SUBSCRIPTION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 RAJAB 5, 1434 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Rohingyas Bibi meets Nokia unveils Man City drown off Putin in bid new metal-body sack Mancini, Myanmar trying to sway Russia Lumia Pellegrini may to flee 7storm on Syria8 smartphone27 replace18 him Cabinet ministers resign Max 40º Min 28º amid standoff with MPs High Tide 04:03 & 14:05 Govt boycotts Assembly sessions amid talk of dissolution Low Tide 08:53 & 21:37 40 PAGES NO: 15809 150 FILS By B Izzak

KUWAIT: In what appears to be the first confrontation with supposedly loyal MPs, the government boycotted the parliamentary session yesterday as all Cabinet min- isters submitted their resignations to the prime minister a day after five MPs filed to grill the oil and interior min- isters. National Assembly Speaker Ali Al-Rashed told reporters after a meeting with Justice Minister Shareeda Al-Maousherji that he has been informed that “Cabinet ministers submitted their resignation to the prime min- ister and accordingly they will not attend the Assembly session tomorrow (today)”. Rashed insisted that the step is not a Cabinet resig- nation as only ministers have submitted their resig- nations. Under Kuwaiti law, the Cabinet resigns when the prime minister submits his resignation and the res- ignations of Cabinet minis- ters to HH the Amir. It becomes effective only after the Amir accepts it. Rashed said that as the government Ali Al-Rashed has its measures, the Assembly also has its constitution- al methods. Earlier in the day, Rashed could not open the Assembly session because of the absence of the gov- ernment which boycotted the session in protest against the two grillings against the two ministers. Rashed told MPs present in the chamber that “due to the absence of Continued on Page15 MoH issues

KUWAIT: Arrested women are herded into a bus during a surprise raid in Shuwaikh Industrial area yesterday. guidelines 400 in police net amid crackdown on new virus 6 new Saudi cases By Hanan Al-Saadoun Gen Sulaiman Al-Fahd said in a statement and cooperation with different sectors of under the illusion that the security men that the campaign covering Shuwaikh the ministry that acted in a civilized way, are only looking into particular cases, KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health made an admin- KUWAIT: Around 400 foreign workers Industrial area was one of several such guaranteeing everyone’s legal rights. He adding the surprise campaign will contin- istrative decision announcing strict guidelines on how were rounded up in flash raids in campaigns carried out in coordination said the drive will continue. The cam- ue to achieve the goals and targets set for to handle acute respiratory cases, particularly the Shuwaikh Industrial area yesterday. The with the citizenship and passport depart- paigns are aimed at tracking down out- it. Fahd also called upon all citizens and novel coronavirus (nCoV), which it described as “a arrested people were found in violation of ment. Fahd said the campaign owed its laws, residency law violators, those work- expats to ensure that they always carry dangerous communicable disease”. This came after the residency law, including those without success to the security men and also to ing for others and runaways. their identification papers in order to be Saudi Arabia detected six new cases of the deadly residency permits, those working for the fact that the instructions given to Fahd termed the campaign successful identified by security men and smart coronavirus, the health ministry said, raising the num- unauthorized employers, “free laborers” them were precise and they implemented as several violators and wanted persons patrols equipped with computers can ber of people infected from the SARS-like virus in the and domestic maids under Article 20. these efficiently. He said the campaigns who were trying to escape the law were trace all details of anyone during an kingdom to 30, half of them fatalities. Acting Interior Ministry Undersecretary were being carried out in coordination arrested. He said such suspects were inspection. Continued on Page 15

PAGE PAGE Jolie tells world about Canada astronaut India unveils vaccine her double mastectomy returns as a star for diarrhoea virus

LONDON: Hollywood star Angelina Jolie has had a double mastectomy to reduce her chances of getting breast cancer and says she hopes her sto- Russia arrests CIA ‘spy’ ry will inspire other women fighting the life- threatening disease. Jolie wrote in the New York Times yesterday the operation had made it easier for her to reassure her six children that she will not US diplomat tried to recruit local agent die young from cancer, like her own mother did at MOSCOW: Russia yesterday ordered the 56. “We often speak of ‘Mommy’s mommy’, and I expulsion of an alleged American CIA find myself trying to explain the illness that took agent working undercover at the US her away from us. They have asked if the same embassy who was discovered with a large could happen to me,” wrote Jolie, 37. “I have stash of money trying to recruit a Russian always told them not to worry, but the truth is I agent. Russia’s Federal Security Service carry a ‘faulty’ gene.” (FSB, ex-KGB) identified the man as Ryan C The Oscar-winning actress said her doctors had Fogle - third secretary of the political sec- estimated she had an 87 percent risk of breast tion of Washington’s embassy in Moscow - cancer and 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer. and said he had been handed back to the “Once I knew this was my reality, I decided to be embassy after his detention. The foreign proactive and to minimize the risk as much as I ministry said it was summoning US could. I made a decision to have a preventive dou- ambassador Michael McFaul today for an ble mastectomy,” she said. Partner and fellow explanation and slammed Washington for Hollywood star Brad Pitt was by Jolie’s side what it described as “provocative acts in through three months of treatment that ended the spirit of the Cold War”. late in April, she said. The two became engaged It declared Fogle to be persona non last year. “Having witnessed this decision first- grata who had to return to the United hand, I find Angie’s choice, as well as so many oth- States “as soon as possible” - a complete ers like her, absolutely heroic,” Pitt told London’s contrast to the joint pledges for intelli- Evening Standard newspaper. “All I want is for her Angelina Jolie gence cooperation after the Boston to have a long and healthy life, with myself and 2 gene mutation, as Jolie does. bombings. Photographs published by our children. This is a happy day for our family.” CNN anchor Zoraida Sambolin announced yes- state English language television RT Jolie said that even though she had kept silent terday that she had breast cancer and was also showed a baseball-capped Fogle being about her treatment while it was going on, she getting a double mastectomy. Sambolin, who pinned face down to the ground and hav- hoped her story would now help other women. “I anchors CNN’s “Early Start” morning show, dis- ing his hands put behind his back for the choose not to keep my story private because cussed her condition on the show while talking arrest. He was then shown being ques- there are many women who do not know that about Jolie’s procedure. “I struggled for weeks try- tioned at the Federal Security Service they might be living under the shadow of cancer. ing to figure out how to tell you that I had been while documents such as his passport and It is my hope that they, too, will be able to get diagnosed with breast cancer and was leaving to a stack of Ä500 notes along with some let- MOSCOW: Wigs and spying gadgets carried by gene tested.” Breast cancer alone kills about have surgery,” Sambolin, 47, said on Facebook. ters were displayed. The FSB footage also a man claimed by the Russian FSB to be Ryan 458,000 people each year, according to the World “Then ... Angelina Jolie shares her story of a dou- displayed supposed espionage equip- Fogle, a third secretary at the US Embassy in Health Organization. It is estimated that one in ble mastectomy and gives me strength and an ment including two wigs as well as a Moscow, when he was detained (inset), are 300 to one in 500 women carry a BRCA 1 or BRCA opening.” — Reuters (See Page 40) Continued on Page 15 shown at the FSB offices early yesterday. — AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 LOCAL

KUWAIT: Residency violators being rounded up from Shuwaikh industrial area yesterday. The field operations were carried out with the supervision of Acting Undersecretary General Sulaiman Al-Fahad in coordination with the public administration for immigration. Over 400 people were arrested in the fresh crackdown.

Egyptian wanted for raping wife’s friend Driver killed in Subbiya crash

KUWAIT: Abu Halifa police plan to summon an that rendered her unable to honor obligations found an MB5 firearm with a magazine con- area resident for questioning after a woman she made with companies she was supposed taining 20 rounds, a collection of daggers, 31 pressed sexual assault charges. Identifying her- to supply automobiles to. The Arab woman plastic cases of crystal meth, 40 drug pills and self as his wife’s friend, the Egyptian woman remains in custody for further action. a variety of drug related paraphernalia. He was told the local police that the suspect, also an referred to the proper authorities for further Egyptian, told her on the phone that his wife Man arrested action. was sick and needed to meet her for an urgent A man faces multiple charges following his matter. When she went to her friend’s apart- arrest Monday for involvement in several traffic Auto theft ment and did not find her friend there, the violations and possessing contrabands. Patrol A man stole a woman driver’s car in an woman realized she has been trapped and fell officers pulled over the suspect who was driv- unusual manner. In her statements to Maidan victim to an assault by the suspect. ing an American-made vehicle which carried Hawally police, the Italian woman explained no license plate. The man failed to produce an that she stopped to check out her car’s tire The Sebamed booth at the conference venue Fatal accident ID card, a driver’s license or the car’s registra- after a pedestrian signaled to her that it was A male driver died after he sustained a fatal tion papers, but gave his name through which flat, but taking advantage of the situation, the head injury in an accident reported in Al- police found out that he was a Kuwaiti wanted same person jumped into the driving seat of Conference focuses on Subbiya on Monday. Paramedics accompanied in a KD2000 default payment case. When the luxury vehicle and drove away. by police reached the scene shortly after the police searched the man and his car, they Investigations were on. —Al-Anbaa, Al-Rai diabetes in children accident was reported. They pronounced the victim, a 60-year-old Egyptian man, dead on KUWAIT: Pediatric Diabetes Society major challenges that the treatment of the scene. The body was taken to the forensic (PDS) held its two-day conference under this group faces. department. An investigation was opened to the theme “Pediatric Diabetes - Where is Dr. Al-Tarkeet said the increasing num- determine the circumstances behind the acci- it going?” in cooperation with the dia- ber of fast food restaurants and soda dent. betes clinic, pediatrics department at drinks factories around the world, apart Stamp recycling gang Sabah Hospital. from the ease with which children can Investigations are on to catch the suspects PDS chairperson Dr. Nada Al-Tarkeet access these products, are all key causes in a case involving theft of stamps from pass- said the conference will focus on dia- for the affliction. Children are becoming ports left in travel agencies across Kuwait. betes in children in Kuwait and will dis- addicted to these substances which are cuss the current situation besides the According to a news report, the scam was dis- fuelling obesity and diabetes in our soci- covered after officers at the Sharq police sta- eties. Dr. Al-Tarkeet said the society tion received reports from Arab men who needs to make certain dietary changes as found that KD10 government stamps were it lacks a culture of daily sports, a factor missing from their passports which they had that has led spread of diabetes which has left earlier with the travel agencies for obtain- assumed epidemic proportions now. ing Omra visas. Investigations revealed that She said that the latest statistics about the suspects scraped off government stamps 107 abandoned vehicles type 2 diabetes among adults showed from the expired work visas in the passports. It that Kuwait was at sixth place worldwide, is likely that they the stamps later at below par removed from Amghara according to the IDF. She said as far as prices. Detectives also believe that thousands pediatric diabetes (type 1) was con- of stamps could have been stolen in the same By Hanan Al-Saadoun warning signs on the abandoned cars, directing cerned, it has risen from 18 cases per fashion in cases yet to be discovered by the that these be removed by their owners within 100,000 children in 2005 - 2006 to almost passport owners. KUWAIT: A total of 107 abandoned cars were 24 hours. He said the warnings and transporta- 37 cases per 100,000 as per latest statis- lifted from the Amghara scrap yard and sent to a tion of vehicles is documented in the municipal- tics gathered by Dasman Diabetes Suicide prevented car detention garage in the ity records. Institute last year. A man was hospitalized in a critical condi- area as part of the second He said after the grace period Bone density reduction and tooth tion on Monday after his attempt to commit phase of a cleanliness cam- granted to the owners of such decay also increased, being related dis- suicide was foiled by a woman driver who paign carried out by the Al- cars, there will be no further eases. She said the current situation intervened in time to save his life. Police, Jahra municipality on the warning and the vehicles would requires more efforts and studies in diag- accompanied by medical staff, rushed to a instructions of its Director, be removed and taken to the nosis and follow up, apart from the need street in Abdullah Al-Salem where a Kuwaiti Eng. Sami Al-Saeedan. detention garage. Detained vehi- KUWAIT: Dr Nada Al-Tarkeet addresses to use modern technology to treat the woman reported witnessing someone stab- The Director of General cles will not be released without the conference on pediatric diabetes afflicted. bing himself. The Asian man was found bleed- Cleaning told reporters that payment of the necessary fees. ing as a result of several stab wounds and was removal of abandoned cars On his part, supervisor Faisal rushed to the Amiri Hospital. He is currently will continue across different Al-Otaibi said that leaving aban- Kuwait marks 50th ’versary recovering at the hospital’s intensive care unit. streets and public yards at doned cars along the streets and The police plan to question him later in a sui- Amghara in order to clean up public yards reflects poorly on the of UN membership cide case filed at the Abdullah Al-Salem police the entire area of such vehi- area and hinders road cleaning station. cles. operations besides acting as a UNITED NATIONS: Kuwait’s Permanent Assembly Vuk Jeremic was also expected to Pointing out that a number shelter for stray dogs and other Representative at the UN Mansour Al-Otaibi deliver speeches during the event. Businesswoman questioned of real estate owners have been using their front animals. He said the governorate’s municipality held a ceremony yesterday to mark the 50th The ceremony features a photography Hawally police arrested a businesswoman yards as car workshops leave the discarded was keeping track of such cars and will ensure anniversary of Kuwait’s UN membership exhibition and a documentary highlighting during a patrolling operation on Monday after parts from such cars there, he said at times they these are removed. Necessary legal action will obtained on May 14, 1963. Al-Oteibi was Kuwait’s activities in the international organi- discovering that she was wanted for park many of those cars outside their plots and be taken against the owners of these vehicles. scheduled to address the reception on the zation over the last fifty years, with booklets KD500,000 nonpayment. She was taken to even encroach upon vast swathes of public He explained that the campaign will contin- history of the relationship between the State to be handed out to the participants on the authorities for questioning, during which she land, roads and yards for such business. He ue, especially in the industrial areas, public of Kuwait and the UN. UN Secretary General Gulf country’s political, economic and social claimed she had fallen victim to a conman who explained that the campaign started by affixing yards and streets. Ban Ki-moon and President of the UN General achievements.—KUNA stole her money and left her in a financial crisis WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 LOCAL PIC borrowed $194m to pay fine: Report ‘K-Dow deal cancellation a political error’

KUWAIT: The Petrochemical Industries three months. “As per an earlier KPC tampering with the country’s capabili- Company borrowed $194 million from board decision, the PIC was to pay the ties, and what is happening in the par- the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation in fine using its current liquidity and bor- liament currently is the newest episode order to finalize a $2.2 billion payment row the rest from the KPC while repay- in this approach,” Maarafi said, adding to Dow Chemical in penalties over a ments are realized from the PIC’s profits,” that the ongoing events are meant to canceled joint venture, a local newspa- the sources added. “distract attention away from the main per reported yesterday quoting sources The Kuwaiti government had called mistake of cancelling the deal, and familiar with the issue. off the deal to establish what was to be instead focus on the penalty clause.” The American-based company won known as K-Dow Petrochemicals in late In this regard, Maarafi indicated that last year an international court order 2008 under pressure from the opposi- the controversial penalty clause was not stipulating that the Petrochemical tion in the parliament, prompting Dow unprecedented in Kuwait’s oil-related Industries Company, a wholly owned Chemical to sue for damages as per a partnership deals. “Similar clauses are subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum penalty clause in the contract. mentioned in several previous deals but Corporation, pays a $2.16 billion fine for “The decision to call off the K-Dow were never activated because the proj- canceling the contract to establish a deal was a political error and a case in ects went through,” he explained. While $7.4 billion joint venture project. Dow which the government submitted to indicating that Oil Minister Hani Husain Chemical announced last Tuesday that parliamentary demagoguery,” former could not be involved in the cancelation the PIC paid $2.2 billion after an agree- Supreme Petroleum Council member decision “because he was not a member ment was reached which saw nearly Musa Maarafi told Al-Jarida newspaper of the SPC or the KPC’s board at the $300 million in delay penalties written on Monday. time,” Al-Maarafi indicated that every off in exchange of assurances that there According to the official who was a party which had a hand in canceling the would be no further fallout for its opera- member of the highest oil body in the deal “knew about the penalty clause.” tions in the region. country at the time when Kuwait was Asked about skepticism concerning “The PIC had nearly $2 billion in liq- negotiating the contract, the govern- the deal mainly with regards to allega- uidity by the time the payment was ment had given assurances that the tions that Dow Chemical planned to sell made,” said the sources who spoke to Al- deal would go through, regardless of out-of-date factories to Kuwait, Maarafi Anba on the condition of anonymity. MPs’ criticism. “But everything change said that “reviewing Dow’s financial data They added that the amount was lent during the last moments,” he said. which shows the profits that these fac- based on an agreement in which the PIC “We live today in an era in which the tories made” proved things were other- will have to repay the amount within executive and legislative authorities are wise. —Al-Anba & Al-Jarida KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday at Seif Palace, the Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and his accompanying delegation, on the occasion of his official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah and Head of the Mission and Advisor in HH the Premier’s Diwan Sheikh Dr Salem Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.—KUNA Promotion tests see crisis at MOE KUWAIT: Even as the ministry of edu- the tests during the training course, as supervisors insisted that these ques- cation recently adopted a new policy a result of which they flunked the tions were taught during the training to promote employees to higher posi- exam. courses and those who failed had not tions by first enrolling them in special In this regard, well-informed min- prepared well for the exams. training courses and then putting istry of education sources said that Further, the sources stressed that them through a written exam and an the assistant undersecretary for public success rate was too low and that interview, a number of educationists education, Mohammed Al-Kandari, many of the applicants could not recently filed complaints about the met with supervisors of various sub- score the 70 per cent minimum grade new system. They noted that the writ- jects to discuss the training courses required to qualify for the third step of ten test was too difficult and they had and the questions included in the the promotion process - the personal not been taught what was asked in exam. The sources stressed that most interview. —Al-Jarida Amnesty for illegal residents likely

KUWAIT: A proposal was made to posal to First Deputy Prime Minister their children’s study. According to grant amnesty to residency violators and Minister of Interior Sheikh the proposal the violators from dif- and waive the penalties imposed on Ahmad Al-Hmoud, through the ferent nationalities have reached their violations, giving them an Assistant Undersecretary Lt General more than 100,000 and that the option to return to Kuwait after cor- Sheikh Faisal Al-Nawwaf. campaigns carried out by the min- recting their residency status, The proposal suggested that the istry of interior have not succeeded KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received at Seif sources said. period given must be in summer so in detaining all of them. Palace yesterday Grand Mufti of Bosnia-Herzegovina Husein Kavazovic. The meeting was attended by Immigration detectives headed that expats who have children in The decision in this matter now is Minister of Justice, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Shareed Abdullah Al-Muosherji. — KUNA by Ghazi Auamie has made the pro- schools can leave without affecting in the hands of minister of interior. WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 LOCAL

kuwait digest kuwait digest A nut A little harsh country assessment

By Mohammad Hayat By Abdullatif Al-Duaij

uwait is a country that prospered, thanks to ongtime financial analyst Fakhri Shehab immigrants who have been coming here explained in a recent column that the losses Kfrom neighboring areas for hundreds of Larising from the K-Dow deal were primarily years now. Its unity was solidified by the economic caused by the first generation of Kuwaitis who challenges that these immigrants faced through according to him hired inexperienced people in hard work both on the land as well as on the sea. administrative and government posts just when The Kuwaiti society is therefore characterized as Kuwait was entering the era of modernization. being multiethnic, multicultural, multidimensional I believe that Shehab’s assessment was a little and able to adapt itself to host this multitude. This harsh on the early generation that gained experi- has enabled the Kuwaiti society to become an ence in leadership and management skills which qualified them for the roles to manage the country. example of coexistence, unity and cooperation This was exactly why the founding fathers sought through which our forefathers sought to establish the help of Arab and foreign experts wherever pos- a productive society that thrives to achieve decent sible, and without any discrimination. For example, living standards. the Kuwaiti constitution was put together largely by The discovery of oil launched Kuwait towards Egyptian experts Othman Khalil Othman and economic prosperity, and this was followed by the Muhsin Hafiz, while the English are credited for formulation of constitution that our forefathers infrastructure planning in Kuwait; a job that worked upon in cooperation with the late HH Amir Kuwaitis entrusted them. The army and police force Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah whose vision kuwait digest were handed to some Arab senior officials initially was to transform Kuwait into a civilized state as well. Al-Shehab was accurate when he diagnosed where the government shares wealth and adminis- the problem being a result of “administrative weak- trative duties with the people, in its quest for ness,” but he accused the wrong party. Of strange things Administrative weakness has mainly been caused establishing a civil state based on the basic human values of equality, justice and freedom. by the ‘Kuwaitization’ policy of replacing foreigners All these elements of success helped Kuwait in senior government posts with locals. It was an assume pioneering positions in the years that fol- By Omar Al-Tabtabaei opportunistic policy sugarcoated by claims of lowed in international politics, economy, culture ‘nationalism’ and of ‘serving the general interest.’ and sports. t is not strange to see everyone, including patriotic who criticize corrupt individuals during the day but The Kuwaitization policy began in the late sixties, coinciding with the government’s move to target What a beautiful country ours is. It was built young citizens or volunteering groups, jump to the shake their hands the same night. It is strange when defense of Kuwait when daily theft of the country’s MPs who are supposed to be the voice of the people real Kuwaiti experts and ultimately eliminating the through the hard work and cooperation of our I ‘first generation’ from the scene, followed by wealth has become visible to all. It is not strange are instead silencing the public. forefathers, and earned several monikers through- sidelining of the political opposition, forging the out its history including being known as a country when someone makes a mistake when working, or It is strange that among us there are people who elections and tampering with the entire electoral of safety, security, freedoms, institutions, charity, while making a statement in a moment of anger, par- feel the need for periodic events to renew their process. humanitarian work, achievements and ambitions. ticularly when speaking from the heart, with concern ‘pledge of allegiance’ to the ruling family. It is strange Since then, Kuwait has been at the mercy of We hear so many terms associated with our coun- about the nation. It is not strange, too, when every- that some honorable members of the ruling family ‘employees’, or people who take over cabinet posts try’s name so proudly; until one of our ministers one has ambitions for a prosperous country that are in support of such events. and are planted in parliaments. This is how ‘job pro- came up with a title that we had never heard of befits generous people and has oil wealth through It is strange when your patriotism becomes the motions’, ‘pay raises’ and ‘allowances’ became the before. which the impossible can be achieved. But let me tell reason you swim against the tide in the society. main concern of Kuwaiti politicians in recent years. To be honest, I was upset at first when I heard you about what is strange in my society: It is strange when the Jaber Stadium ... I’d rather The problem does not end by ending the that Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Sheikh Mohammad It is strange when our greatest hope is to dream of not complete this sentence! It is strange that after all Kuwaitization policy, but both Kuwait and Kuwaitis Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, had compared Kuwait with a having a ‘state’. It is strange when we have hearts of this, some people criticize citizens for public move- have now become the victims of the ‘substitution’ nut “which is hard to break but is worth trying.” But empty of love. It is strange when idols are made out ment and even accuse them of destabilizing security policy. This policy means replacing productive Arab or foreign expatriate workers with Kuwaiti employ- when I thought about it, I realized that the ‘nut of the vainest of people. It is strange when we have and stability. ees who are often unproductive. This is being done country’ title which the ‘young minister’ has cho- hospitals that lack health. It is strange when we have It is strange that only a minority of us translates sen was never truer to describe the current situa- on the pretext that it is the state’s duty to provide schools that lack education. into action the feeling of love towards Kuwait that jobs for Kuwaitis. This policy signals the end of com- tion in Kuwait. Here are some proofs: When minis- It is strange when we have clubs that lack sports. It most of us claim to have. petiveness in the Kuwaiti job market completely. If ters are appointed on the basis of favoritism is strange when we have creative minds that find no It is strange when there are people who believe Kuwait has lost two billion dollars as a result of the instead of competency and vision, then we indeed encouragement. It is strange when we have ideas that that we all are politicians, while in reality it is patriot- Kuwaitization policy, I wonder how big will be the are living in a nut country. lack execution. ism that makes us work in service of this land. It is loss as a result of the substitution policy. —Al-Qabas When people are rewarded with a senior gov- It is strange when we have a constitution that is strange that those who seek to destroy Kuwait ignore ernment post (undersecretary assistant for exam- not applied. It is strange when we have a cabinet but the fact that it will always remain in the hearts of its ple) for defending the government’s repeated not a government. It is strange when we have free- truly loyal patriots. It is strange when those responsi- decisions that were only examples in mismanage- kuwait digest dom but no principles of proper dialogue. It is strange ble for my country’s devastation are not prosecuted. It ment, then we are indeed living in a nut country. when we have a parliament that represents the cabi- is strange when the love you have towards your coun- When the development plan is only found on net more than it does the people. try becomes your only crime. It is strange when paper while the public remains unaware about the Arabic toilets vs fate of KD37 billion allocated for it, then we indeed It is strange that despite rampant corruption, we strange things have become normal in my country. are living in a nut country. are yet to see anyone facing trial over corruption But what is stranger than everything above is to have western ones! When we take several steps backwards in the charges. It is strange that there are people among us the feeling that you miss Kuwait while living in it. domains of culture, literature, sports, theater and academics despite record surpluses year after year, By Dr Hassan Abdullah Jouhar then we indeed are living in a nut country. kuwait digest When ambitious young people see their aspira- n Italian court recently indicted the former tions of serving their country crash as the state prime minister Silvio Berlusconi for evading prefers to retain senior officials in their posts for Atax laws. A French court earlier indicted for- over 35 years, then we indeed are living in a nut Battle for education reform mer president Jacque Chirac on charges of corrup- country. tion during his tenure as the mayor of Paris. Former When the health and education sectors contin- Ukraine premier Yulia Tymoshenko is behind bars ue to deteriorate in a country credited for contri- By Dr Shamlan Y Al-Essa for his involvement in a suspected gas tender deal butions that helped build many countries world- with Russia. The list of senior officials, including wide, then we indeed are living in a nut country. ministers, and celebrities who were tried, convicted ducation and Higher Education Minster worse by providing them with regular office jobs. and punished for corruption irrespective of their When unemployment rate rises and Kuwaiti job Nayef Al-Hajraf has said the education min- The open door policy of accepting students at hopefuls are handed after months of waiting a stature or fame is endless. istry is going ahead with its plan to change the university created another problem: the rising position in a field that is not in keeping with their E Such examples show that everybody is equal in a the national school curriculum, adding that new unemployment of university graduates, not only state run by law and that is why these countries fig- field of study, then we indeed are living in a nut curriculum will be implemented at the elementary those from the fields of art and social sciences but ure at the top of prosperous, stable and advanced country. stage, starting from the 2014-15 academic year, also those from some scientific disciplines. A diffi- world. To err is human and a man occasionally When the state is unable to resolve an issue due and then the rest of the stages will be covered. As cult question that the education minister will face weakens when faced with some temptations or, at to which 120,000 human beings are suffering as we bless the reformative steps the ministry will is, whether it is better - for the sake of human least, turns a blind eye when ‘needed’. Senior offi- they are living without an identity, education, cials sometimes realize that they are committing a health, marriage certificates and even death certifi- take, we confirm that the battle for reforming edu- development in Kuwait - to provide specialist edu- cation and changing it from its roots is not an easy cation for all students seeking it and continue the serious mistake and yet, take a chance leaving the cates, then we indeed are living in a nut country. consequences to circumstances and to the odds of task, especially when it has been scientifically open door policy due to political pressure from cit- When a person is beaten and faced with tear whether they will be found out. gas for expressing his opinion peacefully in the proven that the ability of our students and gradu- izens and national assembly members, or should Such a risk can sometimes be logical and worth ‘land of freedoms’, then we indeed are living in a ates is not competitive at the international level. admission to specialist courses be limited based taking because it is a double-edged weapon. The nut country. The United States and other Western countries on the demand for such specialists on the market? real problem is when such officials are sure that When people are disrespected and we see sec- went through various stages Despite all attempts to they are above the law and that it would be impos- tarianism spreading in society because the state is while reviewing their educa- improve and develop the sible to hold them accountable. Such a notion is unable to stop a bunch of xenophobic individuals, tional content. We all remem- Despite all attempts to education system, it is still unfortunately deep-rooted in our country as well as then we indeed are living in a nut country. ber the book, “A Nation at improve and develop the edu- suffering from poorly in the whole Arab world. That’s why we are lagging When a senior official violates sports laws regu- Risk”, which was published in cation system, it is still suffering trained teachers, lack of way behind and are overburdened with loads of lated by the parliament and the government 1983 and had warned the proper educational strategy corruption everywhere. It turns everything into a from poorly trained teachers, state of tardiness, oppression and deprivation. stands and watches as it happens, then we indeed United States against lagging and updated curriculum, Even the Arab revolutions that took place since are living in a nut country. behind in the field of educa- lack of proper educational high failure percentage of World War II and till the Arab Spring currently rag- When the state pays billions of dollars to Dow tion. Officials at the time had strategy and updated curricu- students at the elementary ing, have shown that despite all those slogans, Chemical as per a penalty clause in a joint project stressed on the importance of lum, high failure percentage of level, and inadequate learn- beautiful dreams and sincere sacrifices, betting on that was canceled because the government could science and mathematics. students at the elementary lev- ing among students. My the ‘New’ cannot be counted on since revolutions not face threats from an oppositionist minority in Without an advanced and practical experience at the quickly pass into the hands of gangsters commit- the parliament, then we indeed are living in a nut renewed educational system el, and inadequate learning university level is enough ting so many follies and crimes and becoming country. that focused on creativity, among students. for me to believe so. We find involved in corruption that people start longing for When people elect their representatives on sec- they said, the United States new students weak in Arabic their predecessors reign. tarian, racial and tribal basis while ignoring candi- would not be able to compete with other countries and English, in addition to science and maths. In this regard, I liked an idea that is being dates’ legislative capabilities, then we indeed are economically. Education methods are still such that students exchanged over the social media networks compar- living in a nut country. Here are the main questions: In a backward soci- learn things by rote, but they cannot explain and ing Arab and Western leaders, for two reasons. First, When political groups shape freedom of expres- ety in the Third World, how can creativity and sci- discuss what they learned from their teachers, the allegory so well mirrors real life. Second, it shows that even Arab ideas and sayings are derived sion only in accordance with their own interests, entific thinking be developed without an ability to because they are not used to free dialogue and from a corrupt culture surrounding us nowadays, then we indeed are living in a nut country. imagine? What is our problem with Education in discussions. What we need now and for the future When we have a government that works with- compared to the days when Arabs used to spread Kuwait? And where is the defect? is to pay more attention to modern systems and intellect, culture, civilization and philosophy world- out a clear plan and approach, combined with an It must be emphasized that Kuwait allocates a indicators in order to compare the level of educa- opposition which cannot make up its mind on a wide. large percentage of its budget to education. tional performance of our schools and students The allegory resembles an Arab leader to an strategy or approach they want to follow, then we Therefore, the problem does not have anything to with those in other countries. The measure of the Arab ‘toilet’ and the Western one to a Western ‘toi- indeed are living in a nut country. do with financial constraints in the sector. Rather, extent of educational improvement must not rely let’, if you may excuse me. A Western toilet can be All these and others are reasons why I could not it is the severe shortage of technically skilled work- on visits by supervisors to schools. Finally, educa- easily replaced by simply loosening four screws agree more with Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al- ers and the failure of industrial, mechanical and tion in Kuwait cannot be reformed without caring whereas the Arabic one has to be totally smashed Sabah on anything except for his comparison commercial education available in the country to for teachers, as they are the foundation of the edu- along with the whole bathroom floor and all the between Kuwait and a hard-shelled nut. provide the skilled labour the economy needs. This cational process. Able and right-minded teachers plumbing before throwing the Dupree into the Oh, and I forgot this one last reason: when a street and installing a new one. It is a shameful type of education suffers due to some cultural fac- do not push themselves into a political inferno and debutant minister is hired to practice at the cost of comparison but so real when it comes to holding tors and citizens’ unwillingness to work in techni- become puppets of political parties and Islamic our destiny and future because of his or her linage, Arab officials or leaders accountable or replacing then we indeed are living in a nut country. —Al-Rai cal fields, with the government making things factions. them. —Al-Jarida LOCAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 Tension rises amid resignation rumors Reshuffle seen as possible way out

