has switched loyalties to Scotland since joining they reached 169 for four before the the last They have come into the World Cup with a bat- their coaching staff. There have only been two 15 overs saw six wickets go down as they tle plan that is not working and key players completed games between England and were dismissed for 232 with two balls remain- an Afghanistan side beaten in their tourna- swing, Mathews did not think twice about struggling for form. Scotland, in 2010 and 2014, and England won ing. It left Sri Lanka with a modest chase but ment opener by Bangladesh. After leaving the fielding when he won the toss. However, After a 111-run thrashing by Australia in their both with ease. field to address problems with his boots, the Lasith Malinga and Suranga Lakmal were too Cup opener, they were even more out of their But times have changed and Collingwood, an experienced side made life difficult for depth on Friday when New Zealand whipped who led England to the World Twenty20 crown themselves as, for only the second time in flamboyant Hassan came back to end loose to threaten Afghanistan openers Javed them by eight wickets. five years ago, said Scotland held a “real confi- one-day international history, both openers Jayawardene’s stand and finished with figures Ahmadi and Nawroz Mangal, who eventually Two games, two losses and a humiliated dence and belief” they can win now. “That’s fell first ball. of three for 45. engineered their own dismissals playing rash- England-now under pressure to avoid falling to going to be an amazing feeling if we can get Dawlat Zadran had Thirimanne leg before Sri Lanka were 178 for six, requiring 54 runs ly at innocuous deliveries. Their removal unit- a low-ranked side such as Scotland-are search- that first-ever World Cup win under our belt, wicket with the first ball of the innings and in under nine overs, when Thisara Perera ed Asghar Stanikzai (54) and Samiullah ing for answers while the Scots are talking up there’s no better time than against England.” Dilshan was caught behind off the first ball he eased their nerves with a decisive and quick- Shenwari (38) in the middle to produce a well- their chances of an historic win. Scotland fared Collingwood was not alone with former England faced from Shapoor Zadran in the second fire unbeaten 47. crafted 88-run partnership for the fourth considerably better against New Zealand when opener-turned-commentator Geoffrey Boycott over. The slump did not end there as Hamid Afghanistan may be regarded as rank out- wicket, Afghanistan’s best stand against a top- they scored 142 and it took the tournament co- admitting to being “a bit nervous” a head of siders but Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran eight side. Mirwais Ashraf chimed in with 28 hosts 25 overs and the loss of seven wickets to Monday’s clash. Although Scotland rarely get to Hassan continued the demolition of the Sri secure victory. By comparison, England’s 123 measure themselves against Test-playing Lankan top order. and Hassan taught Sri Lanka a lesson on how as for the first time in their six-year, 47-game was mown down in 12.2 overs for the loss of nations nine of their squad-all of them profes- He bowled Kumar Sangakkara for seven to utilise the conditions. ODI history, Afghanistan’s top eight batsmen only two wickets. England’s opening partner- sionals-have county cricket experience. and Dimuth Karunaratne was caught behind With cloudy skies following overnight rain, all reached double figures. Mathews and ships against Australia and New Zealand were And if Scotland do stun England then an for 23 as Sri Lanka reeled at 51 for four against and with the ground renowned for early Malinga both took three for 41. — AFP 25 and 18. Against Australia they were 92 for six Englishman could well be central to their suc- and against New Zealand 108 for six with the cess. Tenacious batsman Matt Machan, Sussex- cream of their batting back in the hutch. born of Scottish parents, has a handy 37.75 ODI James Taylor’s 98 against Australia is the only average and scored 56 against New Zealand. score over 50 and Chris Woakes’ has the only Four years back, England showed they are respectable bowling figures with two for eight there for the taking by the lesser sides when against New Zealand. they lost to Ireland by three wickets at the 2011 Of England’s main strike bowlers, James World Cup. — AFP World Cup vies for attention SYDNEY: The top overseas cricketers Even the weather hasn’t helped the may be in Australia for the World Cup, World Cup with Australia’s match against but the local media’s fascination is on a Bangladesh washed out by cyclonic con- drugs scandal infiltrating the two rival ditions in Brisbane on Saturday, meaning rugby codes. the national cricket team will not have The back page headlines have been played before their own fans for two and all about a drug scandal involving high- a half weeks by the time they face profile rugby union convert Karmichael Afghanistan in Perth on March 4. Hunt and two players from the National Australia’s next game is against New Rugby League club Gold Coast Titans Zealand in Auckland next Saturday. So with reports of more players likely to be that will also conspire to suck more implicated. Hunt, a former Australian rug- media attention from the World Cup as by league international who switched to the football codes-NRL, Super Rugby and Super Rugby outfit Queensland Reds AFL-get their winter seasons into full from Aussie Rules, and Titans pair Jamie swing. Football’s A-League season, Dowling and Beau Falloon are all sched- buoyed by Australia’s win in last month’s uled to appear in a Gold Coast court next Asian Cup at home, has been underway month facing allegations of supplying a since October and ends in May. dangerous drug. Australia has often been described as All have been stood down by their the one of the most crowded sports mar- clubs. But reports say that an ongoing kets in the world, entertaining four well- Queensland Crime and Corruption supported football codes and all jostling Commission operation could yet see for media and fans support in the same more players, both current and retired, market. It is against this backdrop that face court. And that has cornered the the ICC has scheduled its four-yearly media’s attention and deflected a large World Cup in Australia and New Zealand part of the focus off the World Cup, at the tailend of the summer cricket sea- which is being staged in Australia and son and butting up against the football New Zealand over six weeks. seasons. —AFP DUNEDIN: Sri Lankan fans cheer their team during their Cricket World Cup win over Afghanistan yesterday. — AP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015

Dhawan ton sparks India rout of S Africa

MELBOURNE: Shikhar Dhawan smashed 137 off century. All his seven hundreds have come in a South Africa’s innings when Quinton de Kock, 146 balls as defending champions India winning cause, but it was the confident display who had hit centuries in each of the last three whipped mighty South Africa by 130 runs to against Dale Steyn and company that would one-dayers against them, was caught at mid-off step closer to a quarter-final berth in the World have pleased retired batting star Sachin for seven. Cup yesterday. Tendulkar who was present in the packed Dependable opener Amla had made 22 when A boisterous crowd of 86,876 at the stands. he top-edged a pull off seamer Mohit Sharma Melbourne Cricket Ground saw India pile up 307 Steyn, one of the most fearsome fast bowlers and Shami, who had claimed de Kock’s wicket, for seven after electing to bat and then bowl out in the modern game, was clipped by Dhawan took a well-judged catch at long leg. the Proteas for 177 with almost 10 overs to spare over backward square-leg for six and driven over Skipper AB de Villiers made 30 in a 68-run in the day-night Pool B match. his head for another six by Ajinkya Rahane. stand for the third wicket with du Plessis when Faf du Plessis top-scored with 55 but India Steyn finished with figures of one for 55 from 10 he was run out as Mohit Sharma rifled in a throw made regular dents in the South African batting, overs. South Africa were hampered further when from deep cover for Dhoni to break the stumps. SCOREBOARD with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin taking seamer Vernon Philander hobbled off the field South Africa slipped to 133 for four in the three wickets and seamers Mohammad Shami with a hamstring injury after sending down just 29th over when Mohit Sharma, returning for his MELBOURNE: Completed scoreboard in the World Cup Pool B match between India and Mohit Sharma sharing four wickets. four overs. second spell, had the dangerous du Plessis and South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday: With two wins from as many games-India Dhawan, who made 73 against Pakistan, put caught at mid-off by Dhawan. defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 76 runs last on 127 for the second wicket with Virat Kohli (46) Ashwin, who came into the attack in the 22nd India Q. de Kock c Kohli b Shami 7 Sunday-Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men will move and 125 for the third with Rahane (79 off 60 over, had JP Duminy caught in the slips and then R. Sharma run out (de Villiers) 0 F. du Plessis c Dhawan b M. Sharma 55 into the quarter-finals if they beat the unfaniced balls). The 29-year-old Dhawan fell in the 44th trapped Philander leg before. S. Dhawan c Amla b Parnell 137 AB de Villiers run out (M. Sharma) 30 United Arab Emirates in Perth on February 28. over when Hashim Amla, who had floored a diffi- In between those two dismissals, David Miller V. Kohli c du Plessis b Tahir 46 D. Miller run out (Yadav) 22 South Africa, one of the pre-tournament cult chance off Wayne Parnell when the batsman was run out for 22 to leave South Africa gasping A. Rahane lbw b Steyn 79 S. Raina c sub (Rossouw) b Morkel 6 JP Duminy c Raina b Ashwin 6 favourites who beat Zimbabwe in their first was on 53, picked up an easy catch at fine leg off for survival at 153 for seven in 34 overs. The tail M. Dhoni c de Kock b Morkel 18 W. Parnell not out 17 match, have two points from as many games. the same bowler. India lost five wickets for 41 folded up as Shami dismissed Steyn, Ashwin R. Jadeja run out (de Villiers) 2 V. Philander lbw b Ashwin 0 Dhawan, the left-handed opener who resides runs after being strongly placed at 261 for two, bowled Morne Morkel and Ravindra Jadeja R. Ashwin not out 5 D. Steyn c Dhawan b Shami 1 in Melbourne with his British-Asian wife Ayesha but they still managed to score 80 runs off the claimed last man Imran Tahir leg-before to spark Mohammad Shami not out 4 and three children, hit 16 boundaries and two last 10 overs. wild celebrations in the stands packed with India M. Morkel b Ashwin 2 sixes during his seventh one-day international India broke through in just the fourth over of supporters. — AFP Extras: (lb2, nb2, w6) 10 Imran Tahir lbw b Jadeja 8 Total (7 wkts, 50 overs) 307 Did not bat: Mohit Sharma, Umesh Extras: (lb1, w6) 7 Yadav. Total (all out, 40.2 overs) 177 Fall of wickets: 1-9 (R. Sharma), 2-136 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (de Kock), 2-40 (Kohli), 3-261 (Dhawan), 4-269 (Raina), (Amla), 3-108 (de Villiers), 4-133 (du 5-278 (Rahane), 6-284 (Jadeja), 7-302 Plessis), 5-147 (Duminy), 6-153 (Miller), (Dhoni) 7-153 (Philander), 8-158 (Steyn), 9-161 Bowling: Steyn 10-1-55-1; Philander 4- (Morkel), 10-177 (Tahir). 1-19-0; Duminy 7-0-39-0 (1w); Morkel 10-0-59-2; Tahir 10-0-48-1 (1w); Parnell Bowling: Yadav 6-0-34-0 (1w); Shami 8- 9-0-85-1 (2nb, 4w) 1-30-2 (2w); M. Sharma 7-0-31-2 (2w), Jadeja 8.2-0-37-1 (1w); Ashwin 10-0-41- South Africa 3; Raina 1-0-3-0 Hashim Amla c Shami b M. Sharma 22 Result: India won by 130 runs.

Wasim warns Pakistan to shape up or ship out

CHRISTCHURCH: Pakistan great and yet we are unable to chase, then Wasim Akram told his compatriots it’s disappointing and will land yesterday they had to win the next Pakistan in more trouble. They must game in their World Cup campaign or rebuild the team soon.” get ready for an early flight home. Pakistan dropped leg-spinner Yasir Pakistan have had a miserable Shah, who played against India in start to the tournament, being well Adelaide, from the XI that took the beaten in their opening two group field against the West Indies and con- matches. Their 76-run defeat by arch- ceded a total of 310 for six at rivals and defending champions India Christchurch’s Hagley Oval. If that was followed by an even heavier 150- wasn’t enough, Pakistan then record- run loss to the West Indies in ed the worst-ever start to an innings Christchurch on Saturday. in all one-day internationals, with Pakistan next face Zimbabwe in a their first four wickets falling for just must-win Pool B game on March 1, one run. which Wasim warned will be a “make They were bowled out for a mere or break” for them. “I am very opti- 150 runs in 39 overs. Wasim said the MELBOURNE: India’s Shikhar Dhawan celebrates after scoring a century against South Africa during their Cricket World Cup pool B match. — AP mistic that they can win but if they West Indies’ resilience was an exam- don’t they have to go back home ear- ple for Pakistan to follow. ly,” Wasim told AFP. “West Indies lost their first game De Villiers slams “They must feel for the people (against Ireland) but they staged a India show themselves who come to the ground in numbers comeback and outplayed Pakistan in S Africa display and millions are watching back all aspects of the game,” said Wasim, World Cup contenders home,” added Wasim a key member who questioned the selection of MELBOURNE: South Africa captain AB de of the Pakistan side that won the opener Nasir Jamshed. MELBOURNE: India announced themselves as gen- In an uncharacteristically clumsy fielding display, Villiers lashed out at his team after their mas- World Cup when the tournament was “When Jamshed was dismissed for sive 130-run loss to India in the World Cup yes- last staged in Australia and New a duck in the warm-up game against uine contenders to defend their World Cup title yes- the Proteas dropped three catches, including a sharp terday by humbling South Africa’s vaunted pace chance to Hashim Amla at backward point that terday, saying it was an “unacceptable” per- Zealand in 1992. England, then there was no need to attack before bowling out the Proteas for an reprieved Dhawan on 53. formance. The top four in each of the two recall him,” said Wasim of the left- emphatic 130-run victory at the Melbourne Cricket Adding to their Proteas’ pain was an apparent After defending champions India had piled pools of seven will qualify for the handed opener who was out for a Ground. hamstring injury to seamer Vernon Philander who up 307 for seven, with opener Shikhar Dhawan quarter-finals. Wasim criticised the second-ball nought on Saturday. In front of a heaving crowd of 86,000, opener bowled just four overs. making 137, the Proteas were bundled out for team management and captain “In the first place, Jamshed never Shikhar Dhawan struck a sparkling 137 and Ajinkya India by contrast were positively South African in 177 with almost 10 overs to spare in front of a Misbah-ul Haq for not playing five merited selection in the team as Rahane an explosive 79 to fire India to a mammoth their fielding, with Mohit and India captain and huge crowd of 86,878 at the Melbourne bowlers. there were some other players who 307-7 and ensure their opponents would need a wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni combining to Cricket Ground. “All round we were very aver- “I have been screaming this for had done well at domestic level.” record chase at the stadium to win. run out de Villiers for 30, an important breakthrough age,” said de Villiers. “We lacked discipline in several months now but they are Jamshed was brought in as a replace- India were then outstanding in the field, sharing to end a 68-run partnership with Faf du Plessis. Du the field with dropped catches and untidy the wickets and running out two batsmen as South Plessis was unable to dig in after raising his half-cen- bowling and two run-outs in our innings was playing with four bowlers and weak- ment for Mohammad Hafeez after Africa were skittled for 177 with 10 overs to spare, tury, miscuing a slog straight to Dhawan at mid-off ening their strong point,” said Wasim, the spin-bowling all-rounder was unacceptable.” losing their last seven wickets for 44 runs. to be out for 55 and leave his team reeling at 133-4. The skipper himself was run out through a widely regarded as the greatest left- ruled out of the World Cup with a calf It was India’s first win against South Africa at the JP Duminy (6) and David Miller (22) followed arm paceman cricket has ever seen. injury just a week before the start of smart throw from the deep by Mohit Sharma World Cup after three previous losses. Though the quickly, the latter run out by an excellent throw from and David Miller followed in similar fashion “We are using an extra batsman the tournament. — AFP match may have little consequences for their respec- Umesh Yadav at square leg. The South African tail soon afterwards. Faf du Plessis was the Proteas’ tive campaigns, India, roared on by a blue-clad, flag- then expired quickly. waving army of fans will have reaped a huge confi- Ravichandran Ashwin finished with 3-41 to lead top-scorer with 55, the skipper’s 30 the only dence boost from downing the highly-fancied South the India bowling, with fast bowler Mohammed other notable contribution. World Cup results and standings Africans following their emotional opening win over Shami and medium pacer Mohit grabbing two wick- “You always feel the pressure of chasing Pakistan. Melbourne resident Dhawan’s sparkling ets each. South Africa’s selectors dropped Farhaan 300, like playing shots you may not want to,” Pool A ton anchored century-plus partnerships with Virat Behardien in favour of Wayne Parnell and the move said de Villiers. “But the top six are there to win At Dunedin Kohli (46) and Rahane as AB de Villiers’ men toiled on back-fired with the fast-bowling all-rounder conced- games. Two run-outs in the top five is not Afghanistan 232 all out (Asghar Stanikzai 54) v Sri Lanka 236-6 (Mahela a steamy day in the field after losing the toss. ing 85 runs from his nine overs. —Reuters what we want. “It was a disappointing per- formance with both bat and ball. No excuses, Jayawardene 100) we should have come up better today.” The Sri Lanka won by four wickets captain said losing the toss and batting sec- ond under lights contributed to South Africa’s Pool B defeat. At Melbourne “It was a good wicket to bat on in the after- India 307-7 (Shikhar Dhawan 137, Ajinkya Rahane 79) v South Africa 177 all out noon,” he said. “But there was wear and tear in (Faf du Plessis 55) the evening. Without making excuses, I can India won by 130 runs say it was a bit two-paced as the match went on. “It was a big knock for us to be beaten by Played won lost tied N/R points run rate 130 runs. We need to lick our wounds a while Pool A because confidence takes a knock.” New Zealand 3 3 0 0 0 6 +3.586 However, de Villiers was confident his team, Australia 2 1 0 0 1 3 +2.220 who’ve now won one and lost one at this tour- Bangladesh 2 1 0 0 1 3 +2.100 nament after seeing off Zimbabwe, will Sri Lanka 2 1 1 0 0 2 -0.861 bounce back for their Pool B game against the Afghanistan 2 0 2 0 0 0 -1.175 West Indies in Sydney on Friday. “We have a Scotland 1 0 1 0 0 0 -3.039 mature group of players,” he said. “We need to England 2 0 2 0 0 0 -3.952 regroup before Friday and I am confident we will bounce back.” Pool B The overwhelming bulk of fans in a crowd of nearly 87,000 were India supporters but de India 2 2 0 0 0 4 +2.060 Villiers insisted a raucous atmosphere had not West Indies 2 1 1 0 0 2 +1.267 contributed to South Africa’s emphatic loss. Ireland 1 1 0 0 0 2 +0.618 “I don’t think that was the case,” he said. “As Zimbabwe 2 1 1 0 0 2 -0.495 Hashim (Amla) said to me, India batted well. South Africa 2 1 1 0 0 2 -0.680 And we need to win games anywhere in the UAE 1 0 1 0 0 0 -0.258 world if we want to be the best cricket team in Pakistan 2 0 2 0 0 0 -2.260 MELBOURNE: Indian supporters cheer their team during their Cricket World Cup pool B match against South Africa. — AP the world. — AFP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 SPORTS Draw woes continue for Roma

MILAN: Roma’s title hopes took a further dive yesterday after they were held to their sixth Serie A draw in seven games, leaving Juventus nine points clear at the top of the table. Roma’s visit to Verona ended 1-1, despite talismanic captain Francesco Totti giving them a first-half lead with his 240th league goal. Elsewhere, ailing AC Milan got back to win- ning ways with a precious 2-0 home win over Cesena, while Lazio climbed up to fourth thanks to Antonio Candreva’s superb second-half win- ner in a 2-1 home defeat of Palermo. Massimo Maccarone hit a brace of goals, one in each half, to send Empoli on their way to a 3-0 home win over Chievo, while the Parma v Udinese fixture was postponed as the cash- strapped hosts, on the verge of bankruptcy, had no money to pay stadium stewards. Champions Juventus took their lead over Roma to 10 points on Friday, a 2-1 win over Atalanta giving the Bianconeri a boost ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 meeting with Borussia Dortmund. GERMANY: Hamburg’s midfielder Zoltan Stieber (left) and Moenchengladbach’s It left Roma under the cosh on what was defender Tony Jantschke vie for the ball during the German First Division Bundesliga always going to be a difficult fixture at Verona’s football match. — AFP Bentegodi stadium and although the visitors showed plenty of enterprise, Rudi Garcia’s men are still struggling to produce a match-winner. Gladbach salvage “We’re creating chances that are going to waste,” Garcia told Sky Sport after the game. “As well as Ljajic’s efforts on goal, Nainggolan came close in the opening minutes. If we’d put draw in Hamburg those away, we could have settled the game by the end of the first half.” BERLIN: An injury-time goal from substitute broke at pace before setting up Stieber. The Radja Nainggolan forced Francesco Benussi Branimir Hrgota earned Borussia Hungarian attacker curled home into the down low to his right to block his dipping drive Moenchengladbach a 1-1 draw at Hamburg bottom corner beyond Gladbach ‘keeper from just outside the area in the opening 10 in the German Bundesliga yesterday and Yann Sommer. Rudnevs wasted a chance to minutes, and Adem Ljajic then fired a daisycutter denied the home team some breathing put the result beyond doubt before Kruse straight to the ‘keeper from Miralem Pjanic’s low space in their fight against relegation. failed to take what seemed set to be free kick on the right. Totti, making his return A well-taken 73rd-minute strike from Gladbach’s last opportunity. But they forced after a spell out due to ‘flu, looked under par Zoltan Stieber looked like it might be another corner two minutes into stoppage during the opening exchanges. But he eclipsed enough to lift Hamburg four points clear of time and substitute Raffael cleverly stepped his mediocre start with a superbly-struck dip- the drop zone, only for Swedish forward out of the path of the ball to allow Hrgota’s ping shot from 30 metres out which beat Hrgota to power home a header from a cor- header to nestle in the corner. Benussi at his near post in the 26th minute. ner. The visitors had been hoping to take a Barely 10 minutes later Verona were back on firmer grip on third place after results went BAYERN CLEAR level terms when Bosko Jankovic rose above their way on Saturday but in the end they Second-placed Wolfsburg face Hertha makeshift defender Alessandro Florenzi to meet were relieved to escape with a point. Berlin later on Sunday, while on Saturday, a corner with a header which came off the legs “Hamburg were very aggressive,” Bayern stretched their lead at the top to 11 of Seydou Keita before wrong-footing Morgan Gladbach boss Lucien Favre said. “We had points following a 6-0 win at Paderborn and De Sanctis. two very good chances at the start and we Augsburg goalkeeper Marwin Hitz scored a didn’t take them. stoppage-time equaliser against Bayer DISPOSSESSED “You have to say too that Hamburg Leverkusen. Florenzi was forced off moments later with an fought very well. Bayern drew 0-0 here, Robert Lewandowksi’s first-half double injury knock and replaced by Greek defender Leverkusen lost 1-0 and Hanover lost 2-1. on his return to the starting line-up got Vasilis Torosidis, while Ljajic narrowly failed to It’s not easy here.” Bayern on their way, while Arjen Robben is give the visitors a half-time lead when his free ITALY: Roma’s midfielder from Ivory Coast Seydou Doumbia fights for the ball with Verona’s Hamburg had made seven changes to the league’s top scorer after getting his 15th kick smacked off the crossbar. Milan welcomed forward from Argentina Juan Ignacio Gomez (back) during their Serie A football match. —AFP the team that was hammered 8-0 by Bayern and 16th goals of the season. Franck Ribery Cesena to the San Siro looking for only their Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo said: “Apart secured the points on 78 minutes when last weekend, with out-of-form captain and Mitchell Weiser also netted as the third win in 10 games and Giacomo Bonaventura from the result, I think the team should be com- Candreva worked his way around two players to Rafael van der Vaart left on the bench as Joe defending champions scored four times in broke the deadlock on 22 minutes with a low plimented for a solid display. the left of goal before firing past Sorrentino and Zinnbauer sought a strong reaction. the second half after the home team had angled strike that beat Nicola Leali at his far “We deserved the win and have to keep into the far top corner. And goalscorer Stieber said it was vital Florian Hartherz sent off. post. Milan had Christian Abbiati to thank for going like this. It’s a positive day for everyone.” At Lazio moved up to fourth, 17 points behind that the home side responded well. “We Meanwhile, there was late drama in keeping a clean sheet when the ‘keeper pro- the Stadio Olimpico, Lazio were stunned in the Juventus and only two behind Napoli in the knew that last week, it was a very bad day Augsburg as Hitz stabbed home to salvage duced a great one-handed save in first-half 26th minute when Paulo Dybala was sent third and last Champions League qualifying for us,” he said. “All week long we showed a a 2-2 draw against Leverkusen. He is the injury-time from Giuseppe de Feudis’s superb through to beat Federico Marchetti at the ‘keep- spot, although they will be overtaken by lot of concentration in training. “It’s tough first goalkeeper to score a Bundesliga goal first-time effort. But the hosts made sure of the er’s far post after Mauricio was dispossessed to Fiorentina if they account for Torino in Sunday’s to lose points in the last seconds but that’s from open play since Frank Rost for Werder win when Giampaolo Pazzini came off the bench the left of the area. late game. Today Napoli can pull to within three football. Nevertheless, we showed that Bremen in March 2002. to fire a 90th minute second goal past Leali from Lazio were back on level terms barely seven points of Roma with a home win against we’re a good team.” Gladbach looked more Bremen are still unbeaten in 2015 after the penalty spot after Carlos Carbonera was minutes later when skipper Stefano Mauri bun- Sassuolo, while Cagliari, third-from-bottom, host likely to score in the hectic opening min- Sebastian Proedl got an injury-time equalis- adjudged to have pushed Luca Antonelli. dled home from close range. And the hosts Inter Milan. — AFP utes as Max Kruse fired just wide after a er for a 1-1 draw at Schalke, while Martin swift break from Patrick Hermann. Schmidt got off to a winning start as man- Before five minutes were up, Hermann ager of Mainz 05 as they beat Eintracht went even closer-seeing his deflected close- Frankfurt 3-1. Anthony Ujah scored Lyon grind out win range strike come back off the post. Cologne’s first goal at home in 363 minutes Gladbach had the chance to move four of football as they hit back for a share of the points clear of fourth-placed Schalke but points against Hanover while third-bottom they had to withstand plenty of pressure in Freiburg also shared the points in a 1-1 the first half. draw against Hoffenheim. On Friday, to reclaim top spot The game looked to be drifting to a goal- Borussia Dortmund won their third league less draw in the second period but it game in a row with a 3-2 success at bottom exploded into life when Artjoms Rudnevs club VfB Stuttgart. — AFP PARIS: A scrappy goal credited to Nabil Fekir was enough for Lyon to beat Nantes 1-0 at the Stade de Gerland yesterday and move back to the top Celtic thrash Hamilton of the Ligue 1 table. Hubert Fournier’s side broke the deadlock GLASGOW: Kris Commons marked his The Hamilton stopper came to their midway through the second half when Yoann return from injury with a double to help rescue again three minutes later when he Gourcuff and Alexandre Lacazette combined to Celtic to a comfortable 4-0 win over got down low to block Guidetti’s snap- set up Fekir, although the final touch appeared to Hamilton Academical that took them shot as he connected with an Ambrose come off Nantes defender Kian Hansen as the ball clear at the top of the Scottish cross. Hamilton defender Michael Devlin dribbled over the line. It was Lyon’s first attempt Premiership yesterday. A well-organised then put in a superb challenge to stop on target but the goal allowed them to make it 11 Hamilton defence frustrated Celtic in the Guidetti in his tracks as he delayed hitting league games without defeat as they reopened a first half with Swedish striker John his shot after a good headed knockdown two-point gap to reigning champions Paris Saint- Guidetti guilty of missing a host of by Ambrose. Germain, who beat Toulouse 3-1 on Saturday. chances. Commons laid the ball on a plate for OL are also five points ahead of third-placed The breakthrough came in the 57th the Swedish striker after good work down Marseille, who travel to Saint-Etienne later on minute through Commons before Stefan the right but he failed to make a clean Sunday evening. Lyon had drawn their last three Johansen tapped in a second. Guidetti connection with his effort and it rolled matches in the absence of 21-goal leading scorer finally got on the scoresheet with a 78th- straight to McGovern. Lacazette, but he returned after a hamstring minute header before Commons made it Johansen was then off-target with a injury to lead the line against a Nantes side still 4-0 two minutes later as Celtic extended header as he got on the end of Emilio looking for their first league win of 2015. their unbeaten run to 11 matches ahead Izaguirre’s cross as Celtic’s finishing con- In a game of few clear chances, Nantes could of Thursday’s Europa League return with tinued to let them down. have opened the scoring in the first half when Internazionale in Milan. The home side’s frustrations grew at Serge Gakpe broke in behind the home defence The win moves the Hoops three points the start of the second half until only to prod his shot wide of the far post. FRANCE: Nantes’ French goalkeeper Remy Riou (right) vies with Lyon’s French forward Nabil clear at the top of the Premiership ahead Commons broke the deadlock in the 57th Lyon almost broke the deadlock five minutes Fekir (left) during the French L1 football match. — AFP of their clash with nearest rivals minute. The Hamilton defence split as before the interval as Fekir crashed a free-kick League trip to Arsenal in midweek by winning after coming from behind to beat Lille 2-1. Aberdeen next weekend. Virgil van Dijk surged forward from against the junction of bar and post. “It’s very tough when you come from defence and his pass took a touch off 1-0 at Nice in the Cote d’Azur derby on Friday Rennes and Bordeaux drew 1-1 while the game Apart from that, Nantes ‘keeper Remy Riou was night thanks to a late Bernardo Silva strike. between Evian and Lorient was called off the Europa League and have to go in to a substitute Darren Lyon, who had been on never really troubled until the goal, although he game in the league three days later with the pitch for a matter of seconds, before There were also wins for Caen and SC Bastia, because of snow in Annecy, in the shadow of was called into action to deny substitute Clinton who are now undefeated in nine league games the Alps.— AFP a different atmosphere but we were reaching Commons who lashed a volley Njie before he conceded a penalty in stoppage switched on,” Celtic manager Ronny Deila beyond McGovern. time for bringing down Fekir in the box. said. “In the second half they got tired Moments later Johansen connected However, with the last kick of the game, cap- and when we got the first goal they had with a floated pass over the top but his tain Maxime Gonalons missed the opportunity to Police quiz three over to come forward and things opened up. weak strike was straight at McGovern. score his first Ligue 1 goal in over two years as he We got four in the end and I’m very Scott Brown then fed Guidetti in the box put the penalty wide. Paris Metro racism pleased with the performance.” but the striker was foiled by McGovern Elsewhere yesterday, Montpellier boosted Hamilton player-manager Martin who got down low to block his dinked their chances of qualifying for Europe with a 2-0 LONDON: British Police have spoken to people for offences which happen outside Canning added: “I thought for the first effort. Johansen, who hit the post with a win against Guingamp in Brittany. three men in connection with the alleged the UK but “a number of people” have now hour we did what we set out to do in drilled shot in the 63rd minute, went one Morgan Sanson gave the visitors a second- racist incident involving Chelsea supporters been spoken to in relation to the incident. terms of frustrating Celtic. better a minute later as he made it 2-0. minute lead and Guingamp, perhaps feeling the on a Paris Metro train. Footage posted online showed the com- “We lost the ball cheaply and with the McGovern failed to hold a stinging strike effects of Thursday’s Europa League win against Scotland Yard had released images of the muter, named in reports as Souleymane S, quality Celtic have they punished us. from van Dijk and spilled the ball at the Dynamo Kiev, were unable to come back into the men they believed were among a group of being pushed back on to the platform amid From there it was always difficult as they feet of Johansen, who had the simple game. Kevin Berigaud doubled Montpellier’s lead supporters who allegedly refused to let a chants of “we’re racist, we’re racist and that’s are a good side and capable of picking task of tapping home. in the second half and they could have won by a black man board the train while chanting a the way we like it”. Five people have so far you off.” Following their exertions in the McGovern made a tremendous dou- greater margin, but Djamel Bakar hit the bar with racist song on the way to Chelsea’s been suspended from Chelsea’s Stamford 3-3 draw with Inter on Thursday, Deila ble save from van Dijk and then Adam a late penalty. For Guingamp, it was a first defeat Champions League draw against Paris St Bridge ground following investigations into made four changes to his side as James Matthews before Guidetti added a third in eight games in all competitions and a first loss Germain on Tuesday. the incident. The Premier League club have Forrest, Guidetti, Efe Ambrose and as he rose to head Izaguirre’s cross home at home since November. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said reiterated their promise to ban for life any- Commons all landed places in the start- from close range in the 78th minute. Meanwhile, Metz remain bottom of the table ing line-up. on Sunday that the three men had now one proved to have been involved in the Commons completed the scoring two on goal difference after seeing their run without a Swedish striker Guidetti, who scored a minutes later. Van Dijk again caused the been identified and the force was liaising altercation, and are helping police in the UK league win extended to 14 games as they drew 0- stoppage-time equaliser against Inter, Hamilton defence problems with a ram- with the French authorities. and Paris. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho 0 at Reims. On Saturday, Adrien Rabiot scored came close with an eighth-minute header paging run and Commons applied the None of the men sought by Scotland said the club were “appalled” by the racial twice and Thiago Silva was also on target as PSG from a Commons cross that ‘keeper finishing touch to the Dutch defender’s Yard have been arrested. A police abuse, adding that owner Roman downed Toulouse to temporarily move above Michael McGovern saved on the line. pass. — AFP spokesman said the force cannot arrest Abramovich was “disgusted”. — AFP Lyon. Monaco warmed up for their Champions Dhawan ton Draw woes sparks India continue rout18 of S Africa for19 Roma MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015