KUWAIT: While the cabinet’s absence from the parliament’s session yesterday was expected in the wake of grilling motions filed against the oil and interior ministers, local newspapers yester- day speculated that several scenarios aimed at defusing the seemingly impromptu crisis between the executive and legislative authori- ties are being considered, including resigna- tions. In this regard, Al-Qabas reported that all the KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Ali Fahed Al-Rashed meets with Omani media ministers submitted their resignations to HH the personnel who cover proceedings at the Omani Shoura Council. The members are Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- visiting Kuwait to get a first hand look at the workings of the Kuwaiti National Sabah, quoting sources familiar with the cabi- Assembly. — KUNA net’s weekly meeting that took place Monday. While resignation of the entire cabinet seems unlikely at this point (Parliament Speaker Ali Al- Al-Ibrahim warns against Rashid is expected to meet the premier very soon in a bid to contain the crisis), most scenar- misusing grilling rights ios seem to suggest that resignations of some ministers were imminent. “Four ministers are KUWAIT: The Minister of Electricity and out that grilling motions and interpella- likely to be included in a reshuffle that could be Water (MEW), Eng Abdul Aziz Al- tions were constitutional rights that the last resort if the Cabinet wants to avoid Ibrahim, stressed that accusations and should not be abused. resigning or facing the grillings,” said political suspicions raised about some tenders “We do not accept threats such as: insiders who spoke to Al-Qabas on the condition send a wrong message of mistrust in ‘We’ll grill you if you sign those tenders’, of anonymity. MPs Dr Yousuf Al-Zalzalah and Safaa Al- supervisory bodies, especially since especially since both of them went Hashem filed to grill First Deputy Prime Minister these are autonomous. He also stressed through normal legal channels like any and Interior Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hmoud that everybody should either trust or other tender,” he explained, noting that Al-Sabah on allegations of failure to cooperate distrust them. “The danger lies in the once the ministry recommended a ten- with the parliament, failure to implement court KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah presides over a impact that merchants’ disputes may der, the final decision is of the Central orders, the state of security and attempting to Cabinet meeting yesterday. have upon citizens’ interests,” he under- Tenders Committee which then sends it cover up a Kuwaiti “terror” cell having links with change of heart “which seems to be an attempt claim is mostly used to support arguments that lined. to the auditing bureau for scrutiny Islamists on trial in the United Arab Emirates. to garner popularity in anticipation of the the cabinet and MPs were working together to Speaking at a special ceremony held before the minister signs it. Meanwhile, MPs Saadoun Hammad, Yaqoub Constitutional Court’s ruling on June 16th.” help ‘immunize’ the single-vote system. at the MEW to honor a number of out- The minister also noted that there Al-Sane’a and Nasser Al-Merri filed to grill The court is expected to pronounce its ver- But according to a constitutional expert who standing Kuwaiti woman engineers, Al- was only one winner in any tender and Minister of Oil Hani Husain over the $2.2 billion dict on that date in cases involving challenges spoke to a local newspaper in this regard, a dis- Ibrahim reviewed the MEW’s role in uti- that those who lose have every right to penalty payment to US-based Dow Chemical, as made against last December’s elections, ques- solution prior to the court’s ruling does not nec- lizing power and water resources in complain. “That is what happened with well as accusations of allowing commercial deals tioning the constitutionality of an emergency essarily provide protection for the new electoral most efficient ways that match the lat- these two tenders as all losing bidders with Israel, not taking any action to prevent the decree that amended the voting mechanism pri- system. est scientific and technological meth- filed complaints with the ministry, to sale of alcohol at Kuwait-owned gas stations in or to the elections. Meanwhile, a source with “That decision in the end depends on the ods. the CTC and to the auditing bureau. The Europe and approving illegal staff promotions at knowledge of the cabinet’s thinking told Al- assessment of the Constitutional Court which The minister also stressed the need complaints were discussed and the final state-owned oil companies. Qabas that a decision to activate article 106 of alone can answer that question,” Kuwait to respect others’ opinions because the decision was made. What mistake did “The accelerated pace of filing grilling the constitution which gives the state’s Amir the University Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Feeli told freedom of expression was protected by MEW do in all this?” he wondered. while motions could be motivated by a feeling among authority to suspend the parliament for one Annahar on Monday. He added that new chal- law. “The government only came to pointing out that delaying those two MPs that the highly anticipated Constitutional month “could be an ideal way out of the crisis.” lenges to the single-vote system can still be filed serve the people whose interests have tenders may lead to a real power crisis Court ruling on the single vote system will not be If the said decision was made next Sunday, even if the current parliament was to be dis- in the parliament’s favor,” Al-Qabas’ report reads, to have top priority regardless of mer- by 2014. the parliament would resume session on June solved. quoting observers who did not wish to be 19th, provided that the Constitutional Court’s In other news, the Appeals Court adjourned a chants’ disputes that may affect citi- “This means either resorting to pro- named. Others speculated in the meantime that zens,” added the minister, noting that grammed power outages or delays in ruling does not nullify the election results. case involving a leading oppositionist who faces the interpellations were likely aimed at putting The opposition, which had boycotted the jail term over charges of offending HH the Amir, the government races against the clock connecting power current to buildings pressure on the government in order to force a elections claiming that the decree reducing the and set May 27th as the date to pronounce its to provide public services. in new areas,” he warned, underlining reshuffle that will ease out from the cabinet a number of votes a citizen could cast from four to ruling. The Criminal Court had sentenced former Responding to a question about that there was an annual increase in number of ministers who are not well-liked by one, was aimed to create a rubberstamp parlia- MP Musallam Al-Barrak last month to five years grilling threats he received over tenders power consumption by 800 megawatts the parliament. ment, is speculating that the current political in jail for the statements made during a public number 8 and 9 concerning building and such an increased demand can only According to the government insiders who unrest is nothing but a ploy to ensure that the rally last October, before the Appeals Court 500 megawatt power plants in Southern be met by building new power plants. attended the cabinet’s weekly meeting, minis- parliament is dissolved thus rendering in vain all released him on bail pending its ruling. Zour and Subbiya, Al-Ibrahim pointed — Al Jarida ters expressed disappointment at MPs’ sudden challenges being looked at by the court. This — Al-Qabas & Annahar LOCAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

KUWAIT: Azizan Noordin briefs the media (center). Tourism Malaysia officials, Ambassador Adnan Haji Othman and Monzer Najia are also on the dais. (Right) Malaysian dancers welcome the guests. — Photos by Sajeev K Peter Malaysia to fine-tune tourism offerings for Kuwait Roadshow promotes ‘VMY 2014’ at Kuwait Travel Mart

By Sajeev K Peter consultancy. “On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 as the Abidin and the President of the Malaysian seats. Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways fly best score, Malaysia obtained 8.3 among 50 nations Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Mohd between UAE and Malaysia offering 32 flights and KUWAIT: A Tourism Malaysia roadshow rolled into surveyed,” he elaborated. Khalid Harun, who are also board members of 11,169 seats per week. Oman Air operates seven Kuwait yesterday with the slogan ‘Visit Malaysia Year The year 2014 has been designated as Visit Tourism Malaysia. Malaysian Ambassador to Kuwait flights a week offering 1,540 seats. Egypt Air and 2014’ promoting the country’s diverse and distinct Malaysia Year (VMY 2014) during which Malaysia tar- Adnan Haji Othman, Mohammed Taib Ibrahim, Turkish Airlines have started flying to Kuala Lumpur. tourism offerings targeting Kuwait travelers. “When gets to attract 28 million tourists. The Malaysia Director TM Dubai, Zulkifly Md Said, director, Tourism Malaysia has just added another feather we celebrate ‘VMY 2014’ with the theme ‘Endless Tourism Transformation Plan (MTTP) targets to bring International Promotions and Monzer Najia, CEO, in its cap by bagging the “Best Global Tourism Possibilities’, Tourism Malaysia will fine-tune its in 36 million tourists and 168 billion Malaysian ring- Boodai Aviation, Kuwait also addressed the media Advertising Campaign” award at the 4th Middle East tourism offerings to attract more visitors from the gits in tourist receipts by 2020. briefing. Business Leaders Awards 2013 held on 28 April in Middle East to Malaysia. I’m confident that we will be Tourism Malaysia’s participation in this year’s Abu Dhabi. The event was jointly organized by the able to achieve our target of turning Malaysia into Arabian Travel Mart was conspicuous by a strong Kuwait visitors Federation of GCC Chambers and The Leaders the top destination for Muslim travelers,” said presence of the Malaysian delegation that com- “Currently we are working out with our agents International. Tourism Malaysia’s Deputy Director General prised 120 sellers from 77 organizations. They here to offer new packages and promotions to Tourism Malaysia launched online tour packages (Planning) Azizan Noordin during a media briefing included hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism attract more Kuwaiti travellers into Malaysia because and the “Tourism Malaysia Dubai” app during the at Courtyard Marriott Hotel. product owners, representatives from various it is a growing market for us,” Azizan told the Kuwait media briefing in ATM Dubai 2013. The informative The roadshow organized as part of the Arabian tourism bodies including Legoland Malaysia, Times on the sidelines of the travel mart. “We are tar- Azizan Noordin and interactive app allows travellers and business- Travel Market (ATM) started off in Dubai (May 6-9), Putrajaya Corporation, Tourism Selangor, Langkawi geting around 24,000 tourists from Kuwait this year, men to find information on tourist destinations in travelled through Oman (May 11-12) and arrived in Development Authority (LADA) and Visit KL (the which is 2,000 more than 2012,” he added, giving a cent and 0.3 percent respectively. In terms of tourist Malaysia, book flights and hotels, and get the best Kuwait yesterday. Azizan, who is leading the Tourism Unit of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall). conservative estimate. In 2012, tourist arrivals from receipts, Oman and Kuwait registered a growth of 14 travel deals and packages from Middle East to Malaysian delegation at the Kuwait Travel Market The Malaysian delegation that addressed the Middle East to Malaysia were 370,535, which was an percent and 0.9 percent respectively, he informed. Malaysia. roadshow, said Malaysia secured the first spot as the media included officials from the ‘VMY 2014’ secre- increase of 3.2 percent compared to 358,994 in 2011. “We are also looking at the possibility of increas- Themed ‘Celebrating Malaysia’, ‘Truly Asia, VMY world’s top Muslim-friendly holiday destination, tariat and two prominent figures in Malaysia’s For the same period, tourist arrivals from Oman reg- ing the availability of flights to Malaysia from the 2014’ is all set to boost tourist arrivals and showcase quoting a survey released in January this year by tourism industry - the President of Malaysian istered a hike of 13.2 percent while tourist arrivals region,” he said. Currently, Kuwait Airways operates Malaysia’s colorful festivals, diverse culture and mul- Crescent Rating, a Singapore-based Muslim travel Association of Hotels (MAH) Mohd Ilyas Zainol from UAE and Kuwait recorded a drop of 24.7 per- three flights a week to Kuala Lumpur offering 816 tiracial community living in harmony as one nation. Astonishing Azimut yacht, Modern Arabic teaching KD180,000 in cash prizes methods, tools in focus NBK summer campaign largest in Kuwait KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) continues its annual enter the draws. Cardholders will triple their chances by using Report on ‘Arabic for Life’ submitted summer campaign offering its customers the chance to win an their NBK Credit, prepaid and debit card abroad or by shopping astonishing Azimut 40 Flybridge Yacht as well as up to on international sites. Last summer NBK gave away a McLaren DUBAI: The Commission for the Comprehensive plan The report also highlighted the impor- KD180,000 in cash prizes. MP4-12C. This year, NBK is giving away the Azimut Yacht. NBK Modernization of Teaching Arabic has The report draws from latest scientific tance of leveraging digital media to reach NBK will announce the first six winners of its annual summer Summer Campaign is the biggest promotion. All NBK submitted to Sheikh Mohammed bin research and studies in the field of lan- out to young people who spend substan- campaign next Month. NBK Cardholders have the chance to par- Cardholders can use their Cards during the summer to enjoy this Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and guage teaching and learning. Several sur- tial amount of time on social media plat- ticipate in the promotion that lasts until September 15 and earn exclusive promotion. NBK cards are accepted worldwide and are Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of veys were conducted with experts to forms. It said education system must fully unlimited chances in the three draws throughout the summer. In the safest, most convenient and rewarding way to pay. The Dubai, the Report on the Modernization explore teaching methods and the chal- understand the new media landscape to addition to the grand prize draw for the Azimut 40 Yacht, 18 win- Azimut 40 Flybridge is one of the most luxurious yachts of Teaching Arabic entitled, ‘Arabic for Life’. lenges in modernizing Arabic teaching. develop the right approaches to reach ners will be reimbursed for all their spending using NBK Cards up designed by Azimut-Benetti, the world renowned yacht manu- Calling for the report to be made avail- students. Surveys conducted during the to KD10,000. For every cumulative KD20 spent in Kuwait with facturers, combining elegance and comfort. Seas & Deserts able across the Arab world to help local Report elements Commission’s work have confirmed, for NBK Credit or Prepaid Cards, Cardholders will earn a chance to Group is the exclusive Azimut Yachts dealer in Kuwait. Arabic teaching institutions to develop their The report provides an overview of the example, that broadcast television is teaching methods and identify their weak- current state of Arabic teaching based on increasingly losing ground, as an activity nesses and challenges when teaching five main themes: curriculum develop- among young Arabs, when compared to Arabic, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed ment, culture of reading, teachers, the role internet-based media The Commission said: “As the language of the Holy Quran and of the media in supporting the teaching stressed the opportunity this new media the foundation of Arab civilization, Arabic of Arabic and teaching Arabic to non- landscape can represent: social networks has helped people develop their national native speakers. It also offers recommen- could be a tool used to motivate students identity. It is also a symbol of unity across dations and solutions that can be imple- and involve teachers and parents through the Arab world. For these reasons, Arabic mented within a reasonable timeframe to channels of communication. In this con- holds tremendous value for its people. achieve quick success in the moderniza- text, the report highlighted the need to Therefore it is a national responsibility to tion of Arabic teaching as well as long- upgrade the skills of teachers to enable protect the language.” term strategic solutions. Curriculum them to effectively and creatively utilize The report highlights the challenges development is one of the most impor- social media tools and new technologies. and potential in developing Arabic lan- tant elements of the report, said Farouk guage education, and includes a wide Shosha, Secretary General of the Arabic Teacher’s indispensable role array of recommendations to improve Language Academy in Egypt and a mem- Keeping in mind the primary role of Arabic teaching methods in line with ber of the Committee, calling for updating teachers in the education process, the international best practices. At a press Arabic teaching by selecting literary texts report recommended the strict selection conference in Dubai yesterday, the that are relevant to the modern era and of highly qualified teachers capable of Commission praised the unstinting sup- introducing students to texts of increased translating this modern curriculum into port of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed complexity during their years of schooling new practices in the classroom. It also to its efforts, which enabled the rather than the current approach of study- calls for a renewed effort to train and Commission to complete the tasks related ing literature starting from old texts which develop teachers, particularly along two to the report. These included the study of the current state of the Arabic language and of the teaching methodologies, reflecting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed to strengthen the position of Arabic language among other languages in the world. The Commission announced the out- comes of the Report on the Modernization of Teaching Arabic at the press conference led by Dr. Farouk El Baz, Chairman of the Commission, in the pres- ence of a group of intellectuals, researchers, experts, academics, students, and others. The report is available on www.arabicforlife.ae. Speaking on the occasion, Dr El Baz said the report focuses on developing modern educational tools for Arabic, by leveraging advanced technologies and modern communication methods that surprise students and feel alien to them. dimensions: efforts to enrich their knowl- suit the younger generations and their edge of best practice teaching, and interests. Reading as a key knowledge empowering them with skills and practi- The report presents a significant development tool cal training to activate this knowledge. opportunity to make fundamental The Commission stressed the impor- The Committee also proposed an inte- changes in teaching approaches by build- tance of strengthening the culture of grated system for the certification of ing on the crucial relevance of Arabic in reading because of its decisive effect on Arabic language teachers, including selec- the region, and on the increased aware- teaching and learning standards, and its tion criteria, training provision.. ness of the necessity to build knowledge positive impact on students’ writing skills. in the local language. According to the report, 42 percent of Non-Arabic Speakers the students in the Arab world read only In view of the growing interest among Arabic for life once a week or less. 64 percent of those non-native speakers to learn Arabic and The Committee chose ‘Arabic for Life’ who read, do so in standard Arabic. Based learn about the Arab culture, the as the title of the report to firmly root its on these findings, the report offers a strat- Commission recommended strengthening work in the language’s current reality and egy to nurture the culture of reading that the status of Arabic language as a univer- in the technical and scientific develop- involves the family, school and the wider sal language and a language of science ments surrounding it, taking into account community. and culture. This is to be achieved by the growing interest among non-speakers establishing specialised Arabic teaching to learn it in various academic institutions Social Media centres and exchange programs between around the world. ‘Arabic for Life’ was The Commission recommended the academic institutions with a global reputa- chosen to declare that the most impor- active use of modern technology, espe- tion in language training. It also recom- tant functions of Arabic as a language of cially social media, in classroom activities mended establishing a programme to daily communication should be the plat- and team projects that encourage stu- train teachers specialized in the teaching form on which to build new curricula and dents to develop their reading habits. It of Arabic for non-native speakers as well as design the most appropriate teaching also recommends the development of the creation of a global translation centre. materials that would transform the teach- electronic libraries to reach increased ing of Arabic. numbers of students with a variety of Crowdsourced mapping “Modernization is not incompatible books. The Commission has used crowd- with tradition. The great Arab thinkers The report called for the publication of sourced mapping, an approach that was never stopped the process of improve- simplified editions of renowned Arabic lit- used for the first time in Arabic language ment and modernization which allowed erary masterpieces, which could speak to development projects, to produce a mind major advances in various fields of knowl- today’s generation. Versions in easy-to- map of how students, teachers, principals, edge, including in language teaching” understand language, targeting various academics, curriculum experts, media said Professor Yasir Suleiman, a member levels of education, would introduce stu- professionals and parents, perceive the of the Commission professor of Modern dents to their literary heritage and main factors that influence the process of Arabic Studies and Fellow of King’s encourage them to read more advanced improving the quality of the teaching of College at the University of Cambridge. texts as their language skills develop. Arabic. p7_Layout 1 5/14/2013 11:43 PM Page 1

WEDNES DAY, MAY 15, 2013

Cameron faces leadership First Kurdish rebels reach Iraq under Turkish peace plan questions over Europe

Page 8 Page 9

SITTWE, Myanmar: Internally displaced Rohingya boys shiver in rain in a makeshift camp for Rohingya people in northwestern Rakhine state ahead of the arrival of Cyclone Mahasen yesterday. — AP Rohingyas drown trying to flee storm Powerful cyclone threatens displaced people in Myanmar camps

SITTWE, Myanmar: A boat carrying about 100 Warning Center show the storm making its way At least 192 people were killed in June and Rohingya Muslims capsized off western Myanmar north over the Bay of Bengal. It is expected to make October last year in violence between ethnic and many were feared drowned at the beginning of landfall tomorrow near Chittagong in Bangladesh Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya, who are denied a mass evacuation from low-lying regions ahead of a before moving into neighbouring Myanmar. citizenship by the government in Myanmar and con- powerful storm, a United Nations official said yester- The United Nations said about 69,000 people, sidered immigrants from Bangladesh. Myanmar is a day. The tropical depression, likely to strengthen most of them Rohingya Muslims, were living in predominantly Buddhist country but about 5 per- into Cyclone Mahasen this week, threatens areas of Rakhine State in accommodation at risk of flooding cent of its 60 million people are Muslims. They face a Myanmar where about 140,000 victims of ethnic and and other damage during the rainy season, which growing anti-Muslim campaign led by radical religious unrest are living in camps. The United starts this month and continues until September. Buddhist monks. Around Sittwe, up to 45,000 dis- Nations warned last week there could be a humani- The evacuations, a joint effort by the government placed people living in low-lying areas have been tarian catastrophe if people were not evacuated. and aid agencies, are seen as a test of Myanmar’s identified as the most vulnerable to Mahasen. Some The boat struck rocks off Pauktaw in Rakhine willingness to assist the Rohingya, an impoverished have begun to be moved to higher ground. State and sank, said Barbara Manzi, head of the and long-persecuted people who bore the brunt of Evacuations began on Monday from Pauktaw, a port Myanmar office of the UN Office for the sectarian violence in Rakhine State last year and suf- town about 27 km by sea from Sittwe. Hundreds of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). A mili- fered before that during half a century of military Rohingya homes were destroyed in Pauktaw in tary intelligence officer told Reuters at least 50 peo- rule. October and nearly 20,000 Rohingya have been in ple drowned when the boat went down at around Vice-President Nyun Tun visited some of the camps there, including about 12,000 in flood-prone midnight on Monday. It was one of six leaving camps yesterday to try to persuade people to relo- areas, according to UN data. Pauktaw, the official said, declining to be identified cate but many refused to go. One group who had In Bangladesh, authorities told residents of outly- because he was not authorised to speak to media. been displaced from Thandawli village in the state ing islands to start evacuating. Fishing boats and The evacuation from Pauktaw was part of a govern- capital of Sittwe said they would not go to a nearby other small boats were warned to remain near the ment evacuation plan, said Kirsten Mildren, a army barracks. coast and not venture out to sea. In eastern India, spokeswoman for OCHA in Bangkok. She said she “If the storm comes, we want to die here,” said authorities put 10 coastal districts on alert. Images had heard five boats had set off but accounts were Fatima Hadu, 65, as the rain poured onto shelters taken by NASA’s Aqua satellite on May 13 showed confused. She understood 42 people survived and built with little more than bamboo and thatch. the storm’s centre northeast of Sri Lanka packing eight bodies had been found. OCHA head Manzi implored the displaced in one winds of up to 50 knots (92 km per hour). The winds “We understand that yesterday evening they camp to move to a safer area and said they could are expected to increase to 130 km per hour as the went out with the approval of government officials. send representatives to look at the new site first, but storm goes north. The space agency forecasts the This was part of an official government evacuation that had little effect. “We didn’t receive food assis- storm will be upgraded to a Cyclone 1 level by plan although the boats were not government tance here. If we go to a new place, we won’t receive today. In 2008 a cyclone swept across Myanmar’s boats. They were moving from a low-lying area to a food assistance. Whether there’s a storm or not, we Irrawaddy Delta, south of the old capital, Yangon, safer area,” she said. Forecasts by the US Navy’s Joint will die here,” one man told her. killing up to 140,000 people. — Reuters 100 trapped in Rwanda bldg KIGALI: Around 100 people are feared trapped after a four- storey building under construction collapsed in northeastern Rwanda, the government said yesterday. “So far, the tentative information we have indicates that debris fell on about 100 people, we are yet to come up with the exact figures,” Rwandan Minister of Disaster Management Seraphine Mukantabana told AFP. Police spokesman Theos Badege said that three people were confirmed dead and 21 people had been taken to hospital. Those trapped are believed to include both construction workers on the building as well as passers- by on the street. “Working with the Rwanda Defence Forces, the police have secured the site and are currently undertaking an inten- sive rescue operation,” the police said in a statement. The building, on a roadside in the town of Nyagatare, some 100 km northeast of the capital Kigali, collapsed yesterday after- noon at around 3:00 pm (1300GMT), police said. “At the moment we are working with the police on a quick response,” Mukantabana added. “The building that collapsed was a four- storey located in Nyagatare district by the roadside, and that is why it affected many people.” Rwanda’s Ministry of Disaster Management said in a statement it had “deployed equipment to assist with the rescue operation.” —AFP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 Syria peace talks look doomed in advance