Jayawardene century saves face for Sri Lanka Page 17

SOUTHAMPTON: Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling (centre) competes for the ball with Southampton’s Maya Yoshida (right) during the English Premier League soccer match. — AP Coutinho rocket sinks Saints

game without finding the net. side of Emre Can, and he then saw an even The result prevented Southampton from stronger claim waved away. EPL results/standings Southampton 0 overtaking fourth-place Manchester United, He was sent sprawling by a sliding chal- who they trail by a point, and Liverpool are lenge from Joe Allen, but Friend allowed play Everton 2 (Naismith 57, Upson 89-og) Leicester 2 (Nugent 63, Cambiasso 70); now just a point further back after extending to continue and Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Southampton 0 Liverpool 2 (Coutinho 3, Sterling 73); Tottenham 2 (Rose 81, Kane 90-pen) West Ham 2 (Kouyate 22, Sakho 62). their unbeaten run to 10 league games. Mignolet had to block from Eljero Elia. English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals Liverpool 2 Brendan Rodgers’s in-form side are now The official further angered the home sup- against, points): within touching distance of the Champions port when he failed to penalise Can for up- Chelsea 26 18 6 2 56 22 60 Newcastle 26 8 8 10 31 42 32 League berths ahead of a pivotal week that ending Nathaniel Clyne on the Southampton Man City 26 16 7 3 56 25 55 Everton 26 6 10 10 33 37 28 sees them take a 1-0 lead to Besiktas in the right, but he also allowed Jose Fonte to get Arsenal 26 14 6 6 49 29 48 Crystal Palace 26 6 9 11 28 37 27 SOUTHAMPTON: Philippe Coutinho scored a Europa League before welcoming champions away with a full-blooded sliding block on Man Utd 26 13 8 5 44 26 47 West Brom 26 6 9 11 24 34 27 magnificent goal as Liverpool overcame Manchester City to Anfield next weekend. Sterling inside the hosts’ area. Southampton 26 14 4 8 38 19 46 Hull 26 6 8 12 25 35 26 Southampton 2-0 in a controversial game yes- Dejan Lovren, who replaced the injured There were also roars of disapproval when Liverpool 26 13 6 7 38 29 45 Sunderland 26 4 13 9 22 36 25 terday to close to within two points of the Mamadou Sakho, and former Southampton Mignolet raced from his box to repel an Tottenham 26 13 5 8 41 36 44 QPR 26 6 4 16 27 45 22 Premier League’s top four. captain Adam Lallana were both booed on attempted lob from Elia, but replays showed West Ham 26 10 9 7 38 30 39 Burnley 26 4 10 12 25 44 22 Swansea 26 10 7 9 30 34 37 Aston Villa 26 5 7 14 13 36 22 Coutinho opened the scoring with a stun- their returns to St Mary’s, but Coutinho sliced the ball had struck the goalkeeper’s chest and Stoke 26 10 6 10 30 34 36 Leicester 26 4 6 16 24 42 18 ning 30-yard effort in the third minute and through the home fans’ jeers with a sensation- then ricocheted against his arm. Moments Raheem Sterling added a second goal al early goal. before half-time, amid pandaemonium in the towards the end, but it was the performance Collecting the ball 30 yards from goal, the Liverpool box, Mignolet parried from Djuricic. Skrtel produced a good block to thwart Mane third goal in five games and validated of referee Kevin Friend that was to prove the Brazilian midfielder shifted it onto his right Both sides made changes at the break, as Southampton pushed for an equaliser, but Rodgers’s decision to select the England for- biggest talking point on a cold, squally foot and let fly with a glorious, dipping shot Southampton sending on the fit-again with 17 minutes to play, Liverpool’s killer sec- ward instead of of Mario Balotelli, who evening at St Mary’s. towards the top-left corner that cannoned Morgan Schneiderlin and Liverpool introduc- ond arrived. Slipping on the greasy pitch, Matt remained on the bench. The official turned down two strong penal- into the net via the crossbar. By then, Filip ing Alberto Moreno for Lazar Markovic, while Targett could only steer Moreno’s left-wing Thereafter, Mignolet saved a skidding free- ty appeals from Southampton and was bar- Djuricic, making his first Southampton start, Sadio Mane entered the fray for the hosts cross as far as Sterling, who slammed home kick from substitute Dusan Tadic and an over- racked by their supporters throughout, as had already had a penalty appeal turned shortly after. before celebrating jubilantly with the fans head kick from Schneiderlin, but the game Ronald Koeman’s side went a third home down when he went down after getting goal- Graziano Pelle dragged wide and Martin behind Fraser Forster’s goal. It was Sterling’s was already up. — AFP Kane’s late leveller caps Upson own goal leaves dramatic Spurs revival Leicester frustrated stay in 12th place after their third consecutive Tottenham did go close to the opener when league game without a win. Kane won a race against James Tomkins for a sim- Everton 2 After their impressive Europa League vic- Tottenham 2 ple ball over the top from Rose. tory at Young Boys on Thursday, Everton were Winston Reid’s challenge forced the Spurs for- short of energy and inspiration for long peri- ward to improvise a poke with his studs rather ods. than a clean strike, but the ball still beat Adrian Andrej Kramaric came close to punishing only to clip the outside of the base of a post and Leicester 2 Everton for their lethargy when the Leicester West Ham 2 spin to safety. But West Ham also looked danger- striker curled his shot just over Howard’s goal. ous and Sakho alertly nipped in between Hugo John Stones then put in a last-ditch block Lloris and Eric Dier as the ball bounced between to deny Jeff Schlupp in first half stoppage- them and headed goalwards. LIVERPOOL: Leicester wasted a golden LONDON: Harry Kane wrote another chapter in Fortunately for the home side, Jan Vertonghen chance to boost their hopes of avoiding time as the visitors pressed for the opener. his storybook season as the Tottenham striker res- was on hand to clear, but there was no salvation LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane Premier League relegation as Matthew Just two minutes after the break, Howard parried Matty James’ shot and Schlupp cued a 2-2 draw with the last kick of a pulsating for Spurs after 22 minutes as West Ham went (bottom) wins a penalty by West Ham Upson’s own goal allowed Everton to salvage dragged the follow-up wide. London derby against West Ham yesterday. ahead. Tottenham failed to clear a West Ham United’s Alex Song (top) during an English a 2-2 draw yesterday. Nigel Pearson’s side were on course for But Everton went ahead in the 57th Mauricio Pochettino’s team had fallen 2-0 attack but still had plenty of defenders between Premier League soccer match at the White their first win in five league matches thanks minute when Lukaku held the ball up and behind at White Hart Lane as the Hammers struck ball and goal as the ball was worked down the Hart Lane ground. — AP through Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho, but left to Aaron Cresswell. But when the left back to a stirring response to Steven Naismith’s passed to Naismith, who squeezed his shot an error by goalkeeper Adrian allowed Danny swung the ball across, Kouyate rose unmarked to and pushed the ball round the post. second half opener for Everton. between Wes Morgan and Robert Huth as Rose to halve the deficit with nine minutes left. head firmly past Lloris. It only delayed the inevitable. In the 62nd Taking advantage of two mistakes from the ball trickled past Leicester goalkeeper And when Kane was fouled in the area by Alex West Ham’s delighted fans were nearly minute Noble crossed from the left, two defend- Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, the Foxes Mark Schwarzer. Pearson made a double Song deep into second half stoppage-time, he silenced four minutes later as Kane chipped the ers went with Valencia, and Sakho stole in unno- equalised through David Nugent and then change, bringing Nugent and Jamie Vardy kept his composure to smash in the rebound after ball forward for Rose, who beat Adrian’s punch to ticed at the far post to touch the ball back across took the lead via a rare Esteban Cambiasso on, and just minutes later the pair combined his spot-kick was saved. the ball only for his header to drop onto the roof Lloris and in. Spurs then brought on Roberto goal. to equalise. It was a welcome point in the end for the of the empty net. But West Ham continued to Soldado but even though that pushed Kane into But former England defender Upson inad- Vardy pulled away down the right and home side but really they needed to win to put pose problems. Lloris had to rush from his goal to a supporting role, he still looked Tottenham’s vertently denied his side a valuable victory drove a low cross goalwards which Howard pressure on Southampton and Liverpool before block a shot from Enner Valencia after the forward most dangerous player, and he thought he had when he dived to head a Christian Atsu cross spilled straight into the path of Nugent, who their two rivals for fourth place meet at St Mary’s had got the better of Rose. halved the arrears when scoring at the second clear but instead diverted Romelu Lukaku’s tapped in for the 63rd minute leveller. later on Sunday. West Ham should have gone 2-0 ahead after attempt, only to be flagged offside. flick into his own net in the final moments at Lukaku should have put Everton back in So a limp first half display was a surprise, espe- 59 minutes when Mark Noble’s pass sent Sakho Tottenham’s lifeline arrived in the 81st minute Goodison Park. front when he barged through the Leicester cially in a local derby that went the way of the vis- through with only Lloris to beat, but the goal- and owed more to Adrian, the West Ham goal- The draw left Leicester bottom of the table defence, but the Belgian forward contrived to itors twice last season. keeper anticipated the forward’s shot to his left keeper, than any attacking skill. — AFP and four points from safety, while Everton shoot over from 10 yards. — AFP Emerging Asia will benefit from current oil price levels Page 23

Qatar Airways announces major Business expansion in South Africa Page 26 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 Sri Lanka mulls future of Rajapakse’s Choppier forex markets look for direction white elephants Page 25 Page 22

LA LOUVE: People lining up in the temporary store of La Louve co-operative food store. The co-operative plans to open its main store of 1,450 square metres by the end of 2015, once the necessary funds are acquired. La Louve aims at offering lower prices than other stores to its shoppers, an objective than can be reached by reducing labor costs with customers investing at least 100 euros and working in the store three consecutive hours every four weeks. —AFP AUB reports $482.5m net profit for 2014 Bank’s operating income crosses $1 billion

KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank BSC (AUB) from $245.1 million to $278.0 million. (31 December 2013: 155.5 percent). reported a record net profit attributa- The higher operating income and disci- Core operating return on Average ble to its equity shareholders of $482.5 plined cost culture aligned to business Equity for 2014 increased to 15.2 per- No feel-good victory for million for the year 2014, a growth of needs across the AUB Group further cent (2013: 13.4 percent) and the core 31.7 percent compared with the net improved the operating cost income operating return on Average Assets for Germany in debt clash profit of $366.5 million in 2013. The ratio to 29.7 percent (2013: 30.0 per- 2014 increased to 1.6 percent (2013: BERLIN: Germany’s 7-1 drubbing of Brazil in the soccer World Cup last overall 2013 net profit of $$579.4 mil- cent). 1.3 percent), adjusted for exceptional summer was uncomfortable to watch, even for jubilant Germans lion included an exceptional non-recur- The Group’s total assets grew by 2.4 non-recurring items. whose cheers turned to sheepish smiles as the goals piled up. ring gain of $212.9 million from the sale percent to reach $ 33.4 billion at 31 The resultant basic earnings per The bailout extension deal that Germany and its European partners of its 29.4 percent stake in its Qatari December 2014 from $ 32.7 billion as at share were US cents 8.0 for the year clinched with Greece on Friday after weeks of public jousting between affiliate. The net profit in Q4/2014 was 2013 year-end. The growth in total ended 31 December 2014 (2013: US the countries had a similar feel. In the end, it looked like a total tri- $106.2 million as compared to $77.2 assets was primarily due to a 6.7 per- cents 10.0). Given the excellent results umph for the Germans, who forced Alexis Tsipras, Greece’s new leftist million in Q4/2013. cent growth in the loans and advances achieved, the Board of Directors has prime minister, to swallow virtually all of their demands. But it was not AUB’s total operating income portfolio to $ 18.5 billion (31 December recommended a cash dividend of US a feel-good victory, nor one that bodes well for a single currency bloc crossed $1 billion for the first time since 2013: $ 17.3 billion). This balanced cred- cents 4.5 per share (2013: US cents 4.5) struggling to emerge from a half-decade of financial and economic its inception in 2000 with an increase of it growth was underpinned by a 4.4 per- together with a bonus ordinary share crisis, and increasingly threatened by populist political forces on the 8.7 percent over the $958 million cent growth in customer deposits to issue of 5 percent (2013: 5 percent). right and left. achieved in 2013. This surge in operat- reach $ 23.0 billion (31 December 2013: “AUB’s diversified business model Tsipras and his Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, a charismatic ing income was driven largely by a 7.0 $ 22.0 billion). Asset quality of the combined with its growing cross bor- AUB Acting Chairman Mohammad economist with a passion for Karl Marx and flair for rhetoric, clearly percent rise in net interest income (NII) Group improved with the non-perform- der business flows and prudent Jassim Al-Marzooq overplayed their hands. to $763.3 million. The NII increase was ing loan ratio reducing to 2.0 percent as deployment of liquidity have resulted Their pledge to roll back German-ordered austerity and keep achieved primarily through higher at 31 December 2014 (31 December in the total operating income surging lenges remain, we start 2015 with Greece in the euro always looked unrealistic. One of those promises lending volumes as well as prudent 2013: 2.3 percent) with a specific provi- past the $1 billion mark. The increase clear plans and goals to improve on would have to go, and with a solid majority of Greeks keen to stay in deployment of liquidity in non-trading sion coverage ratio of 83.8 percent (31 in the operating net profit bears testa- our past performances and we will the currency bloc, it should have been clear which would crumble. investments within a risk acceptable December 2013: 86.1 percent). The total ment to AUB’s strong underlying busi- continue to strive to meet the aspira- Still, it is hard to avoid the sense that Germany also may have gone framework complemented by focused provision coverage ratio, inclusive of ness fundamentals and to its effective tions of all our stakeholders”, com- too far. Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble’s public rejection of a liability cost management. Fees and collective impairment provisions, was control framework and resilient busi- mented Mohammad Jassim Al- Greek proposal surprised euro zone partners as well as cabinet col- other income increased by 13.4 percent 159.4 percent as at 31 December 2014 ness model. While operating chal- Marzooq, Acting Chairman, AUB. leagues in Berlin, including Chancellor Angela Merkel. It was not Schaeuble’s objections to the draft which were problematic, but his decision to go public at such a sensitive point rather than do so behind closed doors. That meant the Greeks could not climb down without a near-total Greece readies reforms loss of face. On Friday, once they had buckled, Schaeuble rubbed it in again, saying: “The Greeks will certainly have a difficult time explain- ing this deal to their voters.” Tsipras tried to spin the deal as a victory, describing it to Greeks in an address to the nation as a step towards to keep bailout alive leaving behind austerity, the bailouts and the dreaded troika-the European and IMF officials who monitor Greek reform progress. “We won a battle, not the war,” Tsipras said. ATHENS: Greece raced yesterday to finalize reform pro- In a televised address, Tsipras said his government intended to meet its fiscal requirements “by making the posals that would keep its loan lifeline open under an EU had foiled a plan by “blind conservative forces” in Greece rich pay.” BEATEN AND BEWILDERED debt deal that saw its anti-austerity ambitions curtailed. and abroad to bankrupt the country at the end of the Pappas said the government still intended to hire up In truth, like the Brazilian soccer team last summer, the Greeks European finance ministers on Friday gave Athens month, when its European bailout had been scheduled to 11,500 civil servants this year and spend up to 400 emerged beaten and bewildered from their tussle with Germany. until today to present proposals that would convince its to expire. But while fears of a disastrous Greek exit from million euros ($455 million) on immediate poverty relief. Marcel Fratzscher, a leading German economist, said this was neither a creditors to grant a four-month extension of its debt the eurozone receded, the 40-year-old premier warned French President Francois Hollande tried to sweeten good outcome for Greece nor for Germany and Europe. In soccer bailout. A top government official yesterday said Athens that the “real difficulties” lie ahead. He said his govern- the pill for Greeks, calling it a “good compromise” that terms, a 3-1 victory would have been better for all involved. “The would submit proposals that will take the struggling ment would now focus on negotiating a new reform gives Athens time to finalise its reform plans. But the Greek government will only be able to tackle difficult reforms in the Greek economy “out of sedation.” “We are compiling a list blueprint with Greece’s creditors by June. government’s domestic rivals were less generous. “If this coming months if it saves face and its credibility,” wrote Fratzscher in of measures to make the Greek civil service more effec- is ‘successful negotiation’, what would count as a fiasco?” German weekly Die Zeit. tive and to combat tax evasion,” minister of state Nikos ‘A four-month truce’ asked conservative former prime minister Antonis Syriza’s far-left radical wing has so far been silent on the conces- Pappas told Mega channel. The government which came to power last month Samaras. sions Tsipras swallowed to reach a deal. But that could change, threat- Greece’s hard-left government is walking a tightrope pledging to end deeply unpopular austerity measures Athens said it had averted threatened cuts to pen- ening the cohesion of an unwieldy coalition government. between its commitments to European creditors and its and renegotiate Greece’s huge debt had asked for a six- sions and tax hikes, and had persuaded its European “What will be crucial in the next four months is whether Greeks electoral pledges to end austerity in a country struggling month loan assistance until it can submit its four-year creditors to drop unrealistic budget demands. develop the sense that it’s their government that has the upper hand to recover from severe economic crisis. The four-month reform plans. in policymaking or whether it is the foreign institutions that are order- extension would allow for a new reform deal to be nego- Instead, it received a maximum of four months in Hard-fought deal ing it around,” said Costas Panagopoulos, of Greek polling group Alco. tiated during that time period. which to reach an agreement with its euro-zone part- To win the hard-fought deal, Athens pledged to Tsipras was right that the deal was just one of the many battles his Pappas, a close aide of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, ners, but no new money to tide it over in the meantime. refrain from one-sided measures that could compromise government must fight in the months ahead. Today, it must submit a said the talks would be “a daily battle...every centimetre Still, Greek officials yesterday insisted that the govern- fiscal targets, and had to abandon plans to use some 11 list of planned reforms, which require approval by the troika before of ground must be won with effort.” While many said ment would apply its radical agenda within the frame- billion euros in leftover European bank support funds to national parliaments can vote on new loans to Athens. Athens had capitulated to European demands in the work provided by Europe. help restart the Greek economy. On Tuesday, Greece’s At the end of April, the troika will rule on whether the government deal on the four-month extension, Tsipras insisted “This is a four-month truce that gives us time and a creditors will decide whether to proceed with Friday’s has implemented the reforms and whether Athens receives the last of Saturday Greece had achieved an “important negotiating breath of air,” junior administrative reform minister agreement, with the chance that the compromise could its aid tranche.— Reuters success” which “cancels out austerity.” Giorgos Katrougalos told Skai TV. He added that Athens be scrapped if they are not satisfied.—AFP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 BUSINESS Aramco extends bidding for unconventional gas work Kingdom committed to developing shale gas deposits

KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia: State energy inspired by the shale gas surge in the firm Saudi Aramco has extended the United States, which has been trans- deadline for companies to bid for work formed from the world’s largest gas on its unconventional gas facilities in the importer to an exporter. north of the country, signalling it Saudi Aramco’s chief executive Khalid remains committed to developing shale Al-Falih told a conference in Riyadh last gas deposits, industry sources said. The month that Aramcon had invested $3 bil- project, known as System A, will involve lion in developing unconventional gas building processing facilities, wellheads resources and had earmarked an addi- and pipelines for gas in Turaif, where a tional $7 billion for it. He did not reveal big mining project called Waad Al- detailed plans, but said: “Saudi Arabia Shamal is under development. No esti- will be the next frontier after the US, mate for the total value of the contracts where shale and unconventional will was given. “They extended - the bid clos- make a significant contribution to our ing date now is in March,” said a source, energy mix, especially gas.” adding that Saudi Aramco had sent com- So far, a mining project and a power panies additional requirements that plant for Saudi mining company Ma’aden would need their study. Bids were origi- is projected to take 200 million cubic feet nally due to close in early December and per day of unconventional gas by 2018. the deadline has been extended several The kingdom has made appraisals of times, most recently to March 15. There unconventional gas potential in its was no immediate comment from Saudi northwest, Eastern Province and Empty Aramco. Quarter. It holds the world’s fifth-largest Meanwhile, several companies have proven reserves of natural gas, and prequalified for another unconventional expects domestic demand to almost gas project involving pipelines, also in double by 2030 from 2011 levels of 3.5 northern Saudi Arabia. That project, trillion cubic feet per year. known as System B, is five times as big as Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Naimi has System A, according to one source. The estimated the country’s unconventional search for natural gas is a priority for gas reserves - those held in reservoirs Saudi Arabia as it struggles to keep pace that have not traditionally been exploit- with rapidly rising domestic demand for ed - at over 600 trillion cubic feet, more power and its strategically important than double its proven conventional petrochemicals industry. It has been reserves. — Reuters Gold price keeps HAMBANTOTA: A general view of the port facility at Hambantota. From a multi-million dollar airport ignored by airlines to a lavish cricket sta- downward trend dium rejected by players, Sri Lanka’s new government is mulling the future of a string of white elephants. — AFP