LONDON: If anyone saw last week’s US-Russian agreement Israel, pursuing a campaign against Iran and but Washington now seems ready to leave his future to ballot box”. He said Syria wants specifics on the Geneva to convene a peace conference on Syria as a potential Hezbollah, bombed targets near Damascus this month - negotiations. talks before deciding whether to attend. US Secretary of breakthrough, Western leaders have been going out of part of a range of regional conflicts that are complicating A French official, who asked not to be named, said State John Kerry said staying away would be “another one their way to disabuse them. International envoy Lakhdar and fuelling the Syrian war; some of them have strong rivalry between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the two main of President Assad’s gross miscalculations”, but added: “I Brahimi hailed the plan as the “first hopeful news” on Syria sectarian overtones, such as the struggle between Sunni Arab sponsors of Assad’s enemies, was hampering the don’t believe that that is the case at this moment. The in a long time and deferred his own plans to resign after Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran. Moscow, which has shielded emergence of a credible new opposition leader with a Russians, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has already given nine months of futile mediation. He called the proposal Assad diplomatically since mostly secular peaceful mandate to negotiate. “It’s vital that they get someone him the names of people who will negotiate.” “only a first step”. But even its sponsors are dampening protests against him erupted in March 2011, has long that could be at the table,” the official said. “They know Western powers want to step up pressure on Assad to expectations that a civil war estimated to have killed well echoed the Syrian leader’s line that what later turned into that continuing disunity among the opposition doesn’t hasten his fall, but have no appetite for the huge risks over 70,000 can be doused soon, and pitfalls they cite in an armed revolt is the work of foreign-backed Islamists. work. It’s not just about Assad, the Free Syrian Army and and costs of direct military intervention and have public are only a few of those lying in wait. Russia says Assad’s survival in power is not its goal, but the Islamists - the Syrian people need to be represented stopped short of arming fractured rebel factions, who “I’m not promising that it’s going to be successful,” US insists his removal must not be a precondition for talks. A politically by the opposition.” Jordan said yesterday that it have struggled to make headway. Although France and President Barack Obama said on Monday. Obstacles, he Russian official said at the weekend there was broad would host a meeting next week of the rebels’ allies in the Britain want the European Union to ease its weapons said, include Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, both of which agreement that the Syrian crisis was dire, “beyond that “Friends of Syria”. One Jordanian official said: “The peace embargo on Syria to allow some arms supplies to rebels, support President Bashar Al-Assad, as well as the Al- there are very many differences: who can take part in this conference will be the focus of the meeting.” it is hard to imagine how this would swiftly swing the Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra Front on the rebel side. Obama did format, who is legitimate and who is not legitimate”. Assad himself, buoyed by military gains against rebel military balance against Assad, whose forces are bol- not mention chronic disunity in the ranks of the Western- French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius questioned strongholds in recent weeks, seems determined to cling stered by Russian hardware and help from Iran and backed opposition or its almost complete lack of control whether the Geneva talks aimed at creating a transitional to power. On the battlefield, both sides have seen gains Hezbollah. Nor is it clear that arms sent to those rebels over the now mostly Islamist insurgent forces on the government that would take over Assad’s powers would and reverses in recent weeks; rebels including the Nusra Westerners see as moderates could dent the influence of ground. Once “the furies have been unleashed ... it’s very even happen. “I’m supporting the ‘Geneva 2’ talks, but it’s Front counter-attacked east of Damascus to retake a town the Islamist militants now spearheading the struggle - hard to put things back together”, he said. extremely difficult,” Fabius told RTL radio yesterday. that served as a conduit for arms from Jordan into the and spreading alarm in neighbouring states Jordan, Iraq, Syria has descended into a ferocious civil war, whose Tentative cooperation between Washington and capital before it was seized by government forces last Turkey, Lebanon and Israel. sectarian dimension was illustrated at the weekend by a Moscow might help - Brahimi’s predecessor Kofi Annan month, rebel sources said. The rebels’ struggle to end four Meanwhile the death toll mounts. The United Nations video showing a Sunni Muslim rebel commander cutting quit last year in frustration at the diplomatic paralysis decades of Assad family rule has been complicated in part put it at 70,000 three months ago. The Syrian Observatory out and biting into the heart of a slain Alawite soldier. The caused by big power divisions - but even acting in con- by internal divisions along ideological and political lines, for Human Rights, a British-based activist group, put out a United States and Russia share interests in Middle Eastern cert they might be impotent to staunch a conflict already but in a rare move, brigades operating in Ghouta, a large- new estimate on Tuesday of at least 94,000 deaths and stability and in curbing Islamist militancy, but remain far spilling over to Syria’s neighbours. It remains to be seen if ly agricultural region on the eastern outskirts of added that, with information hard to pin down, it was apart on how to pacify Syria and shape its political future. they can cajole their deeply sceptical Syrian allies into Damascus, united under one command. “With God’s will likely to over 120,000. The devastating conflict, now well Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who opposes joining the Geneva negotiations, whose earliest timing this will be a decisive battle in rural Damascus that will into its third year, may have prompted a new internation- foreign military intervention or arming the rebels, said has now slipped from May to early June. The main opposi- stop the advance of the regime army and reopen the sup- al initiative. But the talks would only be a start, as the after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin tion coalition, backed by Western and some Arab states, ply route,” said one commander. French official made plain, saying: “Let’s be clear, even if Netanyahu: “It is extremely important to avoid any actions meets in Istanbul on May 23 to decide its stance. Information Minister Amran Zoabi said Assad’s leader- we do have this conference, it doesn’t mean there will be that could aggravate the situation.” Previously it has demanded Assad’s exit before any talks, ship role was a decision “only for the Syrian people and the peace in Syria.” — Reuters Bibi meets Putin in bid to sway Russia on Syria Two leaders give little away about their talks

MOSCOW: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday on an apparent mission to warn Moscow against sending arms to Syria as alarm grows over the spiralling death toll in the conflict. In their concluding remarks follow- ing talks at the Russian strongman’s Black Sea resi- dence in Sochi, the two leaders were intent on giving little away about their closed-door meeting. Israel wants Russia to halt supplies of formidable S-300 mis- siles which would severely complicate any future air attacks against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. Netanyahu did not mention the sensitive weapons issue in public but Putin warned against any destabilis- ing moves in the Middle East, days after Israeli forces DOHUK, Iraq: Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) fighters greet their comrades as they arrive launched air strikes against regime targets in Syria. “In in this northern Iraqi city yesterday after leaving Turkey as part of a peace drive with this crucial period it is especially important to avoid Ankara. — AFP any moves that can shake the situation,” Putin said in televised remarks. Netanyahu stressed meanwhile it First Kurd rebels reach was his country’s task to defend its citizens. The Israeli prime minister added: “Together we are trying to find ways to strengthen stability and security, it’s important Iraq under Turkey truce both for you and us.” The West and Israel are particularly concerned about Russia’s refusal to rule out deliveries to Syria of HARUR, Iraq: A first group of Kurdish fight- Erdogan has repeatedly vowed that retreat- advanced S-300 missile batteries under an existing ers pulling out of Turkey under a truce ing rebels “will not be touched,” and said that contract amid growing concerns over a war that arrived in the autonomous Kurdish region of “laying down weapons” should be the top activists say has claimed at least 80,000 lives. The issues SOCHI, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) shakes hands with Israeli Prime Iraq yesterday to handshakes and embraces priority for the PKK. The PKK, however, is on yesterday’s agenda had some parallels to a trip Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting at the Bocharov Ruchei residence in this after a gruelling week-long journey. But the demanding wider constitutional rights for Netanyahu made to Moscow in Sept 2009 for Kremlin Black Sea resort yesterday. — AP Iraqi government slammed the movement of Turkey’s Kurds, who make up around 20 per- talks deemed so sensitive that the visit was kept secret Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) fighters into cent of the 75 million population, before dis- at the time. According to Israeli media, Netanyahu is a range of 200 km. Netanyahu was just the latest world the agreement between Russia and the United States its territory as a “flagrant violation” of its sov- arming. “We will continue to organise and believed on that trip to have raised fears about a leader to beat a path to Putin’s door for talks on Syria in to work to convene a peace conference on Syria. The ereignty and said it would complain to the train, and we are waiting for the Turkish gov- Russian plan to deliver S-300s to Iran that Moscow recent days, after US Secretary of State John Kerry and conference is likely to be held in early June, said a State British Prime Minister David Cameron met the Russian Department spokeswoman on Monday. UN Security Council. “We are the first group ernment to take the necessary steps for decided in the end not to fulfil. Viktor Kremenyuk, deputy director of the USA and strongman last week. In the wake of the talks with Jordan’s foreign ministry said yesterday Amman to reach the safe area in Iraq,” said Jagar, peace,” said Rohat, an Iraq-based PKK com- Netanyahu at Putin’s vacation residence in the south- would host a meeting of the largely anti-Assad “Friends leader of the group of PKK fighters that com- mander, who was in Harur yesterday. These Canada Institute, suggested that Netanyahu during the current visit would warn Putin that Israeli air force ern resort of Sochi, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of Syria” group of Western and Arab states that is likely prised nine men and six women. steps include “making amendments to the would target the S-300s should the Kremlin decide to is also due to travel to Russia later this week. to discuss the conference. Upping the stakes, Kerry The fighters, who arrived in the Harur area Turkish constitution and recognising the deliver the arms to Syria. “Indirectly, he is letting him In an unusual move, Ban and Lavrov will hold a said in Sweden that Syria’s opposition would receive of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region at national rights of the Kurdish people,” he know that Israel would destroy the S-300 when they joint news conference on Friday in Sochi in a sign that additional assistance if Assad refused to attend the about 6:00 am (0300 GMT), were armed with said. get delivered and start being assembled,” he told AFP Ban may also discuss the Syria conflict with Putin. proposed peace conference in person. The latest push Kalashnikov assault rifles, light machineguns Over the years, the PKK has scaled back its ahead of the meeting. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Cameron said on Monday after talks with US President to try to find an end to the slaughter in Syria comes as and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. original demand for outright secession to a Lavrov said last week that Moscow was “completing” Barack Obama that London and Moscow had found the war is taking a turn for the worse amid reports that They were greeted by Iraq-based PKK mem- call for autonomy and cultural and language supplies of equipment to Syria agreed under previous “common ground” on the crisis. Obama was more cau- the Assad regime is starting to win back territory. A bers who embraced them and shook their rights for Turkey’s Kurdish minority. A perma- contracts. According to the Wall Street Journal, citing tious however, saying that there “remains lingering gruesome video surfaced earlier in which a Syrian hands. After the welcome, the apparently nent peace could transform Turkey’s Kurdish- an Israeli intelligence report, the 2010 contract with suspicions between Russia and other members of the rebel fighter is shown cutting out the heart of a regime exhausted fighters put down their weapons majority southeast, where living standards Syria includes six launchers and 144 missiles, each with G8 and or the West”. Particular hope has focussed on soldier. — AFP and warmed themselves at a fire. “Our with- have lagged far behind the rest of the coun- drawal came in response to orders from the try because of a lack of investment in the leader (Abdullah) Ocalan, as we want to open face of the violence. While the withdrawal is a Iran defends post as chair of a way for peace through this withdrawal,” positive move for the peace process, some Jagar said, referring to the PKK chief held by Iraqi Kurds living near the border are still Turkey since 1999. “We faced many difficul- wary of a return to violence that has forced ties because of rain and snow” during seven some to abandon their farms and also result- UN disarmament conference days on the road, he said, adding that their ed in civilian deaths. movements had been monitored by Turkish And the Iraqi government sharply criti- UNITED NATIONS: Iran yesterday defended its tion of Iran was “unfortunate and highly inappro- Iran. Washington broke off diplomatic ties with Iran aircraft. cised the movement of more PKK fighters election as the rotating chair of the world’s sole priate”. She said countries under UN sanctions for in 1980 after Iranian students took US diplomats “We were getting ready to start a big fight onto its soil. “The Iraqi government confirms multilateral disarmament forum after the United arms proliferation or human rights abuses should hostage in the aftermath of the Islamic revolution. with Turkey, but we responded to the call of its rejection of the withdrawal and the pres- States announced that its ambassador to the UN be barred from such formal or ceremonial UN Rick Roth, spokesman for the Canadian Foreign our leader Ocalan and withdrew,” said Midiya ence of armed men of the Kurdistan Workers’ Conference on Disarmament would boycott any posts. Iran is under sanctions by the United Ministry, also condemned Iran’s election to the dis- Afreen, one of the group. “This is a new Party inside Iraqi territory, which is a flagrant meeting led by Tehran. The UN Conference on Nations, the United States, the European Union armament conference. “This makes a mockery of phase,” she said. “This is the phase of peace.” violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and independ- Disarmament has been deadlocked for about 15 and other international bodies for refusing to halt a disarmament issues, and the world’s sincere desire The PKK took up arms for Kurdish self-rule in ence,” a statement from the cabinet said. The years. While the chairmanship of the Geneva-based nuclear enrichment program that Tehran says is to make progress,” he said. “In Iraq, Syria, Lebanon southeastern Turkey in 1984, sparking a con- move “causes severe damage to neighbourly body is largely ceremonial, it is a high-profile posi- peaceful but Western nations and their allies sus- and elsewhere, the regime is working directly flict in which some 45,000 people have died. relations between the two countries and tion. “The Islamic Republic of Iran is a founding pect is aimed at giving it the capability to produce against global disarmament goals and subverting But it is now withdrawing its fighters as part their common interests,” it added. Iraq plans member of the United Nations,” said Alireza atomic weapons. The United States and Europe the fundamental principles of this committee.” of a push for peace with the Turkish authori- to complain to the UN Security Council, ask- Miryousefi, spokesman for Iran’s UN mission. “Its have also accused Iran of violating a U.N. embargo Miryousefi denied that Iran was in violation of ties. The roughly 2,000 fighters in Turkey are ing it to “take the necessary decision to pre- election to the presidency of the Conference on on Iranian arms exports in order to supply any of its treaty obligations. “Iran is a State Party to leaving on foot, travelling through the vent the violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.” But Disarmament, as the most important disarmament weapons to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. They and in full compliance with all major treaties pro- rugged border zone to reach safe havens in security forces under the command of the negotiating body of the UN, is its right in accor- say Tehran is support Assad’s efforts to defeat hibiting the weapons of mass destruction negotiat- Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, where autonomous Kurdish region, not the federal dance with the established practice and rules of rebels seeking to overthrow him in the country’s ed within this body,” he said. Those treaties include they will join thousands of fighters already government in Baghdad, man Iraq’s border procedure of this organ,” he said. two-year civil war. Pelton said the US ambassador the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Chemical present in rear bases. with Turkey and ultimately decide who Erin Pelton, spokeswoman for the US mission to to the Conference on Disarmament, Laura Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip enters the region. — AFP the United Nations, said on Monday that the selec- Kennedy, would boycott any meeting chaired by Convention, he said. —Reuters Syria rebel defends gruesome video as revenge

BEIRUT: A Syrian rebel who was filmed apparently magazine said Hamad, a Sunni like much of the oppo- an act contradicts the morals of the Syrian people, as to halt such gross crimes. They must investigate this cutting out and eating the organs of a soldier has sition fighting against President Bashar Al-Assad’s well as the values and principles of the Free Syrian incident along with other alleged very serious viola- defended his actions as revenge for regime atrocities, regime, expressed hatred of member’s of the leader’s Army,” it said. “The Syrian Coalition reiterates its con- tions by opposition fighters, including acts of torture Time magazine reported yesterday. The US news Alawite sect. “Hopefully we will slaughter all of them,” demnation of such an act and stresses that it is a and a succession of apparent summary executions weekly said it had talked by Skype with the fighter, he told the magazine, “They were the ones who killed crime, regardless of the perpetrator. The culprit will and extra-judicial killings.” identified as Khalid Al-Hamad, who appeared in a our children in Baba Amr and raped our women,” he eventually be tried in court in front of an honest and Pillay renewed her calls for the UN Security Council video that sparked outrage and condemnation, said, referring to a neighbourhood of the central city fair judiciary.” to task the International Criminal Court with investi- including from the Syrian opposition. Hamad claimed of Homs. “We didn’t start it, they started it,” he added. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi gating allegations of war crimes against rebel as well he was driven to the gruesome acts by footage on the “Our slogan is an eye for an eye and a tooth for a Pillay demanded rebel leaders take immediate action as government forces. dead soldier’s cellphone, showing him “humiliating” a tooth.” to prevent such “atrocious” acts within its ranks. “The “I have repeatedly called for the case of Syria to be naked woman and her two daughters. The video, in which Hamad leans over a uniformed video that has just emerged from Syria, apparently referred by the Security Council to the International The magazine said Hamad described participating body, cuts out organs and then holds one up to his showing a rebel leader cutting out and biting the Criminal Court, so that legal proceedings can begin in other acts of mutilating regime forces, including mouth, has prompted an outcry around the world and heart of a dead soldier, depicts a truly atrocious act,” against people believed to be responsible for serious militiamen known as shabiha. “I have another video thrown the mainstream rebel leadership on the defen- she said. “Mutilating or desecrating corpses during a international crimes, including war crimes and crimes clip... In the clip I am sawing another shabiha with a sive. The National Coalition, the country’s main oppo- conflict is a war crime. While it is not yet possible to against humanity, irrespective of whether they are on saw. The saw we use to cut trees. I sawed him in small sition grouping, issued a statement saying it “strongly fully authenticate the video, I urge the armed opposi- the side of the government or are in opposition to it,” pieces and large ones,” Time quoted him as saying. The condemns” the act. “The Coalition stresses that such tion groups in Syria must do everything in their power she said. — AFP WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 INTERNATIONAL The cicadas are rising: US invasion in 5, 4, 3...

WASHINGTON: The hordes are rising. A are 15 of them - are classified by Roman their tymbal, an abdominal membrane. By cicada invasion is imminent in the United numeral. Most are on a 17-year cycle, the thousands, the unique chirp rises to a States, with millions of the large cricket- though three reproduce every 13 years deafening roar. Most of the cicadas will die like insects poised to emerge from the and the cycles are staggered, meaning quickly, preyed on by birds and small earth after 17 years lying in wait. The first that at least one of the broods hatches mammals, including mice and even dogs. of the bugs that are expected to blanket each year. “Adult cicadas are a huge source of food the US east coast have already been spot- But not all broods are created equal for various animals,” said Andrew Liebhold, ted in North Carolina and New Jersey. “The and “Brood II” is a big one. Over the next Agriculture Department entomologist. Brood II emergence has begun!” cheered few weeks, they will emerge and launch a “They are a very good source of nutrition the site cicadamania.com on Monday, reproductive orgy when the larvae split and enhance reproduction of several where the subculture of insect fans can their skins and mature into adult form, species of birds and mammals.” record sightings. But the onslaught will explained University of Maryland ento- But Raupp noted that bigger mammals truly begin later this month, once the mologist Michael Raupp. “Then they’ll - say, homo sapiens - have also been average ground temperature hits 17 scramble in a flight to the treetops. The known to take a taste. “They are higher in degrees Celsius. At its peak, there could be males will begin to court the females. They protein and lower in fat than a steak,” swarms with between one and two thou- will mate,” he added. The females will “lay Raupp said, adding he prefers them raw. sand chirping critters per square meter. their eggs, these eggs will hatch and will For those who might be wary of eating Although cicadas are common around tumble down to the earth, and feed again bugs, Biologist Jenna Jadin, who wrote a the world, this cyclical phenomenon hap- for another 17 years.” short manual on the subject as a student pens only in the United States. Every 17 The bugs, of the scientific order at the University of Maryland, suggests years, these “periodical cicadas” mature, Hemiptera, are about two to three cen- they be treated just like fellow arthropods, mate, lay eggs and die in a deafening con- timeters. They’re black and have red eyes crab or lobster. After boiling them for four certo. Their offspring - which won’t be and translucent wings with orange veins. or five minutes, she suggests “Maryland seen again for another 17 years - burrow They don’t sting and only threaten the cicadas” with onions, potatoes and corn; into the ground, 20 cm deep, where they young trees they will pump for sap. And “Shanghai cicadas” with soy sauce, garlic will feed on the sap from roots until their they will be loud. The males sing to the and turnips; or perhaps “pizza a la cicada,” ALEXANDRIA, Virginia: A cicada rests on the grass in this May 14, 2004 day in the sun arrives. The broods - there females in a mating call created through with basil, olives and onions. —AFP file photo. —AFP Cameron faces leadership questions over Europe PM offers party draft bill on EU referendum

LONDON/WASHINGTON: British Prime Minister David A Guardian/ICM poll showed that UKIP’s support bills, education and the economy are far more impor- Cameron faced questions about his leadership yester- had surged to a record high of 18 percent, while sup- tant. day after he buckled to pressure from within the port for Britain’s traditional parties had fallen by 4 per- Cameron’s bid to renegotiate the terms of Britain’s Conservative Party to bring forward draft legislation centage points each. UKIP took a quarter of the vote in membership has concerned the United States which enforcing a referendum on Britain’s European Union local elections this month and unless Cameron can has warned London that it would lose influence in the membership. Just hours after US President Barack convince his party that he can win the next election he world if it did leave the world’s biggest economic bloc. Obama cautioned against rushing towards the EU exit, is likely to face more challenges to his leadership. “With Obama told Cameron on Monday that EU membership Cameron was forced by a rebellion in his party into the story changing every day, it’s very reminiscent of was an expression of British influence but delighted promising a bill that would pave the way for an in-out the old John Major days where, really, the government Cameron’s advisers by appearing to endorse his vote on Europe. But the more Cameron concedes to his appears to be being blown around by events,” said UKIP attempt to fix the relationship. Germany and France, Eurosceptic lawmakers, the more they want, deepening leader Nigel Farage. the only EU economies bigger than Britain, have the 25-year battle in his party over Europe and under- The Guardian poll put Labour on 34 percent, the warned that Cameron cannot “cherry pick” EU policy. mining his own chances of leading the party to victory Conservatives on 28 percent and their coalition part- Cameron’s policy has also divided his two-party coali- NAIROBI: A Kenyan policeman beats a protestor during a demonstration in a general election set for 2015. against members of parliament who have demanded higher wages outside Divisions over Europe helped bring down the last two Conservative prime ministers, Margaret Thatcher parliament yesterday. —AFP and John Major, and many politicians compared Cameron’s position to that of Major whose premiership was riven by rows over Europe. “There is no way that he Kenya police fire teargas (Cameron) can give in any further because he’s under- mining his own position,” said Sheila Gunn, who served at protest over MPs’ pay as spokeswoman to Major. “Every time he gives in, the so-called rebels who want Britain to get out of the EU NAIROBI: Kenyan police fired teargas and Salaries and Remuneration Commission very quickly - will just ask for something more. It’s water cannon outside parliament yesterday (SRC). Handouts by politicians are common unravelling the knitting. Every time they pull at that to disperse about 200 people demonstrat- in Kenya, and MPs say they need more mon- knitting, they unravel a bit, they then ask for something ing against lawmakers’ demands for a salary ey to help pay constituents’ school and med- more and now it’s getting to the point where it’s affect- 130 times the legal minimum wage. Civil ical expenses, as well as to reflect their ing his own position.” rights groups organised the protest to stature. Cameron’s advisers hope the draft bill on an EU vote express widespread anger that politicians They are demanding basic monthly pay of will end the bickering that has damaged the party. But are demanding a pay rise so soon after a about 850,000 shillings, excluding other opponents said that by caving in on such a grave issue, broadly peaceful election on March 4. allowances - similar to what lawmakers were Cameron has lost control of his own party and Protesters fed pigs’ blood to live pigs at the paid during the last parliament. Kenyatta increased the chances of a challenge to his leadership. gates of parliament in the capital Nairobi to increased the minimum wage by 14 percent A Downing Street spokesman insisted Cameron was in symbolise a political class widely regarded this month to 6,498 shillings ($77.54) a month charge yesterday and dismissed the idea that his gov- as greedy and corrupt. - although many of the 80 percent of Kenyan ernment was in chaos. “David Cameron’s weakness has Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya’s new president workers employed in the informal sector earn turned a European issue into a leadership issue,” Labour and its richest man, said last week that hold- less than this. In January, hundreds of foreign affairs spokesman Douglas Alexander said. ing down the state wage bill was key to demonstrators torched coffins outside parlia- Cameron’s offer of draft legislation marked a climb- directing public funds into economic devel- ment in protest at legislators who had voted down from a promise he made in January to renegoti- opment. But the appeal was lost on lawmak- to triple their end-of-term bonuses - an ate the terms of Britain’s EU membership and then hold BOSTON: British Prime Minister David Cameron (right) and Massachusetts Gov Deval ers, whose pay has been set at 532,000 increase that outgoing president Mwai Kibaki a referendum by the end of 2017. But some lawmakers Patrick visit the makeshift memorial to the Boston Marathon bombing victims in shillings ($6,300) per month by the state’s refused to sign into law. —Reuters had called for further concessions and media reports Copley Square yesterday. —AP said Cameron’s leadership could be challenged. Potential rivals include London Mayor Boris Johnson ners the Liberal Democrats on 11 percent. UKIP’s poll tion and the EU vote bill is almost certain be opposed and Education Secretary Michael Gove. rating has climbed steadily since Cameron’s pledge in by their pro-EU coalition partners, the Liberal Bulgaria party scuppers The three eurosceptic Conservative Party leaders January to renegotiate the terms of Britain’s EU mem- Democrats. who followed Major failed to get into power and bership and hold a referendum by the end of 2017. Despite Cameron’s latest concession, up to 100 idea of broad coalition Cameron, in his first conference speech as party leader, Cameron’s referendum promise then failed to satisfy Eurosceptic Conservative members of parliament are warned that Conservatives had become too obsessed Conservative critics who have been pressing him to still expected to back a different amendment this week SOFIA: Bulgaria’s ethnic Turkish party MRF also draw support from protester groups that by Europe. “While parents worried about childcare, get- bring forward the vote to before the next national elec- criticising legislative plans unveiled by the govern- rejected working with a nationalist party yes- are not in parliament. It would provide a sta- ting the kids to school, balancing work and family life - tion in 2015 or to pass a law committing the party to ment because they did not include such a bill. terday, scuppering chances of a broad coali- ble government, try to create more jobs and we were banging on about Europe,” he told the party holding a vote by the end of 2017. Many Conservatives Conservative lawmaker John Baron, one of the two fig- tion government and deepening the political raise salaries, he said. He may try to secure conference in Oct 2006. But since coming to power in a say they want to be part of the EU’s single market but ures behind the amendment, said Cameron’s promise stalemate in the European Union’s poorest informal backing from individual GERB and coalition government three years ago, the that the closer integration of the euro zone means of a draft bill would not persuade him to back down. “I country. The nationalist Attack has emerged as Attack MPs to edge over the finishing line and Conservatives have been rattled by the popularity of Britain should renegotiate its membership or leave. am sticking by what I am saying. They know that this kingmaker after an inconclusive election on urged a quick solution as he believes the the UK Independence Party (UKIP), which campaigns About half of British voters want to leave the European option could very well fail,” he told Reuters. “A far better Sunday. But its anti-Roma and anti-Turkish interim administration is closely linked to for Britain’s withdrawal from the EU and tighter immi- Union, which is viewed as anti-democratic and bureau- approach would be to have the courage to support policies and pledges of nationalisations may GERB and unable to make long-term policy. gration laws. cratic by many British politicians, but for voters utility our amendment on Wednesday.” —Reuters alarm the EU and make it difficult for other “The situation in the country requires legiti- parties to work with. “There can’t be a coali- mate institutions and fast action. The interim tion between MRF and Attack in any form,” government’s lack of power cannot continue,” Mali president vows polls donors gather MRF leader Lyutvi Mestan told national radio Stanishev said. station BNR. “This would be an absolute dis- With jobless at an eight-year high and an BRUSSELS: Mali’s president pledged yester- the Islamists out of the main cities and into erished country is badly in need of help to some 500,000 refugees, with three quarters tortion of policy and I will not participate in average monthly wage of Ä400 ($520), many day that July elections, a key goal of the desert and mountain hideouts from where repair the damage caused by the war and to of them displaced to the southern part of this process.” Bulgarians are deeply unhappy. Seven peo- troubled country’s backers, will go ahead as they are staging guerrilla attacks. France, in offer some hope of bringing together its dis- the country. Some two million people have Other parties refuse to work with the ple set themselves on fire during protests he prepared for a donors conference meant the process of withdrawing its troops, insists parate political groups. The funds targeted no secure food supply while 600,000 chil- largest group, the centre-right GERB, because against low living standards and graft and dis- to help Bamako move on from war and a the war is drawing to a close. “We are in the at the conference will cover about 45 per- dren are threatened by malnutrition, with of its tarnished reputation after it resigned content may spill over again. The political two-year political crisis. “We will do every- process of winning the war, now we must cent of the costs of a reconstruction plan conditions on the ground difficult for pro- from government in February but they are uncertainty should not undermine expected thing so that the elections can begin on July find peace,” Fabius said. “For that, we need drawn up for this year and next by Bamako. viding aid. Besides humanitarian aid, the EU struggling to achieve a majority without it. growth of about 1 percent this year but the 28,” Traore said in Brussels, adding: “Failure to economic development.” The international “Mali really needs the money to re-establish is training Mali’s ramshackle armed forces to Turnout in the election was the lowest in interim government will not be able to push hold the elections would cause even more community hopes the July elections will basic services such as water, electricity, bring them up to standard on both their mil- Bulgaria’s post-communist history at 51 per- important health, judicial and education problems.” The president said neither he nor produce an effective government but Mali’s health and administration, especially in the itary role and responsibilities to civil society. cent, reflecting deep discontent among many reforms to unlock longer term economic his ministers would stand in the polls, seen national electoral commission has said it will northern areas,” one EU official said. EU sources stressed the need for progress in voters with a political class they view as cor- potential. “Extended talks for forming a gov- as essential to restoring democratic rule be difficult to hold polls so soon. The impov- EU officials say the war has resulted in reforming the army and bolstering the rupt and self-interested, and a lack of viable ernment are not so worrisome, as the interim after a military coup in 2012 paved the way country’s democratic credentials, with July’s alternatives. government is not doing a bad job,” said for Islamist rebels to seize control of the planned elections essential. The process is Businessmen fear that an unstable govern- Tsvetan Simeonov, head of the Bulgarian north. France, Mali’s former colonial power, “about political reconstruction as much as ment or a broad coalition may pursue policies Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “It will sent in troops in January to fight the Al- economic reconstruction,” one source said. such as unsustainable wage increases and be much worse if we end up with a govern- Qaeda-linked rebels who were then advanc- The new government will have to lead Mali nationalisations to buy popularity and keep ment that sends us years back.” An unstable ing on the capital Bamako, pushing them out of a crisis that has crippled the country itself in power at any cost. Bulgaria struggles government or a broad coalition - that spends back. Wednesday’s conference will be since Tuareg rebels launched a rebellion in to supply running water and reliable electrici- time debating ideological issues rather than attended by French President Francois January 2012 for independence of the ty to some of its citizens, two million of whom pushing policies to spur growth - would do Hollande, Traore, European Commission north. They overwhelmed government have left since the 1989 fall of communism. little to reassure business, said Georgi chief Jose Manuel Barroso and heads of troops, leading to the military coup in Many villages are dying, full of collapsing Angelov, an economist with Open Society state from several west African countries, Bamako which opened the way for hardline buildings and populated only by the elderly. Institute, a thinktank. Foreign investment in with some 100 delegations in all. “The aim is Islamists to chase out their former Tuareg Options for a new government are limited Bulgaria was only Ä1.5 billion last year and to find nearly 1.9 billion euros ($2.4 billion),” allies and seize key northern cities before because of the shunning of GERB. A combina- virtually dried up in the first three months. If French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said moving on the south. tion of the second largest, the Socialists, and no group can secure a majority Bulgaria will earlier yesterday. “Security is largely in France meanwhile has begun withdraw- MRF - which represents ethnic Turks who have new elections - possibly in September - place... now the need is for democracy, dia- ing its 4,500 troops deployed in Mali and make up a tenth of the 7.3 million population - until when the interim government, which logue and development, and these go handing over the reins to a 6,300-strong would be one seat short of a majority, almost has kept debt low in the last three months, together. And for that, we need money,” force, the International Mission for Support complete results show. will stay in place. But there has been little sign Fabius told RTL Radio. to Mali (MISMA). Paris has said about 1,000 The only other group in the 240-seat par- of renewed protests since the election, with Barroso announced yesterday after soldiers will remain in Mali beyond this year liament will be Attack, some of whose mem- only about 200 people rallying after polling meeting Traore that the EU would con- to back up a UN force that is to replace MIS- bers style themselves as Nazis. Socialist leader closed, waving Bulgarian flags, burning torch- tribute Ä520 million while diplomatic BRUSSELS: European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso MA. This UN force of 12,600 peacekeepers, to Sergei Stanishev said he would seek backing es and chanting “Mafia” where GERB was due sources said France would offer some Ä280 (right) poses with President of Mali Dioncounda Traore prior to be responsible for stabilising the north, will for a technocrat administration that could to hold a press conference. —Reuters million. The French-led offensive has pushed their working session yesterday at the EU Headquarters. —AFP be phased in gradually from July. —AFP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 Bloomberg apologizes amid report of leaks Clients’ private messages leaked online