KUWAIT: Gold’s recently-earned profits ing purchase by central banks constitut- Sri Lanka mulls future of have been shed, by nine percent, affect- ed two more factors that pushed the ed with a robust US dollar and diminish- gold prices down to the level of $1,200 ing fears resulting from the Greek debts per ounce. Although there were notice- Rajapakse’s white elephants issue. The Kuwaiti company, Sabaek, said able transactions in gold jewelry, the in a report released yesterday the pre- prices continued falling. cious metal ended last week’s trades at The report forecast further pressure HAMBANTOTA, Sri Lanka: From a multi- defeated at the January 8 polls by new $1,205 per ounce, falling by $27, as com- on the gold in 2015 for longer periods as million dollar airport ignored by airlines to President Maithripala Sirisena. The airline a lavish cricket stadium rejected by players, estimates savings of $18 million annually News pared to the opening rate. compared to previous years. It branded in brief Successive reports from American as reasonable the $1,200 per ounce Sri Lanka’s new government is mulling the from the stoppage. markets, namely the US dollar interest price, considering that predictions had future of a string of white elephants. Built on a migratory route for birds, the Former president Mahinda Rajapakse airport has been disastrous for plane-bird rate stabilization, impacted negatively on put it at the $1,172 level. Moreover, the Batelco names Hinnawi ordered the state-of-the-art facilities built collisions. And more recently it has become acting CEO after Whelan exit the dollar rate, for liquidity shifted from report advised to be involved in long, in his southern home town of Hambantota a highlight on a “white elephant tour” run the precious metals market to stocks. rather than short, transactions. DUBAI: Bahrain’s Batelco has named Ihab Hinnawi as its in extensive efforts to turn his rural con- by local tourist guides. “The challenge for acting chief executive after the departure of incumbent Investment portfolios’ abstention from Meanwhile, silver has fallen to less than stituency into a regional business hub. me is to energize this place,” airport chief investing in the yellow metal and declin- $16.3 per ounce. — KUNA Alan Whelan, according to a statement from the state-run Vast revenues were channelled into the executive Derick Karunaratne told AFP. telecommunications operator yesterday. Hinnawi had been vanity projects, mostly named after the for- “Just because there is an airport, airlines chief executive of Jordan’s Umniah, an operator which is 96 mer strongman who ruled the tropical don’t fly in. They want a destination and we percent owned by Batelco, since 2009. No reason for island for a decade and was determined to are yet to build it,” he said. Located some Whelan’s departure was given in the statement. He had Qalaa Holdings approves keep the loss-making ventures open. 250 kilometres (180 miles) southeast of the only assumed the role in April 2014. But Rajapakse’s defeat at elections last capital Colombo, the town of Hambantota month, partly due to corruption and crony- is an arid outpost, surrounded by farm $223 million capital hike ism charges, has saddled the new govern- land. But Rajapakse spent lavishly on the Ma’aden restarts ammonia ment with loans of close to a billion dollars projects anyway, ignoring feasibility studies plant after maintenance CAIRO: Qalaa Holdings, one of Egypt’s said in the statement. and, as yet, no clear strategy to repay them. against the move and environmental warn- KHOBAR: Saudi Arabian Mining Co (Ma’aden) said yes- largest investment companies, has Qalaa co-founder and managing “From an economist’s point of view, we ings about building in an area home to ele- terday that a subsidiary had restarted its ammonia approved a share swap with subsidiary director Hisham El-Khazindary said “fur- have to write off the investments,” said Eran phants, leopards and bears. plant after scheduled maintenance. Ma’aden, the companies that equates to a 1.7 billion ther increasing Qalaa’s ownership in its Wickramaratne, deputy minister of high- Gulf’s largest miner, shut the facility in Ras Al Khair, Egyptian pound ($223 million) capital core subsidiaries at attractive valuations ways and investment promotion. Port of debt which it shares with Saudi Basic Industries Corp, from “We will have to repay the loans for a The $361-million Chinese-funded har- increase, the company said yesterday. will allow us to maximize earnings over Jan 23 for about 30 days. In a statement on the Saudi long time, but we can’t expect any tangible bour in Hambantota is deep in debt, but it Two sources had revealed the capital the medium and long term”. On bourse, it said the facility had come back online on Feb return from them,” he told AFP. does at least see some business from 20. Ma’aden reiterated that “the scheduled mainte- increase to Reuters on Saturday. The Wednesday Qalaa said it had hired neighboring India, whose ships full of new move is the company’s third capital hike investment bank EFG Hermes to advise it nance had no impact on the company’s ability to meet Eerily empty cars dock there en route around the world. its obligations towards its customer and had no signifi- since it listed on the Egyptian bourse in on the possible sale of its food business- Opened in 2013 after loans of $210 mil- Officials say the port, which was meant to cant financial impact.” Ma’aden Phosphate Co is 70 per- 2010 and comes as it considers a series es, a deal which the conglomerate said lion, the Rajapakse International airport rival long established ones in Colombo, cent owned by Ma’aden, while Sabic holds the rest. of money-raising divestments aimed at would help it return to profit this year. services just one airline, budget carrier fly- could break even in more than a decade. returning to profit. Qalaa, which is seeking to raise $300 mil- dubai. The arrivals hall is eerily empty and In a bid to lure business away from Qalaa will issue up to an additional lion over the medium term through the new government has ordered the ter- Colombo, Rajapakse’s government built a Arabtec wins $253m of 340 million shares, worth 1.7 billion divestments, is considering the sale of minal’s air conditioning units and decora- sparkling six-lane highway within Saudi oil and gas work Egyptian pounds, the statement said. confectioner Rashidi El-Mizan and dairy tive water fountains switched off after the Hambantota district and a $52 million fly- DUBAI: United Arab Emirates-based builder Arabtec said a “This will hasten our return to profitabili- producer Dina Farms, Chairman Heikal carrier’s handful of daily passengers trickle over and interchange that sees little traffic. wholly owned subsidiary had won 930 million dirhams ty during 2015, one year earlier than has said. Qalaa has some $9.5 billion in through. A railway line extension and another ($253 million) of contracts in Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas originally anticipated, and will open the assets under management, with dozens National carrier SriLankan Airlines, expressway linking the area to the capital industry. The projects include upgrading liquefied gas and way for dividend distribution in the com- of firms mainly in Egypt, east and north under orders by Rajapakse to land there, are also under construction, costing mil- refinery facilities for national oil firm Saudi Aramco, Arabtec ing years,” Qalaa Chairman Ahmed Heikal Africa. — Reuters halted flights immediately after he was lions more. —AFP said in a statement yesterday. EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.565 Sierra Leone 0.000066 0.000072 Nepalese Rupees 3.970 Singapore Dollar 0.214923 0.220923 South African Rand 0.019475 0.027975 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 82.020 CURRENCIES TELEX TRANSFER PER 1000 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.750 Japanese Yen 2.499 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001887 0.002427 Australian Dollar 227.72 Thai Bhat 10.080 Indian Rupees 4.768 Taiwan 0.009264 0.009444 Canadian Dollar 243.15 Turkish Lira 120.955 Thai Baht 0.008759 0.009309 Pakistani Rupees 2.910 Swiss Franc 322.91 Srilankan Rupees 2.220 Arab Euro 341.15 Bahraini Dinar 0.779746 0.787746 Nepali Rupees 2.983 US Dollar 296.50 Bahrain Exchange Company Egyptian Pound 0.036978 0.040078 Singapore Dollar 219.720 Sterling Pound 458.91 Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Hongkong Dollar 38.216 Japanese Yen 2.53 Iraqi Dinar 0.000191 0.000251 Bangladesh Taka 3.807 Bangladesh Taka 3.811 CURRENCY BUY SELL Jordanian Dinar 0.414007 0.421507 Philippine Peso 6.760 Indian Rupee 4.766 Europe Thai Baht 9.117 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.221 Belgian Franc 0.007724 0.008724 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Nepali Rupee 2.980 British Pound 0.450265 0.459265 Lebanese Pound 0.000147 0.000247 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Pakistani Rupee 2.930 Czech Korune 0.004303 0.016303 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021989 0.045989 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 80.57 Danish Krone 0.041291 0.046291 Nigerian Naira 0.001210 0.001845 Saudi Riyal 79.462 Bahraini Dinar 786.95 Euro 0.332394 0.340394 Omani Riyal 0.763851 0.769531 Qatari Riyal 81.462 Egyptian Pound 38.76 Norwegian Krone 0.035454 0.040654 Qatar Riyal 0.080703 0.081916 Omani Riyal 770.470 Jordanian Dinar 421.29 Romanian Leu 0.085020 0.085020 Saudi Riyal 0.078403 0.079103 Bahraini Dinar 787.560 Omani Riyal 768.93 Slovakia 0.008728 0.018728 Syrian Pound 0.001254 0.001474 UAE Dirham 80.752 Qatari Riyal 81.65 Swedish Krona 0.031481 0.036481 Tunisian Dinar 0.150020 0.158020 Saudi Riyal 78.98 Swiss Franc 0.310257 0.320457 Turkish Lira 0.119187 0.126187 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.119187 0.126187 UAE Dirhams 0.079717 0.080866 Egyptian Pound - Cash 40.850 Yemeni Riyal 0.001339 0.001419 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.812 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.384 Australian Dollar 0.224568 0.236068 Tunisian Dinar 145.780 New Zealand Dollar 0.217254 0.226754 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate America Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 418.110 US Dollar 296.250 Canadian Dollar 0.231749 0.240249 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.989 Canadian Dollar 238.695 US Dollars 0.292300 0.297000 Syrian Lira 2.113 Sterling Pound 455.890 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 31.532 Euro 338.725 US Dollars Mint 0.292800 0.297000 US Dollar 295.600 Swiss Frank 278.270 Asia Euro 334.700 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 788.025 Bangladesh Taka 0.003507 0.004107 Pound Sterlng 450.800 US Dollar Transfer 296.400 UAE Dirhams 81.035 Chinese Yuan 0.046117 0.049617 Canadian Dollar 236.700 Euro 338.790 Qatari Riyals 82.195 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036130 0.038880 Indian Rupee 4.765 Sterling Pound 458.830 Saudi Riyals 79.190 Indian Rupee 0.004520 0.004921 Egyptian Pound 38.710 Canadian dollar 240.190 Jordanian Dinar 418.150 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.219 Turkish lira 120.830 Egyptian Pound 38.750 Japanese Yen 0.002420 0.002600 Bangladesh Taka 3.796 Swiss Franc 315.650 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.221 Kenyan Shilling 0.003281 0.003281 Philippines Peso 6.685 Australian Dollar 235.650 Indian Rupees 4.758 Korean Won 0.000257 0.000272 Pakistan Rupee 2.925 US Dollar Buying 295.200 Pakistani Rupees 2.913 Malaysian Ringgit 0.079296 0.085296 Bahraini Dinar 787.100 GOLD Bangladesh Taka 3.806 Nepalese Rupee 0.003030 0.003200 UAE Dirham 80.450 20 gram 238.100 Philippines Pesso 6.696 Pakistan Rupee 0.002697 0.002977 Saudi Riyal 79.000 10 gram 121.740 Cyprus pound 727.170 Philippine Peso 0.006586 0.006866 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.485 *Rates are subject to change MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 BUSINESS

Emerging Asia will benefit from current oil price levels

KCIC analysis on Asia

By Camille Accad this year. The 60 percent decline upside pressure on inflation in the oil price outlook, many analysts cash becomes a real positive demand weakness, consumption has driven the non-core inflation short-term. are already extending their inter- yielding investment - the increas- is expected to improve. EIA and KUWAIT: Global inflation is at the component down. The impact The effect of lower inflation est rate hike forecasts, in line with ing difficulty to manage debt and Moody’s forecast the price of lowest since the global financial has been felt across the world, will be mostly positive for these Fed officials’ dovish stance. rising unemployment rate as an Brent crude to average $57 and crisis. In the last quarter of 2014, however some economies may Asian economies. The disposable Weaker oil prices may result in alternative to cutting wages. $55 respectively for 2015. If this the world consumer price index be benefiting more than others income of the average consumer deflation in emerging Asia, with However, economic prospects scenario materialized, monetary (CPI) rose 2.8 percent YoY, com- from the decrease in inflation. has increased, allowing for major risks attached. Risks include remain positive for these seven policy loosening and the delay in pared with 3.6 percent on aver- Since June, inflation in the greater household demand. This the anchoring of deflationary nations. Since the main factor the US interest rate hike would age in 2013, 4.0 percent in 2012 large developed net oil importers should boost corporate earnings expectations - which would lead behind the dip in inflation is low- help these economies avoid and 4.8 percent in 2011. such as the US, euro-zone and in the region and strengthen eco- to postponing expenditures as er input costs, as opposed to deflation and strengthen. The downward trend in global Japan has fallen significantly, to nomic growth. Additionally, lower inflation in the last few years is under 1 percent, including Japan headline inflation may also due to the weakness in demand. when stripped out of the tax induce governments and central More than five years have already effects. Inflation in developing banks to introduce expansionary passed since the financial crisis, markets has also declined. In policies. Emerging Asian central and gross domestic product emerging Asia, prices in the seven banks have already begun to (GDP) growth has not yet recov- largest economies grew 0.9 per- loosen: the People’s Bank of China ered to pre-crisis levels. Real GDP cent YoY in January. Indonesia cut the banks’ reserve require- expanded 3.4 percent year-on- was the only country from the ment ratio (RRR) for the first since year (YoY) per annum on average group with an inflation rate above 2012 in February, and the Reserve in the ten years leading to the cri- 1 percent. China, South Korea and Bank of India and Bank Indonesia sis, and since then, except for the Malaysia were still witnessing both cut policy rates this year. The temporary rebound in 2010, price increases, while India (based rest of the group is expected to world GDP has not reached that on the wholesale price index due follow similar policies despite cas- rate again. As a result, core infla- to missing CPI data in earlier es of overleveraging in some of tion, which excludes food and years), Taiwan and Thailand were the countries. However, some energy components of the con- all in deflation in January. In the central banks remain indecisive sumer price index (CPI), fell in the case of Indonesia, recently imple- due to fears that the US Federal last few years. The sharp decline mented reforms in the energy Reserve will begin to hike rates - in oil prices has taken the inflation sector, such as the fuel subsidy which would persuade rate to new lows. In the last cou- cuts, have kept price increases economies exposed to currency ple of months, oil prices have fall- stable. The Indian government is and stock market volatility to fol- en from $115 per barrel in June also considering introducing simi- low suit. However, given the low 2014 to less than $50 in January lar reforms, which should put inflation in the US and the weak The power of Korean Air, Airbus sign lower oil prices accord for jet fighter bid By Byron Wien The drop in the price of oil has significant geopolitical as well as economic implications, SEOUL: Korean Air and European from their foreign partners in design- would have a 60 percent stake and to develop a new jet fighter”, Lee ast month, I made ten predictions head- and this is the subject of the seventh Surprise. I aerospace giant Airbus have signed ing a new jet fighter, Lee said. the winning consortium would have added. The country’s military has ing into the new year, calling them ‘The believe the decline in petroleum revenues will an agreement to jointly bid for an The Korean Air/Airbus couple is the remaining 20 percent stake. But overwhelmingly chosen US suppliers Ten Surprises of 2015. The definition of a deepen Iran’s economic problems. For some L $8-billion jet fighter project, an air- likely to enjoy more room to analysts have expressed concern in the past, especially where the air- surprise is an event which the average investor time now, the people of Iran have been yearn- line spokesman said yesterday, pit- manoeuvre in terms of technology over the viability of the project, cit- force is concerned, reflecting their would only assign a one-in-three chance of ing for the sanctions to be lifted so they can ting them against a team comprised transfer over the rivals. “The US gov- ing the short development period close military alliance. But Airbus happening, but benefit from the economic opportunities avail- of Lockheed Martin and Korea ernment does not want to see air- and the budget which is too small has also made a number of bids for which I believe is able elsewhere in the world. They see little in Aerospace Industries. craft know-how changing hands” in for developing a new jet fighter. the South’s military contracts in probable. While I the nuclear weapons development program The project is designed to devel- a project where the Indonesian gov- “It is to be seen whether the proj- recent years, including a $1.38 billion usually I get five or that would benefit the average Iranian. op and produce 120 fighter jets of a ernment would have a 20-percent ect will proceed as scheduled as it deal to provide air refuelling tankers. six of the Surprises The price of Brent slipping into the $40s new “indigenous” type to replace the stake, Lee said. would require somewhere between The final bidder for the deal has not more or less “right,” I would also have an important impact on the country’s ageing fleet of F-4s and F- The South Korean government $10 to $30 billion and up to 20 years been chosen yet. —AFP don’t create the list leadership of Russia. This is the eighth 5s. “We’ve signed a memorandum of to get a high score, Surprise. The economy there was suffering understanding with Airbus,” a Korean but rather to stretch even before the sanctions were imposed and Air spokesman told AFP. One of the my thinking and that the price of oil collapsed. Conditions have conditions of the bid is that local of my readers. Here, I worsened since then. The country is running enterprises tie up with foreign com- explore these predictions in more detail. out of foreign exchange reserves and a crisis panies to secure technological assis- The first Surprise is that the Federal Reserve may be approaching. I believe the situation is tance, according to Seoul’s Yonhap raises interest rates sooner than expected. serious, and the people are losing confidence news agency. The pair will compete Investors are broadly in agreement that the in Putin. If he agrees to comply with a twelve with Korea Aerospace Industries, first increase in short-term interest rates will point program proposed four months ago, the which has teamed up with America’s occur around mid-year or later, but I believe we sanctions could be lifted. At some point, Putin Lockheed Martin. will see the Fed act sooner than that, probably in his desperation complies, but he is humiliat- South Korea’s Defence Acquisition in the first quarter. Many believe this is unlikely ed in the process and resigns. Later on in the Programme Administration plans to because Europe is near or in a recession and year, as demand from the developing world announce the final winner in July. The Japan is suffering as well. They reason that improves, the price of oil begins a steady climb Korean Air/Airbus alliance would increased rates will only make the dollar back toward $70 for Brent. have to present a totally new design stronger and hurt our trading partners. The I believe the sharp decline in oil prices has as the Eurofighter Typhoon’s delta lower-than-expected wage increase compo- excessively upset the high yield market. wings do not fit South Korea’s specifi- nent of the December employment report is Energy securities account for almost 20 per- cations, an analyst said. “Eurofighter another reason for deferring a rate increase. cent of high yield and their decline has had an does not fit the swept-wing concept My view is that the Fed is most responsive to impact on everything in this asset class, creat- favoured by South Korea”, Lee Il-Woo domestic data: the US economy has been ing a buying opportunity. The buying oppor- of Korea Defence Network told AFP. growing at 5 percent real during the last two tunity in energy securities is the ninth Surprise. Korean Air currently operates air- quarters, unemployment has dropped below 6 In the tenth and final Surprise I argue that craft maintenance workshops for percent and wages are starting to increase. the Republicans will now realize that it would both the South Korean and US air- Cyber-terrorism has been in the news and be better to prove to the American people force and has many years of experi- the second Surprise is that our luck runs out in that Republicans can improve life for them. ence in manufacturing wings for protecting our major financial institutions from They only lost the presidency by four points in Boeing. attack. Fear that our banks are vulnerable to 2012. If they could capture some portion of “Korean Air would play a role as a cyber-attacks would reverberate throughout the Hispanic vote, which overwhelmingly sup- manufacturer with technological the economy. This Surprise is based on the ported Obama, their chance for victory would assistance from Airbus”, Lee said. The view that the attackers are more able than the improve. Jeb Bush could help them accom- rival bidder, KAI, had the experience cyber-security specialists protecting these insti- plish this and he is likely to be the candidate. ATHENS: People walk past a One Euro shop in Athens yesterday. The new hard-left Greek Prime of developing South Korea’s first tutions. We have already seen the havoc that This year I have four Also Rans, which I did- Minister Alexis Tsipras declared on Greek television that the agreement concluded on Friday supersonic aircraft along with can be wrought by cyber-attacks with the Sony n’t believe had more than a 50 percent chance with euro-zone partners, which extending Greece’s funding for four months, will allow Greece to Lockheed Martin in 2002. But both incident last Thanksgiving. This Surprise sug- of happening or I did not think were as impor- “leave austerity behind”, adding that “real difficulties are to come”. —AFP Korean Air and KAI need assistance gests more serious trouble lies ahead. tant as the ten I picked. The first one is that In spite of rising short-term interest rates water becomes the focus of environmentalists, and cyber-security issues, I still believe 2015 moving air pollution to second place. Large will be a good year for United States equities. parts of the United States experience Britain to mull new This is the third Surprise. I expect reasonable droughts, diminishing agricultural production. As ruble weakens, Central Asian real growth of 3 percent from the economy in In China and India literally hundreds of mil- laws on tax evasion migrants head back home spite of slowdowns elsewhere in the world. lions of people are without safe drinking Revenues should expand 4 percent and earn- water, making them susceptible to disease. LONDON: Britain’s government will consider introducing a SAINT PETERSBURG: When heavy snowfall hit hard. If the situation gets worse, we’ll have no ings 8 percent because of share buybacks, pro- Conflict over water rights becomes an impor- law which would punish banks and accountants for helping Russia’s second city of Saint Petersburg last choice but to leave.” Almost three million peo- ductivity, mergers and acquisitions and other tant political issue in Asia. people evade tax in the wake of the HSBC SwissLeaks claims, month it was nothing unusual, but city officials ple from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan factors. The European economy is the focus of The second Also Ran involves Internet a minister said yesterday. Danny Alexander, the number two were overwhelmed and scrambled to find any- live legally in Russia, while many more are there the fourth Surprise. European Central Bank commerce. Commercial hotels and conven- to finance minister George Osborne, said that, if the law was one to clear the streets. As pedestrians slipped below the radar of the authorities. They are chief Mario Draghi has been talking about tional taxi services didn’t complain about passed, those found guilty would face criminal and financial and suffered bruises and fractures, exasperated mostly unskilled workers who are paid off the implementing quantitative easing for some Airbnb and Uber when they were minor busi- penalties. city officials ended up telling residents to go out books. time and now he is finally going to do it. The ness irritants, but now that they are big global Allegations that London-based HSBC’s Swiss private and shovel the snow themselves. The money they send to their families back surprise is that it has little impact and Europe operations, pressure is increasing to make sure banking arm helped clients in more than 200 countries The city was unable to clear the snowdrifts home accounts for up to half their countries’ remains on the brink of recession. There is that each establishment and vehicle has the dodge taxes on accounts containing 180 billion euros ($204 because of an exodus of migrants from Central gross domestic product. Galloping inflation in some precedence for this in the US experience. proper insurance and pays the appropriate billion) have caused a political storm in Britain before a tight- Asia who normally do such backbreaking work Russia is also eating into how much Central The Federal Reserve expanded its balance fees and taxes. Making independent partici- ly-fought general election in May. Alexander’s centrist in Russia’s largest cities. They have headed back Asian workers can send home, and once the sheet from $1 trillion in 2008 to $4 trillion in pants comply is difficult and this sector of Liberal Democrats are currently part of a coalition govern- home after Russia’s ruble currency plunged in weaker rubles are converted into local currency 2014 and the increase mainly pushed stock stocks suffers a sharp correction. ment with Prime Minister David Cameron’s centre-right value. “Almost 30 percent of the workers who their remittances are now worth much less. “For prices higher and kept interest rates low. In the third Also Ran, Brazil has a come- Conservative party. “We should create a new offence of cor- left to spend New Year’s as usual with their fami- a few months now, I’ve hardly been able to In the fifth Surprise, I express similar con- back. Dilma Rouseff becomes pro-business in porate failure to avoid preventing an lies in Uzbekistan or Tajikistan have not come send anything back to my family,” said Sukhrab cern about Japan. Shinzo Abe is determined to order to improve the country’s growth and economic crime, and also the organizations who facilitate back,” said the head of a street cleaning compa- Turakhonov from Tajikistan, who works as a piz- get the country back on a growth path and is moves away from her socialist policies. The evasion or who encourage evasion should face the same ny, who asked not to be named. za delivery man. prepared to step up the stimulus to accomplish country has vast natural resources and a level of financial penalty as the evaders themselves,” The deputy governor of Saint Petersburg, “I have four children, my eldest daughter is this. He will suspend the second sales tax growing middle class, giving it considerable Alexander told BBC television. Igor Albin, said recently that the city had lost about to get married. We need the money.” increase, which was scheduled for this year, potential. Investors start accumulating With just over a month before parliament is dissolved half the migrant workers who do this type of The 43-year-old said he will wait another and implement further measures. The Surprise Brazilian equities again. And finally, I suggest ahead of the election, Alexander said he would pursue the manual labour. Migrants from the ex-Soviet month or two and if nothing changes for the is that it doesn’t work and Japan remains in that Hillary Clinton, the Democratic frontrun- idea in government “over the next few weeks”. states in Central Asia used to flock to Russia to better, he will leave Russia. “There’s no point in recession during 2015. ner candidate for President in 2016, bows He suggested there could be time to introduce new work as street sweepers, gypsy cab drivers or working here if that means they can’t send China is the subject of the sixth Surprise. out of the race. If Jeb Bush were the measures in the government’s final budget on March 18. restaurant cleaners. Even the low wages money back to their families,” said Marina Looking at the economic statistics being Republican candidate and attracts a reason- Whatever happens, the idea will feature in the Liberal seemed better than conditions back home. Melnik, who works for an association that helps reported by the country, the official growth able number of Hispanic voters, and some Democrats’ election manifesto ahead of the May 7 vote, he But many are returning to their countries as migrant workers. rate has been stated at over 7 percent, but liberals who are suspicious of Clinton’s ties to added. Opinion polls indicate that neither the Conservatives the Russian economy is choked by crippling She said that out of the current average credit expansion of 15 percent-20 percent Wall Street and Hollywood don’t vote, the nor the main opposition Labor party will win a clear majority Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis and monthly wage of 30,000 rubles ($460), migrant annually is required to achieve it. This amount race could be very close. If she runs and in the election. plunging oil prices. That has caused the ruble to workers are no longer able to send more than of credit growth is unsustainable in my view, wins, the difficulty of getting important leg- This means it is likely they would have to team up with lose half its value against the dollar, hitting $200 home each month. and the surprise is that China faces up to the islation passed in a Republican Congress another, smaller party to form a government, such as the migrants’ paychecks hard. “It’s not worth living a very harsh life in Saint fact that growth has slowed and announces it could also be exasperating and discourage Liberal Democrats or pro-independence Scottish National Petersburg for such a meagre sum.” Russia has to the world. The new leadership commits to her further. This combination of factors may Party (SNP). ‘No choice but to leave’ also increased the burden of red tape and fees, rebalancing the economy toward the con- cause her to withdraw, throwing the Support for the Liberal Democrats, led by Nick Clegg, has Wielding a shovel in a snowy courtyard, recently introducing a compulsory test on sumer and away from investment spending on Democrats into frenetic confusion. Now let’s plummeted since they helped form the coalition govern- Shavkat Mirzoyev, 47, said he wants to stay on Russian language and history as well as new infrastructure and state-owned enterprises. see how the year turns out. —Blackstone ment in 2010 and currently stands at eight percent, accord- ing to an average of polls by the UK Polling Report. —AFP in Saint Petersburg but admitted: “It’s getting permits from the migration service. —AFP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 BUSINESS Fed rate rise timing back in the spotlight

GLOBAL ECONOMY WEEKAHEAD LONDON: Greece’s struggles with its euro-zone also give some idea of just how much the col- While purchasing managers’ data for the euro persistent stagnation in its once-booming surprise central bank monetary easing from creditors may have grabbed much of the world’s lapse in oil prices which has tamped down infla- zone in February are pointing in the right direc- manufacturing industry. Much of Latin Canada to Sweden to Australia to Indonesia attention, but US Federal Reserve Chair Janet tion globally will work as a counterweight to the tion, Europe is still struggling to create meaning- America, particularly Brazil, has slipped over the past several weeks. To many, that Yellen is likely to reclaim the spotlight this week Fed’s apparent comfort so far with higher rates ful growth that would generate the kind of back even further from a past position of makes the Fed’s continued focus on soon with testimony on a long-anticipated shift in in June. But the fretting over Greece-which strong hiring that might in turn push up wage strength and has very little to offer a world doing the opposite seem out of step. But policy. If the Fed sticks to mid-year for its first makes up less than half of one percent of world inflation. economy that the World Bank warns is now perhaps not for long. interest rate rise in a decade, it will be perceived GDP-has underscored the impression that for all China is grappling with a property market running on one engine, made in America. “The outlook for some large emerging as a reflection of the world economy’s growing of the piles of monetary stimulus over the past and debt overhang as it tries to rebalance its Minutes to the Fed’s latest policy-set- market economies such as Brazil, Mexico resilience. few years, much of the troubles remain the slowing economy and a purchasing managers’ ting meeting suggested to some analysts and Russia has deteriorated but the mean- US core CPI inflation data due next week will same. index due on Wednesday is expected to show that policymakers might be backing off a ingful tailwinds of lower energy prices and June rate rise. But the strongest set of jobs global policy easing are likely to persist,” data in many years were published after wrote Gustavo Reis, global economist at that late January Fed meeting took place. BofA-ML. “If unemployment keeps falling, the Much will depend on whether the euro laws of supply and demand have not been zone, where some signs of economic revival repealed, we will get inflation out of this,” have drawn stock markets to multi-year said Jim O’Sullivan, chief US economist at peaks, can sail through the latest bout of High Frequency Economics in Valhalla, wrangling over its future without too much New York. “In terms of going to the next damage. step, does that mean they’re tightening in The European Central Bank’s bond pur- June? Not necessarily,” he said. chase program announced at its January O’Sullivan expects Yellen to sound opti- meeting, worth 60 billion euros ($68 billion) mistic on the full employment part of the a month, will begin in March, many years Fed’s dual mandate when she delivers her behind its peers. But it may have arrived at twice-annual testimony to Congress on a particularly good time. Any risk of investor monetary policy, starting with the Senate flight over the outcome of heated negotia- Banking Committee on Tuesday. tions over Greece’s debt burden and the future of the euro now will at least have one June rate hike? of the world’s largest central banks acting The majority of forecasters still expect as a backstop scooping up sovereign debt. June for lift-off on US rates, and the latest And the economic news is not all bad. Reuters poll suggested that about two- The German Ifo business climate index, due thirds of them had held to the same convic- at the start of the week, is expected to rise tion over the timing over the course of the for a fourth straight month in February. past month. What hasn’t been working in German gross domestic product (GDP) is the Fed’s favour is evidence that inflation is also expected to be confirmed as growing a picking up. Core inflation, which strips out solid 0.7 percent quarter-on-quarter in the food and energy prices, is expected to hold final months of last year. steady at 1.6 percent when data are due “Europe’s biggest economy is clearly Thursday, according to a Reuters poll. entering 2015 with more momentum than With a few notable exceptions, like we and the consensus had expected,” Brazil, inflation has been far too low for wrote analysts at Morgan Stanley, who comfort, and continues to fall, triggering expect first quarter growth of 0.5 percent.