LOS ANGELES: Financial data and news service Bloomberg LP moved one that looks up credit ratings. the post. “Our reporters should not have access to any data considered to repair damage to its reputation Monday as a published report said When a client enters a command such as “BANKS,” for example, the proprietary. I am sorry they did. The error is inexcusable.” that more than 10,000 of its clients’ private messages containing sensi- terminal brings up a table of credit default swap prices for 30 banks. The Federal Reserve is looking into whether Bloomberg journalists tive pricing data had been leaked online. The report came the same Before the recent changes, a Bloomberg journalist would be able to see tracked data about terminal usage by top Fed officials. In a brief state- day Bloomberg News Editor-in-Chief Matthew Winkler apologized for the most frequently used commands by a particular user in the past ment Monday, the European Central Bank said it “takes the protection the news service’s practice of allowing its journalists to access data week. Goldman Sachs had complained to Bloomberg management of confidentiality very seriously and our experts are in close contact about how clients used the company’s financial data services. about the practice after a Bloomberg reporter told the company that with Bloomberg.” Bloomberg News is owned by Bloomberg LP, a pri- Reporters have had access to the data, Winkler said, since the 1990s she had used log-in data as a clue in her investigation into whether a vate company controlled by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who but it was revoked last month after investment bank Goldman Sachs Goldman employee had departed. “Our client is right,” Winkler said in is reported to own about an 85 percent share. The mayor is not complained. Bloomberg’s data services provide financial-market infor- involved in day-to-day decision-making at the company but he can be mation and news, an instant messaging program and trading platforms involved in such major things as asset sales or borrowing. to users. The services, which are mainly accessed by way of the compa- He declined to comment on the matter at an event Monday about ny’s proprietary computer terminals, are widely used in the financial the progress made cleaning up a polluted city canal. “I can’t say any- industry and beyond. thing,” he said, invoking a longstanding city Conflict of Interest Board More than 315,000 clients pay roughly $20,000 per year for the right ruling that limits his involvement in the company. “You’d have to talk to to use them. The mishaps involving Bloomberg’s handling of what the company.” Although Bloomberg LP’s main business is selling termi- traders had thought was private information were seen as damaging nals to clients in the financial industry, its news service employs more but not insurmountable for the news juggernaut founded by New York than 2,400 journalists. City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 1981. Bloomberg LP and its rival Bloomberg News reporters had also been able to see if subscribers Thomson Reuters Corp. each have around a 30 percent share of the had been looking at top news stories, or if they had been gathering $25.5 billion market for financial data and investment services, accord- data on stocks or bonds, but not which stories or bonds and stocks ing to Douglas B Taylor, founder and managing partner of Burton- they had looked up, according to Bloomberg LP spokesman Ty Trippet. Taylor International Consulting LLC, which tracks the industry. He said reporters could also see if subscribers were using “message” or Bloomberg’s annual revenue was $7.9 billion in 2012, about 85 percent “chat” functions to send messages to each other over the terminals, but of which was generated from terminal sales. not the recipient of the messages or their content. Reporters were Because both companies have different strengths - Bloomberg in mostly getting contact information for subscribers, such as telephone debt markets and Thomson Reuters in foreign exchange - Taylor said he numbers and email addresses, Trippet said. doubts the latest incidents will spark mass cancellations among Bloomberg cut journalists off from this type of access last month, Bloomberg’s clients. Traders need to operate on platforms with the after the Goldman complaint. In the posting Monday, Winkler drew a most active buyers and sellers in a given market. “If you aren’t a part of distinction between this type of data and “important” customer data, it, you could potentially end up executing transactions at less favorable which he said has not been compromised. Several investment banks prices,” he said. Other observers shared the view. and brokerage firms that use Bloomberg data services declined to “This is an embarrassment for Bloomberg, but I don’t think it’s likely comment Monday. Representatives for a couple of the firms voiced to cause any significant disruptions in market share,” said Peter Appert, doubts that the revelations would change their firms’ use of Bloomberg an analyst for investment bank Piper Jaffray & Co. “Most large contracts terminals. are long-term and very sticky, so as long as Bloomberg goes into Ethics and privacy experts roundly criticized the practice that had appropriate damage control (ie apologies, puts in safeguards etc), we been in place for years. Mark Rotenberg, executive director of the do not see a big shift in market share,” RBC Capital Markets analyst Electronic Privacy Information Center, said the breach was like giving Drew McReynolds said in an email. A spokeswoman for Bloomberg unrelated people access to an individual’s search history in Google. would not immediately confirm the leak reported by The Financial “When people use services like Bloomberg, or for that matter, Google Times. The newspaper said Monday that messages between traders at Search, information is retained for much longer than most people dozens of large banks from one day in 2009 and one in 2010 had been imagine,” he said. “That creates a privacy risk when information is dis- put online by a former Bloomberg employee. closed to parties that really don’t have a basis to get access to it.” The Financial Times said it was possible the employee intended Caesar Andrews, a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, them to be uploaded to a secure site. The company told the newspaper NEW YORK: The Bloomberg LP Tower, which houses Bloomberg Reynolds School of Journalism, said the accessing of client data by that the post was a “clear violation of our policies” and added that it is News, is shown in New York. Bloomberg LP, a financial data and Bloomberg reporters was an inappropriate, clear-cut violation of considering legal action. news company, said it has corrected a ‘mistake’ in its news gather- basic ethics. “It’s not hard to imagine that companies will want some Earlier Monday, Winkler apologized in an online post. He explained ing policies and cut off its journalists’ special access to client log- sturdy form of verification or assurance that this will no longer hap- that journalists at Bloomberg News, until recently, had been able to see in activity on the company’s ubiquitous trading information ter- pen,” Andrews said. “I can’t imagine companies are just going to shrug when clients last accessed their Bloomberg terminals. They were also minals after Goldman Sachs complained about the matter last their shoulders and say, ‘this happens every now and again, let’s able to view broad categories of functions that clients used, such as month. — AP move on.’” — AP Obama tries to swat down controversies

White House on the defensive; Republicans emboldened

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama tried to swat down a pair of brewing controversies that have put the White House on the defensive, emboldened Republican lawmakers and threatened to overtake his second-term agenda, already off to a rocky start. Republicans ramped up criticism following recent dis- closures that talking points on the attack on a US diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya produced by the intelligence community were later watered down to delete references to the suspected involvement Islamic militants. The second scandal controversy involved disclo- sures that the US tax agency, the Internal Revenue Service, had targeted conservative groups in the run- up to the 2012 election. Obama on Monday dismissed Republican criticism of his administration’s handling of the Benghazi attack, calling the criticism a political sideshow. The president also said that he didn’t know about the tax controversy until he learned about it FLORIDA: Rafael Lucas holds a sign reading ‘Obama Put a Stop to Deportation’ as he from news reports last week and pledged to find out and others participate in a rally calling on President Barack Obama to immediately what happened. Simultaneous investigations have put suspend deportations and for Congress to pass an immigration reform that’s inclu- the White House on the defensive, however, with sive of all 11 million undocumented people in the US. — AFP Republicans demanding more. During a joint news conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron, the normally even keeled Obama appeared agitated over the resurgent investigation into the September High-tech companies attack at a US diplomatic compound in Benghazi. He dismissed the Republican-driven effort as a “sideshow” WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama returns after attending events including an event for seeking concessions that dishonors the four Americans who were killed, the DNC in New York City. — AP including Ambassador Christopher Stevens. Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and massacre of 20 school children and six adults in “There’s no there,” Obama declared in his first public Government Reform Committee, asked authors of an Newtown, Connecticut, thrust gun control to the fore- in immigration bill comments since Republican lawmakers launched new independent government review into the Benghazi front of Obama’s domestic agenda. That legislative hearings on the matter. “The fact that this keeps on attack to meet privately with committee investigators. effort failed on Capitol Hill last month, leaving Obama WASHINGTON: High-tech companies looking to Robert Hoffman, senior vice president for gov- getting churned up, frankly, has a whole lot to do with And the House Ways and Means Committee said it with a political defeat and giving critics of immigration bring more skilled workers to the US pushed ernment affairs at the Information Technology political motivations.” Seeking to keep another contro- plans to hold a hearing on the tax matter on Friday. reform more time to organize their opposition. Monday for more concessions in an immigration Industry Council, disagreed. He said that the versy from spinning out of control, the president The two controversies are the latest in a series of Obama still has an opportunity to reverse course bill pending in the Senate. Labor unions said changes sought by Hatch, whose state is increas- rebuked the US tax collection agency for scrutinizing unexpected challenges that have consumed the White and claim a big second-term victory if immigration these companies had already obtained enough in ingly becoming a major high-tech employer, the tax-exempt status of groups with conservative House since Obama began his second term in January. changes can be approved. Draft legislation being the legislation and further changes risked chip- mostly amount to mechanical fixes to ensure the sounding names. Those responsible, Obama said, must Among the others: the Boston Marathon bombings, debated in the Senate has bipartisan support, and ping away at protections for US workers. The clash high-tech provisions work to boost economic be held “fully accountable.” “I’ve got no patience with Syria’s alleged use of chemical weapons and fresh Republicans have a political incentive to back an over- is set to play out in a congressional hearing room growth and job creation in the US. “It’s very it,” he added. “I will not tolerate it and we will find out nuclear provocations from North Korea. It’s hardly the haul given the growing political power of Hispanic vot- this week as the Senate Judiciary Committee important that the H-1B be workable and I think exactly what happened.” start Obama’s team envisioned after he solidly won re- ers, who voted overwhelmingly Democratic in 2012. resumes consideration of amendments to sweep- that’s what we’re trying to fix,” Hoffman said. The president said he first learned of the matter election in November. For the White House, the challenge will be to keep ing legislation remaking the nation’s immigration “Because the reality is the legislation as drafted Friday when it was reported by news organizations. The White House had hoped to achieve an early Capitol Hill focused on immigration and other legisla- system. in our view runs the risk of pushing work and Spokesman Jay Carney said later that the White House victory on immigration overhaul, make another run at tive priorities, not a persistent cycle of investigations. At issue are the highly sought-after H-1B visas investment that could come through temporary counsel’s office was alerted on April 22 that the tax a sweeping deficit reduction deal, and perhaps take a “The American people want Washington to focus on that allow companies like Google and Microsoft to visas outside the United States.” The Information agency’s inspector general was completing a review of stab at tackling climate change. the issues that matter most to them,” Carney said bring workers to the US to fill job openings for Technology Industry Council joined dozens of an office in Cincinnati. Neither issue appears to be But those plans were upended even before Monday. “The imperative for getting things done still engineers, computer software experts, and other other business groups and state and local cham- going away any time soon. On Monday, Rep Darrell Obama’s inauguration, when the horrific December exists.”—AP positions where employers say there’s a shortage bers of commerce and technology councils in of US workers. The legislation increases the num- sending a letter to Judiciary Committee members ber of these visas that are available, but also adds Monday outlining their concerns about the high- in a number of restrictions designed to ensure US tech language in the bill. Canada Liberals win Newfoundland seat workers get a first shot at jobs. Those protections The bill would raise the cap on H-1B visas from were championed by Sen. Dick Durbin, a the current 65,000 annually to 110,000, with the OTTAWA: Canada’s Liberals regained a seat in was only the beginning. Penashue, who had Minister Peter MacKay, campaigning on Democrat and a Judiciary Committee member potential to adjust upward to 180,000 depending the House of Commons on Monday in a race served as intergovernmental affairs minister, Penashue’s behalf, had said that Penashue was who is also part of the bipartisan “Gang of Eight” on how many visa applications are received and viewed as an early test of the popularity of the resigned in March after it emerged that his guaranteed a seat in cabinet as the only mem- senators who authored the immigration legisla- what the unemployment rate is. High-tech com- party’s new leader, Justin Trudeau, son of for- campaign accepted illegal corporate dona- ber of Parliament from Newfoundland. tion. But high-tech companies have their own panies said the unemployment rate shouldn’t be a mer Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Liberal can- tions in the 2011 general election. His cam- Trudeau, a former teacher, has been in champion on the Judiciary Committee: factor because it might not reflect actual demand didate Yvonne Jones had 50.8 percent of the paign also spent more than the C$84,468 Parliament for less than five years, and his Republican Sen Orrin Hatch, who’s prepared a for skilled workers. Hatch has an amendment to vote and incumbent Conservative Peter ($83,362) limit. leadership victory reflected both his family slew of amendments to help their cause. Hatch is make that change. High-tech companies also are Penashue only 29.1 percent, with 86 of the 91 He blamed an inexperienced campaign offi- name and his personal magnetism. His father seen as a potential swing vote on the immigration concerned about a new provision requiring them polls reporting. The third largest party in the cial for the violations and said he knew noth- was prime minister for all but nine months bill so backers of the legislation, who are working to show they have tried to recruit US workers House of Commons, the Liberals have vaulted ing about the issues, but the scandal cost the from 1968-84. assiduously to ensure their bill passes the Senate before hiring anyone on an H-1B visa. Hatch to first place in national polls since Trudeau Conservatives their only seat in the province. Past efforts by Trudeau on behalf of other with as many votes as possible, would like to court would limit the requirement only to companies won the party’s leadership a month ago. He The Liberals have held it for 58 of the 64 years candidates before he became party leader had his support. that are more heavily dependent on H-1B visas, so campaigned hard to retake the seat in the that Newfoundland and Labrador has been proved less successful, failing to produce But Durbin opposes Hatch’s efforts and he and that it wouldn’t apply to a number of US tech province of Newfoundland and Labrador, on part of Canada. The results marked the first Liberal seats in special elections last November other Democrats are under pressure from organ- companies. Hatch also has an amendment to Canada’s Atlantic coast. time the Conservative Party failed to defend a or in a similar Toronto area election two years ized labor not to go along. “We deemed the cur- change a requirement in the bill seeking to ensure “Today we have demonstrated that the seat between general elections since it was earlier. Opinion polls for April, the month when rent language in the bill to be the compromise. that US workers are not displaced by the hiring of Liberal message of hope and hard work is res- formed as a merger of two rival right-wing Trudeau became party leader, put the Liberals After all, high tech got an awful lot of what it foreigners. The Judiciary Committee meets onating, and that Canadians are tired of the parties in 2003. ahead of the Conservatives nationally for the wanted, including the visa limit going up nearly Tuesday, but the consideration of the bulk of threefold,” said Tom Snyder, immigration cam- Hatch’s amendments looked likely to be put off Conservatives’ politics of cynicism, division The Conservatives, led by Stephen Harper, first time since June 2009, with an average 33.4 paign manager for the AFL-CIO labor federation. until Thursday to give senators time to see if they and fear,” Trudeau, 41, said in a statement, have been in power since 2006. The next fed- percent support, compared to 30.2 percent for “Now they want to compromise the compromise.” could reach a resolution. —AP pledging that the victory in Newfoundland eral election is due in October 2015. Defense the Conservatives. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 INTERNATIONAL Malala father honored in Oklahoma Taleban ‘more afraid of the books than bombs’

OKLAHOMA CITY: A Pakistani human taken the lives of tens of thousands of where truth is stifled and education is The award began in 2005, and past promoted girls’ education and “Western rights activist who founded an all-girls civilians and soldiers over the past 30 discouraged. “My part of the world is recipients include the Rev. Alex Reid of thinking.” school said the Taleban was “more afraid years. He said the Islamic fundamental- bleeding. I’m here to bring my people Dublin, Ireland, for his life’s work in the Prior to the shooting, Malala spoke out of the books than bombs” as he and his ists advocate an “ideology of darkness” out of terrorism,” he said. peace process in Northern Ireland, and about having the right to speak and to an 15-year-old daughter, who survived an Durga Ghimire, who co-founded a com- education. In a video clip played during assassination attempt by the Taleban munity-based organization dedicated to the ceremony, she said: “I want every girl, late last year, were honored Monday at improving the lives of marginalized peo- every child, to be educated.” The shooting the memorial for Oklahoma City bomb- ple in Nepal. President Bill Clinton, who sparked outrage in Pakistan and other ing victims. was president when the Oklahoma City countries, and Malala’s story captured Ziauddin Yousafzai decried political bombing occurred, also has been hon- global attention for the struggle for violence during a ceremony held to ored. Yousafzai accepted the award on women’s rights in her homeland. Malala honor him and his daughter, Malala his daughter’s behalf during his first trip was airlifted to Britain from Pakistan to Yousafzai, who has been recovering in to the United States since the Taleban’s receive specialized medical care and pro- Great Britain since the shooting that gar- assassination attempt on Malala. In a tection against further Taleban threats. She nered international attention. The annu- recorded acceptance speech, she said had surgery to reconstruct her skull in al Reflections of Hope Award is given the Oklahoma memorial’s recognition February. out by the Oklahoma City National served as encouragement to continue Ziauddin Yousafzai said he was hon- Memorial & Museums in honor of the being an advocate for the right of girls ored to be known largely as Malala’s 168 people who died in the 1995 bomb- worldwide to receive an education. father in Pakistan’s male-oriented society ing of the Oklahoma City federal build- “It’s more courage. It’s more strength,” and dedicated the award to fathers, ing. said Malala, who returned to school in brothers, sons and husbands “who The elder Yousafzai said Pakistani citi- England in March. Yousafzai founded believe and who accept and who respect zens are all too familiar with the kind of the all-girls Khushal Public School 17 their daughters, their sisters, their moth- political extremism that led to the years ago to foster female leadership in ers and their wives.” “They are individuals Oklahoma attack, as well as the Sept 11 an area where the Taleban has banned and they are equal to them,” he said. As terrorist attacks and the Boston girls from attending school. His daugh- he concluded, dozens of teenage girls Marathon bombings last month. “We ter also was an activist who attended from nearly three dozen Oklahoma com- share the pain. We share the suffering,” the school until Oct 9, when the Taleban munities entered the stage behind him he said. “We have tragedies like Boston OKLAHOMA: Ziauddin Yousafzai (left) reacts after receiving the shot her in the head and neck while she holding signs that read: “I am Malala.” He every day.” He denounced the violence Reflections of Hope Award from Kari Watkins, executive director of the was riding the school bus home. The encouraged them: “We should defeat inflicted by Taleban insurgents that has Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, in Oklahoma City. —AP Taleban said it targeted her because she bad ideas with good ideas.” —AP

News Beijing tightens grip on in brief

Japan seizes Taiwan boat discourse and ideology TOKYO: Japan yesterday seized a Taiwanese fishing boat inside its exclusive economic zone, the first incident since Tokyo and Taipei signed a fishing rights accord for disputed Chinese authorities shut down microblog accounts waters, the Fisheries Agency said. The Taiwanese fishing boat was spotted in waters BEIJING: Chinese authorities have shut been accused of inciting subversion, a Information Center explained in state media had not directly seen or heard about such near Taketomi island, part of Japan’s south- down or frozen the microblog accounts of vaguely worded charge frequently used to reports Friday that He’s account had been an instruction, nicknamed the “Seven ern Okinawa chain, the agency said. One of several prominent liberal intellectuals and suppress dissidents. Authorities are also suspended because he was “intentionally Don’t Mentions.” Several academics said it the agency’s patrol ships seized the boat and harassed rights lawyers lobbying against maintaining a years-long effort to quash spreading rumors.” The professor has issued would be impossible to enforce. He arrested the captain, it said. The incident unofficial “black jails,” underlining the deter- legal activism. a statement protesting the suspension as Weifang, a legal scholar at Peking occurred outside the waters that are at the mination of the country’s new leadership to On Monday, several rights lawyers being illegal. “It is every citizen’s responsibil- University, said no topic has been off-limits centre of a three-way territorial tussle involv- control dissent even as it vows to root out attempting to visit one of China’s unofficial ity to unswervingly promote a government in his classroom. “I can speak of everything. ing Taipei, Tokyo and Beijing for which Japan corruption. The moves over the last few detention centers - also known as “black that rules by law,” He said. There is nothing that cannot be discussed,” and Taiwan have agreed fishing rights. Under days occurred around the time officials jails” - in the southwestern city of Ziyang The ratcheting up of controls on Chinese he said. “If the law does not talk about civil the agreement, Taiwanese trawlers are per- announced that a senior official was being were beaten by unidentified men, said microblog platforms - targeting verified rights, there’s no law, because the law is mitted to fish in waters off East China Sea investigated for graft, months after a promi- Beijing attorney Li Heping, who was con- accounts of well-known opinion leaders about protecting one’s rights.” islands controlled by Japan as the Senkakus, nent journalist accused him of wrongdoing. tacted by one of the lawyers. The efforts to with hundreds of thousands of followers - Veteran journalist Gao Yu said that an but also claimed by China and Taiwan as the The probe against Liu Tienan, deputy police discourse are also being ramped up appears designed to send warnings that edict, or the rumors of one, could be relat- Diaoyus. chairman of China’s economic planning in the Chinese blogosphere, where users China’s leaders will not give ground to its ed to a broader ideological strategy laid agency, was heralded by the Chinese press often challenge the government’s version political critics, no matter how popular they out by the party’s new leadership in an ‘Mystery substance’ sent as proof that the battle against corruption of events and its control over information. might be. President Xi Jinping has made unpublicized meeting earlier this year that to US Consulate in China is best fought when authorities allow pub- Over the weekend, authorities apparently fighting official corruption a priority, and identifies seven key “problems” propagan- lic participation. “The authorities and the removed all microblog accounts belonging the investigation against Liu had suggested da officials should tackle. She said they BEIJING: US officials say an envelope con- people combined their strengths in this to the writer Hao Qun, better known by his that the government was willing to allow include the concept of democracy and taining an unidentified substance was sent to case, and it is an encouragement to the pen name Murong Xuecun, from four differ- the public to play a role. constitutionalism, civil society, neoliberal- the US Consulate General in the southern public’s power in fighting corruption,” said ent sites. The investigation was foreshadowed by ism and the Western concept of the press. Chinese city of Guangzhou, disrupting opera- a state-run daily, the Beijing News, in a His subsequent efforts to set up new public allegations against him five months The strategy was laid out in a document tions at the diplomatic building. Deputy commentary. accounts have been blocked, he said. No ago by Luo Changping, deputy chief editor issued by the general office of the party’s spokesman Justin Higgins at the US Embassy But in other instances, the authoritarian explanation was provided for the shutdown of Caijing magazine. The official probe central committee, the contents of which in Beijing says the envelope was opened government has shown an unwavering of his accounts on the popular Sina Corp against Liu was announced Sunday, and on were briefly leaked online, Gao said. She Monday in an office where visa interviews are intent to clamp down on anyone who seeks platform, Weibo, and three other Tuesday state media reported that Liu has said she verified details of the document conducted. Higgins says interviews sched- to publicly pressure it into social or political microblogging sites, Hao said. He said his been removed from his posts as part of with retired, high-ranking propaganda offi- uled for yesterday have been cancelled while change. The message appears to be that if Weibo account had about 4 million follow- investigations into “serious disciplinary vio- cials. an investigation is carried out. He says no any reform is on the agenda, the ers. “The ruling party is losing in the field of lations.” At the same time, there are con- Measures recommended in the docu- one was injured and that precautionary Communist Party will push it through on its public opinion, which is threatening its cerns that the government is cracking ment include efforts to “better broadcast” measures have been taken for employees own terms. “The controls are tighter than legitimacy,” Hao said. “Now, they must exert down on the kind of public discourse that the party’s voice and “strengthen the par- present when the substance was discovered. ever,” said Li Cheng, an expert on China’s tighter control, and that’s why they have could help expose official misdeeds. ty’s leadership of the media,” Gao said. Gao He would not describe the substance, which elite politics at the Washington-based gone on the offense in public opinion.” Rumors have begun to circulate online expressed concern that the new leadership he says has yet to be identified. The website Brookings Institution. “The challenges are The blog closure could have been relat- that party authorities issued a directive to was veering toward the more authoritarian of Guangzhou’s Yangcheng Evening News greater, so the suppression is escalating.” ed to Hao’s recent post of a two-line verse some college campuses that seven topics era of Mao Zedong that lasted into the reported that the substance was a powder Small groups of activists have been critical of the party’s authoritarian rule, or are now barred from class discussion, 1970s. “We can see that the party currently and that it had sprinkled onto an employee’s detained in Beijing and other cities for hold- his posts criticizing the freezing of a including press freedom, judicial inde- faces a lot of problems, from environment clothes. ing banners calling for officials to publicly microblog belonging to He Bing, an outspo- pendence, civil rights, civil society and the pollution to the income gap,” Gao said. “But declare their assets - a key anti-graft meas- ken, liberal professor at the China University party’s historic mistakes. The rumor could this marks a big step backwards. Who Chinese principal detained ure that the government has been reluctant of Political Science and Law. In a rare move, not be verified. Several law and politics would have known that they are going BEIJING: A school principal and a govern- to implement. One activist, Liu Ping, has the official China Internet Network professors contacted by the AP said they back to Mao Zedong’s era?” —AP ment worker in China have been detained on suspicion of inappropriate liaisons with six girls under age 14 after the two men took them to separate hotels and spent a night Japan distances itself from with them, state media and a local govern- ment official said yesterday. The girls - all friends in the city of Wanning in the southern province of Hainan - were first found absent ‘comfort women’ comment from class on the afternoon of May 8, prompting a search by teachers, parents and police before they were located over the fol- Wartime sex slaves were necessary: Japan’s mayor lowing two days, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Four of the girls spent the night TOKYO: The Japanese government yesterday distanced war”. But he said there was no evidence this had been fact that a certain system like comfort women was neces- of May 8 in a local hotel with a school princi- itself from comments by a prominent politician that the officially sanctioned by the state and that the use of pros- sary”, he said. pal, who has since been fired, Xinhua said. so-called “comfort women” of WWII served a “necessary” titutes by servicemen was not unique to Japan. “There are Japan’s top government spokesman and Chief Cabinet One of the girls told police that the man - role by keeping troops in check. Outspoken Osaka Mayor many examples” of unacceptable and brutal behavior by Secretary Yoshihide Suga yesterday refused to comment identified only by the surname Chen - had Toru Hashimoto said soldiers living with the daily threat of soldiers in wartime and “to contain such things, it is a cold directly on Hashimoto’s remarks. However, he said: “The been intimate with her. Xinhua did not pro- death needed some way to let off steam which was pro- government’s position on the comfort women issue is vide further details of the inappropriate vided by the comfort women system. Up to 200,000 that, as I repeatedly said here, we feel pains towards peo- behavior, though the report cited Wanning women from Korea, China, the Philippines and elsewhere ple who experienced hardships that are beyond descrip- police as saying medical checks had been were forcibly drafted into brothels catering to the tion and (this) administration shares the view held by past performed on the girls and that no sexual Japanese military in territories occupied by Japan during governments.” In a landmark 1993 statement, the intercourse had taken place. WWII, according to many mainstream historians. Japanese government offered “sincere apologies” for the “When soldiers risk their lives under a hail of bullets, “immeasurable pain and suffering” inflicted on comfort Change in China ‘inevitable’ and you want to give them a rest somewhere, it is clear women. Two years later, Japan issued a broader apology OSLO: Chinese human rights activist Chen that you need a comfort women system,” Hashimoto said. expressing “deep remorse” for war suffering. The 1993 Guangcheng said yesterday that change in South Korea voiced “deep disappointment” over the com- statement remains passionately opposed by some his country was “inevitable” but should be ments, which risk inflaming Japan’s relationship with Japanese conservatives who contend that the country did the work of the Chinese themselves rather neighbors that were victims of brutal expansionism and not directly coerce women. than be imposed from the outside. “China who claim Tokyo has never faced up to its warmongering Despite a hawkish stance on history, Prime Minister will undergo a transformation, this is past. Shinzo Abe indicated last week he does not intend to inevitable and in fact this has already begun,” “There is worldwide recognition... that the issue of backtrack on these apologies. Japan’s shared history with said Chen, a blind self-taught lawyer who comfort women amounts to a wartime rape committed by its Asian neighbors looms over present-day relations, dramatically escaped house arrest last year. Japan during its past imperial period in a serious breach of which are also strained by separate territorial disputes “We cannot wait for democracy, freedom and human rights,” a Seoul foreign ministry spokesman said. with Seoul and Beijing. Both capitals say Tokyo has not equality to come from the outside,” he told “Our government again urges Japan’s prominent offi- shown sufficient contrition for its WWII behavior. But many the Oslo Freedom Forum, an annual gather- cials to show regret for atrocities committed during in Japan feel nationalists abroad use the issue as a stick to ing of rights activists. Chen, 41, achieved Japan’s imperial period and to correct their anachronistic beat it for their own domestic ends. international prominence for his fight against way of thinking and comments.” In Beijing, Foreign Hashimoto, who was once mentioned as a possible Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China was “shocked future prime minister, said Monday that Japan bears the harsh measures used to enforce the one- and strongly infuriated” at the comments. “Forced con- responsibility for the war and urged compassion for vic- child policy in his country. Sentenced to four scription of comfort women was a serious crime commit- tims. “(Comfort women were) a result of the tragedy of war years in prison and placed under house ted by Japanese militarism during the Second World War so we have to take care with thoughtfulness of those peo- arrest, he fled his village last year and took and it is also a major human rights issue concerning the ple who became comfort women against their will,” he refuge in the US embassy in Beijing. After dignity of victims,” he said. “How to deal with its past will said. Shintaro Ishihara, a former Tokyo governor and the protracted negotiations between China and decide how Japan can embrace the future.” other co-leader of the Japan Restoration Party, came to the United States, he was finally allowed to Hashimoto, who is co-leader of the national Japan Hashimoto’s defense yesterday, arguing prostitutes and leave for New York, where he has since lived Restoration Party, acknowledged that some women pro- militaries have co-existed throughout history. “Although with his family. viding sexual services to Japan’s soldiers did so “against Mr Hashimoto’s comments are unpleasant to hear, he is their will”, something he attributed to “the tragedy of Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto not saying anything wrong,” he said. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 ANALYSIS14