TOKYO: A man stands next to an electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo. Japanese stocks climbed as strong trade data for January and a weaker yen boosted exporters’ shares. —AP Refinery workers’ strike spreads to biggest US location

NEW YORK: The first nationwide oil refinery strike workers at refineries, terminals, petrochemical in more than 30 years was poised to expand this plants and pipelines across the US. The strike weekend in a labor dispute that may start having started with about 3,800 workers at nine refiner- more of an impact on the price consumers pay for ies and then expanded to include locations in gasoline. Indiana and Ohio. The United Steelworkers union said Saturday This latest expansion adds another 1,350 that workers at the largest refinery in the US, the workers to the strike. The workers who were to Motiva Enterprises refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, begin striking Saturday at midnight work at started their strike at midnight Friday. Employees Motiva refineries in Convent and Norco, at two other refineries and a chemical plant in Louisiana, and a Shell Chemical plant in Norco. Louisiana planned to strike at the end of Saturday. The Port Arthur site is a joint venture between The union said in a statement that it expand- Shell and Saudi Refining Inc. It produces more ed the strike that started Feb. 1 at refineries large- than 600,000 barrels per day. ly in Texas and California because the industry has Oil companies and energy experts have said refused to “meaningfully address” safety issues that improved plant technology and strike-con- through good-faith bargaining. The union also tingency plans should ease the blow to produc- wants to discuss staffing levels and is seeking lim- tion from these strikes. But economists say pock- its on the use of contractors to replace union ets of the country served by refineries targeted in members in doing daily maintenance work. these strikes have likely already seen some impact The union started negotiating a new contract to gas prices. That includes California, which Jan 21 with Shell Oil Co, which is serving as the depends more on in-state refineries for its fuel, lead company in national bargaining talks. Shell said Amy Myers Jaffe, an energy economist at the spokesman Ray Fisher said in an email that his University of California, Davis. company was “extremely disappointed” with the “The price of gasoline didn’t soar in California, latest development. but it went up a little bit after the strike,” she said. “We believe this move sets the wrong tone for She added that the labor dispute’s influence on both parties to move forward and reach an agree- price may grow as refineries finish the mainte- ment,” Fisher wrote. “We remain committed to nance work they typically do at this time of year continued safe operations and productive negoti- and start preparing to increase gasoline produc- ations.” tion. “The longer it goes on, then the more likely it United Steelworkers represents about 30,000 is going to influence gas prices,” she said. —AP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 BUSINESS Choppier forex markets look for direction

NBK MONEY MARKETS REPORT

KUWAIT: Since late January, the US dollar recent comments regarding further eas- the Bank’s end-horizon, three years view debt, the analyst said there is no imme- rally and the related euro decline have ing out of the BOJ, USDJPY moves are Germany picking up Europe again based on market interest rates was also diate threat to its AAA rating, although looked tired. The unusually strong volatili- now driven by mostly US yields. If US A strong pickup in Germany helped raised to 2.15 percent. After the BoE stat- there is less room for further fiscal stimu- ty we have witnessed in January is giving data continue to come on the softer side, boost euro-zone economic growth but ed that they saw inflation rising above tar- lus than before. “We still are quite com- way to choppier non-directional markets. we are likely to see a continuing drop in large parts of the euro-zone area were get just over two years from now, the fortable where debt is” and the rating For directional markets to resume trend, the pair to test the low of 2015. either stagnating or contracting. This Sterling Pound outperformed the major would only come under direct pressure if Fed policy expectations are going to have In the UK, as we mentioned in earlier week, data out of Germany showed that currencies. debt moved closer to 30 percent of GDP. to play a stronger role in currency deter- reports, the sterling pound seems to be German growth surged unexpectedly in Moreover, data came on the strong “Given that debt is still low there is a bit mination as the ECB quantitative easing the European currency of choice to bene- the final quarter of last year, while the side this week with U.K. unemployment of wriggle room there from a ratings per- and the BOJ risks are now out of the fit from the quantitative easing policy in Greek economy contracted again, high- falling to its lowest level in more than six spective to absorb some of those rev- equation. Europe. The currency outperformed after lighting the divergence that the ECB dis- years as pay growth picked up in the enue shocks, but we still be looking to As the market is still pricing the Fed to the employment numbers showed an cussed in the latest meetings. fourth quarter of 2014.The jobless rate see ongoing restraint in spending start hiking rates by the end of the year, improvement in wage gains and private A weakening euro, low oil prices and dropped to 5.7 percent and pay grew 2.1 growth.” Janet Yellen has no reason to step out, sector pay. In addition, two BoE members signs that bank lending may be set to percent. and provide special guidance ahead of thought a rate hike may be necessary in Weak yen the March 17-18th FOMC meeting. 2015. After newspaper reports indicated At Yellen’ first two Fed meeting in Commodities markets remain on that BoJ officials view additional mone- 2015, interest rates moved higher and the everyone’s radar with gold hovering back tary policy easing as counterproductive US dollar did not lose ground as the Fed close to the $1,200 and Oil moving down “for now”; Bank of Japan governor chairwoman was not as dovish as the almost 9 percent in 2 days to close the Kuroda replied that the underlying market had expected. week down 5 percent on the week at trends in consumer prices remain Now that non-directional markets $51.57. unchanged even as the decline in oil has have been the theme for the past couple pushed down inflation. He also reiterated of weeks, the following factors are likely Athens compromising? that he would not hesitate to take action to affect the US dollar going forward On Thursday, Greece submitted a for- if additional stimulus was needed to keep 2015. Investors will look at the extent to mal request for a loan extension to the inflation on track for the central bank’s which the tightening has been fully Eurogroup. Although the media have target. He also stated that exchange rate priced and the divergence of monetary been pessimistic about the Greek situa- moves are not harmful as long as they policies between the Fed and other glob- tion, the event represents a meaningful reflect economic fundamentals. al central banks. backing down from the original rigid Is the Celebration of the Chinese The known factors for the moment are position of the government, with a com- Lunar New Year affecting Precious Metal the fact that the BOJ and the ECB QE will mitment to review and conclude the Liquidity? Precious metal prices have continue to put pressure on their own existing “arrangement”. been volatile this week as Gold prices fell currencies to try to steal growth and cre- The letter does not go full way in pro- close to the $1,200 level in anticipation of ate inflation. On the foreign exchange viding assurances to the Troika, but the weeklong holiday close of the side, the dollar initially pushed higher as progress is substantial enough that a Chinese markets. investors expected a status quo from the room for agreement has now becomes increase after years of decline seems to be Asia & commodities With the Shanghai Gold Exchange FOMC minutes and, therefore, a rates sell- more clearly visible. The Europeans have the optimist scenario once the Greek saga The Reserve Bank of Australia closed until February 25, precious metals off continued as we have seen since the subsequently agreed to convene a new eventually unfolds. released this week its February meeting prices are likely to be highly volatile. In beginning of this month. Eurogroup on Friday; hence, an agree- In summary, German GDP expanded minutes showing the bank having addition, after the release of the Federal The FOMC minutes came slightly more ment to extend the program can be by 0.7 percent, well ahead of the 0.3 per- doubts about a pickup in domestic Open Market Committee minutes for the dovish than expected, treasuries rallied achieved before the end of the week. cent growth expected by economists. spending and China’s appetite for raw 27-28 January meeting, Gold prices and the dollar came under further selling The government will need to manage Spain and Portugal grew as well, expand- materials. According to the minutes, paired back some of their losses. Many pressure and the Euro reached a high of now the political fight of such a move and ing by 0.7 percent and 0.5 percent respec- “there was considerable uncertainty Fed participants indicated that their 1.1450. By the end of the week, the Greek the program extension as they had prom- tively in Q4 of 2014. Growth in Greece around the timing and extent of the assessment of the balance of risks associ- saga continued with pressure mounting ised the electorate initially they would not turned negative by 0.2 percent, and expected increase in household con- ated with the timing of the beginning of on Greece as the US and European offi- agree on. The difficult part starts with the France and Belgium GDPs edged up by sumption growth and non-mining busi- policy normalization had inclined them cials called on the government to reach a negotiation of the program as the just 0.1 percent. Overall, the euro- zone’s ness investment. toward keeping the federal funds rate at deal with its creditors. To help the matter, Europeans will not be disbursing any GDP grew by 0.3 percent. On another front, S&P’s rating agency its effective lower bound for a longer the European Central Bank granted Greek money prior to the completion of prior In this week’s Inflation Report, the sovereign analyst stated this week “If time. banks only a small increase in emergency agreed upon actions in the program. Bank of England raised its forecast for there is a significant external shock, it’s funds. The pressure on Greece remains high, both growth and more importantly infla- very likely that that would have a signifi- Kuwait On the Asian side, USDJPY dropped however, there seems to be a will to com- tion in the medium term. The risk of high- cant budget impact like it did in the Kuwaiti dinar at 0.29555 back into its established recent range promise and achieve a long-term accept- er inflation further out was highlighted in global financial crisis”. Considering The USDKD opened at 0.29555 yester- after the move lower in US yields. Given able solution for all parties. the January MPC minutes. Additionally, Australia’s relatively low government day morning. With deal, West Coast seaports tackle backlog

LOS ANGELES: Dockworkers along docks at 29 seaports that handle crews gathered at the hiring halls increase over each of the five years. the West Coast began the months- about one-quarter of US interna- where many longshoremen get Though dockworker wages vary long task Saturday of clearing sea- tional trade. The task facing workers their work assignments - though as by job and skill level, the average ports of cargo that was caught up in Saturday was immense. While there a ramp-up back to night work, Los exceeds $50 per hour, according to a contract feud between their union are about 30 ships anchored just off Angeles and Long Beach were not the maritime association, which rep- and employers. the coast awaiting dock space - a yet operating at full capacity. “I sus- resents ocean-going shipping lines Parked off the Southern visual pect that people will be getting a lot and the companies that load and California coast is a flotilla of ships reminder of the extent of the of overtime in the days ahead,” said unload cargo at port terminals. bulging with thousands of tractor- backlog - there are perhaps two US Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, The union’s ability to win white- trailer sized containers that hold a dozen more hanging beyond the whom President Obama dispatched collar wages and benefits for blue- shopper’s delight of goods - which horizon and still more slogging to San Francisco this week to push collar work reflects a clout far already would be on store shelves across the Pacific, said Gene Seroka, negotiators to a resolution after nine beyond its numbers. That power but for a labor dispute that has dis- executive director of the Port of Los months of bargaining. come from several things that rupted international trade. The Angeles. US exports, particularly The tentative contract still must founding father Harry Bridges leader of the Port of Los Angeles, from farms, also are waiting to reach be approved by the 13,000-member enshrined both in the union’s cul- the nation’s largest, said it would Asian markets. International Longshore and ture and its contract with employers take three months “to get back a sense of normalcy.” The volume of cargo that West ALBANY: Doug Bullock, an Albany County legislator, speaks during the People’s Coast dockworkers and their State of the State outside the state Capitol in Albany, New York. President employers must clear, now that Barack Obama’s top economists say that even as the US has managed to kick- they’ve reached a tentative contract start a lasting and growing recovery, modest wage gains are far from making agreement Friday evening, is stag- up for decades of paycheck stagnation for middle-class workers. —AP gering. Put in a line, the containers would stretch 579 miles. Stacked up, Freight shipping prices sink on they’d rise nearly 250 miles - about the orbiting altitude of the oversupply, China slowdown International Space Station. And those are just the ships waiting for dock space at the ports of Los LONDON: Freight shipping prices have plummet- dent owners ordered more ships to cope with Angeles and Long Beach. There are ed to a historic low, fuelled by a long-standing robust demand-oblivious of the coming global smaller, though substantial, backups problem of too many ships and lower demand economic crisis. in San Francisco Bay and from China, but experts cautioned against seeing Since then, the market has been hoping for a Washington’s Puget Sound. The Port it as a warning on the global economy. recovery that has been slow to materialize. And of Oakland reckoned it would take The Baltic Dry Index (BDI), which tracks the cost every tentative upturn has led to increased orders of transporting dry commodities such as coal, iron from shipyards, mainly in China and Japan, perpet- up to eight weeks to recover. ore and grain across 20 shipping routes, dropped uating the problem. With labor peace restored to the Wednesday to 509 points, its lowest level since the “The market does not learn,” said George West Coast waterfront, dockworkers creation of the index in 1985. There have never Kalogeropoulos, commercial and chartering direc- did something Saturday evening been more commodities transported by sea, but tor at SafBulk-although he said the extent of the that they have not for weeks - get to the sector has been plagued with a surplus of BDI decline this time was surprising. work loading and unloading the ships ordered in good times, while China has put The fourth quarter of 2014 was especially bad massive oceangoing vessels. In WASHINGTON: A sailboat moves past the 925-foot long HS Mozart cargo ship, operated by the further downward pressure on rates. for business, a period supposed to be the recent weeks, companies that oper- German shipping company Hansa Shipping, sits anchored in Commencement Bay near the Port The index used to be seen as a reliable indica- strongest in the year for the dry bulk sector. This ate marine terminals cut night, of Tacoma on Friday in Tacoma, Washington. With a Friday deadline looming, negotiators for the tor of global economic health or looming crisis, was compounded by a late Chinese New Year in weekend and holiday shifts - saying two sides in the contract dispute that has snarled international trade at US West Coast seaports but the gauge has lost its edge in recent years. February, and the traditionally quiet period pre- they did not want to pay overtime are laboring to reach a settlement as billions of dollars of cargo are sitting massive ocean-going “The BDI adds little to what we already know ceding it. China is the world’s second biggest for what amounted to a “strike with ships anchored outside port facilities. —AP about global commodity markets from other indi- economy after the United States and the largest pay.” That was a reference to what cators, and it is a poor guide to the overall health consumer of coal and iron ore, making the ship- they said was a worker slowdown Seroka wants to prioritize ships Warehouse Union’s rank-and-file, as after those killings in 1934. of the world economy,” said Julian Jessop, analyst ping industry highly dependent on Chinese that began in November. The union serving US military bases on the well as the full Pacific Maritime For one, the contract covers all at Capital Economics. demand. But the Asian powerhouse’s economy is Marc Pauchet, an analyst at shipbroking com- slowing down. In 2014, it grew at 7.4 percent, the said longshoremen were abiding by Pacific Rim or carrying perishables Association of employers. West Coast ports - if dockworkers pany Braemar ACM, said: “The combination of weakest rate for 24 years. all safety rules. such as produce, autos or goods for want to gain leverage by slowing increased speculative investments in the com- And Beijing’s removal of an export tax rebate It was the kind of brinksmanship major retailers. “The sense of ‘Best offer’ the flow of cargo, shipping lines modities market and an oversupply of ships has last month is likely to continue to depress Chinese familiar from past negotiations urgency in the industry right now is A vote by union members could have no easy alternatives. Second, thrown the indicator off in recent years.” The BDI is demand for iron ore, according to Pauchet. between two sides with a history of as good as I’ve ever seen it,” Seroka come in April. It was not immediate- the union controls and spreads now simply a reflection of the balance of supply “Chinese steel mills had been taking advan- conflict that dates to the killing of said of both sides’ willingness to ly clear when employers would vote. around job assignments, through and demand for ships carrying dry bulk. tage of the export tax rebate to sell their produc- striking dockworkers during the speed cargo into the stream of com- Neither side released details, but in a hiring halls in each port area. “The key point is that demand for cargo ships tion to neighboring countries,” he said. “But the re- Great Depression. While the ports merce. recent letter, maritime association “That’s the power of the ILWU,” has recovered since 2009, but it has failed to catch introduction of the export tax in January weighed never shut down fully, the problems On Saturday morning, smaller President James McKenna outlined said Dave Arian, who worked at the up with the growth in supply,” said Jessop. on demand for Chinese steel, translating in a drop in the supply chain were acute - and work crews were preparing dock- what he called employers’ “last, best docks for 44 years and now runs the in iron ore imports.” growing. All told, West Coast ports side yards for a return to bigger and final” offer. It included mainte- union-supported Harry Bridges Lessons not learned Prospects for coal are no better. Chinese imports handle about $1 trillion worth of crews in the evening. The contract nance of nearly no-cost health cov- Institute, a nonprofit that educates The shipping industry has long suffered from fell sharply in 2014 owing to the increased use of cargo annually. was settled too late Friday to order erage, an $11,000 increase in the workers on labor history. “A small the blight of ships ordered when times are good hydropower, according to Braemar ACM. And this The contract deal will, eventually, day crane crews to load and unload maximum pension benefit to workforce with the ability to shut and delivered when they are no longer needed. year, the completion of nuclear power plants should The BDI peaked at 11,793 in May 2008 and confi- further reduce Chinese demand for coal. —AFP restore the free flow of cargo across ships. In the late afternoon, larger $91,000, and a $1-per-hour wage down the entire West Coast.” —AP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 BUSINESS Qatar Airways announces major expansion in South Africa Flights to Durban and frequency increases to Johannesburg, Cape Town

DOHA: Qatar Airways has going up from five flights a week to daily service. From 1st October ury resorts and adventure sports city of Durbanwill be a welcome offers passengers 254 seats across announced a major expansion in a daily service. 2015, Qatar Airways will be operat- opportunities. new addition to our extensive its Business and Economy Class, South Africa with the launch of a Effective from 17thDecember ing daily flights to Cape Town The new Durban service and route map. with its seats in Business Class new destination Durban while 2015, the airline will launch four ahead of the busy 2015/16 winter additional flights to South Africa “Durban isan important gate- reclining to 180-degree fully flat simultaneously increasing its week- new weekly flights to Durban via travel season, an increase from five will offer business and leisure pas- way into South Africa and we are beds. ly frequencies to Johannesburg. Johannesburg bringing the total weekly flights this winter. sengers excellent connections to very confident that this route will The airline’s 787s are the The airline will also increase its frequency to Johannesburg up Durban will be Qatar Airways’ popular routes in Europe and the be warmly welcomed like all our world’s first fully connected weekly frequency to Cape Town from 10 weekly flights to a double- third route to South Africa follow- Far East such as London, Paris, other routes in the African conti- Dreamliners with wireless facilities ing Johannesburg and Cape Manchester, Frankfurt, Madrid, nent.” enabling all passengers to remain Town,which started in January Beijing, Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong Africa is key to Qatar Airways’ in touch with friends and col- 2005. All three routes will be oper- Kong and more. global network expansion strategy leagues on the ground through ated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Qatar Airways Group Chief and the airline currently operates the internet or SMS mobile tex- Durban is the second most Executive, Akbar Al Baker said the 140 flights per week to 19 African ting. The 787 Dreamliners comple- important manufacturing hub in airline’s new home at the state-of- gateways. Since 2011 the airline ment the ultra-luxurious customer South Africa after Johannesburg the-art Hamad International has added the following African service and experience Qatar with the presence of a number Airport in Doha will offer rapid and destinations to its global route net- Airways delivers to its passengers. of major multi-national compa- convenient connections for pas- work: Entebbe (Uganda); Kigali Qatar Airways has seen rapid nies and is also famous for being sengers from South Africa. “At (Rwanda); Kilimanjaro (Tanzania); growth in just 18 years of opera- the busiest port in the African Qatar Airways we strive to provide Maputo (Mozambique); Addis tion, to the point where today it is continent. It is also seen as one our passengers with the best of Ababa (Ethiopia); Djibouti flying a modern fleet of 147 air- of the main centres of tourism service levels on ground and on International Airport (Djibouti) and craft to 146 key business and because of the city’s warm sub- board our modern fleet. We also Asmara (Eritrea). leisure destinations across Europe, tropical climate and extensive provide our passengers with a Qatar Airways’ Boeing 787 the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, beaches and is an exciting holi- strong global network of business Dreamliner will be deployed on North America and South day destination thanks to its lux- and leisure destinations, and the the new Durban route which America. Al-Tijaria achieves a net profit of Burgan Bank announces KD 18,922,382 with 26% growth rate winners of Yawmi account KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced today Established in 1977, Burgan Bank is the the names of the lucky winners of its Yawmi youngest commercial Bank and third KUWAIT: Abdulfatah M R Marafie, Chairman of Based on the achieved results, the Board of exerted efforts in light of the strategic commit- account draw, each taking home a prize of largest by assets in Kuwait, with a signifi- Al-Tijaria Real Estate Company, has stated that directors of the company recommended the dis- ment announced by the company, which focus- KD 5,000. cant focus on the corporate and financial the business outcome of the company for the tribution of 6 percent cash dividends of the bar es on constantly seeking to seize promising The lucky winners for the daily draws institutions sectors, as well as having a financial year ended on 31.12.2014 resulted in value of the shares and 5 percent bonus shares investment opportunities which achieve added took home a cash-prize of KD 5,000 each, growing retail, and private bank customer achieving net profits of KD 18,922,382 with an of the company’s paid up capital. It is worth not- value to the shareholders’ investments, in addi- and they are: base. Burgan Bank has five majority increase of 26 percent compared to the year ing that the recommendations of the Board on tion to applying a conservatory policy which 1. TAMATHER ESSA SULAIMAN ALSULTAN owned subsidiaries, which include Jordan 2013.The Earning per shares (EPS) of the share the dividend distributions were made based on aims at maintaining shareholders’ rights and 2. MOSTAFA ABDULALEEM MOHAMMAD Kuwait Bank, Gulf Bank Algeria, Burgan increased by 27 percent to reach 11.21 fils per maintaining the real value of the company AHMAD Bank - Turkey, Bank of Baghdad, Tunis share. assets. Accordingly, the company has extended 3. HESSA HADI AYEDH ALAJMI International Bank, in which Burgan Bank The company has continued during 2014 its investments in new markets outside local and 4. MOHAMMAD MAHMOUD ABOUSH owns a majority stake. Burgan Bank Group achieving high performance ratios and returns. regional markets, thus diversifying its invest- 5. AHMED SHERIF AHMED ALLABBAN has one of the largest regional branch net- The said profits led to an increase in the financial ments in terms of geographical and sectorial dis- To further add to the anticipation of works with more than 231 branches across indices of the year 2014 as compared to the year tribution. Wherein the company had invested in Yawmi account customers, Burgan Bank Kuwait, Turkey, Jordan, Algeria, Iraq, Tunis, 2013. The return on the shareholder equity United Kingdom, United States, Norway, now offers a Quarterly Draw with more reached 7.1 percent with a growth of 21.3 per- Germany and other developed countries chances to win higher rewards, entitling cent. In addition, the return of the group profits through real estate projects, majority of which one lucky customer to win KD 125,000 on the total assets reached5.2 percent with a are with recurring monthly returns and the rest every three months. The Yawmi Account growth of 22.3 percent; whereas the return on are developmental achieving good returns upon now offers Daily and quarterly Draws, the the paid up capital of the company increased by exiting. Quarterly Draw requires customers to 11.1 percent with a growth of 26 percent. Abdulfatah Marafie, personally and on behalf maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 in The results of the company for 2014 have of the members of the Board of Directors and their account for 2 months prior to draw shown growth in shareholder equity by 3.9 per- employees at the Company, congratulates His date. Additionally, every KD 10 in the cent. And a growth in the company’s assets Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al- Abdulfatah M R Marafie account, will entitle customers to one by7.7 percent compared to the same period of Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown chance of winning. If the account balance 2013. Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al- is KD 500 and above, the account holder The business of the company remarkably the previous, current, and expected future Sabah, on the occasion of National Day and will be qualified for both the quarterly and improved in many aspects and fields and main- results in parallel and connected with the com- Liberation Day and wishes everyone blessings, daily draws. Lebanon and Palestine. tained an income increase including the revenue pany growth, continuity and expansion of the its security and prosperity. He also expresses his Burgan Bank encourages everyone to The Bank has continuously improved of real estates and hotels whereas the total rev- activities and growth of its revenues in accor- gratitude and appreciation to all shareholders, open a Yawmi account and/or increase its performance over the years through an enues of real estates and hotels reached dance with the prospect of the projects, opera- members of the Board as well as employees at their deposit to maximize their chances to expanded revenue structure, diversified approximately KD 19.3 million in 2014 which tional revenues and cash flows of the company the Company for their efforts, continuous sup- becoming a winner. The more customers funding sources, and a strong capital base. reflected the strong growth of revenues by 7.8 to create an added value to shareholders. port, and hard work for reaching the sought deposit, the higher the chances they The adoption of state-of-the-art services percent as compared to last year. The results and accomplishments reflect the after goals. receive of winning. and technology has positioned it as a For more information on opening a trendsetter in the domestic market and Yawmi account or about the new quarterly within the MENA region. Burgan Bank’s AP-GfK Poll: Most back Obama draw, customers are urged to visit their brand has been created on a foundation nearest Burgan Bank branch and receive of real values - of trust, commitment, all the details, or simply call the bank’s Call excellence and progression, to remind us plan to raise investment taxes Center at 1804080 where customer service of the high standards to which we aspire. representatives will be delighted to assist ‘People come first’ is the foundation on with any questions on the Yawmi account which its products and services are devel- WASHINGTON: The rich aren’t taxed independents, 46 percent supported think our own federal taxes are too have been much more flat. or any of the bank’s products and services. oped. enough and the middle class is taxed too it. Obama’s other tax plans didn’t fare high, and 4 percent “Most people understand that at a much. As for your taxes, you probably as well. said they pay too little. If taxes are time when the rich are becoming much think they’re too high as well. Those are About 27 percent said they favored increased, a slight majority said the addi- richer, the middle class is continuing to the results of an Associated Press-GfK making estates pay capital gains taxes tional money should help pay down the disappear,” Sanders said. “And people Zain announces Khaled poll that found that most people in the on assets when they are inherited, and national debt. Using the money to cut also understand that the very wealthy United States support President Barack 36 percent opposed it. Just 19 percent other taxes or fund government pro- and large corporations are able to take Shareef winner of $10,000 Obama’s proposal to raise investment said they supported the president’s grams were less popular options. advantage of huge loopholes, which taxes on high-income families. aborted plan to scale back the tax bene- Republicans, in general, are more enable them not to pay their fair share of cash prize in weekly draw The findings echo the populist mes- fits of popular college savings plans, 529 likely than Democrats to oppose higher taxes.” sages of two liberal senators - Elizabeth accounts, named after a section in feder- taxes, except when it comes to low- Obama has been pushing to raise KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommuni- Any eligible customer wishing to Warren of Massachusetts and Bernie al tax law. Obama withdrew the propos- income families. Only 19 percent of taxes on the rich since his first campaign cations company in Kuwait, announced enter the draw may do so by simply sub- Sanders of Vermont - being courted by al after Republicans and some respondents said low-income families for president in 2008. He has had some today Khaled Abdullah Shareef winner of scribing to any of Zain’s selected Internet the progressive wing of the Democratic Democrats in Congress opposed it. “I pay too little in federal taxes, but there success. In January 2013, Obama per- the $10,000 cash prize in the fourth or smartphone postpaid bundles, where Party to run for president in 2016. The think that’s a poor idea,” said Jamie Starr was a significant split between the politi- suaded Republicans in Congress to let weekly draw that was launched on they will receive a certain amount of results also add weight to Obama’s new of suburban Atlanta. “Being that I’m a cal parties. Just 10 percent of Democrats income tax rates go up for families mak- January. The daily and weekly draw cam- points that they can collect to be entitled push to raise taxes on the rich and use ing more than $450,000 a year. It was paign is running until the 28th of to enter either the daily, weekly, or grand some of the revenue to lower taxes on part of a deal that made permanent a February, 2015, with the grand prize draws. the middle class. large package of tax cuts first enacted draw being held on 1 March, 2015. Today’s announcement is a testament Obama calls his approach “middle- under Republican President George W. Zain further announced the names of of Zain’s tireless efforts in rewarding its class economics.” It’s not flying with Bush. the Daily Draw winners for the fourth customer base, the largest in the country. Republicans in Congress, who oppose Some liberals are looking for a candi- week: Nasser Hadi Al-Ajmi, Amal Shaye’ The promotion further demonstrates higher taxes. But Bob Montgomery of date to push for higher taxes on the rich Al-Jeemaz, Washima Saad Al-Aazmi, Zain’s pivotal role in Kuwait’s telecom Martinsville, Virginia, said people with in the 2016 race. Sanders and Democrat Waleed Ali Bin Ali, Fawaz Ajeel Al- sector, sparing no effort in introducing higher incomes should pay more. “I think Warren would fit the profile, though Dhufairi, Sarah Abduljaleel Al-Huwaishil, exceptional offerings for technology and the more you make the more taxes you Warren says she is not running for presi- and Hamda Aayedh Al-Shimmari. smartphone enthusiasts. should pay,” said Montgomery, who is dent and Sanders says he has not made retired after working 40 years at an auto up his mind. dealership. “I can’t see where a man makes Among Democrats, Hillary Rodham $50,000 a year pays as much taxes as Clinton is seen as the front-runner for the Al-Tijari announces winners somebody that makes $300,000 a year.” nomination; she has yet to make her can- According to the poll, 68 percent of didacy official. Clinton hasn’t offered Najma Account draw those questioned said wealthy house- specifics on how she would approach holds pay too little in federal taxes; only taxes as a candidate. But she offered a KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held prizes during the year worth KD 100,000 11 percent said the wealthy pay too glimpse of her views following Obama’s the Al-Najma Account daily draw yesterday. each on different occasions: The National much. Also, 60 percent said middle-class State of the Union Address in January, WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama speaks in Washington. The The draw was held under the supervision of Day, Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha and on the households pay too much in federal tax- rich aren’t taxed enough and the middle-class is taxed too much. when she tweeted that Obama “pointed es, while 7 percent said they paid too lit- way to an economy that works for all. the Ministry of Commerce & Industry repre- 19th of June which is the date of the bank’s As for your taxes, you probably think they’re too high as well. sented by Saquer Al-Manaie. establishment. tle. Obama laid out a series of tax pro- Those are the results of a new Associated Press-GfK poll. —AP Now we need to step up & deliver for the posals as part of his 2016 budget middle class. The AP-GfK Poll of 1,045 With a minimum balance of KD 500, cus- released this month. Few are likely to win mother of five children, that is a wonder- said low-income families pay too little, adults was conducted online Jan. 29-Feb. The winners of the tomers will be eligible for the daily draw approval in the Republican-controlled ful program.” while 33 percent of Republicans said 2, using a sample drawn from GfK’s prob- Najma daily draw are: provided that the money is in the account Congress. But if fellow Democrats were “That’s kids trying to make their own they don’t pay enough. According to the ability-based KnowledgePanel, which is Mohammad Muner Chaudhry — KD one week prior to the daily draw or 2 to embrace his ideas, they could play a away in this world without having stu- nonpartisan Congressional Budget designed to be representative of the US 7000, Faisal Adnan Taha — KD 7000, months prior to the mega draw. In addition, role in the 2016 race. dent loans,” she said. Office, the poorest 20 percent of house- population. The margin of sampling error Ahmed Mohamed Hassan — KD 7000, for each KD 25 a customer can get one One proposal would increase capital Obama’s proposal to levy a new tax holds paid less than 1 percent of all fed- for all respondents is plus or minus 3.5 Mohammad Ali Mohammad— KD 7000, chance for winning instead of KD 50. gains taxes on households making more on banks was supported by 47 percent eral taxes in 2011, the latest year for data. percentage points. Respondents were Mehsen Sayed Ibrahim — KD 7000. Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes this than $500,000. In the survey, 56 percent of those surveyed. Only 13 percent The top 10 percent paid more than half first selected randomly using phone or The Commercial Bank of Kuwait opportunity to congratulate all lucky win- favored the proposal, while only 16 per- opposed it, while 36 percent were of all federal taxes. mail survey methods, and later inter- announces the biggest daily draw in ners and also extends appreciation to the cent opposed it. undecided. It’s tax season, that time of That’s OK, said Sen. Sanders, an inde- viewed online. People selected for Kuwait with the launch of the new Najma Ministry of Commerce and Industry for Democrats, at 71 percent, were the the year when people are confronted by pendent from Vermont, because wealthy KnowledgePanel who didn’t otherwise account. Customers of the bank can now their effective supervision of the draws most likely to support raising taxes on their obligations to the government. people have seen their incomes soar have access to the Internet were provid- enjoy a KD 7,000 daily prize which is the which were conducted in an orderly and capital gains. Among Republicans and The poll found that 56 percent of us while the rest of the country’s wages ed access at no cost to them. —AP highest in the country and another 4 mega organized manner. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 technology