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24835619 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. E MAIL :[email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

Issues Controversies give Obama new headaches

By Fred Barbash

President Barack Obama learned on Monday what can happen to presidents caught up in USallegations of scandal: they have to address them instead of anything else. It happened when the pres- ident had to interrupt his news conference with Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain to answer questions about the widening investigation into the Benghazi attacks in Libya and the Internal Revenue Service’s target- ing of Tea Party and other conservative groups. By the end of the day he was facing a third major problem when the Associated Press said the Department of Justice had Syria’s savagery will thwart reconciliation secretly seized some of its reporters’ phone records last year. By Oliver Holmes and emotional but there are rational reasons,” he said. conference to try to end the war, but savagery from It is all leading to comparisons with the second term of President Bill Clinton, in which his agenda was severely Nadim Houry, a Syria and Lebanon researcher for both sides means that the unlikely event of a peace disrupted by the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Obama, unlike yrian soldiers slowly stab a man to death, punctur- Human Rights Watch, has documented abuses since the agreement might not stop atrocities and fighting Clinton, has not been accused of personal misconduct. But ing his back dozens of times. A rebel commander start of the revolt and says that he is seeing more and between increasingly disparate militias. “The ideas of his ability to steer the Washington “conversation” could be Sbites an organ ripped out of an enemy combatant. more brutal acts. “Both parties are acting like they are reconciliation are now unrealistic. The conflict is as compromised. “I think the IRS scandal comes at a very A young boy hacks the head off a prisoner. A soldier facing an existential threat,” he said. The opposition and much about the conflict itself than pro- or anti-regime,” inopportune time for the president and the Democratic mutilates the genitals of a corpse. These are the images the government see the war as a zero sum game, both Leenders said. “I see a total mismatch between the US agenda,” said Sarah Binder, a George Washington of Syrian conflict, the first war in which the prevalence fighting for survival, he says. This fear of defeat silences and Russian narrative and what is going on in Syria.” University scholar of Congress. “The challenge for Obama and the Democrats in the coming weeks and months will of camera phones and Internet access has allowed hun- condemnation from supporters of both sides, he says. In its sectarian nature and big power inertia, the be to keep the public’s attention focused on Obama’s poli- dreds of gruesome war crimes to be broadcast, spread- The main Syrian opposition group condemned the Syrian conflict has drawn comparisons with Bosnia, cy goals when Republicans and the media will be focused ing hatred and fear. They are defining the war that is video of a rebel commander taking a bite from the dead which was torn apart by Serbs, Croats and Muslims in a on scandal.” spilling across Syria’s borders and making reconciliation soldier but many opposition supporters dismissed the 1992-95 war that gave the world the term ‘ethnic The problems for Obama and Democrats may be wors- an ever more distant prospect. brutality. cleansing’ and was marked by some of the worst atroci- ened as well by the nature of the IRS behavior: targeting Brutality has been used as a tool since the revolt On some opposition Facebook pages people cele- ties in Europe since World War Two. Almost 17 years groups for extra scrutiny based on their political leanings began two years ago, when videos emerged of govern- brated the act. Others berated the media for highlight- since that war ended, the wounds are still raw. Bodies reinforces the notion of big government pursuing citizens exercising constitutional rights. It could feed into gun ment soldiers torturing pro-democracy protesters. In ing one particular event, saying they should focus on are still being dug up and a cycle of blame and denial rights activists’ worries about slippery slopes that lead to response to the crackdown, the opposition took up indiscriminate killing of men, women and children by weighs on efforts to reconcile communities. Bitterness gun confiscation or gun-owner registries, said one arms and now fighters from both sides are filming Assad’s war planes and militia. The Syrian government runs deep and spills into politics, stifling development. Republican Senate aide, or fears of government themselves committing atrocities. Ghoulish footage of has never acknowledged brutality in army ranks, Details of the worst atrocities are coming to light “takeovers” of healthcare. violence is not filmed surreptitiously, but with pride by instead referring to people killed by soldiers as “terror- even now. Each side clings to its own narrative of the Ron Bonjean, a veteran Republican aide on Capitol Hill the assailants who often speak to camera. ists” and areas captured by its forces as “cleansed”. war. In March, an ethnic Montenegrin man was jailed for who is now a consultant, said even though the IRS is an Rebel commander Abu Sakkar, known to journalists Syria’s war started as a popular uprising against the 45 years for killing 31 people and raping at least 13, independent agency, the White House can expect to be blamed by the public for any wrongdoing by it. “The pub- and revered by many rebels, was shown in a video on Assad dynasty, which has ruled for over four decades including a pregnant woman in front of her young child. lic sees the IRS as part of the federal government, which Sunday cutting organs out of a dead soldier, addressing using secret police, intimidation and brute force. But The judge in the case said the defendant, Veselin the White House controls,” Bonjean said. The same might the camera as he ripped the flesh: “I swear to God we majority Sunni Muslims lead the revolt, while Assad gets Vlahovic, nicknamed Batko, sometimes forced his vic- be said of the news that broke Monday that the Justice will eat your hearts and your livers,” he warned President his core support from his Alawite sect, an offshoot of tims to kiss his hand as he beat them, and once ordered Department secretly obtained two months of telephone Bashar Al-Assad’s forces as his men cheered. Sakkar was Shiism, leading to sectarian fighting and hatred. a man to have sex with the corpse of a woman whose records of reporters and editors for the Associated Press. a founding member of the Farouq Brigade, one of the International powers have taken sides, with the West throat had been cut. In Srebrenica, 8,000 Muslim men The potential risk is high for Obama and the main rebel units in Syria, but has since formed his own and Gulf countries supporting the opposition, while and boys were gunned down in five summer days in Democrats. The Democratic-controlled Senate is consider- battalion as the opposition fragments. In the mosaic of Iran and Russia back Assad. While war crimes are con- 1995, their bodies bulldozed into pits, buried and ing a comprehensive bipartisan immigration bill that already faces a rough road in the Republican-controlled hundreds of opposition groups, Sakkar’s men are seen demned in words, there has been no real deterrent for reburied in a bid to conceal the crime. Many Serbs still House, where suspicion of the Obama administration runs as neither secular nor hardline Islamists, but as some of the perpetrators, which Houry said has allowed atroci- dispute the figures, despite mountains of testimony at highest. “The political fallout will be very damaging for the the hardiest fighters. Another picture posted online ties to continue. the United Nations war crimes tribunal in The Hague. administration,” said Bonjean. “This will be another issue shows a rebel holding the severed head of a man, sup- “What is particularly troubling is the silence of the The strength of feeling on all sides has made political that takes the administration way off message,” he said. posedly an Assad loyalist, over a barbecue as if to cook international powers,” Houry said. He referred to a compromise in the name of peace difficult, at times “There’s no way they can punch through with a positive it. The fighter smiles and poses confidently, gripping a recent army and loyalist militia attack in the coastal impossible, and acts as a brake on development. In agenda while investigations of the IRS are going on.” tuft of hair. town of Banias in which at least 62 people, including Lebanon, which lies next to Syria and fought its own 15- The IRS scandal could easily spill over into the 2014 mid-term election year. A week ago, Obama was con- Reinoud Leenders, an associate professor in the war babies, were killed. “We have been seeing (these mas- year civil war which ended in 1990, fault lines between fronting a single investigative proceeding on Capitol Hill studies department of King’s College London, says that sacres) for over a year. What is shocking is the level of religions remain strong and armed militias still come to on the subject of the deadly attacks on the US mission in these brutal displays are used as a tool of war by both indifference. People shrug their shoulders and look blows as a weak government looks on helplessly. Many Benghazi, Libya, last September. It was attracting relatively sides. “It’s the ultimate expression of disrespect and away,” said Houry. Since Syria never signed up to the Lebanese fighters accused of war crimes are now politi- little public attention outside conservative circles, and he dehumanising your opponent,” he said. In the face of an treaty establishing the International Criminal Court, the cians as people support powerful members of their sect could dismiss as partisan because only Republicans were insurgency, he says, Assad’s forces have used mass court could only investigate allegations of brutality to safeguard against the influence of their foes. “We pushing it. On Monday he confronted the prospect of mul- killings and torture to root out rebel fighters hiding there with a referral from the United Nations Security don’t have real reconciliation in Lebanon right now. tiple probes, with those into the IRS backed by Obama’s Democratic allies in Congress as Democrats moved quickly among civilians. “The regime has difficulty in pinning Council - something permanent members Russia and Reconciliation requires justice,” said rights researcher to show they were as concerned as Republicans about down opposition members, so they scare civilians from China have so far blocked. Houry, who lives in Beirut. “There is a tear at the fabric of alleged IRS abuses. the area to get the rebels exposed. It looks irrational The United States and Russia have proposed a peace Syria, similar to what we saw in Lebanon.” — Reuters On top of that, the AP is assessing options for legal action in response to the government’s actions, said David Schulz, an attorney representing the AP. White House spokesman Jay Carney said the White House was not Malta unlikely to follow Cyprus into crisis involved in the decision to seize the AP records. The administration’s chief opponent in Congress of late - By Martin Santa Commission expects growth on the GDP. That is a large but not terrifying banking sector to sovereign risk events Representative Darrell Issa of California - threatened to small island economy of just 450,000 amount and the ratio in Cyprus’s was in Europe is low given very low direct add the AP issue to the list of things he is already probing, yprus and Malta have a lot in com- people to pick up this year and next, twice as high. Maltese domestic banks exposures to vulnerable countries, as which include Benghazi and the IRS scandal. mon: Mediterranean islands driven by rising domestic demand and are highly capitalised, profitable and liq- well as domestic banks’ reliance on a Even without charges of personal misconduct, “staying enjoying 10 months of sunshine a increased net exports. The unemploy- uid. What is more, they fund themselves traditional retail deposit-based banking coherent” in pursuit of an agenda is much more challeng- C year, they joined the European Union in ment rate, at 6.4 percent, is around half largely from the domestic retail deposit model.” ing for a president than it was in the Clinton years, said that of the euro zone, debt as a propor- market, lend locally and hold securities Some analysts say Malta is vulnerable one of his former press secretaries, Mike McCurry. “The 2004, use the euro and have banking environment for communications is so much more compli- sectors that dwarf their economies. tion of GDP is 72 percent, below the issued in Malta, rather than having tak- to a sudden dip in confidence that cated now because you have this voracious social media There are so many similarities that euro zone average, and the deficit is in en on board risky assets such as Greek could prompt investors to withdraw environment in which everything is magnified,” he said. some investors have wondered check. All of Cyprus’s pre-crisis numbers government bonds. deposits, something that the hit on “We didn’t have that. You could have congressional whether Malta might follow Cyprus in were far less rosy. “I want to be very clear, there is no Cypriot bank customers could easily inquiries and scandals but you could calibrate a little bit needing a bailout to survive the Nevertheless, Malta’s banking sector banking sector in the European Union have triggered. “The key risk ... is that its and keep an agenda in play.” — Reuters region’s economic crisis. But Malta’s risk is eight times larger than its GDP, about that is comparable to the Cypriot one. international offshore investors begin to profile is far different to that of Cyprus, the same as it was in Cyprus before the Malta, Ireland, Luxembourg, they are relocate in light of the policy uncertain- which received a 10-billion-euro aid rescue. This leaves the economy not comparable to Cyprus,” European ty created by the Cypriot bail-in,” Myles package last month aimed at prevent- exposed to financial shocks. But in Central Bank Executive Board member Bradshaw, a portfolio manager at PIM- All articles appearing on these ing its collapse and a possible exit from Cyprus the banking sector was dominat- Joerg Asmussen told a European CO, said. “This would have significant pages are the personal opinion of the euro zone. ed by two domestic banks, both of Parliament committee last week. “One negative economic effects that could in the writers. Kuwait Times takes no On the basis of banking risk and its which relied heavily on foreign deposits, has to look deeper at the structure of turn create a problem with domestic responsibility for views expressed economy, it seems unlikely that it will many from Russia, and invested those the assets and liabilities of the banking banks’ asset quality. Together with the be the next euro member - after deposits in government bonds abroad, sector.” In a report last month, ratings deep recession, this could force Malta to therein. Kuwait Times invites read- Cyprus, Ireland, Greece, Portugal and particularly in Greece. In Malta, the bulk agency Fitch said Malta would be far seek external assistance.” In a recent ers to voice their opinions. Please Spain - to need rescuing. “The business of banking-sector assets belong to sub- more capable of handling a crisis than assessment, the European Commission send submissions via email to: opin- model of the financial sector in Malta is sidiaries of foreign banks which would Cyprus was. “The contingent liability also expressed some macroeconomic [email protected] or via snail not as shady and controversial as it was be responsible for bailing them out in that potential bank support places on concerns, noting Malta’s relatively high in Cyprus,” said Carsten Brzeski, econo- case of trouble. the Maltese sovereign - around 128 per- level of private debt, notably home mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. mist with ING bank in Brussels. “The pic- The assets of domestic Maltese cent of GDP - is significantly lower than mortgages. But it said that despite some The editor reserves the right to edit ture is also different at the macro level banks, which would not be allowed to in Cyprus,” Fitch said. The IMF was equal- overvaluation and possible oversupply, any submission as necessary. ... Malta should be off the screens for fail because the economy would col- ly reassured, saying in a report in May there was no immediate risk of a prop- quite some time.” The European lapse, add up to around 200 percent of 2012: “The sensitivity of the Maltese erty market crash. — Reuters NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

A US Seahawk helicopter drops a diver in the water during a drill to destroy mines by placing explosives on them in the Arabian Gulf yesterday on the second day of the biggest mine countermea- sures’ exercise. The US Navy along with other 40 nations are conducting the games. — AFP Bahrain blogger flees to Britain

OSLO: A Bahraini blogger and human rights activist blog. “I feel pain because I am not in my homeland. I tions. Abdulemam declined to discuss how he got out ernment’s charges, and says he is campaigning for said he had been granted asylum in Britain after being did not choose this. I did not want this,” he told Reuters of Bahrain to protect those who helped him. His wife, democracy and civil rights. in hiding for two years. A leading voice among protest- on the sidelines of the Oslo Freedom Forum rights con- eight-year-old son and three-year-old twin daughters Bahrain, which hosts the US Fifth Fleet, is ruled by ers during anti-government demonstrations in 2011, ference on Monday. also still live in Bahrain. the Sunni Al-Khalifa family which crushed Shiite-led Ali Abdulemam hid to escape a government crack- Sources close to Abdulemam said he was smuggled A Bahraini government statement released to CNN pro-democracy demonstrations that began in Feb down and was smuggled out by fishermen. A military to Saudi Arabia inside a car with a secret compartment. on Monday said Abdulemam had not been tried in 2011. At least 35 people were killed in the unrest, court tried and sentenced him in+ absentia to 15 years From there, he travelled to Kuwait, where fishermen court “for exercising his right to express his opinions”. though the opposition says the number is higher. in prison. “I have not seen my daughters since they smuggled him into Iraq, from where he flew to London. “Rather he was tried for inciting and encouraging con- Lower-level unrest has since continued. The Bahrain were six-months-old. It is hard to know that your Abdulemam, making his first public appearance since tinuous violent attacks against police officers,” the government says it has taken steps to address the bru- daughters know you only from a picture,” said disappearing from view two years ago, said he had statement said, adding that his website had been used tality of security forces early in the uprising by dismiss- Abdulemam, a 35-year-old former engineer with Gulf been granted asylum in Britain. Britain’s Home Office “to incite hatred, including the spreading of false and ing those responsible and introducing cameras at Air and author of the pro-democracy Bahrain Online said it did not comment on individual asylum applica- inflammatory rumours”. Abdulemam denies the gov- police stations to monitor abuses. — Reuters Russia arrests CIA ‘spy’ MoH issues guidelines on new virus Continued from Page 1 viruses or the coronavirus, under the directions of the Continued from Page 1 the time. World Health Organisation, while taking measures to The FSB and Russia’s tightly-controlled state media The Kuwaiti decision urged doctors in the public and provide awareness on means to prevent being infected compass and even a mundane atlas of Moscow as well appeared intent yesterday on showing to the public that private sectors to inform their closest disease control with any of these ailments. as a somewhat old-fashioned mobile phone. the man it had caught was a real agent who posed a dan- and prevention centre of suspicions regarding cases of Two of the Saudi infections were announced yester- The FSB warned in a statement that “recently, the US ger to Russia’s interests. The photos published by RT also acute respiratory illnesses such as the novel coron- day, a day after the ministry said four cases had been intelligence service has made repeated attempts to recruit showed a document entitled “printed instructions for the avirus, in order to prevent the spread of such cases. registered in Eastern Province, which has been gripped the staff of Russian law enforcement agencies and special Russian citizen being recruited”. Parts of the recruiting Medical staff in emergency and critical condition by panic after it was shown to be home to most of the services”. Russian state television shown footage provided document allegedly used by Fogle read: “Dear Friend. departments, who may have had contact with those cases in the kingdom. “Two new confirmed infections by the FSB in which Fogle is seen sitting down in a checked This is an advance from somebody who is impressed with shirt as a man - presumably a Russian security officer - tells your professionalism, and who would value highly your infected, have also been told to receive a checkup at the were registered in Eastern Province,” it said on its web- the suspect about his alleged crime. He is then accused of future cooperation with us”. As well as $100,000 outright local disease control centre. site, adding that those infected were nurses and “are offering $100,000 for espionage to a security service “we offer up to $1 million per year for long-term coopera- It ran through the steps doctors needed to abide by receiving needed treatment and medical care”. The min- employee who is involved in counterinsurgency work in tion, with a promise for an additional bonus for informa- when handling such cases such as dispatching samples istry had said late Monday that among the four other the Russian North Caucasus. “We did not believe this at first, tion that will help us”. in a sealed and refrigerated container accompanied by new cases, “one of the people has recovered and dis- because as you know the FSB has been actively helping the Analysts said the fact that the case received such a report to various laboratories across the country, charged, while the other three are still being treated”. investigation of the Boston blasts,” the officer says as Fogle media attention means that senior Russian leaders had while paying close attention to the isolation of suspect- Saudi health authorities are now receiving advice and three men silently listen with arms crossed. decided to use the arrest to make a political point to ed cases and carrying out regular assessments of their from specialists from US and Canadian universities, The incident comes amid a new downturn in Russian- Washington. Some such cases are often handled quietly condition, the guidelines showed. If a suspected case the ministry added. Health Minister Abdullah Al-Rabia US relations sparked by the Syrian crisis and concern in and tit-for-tat expulsions are sometimes only made were to be referred to the disease control centre, inter- had said on Sunday that 24 people have contracted Washington over what it sees as President Vladimir public once completed. Independent analyst Alexander action should be prohibited over a 10-day period. the coronavirus, and that 15 of them have died. The Putin’s crackdown on all dissent. The last major spy row Golts added that the million dollars the United States Land and marine border custom officials have also World Health Organisation had said earlier that 34 between the two former Cold War rivals involved the was allegedly willing to pay the Russian security service been informed to pay close attention to travelers arriv- cases have been reported worldwide since the virus glamourous Anna Chapman and large group of Russian worker seemed far too large for a regular worker. “These ing from nations known to carry a high number of peo- was first detected in Sept 2012, with 18 of the victims spies who were arrested on the US East Coast in June numbers raise red flags,” Golts said in a telephone inter- ple with either of the H7N9 influenza virus, SARS-like dying. — Agencies 2010. That spy scandal - which ended with their swap for view. “For that amount, they could have expected to at four Russians convicted of spying for the West - was a least get the deputy head of Russia’s foreign intelli- huge embarrassment for Russia’s foreign intelligence at gence.” — AFP

Cabinet ministers resign amid standoff... Continued from Page 1 October in a bid to give the govern- country,” Ashour said. ment ample time to perform. MP Saad The new developments came amid the government and I was Al-Bous said the government’s boycott reports that the Assembly might be informed that the government is not is not justified especially that the two dissolved just a month before a June attending, the session is adjourned grillings were not listed on the agenda 16 crucial ruling by the constitutional until tomorrow”. He later said there will of the Assembly yesterday but on the court on the controversial amend- be no session today. agenda of the May 28 session. He said ment of the electoral law. But a num- MPs later strongly criticized the the government has conveyed the ber of MPs ruled out the possibility, government for boycotting the ses- wrong message to the Assembly and saying they expected the Amir to sion, claiming that the boycott came to the people and disappointed the issue a decree to suspend the prevent the discussion of the grilling of Kuwaiti people, especially that the ses- Assembly for one month, based on a the oil minister and prevent accounta- sion was due to approve legislation clause in the constitution. The meas- bility over the payment of a $2.2 billion covering material rights for pensioners ure will give just enough time for the penalty to US giant Dow Chemical. MP and raising the housing allowance for ruling to be issued while the Assembly Saadoun Hammad said the move is an Kuwaitis. is not in session. Among many possi- attempt to protect some officials who MP Saleh Ashour said the govern- bilities, the court could declare the have profited from Kuwait’s scrapped ment’s boycott and stance toward electoral law amendment as unconsti- deal with Dow Chemical, known as K- grillings have shocked the Kuwaiti tutional, which will mean forcing the Dow. MPs also charged that the gov- people because no one will regret the Assembly’s dissolution and calling for ernment’s boycott amounted to absence of the government that fresh elections. A small number of MPs humiliating the Assembly and an act escapes and cannot face things. “We believe that the government may sub- of disregard to MPs. are not concerned if the Assembly is mit a letter of non-cooperation with A few months ago, the Assembly dissolved or the government resigns - the Assembly, which means that the Kashmiri boatmen row their Shikara on Dal Lake in the outskirts of Srinagar yesterday. Set in the Himalayas decided to postpone debating any what is more important is to have a Amir may dissolve the Assembly or at 1,707 m above sea level, Kashmir is a green, saucer-shaped valley full of fruit orchards and surrounded by grilling until the next term starting late government capable of managing the sack the Cabinet or both. snowy mountain ranges. About 100 lakes dot its highlands and plains. — AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 SPORTS

Robben: No reason to move ‘Racism fine not enough’ Petersen to replace Smith

BERLIN: Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben dismissed speculation that he would ITALY: FIFA president Sepp Blatter has criticised the 50,000 euro $64,850) CAPE TOWN: Opener Alviro Petersen will replace the injured Graeme Smith in the leave the German champions at the end of the season for Manchester City, saying he fine handed to AS Roma for racist behavior by their fans, describing the South Africa squad for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy, Cricket South Africa had no reason to move. “I am not dealing with this speculation,” the Dutchman told sanction as too weak and unacceptable. confirmed yesterday. Petersen is a regular in the test squad but has made just 17 reporters. “There is so much speculation but I only want to deal with football. Blatter said he would call the Italian football federation, who he said one-day international appearances since his debut in 2006 with a modest average “I still have two years on my deal so why should I leave? It is all about performance had not been thorough enough in investigating Sunday’s incident in the of 31. CSA Selection Convener Andrew Hudson believes that Petersen’s stellar ear- on the pitch and in the past games I have shown I can contribute here at Bayern.” match at AC Milan. ly-season form with English county side Somerset will be a major asset at the June Robben, who has been at Champions League finalists Bayern since 2009 after spells at “What is surprising and is not understandable for me, is that the disci- Chelsea and Real Madrid, had an unhappy first part of the season but has won back plinary committee of the Italian Football Federation has taken a decision, 6-23 tournament being staged in England and Wales. his starting spot in recent months, helping his team to the not even 24 hours after the event, by just imposing a fine,” he told “We have decided on a like-for-like replacement,” brink of an unprecedented treble for a German club. FIFA.com. “They have not made any investigation of what happened. And Hudson said in a statement. “Alviro is the obvious choice Reports have been mounting in England and Germany in just to give a pecuniary sanction is not valid, that is not acceptable. in this regard. He is a specialist opening batsman and the past days linking the 29-year-old with a possible “You will always find money. What is 50.000 Euros for such an inci- also brings some very useful experience on board fol- move to Premier League side Manchester City. “There dent? I’m not happy and I will call the Italian Federation. That’s not a way lowing the loss of both Smith and (all rounder) has been so much speculation in the past month and I to deal with such matters.” Jacques Kallis. “He is in the form of his life, having am only focused on Bayern,” said Robben, who lost the Blatter added: “I think lessons have not been learned. It is incredible, made almost 500 runs in three England County 2010 and 2012 Champions League finals with the that we had such incidents especially in the Italian Serie A in the San Siro Championship Division One matches for Somerset, Munich side. “We want to win the title on May 25 and between AC Milan and Roma, a very important match. including two centuries, at an average in the high 80s. that is the only thing that counts.” Bayern, who have “The referee had to stop the match for a few minutes in order to bring already won the Bundesliga this season, take on Borussia back calm. This is bad.” The referee stopped the match early in the second “With the tournament being played early in the English Dortmund in the all-German Champions League final in half of Sunday evening’s match after racist chanting by the visiting fans. summer we envisage that bowling conditions will favor the London before facing VfB Stuttgart in the German Cup final Warnings were broadcast over the public address system and play was re- seamers and getting good partnerships going up front is on June 1 in Berlin.—Reuters started after a two-minute delay.—Reuters going to be paramount to success. —Reuters Yankees blank Indians