Spacewalking astronauts route cable in 1st of 3 jobs

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida: Spacewalking There were so many cables that NASA astronauts routed more than 300 feet (90 color-coded them. That helped the space- meters) of cable outside the International walkers only so much; they expected a Space Station on Saturday, tricky and tiring lighter blue for one of the lines. “I worked up advance work for the arrival of new a lather on that one,” Wilmore informed American-made crew capsules. It was the Mission Control. After successfully attaching first of three spacewalks planned for NASA the first four cables, he added, “I’ve got to astronauts Butch Wilmore and Terry Virts cool down.” over the coming week. Mission Control left two cables - or about Altogether, Wilmore and Virts have 764 24 feet (7.3 meters) worth - for the next feet (233 meters) of cable to run outside the spacewalk coming up Wednesday. Four hun- space station. They got off to a strong start dred feet (120 meters) of additional cable Saturday, rigging eight power and data will be installed March 1 on spacewalk No. 3. lines, or about 340 feet (104 meters). The “We’ve got a lot of work still,” Mission longest single stretch was 43 feet (13 Control said as Saturday’s 6 1/2-hour space- meters). walk drew to a close. “We want to make sure “Broadening my resume,” Virts observed. we look after your health and get you back NASA considers this the most complicated inside now, so we’re going to claim victory cable-routing job in the 16-year history of here.” It was the first spacewalk for Virts, who the space station. Equally difficult will be arrived at the space station in late running cable on the inside of the complex. November. He savored the moment as he The extensive rewiring is needed to prepare floated out high above the South Pacific. for NASA’s next phase 260 miles (418 kilome- “Pretty cool,” he said. ters) up: the 2017 arrival of the first commer- Spacesuit concerns stalled the work by a cial spacecraft capable of transporting astro- day. NASA wanted to make certain that the nauts to the orbiting lab. suits worn by Wilmore and Virts had reliable NASA is paying Boeing and SpaceX to fan and pump assemblies. Two other fan- build the capsules and fly them from Cape pump units failed aboard the space station Canaveral, which hasn’t seen a manned in recent months and were returned to Earth launch since the shuttle fleet retired in 2011. earlier this month for analysis. Corrosion was Instead, Russia is doing all the taxi work - for discovered, the result of water intrusion from a steep price. testing. The first of two docking ports for the Their suits appeared to work fine Boeing and SpaceX vessels - still under Saturday. “I just wanted to say thanks to development - is due to arrive in June. Even everyone for their hard work and dili- In this image from NASA television astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore (left) and Terry Virts begin wiring the more spacewalks will be needed to set gence,” Wilmore, the station’s commander, International Space Station in preparation for the arrival in July of the international docking port for the Boeing everything up. said once he was safely back inside. — AP and Space-X commercial crew vehicles early Saturday morning . —AP

Tesla, Google, Apple: Superfish points fingers over Is Silicon Valley the ad software security flaws future of the US car? Visual search technology may be next big thing in online shopping NEW YORK: Is the future of the US car Apple’s strength is its role as a “disruptor” industry in Silicon Valley? After Tesla and in industries, and that the “comprehen- SAN FRANCISCO: A little-known Silicon Valley Google, Apple appears to be readying for sive ecosystem” of its popular consumer startup was caught in a firestorm of criticism this a plunge into the industry long rooted electronics could be extended to an week for making software that exposed Lenovo far away in the steel belt of the US upper “Apple car”. laptop users to hackers bent on stealing person- Midwest. According to various media al information. But Superfish Inc has also won reports, the maker of iPhones and iPads Money to spend praise for producing visual search technology has created a special unit baptized “Titan” Apple has the money to put into a that many see as the next big thing in online with hundreds of staff to begin develop- new car-some $180 billion in capital built shopping. ing an electric car, with 2020 the target up to invest in new projects. Even so, said Is Superfish an Internet pioneer or a comput- date. Gutierrez, given the costs and competi- er-user’s privacy nightmare? Either way, don’t Apple remains silent on the project, tion in the auto industry, “it’s fraught with expect a mea culpa. Faced with a withering pub- but the reports were partially backed up risk.” licity barrage that could jeopardize any startup’s by a lawsuit filed against the tech giant. “The automotive space is so highly future, Superfish CEO Adi Pinhas blamed anoth- Battery maker 123 Systems has accused competitive today, and margins in new er company for the security flaw and com- Apple of aggressively poaching its staff. car sales are extraordinarily thin, which is plained about what he called “false and mislead- But it puts Apple in line with Tesla, the something Apple is not used to.” “How ing statements made by some media commen- current champion of the electric car, and many companies have totally failed into tators and bloggers.” Google, the online giant which is focused trying to enter the automotive Researchers revealed Thursday that some lap- on the self-driving, also-electric Google industry? It’s a tough thing and it’s tops sold by China’s Lenovo, the world’s biggest Car. The Big Three US automakers- very expensive,” added Brett Smith, pro- PC maker, had a security flaw that could let hack- General Motors, Ford and Chrysler (now a gram director at the Center for ers impersonate shopping, banking and other part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, FCA) Automotive Research. He pointed to websites and steal users’ credit card numbers — are taking the threat from the Detroit Tesla continuing to lose money despite and other personal data. outsiders seriously. its success in marketing its luxury cars Lenovo has since apologized for pre-loading “Given the company’s (Apple’s) with battery systems superior to any the computers with Superfish’s visual search tremendous capabilities, that is no sur- offered by Detroit. software, which captures images that users view BEIJING: People walk past a Lenovo flagship experience store in Beijing, China. Security prise to anyone,” GM spokesman Dan And the major automakers are all online, such as a sofa or pair of shoes, and then researchers revealed on Thursday that some computers sold by China’s Lenovo, the world’s Flores told AFP. At Chrysler, spokesman working hard on making more and bet- shows them ads for similar products. By itself, biggest PC maker, had a major security hole that would let any garden-variety hacker imper- Eric Maynes said: “We can’t comment on ter hybrid and all-electric vehicles. That the image recognition algorithm might not be a sonate shopping, banking and other websites and steal users’ credit card numbers and other something we haven’t seen.” sets a high bar for any new entrant, notes security risk. But the problem arose because personal data. —AP Ford too had no comment on Apple’s Smith. Superfish used software from another company Pinhas and fellow entrepreneur Michael with complaints that an earlier Superfish pro- plans, but the number two automaker “Does Apple have better technologies that can eavesdrop when Internet users visit Chertok, Superfish is among a handful of com- gram, WindowShopper, bombarded users with recently opened a research center in Palo than Mercedes or Ford or GM or Toyota secure or encrypted websites. panies pioneering the use of “visual recognition” annoying ads and diverted them to websites Alto, the heart of Silicon Valley, as it looks to build a car? I really doubt it.” What That software replaced the encryption code technology, which industry experts say could they didn’t want to visit. Pinhas didn’t respond to the future of self-driving automobiles. Apple could bring to the industry is what on websites with its own easily-hacked code, revolutionize online shopping by letting people to an emailed question about WindowShopper. Bill Visnic, an analyst at industry specialist Google brings: ways to process and use according to several researchers. The search online with pictures as easily as they now Superfish, which was founded in 2006, said Edmunds.com, said that given the seven- data. Google is focused not on the physi- Department of Homeland Security issued an search with words. Superfish’s visual recognition last year that it had 85 employees and about $45 year average time frame to develop and cal car itself but on the technology that alert Friday saying Lenovo customers should algorithms can analyze a picture and search million in annual revenue. As a privately held bring a car to the mass market, the will allow cars to run themselves. Its self- remove Superfish software because of the hack- through a database for similar images, even if startup, the company doesn’t disclose major cus- Detroit giants are not under serious pres- driving vehicles, in the guise of various ing dangers Superfish on Friday insisted its own they’re not labeled with descriptive text. tomers or contracts. But with the Lenovo deba- sure yet. car models, have already driven hun- code is safe and said the security flaw was “intro- “I’ve been impressed. They’re probably one of cle, Superfish’s brand is taking a hit. However the Even with the unexpected success of dreds of thousands of miles (kilometers) duced unintentionally by a third party.” In an the best technologies that’s out there,” said flaw was introduced, critics say Superfish and Tesla, for instance, the company still sold on California roads in test runs. email to The Associated Press, Pinhas identified Sucharita Mulpuru, a Forrester Research analyst. Lenovo should have caught the problem sooner. less than 35,000 cars last year in an Apple already has something to offer that party as Komodia, a tech startup based in “It can be a powerful tool for a lot of things, but “They probably saw this as a way to generate national market of more than 16 million the industry, notes Visnic. It could Israel that makes software for other companies, definitely for shopping and e-commerce.” revenue, but the security implications are pretty units. And Tesla’s cars are confined to a become a key supplier of connectivity including tools for companies that show online Consumers will see more of this in the future, severe,” said analyst Ken Westin of the cyberse- very high-end niche market. technology for cars, putting its operating ads and for programs parents can use to monitor said Yory Wurmser at the eMarketer research curity firm Tripwire. “Apple is not an immediate threat to systems up against Google’s Android, their children’s Web surfing. firm. Amazon.com Inc. built a similar shopping Lenovo released a software tool Friday to the US auto industry. I don’t think you’ll already being installed in many car mod- Some experts say the problem may extend feature into its Fire smartphone last year. Google help customers remove the Superfish code from see the volume there, the number of cars els. “For Apple, they have proven to be beyond Lenovo. The Komodia tool could imperil Inc., Facebook Inc., Pinterest and other tech their laptops. But some experts say users may won’t really begin to approach anything phenomenally good at user experience,” any company or program using the same code. giants are investing heavily in visual search. want to wipe their hard drives and start over, re- like Detroit is making right now at any Smith told AFP. “The car for them will “It’s not just Superfish, other companies may be Now based in Palo Alto, California, Pinhas has installing the Windows operating system howev- time soon,” said Visnic. Alec Gutierrez, a become another user experience device, vulnerable,” said Robert Graham, CEO of Errata called Superfish a “deep technology company.” er. That’s not an easy task for casual users, said market analyst at Kelley Blue Book, said and that will differentiate them.” —- AFP Security. Komodia CEO Barak Weichselbaum But Superfish critics call its products “ad-ware” or Westin, “but it’s the best way to be completely declined comment Friday. Launched in Israel by worse. Several Internet message boards are filled sure.” — AP Video games flow with pints at London’s e-sport pub LONDON: It’s Saturday night at a busy pub in north London, market that’s growing,” said Metz, who views Meltdown as a and the crowd is packed around the bar cheering and shout- video game “Starbucks”. ing at a large screen. It’s not showing sport, but a video game. Her guests also come to play games themselves. There is no telltale sign on the grey front of the building, just Consoles are available for their use, as well as five work- its name “Meltdown” and the muffled bass of Bob Marley’s stations equipped with backlit keyboards and ergonomic “Get up, stand up” which makes the windows vibrate gently. chairs to avoid back pain. This Saturday one player in particu- But inside this “e-sports” bar is a temple of competitive lar is drawing attention: Ilyes Satouri, who goes by the name gaming. Around a table crowded with pints of beer, young “Stephano”. people are following a tournament of “League of Legends”, Aged 21, he is one of France’s leading e-sports players and one of the most popular online games. “Go, go for it, come has won some $250,000 in just over 80 tournaments of strate- on!” shouts a young woman wearing black stockings, shorts gy game Starcraft II. and a striped top, her fingers typing quickly on her phone as E-sports bars “were missing until now. Before, those inter- she comments on the match on Twitter. Here customers come ested in video games generally stayed at home,” said the to have a drink and watch a video game contest as others curly-haired Satouri, wearing a red shirt. “It breaks down of the would a game of football or rugby. myth of the pimply geek who stays shut up at home.” Another The menu lists a selection of cocktails referencing the vir- assumption the institutions can help to break down is that tual world. With its fruity blend of rum, lime, mango, raspberry they would be mainly frequented by men. and passion fruit, the “Shoryuken” takes its name from “Street Although women are less numerous at Meltdown on a Fighter”, one of the most famous games in history. Saturday night, they are certainly present. ‘Gaming Starbucks’ Among them is Bedir Marisa, aka “Ribbons”, a bubbly 21- Meltdown is the only one of its kind in Britain and is an year-old Londoner who works in cancer research. “I go to offshoot of a chain of bars launched in France by gaming Meltdown to relax and see my friends as well as being able to enthusiasts. participate in the League of Legends tournaments,” said The first opened in Paris in 2012. “I realized that there Marisa, who plays at least two hours of the game a day. were many players who wanted to leave their homes, have a “I think that some men assume that because there’s not LOS GATOS: The Netflix company logo at Netflix headquarters in Los Gatos, California. Original programming for drink and party,” said Sophia Metz, one of the founders. many girls who play games that you are fake and only playing television has become a war of nerves to attract an increasingly fragmented audience. Costs are also soaring on a “Six months later, we opened in Berlin, then in London. games to get attention,” she added. “Which is quite disheart- US television market in full digital shift. Netflix produced a growing number of programs and sped spending at Today there are nine bars,” she said, adding that the United ening considering I’ve been playing games non-stop since I the same time as its international expansion, with $ 3 billion raised this year. — AFP States could be next. “E-sports is still a niche market, but it’s a got my first Game Boy at the age of seven!” — AFP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

VA’s ‘choice’ program for health care off to slow start

WASHINGTON: Far fewer veterans than ans ineligible. “Veterans put their lives The choice program expands an Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., called it unac- before the House Veterans Affairs expected are taking advantage of a new on the line to defend this country. The existing program that allows veterans to ceptable. And Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Committee. Louis Celli, director of veter- law aimed at making it easier for them to very least we can do is ensure they don’t get outside care for emergencies or pro- one of the law’s chief authors, said ans affairs and rehabilitation at The get private health care and avoid the have to jump through hoops to receive cedures not available at the VA. Veterans Congress not only would reject the idea American Legion, the largest veterans long waits that have plagued the care they need and have earned,” have long complained about waiting “but refuse to even consider” it. service organization, called McDonald’s Department of Veterans Affairs facilities said Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., whose vast months or even years to be reimbursed Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, explanation disingenuous. nationwide. state has just one VA hospital. for private care, and many are skeptical the senior Democrat on the Senate vet- “Draining funds from the bill short- Only 27,000 veterans have made The choice program was a key com- the choice card will alleviate those prob- erans panel, said in an interview he circuits the program and ultimately appointments for private medical care ponent of last year’s sweeping law lems, despite promises by the VA. would oppose any reallocation of funds hurts vets,” Celli said, noting that VA offi- since the VA started mailing out “Choice approved in response to reports that “so long as there are delays and issues cials had pushed for the choice program Cards” in November, the VA said in a dozens of veterans died while waiting Choice program with quality of care” at VA. as a short-term way to expand patient report to Congress this month. The num- for appointments at a VA hospital in “I don’t believe any of us thought that access to care. ber is so small, compared to the 8.6 mil- Phoenix, and that appointment records there would be a wholesale rush to leave Budget flexibility McDonald will get another chance to lion cards that have been mailed out, were manipulated to hide the delays. A the VA system at all, but we are still early McDonald counters that the propos- explain the proposal Thursday as the that VA Secretary Robert McDonald series of government reports said work- in the program,” Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., al, which has not been formally submit- Senate Veterans Affairs Committee con- wants authority to redirect some of the ers throughout the country falsified wait chairman of the House Veterans Affairs ted to Congress, would help ensure that siders the VA’s budget. $10 billion Congress allocated for the lists while supervisors looked the other Committee, told reporters during a “every veteran receives the care they Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan., said a program to boost care for veterans at way, resulting in chronic delays for veter- recent tour of the VA. have earned and deserve regardless of veteran in his rural district drives 340 the VA’s 970 hospitals and clinics. ans seeking care and bonuses for man- McDonald’s bid to shift the money where they choose to get it from.” miles one-way for cardiology treatment Republicans and Democrats insist the agers who falsely appeared to meet on- has met a bipartisan wall of opposition McDonald, who took over as VA sec- at a VA hospital in Kansas City. problem is the department and that it time goals. in Congress, where leaders said the land- retary in July, said he never intended to “If the VA choice program can’t pro- needs to do a better job promoting the The law, signed by President Barack mark law they adopted last summer to “gut the choice program or somehow vide something closer for him, then we choice program. They also want to Obama in August, allows veterans who overhaul VA has not been fully imple- eliminate” it. Instead, he said, he simply need to relook at how we are imple- change a quirk in the law that makes it have waited more than 30 days for an mented. Taking money away from the seeks the kind of budget flexibility he menting that,” Huelskamp told hard for some veterans in rural areas to appointment to get VA-paid care from a choice program just three months after enjoyed as Procter & Gamble CEO. McDonald at the Feb. 11 hearing. prove they live at least 40 miles from a local doctor. It also allows veterans who it was launched is premature, even irre- “Imagine your household. You are McDonald said VA officials are willing VA health site. live at least 40 miles from a VA hospital sponsible, lawmakers and veterans hungry, but you can’t move the money to look at the 40-mile rule to see if it The government measures the dis- or clinic to get private care and makes it advocates said. from the gasoline account to the food needs to be changed. The VA is commit- tance as the crow flies, rather than by easier to fire VA employees accused of Miller called the plan a complete account. Well, that is the situation I face,” ted to doing all it can to “make sure the driving miles, leaving housands of veter- wrongdoing. nonstarter. His Senate counterpart, he said at a Feb. 11 budget hearing program is robust,” he said.—AP Anti-abortion advocate Dr John Willke dead Caring for unborn children and their mothers

CINCINNATI: Dr John Willke, an obstetrician Willke’s view. who helped shape the modern anti-abortion “There’s no greater emotional trauma that movement with ideas including a belief that a can be experienced by a woman than an assault woman can resist conception from a sexual rape,” Willke wrote in 1999 in the journal assault, has died, his daughter said Saturday. He Christian Life Resources. “This can radically upset was 89. her possibility of ovulation, fertilization, implan- Willke, who founded the International Right tation and even nurturing of a pregnancy.” to Life Federation, died Friday at his home in But the American Congress of Obstetricians Cincinnati, daughter Marie Meyers said. She said and Gynecologists in 2012 said a woman who is the cause of death wasn’t immediately known, raped “has no control over ovulation, fertilization but that he had seemed in good health for his or implantation of a fertilized egg” and that to age. “suggest otherwise contradicts basic biological “The core of his life was caring for people as a truths.” husband, a father and a doctor, and that caring LOS ANGELES: This undated photo provided by the US Food and Drug extended to his life’s work for unborn children Handbook on abortion Administration shows the tip of an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogra- and their mothers,” Meyers said. Willke and his late wife, Barbara, co-authored phy (ERCP) duodenoscope, attached to a long tube, not shown. A “superbug” out- Willke quit delivering babies in the late 1960s the “Handbook on Abortion,” providing informa- break suspected in the deaths of two Los Angeles hospital patients is raising disturb- to oppose abortion, retiring from his medical tion from an anti-abortion viewpoint. The 1971 ing questions about the design of a hard-to-clean medical instrument used on more practice in 1988 to fully devote his time to the book, which sold 1.5 million copies at the height Dr John Willke than half a million people in the US every year. — AP anti-abortion movement. He participated in of the sexual revolution and has been reprinted protests and congressional hearings and many times and in many languages, influenced been debunked. appeared on national television frequently. generations of anti-abortion activists. “I think it’s troubling when medical profes- Finger-pointing, lawsuits In a statement, Ohio Attorney General Mike One such activist, Janet Folger Porter, said sionals put out inaccurate information to bolster DeWine described Willke as a “worldwide leader Saturday that she was heartbroken by Willke’s their political views,” Copeland said. to follow ‘superbug’ scare in the right to life movement.” “He will be death. Barbara Willke, who died in April 2013, told remembered as a great teacher and friend and “He was my hero, mentor and friend,” said The Associated Press in 1999 that the couple LOS ANGELES: With an antibiotic-resistant the US who may have been infected by taint- stalwart leader in giving a voice to the most vul- Porter, president of Faith2Action, an Ohio-based didn’t originally plan to get involved with abor- “superbug” outbreak connected to its facility, ed scopes. nerable in our society,” DeWine said. anti-abortion group. A former National Right to tion until questions from their daughters and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center stopped The blame game has played out across the Other doctors and abortion rights advocates Life Committee president, Willke and his wife friends caused them to take a closer look at the short of pointing a finger at the manufacturer country where some patients are believed to have accused Willke of ignoring facts and sci- founded the Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati issue. of a medical instrument believed to have have died from infections and hundreds of ence - particularly in his view on rape and preg- Inc. in 1970. “My husband said if we got involved it would spread the deadly germs. The maker of the others have been shocked when notified they nancy. U.S. Rep. Todd Aiken of Missouri drew crit- Kellie Copeland, executive director of NARAL swallow us up, and I guess it did,” she said. The product was careful not to blame the hospital could have been infected with bacteria or a icism from fellow Republicans and lost his 2012 Pro-Choice Ohio, said Saturday that much of Willkes had six children, 22 grandchildren and as it issued new cleaning instructions empha- harmful disease from a medical instrument Senate bid after making comments reflecting what Willke put forward as medical facts has three great-grandchildren. —AP sizing meticulous manual sterilization. that was intended to help them. In some cas- Things may not be so polite once lawyers es, patients who weren’t infected have sued get involved. Lawsuits are expected to follow for having to go through the unnerving the outbreak tied to two deaths and several process of being screened over months for infections, with the hospital and manufactur- diseases such as HIV and hepatitis they may er pointing fingers at each other. have been exposed to. “That’s exactly the kind of skirmishing Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyer you’re going to see,” said John Culhane, co- Brendan Lupetin currently represents more director of the Family Health Law & Policy than 200 patients in a class-action suit against Institute at the Widener University School of a Pennsylvania clinic that he said didn’t prop- Law in Delaware. “The bottom line is that the erly clean its endoscopes. two defendants will be hauled into court, and He envisions lots of lawsuits coming from they’ll be trying to do two things: One, they the UCLA outbreak, with lawyers targeting didn’t do anything wrong; the second thing is both the hospital and Olympus and possibly to pin the blame on the other defendant.” third parties who may have been responsible Two people have died at UCLA, and five oth- for maintaining equipment used for cleaning ers have been infected with the bacteria and sterilization. known as carbapenem-resistant “It looks like someone dropped the ball,” Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE, after undergoing Lupetin said. “Whether it’s the manufacturer similar endoscopic procedures to diagnose or UCLA, you can almost guarantee there will and treat pancreatic and bile-duct problems be a number of lawsuits.” between October and January, hospital offi- cials said. More than 170 other patients also No guarantee of success may have been exposed. The family of an 18- UCLA said it doesn’t comment on litiga- year-old student in grave condition from the tion. A spokesman for Olympus didn’t imme- bacteria is considering suing the endoscope’s diately return an email seeking comment. manufacturer, Olympus Corporation of the Lawrence Muscarella, a health care and sterili- Americas, an arm of Japan’s Olympus Corp, zation expert, said he’d be surprised if there’s attorney Kevin Boyle said. litigation because he doesn’t know of any That hard-to-clean medical instrument lawsuits tied to outbreaks he has closely fol- used on more than half a million people in lowed at four other US hospitals. Few lawyers KAILUA-KONA: This image provided by NOAA’s Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program shows a camera on pole with flying the US every year has become the focus of have taken on the hospitals because it can line cutter knife making the last cut to free the whale. The Sanctuary said Saturday that its craft got within 10 feet of the mammal a day earlier the investigation into the outbreak. cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to pre- and the crew used a pole equipped with a knife to saw the line free. Ed Lyman of the sanctuary says several hundred feet of line was cut away. Olympus emphasized in a statement pare a case, and there’s no guarantee of suc- Pictured from left: Ed Lyman and Grant Thompson. — AP Thursday that meticulous manual sterilization cess when it’s hard to prove what caused an is needed. The company said it was issuing infection, he said. Doctors rarely list the infec- new instructions and working with federal tion as the cause of death, and some hospi- Crews free humpback whale officials. tals have said patients entered their facility with the antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a notion Blame game he dismisses. tangled in fishing line The US Food and Drug Administration “Proving causation is impossible,” he said. warned doctors Thursday that the device’s “You can’t prove you didn’t have that organ- complex design and tiny parts make com- ism when you came into the hospital.” KAILUA-KONA: Officials say a 45-ton humpback crew used a pole equipped with a knife to saw the the fragment will fall away as the wound heals. The plete disinfection extremely difficult. Even Culhane, the law professor, said that if cases whale entangled with fishing line in Hawaii waters line free. Ed Lyman of the sanctuary says several entangled whale was first spotted Feb. 13 off the when cleaning instructions are followed, do proceed to court, defendants probably for more than a week is finally free. hundred feet of line was cut away. West Hawaii Big Island’s Kona Coast. germs may linger, the FDA said. Between won’t blame the victim for their role, as often The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Today reports (http://bit.ly/1z8kzIG ) that when the Experts say such entanglements could result in January 2013 and December 2014, the FDA happens in negligence cases. In these cases, Marine Sanctuary said Saturday that its craft got 45-foot-long whale swam free, all line but a small drowning, starvation, infections and increased sus- received 75 reports involving 135 patients in the patient was probably unconscious. —AP within 10 feet of the mammal a day earlier and the piece lodged in a wound was off. Lyman says that ceptibility to ship strikes. — AP Dietary guidelines panel suggests tax on sugary foods

WASHINGTON: A tax on sugary drinks and departments. The advice includes eating more ed could support health promotion efforts,” by the beverage industry brought down the The panel endorsed adding a line on the snacks is one way a government panel of fruits and vegetables and whole grains and the committee wrote as part of the recom- effort in the courts. nutrition facts label for added sugars, which nutrition experts thinks Americans can be limiting added sugars and fat. mendations released this week. Other ideas put forth by the committee the Obama administration has already pro- coaxed into eating better. Some members of However, the panel goes beyond previous Such taxes have mostly failed to gain trac- were placing nutrition labels on the front of posed. It also backed the administration’s Congress are already pushing back on the versions of the dietary guidelines by suggest- tion around the country, though voters in food packages and requiring public buildings standards for healthier school lunches. idea, saying the panel has overstepped its ing a broad list of possible policy changes - a Berkeley, California, approved a special, per- to serve healthier foods. The committee also Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman bounds. tax is just one - that could make it easier for ounce tax on sugary drinks in November. In suggested incentives for eating fruits and veg- Pat Roberts, R-Kan., criticized the report short- The panel’s recommendations will help people to follow that diet advice. New York City, former Mayor Michael etables, though it didn’t detail how that could ly after it came out Thursday, saying the com- determine what gets into the new version of “Taxation on higher sugar- and sodium- Bloomberg tried to cap the size of sugary work. Panel members said incentives might be mittee strayed from its science-based nutri- dietary guidelines being prepared by the containing foods may encourage consumers drinks sold in restaurants and other venues at vouchers for farmers markets or subsidies for tion recommendations.” This is economic, not Agriculture and Health and Human Services to reduce consumption and revenues generat- 16 ounces, but legal challenges spearheaded growers or grocery stores. nutrition, policy,” he said.—AP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Organza Clinic launches latest technologies and Int’l expertise

KUWAIT: During the presence of the media, press and newspapers representatives, Organza Clinic has officially launched the clinic at Midan Hawally, Hemoud Zeid Al Khaled Street, Al Mutawa Medical Tower, on the third and fourth floors, where Organza Clinic puts all its services and equipments under one roof making it the first destination for all women when it comes to beauty. During the press conference, Public Relation Officer of Organza Clinic Mrs. Abir Meshlab com- mented: “Having a clear and fresh skin became the dream of all women at all ages, and we at Organza Clinic made sure to accommodate the latest machines and techniques to make this dream come true in an exquisite and safe envi- ronment that would make them feel comfortable and relaxed, assuring that since the soft launch in 2014 the feedback and reviews of the clinic from patients were very promising.” The clinic features the highest technologies and experts that have experience on an interna- tional level and efficiency that specialize in differ- ent skin treatments from oxygen, diamond, crys- tal, peeling as well as an entire department for dental treatment. ist regularly.” Hollywood smile When it comes to cosmetics Mrs Abir During the press conference that is consid- Organza Clinic focuses mainly on educating explained: “We at Organza Clinic provide all kinds ered the official launch of the clinic, invitees the patients so they are aware of all the process New system helps US step up of treatments when it comes to the skin, from enjoyed a grand tour around the clinic, enjoying and the procedure before they undergo any laser, to different types of therapies that includes the sophisticated and advanced atmosphere and treatment whether at the clinic or anywhere else defense vs biological warfare cosmetic surgeries as well as medical tattoos for equipments as well as a detailed explanation in order to assure not to harm their health and burns and leprosy. We at Organza Clinic also seek about each and every treatment available. wellbeing. DUGWAY PROVING GROUND: A unique cham- ability to evaluate these systems in a live envi- towards providing all what women need to take During the tour Mrs Abir pointed out: “After Organza Clinic offers all dental treatments and ber designed to improve the nation’s readiness ronment before. This allows us to have a high care of herself and her beauty, since women conducting a thorough study and research on cosmetics without any pain, with regards to the against biological warfare has debuted at a US degree of confidence in our systems.” Army facility in Utah. Carmen Spencer of the federal Joint Program always look for ways and methods to highlights cosmetic treatments and therapies, it was clear all the dental services provided by the clinic The The Dugway Proving Ground, which is about Executive Office for Chemical and Biological their beauty and maintain their youthful look. that there was a high demand from women as Managing Director of Organza Clinic Dr. Tarek Al 85 miles southwest of Salt Lake City, now is Defense said it’s paramount that biological With all the latest technologies and advance- they held the majority percentage of patients, Naqi, explained: “We provide all kinds of dental ments nowadays there are so many available therefore we at Organza Clinic made sure to pro- home to an intricate system that tests how well agent detection systems operate at the highest services from taking care of the teeth and keep- detection systems of deadly biological agents efficiency given the evolving nature of global methods for all women with different types of vide the best atmosphere for women as well as ing them healthy from cleaning to therapies in skins to take care to treat, from dry to oily as well female doctors and expertise taking into account such as anthrax, ricin and plague do their job. threats. addition to cosmetics, ranging from the treat- A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held “The world is a far different place than it was as the normal skin, as each skin type needs a spe- their privacy. Also we have a specialized team for ment of the nerve up to the Hollywood smile that public relations that hold more than 10 years of Thursday for the system, which represents a $39 20 years ago,” he said. “There’s an ever-increasing cific type of treatment and care, also Our main can be completed within 48 hours.” experience to facilitate and improve the consulta- million investment for the Department of awareness of the potential of a biological threat goal is provide a very high quality service Dr. Al-Naqi further explained: “Organza Clinic tion experience and the relationship between the Defense. It’s expected to begin operation in the against nation states by non-nation states.” acceible to the public and concentrate on inter- assures in providing the latest equipments and nal beauty”. doctor and the patient. next several weeks. Fizer said al-Qaida has made no secret of its Mrs Abir further explained that at Organza methods that are specialized in veneers and lumi- Detection systems previously have had to be desire to get its hands on biological agents, and neers, as well as teeth implants and braces and Emotional stress Clinic the latest equipments and technologies are tested component by component to determine biological labs are top targets for multiple terror- other aspects that includes more medical Mrs Abir continued:” When it comes to taking available to ensure positive and great results, how efficiently they functioned. Typical detec- ist cells. involvements like removing and treating teeth in care of your skin, women have to learn that there including body sculpting, laser for hair removal tion systems used by the military are about the “Before we didn’t have a chamber that could are so many factors around us that has certain that is fast and safe which is effective for treating the same day.” Dr. Al-Naqi concluded: “Apart from size of a refrigerator, but the new chamber is big test these systems. This gives us that readiness,” effects on our skin, for example the everyday all types of skin without any pain, as well as differ- the latest dental technologies, we provide enough to accommodate two at the same time he told the Deseret News. stress, emotional stress, exhaustion, soup, steam ent treatments to remove scars and tighten skin experts and specialist that have experience on an so they can be compared side by side and their Douglas Andersen, chief of the life sciences coming from food when cooking, pollution, radi- spots. As a conclusion Mrs. Abir advices all international level.” ability to perform independently can be tested. division at Dugway’s West Desert System, ations as well as the sun which is considered the women who are looking for a new beautiful look By the end of the ceremony attendees and “It is a huge deal,” Dugway’s commander, Col. agreed. “We can do those tests and safely chal- main enemy of the skins, therefore we need to to visit Organza Clinic and learn about the latest invitees were introduced to and aware of all the Ronald Fizer, told the Deseret News lenge or expose a real system to agent in the air take care of our skin on daily basis and seek the technologies and equipments in the field of cos- services and the different departments offered (http://bit.ly/1LqZP7G ). “We have not had the and see if it will respond.” —AP recommendations of medical expert and special- metics. and available at Organza Clinic. WHAT’S ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 Fitness First Middle East brings third Ladies Only Club to Kuwait

n a bid to make fitness more accessible members. sonal trainers are available to members and complete health solution and retreat for nected with wireless internet where mem- for ladies in Kuwait, Fitness First Middle The club will also offer some of the most are focused on ensuring that the members ladies wanting to pep-up their fitness. bers can freely socialize with their friends IEast has announced the launch of its popular classes including Zumba, Les Mills achieve the desired results. and enjoy complimentary drinks. Members third ‘Ladies Only’ fitness club at Salam Mall. Body Pump and Body Combat as well as the Coupled with designer interiors, luxuri- Wireless Internet can also use the facility to network as well as The launch of the club is a response to the exclusive TUFF. Internationally qualified per- ous changing rooms and sauna it provides a The Exclusive Members Lounge is con- have short business meetings before or after steady increase in the demand for more their work out sessions. exclusive Ladies fitness clubs in Kuwait Speaking at the opening of the club, The 1,400 square meter Salam Mall club is Sanjay Dube, CEO of Landmark Hospitality located in Al Salam Mall on Salem Al- said; “We understand that ladies want a level Mubarak Street in Salmiya and brings the of privacy while they exercise and the total number of Fitness First Middle East enthusiasm they have shown for our first clubs in Kuwait to five. ladies only club at Sama Sulaibikhat has According to Fitness First Middle East, been phenomenal. We also understand that there has been a noticeable shift towards a it is not just about exercise; it is about a fit lifestyle especially among ladies in Kuwait lifestyle that embraces fitness and health in leading to a steady increase in demand for all its facets including the support and inspi- fitness facilities. The new club, which is part ration of other like-minded women.” of Fitness First Middle East ongoing growth Celebrating its launch, the new club is and network expansion plan, has been offering a chance to all ladies to win one designed exclusively for ladies and boasts of year of free membership and a special dis- an extensive range of free group workout count on joining. sessions including newly launched and innovative Free Group Training (FGT) classes. Additional facilities The club also offers the all new Synergy Maximum results 360, a revolutionary concept that provides FGT consists of an effective 30-minute limitless opportunities to train smarter, bet- high-energy workout delivering maximum ter and more effectively. It is a full service results in minimum time. This new and training nerve center that can be tailored to exciting concept is specifically tailored to serve the broad scope of each user’s individ- encourage members to train as a team as ual goals as well as facilitates the latest fit- it helps in motivating and encouraging ness trends.

ICSK conducts graduation ceremony

he Indian Community School Kuwait students to spread their wings out into the Seva Darshan accorded a grand farewell to the out- vast world. Tgoing students of class 12, 2014-15 musical dance drama batch, on Wednesday, 18th February, 2015. School life The Ambassador of India to Kuwait Sunil Honorary Vice-Chairman to the ICSK ‘Sthreeparvam’ Jain was the Chief Guest for the occasion. Board of Trustees Bobby Mathew and the or the first time in Kuwait, more than 120 artists are Gloria Agaronova, Attaché, Protocol Affairs honorary secretary Vijay Karayil presented grouping up on a single stage, to present the dance and AyazIsmagilov, Attaché, General Affairs mementoes to the chief guest and special Fdrama, ‘Streeparvam’, framed on role of women in from the Russian Embassy were the special invitees for the ceremony. Nostalgia India. ‘Streeparvam’ is a call to wake up against the injustice invitees at the ceremony. rained in as student representatives towards women community, taking into consideration the The graduation ceremony began with shared their reminiscences of school life. prevailing social scenario of insecurity within the Indian dazzling tunes of patriotism and diligence Sweet and bitter memories shared in the society. It is an eye opener towards the challenges of con- both to motherland India and to Kuwait. The tanginess of tears of separation left the sumerism and globalization which pose a serious threat on invocation of the divine, by lighting the cer- audience emotional. Mementoes and con- values of our nation. Mother India is the embodiment of emonial lamp, filled the atmosphere with vocation certificates were distributed to qualities like love, affection, patience, sacrifice, courage, serenity and solemnity appropriate to the the students by the esteemed guests. and patriotism. These qualities are reflected in the women occasion. Principal of ICSK Senior Dr V Students, along with their proud parents, characters that have appeared throughout the history of Binumon welcomed the dignitaries, parents accepted the mementoes. India. ‘Sthree Parvam’ unveils the story of such brave and the students of class 12.He expressed A vote of thanks was proposed by Susan women characters of history portraying the power and his sincere appreciation and gratitude to all Rajesh Pothen, the head of the Economics strength embedded in women. the guests for their gracious presence on the department, who coordinated the gradua- The debut performance of the musical dance drama will solemn occasion. In his welcome speech, tion ceremony 2015.She extended warm be presented at ‘Sevadashakam’, the 10th anniversary cele- the Principal advised the students to set the gratitude to all for their presence and for brations of Seva Darsan Kuwait. The event is scheduled to sky as the limit and to be enterprising blessing the graduates. Lighting of the can- be held at Marina Hall, Abbassiya on 25th February, 2015 at enough to attune to the winds of change to dles followed. Lit candles were passed on by 10:00 am. The entry to the show is free. For further details be successful in life. Bobby Mathew, the the teachers to the students depicting the contact [email protected] Honorary Vice-Chairman to the ICSK Board passing on of knowledge. Dr Sam T of Trustees, delivered the Presidential Kuruvilla, Vice-Principal of ICSK Senior address. He wished the ‘Grandaunts’ all the administered the exhortation ceremony best for the years to come and urged them where-in the oath was repeated by the stu- What’s On - Submission Guidelines to maintain a positive attitude and great dents. As the melodies of the ‘song of self-confidence. The Vice-Chairman also retreat’ wafted in, the students, with their shared the plans for strategic changes in the enlightened self, walked out into the wide All photos submitted for What’s On fees and salary structure of the school. He world through the showers of blessing should be minimum 200dpi. appreciated the dedication, hard work and bestowed by parents and teachers. team spirit of ICSK faculty for bringing out The mega successful event was blessed Articles must be in plain text and the best in the students. by the presence of Hon Vice-Chairman to should include name and phone The Chief Guest, Sunil Jain, the the Board of Trustees Bobby Mathew, Hon Ambassador of India to Kuwait, addressed Secretary Vijay Karayil, Hon Joint Secretaries numbers. Articles and photos that the gathering in his amiable and lucid style. Dr KamleshKumari and George Mathew; fail to meet these requirements will He reminded the students to maintain their Hon Members of the Council of elders love for the motherland. Words of wisdom Kuldeep Singh Lamba, Saifi Katabjiwala and not be published. and blessings tinged with the strong flavor Tony Jashanmal; Hon Members S K of patriotism enthralled the audience and Wadhawan, Anant Kapadia, Joseph Panicker, Please send them to students alike. “Music is the literature of the Shahriyar Chowgle, Binoy Thomas, Vardhana [email protected] heart; it commences where speech ends.” Rajesh, Sheffik Abdul Aziz; PAC members Swaranjali, the music band of ICSK Senior and Principals and Vice-Principals of all the rendered a beautiful melody inspiring the branches. WHAT’S ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015

Al Kout sets the stage for National Day celebrations

l Kout mall is preparing for a four day celebration large dhow in the Al Kout Marina. This will be accompa- tunity for the kids. their heritage,” said Nermeen Bishady, Marketing on the occasion of Kuwait’s National and nied by a large Kuwaiti folk band performing around the Further off you can find a traditional souq with local Manager of Al Kout. “We want Kuwait to experience tra- ALiberation days set to take place from February Al Kout fountains, with the fountains themselves also ware being made such as the traditional Kuwaiti Bisht, ditional Kuwaiti life in a live museum setting and bring 25th till February 28th, with a live museum showcasing having a display of fishers and pear divers, showcasing Basket weaving, Henna art and Bukhor, scents and per- their roots to life. Al Kout is the perfect setting for this Kuwait’s history and heritage. the traditional acts. fumes being sold. Alongside will be many kid’s games due to its location on the waterfront, traditional archi- The main theme of the celebrations is Kuwait’s sea A traditional corner giving a taste of desert life can and activities for both the old and young to enjoy the tecture, and the fact that it’s name Al Kout is Kuwait’s and desert life, with a live performance of marine arts also be found, with a tent containing a falconer and his celebrations. old name, and we are extremely happy to bring this to emulating pear diving and fishing, taking place on a falcons, as well as a camel for the perfect photo oppor- “We want to take our visitors on a journey through the people.”

KUWAIT: Ahmadi Governorate concluded Saturday its festivals organized in celebration of Kuwait’s Independence and Liberation Days. The theme of this year’s celebrations was the United Nation’s honoring of Kuwait as a center for humanitarian work, and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as a humanitarian leader. The concluding ceremony was attended by Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Fawaz Al- Khaled Al-Sabah, area mayors, senior officials and representatives of participating companies. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

23:15 Emmerdale 23:45 Murdoch Mysteries

02:30 Sevens World Series Highlights 00:50 Gator Boys 00:00 Devil May Call-PG15 00:00 Violetta 03:00 Super Rugby 01:45 Gator Boys 02:00 Bad Company-PG15 00:45 The Hive 07:00 Golfing World 02:40 Roaring With Pride 04:00 Knockout-PG15 00:50 Art Attack 08:00 SNO 03:35 Roaring With Pride 06:00 After Earth-PG15 01:15 Art Attack 00:00 Sea Patrol 11:00 Sevens World Series 04:25 Roaring With Pride 08:00 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & 01:40 Jungle Junction 01:00 Dangerous Encounters Highlights 05:15 Roaring With Pride Wolverine-PG 01:50 Jungle Junction 02:00 Live Free Or Die 12:00 Golfing World 06:02 Roaring With Pride 10:00 Darkman-PG15 02:05 Jungle Junction 03:00 Air Crash Investigation 13:00 Top 14 Highlights 06:49 Roaring With Pride 12:00 Knockout-PG15 02:15 Jungle Junction 04:00 The Living Edens 13:30 PGA European Tour 07:36 The Wild Life Of Tim 14:00 After Earth-PG15 02:30 Violetta 05:00 Swamp Men 18:00 Golfing World Faulkner 16:00 The Sanctuary-PG15 03:10 The Hive 06:00 Brilliant Beasts 19:00 PGA Tour Highlights 08:00 The Wild Life Of Tim 18:00 Darkman-PG15 03:20 Art Attack 07:00 Last War Heroes 20:00 PGA European Tour Faulkner 20:00 G.I. Joe: Retaliation-PG15 03:45 Art Attack 08:00 Sea Patrol Highlights 08:25 Too Cute! 22:00 Hummingbird-PG15 04:10 Jungle Junction 09:00 Dangerous Encounters 21:00 Premier League Darts 09:15 The Lion Queen 04:20 Jungle Junction 10:00 Live Free Or Die 10:10 Call Of The Wildman 04:35 Jungle Junction 11:00 The Living Edens 10:35 Call Of The Wildman 04:45 Jungle Junction 12:00 Outback Wrangler 11:05 Gator Boys 05:00 Art Attack 13:00 Animal Intervention 12:00 Too Cute! 05:25 Art Attack 14:00 Mega Breakdown 00:00 Bad Milo!-18 07:00 PGA Tour 12:55 The Lion Queen 05:50 Mouk 15:00 Car SOS 02:00 Boomerang-PG15 18:00 WWE NXT 13:50 Roaring With Pride 06:00 Kim Possible 16:00 Hunter Hunted 04:15 Free Samples-PG15 19:00 WWE Experience 14:45 Wild Things With Dominic 06:25 Austin & Ally 17:00 Alaska Wing Men 06:00 Sweet Home Alabama-PG15 20:00 WWE Afterburn Monaghan 06:50 Girl Meets World 18:00 Perilous Journeys 08:00 Keeping The Faith-PG15 21:00 WWE This Week 15:40 Tanked 07:15 Liv And Maddie 19:00 Car SOS 10:30 Dumb And Dumberer: When 21:30 PGA Tour Highlights 16:35 Gator Boys 07:40 Jessie 20:00 Hunter Hunted Harry Met Lloyd-PG15 22:30 PGA European Tour 17:30 The Lion Queen 08:05 Dog With A Blog 21:00 Alaska Wing Men 12:15 Sister Act 2: Back In The Highlights 18:25 Roaring With Pride 08:30 Good Luck Charlie 22:00 Perilous Journeys Habit-PG 23:30 Golfing World 19:20 The Wild Life Of Tim 08:55 Good Luck Charlie 23:00 The Living Edens 14:15 Chalet Girl-PG15 Faulkner 09:20 Sonny With A Chance 16:15 Surviving Christmas-PG15 19:50 The Wild Life Of Tim 09:45 Sonny With A Chance 18:00 Seeking A Friend For The Faulkner 10:10 Suite Life On Deck End Of The World-PG15 20:15 Tanked 10:35 Suite Life On Deck 20:00 HairBrained-PG15 02:30 PGA European Tour 21:10 Lion Man: One World African 11:00 That’s So Raven 22:00 The Food Guide To Love-18 09:00 Golfing World Safari 11:25 That’s So Raven 10:00 World Pool Masters 21:35 Lion Man: One World African 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 11:50 A.N.T. Farm 11:00 World Cup of Pool Safari Stewart 12:15 A.N.T. Farm 12:00 World Cup of Pool 22:05 Into The Pride 02:30 The Boondocks 12:40 Hannah Montana 15:00 Golfing World 23:00 The Wild Life Of Tim 03:00 Enlisted 13:05 Hannah Montana 20:00 Golfing World Faulkner 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 13:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 01:00 The Butler-PG15 21:00 World Pool Masters 23:30 The Wild Life Of Tim Jimmy Fallon 13:55 Wizards Of Waverly Place 03:15 The English Teacher-PG15 22:00 World Cup of Pool Faulkner 06:00 The Goldbergs 14:20 Austin & Ally 05:00 Stolen Child-PG15 23:00 World Cup of Pool 23:55 Rogue Nature With Dave 06:30 Better Off Ted 14:45 Disney Mickey Mouse Shorts 07:00 Phantom-PG15 Salmoni 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 15:00 Binny And The Ghost 09:00 Enlisted 09:00 Grand Piano-PG15 15:20 Binny And The Ghost 09:30 Community 11:00 Stolen Child-PG15 15:45 Liv And Maddie 10:30 Better Off Ted 13:00 Lost Christmas-PG15 15:00 Temptation: Confessions Of 00:00 NHL 16:10 Violetta 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 07:00 Monster Jam 17:00 Frenemies Jimmy Fallon A Marriage Counselor-PG15 17:00 Grand Piano-PG15 08:00 Monster Jam 18:40 Binny And The Ghost 12:00 The Goldbergs 09:00 The World’s Strongest Man 00:05 The Weakest Link 19:05 Binny And The Ghost 13:30 Better Off Ted 19:00 A Secret Promise-PG15 00:50 Call The Midwife 21:00 The Citizen-PG15 12:00 NHL 19:30 Violetta 14:30 Community 19:00 NHL 01:40 Frankie 20:20 Liv And Maddie 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 22:45 Barney’s Version-18 02:30 Scott & Bailey 22:00 WWE Experience 20:45 Liv And Maddie Stewart 23:00 WWE Afterburn 03:15 The Shadow Line 21:10 Liv And Maddie 16:30 The Goldbergs 04:15 The Weakest Link 21:35 Liv And Maddie 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 05:00 The Green Balloon Club 22:00 Suite Life On Deck 18:00 New Girl 05:25 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 19:00 Two And A Half Men 05:45 Me Too! 22:50 Shake It Up 19:30 Two And A Half Men 01:00 12 Years A Slave-18 06:05 Garth And Bev 01:00 Live ICC World Cup: ENG v 23:10 Wolfblood 20:00 Wilfred 04:30 87th Academy Awards-PG15 06:15 The Green Balloon Club SCO 23:35 Wolfblood 20:30 Wilfred 07:30 Gravity-PG15 06:40 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 06:30 Live ICC World Cup: WI v ZIM 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 09:30 87th Academy Awards-PG15 07:00 Nina And The Neurons: In 09:00 ICC Cricket 360 Stewart 12:30 The Great Gatsby-PG15 The Lab 09:30 ICC World Cup H/L: AFG v SL 22:00 Girls 15:00 Ray-PG15 07:15 The Weakest Link 10:30 ICC World Cup H/L: IND v SA 22:30 Curb Your Enthusiasm 17:30 As Good As It Gets-PG15 08:00 Last Of The Summer Wine 12:00 ICC World Cup H/L: ENG v G.I. JOE- RETALIATION ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 23:00 The Boondocks 20:00 87th Academy Awards-PG15 08:30 Lead Balloon SCO 00:00 The Soup 23:30 Wilfred 23:00 American Hustle-18 09:00 My Family 00:30 House Of DVF 05:12 Alien Mysteries 08:50 Fatal Encounters 05:25 Jungle Junction 09:30 Doctors 01:30 Live From The Red Carpet 06:00 Close Encounters 09:40 Murder Shift 05:35 Art Attack 10:00 Casualty 04:30 A-List Listings 06:24 Alien Encounters 10:30 I Was Murdered 06:00 Julius Jr. 10:50 The Weakest Link 05:00 THS 07:12 How The Universe Works 10:55 Stalked: Someone’s 06:10 Calimero 11:35 Gavin & Stacey 06:00 Keeping Up With The 08:00 Weird Connections Watching 06:25 Henry Hugglemonster 12:05 Last Of The Summer Wine Kardashians 00:00 Crisis 01:00 A Case Of You-PG15 02:00 Better Call Saul 08:25 How Tech Works 11:20 Forensic Detectives 06:35 Zou 12:35 Lead Balloon 07:00 Keeping Up With The 03:00 The Hunger Games: 08:50 Mega World 12:10 Solved 06:50 Mouk 13:05 My Family Kardashians 03:00 The Client List Catching Fire-PG15 04:00 How To Get Away With 00:20 Cake Boss 09:40 Food Factory 13:00 Disappeared 07:00 Jungle Junction 13:35 Doctors 08:00 Live From The Red Carpet 05:30 Sky Force-FAM 00:45 Bakery Boss 10:05 How It’s Made 13:50 True Crime With 07:10 Art Attack 14:05 Casualty 11:00 Live From The Red Carpet Murder 07:15 No Clue-PG15 05:00 Castle 01:35 Extreme Couponing 10:30 Magic Of Science Aphrodite Jones 07:35 Julius Jr. 14:55 Gavin & Stacey 14:00 Live From The Red Carpet 09:00 Ender’s Game-PG15 02:00 Body Bizarre 10:55 Magic Of Science 14:40 Who On Earth Did I 07:45 Calimero 15:25 Last Of The Summer Wine 17:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 06:00 Crisis 11:00 The Hunger Games: 07:00 The Night Shift 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress 11:20 The Supernaturalist Marry? 08:00 Jungle Junction 15:55 Lead Balloon 17:30 Christina Milian Turned Up Catching Fire-PG15 03:15 Little People, Big World 12:10 Mythbusters 15:05 Who On Earth Did I 08:10 Zou 16:25 The Weakest Link 18:00 E! News 08:00 Unforgettable 13:30 Return To Nim’s Island-PG 09:00 Castle 03:40 What Not To Wear 13:00 Weird Connections Marry? 08:25 Henry Hugglemonster 17:10 Eastenders 19:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 15:15 Five Thirteen-PG15 04:30 Cake Boss 13:25 How Tech Works 15:30 Solved 08:35 Julius Jr. 17:40 Doctors The Hamptons 10:00 How To Get Away With 17:00 Ender’s Game-PG15 Murder 05:00 Sister Wives 13:50 Mega World 16:20 I Was Murdered 08:50 Mouk 18:10 Lark Rise To Candleford 20:00 House Of DVF 18:45 The Book Thief-PG15 05:30 Sister Wives 14:40 Food Factory 16:45 Stalked: Someone’s 09:00 Calimero 19:05 Gavin & Stacey 21:00 Live From The Red Carpet 12:00 Emmerdale 21:00 Christmas In Conway-PG15 12:30 Coronation Street 06:00 17 Kids And Counting 15:05 How It’s Made Watching 09:15 Art Attack 19:35 The Job Lot 23:00 Insidious: Chapter 2-PG15 06:25 Secret Eaters 15:30 Magic Of Science 17:10 Murder Shift 09:40 Henry Hugglemonster 20:00 Scott & Bailey 14:00 Unforgettable 15:00 Crisis 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress 15:55 Magic Of Science 18:00 Disappeared 09:50 Doc McStuffins 20:45 The Shadow Line 07:40 Little People, Big World 16:20 The Supernaturalist 18:50 Fatal Encounters 10:05 Special Agent Oso: 3 21:45 Call The Midwife 16:00 Emmerdale 16:30 Coronation Street 08:05 Brides Of Beverly Hills 17:10 How Do They Do It? 19:40 Forensic Detectives Healthy Steps 22:35 Mistresses 08:30 Brides Of Beverly Hills 17:35 How Do They Do It? 20:30 True Crime With 10:10 Special Agent Oso 23:25 Roger & Val Have Just Got In 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 00:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Unforgettable 08:55 Sister Wives 18:00 Through The Wormhole Aphrodite Jones 10:20 Special Agent Oso: 3 23:55 Gavin & Stacey 01:30 Come Dine With Me Ireland 09:45 Cake Boss 18:50 How It’s Made 21:20 The Will: Family Secrets Healthy Steps 19:00 Bones 01:00 Tony Hawk: Boom Boom 02:00 Emmerdale 10:10 Sister Wives 19:15 How It’s Made Revealed 10:25 Special Agent Oso 20:00 Revenge Sabotage 02:25 Emmerdale 10:35 Sister Wives 19:40 Food Factory 22:10 Who On Earth Did I 10:40 Special Agent Oso: 3 21:00 Bates Motel 02:45 From Up On Poppy Hill 02:55 Coronation Street 11:00 What Not To Wear 20:05 Food Factory Marry? Healthy Steps 22:00 Banshee 04:30 Unstable Fables: Tortoise vs. 03:25 Who’s Doing The Dishes 11:50 Cake Boss 20:30 Magic Of Science 22:35 Who On Earth Did I 10:45 Special Agent Oso 23:00 The Client List Hare 04:20 Sunday Night At The 12:40 Secret Eaters 20:55 Magic Of Science Marry? 11:00 Sofia The First 06:00 Speed Racer Palladium 13:30 Cake Boss 21:20 Stephen Hawking’s 23:00 Blood Relatives 11:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 08:15 Barbie In The 12 Dancing 00:00 Antiques Roadshow 05:15 Murdoch Mysteries 13:55 Cake Boss Universe 23:50 Extreme Forensics 11:50 Calimero Princesses 00:55 Come Dine With Me 06:10 Take On The Twisters 14:20 Bakery Boss 22:10 How Do They Do It? 12:05 Jake And The Never Land 09:45 Jelly T 01:40 Food Glorious Food 07:05 Come Dine With Me Ireland 15:10 Cake Boss 22:35 How Do They Do It? Pirates 11:15 The Ugly Duckling And Me 02:30 Bargain Hunt 07:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes 15:35 Little People, Big World 23:00 Magic Of Science 12:30 Julius Jr. 12:45 From Up On Poppy Hill 03:15 Bargain Hunt 08:25 Sunday Night At The 16:00 Hoarding: Buried Alive 23:25 Magic Of Science 12:40 Henry Hugglemonster 14:30 Cinderella 04:00 Bargain Hunt Palladium 02:00 Good Morning America 16:50 Say Yes To The Dress 23:50 Stephen Hawking’s 12:55 Handy Manny 16:00 Quest For A Heart 04:45 Antiques Roadshow 09:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 06:00 Good Morning America 17:15 17 Kids And Counting Universe 13:05 Justin Time 18:00 Jelly T 05:40 Antiques Roadshow 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries 10:00 Emmerdale 17:40 Sister Wives 13:20 Sofia The First 20:00 Hammer Boy 06:30 Bargain Hunt 11:10 Emmerdale 10:30 Coronation Street 18:30 What Not To Wear 00:10 Zou 13:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:00 Cinderella 07:15 Bargain Hunt 11:35 Emmerdale 15:00 Live Good Morning America 19:20 Bakery Boss 00:25 Mouk 14:10 New Adventures Of 23:30 Quest For A Heart 08:00 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 12:00 Coronation Street 19:00 Drop Dead Diva 20:10 Secret Eaters 00:35 Jungle Junction Winnie The Pooh 08:45 Come Dine With Me 12:30 The Hungry Sailors 20:00 Royal Pains 21:00 The Face Australia 00:50 Art Attack 14:35 Henry Hugglemonster 09:10 Homes Under The Hammer 13:25 Take On The Twisters 21:50 Alaskan Women Looking For 01:15 Julius Jr. 14:45 Zou 10:00 Antiques Roadshow 14:20 Come Dine With Me Ireland Love 01:25 Calimero 15:00 Special Agent Oso: 3 10:50 Come Dine With Me 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 22:40 Extreme Couponing 01:40 Henry Hugglemonster Healthy Steps 11:40 Masterchef: The 01:50 Zou 15:35 The Chase 00:00 High Moon-PG15 23:05 Body Bizarre 15:05 Special Agent Oso Professionals 16:30 Get Your Act Together 23:55 The Face Australia 00:40 On The Case With Paula 02:05 Mouk 15:15 Special Agent Oso: 3 02:00 Madea’s Witness Protection 12:35 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 17:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 00:00 Dragon Eyes Zahn 02:15 Jungle Junction Healthy Steps 13:20 Come Dine With Me Of Dogs 02:00 Devil May Call 04:00 The Numbers Station-PG15 01:30 Solved 02:25 Art Attack 15:20 Special Agent Oso 13:45 Homes Under The Hammer 17:55 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 04:00 Bad Company 06:00 Frozen-PG 02:20 Most Evil 02:50 Julius Jr. 15:35 Special Agent Oso: 3 14:35 Antiques Roadshow Of Dogs 06:00 Knockout 08:00 Salmon Fishing In The 03:10 Who On Earth Did I 03:00 Calimero Healthy Steps 15:25 Come Dine With Me 18:20 Take On The Twisters 08:00 After Earth Yemen-PG15 Marry? 03:15 Henry Hugglemonster 15:40 Special Agent Oso 16:15 Masterchef: The 19:10 Coronation Street 10:00 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & 10:00 Vantage Point-PG15 03:35 Who On Earth Did I 03:25 Zou 15:55 Handy Manny 00:40 Magic Of Science Marry? 03:40 Mouk Professionals 19:35 The Chase Wolverine 12:00 The Numbers Station-PG15 16:05 Justin Time 17:10 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 01:05 Magic Of Science 04:00 Blood Relatives 03:50 Jungle Junction 20:30 Get Your Act Together 12:00 Darkman 14:00 Marvel’s Ultimate Avengers I 16:20 Sofia The First 17:55 Come Dine With Me 21:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 01:30 The Supernaturalist 04:45 On The Case With Paula 04:00 Art Attack 16:45 Minnie’s Bow-Toons 14:00 Knockout 15:45 Salmon Fishing In The 18:25 Homes Under The Hammer Of Dogs 02:20 Through The Wormhole Zahn 04:25 Julius Jr. 16:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 19:15 Homes Under The Hammer 21:55 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 16:00 After Earth Yemen-PG15 03:10 How Do They Do It? 05:30 Solved 04:35 Calimero 17:15 Lilo & Stitch 20:10 Valentine Warner Eats Of Dogs 18:00 The Sanctuary 17:45 Fast & Furious 6-PG15 03:35 How Do They Do It? 06:20 Forensic Detectives 04:50 Henry Hugglemonster 17:40 Adventures Of The Scandinavia 22:20 Coronation Street 20:00 Darkman 20:00 Deadfall-PG15 04:00 Deadliest Space Weather 07:10 Forensic Detectives 05:00 Zou Gummi Bears 20:35 Come Dine With Me 22:50 Emmerdale 22:00 G.I. Joe: Retaliation 22:00 Seven Psychopaths-18 04:24 NASA’s Unexplained Files 08:00 Nightmare Next Door 05:15 Mouk 18:05 Chip n Dale Rescue 21:25 Masterchef: The Rangers Professionals 18:30 Ducktales 21:55 Masterchef: The 18:55 Art Attack Professionals 19:20 Sofia The First 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 19:45 Calimero 23:10 Come Dine With Me 20:00 Doc McStuffins 23:35 Delicious Iceland 20:10 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 20:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 20:35 Zou 20:50 Minnie’s Bow-Toons 20:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:20 Sofia The First 00:45 Kindig Customs 21:45 Adventures Of The 01:35 Kindig Customs Gummi Bears 02:25 Kindig Customs 22:10 Chip n Dale Rescue 03:15 Kindig Customs Rangers 04:05 Kindig Customs 22:35 Ducktales 05:00 The Carbonaro Effect 23:00 Minnie’s Bow-Toons 05:30 The Carbonaro Effect 23:05 Art Attack 06:00 Marooned With Ed Stafford 23:30 Julius Jr. 06:50 Bike Battles 23:40 Calimero 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 23:55 Henry Hugglemonster 08:30 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop Edition 08:55 The Liquidator 09:20 Auction Hunters 09:45 How It’s Made 10:10 How It’s Made 10:35 Overhaulin’ 11:25 Kindig Customs 00:00 Programmes Start At 12:15 Fantomworks 7:00am KSA 13:05 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 07:00 Phineas And Ferb Edition 07:25 Phineas And Ferb 13:30 The Liquidator 07:50 Supa Strikas 13:55 Auction Hunters 08:15 The 7D 14:20 Railroad Alaska 08:40 Boyster 15:10 Highway To Sell 09:05 Lab Rats 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 09:30 Kickin’ It 16:50 How It’s Made 09:55 Ultimate Spider-Man 17:15 How It’s Made 10:20 Phineas And Ferb 17:40 Alaska: The Last Frontier 10:45 Zeke & Luther 18:30 Gold Rush 11:10 I’m In The Band 19:20 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 11:35 Camp Lakebottom 20:10 The Liquidator 12:00 Mighty Med 20:35 Auction Hunters 12:25 Lab Rats 21:00 Gold Rush 12:50 Marvel Avengers 21:50 Gold Divers: Under The Ice Assemble 22:40 Alaska: The Last Frontier 13:15 Phineas And Ferb 23:30 Alaska: The Last Frontier 13:40 Japaneezi Going Going SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS ON OSN PREMIERE HD Gong Classifieds