CLEVELAND: Vidal Nuno pitched five Los Angeles. innings of three-hit ball to win his first Butler’s hit total tied his career high, major league start, and Vernon Wells and established on July 27, 2009, at Baltimore. Lyle Overbay had two RBIs apiece as the The designated hitter has three games New York Yankees beat the Cleveland with five or more RBIs in the majors. He Indians 7-0 Monday for a doubleheader began the day in a 4-for-35 rut with a .228 split. Justin Masterson pitched a four-hitter average and one RBI in 23 at-bats over his for his third career shutout as the Indians previous six games. won the opener 1-0 and stopped the Luis Mendoza (1-2) allowed three runs Yankees’ five-game winning streak. and six hits over six innings, striking out six Pitching in just his second game for the and walking none as the Royals began a Yankees, Nuno (1-1) walked three and nine-game road trip following a three- struck out three. The former Cleveland game sweep by the Yankees. The right- draft pick became the only left-hander hander was staked to a 10-1 lead and took other than CC Sabathia or Andy Pettitte to a three-hitter into the sixth before giving start for New York since 2008. up a pair of runs. Yankees rookie Adam Warren finished Luke Hochevar pitched three innings the five-hitter for his first big league save. for his first save in seven big league sea- New York chased Trevor Bauer (1-2) during sons. Blanton (0-7) threw 99 pitches a six-run seventh and handed the Indians through 4 2-3 innings, giving up seven just their third loss in 16 games. runs and 12 hits with seven strikeouts and In the opener, Masterson (6-2) gave up no walks. four singles - only one reached the outfield - for his third career shutout and second TWINS 10, WHITE SOX 3 this season. The right-hander also blanked In Minneapolis, Twins rookie Aaron the Chicago White Sox on April 12. Jason Hicks hit two home runs and made a leap- PHOENIX: Paul Goldschmidt No. 44 of the Arizona Diamondbacks slides safely into second base ahead of the tag by Dan Uggla No. 26 of the Kipnis homered in the first inning off David ing catch in center field to take a tying Atlanta Braves at Chase Field. —AFP Phelps (1-2) for the Indians, outscored 25-7 home run away from Adam Dunn in by the Yankees in two losses last month. Minnesota’s victory over Chicago. Consecutive postponements back then Justin Morneau extended his hitting Braves rout Diamondbacks forced the teams back to Progressive Field streak to nine games with three hits and for a one-admission twinbill. four RBIs, including a three-run double that capped the scoring in the eighth PHOENIX: Justin Upton snapped a with an ingrown toenail that league-leading eighth quality start. slide barely beat the tag to snap a ATHLETICS 5, RANGERS 1 inning. Trevor Plouffe had a two-run dou- 14-game homerless drought and required surgery. He’s the first Cubs pitcher since 3-3 tie. In Oakland, Yoenis Cespedes and ble in the third. had four hits to help the Atlanta Josh Beckett (0-5) gave up four Hippo Vaughn in 1919 to start with Brandon Moss hit consecutive home runs Hicks, who missed the previous two Braves rout the Diamondbacks 10-1 runs - two earned - and three hits in eight quality starts. BREWERS 5, PIRATES 1 on Monday in his return to Arizona. three innings while striking out five In Pittsburgh, Marco Estrada and AJ Griffin matched his season high games with a sore right elbow, led off the Upton, the first overall pick by and walking two. CARDINALS 6, METS 3 allowed three hits over seven with eight strikeouts to lead Oakland over fourth with a solo homer to center that Arizona in the 2005 amateur draft, In St. Louis, Lance Lynn over- innings as the Brewers beat the Texas. It was Texas’ first trip to Oakland gave the Twins a 5-2 lead. He robbed Dunn was playing his first game at Chase CUBS 9, ROCKIES 1 came early control woes as St. Louis sloppy Pirates to snap a four-game since being swept in the final three games of a two-run shot in the sixth and connect- Field since the offseason trade that In Chicago, Travis Wood pitched used a three-run seventh inning to losing streak. Norichika Aoki went 3 of the 2012 regular season and coughing ed again in the bottom half. sent him and third baseman Chris seven scoreless innings and the beat the Mets. for 5 with three RBIs and two stolen up the AL West title to the surprising A’s. Dunn and Hicks entered the game tied Johnson to Atlanta in a seven-play- Cubs came within two outs of their Lynn (6-1) allowed three runs on bases for the Brewers. Jean Segura The Rangers (24-14) arrived in the Bay Area for the lowest batting average in the er deal. Upton followed his brother first shutout since last August in a three hits and four walks the first added three hits and three stolen having won seven of nine and began the majors (.137) among qualifiers. When the B.J., who was hit on the left shoul- win over the Rockies. two innings. He only gave up one bases as Milwaukee ran wild day with the best record in the majors, but night was over, Hicks’ average was .152 and der by Wade Miley (3-2) to lead off Alfonso Soriano homered for hit and one walk in his last five against Pittsburgh backup catcher again ran into their division nemesis. Dunn’s .133. the sixth, and powered a fastball Chicago, which has won three innings. He is 4-0 at home this sea- Mike McKenry. The Brewers stole six Griffin (4-3) went seven innings and did- Twins starter Pedro Hernandez (2-0) onto the porch above the center straight for the second time this son. Rick Ankiel, signed by the Mets bases in all and took advantage of n’t walk a batter for the first time this sea- allowed three runs and six hits in 5 1-3 field fence for his 13th home run season. The Cubs’ 14 hits were one earlier in the day after clearing three Pittsburgh errors to win for son. He improved to 3-0 in four starts innings. Hector Santiago (1-2) yielded six and first since April 27 at Detroit. short of a season high. waivers and playing against the just the second time this month. against division opponents. runs - three earned - and eight hits in 5 2-3 Johnson hit a two-run homer to Josh Rutledge hit a home run off team that revived his career as a Estrada (3-2) bounced back from Mitch Moreland homered to give the innings. He had only allowed one earned cap Atlanta’s three-run fifth and Carlos Marmol with one out in the position player, just missed a diving a rough start against St. Louis by Rangers the lead in the second, then Eric run in his previous two starts.—AP Brian McCann also homered for the ninth, ruining the Cubs’ bid for their catch on Ty Wigginton’s pinch-hit striking out five and issuing just Sogard and John Jaso hit RBI singles for Braves, who ended a three-game first shutout win since they beat bloop double to shallow center off one walk to remain unbeaten the A’s in the bottom half. Texas had its losing streak. Braves starter Mike Colorado on Aug. 26. The Cubs Scott Rice (1-3) to open the sev- against the Pirates. four-game winning streak snapped. Justin Minor (5-2) allowed one run on have gone 74 games between enth. Matt Carpenter followed Burnett (3-4) allowed four runs Grimm (2-3) lost his third straight. eight hits over 6 2-3 innings. shutouts, their longest streak since Wigginton’s hit with a sharp in seven innings and pushed his going 75 in a row from May 15 until grounder off Rice’s leg and the ball National League-leading strikeout TIGERS 7, ASTROS 2 NATIONALS 6, DODGERS 2 Aug. 6, 1999, according to STATS. rolled into foul territory down the total to 72, but Pittsburgh couldn’t In Detroit, Andy Dirks hit his first career In Los Angeles, Jordan Wood (4-2) allowed two hits while first-base line. Wigginton never extend its winning streak to a sea- grand slam, part of a six-run fourth inning Zimmermann won his NL and striking out two for his major stopped running and his head-first son-high four games.—AP for Detroit against Houston. Victor major league-leading seventh Martinez also homered for the Tigers, who game, Ryan Zimmerman drove in swept four straight in Houston earlier this three runs and the Nationals MLB results/standings defeated the Dodgers after losing month and opened this three-game series Cleveland 1, NY Yankees 0; NY Yankees 7, Cleveland 0; Milwaukee 5, Pittsburgh 1; St. Louis 6, NY Mets 3; Detroit 7, Houston at Comerica Park with another convincing Bryce Harper in a violent collision with the wall in right field. 2; Chicago Cubs 9, Colorado 1; Minnesota 10, Chicago White Sox 3; Atlanta 10, Arizona 1; Kansas City 11, LA Angels 4; victory. Anibal Sanchez (4-3) allowed two Oakland 5, Texas 1; Washington 6, LA Dodgers 2. runs and six hits in seven innings for the Zimmermann (7-1) allowed nine Tigers. He struck out eight with one walk. hits and two runs in 7 2/3 innings, American League National League Bud Norris (4-4) allowed seven runs and struck out five and walked none. Eastern Division Eastern Division Harper left the game in the fifth nine hits in five innings before leaving with W L PCT GB Atlanta 22 16 .579 - after hitting the scoreboard wall lower back spasms. Houston has lost five NY Yankees 24 14 .632 - Washington 21 17 .553 1 face-first while tracking a ball hit by straight and 15 of 18 - and the Astros also Baltimore 23 15 .605 1 Philadelphia 18 21 .462 4.5 AJ Ellis over his left shoulder. He lost standout second baseman Jose Altuve Boston 22 16 .579 2 NY Mets 14 21 .400 6.5 never looked at the wall and when Tampa Bay 19 18 .514 4.5 in the second with a jaw injury after he col- Miami 11 27 .289 11 he finally turned, he was on top of Toronto 15 24 .385 9.5 lided with right fielder Jimmy Paredes on a Central Division it. The impact sent Harper’s cap fly- Central Division St. Louis 24 13 .649 - popup. Dirks finished a triple shy of the Detroit 21 15 .583 - ing as he bounced off the wall and Cincinnati 22 16 .579 2.5 cycle - a fine performance in the leadoff Cleveland 21 16 .568 0.5 crumpled to the ground, with Ellis Pittsburgh 21 17 .553 3.5 spot after Austin Jackson went on the dis- Kansas City 19 16 .543 1.5 getting a triple. Milwaukee 16 20 .444 7.5 abled list earlier in the day with a pulled Harper rolled onto his back and Minnesota 18 17 .514 2.5 left hamstring. Chicago White Sox 15 21 .417 6 Chicago Cubs 16 22 .421 8.5 eventually got up under his own Western Division power. Streaks of blood were evi- Western Division ROYALS 11, ANGELS 4 Texas 24 14 .632 - San Francisco 23 15 .605 - CLEVELAND: Starting pitcher David dent on his neck as he walked off Arizona 21 18 .538 2.5 In Anaheim, Billy Butler broke out of a the field. There was no immediate Oakland 20 20 .500 5 Phelps No. 41 of the New York Yankees Seattle 18 20 .474 6 Colorado 20 18 .526 3 severe slump with five hits and five RBIs as update on his condition before the pitches against Indians during the first LA Angels 14 24 .368 10 San Diego 16 21 .432 6.5 Kansas City kept Joe Blanton winless in game ended. He was playing just inning during the first game of a double- Houston 10 29 .256 14.5 LA Dodgers 15 22 .405 7.5 eight starts this season with a victory over header at Progressive Field.—AFP his second game after missing two National Aviation Services (NAS) wins Agility’s 2013 cricket cup

KUWAIT: Agility organized a Lions battled against the Agility six-week-long cricket tourna- Global Integrated Logistics ment for all its employees in (GIL) 18K Rising Stars to take Kuwait. The tournament includ- the rolling trophy for 2013. ed employees from Agility’s During the presentation follow- local Infrastructure companies ing the finale, Agility’s Toby such as Metal and Recycling Switzer, Chief Human Capital Company (MRC), Gulf Catering Officer and Frank Clary, Company (GCC) and National Director, Corporate Social Aviation Services (NAS). 16 Responsibility awarded prizes teams with a total of 260 and trophies to the first, second employee team members par- and third place teams. ticipated in the tournament. Agility’s Global Integrated Qualifying and elimination Logistics 20K Challengers were matches were held every Friday awarded third place in the tour- morning at the Agility grounds nament. Thishan Vijesinghe in Mina Abdalla. was named Man of the Match The final matches were held for the championship game; in a festive atmosphere with and Thaha Cheruvalath and supporters of each team cheer- Amad Uddin Mallik took away ing in the stands. The National the titles of Best Batsman and Aviation Services (NAS) Asian Best Bowler of the tournament. WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 SPORTS

SUMAVA MOUNTAINS: A group of kick bikers train in the Sumava Mountains. An international team of six riders from the Czech Republic, Finland and the Netherlands is set to do what no one has done before: to mark the 100th edi- tion of the Tour de France, they plan to cover the entire distance on kick bikes.—AP Tour de France: The final frontier for kick bikers

SUMAVA MOUNTAINS: A joke over beer could the June 29-July 21 race. But they have more of the sport, time is a constraint. “The long Zimovcak, who covered the 2005 Tour on a pen- is looking forward to “riding Alpine roads down.” turn into a defining moment for a new sport practical obstacles to deal with: traffic lights will stages may take about 15 hours or more,” ny-farthing bicycle. Kussisto hopes the training and team spirit will when an international team of six men attempt slow them down, one-way roads may force Odvarka said. “Sometimes, we won’t get “I said that if the 50-year-old guy made it on help them overcome any obstacle. to mark the 100th edition of the Tour de France them to look for alternate routes - and they’re enough sleep.” a bicycle, I’d do it on a kick bike when I’m 30,” “We switch the kicking leg and the standing by covering the entire distance on kick bikes. still waiting for permission for their support The team’s budget of 600,000 koruna Vaclav Liska said. Others followed suit. leg all the time, like three kicks, switch, three Kick bikes have no pedals but the sturdy rid- vehicle to enter mountainous stages. ($30,200) means they will sleep in tents and “It could be that some of us won’t make it. kicks, switch,” he said. “And you need to be able ers say that a combination of passion and great A more mountainous route also makes the instead of using a plane for two long-distance But we’re a team and we want to promote this to micro relax your muscles for a tenth of a sec- fitness - and no doping - should suffice to com- challenge enormously tough this year. The rid- transports, they will spend hours in cars. That beautiful, small sport,” Liska said. Their idea ond.” plete the almost 3,500-kilometer (2,175-mile) ers will have to climb the towering Alpe-d’Huez each of them will have a tent of his own is the looked crazy enough for one of the biggest Kussisto said he considered riding the Tour course for this year’s race. Fame is not an issue. twice in the 18th stage, just four days after only luxury. Their support team includes a names in the sport - Alpo Kussisto of Finland - in 1998 but gave it up because “I was riding They say they’re doing it to put their sport on another classic climb - Mont Ventoux - at the masseur, a physiotherapist, a driver and a trans- to join them. “It’s a wonderful idea,” said mostly alone. Now we have a really good team. I the map. end of the 15th stage, the Tour’s longest this lator. The crucial question about how to get Kussisto, a two-time world champion and a think it’s possible.” “If we succeed, nobody will remember our year. proper food was solved after the father of one world record holder. “I hope that we can even While the Tour is still clouded by doping names anyway,” Czech team member Michal After two years of hard training, the grueling of the men - Dutch rider Rene Konig - offered to enjoy it. France is a beautiful country.” concerns after Lance Armstrong was stripped of Kulka said during a recent training camp in ascents of the Tour don’t seem to bother them serve as a cook with his girlfriend. The 2013 Tour offers plenty of beauty as it his seven titles, the six kick bikers say they’ll be southwestern Czech Republic. “Who cares?” too much. “I’m more afraid of trucks,” said The four Czechs, all former track and field runs past famous sites such as the Mont Saint- as clean as can be. “Doping makes no sense for Starting each stage a day before the actual Jaromir Odvarka, another Czech member. For athletes, got the idea several years ago while Michel monastery and the palace of Versailles. us,” Kulka said. “We don’t race. We just want to race means they will miss some of the hype of the bikers, who all belong in the top echelons sitting at a bar watching a report on Josef But Kussisto, above all, loves the mountains and be the first to make it.”—AP Bulls performance US, Russia and Iran to runs out of steam CHICAGO: The little engine that could games, then even more surprising, beat finally threw a gear. The Chicago Bulls back Brooklyn in the first round. wrestle in New York might have been the most heartwarming Naturally, things only got worse. tale going this postseason, but it’s over. Chicago’s second-best offensive player, NEW YORK: The governments of the United States Unlike the bedtime story, fumes and spare Luol Deng, who played all season with a parts get you only so far in the NBA. It was variety of hurts, has missed the last six play- and Russia can sometimes be at odds. Americans always a matter of when - not if - they’d fall off games; the Bulls’ best perimeter defend- and Iranians rarely see eye to eye on anything. But apart. Go back and take a look at what hap- er, Kirk Heinrich, similarly battling injuries the possibility of wrestling losing its Olympic spot pened in the third quarter of their Eastern for months, has been out for the last seven. has given these three often-divergent nations a Conference semifinal Monday night against Now the Bulls head to Miami down 3-1, cause to rally around. the Miami Heat, or better yet, don’t. It was where this series will end - officially, but The US, Russian and Iranian wrestling teams will about as ugly as you’d imagine. The Bulls mercifully, too. “They’re in a tough situa- meet on Wednesday for an historic exhibition in scored exactly nine points in the period, an tion,” LeBron James said - not that it New York. It’s a showcase event for what the sport’s all-time franchise low. stopped him from dropping 27 points on international governing body has dubbed “World At various times in the final quarter, Chicago’s wearied defenders. “They’ve had Wrestling Month.” Chicago had Nazr Mohammed, Daequan some injuries and illnesses and whatever’s The IOC in February recommended that Cook, Malcolm Thomas, Marquis Teague going on. They don’t have their full roster, wrestling be dropped from the Olympic program and 35-year-old Rip Hamilton on the floor. but that’s not for us to worry about.” What’s scary isn’t that some NBA fans had That was Thibodeau’s worry all season, starting in 2020. Wrestling now has to plead its case no idea that any or all of that group was in and the jury could be out for a while decid- to the IOC to be included as a provisional sport in St. the league; rather, it’s that many of those ing whether he treated the players avail- Petersburg, Russia on May 29. same fans wouldn’t recognize the guys able at any given moment like a chess mas- The New York exhibition, known as “The Rumble they were supposed to be spelling. ter or a meat grinder. The team’s unofficial on the Rails” and to be held at Grand Central The Bulls wound up shooting 26 per- motto became “Next Man Up!” - the Bulls Terminal, is designed to highlight the sport’s inter- cent and totaled just 65 points by the end left a placard with the slogan on every seat national appeal and popularity. The pre-meet news of Game 4, another team record for futility. in the arena Monday night - but “Next Man conference is even being held at the United Nations, LONDON: In this Friday, Aug. 10, 2012 file photo, from left: Silver medalist Sadegh Saeed Yet they probably had no business getting Down!’ might turn out to be more accurate and the meet will be televised live by the NBC Goudarzi, from Iran; gold medalist Jordan Ernest Burroughs, from the United States; bronze that many, let alone this far in the playoffs. in the long run. Sports Network and Universal Sports - a rarity for a medalist Soslan Tigiev, from Uzbekistan; and bronze medalist Denis Tsargush, from Russia, “We’re kind of putting screws and bandag- Thibodeau possesses one of the sport struggling for ways to make itself more viewer- participate in the medals ceremony for men’s 74-kg freestyle wrestling competition at the es everywhere,” said forward Taj Gibson, league’s best defensive minds, and the friendly. The Iranians, who will be competing in the 2012 Summer Olympics, in London. —AP another backup pressed into regular serv- effort he coaxed, mostly from a bench long US for the first time in 10 years, will also compete beginning and were in the program of the Olympic been a part of,” Burroughs said after the World Cup. ice. “It’s frustrating. Every night and every on second-stringers, was something to day. “It’s rough. It’s really rough,” he added a behold. In what might have been his final against the Americans at an exhibition in Los Games even in the time of ancient Greece ... is unjus- “We’re competitors on the mat. But with the deci- moment later. “I wish I could explain how motivational ploy for this season, Angeles on May 19. tified,” Russian president Vladimir Putin said in sion by the IOC, now everyone is coming together.” I’m feeling right now. How everybody in Thibodeau put out a revised lineup just “In this crisis, we all stick together. Wrestlers March. The New York and Los Angeles exhibitions high- this locker room is feeling now.” moments before Game 4 with Deng listed maybe can do, sometimes, what politicians cannot,” But wrestling holds a place in Iranian culture that light a busy week for wrestling. FILA, the sport’s Actually, there’s no need for a lengthy as “active,” even though he wasn’t long out said Nenad Lalovic, the acting president of FILA, the likely exceeds that of even the U.S. and Russia. international governing body, will meet in Moscow explanation when a glance will do. Gibson of a hospital bed. The coach also reached sport’s governing body. “We love our sport, and we It’s often been said that wrestling is the national on Saturday to discuss major changes designed to had icepacks covering both knees as he deep into his doghouse and finally tossed a are united to save it.” If there’s one thing that the US, sport of Iran, where it doesn’t have to compete with improve wrestling’s standing with the IOC. talked. Across the room, Joakim Noah had few minutes to Hamilton, who like Russian and Iran have in common, it’s a proud tradi- the likes of baseball, American football and hockey. The matches in New York and Los Angeles won’t his right foot (plantar fasciitis) submerged Robinson, shoots the ball without con- tion of wrestling success and a deep passion for the The Iranians won three golds in London, backed by count for much more than pride. But wrestling offi- in a bucket of ice. Next to him, Nate science and is a defensive liability. sport that’s been re-ignited by the IOC. a fan section more boisterous than any other nation. cials are hoping to show the IOC and the world that Robinson had an icepack covering his left Neither is Thibodeau’s kind of player. The Americans have won more Olympic medals Tehran also served as the first place for the interna- a sport which can bring three such powerful but shoulder. The players who hadn’t left in a Whether the pair returns remains to be in wrestling than any other country. When put in tional wrestling community to come together and often clashing nations together is one worthy of a hurry to lick their wounds at home were seen, though you could say the same about still lined up in the trainer’s room, awaiting a few more of the youngsters and castoffs certain context, it can be argued that the US start formulating a plan to save its Olympic status. spot in the Olympic Games. their turns. the coach used to great effect. The more wrestling team has been more successful than any The first major meet of the year, the World Cup, In fact, a photo of Burroughs and Iranian wrestler Every team has to cope with injuries, important question is whether the front- other American Olympic team. The Russians are now was held in Tehran roughly a week after the IOC Sadegh Saeed Goudarzi locked arm-in-arm on the but what happened to the Bulls and coach liners - Rose, Deng, Heinrich and Noah, the world’s premier wrestling nation. They won 11 decision, and the world’s top 10 wrestling nations - medal stand in London has become a symbolic Tom Thibodeau this season gives the who’s played relentlessly despite the foot medals in the recent London Olympics, including including the U.S., Russia and Iran - met to discuss image on social media sites for the movement to phrase new meaning. His best player, injury - will continue to entrust their four gold, when no other nation claimed more than how to respond to the IOC. US Olympic champion save Olympic wrestling. “It is an exciting opportunity Derrick Rose, the league’s MVP in 2011, was careers to a coach who won’t, or can’t, ever six medals. The Russians were furious at the IOC’s Jordan Burroughs said the fans inside the arena for wrestling to show the world its ability to bring a scratch at the start because of knee sur- take his foot off the throttle. recommendation, and their angst over the sport’s were overwhelmingly supportive of the competi- together nations of different political, cultural and gery, and despite a doctor’s note clearing Afterward, Thibodeau was asked Olympic future stretches all the way to the top. tors, regardless of what country they wrestled for. geographic backgrounds,” USA Wrestling Executive him to return in March, he never did. whether the Bulls’ performance was proof “The removal from the Olympic program of tradi- “It was probably the best wrestling venue, in Director Rich Bender said in announcing the New Somehow, the Bulls won 45 regular-season they’d simply “run out of steam.” —AP tional forms of sports, which were its basis from the terms of fan support and excitement, that I’ve ever York meet last month.—AP Afridi, Khan given Pakistan contracts and a pay rise

ISLAMABAD: All-rounder Shahid Afridi and to receive category A contracts. retainers of $1,400 each. Left-handed opening batsman Younis Khan were surprisingly Fast bowler Umar Gul, Umar Akmal and batsman Nasir Jamshed was promoted from C awarded category A contracts by the Pakistan Abdur Rehman were demoted to category B, to B. Cricket Board yesterday, plus a pay rise of 15 worth $2,500 a month, along with five other The PCB also awarded stipends of $700 to percent. players. nine players. All 30 contracts were only for this Both players, with more than 500 one-day Gul had been ruled out of the Champions year. After the Champions Trophy, Pakistan internationals between them, were dropped Trophy due to injury, but it was another PCB tour West Indies, and then host South Africa on form for next month’s Champions Trophy surprise that the paceman was demoted from and Sri Lanka. in England and Wales, but will be given category A despite consistently playing in all Last year, the PCB gave players a raise of 25 monthly retainers of around $3,600. Afridi, three formats of the game. Test opener percent after renewing their 2009 contracts. retired from tests, still hopes to play in the Taufeeq Umar and fast bowler Aizaz Cheema, Test match fees were also increased by the 2015 World Cup, while Khan is wanted for who were in category B previously, were PCB by about $550. Category A players will tests. Test and ODI captain Misbah-ul-Haq, demoted to category C. get around $4,400 per test, category B player Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez and The Akmal brothers, Kamran and Adnan, around $3,850, and category C players offspinner Saeed Ajmal were the only others were among eight players in category C for $3,300.—AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 SPORTS How Mancini’s Man City Photo of the day dream turned sour

LONDON: Roberto Mancini’s dismissal as 2011-12, including the stoppage-time win- manager of Manchester City, which was ner on the season’s final day that wrenched confirmed on Monday after weeks of spec- the title from United’s grasp. He has scored ulation, would have been almost unthink- just 11 in the league this term. Creative able 12 months ago. midfielders David Silva and Samir Nasri The Italian walked on water in parts of have been deeply disappointing, while Manchester in May last year, after leading Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure are no the club to a dramatic first league title in 44 longer the rocks upon which City founded years, a season after success in the FA Cup last season’s title triumph. ended a 35-year trophy drought. His Even Joe Hart’s form has dived. The best reward was a new five-year contract, goalkeeper in England last season, Hart has reportedly worth £25 million ($38.4 million, produced a number of poor performances, 29.6 million euros), and he spoke of his with high-profile blunders in games at desire to “build on our recent success”. Sunderland, Southampton and West Ham One year on, he finds himself without a United. club and with a dent in his reputation after Mancini’s man-management has also City fell well short in their league title come under scrutiny, despite his success in defence, limped out of the Champions managing to sell the combustible Mario League in the group phase, and were Balotelli to AC Milan in January. stunned by Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup Nasri hit out at him after Mancini final. Mancini has protested throughout claimed he wanted to “punch” the that in leading City back to the top of the Frenchman for his inconsistent displays English game after decades in the wilder- earlier this year, while Hart was rebuked by ness, he has achieved all that could be the manager for criticising the side follow- expected of him. ing a 3-2 Champions League loss at Real He has also lamented City’s lack of Madrid in September. impact in last year’s close-season transfer That brusqueness has reportedly window, having seen Robin Van Persie angered members of City’s playing staff, head to Manchester United and Eden while Mancini’s complaints about the lack Hazard settle on Chelsea after each player of depth in his squad-despite the massive rejected overtures from the champions. investment by the club’s Abu Dhabi-based Mancini laid the blame for these set- owners-will not have gone down well in backs squarely at the door of the club’s the boardroom. board for moving too slowly, and even After the FA Cup final, Mancini criticised went so far as to claim that had City signed the club for failing to publicly deny media Rotorwings Formation Team flies at the Zell am See Airport, Austria. www.redbullcontentpool.com Van Persie, they would have been champi- reports identifying Malaga boss Manuel ons and not United. Pellegrini as his likely replacement. City certainly lacked fire-power. Having However, with strategy at board level romped to the title with 93 goals last sea- now partly in the hands of former son, an average of 2.45 per game, they Barcelona directors Ferran Soriano and Man City sack Mancini have hit the net an average of just 1.72 Txiki Begiristain, Mancini will have realised times per game this season-only the sixth- some time ago that too many false moves best figure in the league. were likely to cost him dearly. MANCHESTER: Manchester City sacked man- Mark Hughes, and that season led them to a ing for the Champions League for the first However, while Van Persie might have Despite his disappointment, Mancini ager Roberto Mancini on Monday following fifth-place finish which was at the time their time, and beating Stoke City 1-0 in the final to helped turn some of City’s nine draws into will have heard the City fans chanting his his team’s feeble defence of the Premier best ever Premier League showing. The club win the FA Cup. wins, it does not explain why the match- name at Wembley on Saturday, and as the League title they won exactly one year ago. splashed the cash before the next season, It was the end of a 35-year wait for a tro- winners Mancini did have at his disposal man who brought the glory days back to Manchester United regained the title last bringing in the likes of David Silva and Yaya phy and a tangible reward for the huge funds suddenly appeared to lose their bearings. the blue half of Manchester, he will not month with four games to spare and City Toure as they went on to finish third, qualify- invested by the club’s Abu Dhabi owners. Sergio Aguero found the net 23 times in want for sympathy.—AFP were then beaten 1-0 by Wigan Athletic in Having been criticised for a conservative last Saturday’s FA Cup final. approach to games under Mancini, much City had also failed to progress from the changed the following season when the Struggling Brazil need group stage of the Champions League for a Italian brought in Sergio Aguero and Samir second successive season despite boasting Nasri and City became a stylish goal-scoring Confed Cup boost one of the most expensively assembled machine that lit up the league. squads in the world. A 6-1 victory over then champions United RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil line-up for next World Cup title in his first stint as manager “It is with regret that Manchester City at Old Trafford proclaimed their serious title month’s Confederations Cup fully con- after a chaotic qualifying campaign. Football Club announces that Roberto credentials and a fascinating battle with their scious that victory is paramount if they are Brazil’s hopes of fresh glory also rest Mancini has been relieved of his duties as neighbours ensued with City snatching the to go on and secure a sixth World Cup in with Neymar, the talented 21-year-old strik- Manchester City Manager,” the club said in a title on goal difference in the dying seconds front of their fanatical home supporters in er who has shone for his club Santos, less statement. of the season. 2014. so for his country and who is angling for a “Despite everyone’s best efforts, the club Six decades on, the kingdom of Pele still move to either Barcelona or Real Madrid. Hoping this might be the start of many has failed to achieve any of its stated targets titles to come, City’s defence of their crown hurts from missing out to Uruguay in Rio Yet six months after his return, Scolari’s this year, with the exception of qualification de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium for the 1950 Brazil have failed to impress, with a 2-1 loss never really got off the ground this season. for next season’s UEFA Champions League. World Cup title-an entire generation of to England, three stalemates against Italy Mancini placed some of the blame with players will suffer similar heartache if they (2-2), Russia (1-1) and Chile (2-2), and only “This, combined with an identified need to the failure to sign Robin van Persie, whose fail to lift the Jules Rimet trophy next year. one win-a 4-0 rout of modest Bolivia. develop a holistic approach to all aspects of prolific goalscoring helped United to their football at the club, has meant that the deci- The Confederations Cup, which runs According to Brazilian football commenta- 20th league title, but it was also clear that sion has been taken to find a new manager from June 15-30, will prove no walk in the tor Marcos Guterman, the omens for a sixth many players who had shone the year before for the 2013/14 season and beyond.” park for the South American superpower world title are hardly encouraging. were below their best. who for once will not be lumbered with “Brazil are playing way below the level Media speculation has been rife that There were also media rumors of disquiet their habitual tag of favourites. of any of the other top teams like Spain and Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini was being After living off a diet of friendlies for the Germany. “They lack a system of play capa- lined up as a replacement but the Chilean among players unhappy with Mancini’s abra- past three years, they must use this return ble of getting results,” said the author of the denied late on Sunday that he had spoken sive management style, his tendency to criti- to official competition to restore confi- book “Football Explains Brazil: A Story of with City and said no agreement had been cise them publicly and tactical choices. dence and to regain the trust of their fans the Biggest Popular Expression of the reached. “Roberto’s record speaks for itself and he who booed the selecao after a lacklustre 2- Country”. Assistant manager Brian Kidd will be in has the respect and gratitude of Sheikh 2 draw against Chile on their last run-out “We need a miracle to win the (Confed) Mansour, myself and the Board for all of his on April 24. Cup in June,” he suggested gloomily. In charge for City’s remaining two games of the season and the post-season tour to the hard work and commitment over the last To prevail next month, Brazil will first contrast, Ronaldo is convinced that Scolari three and a half years,” chairman Khaldoon Al have to extricate themselves from a first- will silence sceptics from taxi drivers to United States. round group featuring Italy, Mexico and lawyers who no longer believe in their “This has been a difficult decision for the Mubarak said in the statement. Japan, before a likely match-up with world national team. owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is “He has clearly also secured the love and and double European champions Spain. Former Brazilian legends appear to have the outcome of a planned end of season respect of our fans. He has done as he prom- The burning question posed by fans lost their nerve too, with Pele and Romario review process that has been brought for- ised and delivered silverware and success, since Brazil’s premature exit from the 2010 reduced to exchanging insults on Twitter. ward in light of recent speculation and out of breaking the club’s 35-year trophy drought World Cup and their subsequent alarming Scolari has offered only half a dozen respect for Roberto and his extensive contri- and securing the title in 2012. “I would like to slide down FIFA’s world rankings is which names of players certain to be in his 2014 butions to the Football Club,” the statement personally and publicly thank him for his system of play and which players Luiz World Cup squad-Thiago Silva, David Luiz, said. dedication to the progress that he has over- Felipe Scolari will employ. Daniel Alves, Julio Cesar, Fred and Neymar. Former Inter Milan manager Mancini seen and for his support and continued As Brazil have searched for the balance For the rest questions remain whether Manchester City’s Italian manager Roberto between the demands of modern day foot- he will call up veterans like Ronaldinho, joined City in December 2009, succeeding Mancini friendship.” —Reuters ball and the “beautiful game” mastered by back on better terms with himself since his Pele, Zico and Romario, they have plum- return home after an unsatisfactory end to meted from sixth to a worst-ever 19th his European stay at AC Milan or Real place in world football’s pecking order. Madrid’s super-sub striker, Kaka. Sociedad’s CL bid checked by Granada The present crisis prompted the Brazil open the tournament against Brazilian Football Federation to pluck from Japan on June 15, with Mexico next four MADRID: Real Sociedad’s bid to crashed a superb volley past home shot through a crowded penalty son and host Real Madrid at the end the past Scolari, the man who guided the days later and Italy concluding their Group qualify for the Champions League goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. area to snatch a point for the visi- of the month. Brazil of Ronaldo and Bebeto to the 2002 A schedule on June 22. —AFP for the first time in a decade suf- Carlos Vela raced down the left tors. Sociedad and Valencia are five fered a setback when they conced- wing and crossed for Agirretxe to The result left Sociedad and points ahead of sixth-placed Malaga ed a late goal and were held to a 2-2 chest the ball cleverly into the net to Valencia, who won 4-0 at Rayo after their 0-0 draw at home to draw at home to Granada in La Liga restore Sociedad’s lead moments Vallecano on Sunday, level on 59 Sevilla on Sunday, while Granada are Russia defeat Austria 8-4 on Monday. before halftime. points in fourth and fifth place 16th on 36 points, four above the Imanol Agirretxe nodded However, after Agirretxe and Vela respectively with three games left. relegation places. STOCKHOLM: Ilya Kovalchuk scored a in Stockholm helped Canada edge Sociedad ahead in the ninth minute both struck shots against the frame Sociedad are above Valencia in “It’s a shame,” Agirretxe said in an goal and made two more as Russia sur- Slovenia 4-3 in their final group game to at their Anoeta stadium in San of the goal relegation-threatened the standings as they have a better interview with Spanish television vived an early onslaught to beat Austria move to the top of their group ahead of Sebastian but Granada levelled six Granada mounted a late fightback head-to-head record but they have broadcaster Cuatro. “We had those 8-4 at the world ice hockey champi- Switzerland. Slovenia failed to win any minutes later when Youssef El Arabi and Recio threaded a 93rd-minute a tricky run-in to the end of the sea- two shots against the post so we didn’t have any luck in that respect,” onships in Helsinki on Monday. games at the world championships and he added. The Russians were 2-0 up and cruising are relegated to division one for next “Then we tried to keep the ball after Kovalchuk’s ninth-minute goal, but year. but we were the ones suffering three quick-fire goals, including two in a Earlier in the day, Denmark held on to towards the end.” Under French 15-second burst, put Austria in front beat Belarus 3-2, despite the latter fight- coach Philippe Montanier, Sociedad before Russia leveled again at the end of ing back from 3-0 down. Second-placed have played some of the most the first period. Switzerland can still win the group if they entertaining football of the season and are the only team apart from Alexander Radulov put Russia ahead make it seven wins out of seven by beat- Real Madrid to have beaten leaders again only for the dogged Austrians to ing Belarus late yesterday. Barcelona. pull them back through a Florian Iberer Third-placed Sweden have also made Their golden period came in the goal. After that the Austrian resistance the quarter-finals, with the final berth in 1980s when they twice won La Liga crumbled and the Russians fired four the Stockholm group going to the win- and reached the European Cup more goals to complete the rout. ners of the crunch game between semi-finals in 1982-83, where they By winning their final group game in Norway and the Czech Republic. fell to eventual winners Hamburg fine style, defending champions Russia In Helsinki, the United States can top SV. More recently, they spent three will progress to the quarter-finals as no their group with a win over Slovakia, with successive years in the second divi- worse than third seeds. Austria are con- Russia and Finland also already qualified sion before winning promotion in demned to finish bottom of their group for the quarter-finals. the 2009-10 season. Fourth place and drop from the elite to division one of Slovakia, Latvia, France and Germany would be their best result since they world ice hockey. are all in with a shout of making the final were second and qualified for the In the early game in the Finnish capi- quarter-final spot, with the latter pair due Champions League in 2002-03. tal, Latvia beat France 3-1 in a result that to face one another in a must-win match. Granada were in the fourth tier of Spanish soccer as recently as 2006 moved them out of the relegation zone Should Slovakia upset the United and after winning promotion to the and dented France’s hopes of making the States, they will go through, while Latvia top flight in the 2010-11 season nar- quarter-finals. will be looking to beat Finland to have rowly avoided relegation last term A third-quarter Brenden Dillon strike any chance of progressing. —Reuters SPAIN: Real Sociedad’s defender Carlos Martinez (center) vies with Granada’s Romanian midfielder Gabriel when they finished one place above Torje (right) and Granada’s midfielder Recio during the Spanish League football match. —AFP the drop zone.—Reuters SPORTS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 Eriksson says Benfica are more gifted than Chelsea

AMSTERDAM: Benfica are more technically gifted than Chelsea but will still go into Wednesday’s Europa League final in Amsterdam as the underdogs, according to for- mer England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson. The Swede knows a great deal about Benfica having twice been in charge of the double European champions during his globetrotting career. “Sure, Chelsea are the favourites with a very balanced squad and with very expensive players but in GERMANY: Bayern Munich’s striker Thomas Mueller (left) and Dutch midfielder Arjen my opinion the technique of Robben attend a press conference at the Allianz Arena stadium, as part of the FC Benfica’s players is a tad better,” Bayern Munich open media day prior to their UEFA Champions League final. —AFP Eriksson told the aBola daily news- paper. “Benfica’s technique is very Bayern has learned lessons sharp. They control the ball well and play good football.” The 1961 and from last season’s defeat 1962 European champions lean heavily on skilful midfielders MUNICH: Bayern Munich stars say the heart- defense is now, I won’t go so far as to say per- Eduardo Salvio, Nicolas Gaitan, breaking loss to Chelsea on penalties in last fect, but very good. Pablo Aimar, Ola John and Nemanja season’s Champions League final at home “That’s the priority in modern football and Matic to provide the ammunition strengthened the team’s mental frame and that’s why we are playing such attractive for Paraguayan sharpshooter Oscar determination to win everything this season. football,” said the 68-year-old coach, who Cardozo and attacking partners “For me personally, the loss last year only hinted strongly that he would retire after the Lima and Rodrigo. served to give me more motivation for this season. Pep Guardiola, the former Barcelona Cardozo, Lima and Rodrigo have season,” forward Thomas Mueller said. “It coach, is already set to take over at Bayern bagged 71 of the club’s 118 goals would have been great to have won last year next season. this season. Eriksson, who was at AMSTERDAM: Members of the Benfica squad take part in a training session at the Amsterdam Arena. at home, for our fans, but for us it’s important After losing to Chelsea, Bayern took on the helm when the Portuguese Benfica play Chelsea today in the final of the Europa League. —AFP to win the title, not where we win it. This sea- defensive midfielder Javi Martinez in a team lost 1-0 to AC Milan in the we can have our pay back against finals like this either in my career or Munich because of suspension. son we seem to play better abroad anyway.” Bundesliga transfer record of ‚Ǩ40 million. It 1990 European Cup final in Vienna, Chelsea. We must believe,” said the career of my players,” he said. The former England defender is Outgoing coach Jupp Heynckes says the also signed Brazilian defender Dante and believes Benfica will quickly forget Perez. In what has become an icon- “Motivation won’t be a problem a doubtful starter after he was car- team acquired key players in the offseason Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic. All three about their agonising 2-1 defeat by ic image in Portugal, coach Jorge and winning the Europa League ried off on a stretcher when he that particularly gave bulk and stability to its have become backbones of the team, with arch-rivals Porto on Saturday. Jesus sank to his knees in dispair would bring us international recog- twisted his ankle in Saturday’s 2-1 defense and helped the team dominate the Mandzukic pushing Germany striker Mario Both sides went into the game when Porto scored their stoppage- nition.” victory at Aston Villa. season. Gomez to the bench. undefeated and Porto’s victory put time winner. Chelsea can turn to their own Quicksilver Belgium winger Eden Heynckes and several of his stars spoke to With one match remaining in the them in pole position to win the “This was a very painful loss in ranks for tips on the opposition Hazard is also unlikely to play after the media yesterday in the build-up to the Bundesliga, Bayern is 22 points ahead of domestic championship. the very last move of the match,” because Brazilian internationals he injured his hamstring at the Champions League final against Bundesliga Dortmund, with a 94-15 goal difference and “A European final is unique,” said said Jesus. “We feel deep sorrow but David Luiz and Ramires were both weekend. Playmaker Juan Mata rival Borussia Dortmund on May 25 at only one loss in the domestic season. In the Eriksson. “As soon as they start no one can take away the work signed from the Portuguese side. wants Chelsea to end their season Wembley. Champions League semifinals, Bayern dis- preparing for the final the Porto we’ve done, nor our quality.” “I am happy to meet them in the in style by winning the Europa Bayern players expect the first all-German patched Barcelona 7-0 on aggregate. match will vanish from their minds.” Benfica have good memories of final because they are top players,” League and then confirming a top- final to produce a tense, close match Bayern’s only loss away came in the early Eriksson came close to landing a Amsterdam where they won the said Benfica captain Luisao. “David three finish in the Premier League between two teams with no tactical secrets Champions League group stage at BATE treble for Benfica in 1983 when they last of their European Cups against is having a brilliant career and I am with a home victory over Everton between them. Borisov. It has lost at home once in the won the domestic league and cup Real Madrid in 1962. a fan of Ramires on and off the on Sunday. “Both teams know each other well, there Bundesliga and to Arsenal in the Champions double but lost 2-1 on aggregate to Beating all-conquering Real, pitch. He is a great guy.” “The season is about to end and are no secrets. The coaches know each other. League in the round of 16. Anderlecht in the two-legged final who had won the trophy five years Ramires has been a mainstay of perhaps the best moment is yet to But a final is always an open affair with equal “We are mentally very strong and we of the UEFA Cup, the forerunner to in a row from 1956-60, was proba- Chelsea’s midfield this season while come,” said Mata. “We may win a chances,” Heynckes said. “But every coach has have this clear target to win every match,” the Europa League. bly the greatest moment in the the versatile Luiz can play alongside new European title and officially get some ideas and it’s up to the players to exe- Heynckes said. “In all my years as coach, I The Swede won the Portuguese club’s proud history. Jesus, who was his compatriot or in the centre of a ticket to play in the next cute them. So far this season, my players have never seen players so focused, not league three times in all in his two in charge when Benfica were beat- the defence. Champions League. “This is the sec- have done this very well.” influenced by outside things. After such a spells at the club. Argentine mid- en by domestic rivals Braga in the Captain John Terry looks like suf- ond time in my two seasons at After going through two seasons without disappointment last year we bounced back fielder Enzo Perez also believes 2011 Europa League semi-finals, is fering final heartbreak for the sec- Chelsea that we will play for a a trophy, Bayern can complete a unique tre- and are playing such a great season.” Benfica will quickly shrug off the looking forward to taking on last ond year in a row after he missed European trophy. It would be amaz- ble this season. It won the Bundesliga cham- Schweinsteiger said he could see the misery of losing to Porto. year’s Champions League winners last year’s Champions League ing to win two European titles in pionship with a record six games to spare great motivation in all of his teammates. “All “The team is beat up and sad but Chelsea. “There won’t be many shootout victory over Bayern consecutive years.”—Reuters and it is also in the German Cup final, one of us on the squad can step in and play when week after the Wembley final. needed, we have a better squad than last “We have a better squad this season, the season,” said Schweinsteiger, who missed a new signings integrated well and we have penalty in the shootout in last year’s final. Injured Messi could not had many injuries,” said Bastian But he also put the final in perspective: “I Schweinsteiger, described by Heynckes as won’t live longer if I win.” Bayern returned to “currently the best midfielder in the world.” practice yesterday after spending the week- be done for season Bayern hopes to finally win the title in its end celebrating the Bundesliga title. The tro- third final in four years. phy was officially presented Saturday. “We’ve MADRID: Lionel Messi could be done for Golden Shoe award is likely to remain “It’s time,” Mueller said. “If you lose three had too many parties the last 10 days, now the season after he was ruled out for up unchallenged. finals, you would get the label of a loser, and we return to hard work,” captain Philipp to three weeks because of his nagging The other two matches which Messi is that would not be unjustified.” Lahm said.—AP hamstring injury, meaning he’s set to fall set to miss are against Valladolid and the Arjen Robben will have a chance at short of breaking his own Spanish Catalan derby against Espanyol. Messi redemption, after missing a penalty in extra league scoring record. first injured his hamstring on April 2 in time against Chelsea and becoming the tar- Barcelona said yesterday that the the first leg of the Champions League get of loud boos from Bayern fans. Match on TV four-time FIFA player of the year has re- quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain, “It’s nice to play finals, but you also need (Local Timings) aggravated the right hamstring strain and re-aggravated the injury in Sunday’s to win,” Robben said. “Last year was very dis- that has limited him for the last six 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid. The win over appointing.” Heynckes said Bayern played a weeks and only a quicker-than-expected Atletico was only the fifth league game great season last year using only 14-15 play- UEFA Europe League return to fitness would see him play this season in which Messi played but ers. again for the Spanish team this season. failed to score - having netted in 21 con- “This season we are using 20-22. We got Benfica v Chelsea 21:45 Barcelona said Messi will be sidelined for secutive previous appearances. top signings with character that fits into our Al Jazeera Sport +4 two to three weeks, with the team’s last - Messi, who was making his first team. We got better physically and our and meaningless - league game against league start since the injury, left the Malaga scheduled for June 1. pitch in the 68th minute after Barcelona Barcelona has already clinched the had made all three substitutions and Violence cuts short league title with three games left, but was trailing 1-0. The team rallied without Messi is four goals short of matching his him. own record of 50 goals that he set last Barcelona has no other trophies left PSG’s celebrations year. But with 46 league goals, eight in to play for, as it lost in the semifinals of the Champions League and four in the the Copa del Rey and Champions PARIS: Paris St Germain’s Ligue 1 title cele- can’t welcome the players in these condi- Lionel Messi Copa del Rey, his grip on the European League.—AP brations were cut short on Monday when tions,” the ceremony’s public announcer 30 people were injured in clashes between said as the players were forced to leave the spectators and police in the west of the Place du Trocadero earlier than expected. French capital. Riot police fired tear gas to try to dis- Cairo giants square off in Zaha fires Palace “Thirty people were injured, three of perse the crowd after up to what police them members of the police forces,” Paris estimated was 15,000 people had gathered CAF Champions League into playoff final chief of police Bernard Boucault told a to celebrate PSG’s first league title since news conference. “Twenty-one people 1994. Bus shelters were destroyed during JOHANNESBURG: Bitter Cairo rivals Al- Apart from a $1.5 million (1.160 mil- LONDON: Manchester United-bound Wilfried Zaha scored were also arrested for questioning after the episode with some of the people Ahly and Zamalek were pitted against lion euros) first prize, the eight survivors both goals as Crystal Palace beat Brighton and Hove Albion throwing projectiles or causing damage.” involved covering their faces. A PSG play- each other when the CAF Champions from three rounds of qualifiers are chas- 2-0 on Monday to reach the Championship (second tier) Boucault said “hundreds, maybe thou- ers’ cruise on the Seine river, which was League draw was made in Cairo yester- ing a 2013 FIFA Club World Cup place. playoff final where they will face Watford. sands of troublemakers” spoiled the cele- part of the scheduled celebrations, was day. The annual tournament brings The two sides were level 0-0 after Friday’s first leg and it brations, adding “we did not underestimate cancelled, the club said on its website The two most successful teams in the together champion clubs from each FIFA took until the 69th minute of the second leg for the visitors the means needed to tackle such a situa- (www.psg.fr). “There will be no more cele- premier African club competition are in region and this year Morocco will to break the deadlock. tion. Some 800 police officers were called brations on the streets of Paris for PSG,” Group A with AC Leopards of Congo become the first African hosts. Zaha, who is joining Premier League champions United up”. He said nobody had been seriously Boucault said. PSG should be able to prop- Brazzaville and Orlando Pirates of South Ahly defeated and drew with in July, sent Palace a step closer to joining him in the top hurt. Some of those involved wore PSG erly celebrate the title on Saturday when Africa. Zamalek in the Champions League flight with a header from close range after a superb cross shirts and climbed on to temporary scaf- they host Stade Brest at the Parc des Al-Ahly defeated Esperance of Tunisia group phase last season and also have from substitute Yannick Bolasie. The Ivory Coast-born for- folding as the soccer club’s players were Princes, where the players spent most of 3-2 over two legs last November to first-hand knowledge of Leopards. ward made sure of the win with a fine left-footed strike showing off the French champions’ trophy. the evening after the celebrations were claim a record-extending seventh The clubs clashed last February in the into the roof of the net two minutes from time. “The scaffolding is going to collapse. We ended.—Reuters African title. CAF Super Cup with Ahly edging 2012 “I’ve got no words to express how I feel right now. It However, Cairo derbies that would CAF Confederation Cup winners means the world to me, I’ve played for Palace for 10 years ordinarily attract sell-out 80,000 crowds Leopards 2-1 in Alexandria. so doing this for Palace is just perfect for when I leave,” are set to be played amid the eerie There will also be plenty of video Zaha told Sky Sports. silence of empty stadiums. material on 1995 champions Pirates to “I’m just happy I scored really. Getting two goals is just a Spectators have been barred from scrutinise as most South African games dream really.” Brighton’s best chances had come a few min- virtually all domestic and CAF fixtures in are screened by Pan-African station utes before Zaha’s opener with substitute Ashley Barnes Egypt since 72 spectators died after SuperSport. having one effort saved on to the bar and another cleared post-match rioting in Port Said last year. Group A appears the tougher with off the line. Crowds limited to 3,000 were permit- Ahly and five-time Champions League Palace, who finished fifth this season behind fourth- ted at Ahly and Zamalek CAF games this winners Zamalek favored to make the placed Brighton, are seeking a return to the Premier year only for the ban to be reinstated semi-finals. League for the first time since they were relegated in 2005, following crowd trouble. Esperance, winners once and run- while manager Ian Holloway last managed in the top flight Zamalek supporters ripped seats ners-up twice in the past three editions, with Blackpool in 2011. from fittings at the Borg El Arab stadium are the club to beat in Group B with It is the second successive year Holloway will be head- in Alexandria and Ahly fans hurled fire- Coton Sport slight favourites to finish ing to the Championship final after Blackpool were beaten crackers on the pitch at the same venue. runners-up. 2-1 by West Ham United last term. Former champions Esperance are in But Sewe San Pedro shocked Al-Hilal While Holloway was delighted with all his players, he Group B with Coton Sport of Cameroon of Sudan in the second elimination was in no doubt about how vital 20-year-old Zaha’s role and newcomers Sewe San Pedro of Ivory round and Recreativo Libolo boast the had been in getting them to Wembley. Coast and Recreativo Libolo of Angola. best record of the eight title challengers. “I wish he was still with us next year,” he said. Watford Each club plays its three rivals at The Angolans won five games and booked their place in the May 27 final at Wembley on home and away between July 19 and drew the other when disposing of Sunday when they beat Leicester City 3-1 on the day for a PARIS: French Red Cross members evacuate a person on a stretcher during clashes September 22 with group winners and Simba of Tanzania, El-Merreikh of Sudan 3-2 aggregate victory. Champions Cardiff City and runners- with the police as Paris Saint-Germain’s supporters celebrate the club’s champi- runners-up advancing to the semi-finals. and Enugu Rangers of Nigeria.—AFP up Hull City won automatic promotion to the Premier onship one day after Paris secured French League football championship title.—AFP League. —Reuters US, Russia and Man City Iran to wrestle sack Mancini in New17 York 18 WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Eriksson says Benfica are more gifted than Chelsea Page 19

ROME: Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball to Albert Montanes of Spain during an ATP Italian Tennis Open match in Rome. — AFP Djokovic dumps Montanes in Rome

ROME: Top-ranked Novak Djokovic quickly overcame an early tiebreaker. The Dane has struggled on clay this season, losing to was his third Madrid Open success. his sixth title at the Masters event in the Italian capital. He said he break to beat Spanish qualifier Albert Montanes 6-2, 6-3 yester- Yaroslava Shvedova in the first round in Madrid and to Carla Nadal now has 40 titles on his beloved clay, equal second in would be back on the practice court on Monday and was cau- day and reach the third round of the Italian Open. Djokovic Suarez Navarro in her first match in Stuttgart, Germany, last the Open era with Thomas Muster, and if he stays fit he could eas- tious when asked about his prospects for the coming months. dropped his serve to fall behind 2-1 in the opening set but broke month. Also, eighth-seeded Petra Kvitova overcame a second-set ily overhaul Guillermo Vilas’s record of 45 by this time next year. “The outlook will be great if I don’t feel anything in my knee,” he back immediately and took control from there against his 32- lapse to beat Sabine Lisicki of Germany 6-4, 0-6, 7-5 and reach the Ominously for any rival eyeing his Roland Garros crown - he said. “But I don’t know how the thing’s going to improve, so that’s year-old opponent. third round. will be chasing an eighth title in Paris starting at the end of this why I want to be very calm, stay with the feet completely on the The six-time Grand Slam champion didn’t appear to have any Also in the first round, 12th-seeded Maria Kirilenko of Russia month - he said after his victory in Madrid he was close to where floor, and go day by day. “Things are going well but the injury is problem with his right ankle, which he twisted while represent- eliminated Spanish qualifier Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-3, 6-3 he wanted to be in terms of fitness and form. Nadal told a news not two years ago. It’s just a few months ago. “So I need to be ing Serbia in the Davis Cup in April then appeared to hurt again and will next face 31st-ranked Varvara Lepchenko of the United conference that Sunday’s match was his most satisfactory per- calm, enjoy every moment, and for sure keep working hard to be in a second-round loss to Grigor Dimitrov at the Madrid Open last States, who defeated Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko 6-4, 6-2. formance since his return to Europe after his Indian Wells victory fit for the rest of the season.” Nadal was reluctant to look beyond week. Djokovic has reached the final in four of the five past years Meanwhile, when Rafa Nadal returned to action in February in March. Rome and discuss his chances for the French Open. at the Foro Italico, winning the title in 2008 and 2011. after seven months out with a knee injury he never thought that “I’ve realized that my forehand is working again at its best lev- “It’s the moment just to be happy with what I have achieved In the first round, Julien Benneteau of France eliminated 12th- just over three months later he would have another five titles in el and I am able to open up the angles and play a lot of winning in Madrid, in Barcelona and Monte Carlo. “You know, I’m here and seeded Nicolas Almagro 7-6 (2), 6-4; and Mikhail Youzhny beat the bag, including two more Masters triumphs. points,” Nadal said. next week I will be in Rome and I will be thinking about Rome. I 13th-seeded Tommy Haas 6-4, 6-3 in a matchup of tour veterans. The Spaniard, a former number one and the French Open “It’s true that in some moments I was lacking a little bit of won’t be thinking Roland Garros. Also, former top-10 player Fernando Verdasco of Spain defeated champion, dropped to five in the world during his enforced backhand or legs. “But if I’m able to compensate for that with my “When it comes we will think about Roland Garros, which is a Horacio Zeballos of Argentina 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. absence before storming back to win in Sao Paulo, Acapulco, aggressiveness everything changes. pretty important tournament, of course, but it’s not the only one In the women’s tournament, former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki Indian Wells, Barcelona and now Madrid. “These last matches I have been able to reach that goal, you in the world. lost to 48th-ranked Bojana Jovanovski 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) in the first He also reached the finals at Vina del Mar and Monte Carlo know, that line, that place where I want to be playing, the kind of “If you told me four months ago all this would have happened round. and Sunday’s 6-2 6-4 destruction of Swiss 15th seed Stanislas form that I’m aiming for.” Nadal now heads to Rome, where he and I wasn’t going to do well in Roland Garros I would tell you, The 10th-seeded Wozniacki wasted a 5-2 lead in the third-set Wawrinka in front of his adoring home fans in the Spanish capital beat world number one Novak Djokovic in the final last year for yes, I will sign that with my eyes closed.” — Agencies Uran clinches Giro stage Heat beat Bulls CHICAGO: LeBron James scored 27 points as the Miami Heat ITALY: Olympic silver medallist Rigoberto ing Uran to attack. I saw Wiggins behind but nearly matched a club record for points conceded in a playoff Uran soloed to victory in the hilly 10th stage I was more afraid of Scarponi in this stage.” game, dominating the listless and short-handed Chicago Bulls of the Giro d’Italia yesterday, as his Sky team Uran, meanwhile, claimed afterwards he 88-65 on Monday to take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference leader and race favorite Bradley Wiggins lost had planned to cap a strong ride by the semifinals. more time to race leader Vincenzo Nibali. team with his first stage win from a Grand At Memphis Tennessee, Tony Allen scored on a driving layup Uran attacked on his own before the final Tour. to open overtime as the Grizzlies beat the Oklahoma City 4.4km climb to the summit finish of “I’m very happy to have taken the win Thunder 103-97 to push the defending Western Conference Altopiano del Montasio in what appeared to today. It is the first win for me in a Grand champions to the edge of elimination. The Bulls’ 65 points were be a tactic designed to put the pressure on Tour and it is very satisfying after getting so just two more than the all-time postseason low for a Miami Nibali’s Astana team. close before. It nice to finally be able to fin- opponent, and it was easily the worst offensive performance by a However, Nibali and fellow victory con- ish off a victory,” said the Colombian. “It is Chicago team. tender Cadel Evans of Australia ultimately doubly special as it came after such a strong Never before had the Bulls scored fewer than 69 in a playoff responded in positive fashion, upping the ride from the team. It was always the plan game or 10 in a quarter during the postseason, but both those pace in the final few kilometres to leave for me to attack on the climb and things marks fell on a night when they were dominated on both ends of the floor. Wiggins, the Tour de France champion, trail- went to plan. The team rode incredibly all Miami led by 11 at the half and put this one away in the third ing by over 30secs. day. quarter, outscoring Chicago 17-9 in the period. “We worked for it,” Neither won the stage but Nibali and “The result has meant I have jumped up said Heat forward Chris Bosh. “I never like to say that things are Evans came over the finish line of the a few positions on the general classification easy.” 167km race, which began in Cordenons in so now I am one second in front of Brad. The defending champion Heat will try to wrap up the series at the extreme northeast of Italy, 31secs That is a good position to be in for me and home today. James had his usual complete game with eight behind Colombian Uran. Wiggins arrived for the team to have two riders there.” assists and seven rebounds Monday. 37sec later, meaning the Englishman is now Despite losing out to Nibali for the bonus Bosh finished with 14 points after scoring 20 and grabbing 19 fourth overall at 2min 05sec behind Nibali. seconds on offer for third, Evans said he was rebounds in Game 3, and the Heat won again despite another Evans, the 2011 Tour de France champi- pleased to hold on to second place overall quiet night from Dwyane Wade (six points), whose right knee on, is second overall only 41secs behind after the race’s first major mountain stage. was bothering him again. He appeared to aggravate it on a fall- Nibali and must now be considered the “It’s probably not going to be a big deal away jumper during the game but was able to return after get- Italian’s only real rival in a race which, given at the end, but I would rather not concede ting re-taped. Wiggins’ performances in the past week, time,” he said. “To maintain my position at “It’s frustrating at times, but you just try to do what you can,” Wade said. The Grizzlies shook off a first half in which they could- seems out of reach for the 2012 Tour de this point is still very good. So far, so good. n’t hit shots and the Thunder seemingly couldn’t miss in building France champion. We still have a lot of mountain stages to go.” their largest lead in this series at 17 points. But the Grizzlies have Nibali said afterwards: “Sky tried to iso- Although aware of Wiggins losing time, yet to lose on their home court this postseason, and they won late me to attack me.... but I managed to the Australian said the only rider he was their third straight and seventh in eight games to grab a 3-1 lead gain a few important seconds on Scarponi focusing on was Nibali. “I don’t know what in the series. Game 5 is today in Oklahoma City. and the others.” was going on behind, of course, but Nibali is The Grizzlies outscored the Thunder 9-3 in overtime. Kevin “It was a difficult stage coming off a rest the rider I have to focus on at this point con- ITALY: Colombia’s Rigoberto Uran celebrates his victory as he crosses the finish line Durant scored 27 points but missed all five of his shots in day but for me it went off well. I was expect- sidering my place in classification.” — AFP of the 10th stage of the 96th Giro d’Italia (Italy Tour) cycling race. — AFP overtime. — AP UAE markets hit multi-year highs, no sign of abating Page 22