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015

FOR SALE KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (19/02/2015 TO 25/02/2015) DENON 7.2 AV receiver for sale. Model AVR 3311. RMS SHARQIA-1 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:45 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 9:30 PM 125 x 7, HDMI x 7, 3D ready, THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 2:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:05 AM network ready. iPod/iPhone THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 4:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:15 PM socket, brand new condi- THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 5:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:30 PM 360º 2 tion, Carton pack. If inter- KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 7:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 AM DRAGON BLADE 1:00 PM ested, please call 99725095. KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 10:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 3:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:30 AM FANAR-5 DRAGON BLADE 6:30 PM (C 4933) SONG ONE 12:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 9:15 PM 21-2-2015 SHARQIA-2 HOUSEBOUND 2:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 12:15 AM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 11:45 AM HOUSEBOUND 4:30 PM For sale car Ssangyong - YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:30 PM SONG ONE 6:45 PM 360º- 3 Corando 2015, white color YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 8:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 11:30 AM with golden color inside, Alangudi Post, Pudukkottai- YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:00 PM TEMPER (Telugu) 9:00 PM HOUSEBOUND 1:45 PM 622301, holder of Indian YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:15 PM SONG ONE 11:00 PM YELLOWBIRD 4:00 PM 130 kilometer used only, YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:30 PM HOUSEBOUND 1:00 AM HOUSEBOUND 6:15 PM price with Agency: KD Passport No. F6077280, has YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 AM HOUSEBOUND 8:30 PM 6,500. Required price KD converted to Islam with the MARINA-1 HOUSEBOUND 10:45 PM 4800. Tel: 66052541. name of Abdul Rahman. SHARQIA-3 DRAGON BLADE 12:30 PM HOUSEBOUND 1:00 AM (C 4929) (C 4931) YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:30 AM DRAGON BLADE 3:15 PM 16-2-2015 18-2-2015 DRAGON BLADE 1:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 5:45 PM AL-KOUT.1 DRAGON BLADE 4:15 PM DRAGON BLADE 8:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 PM DRAGON BLADE 6:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 10:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:00 PM I, Vidya Sam, holder of DRAGON BLADE 9:15 PM DRAGON BLADE 12:45 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:15 PM SITUATION WANTED Indian Passport No. YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:30 PM F3899195, Malayatoor MARINA-2 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 9:45 PM House, Kozhencherry P.O., 12 years experienced pro- MUHALAB-1 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:05 AM Pathanamthitta Dist., fessional looking for senior DRAGON BLADE 1:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:00 PM Kerala, India, hereby THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 1:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:30 PM AL-KOUT.2 position in finance / change my name to Vidya THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 3:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:45 PM DRAGON BLADE 11:30 AM accounts. Qualification: CFA Thomas. (C 4928) THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 5:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:00 PM HOUSEBOUND 2:15 PM Level1/CMA (IMA-USA), DRAGON BLADE 7:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:15 AM DRAGON BLADE 4:30 PM 15-2-2015 TEMPER (Telugu) 7:00 PM HOUSEBOUND 7:00 PM BCom. Oracle Financials, DRAGON BLADE 10:00 PM MARINA-3 DRAGON BLADE 9:15 PM Microsoft Dynamics GP. DRAGON BLADE 12:30 AM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 11:30 AM DRAGON BLADE 11:45 PM Contact: 60320220. KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 1:30 PM (C 4932) MATRIMONIAL MUHALAB-2 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D) 4:00 PM AL-KOUT.3 18-2-2014 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:30 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D) 5:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 1:00 PM Inviting proposal for KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 3:15 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D) 7:30 PM SONG ONE 1:30 PM HOUSEBOUND 5:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 9:15 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 3:30 PM Keralite Orthodox boy aged KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 8:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:45 PM SONG ONE 6:00 PM CHANGE OF NAME 29, currently working as a HOUSEBOUND 10:30 PM SONG ONE 8:00 PM Engineer in a private com- KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:45 AM AVENUES-1 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 10:00 PM Thiru Ganesan (Hindu), pany in Kuwait. Seeking YELLOWBIRD 11:45 AM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:30 AM son of Thiru Rengaiah, born proposal from God fearing MUHALAB-3 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:45 PM on 10th August 1982 any Christian girls working YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 4:15 PM AL-KOUT.4 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 12:30 PM (native district: in Kuwait or India. YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 9:15 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 1:30 PM Pudukkottai), residing at [email protected] YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:45 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 3:15 PM No. 674, Kummankulam, (C4930) YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:00 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 5:00 PM Pudukkottai Veduthi, 17-2-2014 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:15 AM AVENUES-2 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 6:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 12:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:30 PM FANAR-1 HOUSEBOUND 3:00 PM HOUSEBOUND 10:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:30 AM HOUSEBOUND 5:15 PM HOUSEBOUND 1:00 AM THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 2:15 PM HOUSEBOUND 7:30 PM Plan B (ARABIC) 4:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 9:45 PM BAIRAQ-1 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 6:45 PM HOUSEBOUND 12:05 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:30 AM FOR CIVIL INFORMATION KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 9:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:05 AM AVENUES-3 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D) 4:00 PM Automated enquiry about KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 1:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:15 PM FANAR-2 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 3:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:30 PM DRAGON BLADE 12:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 6:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:45 PM the Civil ID card is DRAGON BLADE 2:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 8:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:00 AM DRAGON BLADE 5:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:15 PM 1889988 DRAGON BLADE 7:30 PM BAIRAQ-2 DRAGON BLADE 10:00 PM AVENUES-4 DRAGON BLADE 11:45 AM DRAGON BLADE 12:30 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:15 PM DRAGON BLADE 2:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 2:45 PM DRAGON BLADE 4:45 PM Prayer timings FANAR-3 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:30 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:45 PM DRAGON BLADE 9:45 PM Fajr: 05:01 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 1:45 PM Special Show “KINGSMAN: The Secret Service” 7:45 PM DRAGON BLADE 12:15 AM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 3:30 PM SUN- 22.02.2015 Shorook 06:20 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 5:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:15 PM BAIRAQ-3 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 AM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 12:45 PM Duhr: 12:01 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 9:30 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 2:45 PM Asr: 15:17 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:45 PM 360º 1 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 4:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:30 AM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 7:00 PM Maghrib: 17:43 FANAR-4 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 2:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 9:00 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D) 11:45 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 4:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:30 PM Isha: 19:00

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 23/2/2015 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 Departure Flights on Monday 23/2/2015 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 358 Mashhad 14:00 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 BBC 044 Chittagong/Dhaka 00:40 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 FDB 8061 Dubai 15:20 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 FDB 8062 Dubai 16:00 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 KAC 118 New York 18:30 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 GFA 048 Istanbul 19:10 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 104 London 19:55 KAC 415D Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 08:30 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 BAW 156 London 08:45 GFA 048 Bahrain 19:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 JZR 359 Mashhad 20:00 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 281 Dhaka 20:55 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 KAC 282 Dhaka 09:20 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:50 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 GFA 047 Istanbul 10:25 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 GFA 047 Bahrain 09:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 ABY 129 Sharjah 09:45 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 ABY 120 Sharjah 10:30 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:45 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 IRA 666 Esfahan 10:45 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 SYR 341 Damascus 22:10 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 IRC 6521 Lamerd 11:50 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 KAC 103 London 12:20 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 JZR 502 Luxor 23:05 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 IRC 6522 Lamerd 12:50 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 SYR 342 Damascus 23:10 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 CROSSWORD 824 STAR TRACK

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

Decisions may be difficult to make at this time and patience with yourself and Your duties take you in a different direction from your daily activities; however, others wins over any frustrations that may appear. This is all, of course, temporary. Getting out- you have the will to tackle most any situation that should arise. Later today you might enjoy a side is important today and visiting a garden shop might just be the best distraction you could book-on-tape, some music, or just enjoy different surroundings, especially if you are driving. find. If the weather is agreeable, stay awhile and think about what might look good around You are appreciated for the contributions you make with regard to family members. Find ways your place this spring. Now is a good time to get new plants started by planting in pots and in which others could help you so that you are not taking on all the responsibilities. Changes in keeping the seedlings moist and near a southern window. A movie with a friend this afternoon the household could include an elderly person or the birth of a child. You enjoy making your will help to turn your whole day around. Chores later today will go quickly and preparing for own way and finding solutions to whatever problem you may have; however, there is also a the week ahead will make you feel that you have accomplished quite a lot today. Dinner can tendency to do too many things. Easy does it! Letters and phone calls should bring excellent be enjoyed early this evening. news.

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

Considerable success will follow whatever you wish to accomplish. Make sure Today indicates a period of time when you are in a definite need of feeling both your expectations and abilities are realistic before diving into something you may not be secure through the material or sentimental objects that you possess. You may, however, have able to get out of without some difficulty. There is a great deal of mental activity concerning to part with one or two of these items in order to be free of debt. There may be a great deal of finances and future choices for perhaps career or real estate. Take the time to sort out your financial panic with your monetary situation but you have the ability to make things work out objectives and make your goal plans. Companionships are rewarding and you are always at for the best. Search for good advice and settle in to create a financial balance. Perhaps an work to make them stronger. Make plans to be with your friends later today-you can be helping accountant could help; you will soon be able to show your family a secure plan. Expressing them as much as their presence is helping you. There are excellent opportunities to gain new affection should come easily at this time and this expressing of affection can do much good for insight into a family situation. A family member that did not seem to want to contribute is now your disposition. An animal in your family is learning a new trick; watch. There is time for all interested in family. sorts of communication tonight.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Today it may seem that almost everyone is trying to pick a fight-know that you Winning approval from your superiors is easy if you do a little background work are not a part of the conflict and it would be better to keep moving forward. This and have reliable statistics and literature to give as examples. Keep informed of the latest news. will pass relatively quickly and you will be glad you remained calm. The energies just now are ACROSS 5. A unit of surface area equal to 100 square Some local activity could be just the thing you most want and need. Internet communications toward doing many things at once . . . This can make anyone a bit touchy. This is a great time for 1. Sandwich filled with slices of bacon and meters. and phone calls should bring excellent news. This afternoon, your energy is ready to be applied exercise and competing with your own abilities: bicycling up a hill, distance running, swimming tomato with lettuce. 6. An accidental hole that allows something to anything you want to do. You will find pleasant surroundings at home or in the community. laps at the gym, etc. Later today you may find that socially, life is easier and calm has taken over. 4. Shrubby tree widely distributed along (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape. Public or religious activities that take place at this time should be most successful. You will most A relationship can resume progress. You may enjoy visiting a nearby bookstore. You should tropical shores. 7. A small island. likely be full of energy and ready to take on the world. Between your creative energy and a part- take full advantage of this extremely creative period. Put your ideas on paper-new ideas are just 12. A solution containing a phosphate 8. Perennial herb of North America. ner’s practical sense, any activity between the two of you should prove most rewarding. ready to hatch. buffer. 9. (of tempo) Moderately slow n. 15. The syllable naming the sixth (submedi- 10. 1,000,000,000 periods per second. ant) note of a major or minor scale in 11. An unabridged dictionary constructed solmization. on historical principles. ) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. The state of being present. 12. Wood of a pecan tree. Cancer (June 21-July 22 17. Take in solid food. 13. An indehiscent fruit derived from a sin- Your activities could be slowed today. However, this is an excellent time to sit An important message could get lost in your presentation today. If you are sched- 18. (Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo- gle ovary having one or many seeds within uled to give a lecture, practice in front of a mirror before making the presentation; you will be Christian mythology. a fleshy wall or pericarp. down alone and get many things accomplished. It is also a good day to be helpful to others. You should be extremely careful if your work requires travel just now and you should take all unex- pleased at the confidence level and ease of presentation. You may experience abrupt changes in 19. Freed from illness or injury. 14. French romantic writer (1766-1817). pected events in stride as there could be delays. You may feel a conflict between the demands fortune, good or bad, in a relatively short period of time. All is temporary! It could mean you just 20. The capital and largest city of 21. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man. of old friends and new acquaintances. Balancing your time commitments may be difficult but need to count your change. Take advantage of the positive as it happens and be patient with the Bangladesh. 23. A river in north central Switzerland that necessary if you wish to keep both sets of friends. Projects will be completed in quick order- negative. You will feel the urge for excitement and should consider traveling. Avoid extrava- 22. A small cake leavened with yeast. runs northeast into the Rhine. especially with the help of friends or associates. This evening is excellent for studies and for a gance. Whatever you do today, your positive attitude prevails. Treat your family to a pleasant sur- 24. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked 28. A heavy odorless colorless gas formed deeper understanding of the forces that move the world. prise this evening, even if you are the cook. Romantic intimacy is possible tonight. on a skewer usually with vegetables. during respiration and by the decomposi- 25. Small European freshwater fish with a tion of organic substances. slender bluish-green body. 30. A port city in southwestern Iran. 26. (used of count nouns) Every one consid- 31. King of Denmark and Norway who Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) ered individually. forced Edmund II to divide England with 27. An associate degree in nursing. him. Today you could use the home as a vehicle for entertaining family members and You should find this a good day to relate with or to others and communicate 29. An intensely radioactive metallic ele- 32. Characterized by lightness and insub- friends. A common interest in spiritual and mystical values among family members may occur with members of the opposite sex. However, be wary of becoming envious of other people’s ment that occurs in minute amounts in ura- stantiality. at this time. Relations with friends are strong and carefree. Everything points to your taking the accomplishments during this time. Count your blessings and enjoy your companions. Romance, nium ores. 33. A nucleic acid that transmits genetic initiative and setting rules for young people now may be part of the action you will take. Your recreation and creativity take on inspiration now. Such experiences can be truly soul-stirring. 34. The herpes virus that causes infectious information from DNA to the cytoplasm. attitude with young people is more of a friendship relationship than guide or teacher. However, You are making great progress in all areas of your life. As you look back over your life, you will see mononucleosis. 35. A choice or delicious dish. young people need to know where their limitations are so you are wise to set up rules, expecta- that your life has gotten better over the years. Lessons learned from past experiences have been 36. The football players who line up on the 37. An institution that issues something tions, standards, rewards and punishment. They will appreciate it even if you feel a little awk- taken seriously and you have changed or adjusted because of them. Independence, freedom line of scrimmage. (securities or publications or currency etc.). ward promoting these things. You will feel a sense of support for your efforts. from past patterns and a daring readiness to innovate: such are the paths of achievement for 38. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian 39. Informal or slang terms for mentally you now. mythology. irregular. 42. Being the one previously mentioned or 40. Norwegian mathematician (1802-1829). spoken of. 41. The mother of Jesus. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 43. A port in southern Lebanon on the 45. A Bantu language spoken in southern Mediterranean Sea. coastal Tanzania. This day is full of opportunities to learn new technology or discover a new and You are sure to make some new friends as well as a few new business contacts at 44. Before noon. 49. A white soft metallic element that tar- hidden talent. A new frontier is opening up for you and all you have to do is decide if you want an upcoming social event. Planning and shopping may be in the schedule early today. You want 46. A loose sleeveless outer garment made nishes readily. to learn something new. Deciding whether this new technique will help you financially is only to make a good presentation in whatever situation arises. You may be visiting with a few old from aba cloth. 50. A gradual decline (in size or strength or one decisive factor. This afternoon you have an opportunity to volunteer. This is a good time to friends later. Your moods can be fun and silly today. You may also be emotionally involved in a 47. An agency of the United Nations affiliat- power or number). be humble and see where your energy can best be of help to others. Respect for an older per- competitive situation. Later today you may be reminded of some political or civic activity. You ed with the World Bank. 52. (of complexion) Blemished by imperfec- son, perhaps someone in the family, will find you the go-between. There is an inner feeling of a have a natural sense of public duty and may seriously think of serving in the future. Find pleas- 48. A particular kind (as to appearance). tions of the skin. sense of security as you realize a change in attitude-yours or someone else’s-may have taken ure and enjoyment with your mate as you enjoy a walk or bicycle ride after the evening meal 51. A small adhesive disk of paste. 54. (Irish) Chief god of the Tuatha De place lately. You are good-natured, fun-loving and sociable at a gathering with friends this tonight. Chat about the day; you will enjoy showing off today’s pictures. evening. 53. Soviet physicist who worked on low Danann. temperature physics (1908-1968). 55. An alloy of mercury with another metal 56. In a hopeless resigned manner. (usually silver) used by dentists to fill cavi- 58. Any ameba of the genus Endamoeba. ties in teeth. Yesterday’s Solution 61. An outlying farm building for storing 57. A literary language of Chinese grain or animal feed and housing farm ani- Turkestan (named for one of the sons of mals. Genghis Khan). 62. Dressed or clothed especially in fine attire. 59. A small pellet fired from an air rifle or BB 64. Relating to or characteristic of the Celts. gun. 68. United States tennis player (born in 60. Of or relating to or characteristic of the Czechoslovakia) who won several singles prehistoric Aegean civilization. championships. 63. An artistic form of nonverbal communi- 71. Offering fun and gaiety. cation. 73. A Chadic language spoken south of 65. A genus of Lamnidae. Lake Chad. 66. Realistic Norwegian author who wrote 74. Put into a rage. plays on social and political themes (1828- 76. The Uralic language spoken by the 1906). Yeniseian people. 67. Son of John Cabot who was born in Italy 78. A state-chartered savings bank owned and who led an English expedition in by its depositors and managed by a board search of the Northwest Passage and a of trustees. Spanish expedition that explored the La 79. Having a toe or toes of a specified kind. Plata region of Brazil. 80. Plants having flowers in umbels. 69. An organic compound that contains a 82. (used as a combining form) Recent or hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom new. which in turn is doubly bonded to another 83. European cave-dwelling aquatic sala- carbon atom. mander with permanent external gills. 70. A recurring sleep state during which 84. A white solid mineral that occurs natu- rapid eye movements do not occur and rally as periclase. dreaming does not occur. 85. (prefix) Opposite or opposing or neu- 72. The sediment from fermentation of an tralizing. alcoholic beverage. 75. A federal agency established to coordi- DOWN nate programs aimed at reducing pollution 1. (pathology) An elevation of the skin filled and protecting the environment. with serous fluid. 77. Relating to or characteristic of or occur- 2. Rock that in its molten form (as magma) ring on the sea or ships. issues from volcanos. 81. A class of proteins produced in lymph 3. 100 thebe equal 1 pula. tissue in vertebrates and that function as 4. Enlarged prostate. antibodies in the immune response. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 lifestyle MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015

Gossip

Kardashians involved in car accident he ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ stars were travelling in Bozeman, Montana on Saturday when Khloe lost control of the car after skidding on ice, reports gossip website TMZ. The car is believed to Thave crossed oncoming traffic before ending in a ditch after a semi-truck passed their vehicle and snow flicked up and covered the windscreen, leaving Khloe unable to see where she was going. Police attended the accident and everyone involved is said to be OK. It comes just two weeks after their father, Bruce Jenner, was involved in a fatal car crash - and his daughters “are trying to be there for him as much as they can.” A source close to 65-year-old Bruce said previously: “All the girls checked in with Bruce after the accident. All of them. They all wanted to make sure he was okay and to show their support. They really are trying to be there for him as much as they can right now. This is tough on him... “Bruce is devastated. The accident happened right in front of his eyes and he stayed there the entire time watching everything. The woman who passed away was not in good shape and Bruce saw her body being taken out of the car. “He knows he wasn’t responsible but he still feels terrible. This past week was rough for him.”

Cumberbatch getting Oscar advice from McConaughey Hutcherson he ‘Imitation Game’ star is nominated for an won’t ask Lawrence for Oscar advice Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal as TAlan Turing in the biographical film and has he ‘Hunger Games’ star has joked that he won’t be getting his “train reportedly been receiving advice on what to say if he wreck” co-star to give him tips about the Academy Awards, after she wins at the ceremony by last year’s victor. A source told Tfell over on the red carpet at last year’s ceremony. He said: “I don’t the Daily Star newspaper: “Matthew’s told him to keep want to ask her any advice about the Oscars. I’m staying away from that cool, there’s a huge mixture of happiness and nerves, train wreck for sure.” But the 22-year-old actor isn’t worried about suffering a and he’s said Benedict should keep a level head. similar mishap as Jennifer did. He quipped to E! News: “I don’t have heels. “Secondly, he’s told him to thank his family and wife I’m not busting out the heels for this one.” Meanwhile, Josh - who is present- Sophie [Hunter]. And his third piece of advice was to ing an award at this year’s event- is both “nervous and excited” ahead of the just enjoy the moment and have one heck of a party ceremony. He said: “I am exactly that, nervous and excited! It’s incredible, I afterwards.” The nomination for an Oscar clearly meant can’t really believe it. It’s kind of a shocking thing, but it’s an honor to be a lot to the 38-year-old star as he admitted it was the there.” Josh has also admitted that he is feeling “bittersweet” about the end “one of the proudest moments of my life” to tell his par- of the ‘Hunger Games’. He said: “[It’s] definitely bittersweet. I’d say more bit- ents - Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham - about the ter than sweet at the moment just because I miss it. “It was a really great nod. He said at the time the nominations were experience and we got to make something really cool and interesting and announced: “I am knocked for six by this. So excited along the way met great people and had a great time making it, so sad to and honored to receive this recognition. It’s wonderful see it come to an end. But it’s also exciting because I’m moving on to other to be included by the academy in this exceptional year things.” of performances. “To ring my parents who are both actors and tell them that their only son has been nomi- nated for an Oscar is one of the proudest moments of my life.”

Del Rey ditching BRIT Awards

he ‘Video Games’ hitmaker is reportedly refusing to attend the ceremony - which takes place at east London’s O2 Arena on Wednesday because she feels the cate- Tgory in which she’s nominated, Best International Female, is a “dead cert” to be won by her rival. A source told The Sun newspaper: “Lana didn’t think there was any point in turning up when it’s all been geared up for Taylor to win. “She feels like Taylor is a dead cert and doesn’t want to take part in the love-in.” Meanwhile, it is not only Lana - who previously won two awards at the ceremony: International Breakthrough Act in 2012 and International Female Solo Artist in 2013 - who has insulted the ‘Shake It Off’ hitmaker. Paloma Faith - who is set to perform at the award show - previously slammed the 25-year-old singer as “pathetic” after it emerged that she had trademarked some of her own lyrics including “this sick beat” and “party like it’s 1989”. The ‘Only Love Can Hurt Like This’ hitmaker said: “This sick beat’ is probably something she’s stolen from someone Redmayne else. “It’s kind of pathetic, if you want my honest opinion. Is she that desperate to stand out from the crowd? With her exclusive phrases? I think it shows a distinct lack of self- excited for big confidence.” Oscar night

he 33-year-old star was full of praise for his “old friend” ahead of the Academy Awards, Twhich sees the pair both nominated for the Best Actor gong. He told the Daily Star newspaper: “We are old, old friends. I think he is the most stag- gering actor and wonderful human being. “Our films are completely different and hopefully there is room for both of us.” Benedict, 38 - who recently tied the knot with Sophie Hunter - is nominated for King his portrayal of Alan Turing in ‘The Imitation Game’, whilst Eddie received his nomination for his part as Stephen Hawking in the biographical film, ‘The pregnant with second child Theory of Everything’. It has already been a great award season for Eddie as he has picked up a he ‘Hart of Dixie’ star is expecting another baby with her husband Kyle Newman and took to her Instagram account Golden Globe, a BAFTA award and a Screen Actors to announce their happy news. She posted a photograph of her 16-month-old son James, blowing bubbles, while Guild award amongst others for his portrayal of the Tholding a sign, which read: “I’m gonna be a big brother! Who da boss now I’m so excited!!!! “ The couple, who got legendary physicist and he recently admitted that married in November 2007 after meeting on the set of the movie ‘Fanboys’ in 2005, welcomed James in October 2013 fol- his award show successes were the “stuff dreams lowing four years of trying to conceive. The 35-year-old actress opened up about her infertility struggles and several mis- are made of”. He said: “I’ve actually been away carriages last year and admitted falling pregnant naturally for the first time was a “blessing.” She said after welcoming working this week rehearsing for a new film. I James: “Everything takes on a new meaning. It took a long time to get pregnant-for me the baby was such a blessing that haven’t worked since ‘The Theory of Everything’, so the most important thing for me was that I was active. “I was never obsessive about dieting or exercise. I didn’t care how it’s good to go back and remind myself this is what much I gained. I just wanted to make sure he was healthy.” The blonde beauty had previously been diagnosed with I do... “It’s been the most exhilarating thing. It is in endometriosis as well as polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that affects female sex hormones and fertility, after a some ways the stuff dreams are made of. “But you number of failed and painful treatments of IVF Corden get back into the cold rehearsal room on the out- skirts of London somewhere and its back to the doesn’t mind if gritty of filmmaking. It’s certainly a crash to reality, people don’t like him but a wonderful one.”

he ‘Into the Woods’ star never Googles himself and avoids checking Twitter because he doesn’t want to Tsubject himself to the “poison” of some people’s opin- ions. He said: “You have to take all the negative stuff with a bag of salt... What anyone else thinks of me isn’t any of my business... I hardly check Twitter and I pretty much never look at that stuff. The worst thing I could do at this moment in my career is start Googling myself or searching for stuff because if you look long enough, you will always eventual- ly find something horrible. “You just can’t live your life like that... The good stuff is like water off a duck’s back and the bad stuff you just hang on to and that’s poison basically. It’s madness. It’s completely fine for people not to like you - for me, the worst thing you can be is vanilla.” The 36-year-old actor and television presenter isn’t worried by the negative feedback about his new job at the helm of US talk show ‘The Late Late Show’ and insists he doesn’t want to appeal to everyone. He added to the Daily Mirror: “I don’t know who these people are and they don’t know me. They don’t see me at home or with my friends, and for all I know they might the worst people on the planet and I might, if I met some of them, be thrilled that they don’t like me. “There are some people I really don’t particularly want to appeal to... like murderers.” lifestyle MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015

GOSSIP

he 34-year-old actress - who has daughters Lincoln, 23 months, and Delta, two months, with her spouse - insists she doesn’t want any more children in the Tfuture so joked she wants her husband to have a vasectomy to rule out the pos- sibility. She said: “Maybe I’ll be a stay-at-home mom. Maybe I’ll have had five more kids... “No, I don’t want to be outnumbered! I think we’re stopping at two. I’m not even sharing a soda with Dax until he gets his tubes tied!” The ‘Veronica Mars’ star admits she worried about becoming “crotchety” and not being a “fun” parent before having kids but 40-year-old Dax soothed her worries. She told the new issue of Natural Health magazine: “Before we had kids, I’d say to Dax, ‘I don’t want to be like those peo- ple.’ “I saw a few parents I didn’t envy and was terrified I’d become crotchety and Bell close-minded like them. “And he said, ‘Those people had bad personalities before they had kids.’ Which is maybe the best point ever made. I was like, ‘You’re right! And ‘tubes tied’ we’re fun, so let’s stay fun.’ “ wants husband’s

Malik walks off stage during gig he 22-year-old singer exited just three songs into the per- formance in Perth, Australia, satursday night with band Tmate Niall Horan later informing the crowd he was too sick to return. A spokesperson for the group - which also includes Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne - said: “Zayn was taken ill during the show but it’s nothing serious. “He wasn’t feeling that great beforehand but he tried to get through the performance as well as he could. “Everyone is hop- ing he’ll be well enough for their next gig.” It isn’t the first time the ‘Night Changes’ hitmaker has pulled out of his One Direction duties in recent months. The star was also missing during their appearance on America’s ‘The Today Show,’ during a promo tour to the US last November, and was forced to found LA ‘suffocating’ LA found defend himself over false drug use claims made by host Matt Hemsworth Lauer following his no-show. Zayn told The Sun newspaper at the time: “I was really ill at the weekend, that’s why I couldn’t fly to America. I was gutted to have to miss album release day.” He added he was “really angry and upset” by the claims. It is hoped the singer will soon recover as the band are only on the seventh date of their two-week Australian tour and are set to fly to Japan for more performances next week.

he ‘Blackhat’ actor recently relocated to his native Australia with wife Elsa Pataky, daughter India, two, and twins Tristan and Sasha, 11 months, and admits he doesn’t miss being constantly sur- Trounded by the movie industry. He said: “We’ve been back for four or five months and it’s amazing. “Being in LA - and I can’t complain about the place because it’s given me so much - you’re constantly reminded about the industry, every step you take down the street. “There are billboards of films you’re not in or want to be in or ones that you are in, everyone you know talks about the business and it’s suf- focating. Being back here this time, I really noticed the difference. You feel like a human being again.” Chris was voted People magazine’s 2014 Sexiest Man Alive and he admits the accolade has helped his career. He said: “The ‘sexy’ thing helps me stay employed and take care of my family. “That’s great, there are no complaints.” With his career, the Australian hunk hopes to emulate that of Leonardo DiCaprio, another former Sexiest Man Alive. He told Total Film magazine: “The line-up of directors he’s worked with is something to aspire to. God, I would dream to be in that position, he works with the best and is incredibly consistent.”

Delevingne creeping out over mass texts he 22-year-old model, who is friends with the ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ star’s younger half-sister, Kendall Jenner, Treportedly regrets giving her number to Rob Kardashian. A source said: “He’s been bombarding her with text messages, and it’s creeping her out. “She’s not attracted to him at all and is pretty insulted that he would think he had a chance.” Meanwhile, Rob, who has rarely been seen out in public over the past year as he has been struggling with depression after gaining more than 50 pounds, is said to be in “really bad shape” at the moment and is struggling to cope with news his step-father Bruce Jenner is transi- tioning into a woman. The source told America’s Star magazine: “He’s still in a downward spiral. He’s so lonely and desperately wants to find the right woman, but his confidence is at rock bottom. He really wanted Cara to like him.” Rob has been struggling to get his life back on track since splitting from Cara’s close friend Rita Ora almost three years ago. The former couple were inseparable during the summer of 2012 but he accused her of cheating on him “with nearly 20 dudes” after they split that December. Beckham loves taking photographs

he retired soccer star - who has children Brooklyn, 15, Romeo, 12, Cruz, nine, and three-year-old Harper Witherspoon Twith wife Victoria - is very proud of the work he does as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and always documents the trips he makes with the charity in pictures to show his hypnotized to overcome insecurities family when he returns home. He said: “I love photography. he 38-year-old actress - who is nominated in the Best Actress category for her portrayal of I take hundreds of photos while I’m away. It makes memo- Cheryl Strayed in ‘Wild’ at this year’s Oscars - admitted years of being told she was too fat or ries and gives me the opportunity to show my children short for Hollywood roles had taken their toll on her self esteem, so she turned to hypnosis for a why Daddy has been away for a week or two weeks. T “Pictures have always been important to me and luckily I confidence boost before taking on the gritty role. She said: “People may think I have this dream life, but for years I worried about my looks. “I thought I was too short or not thin enough to be a take good ones.” And on his next trip, David could be Hollywood star. I was constantly being told, ‘No, not right, not tall enough, not pretty enough, not joined by his eldest son, who has expressed an interest in sexy enough’. I wasn’t allowed to audition for roles because they saw me as too cute and girlie. “So I his charity work. David told Britain’s HELLO! magazine: decided if I was to succeed I had to face facts. I could never be the sexiest, thinnest girl in Hollywood. “Obviously he’s in school so a trip would have to be careful- “[Hypnosis] was so helpful. I get panic attacks, especially right before I start a movie. “Half the time on ly planned. It will be exciting and hard for him to see, but I set I feel like I’m hanging on by the seat of my pants and I don’t know what the heck I am doing.” The think it’s important. The kids understand what I’m doing blonde beauty - who won the Best Actress Oscar in 2006 for her role in the Johnny Cash biopic ‘Walk but there’s nothing better than actually being there and if I The Line’ -also opened up about her decision to start her own film production company, Pacific can give that opportunity to my children then I want to. Standard, in 2012, after realizing there weren’t enough lead roles for women being developed in “Wherever I am in the world, whatever I’m doing, I speak to Hollywood. According to The Sun newspaper, she said: “Other than one studio, literally one, nobody my children every day. I’m proud to tell my children what was developing anything with a female lead. “It just hit me like a ton of bricks and I was so mad. “I had I’m doing and how I’m helping and I think it makes them stories I wanted to tell and I’d become increasingly frustrated.” proud of me as well.” lifestyle MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 ‘Birdman’ wins big at Spirit Awards

(From left) Emma Stone, and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu pose in the press room with the award for best feature for ‘Birdman’ or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) at the 30th Film Independent Michael Keaton holds his trophy for best male actor for Spirit Awards. JK Simmons poses with the award for best supporting his role in ‘Birdman’. — AP photos male for ‘Whiplash’ in the press room. irdman’ won the Spirit Award for best budget exceeded $20 million and the produc- “Norte the End of History” and “Under the feature, and Michael Keaton nabbed tion was British). Skin.” “Ida” and “Leviathan” are up for the ‘Bthe statue for actor for Alejandro G Otherwise, there were few surprises in the Oscar for best foreign film. Justin Simien was Inarritu’s whimsical comedy-drama that domi- Spirits: Julianne Moore (“Still Alice”) for actress; awarded the best first screenplay trophy for nated the 30th edition of the Film JK Simmons (“Whiplash”) supporting actor; “Dear White People.” “I started writing this 10 Independent Spirit Awards. The film thus tri- Patricia Arquette (“Boyhood”) supporting years ago because I didn’t see myself in the umphed in two of the categories that have actress; “Ida” as international film; and culture,” he said in his acceptance. Other been most difficult to predict this awards sea- “CitizenFour” for documentary. All are widely artists who want to see themselves depicted son. The feature trophy went to producers expected to repeat at the Oscarcast. The should similarly make their own films. Tom Inarritu, John Lesher, Arnon Milchan and Spirits were started 30 years ago as an alterna- Cross won the editing category for James W Skotchdopole. tive to the studio-dominated Academy “Whiplash.” “Land Ho!” nabbed the John Richard Linklater was named top director Awards. But since then, the two very distinct Cassavetes award for top film made for less for “Boyhood.” The split between the voting organizations have seen an increasing than $500,000. helmer/picture prizes could be a foreshadow- overlap in the results. Inarritu thanked Fox The awards were telecast live on IFC. ing of Sunday’s Oscars, since the top races are Searchlight and New Regency for making such Kristen Bell and Fred Armisen co-hosted. The hard to call. And Oscar could throw a few oth- a daring feature. “This film would not be this duo’s comic bits were generally well- er curve balls into the mix, since “American film without Michael Keaton,” said Inarritu, received, including an opening video that Sniper,” and “The Theory of Everything” are who also directed and co-wrote the screen- merged moments from “Birdman” and ineligible for Spirits (since, respectively, the play. “Whiplash.” Bell received major laughs for acknowledging “Whiplash” director Damien ‘Game-changer’ Chazelle and quipping, “He made jazz inter- “This is bold cinema. This is a game-chang- esting for people who aren’t on heroin.” er,” Keaton said in his acceptance, giving extensive thanks to Inarritu, the cast and crew. “I think we’d all be remiss if we didn’t take a List of winners moment and thank Narcissus right now,” he added, leaving the audience in stitches. Ethan Hawke accepts the award for best director for ‘Boyhood’ on behalf of Richard Best feature: Birdman “Birdman” won over “Boyhood,” “Love Is Linklater. Strange,” “Selma” and “Whiplash.” It took a third Best male lead: Michael Keaton, Birdman Spirit award for cinematography for Along with thanking Linklater, and cast Debutant wins for screenplay Best female lead: Julianne Moore, Still Emmanuel Lubezki. mates Hawke, Ellar Coltrane and Lorelei Dan Gilroy’s witty script for the dark Alice In accepting her prize, Moore said, “We Linklater, Arquette singled out IFC for distrib- “Nightcrawler” won the Spirit Award for best Best director: Richard Linklater, Boyhood made this movie in 23 days for $4 million. I uting. “Without a distributor, you have noth- screenplay. The crime thriller also won best Best supporting female: Patricia ing,” she said. “I have been especially blessed,” first feature. “What I do, I do because I love,” brought my own bras and my own food,” Arquette, Boyhood Moore said in her acceptance speech. “It was Simmons said in a low-key acceptance for the he said in his acceptance, noting that he had such a privilege to work on this film.” Since award for his portrayal of an abusive music a low point in his career a decade ago. “It felt Best supporting male: JK Simmons, Linklater was not in attendance, Ethan Hawke teacher. like writing in that sand as the ocean wiped Whiplash accepted his trophy, saying “The impossible The Spirit Awards are voted on by mem- it away,” he added. Best screenplay: Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler can always happen.” Inarritu won the Directors bers of Film Independent and require that the The first-feature trophy went to Gilroy and Best documentary: Citizenfour Guild award two weeks ago over Linklater, films be produced in the US for less than $20 producers Jennifer Fox, Tony Gilroy, David Best international film:Ida (Poland) underlining that difficulty of predicting the million. “12 Years a Slave” won the Spirit Lancaster, Michel Litvak and Jake Gyllenhaal- Best first feature: Nightcrawler Oscar race for that honor. Arquette, who took Award and the Oscar best picture trophy a who starred and produced. “Independent Best first screenplay: Justin Simien, Dear the award for her role as the complex, vulnera- year ago, as did “The Artist” three years ago. film and everyone here are holdouts against ble mother in the film, was the first major win- Laura Poitras won for best documentary for a tsunami of superhero movies,” Gilroy said. White People ner at the awards on Saturday afternoon. The “Citizenfour,” her film about whistleblower Polish drama “Ida” and director Pawel Best editing: Tom Cross, Whiplash ceremony was held at its traditional location in Edward Snowden. Poitras’ collaborator Glen Pawlikowski won for top international film. Best cinematography: Emmanuel a white tent on the beach in Santa Monica. It Greenwald said whistleblowers like Snowden “This is such a strong field so thank you for Lubezki, Birdman Oprah Winfrey speaks onstage during the aired live on IFC (instead of during a delayed “deserve not decades in prison, but our col- losing,” Pawlikowski said of the competitors, John Cassavetes Award: Land Ho! awards show. telecast) in honor of its 30th anniversary. lective gratitude.” which included “Leviathan,” “Force Majeure,” How Oscars keep winners a secret Cameron, Diaz rake in Razzies

y day, they are account- votes and seeing who gets the ormer child star Kirk Cameron Pictures. The Razzies are handed out at ants with global consult- most. On six occasions over the tried “Saving Christmas,” but he a ceremony in the heart of Hollywood ing firm decades, there has been a tie, in B more likely killed a career come- on Oscar eve, although those honored PriceWaterhouseCoopers. But which case two statuettes are F from Friday, for two days only, handed out. The last time that back with the movie that ruled at this seldom show up. they become keepers of one of happened was in 2013, for best year’s Razzies, the awards for the worst The ignominious awards are chosen the most closely-guarded sound editing. achievement in film. Cameron, 44, was by 811 members in 47 US states and 20 secrets in the world. Brian For best picture, it is more declared the big winner at Saturday foreign countries who pay a minimum Cullinan and Martha Ruiz will be complicated: the winner has to night’s 35th Golden Raspberry Awards the only people who know the get 50 percent of votes plus one. ceremony, taking four of the six cate- winners of the coveted golden To achieve this, voters have to gories in which he and his Christian Oscar statuettes, cinema’s most rank their favorites from the family comedy “Saving Christmas” were prestigious prizes. eight nominated movies. The nominated: worst picture, worst actor, They are the people who tally first-choice votes are then worst screenplay and worst screen com- up the votes of the 6,100-odd counted, and if none gets 50 bo - for him and his ego. members of the Academy of percent, then the film with the The tongue-in-cheek answer to yes- Motion Picture Arts and least votes is dropped and its terday’s Academy Awards poked fun at Sciences (AMPAS), who choose votes redistributed to the other another Cameron, as in Diaz, who won the Oscar winners. “We print seven, based on the second the $4.97 gold spray-painted berry tro- everything” for fear of possible choice. The process continues phy for worst actress for two comedies, leaks or online hacking, Cullinan until one film gets the crucial “The Other Woman” and “Sex Tape.” told AFP, explaining how the amount, the idea being that the But in a sign that there can be voting process has been revolu- winning movie enjoys a consen- redemption after a Razzie, actor/direc- tionized over the last few years. sus of support, rather than say tor Ben Affleck won the inaugural “For 84 years, (it) was only done just getting 20 percent but beat- by paper. Over the last three ing the others. Redeemer award, going from his Razzie- years, they have allowed mem- Security is, needless to say, a earning role in 2003’s “Gigli” to 2013 bers to vote electronically, with a key concern. Both Cullinan and Oscar best picture winner “Argo” and password. An increasing num- Ruiz each get a set of 24 box office hit “Gone Girl.” ber, the majority, now vote elec- envelopes with category names Affleck was deemed more tronically,” he said. pre-printed, together with 24 redeemable in a popular online vote The pair have a team of five cards. But they fill in the winning than fellow nominees Jennifer Aniston, or six people to help. But they names by hand before sealing Mike Myers, Keanu Reeves and Kristen make absolutely sure that no them. As a double fail-safe, each Stewart. Director Michael Bay might single person counts all the of them memorizes the category have gotten off lightly. His special votes in a category, to ensure winners by heart, just in case. effects spectacle “Transformers: Age of nobody but them knows any of Nobody apart from the two of Extinction” led all movies with seven annual fee of $40 their first year and $25 the winners, said Ruiz. There are them knows the results. Razzie nominations, but was only wor- thereafter. As the Razzie organizers not- 24 categories, and over 6,000 From the moment that the thy of worst director and worst support- ed, their society is not alone in panning votes to be counted by hand. results are finalized, and a set of ing actor for Kelsey Grammer. “Saving Christmas”. Users of the interna- That’s a lot of counting. The vote envelopes is placed in each of Megan Fox won worst supporting tional movie database IMDB.com rated it ended Tuesday evening. They two briefcases, both of them are actress for her role in the reboot film the No 1 worst movie of all time, while it hope to have the results collated escorted by armed guards until “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” The scored a rare perfect “Zero” rating on by Friday evening, said Cullinan. the start of the ceremony yester- award for worst remake, rip-off or critic aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes. day evening. They also split up, sequel went to “Annie,” the modern In the film, the child star of television’s Results tied six times in case one of them is unable for A TV presenter is framed through an Oscars statue outline as she telling of the Broadway classic that “Growing Pains” who later became an Most categories-best actor, some reason to get to the Dolby rehearses on the red carpet area outside the Dolby Theatre as prepa- actress, best song, et cetera-are Theatre in time when the curtain hackers leaked online before its evangelical Christian tries to “put Christ rations were underway for the 87th annual Academy Awards in December opening after attacking Sony back into Christmas.” — Reuters decided simply by counting the goes up at 5:30 pm. —AFP Hollywood. — AFP lifestyle MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 Gareth Pugh prepares for battle

ritish avant-garde designer lived and worked has been welcomed Gareth Pugh sent a model army by the fashion industry. “There’s been Bdown the London catwalk nothing like this since (Alexander) Saturday, equipping them with McQueen,” said veteran fashion jour- leather armor, sweeping black gowns nalist Hilary Alexander. “It was very and Roman centurion-style head- powerful; I thought it was fabulous.” pieces to mark his label’s 10th The show opened with a short film of anniversary. The models’ faces were a woman cutting off her blonde tress- painted white with red crosses, the es and smearing herself in red paint in flag of England’s patron saint, Saint the sign of the cross of Saint George George, whose legendary battle with before she is seemingly burned alive. a dragon is depicted in an altarpiece Pugh insisted it was less a depic- at the Victoria and Albert Museum tion of English nationalism, which the where the show was held. flag is often used to represent, than an To a soundtrack of chanting ideal of sacrificing oneself for a larger crowds, the helmeted models strode group, be that a nation or a football down the runway in black leather team. The designer, whose clothes breastplates worn over floor-trailing have been described as wearable skirts with nipped-in waists or dresses sculptures, said it was also “about the adorned with black spikes that shim- rejection of a traditional idea of what mered like chain mail-or dragon is beautiful”. own line, JW Anderson, in which scales. On closer inspection, the spikes LVMH also has a stake. It was bursting turned out to be tens of thousands of JW Anderson’s ‘mash-up’ with colors and texture and the inten- hand-cut plastic drinking straws, Pugh’s show was a highlight tion, he told reporters, was not to cre- and the chanting was the of London Fashion Week this ate “a look” but a series of outfits worn sound of Pugh’s home team, season, but he is only one by individual women. Sunderland Football Club. among a number of stars The tops, tunics and coats had 80s- “It’s nice to mix the who made their style volume, with puffed out shoul- masculine with the names in the city ders and sleeves, worn over cord very feminine-these before spreading straight-legged trousers tucked into very big, almost their wings knee-high leather boots in red, yellow Disney dresses abroad. Jonathan and grey. “We looked at moments of with this very Anderson, cre- the early 80s, early 90s... that period of tough attitude, ative director of fashion was probably one of the most hats and make-up,” LVMH-owned exciting moments in fashion,” he said. For all its luxury label Anderson said. reputation for cre- Loewe, earlier Outfits were draped around the ativity, London Saturday body, flared in a peplum waist, fash- rarely sees such showed his ioned into a high collar, or belted, conceptual shows autumn/win- while Anderson also played with fab- and Pugh’s return ter collec- rics in what he called a “textural mash- to the city tion for up”. There were oversized coats in where he his pink, brown or purple leather, others has in grey and soft pink suede, as well as long striped tops in green velvet or in shim- mering metallic pink and purple. The combinations created “something that felt against the ideas of con- forming to a look and trying to challenge ourselves”, Anderson said. — AFP London Fashion Week

Models present the creations from the Gareth Pugh collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum during the 2015 Autumn/Winter London Fashion Week in London. — AFP photos ‘Birdman’ wins big at 38Spirit Awards MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015

Tourists visit an Islamic centre in Mataram on the island of Lombok in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara province. Lombok is at the centre of an Islamic tourism drive in Indonesia, and is hoping to boost the number of visitors from wealthy Middle EasternIndonesia countries. — AFP photos prays Islam can drive tourism

ust a short hop from the Indonesian holi- gained coveted sharia certification. Echoing day hotspot of Bali, a Saudi tourist and his the system of stars for conventional hotels, Jfamily listen to the call to prayer as the sharia accommodation is labeled with the sun goes down on Lombok, the self-styled crescent moon, a symbol associated with “island of 1,000 mosques”. Lombok is at the Islam, with the best receiving three. A hotel centre of an Islamic tourism drive in Indonesia, must have signs pointing towards Mecca and which has the world’s biggest Muslim popula- copies of the Koran in its rooms, as well as a tion and is hoping to boost the number of visi- kitchen where halal food can be prepared, to tors from wealthy Middle Eastern countries. gain its first crescent moon. While aiming to continue to attract Western tourists who flock to its pristine beaches, the Creating barriers island is also seeking to promote its Islamic Despite the optimism of officials, there are heritage, from numerous places of worship to concerns that the push for Islamic tourism shrines dedicated to ancient Muslim preach- could put off other visitors who want to sun- ers. “I love it here because I can hear the azan bathe in skimpy outfits and relax on the beach (call to prayer) and people go to the mosque with a drink. But the local government insists to pray,” said 58-year-old Sulaiman, the Saudi it can promote sharia tourism without affect- tourist, who gave only one name and was ing the existing industry, and that party accompanied by his wife who was wearing an hotspots in the area-such as tiny Gili all-encompassing burqa. Trawangan Island, off the west coast of Indonesia is the world’s biggest archipela- Lombok-will remain unaffected. go nation, made up of more than 17,000 Authorities are considering clearly demar- islands, but has long lagged behind smaller, cating areas more suited to Muslim guests, more developed countries in Southeast Asia, where Western tourists should cover up. “We such as Malaysia and Thailand, in attracting will make zones so that travel agents and tourists. Foreign visitor arrivals to Indonesia guides have clear options depending on their rose to 8.8 million in 2013, according to official guests’ wishes,” said local tourism chief M figures, compared with 25.72 million in Nasir, adding that visitors were already told Malaysia and 26.55 million in Thailand. While they should not wear skimpy clothing when there are no official figures for “sharia” tourism they head into cities or visit religious sites. in Indonesia, the sector is experiencing strong Nevertheless for some Muslims, the clash of growth internationally. In a recent report, cultures may still be off-putting. While Muslim-oriented business group Sulaiman, who comes from Mecca, was enjoy- CrescentRating, predicted the sector would be Pilgrims gather around a huge tree at a historic Islamic shrine in Loang Baloq. ing his holiday in Senggigi, the main tourist worth $192 billion a year globally by 2020, up strip on Lombok, some aspects made him feel from $140 billion in 2013. numbers. The government has produced mosque, a hotel and a study centre, and spe- spend lavishly. Riyanto Sofyan owns a chain of uneasy. “I am not comfortable with a tourist tourist guides promoting Indonesia as a cially trained tour guides will point Muslim vis- nine sharia hotels across Indonesia, including place where there are people wearing things Middle Eastern opportunities “Muslim friendly destination”. It highlights the itors in the direction of the nearest mosque at two in Jakarta. Alcohol-free cocktails are avail- that are too revealing,” he said. “The economic growth of Middle Eastern country’s best “sharia” tourism destinations prayer time. Other parts of Indonesia are hop- able, the call to prayer is played five times a Others had concerns about trying to artifi- countries is very good and we see an opportu- and notes there are more than 600,000 ing to benefit from the initiative. Aceh day through the buildings, MTV has been cially separate Muslim and non-Muslim nity there,” senior tourism ministry official Rizki mosques in the archipelago. Lombok, long province, in western Indonesia and the only removed from the list of TV channels available tourists. American tourist Sarah Jorgensen, Handayani said. Only around 190,000 Middle overshadowed by its better known neighbor, part of the country to enforce Islamic sharia in the rooms, as it is deemed too risquÈ, and who was visiting Lombok, warned such a Eastern visitors came to Indonesia in 2013, Hindu-majority Bali, hopes the drive can help laws, and the capital Jakarta are both seeking hotel staff gently turn away unmarried cou- move could lead to tensions: “When you cre- according to official figures, but authorities raise its profile. Authorities are planning to to lure Middle Eastern tourists, who often ples. In Lombok, hotels are also promoting ate borders then you have more opportunity hope their Islamic tourism drive can increase build a huge Islamic centre that will contain a bring many family members with them and themselves as Islamic, with nine so far having for discrimination.” — AFP

Middle Eastern tourists walk along the beach in Senggigi on the island of Lombok. Workers paint an Islamic centre in Mataram. Visitors tour a historic Islamic shrine in Batu Layar.