Branch banking in the digital age Business Page 24 WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 Australia govt US hedge fund calls for Sony Entertainment spin-off forecasts $19.4 billion deficit Page 25 Page 23

NEW YORK: In this Friday, April 12, 2013. photo, specialist Allison Gamba works at her post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Financial markets remained subdued yesterday as investors assessed whether the recent optimism that has seen many stock indexes hit historic highs will last. — AP US oil boom leaves OPEC sidelined European refiners at risk of further closures

LONDON: Rising US shale oil production will help meet most production, which will rise by more than 10 percent between fallout from the ‘Arab Spring’ is taking a toll on investment and The IEA said that beyond the well known story of growth in of the world’s new oil demand in the next five years, even if 2012 and 2018 to 59.31 million bpd, the IEA said, increasing its capacity growth,” the IEA said. “Downward adjustments across Brazil, China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, the global economy picks up steam, leaving little room for estimate of non-OPEC supply in 2017 by 1 million bpd versus the (OPEC) group are partly offset by substantially stronger many African nations were also on the rise on the global oil OPEC to lift output without risking lower prices, the West’s its previous report in October 2012. The United States will growth in Saudi capacity than previously expected, reflecting consumption map. The IEA also predicted shifts in the global energy agency said. The prediction by the International overtake Russia as the world’s largest non-OPEC producer as newly announced development projects,” it added. Iran’s sus- refining industry as countries such as India and Saudi Arabia Energy Agency (IEA) came in its closely watched semi-annual early as 2015, the IEA said. That may leave OPEC, which had tainable crude production capacity is likely to fall by as much build new refining capacity. report, which analyses mid-term global oil supply and been long seen as the last resort for the world to meet rising as 1 million bpd to 2.38 million bpd by 2018, the lowest in The expansion of global refining capacity will outpace demand trends. demand, with output fluctuating around the current levels of many decades, due to Western sanctions, the IEA said. upstream supply growth as well as demand growth, bringing “North America has set off a supply shock that is sending 30 million bpd for the next five years. The IEA said the balance of global supply growth, until refining margins under pressure. Higher-cost refineries will ripples throughout the world,” IEA Executive Director Maria The agency cut its estimate of the demand for OPEC crude recently evenly split between OPEC and non-OPEC, was tilting face stronger competition. “European refineries are at particu- van der Hoeven said yesterday. “The good news is that this is in 2017 to 29.99 million bpd, down by 1.22 million bpd from towards the latter. “North America thus increases its share of larly high risk of closure over the forecast period,” the IEA said. helping to ease a market that was relatively tight for several its previous report six months ago. It said OPEC’s spare capac- supply growth both within the non-OPEC group and more The IEA added that another consequence of the surge in US years,” she added. Oil yesterday traded near $103 a barrel, well ity will rise by over a quarter to reach 6.4 million bpd or 6.6 globally,” it added. In every other aspect of the supply chain, production was a shift in natural gas pricing, which would below its peak of $147 in 2008. percent of global demand, giving an additional cushion to be it demand, refining, trade or storage and transportation, challenging the conventional wisdom that products produced The IEA said it expected global demand to rise 8 percent potential supply shocks, the report said. The adoption of US the fast rise of emerging market and developing economies is from oil will continue to dominate the market for transport on aggregate between 2012 and 2018 to reach 96.7 million shale technology could help Russia and China boost produc- striking, it said. fuels. “Cheap and abundant natural gas has already facilitated barrels per day (bpd) based on a fairly optimistic assumption tion from unconventional reserves, but new projects may slow These economies are projected to overtake advanced the transition of the U.S. economy towards broader use of the by the International Monetary Fund of 3 to 4.5 percent global in other areas. economies in oil product consumption from the second quar- fuel,” the agency said. Natural gas will increase its share of economic growth a year during the period. “Several members of the (OPEC) producer group face new ter of 2013. This lead will widen from 49 percent of global road transport fuels to 2.5 percent in 2018 from 1.4 percent in That incremental demand will be met mainly by non-OPEC hurdles, notably in North and sub-Saharan Africa. The regional demand in 2012 to more than 54 percent by 2018. 2010, it forecast. — Reuters Ranbaxy pleads guilty, to EADS posts profit leap pay $500m in US settlement as Airbus orders soar PARIS: European aerospace giant EADS A350 aircraft, due to be delivered at the end reported a near doubling of first-quarter net of 2014, remained “very ambitious” but that NEW YORK: Indian generic drugmaker Ranbaxy head of research information & portfolio manage- “It took us eight years to help government profit yesterday, boosted by a strong per- there had been no anouncement of delays Laboratories Ltd pleaded guilty on Monday to felony ment, is entitled to $48.6 million as the whistleblower authorities unravel a complicated trail of falsified formance by its main subsidiary Airbus which since the middle of 2012. charges related to drug safety and will pay $500 mil- in the case, the Justice Department said. It was Thakur records and dangerous manufacturing practices that makes airliners. Quarterly profits soared by 91 The Eurocopter division, making heli- lion in civil and criminal fines under the settlement who uncovered the unsafe practices and violations at threatened to compromise the quality and safety of percent from the level 12 months ago to 241 copters, which had performed strongly last agreement with the US Department of Justice. The Ranbaxy. Ranbaxy drugs,” he added. Ranbaxy, majority-owned million euros ($316 million) on strong year, was hit by technical problems affect- settlement is its largest-ever with a generic drugmaker “Ranbaxy’s management was notified of these by Japan’s Daiichi Sankyo Co Ltd , stopped selling demand for commercial aircraft. ing its Super Puma model, resulting in a over drug safety, according to the US government. It widespread problems. When they failed to correct the drugs to the U.S. markets while it fixed problems Earnings before interest, tax, deprecia- restriction on flying. Sales fell by 13.0 per- includes $150 million in payments for a criminal fine problems, it left me with no choice but to alert health- with its manufacturing procedures in the United tion and amortisation jumped by 79.0 per- cent and operating profit by 69.0 percent. and forfeiture and $350 million in payments for civil care authorities,” Thakur said in a statement. States and India.—Reuters cent to 596 million euros, despite excep- Orders fell by 36.0 percent in the quarter on claims. tional charges of 145 million euros in the a 12-month comparison. The settlement has been in the works for some Airbus division which is dealing with micro EADS said that the performance of time. In December 2011, Ranbaxy set aside $500 mil- cracks in the wings of its superjumbo air- Eurocopter should recover during this year lion to resolve the potential criminal and civil liabilities craft. The price of shares in the group rose because the company had identified the related to the investigation by the government into its by 3.01 percent to close at 42.44 euros. The cause of the technical problems. Orders by manufacturing practices and falsifying data. The com- Paris stock exchange’s CAC 40 index rose the space division Astrium fell by 30.0 per- pany reached a related settlement agreement with 0.53 percent. At brokers Barclays Bourse, cent on a 12-month comparison but sales the US Food and Drug Administration in 2011. “The portfolio manager Renaud Murail com- rose by 3.0 percent. Against a background of financial provision Ranbaxy established in December mented: “Overall, the results do not contain cuts in defence budgets in the West, the 2011 will be sufficient to cover all material financial any bad surprises. The trend is favourable in defence arm Cassidian raised sales by 2.0 obligations under the agreement,” the company said terms of activity and the group is confirm- percent and its operating profit by 40.0 per- in a news release announcing the conclusion of the US ing the good announcements which the cent. EADS stood by its targets for the full investigation. market was expecting.” year, expecting EBIT earnings before non- Ranbaxy USA pleaded guilty to three felony counts He said that in addition “the group is recurrent items to be 3.5 billion euros in 2013 related to the manufacture of drugs at two Indian from 3.0 billion euros in 2012. Deliveries of locations that did not meet safety standards and to confirming its targets with once again a four counts of making material false statements. In the good number of orders or rumours of Airbus aircraft should continue to increase to civil settlement, Ranbaxy has agreed to pay $350 mil- orders which are in the air, particularly from 600-610 commercial aircraft. lion to resolve allegations that drugs from the two companies in the Gulf.” The European The group held to a target of 700 orders Indian plants did not meet specifications and that Aeronautic Defence and Space Company in the year, which appeared modest since false claims were submitted to US government health- said that group orders for the first three commercial director John Leahy is counting care programs between April 1, 2003 and Sept. 16, months rose to 49.9 billion euros compared on 750 for the year and had booked 493 by 2010. to 12 billion during the same period last the end of April. EADS said it expected In 2008, the FDA banned the company from selling year. Orders for Airbus’ commercial aircraft “modest” growth for the year, mainly about 30 drugs in the United States after it found showed the highest jump, leaping 496 per- because of a slowing of orders for its super- manufacturing deficiencies at facilities in India. In cent. Sales for the first three months of the jumbo airliner, the A380, which has been year were up 9.0 percent at 12.4 billion held back by a programme to deal with 2009, the FDA had accused the company of falsifying ROPAR: A view of the Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited pharmaceutical Indian factory at Toansa village in data and test results in drug applications and halted euros, the group added. EADS noted that micro cracks in some of the wing compo- Ropar about 50 Km from Chandigarh yesterday. The US subsidiary of New Delhi-based Ranbaxy the programme for its future long-haul nents. — AFP reviews of drugs made at a plant in northern India. Laboratories pleaded guilty to seven counts of felony after it distributed several India-produced adul- Dinesh Thakur, former Ranbaxy director and global terated generic drugs in the United States in 2005 and 2006. — AFP WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 BUSINESS UAE markets hit multi-year highs, no sign of abating Expectations are strong after DIB’s merger with Tamweel

DUBAI: Markets in the United Arab Emirates hit new index is moving closer to the peak of that year at 2,408 per share. That is down from the 280 pounds per share multi-year highs yesterday, delaying an expected bout points - a major resistance. offered in January. Investment firm EFG-Hermes of profit-taking as upbeat earnings added fuel to the Abu Dhabi’s measure climbed 1.8 percent to a fresh gained 3.6 percent and most other shares were also bullish sentiment, while Saudi Arabia and Egypt fell. 54-month high. The number of shares changing hands up. Non-Arab foreigners were net sellers, bourse data In Dubai, banks rallied. Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) yesterday -424.7 million - was the second-highest for a showed. rose 5.8 percent, extending year-to-date gains to 54.7 session in 2013, aided by a 134 million single trade in percent. The bank completed a share swap acquisition Eshraq Properties. HIGHLIGHTS of mortgage lender Tamweel in which it provided 10 Financials lead gainers, with Abu Dhabi Islamic DUBAI new shares in the bank for every 18 held in Tamweel, it Bank and Union National Bank rising 5.5 and 4 percent The index rose 2.7 percent to 2,255 points. said earlier this week. respectively. “Expectations are strong for 2013 after DIB’s merger Elsewhere, Oman’s bourse rose 0.5 percent, aided ABU DHABI with Tamweel - it will reduce their lending costs and by gains at investment firms. Oman National The index gained 1.8 percent to 3,481 points. give it the ability to be competitive in the mortgage Investment Corporation climbed 5.4 percent and lending segment,” said Marwan Shurrab, vice-presi- Oman Investment and Finance Co advanced 4.1 per- OMAN BONN: In this March 9, 2010 file photo the headquarters of German dent and chief trader at Gulfmena Investments. cent. The index advanced 0.5 percent to 6,319 points. Deutsche Post DHL is pictured in Bonn, western Germany. Mail, express “It is also cheap in terms of valuations compared to Qatar’s measure gained 0.4 percent, and Kuwait’s Abu Dhabi banks, which have seen a strong rally this index advanced 0.2 percent to a fresh 42-month peak. QATAR delivery and freight company Deutsche Post DHL saw its profits dip in the year.” In Saudi Arabia, the benchmark slipped 0.3 percent. The benchmark rose 0.4 percent to 8,938 points. first quarter as the weak global economy saw companies ship fewer goods Air Arabia gained 0.9 percent. The budget carrier Insurance stocks tumbled for a second session since by air and after a large one-time gain in the year-ago quarter. —AP posted a 20 percent year-on-year rise in net profit for the market regulator announced plans to cut down on KUWAIT the first quarter, boosted by a 22 percent advance in speculative trading through stricter rules. The index advanced 0.2 percent to 7,863 points. revenue. The insurance sector index dropped 6.7 percent. Economy hurts Deutsche The results were positive and showed the firm’s Petrochemicals shares helped limit losses, with the SAUDI ARABIA growth potential in the medium term, said Reda heavyweight sector’s benchmark adding 0.8 percent. The index declined 0.3 percent to 7,139 points. Post DHL freight business Gomaa, portfolio manager at Mashreq in Dubai, Egypt’s measure retreated 0.3 percent. Large-cap FRANKFURT: Mail, express delivery and strained macroeconomic environment” adding there was still value in the stock despite its ear- Orascom Construction Industries fell 1.3 percent to EGYPT ly-year rally. 242.8 Egyptian pounds after Dutch-listed parent OCI The index slipped 0.3 percent to 5,401 points. freight company Deutsche Post DHL saw that includes a stagnant European econo- Air Arabia is up 31.7 percent year-to-date. Dubai’s NV cut the tender offer price for a share swap. its profits dip in the first quarter as the my. Air freight revenue fell 8.2 percent to benchmark climbed 2.7 percent to 2,255 points - its OCI NV said yesterday it would offer holders of BAHRAIN weak global economy saw companies ship 1.2 billion euros, with a particularly strong biggest one-day jump since the opening session of OCI’s Egypt-listed shares the option of swapping them The measure gained 0.5 percent to 1,148 points. fewer goods by air and after a large one- decline in the technology and manufactur- 2013 and its highest level since October 2009. The for OCI NV shares or a cash alternative of 255 pounds —Reuters time gain in the year-ago quarter. ing sectors. Still, operating earnings for the Deutsche Post DHL made a net profit of freight division showed a 1 percent 498 million euros ($647 million) in the first increase due to strict cost management. Bank credit sees big jump in March: NBK three months of the year, 5.9 percent lower Its express delivery division saw operat- than the year-ago equivalent of 529 million ing earnings rise almost 10 percent to 254 NBK’s Economic Update euros. million euros. At the mail division, which is The year-earlier figure included a one- focused on its home base in Germany, rev- KUWAIT: Bank credit saw a big jump remained down on the year. While growth remained healthy, the ing the month were led by construc- time gain of 186 million euros from the sale enues rose for its package delivery busi- in March, it’s largest monthly gain in Total bank credit rose by a solid pace has seen some slowing. The 3- tion, real estate and industry. of a stake in Postbank to Deutsche Bank. If ness. It cited “booming” e-commerce, in more than four years. While house- KD 279 million in March to KD 27.35 month annualized growth slowed to Meanwhile, oil & gas and trade saw hold credit continued to show billion, pushing year-on-year (y/y) 15% compared to 22% in November. declines in total credit. Private sec- the Postbank gain were excluded, net prof- which people have goods delivered from strength, growth in March was sup- credit growth to 5.2%. Household Facilities for the purchase of securi- tor deposits saw another strong it would have risen 45 percent. Revenues online retailers. That helped offset fewer ported by credit gains from non- credit (personal facilities excluding ties gained KD 45 million, which monthly gain. Deposits have been rose 0.6 percent to 13.44 billion euros. working days in the quarter due to the ear- financial business sectors for the lending for the purchase of securi- coincided with an active month on growing steadily since November. The company’s shares rose 3.3 percent ly Easter holiday weekend. second consecutive month. Credit ties) saw another healthy gain, while the KSE. March reflected the general trend in to 19.44 euros in midday trading in Europe. Deutsche Post DHL, which has 473,000 growth also received support from loans to the nonfinancial business Non-financial business activity deposit growth over the last year, “Even though we have yet to feel any sort employees in 220 countries and territories, the non-bank financial sector, which sector made a strong contribution in saw a second large consecutive with savings, site and foreign cur- of economic tailwind, we were able to get emerged from the former government experienced a break from its March. ersonal facilities (ex-securi- monthly increase in March with rency deposits seeing solid double deleveraging trend, though it ties) rose by KD 76 million in March. credit up KD 148 million. Gains dur- digit growth at the expense of time off to a solid start in the new year,” CEO post office through privatization, and deposits. The latter have been large- Frank Appel said in a statement. He said remains Germany’s domestic mail carrier. ly flat over the last year. In March, the results “demonstrated once again just The German government owns a 24.9 per- they rose by KD 440 million. The how robust our business model is.” cent stake through its KfW bank. The com- increase was mostly in foreign cur- Deutsche Post DHL, which operates an pany maintained its full-year forecast for as rency deposits (up by KD 531 mil- air freight hub in Cincinnati, Ohio, said its much as 2.95 billion euros in earnings lion) and sight deposits (up by KD freight business saw slower demand in “a before interest and taxes. —AP 149 million). Time deposits fell by KD 311 million. As a result, the broader measure of money (M2) expanded by KD 445 million during the month, with M2 growth remaining relatively Kuwait’s Investment strong at 8.7%. The narrower meas- ure (M1) increased by KD 154 million. Dar offers new Deposit rates on dinar time deposits remained steady at current settlement to creditors low levels. Average rates fell by 1 to 2 basis points across all maturities. KUWAIT: Kuwaiti investment house The company said it remained com- The 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and Investment Dar said yesterday it had mitted to the repayment schedule 12-month deposit rates averaged offered to give creditors a stake in a under the 2011 plan. 0.57%, 0.76%, 0.96% and 1.17% portfolio of assets in exchange for their The settlement-in-kind will raise the respectively. debt as an alternative to an offer made chances of the company being able to he dinar weakened slightly under a 1 billion dinar ($3.5 billion) repay its debt on time, Chairman against the USD in March, largely debt restructuring plan agreed in 2011. Adnan al-Musallam said in a statement. related to a weakening of the euro Investment Dar said the offer was There were no details on the type or against the USD. The USD/KWD rate optional and voluntary and open to all value of assets offered to creditors declined to 3.52 while the EUR/KWD of its banks and investors. It said those under the settlement. BRUSSELS: German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, left, talks with Finnish Finance rose to 2.72 (up 2.2% on February). Minister Jutta Urpilainen, during the EU finance ministers meeting, at the European Council which did not want to swap would Shares in Investment Dar, which The dinar has decreased by 2.1% retain their claims under the original owns a stake in luxury British carmaker building in Brussels, yesterday. European Union finance ministers seek ways to cut down on tax against the US dollar over the last evasion, action British Chancellor George Osborne says is particularly important in current cir- restructuring plan, which offered credi- Aston Martin, have been delisted from year while remaining relatively tors a 10 percent stake. the Kuwait stock exchange. —Reuters cumstances. —AP steady against the euro.

EXCHANGE RATES

Commercial Bank of Kuwait Thai Baht 9.669 Omani Riyal 740.69 743.000 Guinea Franc 0.0000444 0.0000504 Malaysian ringgit 94.221 Qatari Riyal 78.59 78.500 Hg Kong Dollar 0.0343160 0.0374160 Irani Riyal 0.271 Saudi Riyal 76.02 76.400 Indian Rupee 0.0051727 0.0052367 US Dollar/KD .2770000 .2880000 Irani Riyal 0.273 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0000244 0.0000295 GB Pound/KD .4310000 .4470000 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Jamaican Dollars 0.0028600 0.0038600 Euro .3680000 .3760000 GCC COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 0.0027338 0.0029138 Swiss francs .3020000 .3170000 Saudi Riyal 76.377 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Kenyan Shilling 0.0033582 0.0035882 Canadian Dollar .2780000 .2920000 Qatari Riyal 78.697 US Dollar 286.200 Malaysian Ringgit 0.0908389 0.0978389 Omani Riyal 743.930 Nepalese Rupee 0.0031166 0.0033166 Australian DLR .2940000 .3020000 Canadian Dollar 286.130 Bahraini Dinar 760.730 Pakistan Rupee 0.0028798 0.0029198 Indian rupees .0040000 .0069000 Sterling Pound 441.765 Sri Lanka Rupee .0020000 .0035000 UAE Dirham 77.990 Philippine Peso 0.0064905 0.0069605 Euro 372.410 Sierra Leone 0.0000731 0.0000761 UAE dirhams .0771240 .0778990 Swiss Frank 299.070 Bahraini dinars .7513970 .7589480 ARAB COUNTRIES Singapore Dollar 0.2267879 0.2327879 Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.200 Bahrain Dinar 757.725 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.0022204 0.0022624 Jordanian dinar .3930000 .4110000 UAE Dirhams 77.900 Saudi riyals .0720000 .0770000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.558 Thai Baht 0.0092650 0.0098650 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.336 Qatari Riyals 78.560 Arab Omani riyals .7366120 .7440150 Tunisian Dinar 174.570 Saudi Riyals 76.285 Bahraini Dinar 0.7524592 0.7609592 Egyptian pounds .0370000 .0440000 Jordanian Dinar 404.460 Jordanian Dinar 403.446 Egyptian Pound 0.0390086 0.0410386 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.921 Egyptian Pound 40.601 Ethiopeanbirr 0.0129242 0.0194242 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES Syrian Lier 3.112 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.268 Ghanaian Cedi 0.1454715 0.1472615 US Dollar/KD .2841000 .2862000 Morocco Dirham 34.083 Indian Rupees 5.215 Iranian Riyal 0.0000796 0.0000801 GB Pound/KD .4338920 .4370990 Pakistani Rupees 2.903 Iraqi Dinar 0.0001728 0.0002328 Euro .3707360 .3734770 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bangladesh Taka 3.670 Jordanian Dinar 0.3979604 0.4054604 Swiss francs .3043390 .3065880 US Dollar Transfer 286.300 Philippines Pesso 6.939 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Canadian dollars .2795430 .2816100 Euro 374.190 Cyprus pound 702.070 Lebanese Pound 0.0001756 0.0001956 Danish Kroner .0497330 .0501010 Sterling Pound 439.760 Japanese Yen 3.815 Moroccan Dirhams 0.0219005 0.0450052 Swedish Kroner .0443660 .0446940 Canadian dollar 284.590 Thai Bhat 9.695 Nigerian Naira 0.0012190 0.0018540 Australian dlr .2963730 .2985640 Turkish lira 158.720 Syrian Pound 4.085 Omani Riyal 0.7324971 0.7434971 Hong Kong dlr .0365940 .0368650 Swiss Franc 301.050 Nepalese Rupees 3.360 Qatar Riyal 0.0779704 0.0787534 Saudi Riyal 0.0758000 0.0764400 Singapore dlr .2291130 .2308060 US Dollar Buying 285.100 Malaysian Ringgit 95.240 Japanese yen .0029600 .0028810 Sudanese Pounds 0.0465443 0.0470943 Syrian Pound 0.0031207 0.0033407 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 .0052870 GOLD Bahrain Exchange Company Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 .0022880 20 Gram 298.000 Tunisian Dinar 0.1728462 0.1788462 Pakistan rupee .0000000 .0029190 10 Gram 150.000 UAE Dirhams 0.0765080 0.0779580 5 Gram 77.500 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Yemeni Riyal 0.0012916 0.0013918 Bangladesh taka .0000000 .0036810 Europe UAE dirhams .0773800 .0779520 British Pound 0.4311675 0.4401675 Bahraini dinars .7538810 .7594530 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Czech Korune 0.0062090 0.0182090 Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian dinar .0000000 .4048090 Danish Krone 0.0459301 0.0509301 Saudi Riyal/KD .0757800 .0763400 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Euro 0.3672796 0.3747796 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Omani riyals .7382100 .7436660 Australian Dollar 299.45 298.000 Norwegian Krone 0.0454118 0.0506118 Scottish Pound 0.4291120 0.4366120 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Philippine Peso .0000000 .0069870 Canadian Dollar 285.97 285.000 Swedish Krona 0.0394043 0.0444043 US Dollar 285.700 Swiss Franc 306.21 307.000 Swiss Franc 0.2953155 0.3023155 Euro 374.550 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Euro 376.06 374.500 Australasia Pound Sterling 440.000 US Dollar 284.60 285.500 Australian Dollar 0.2754572 0.2874572 Canadian Dollar 285.150 Sterling Pound 444.81 449.000 New Zealand Dollar 0.2290480 0.2390480 Japanese Yen 2.855 ASIAN COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 2.98 3.300 Uganda Shilling 0.0001142 0.0001142 Indian Rupee 5.228 Japanese Yen 2.819 Bangladesh Taka 3.675 3.720 America Egyptian Pound 40.550 Indian Rupees 5.241 Indian Rupee 5.263 5.450 Canadian Dollar 0.2763333 0.2853333 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.257 Pakistani Rupees 2.905 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.245 2.430 Colombian Peso 0.0001456 0.0001636 Bangladesh Taka 3.668 Srilankan Rupees 2.261 Nepali Rupee 3.313 3.400 US Dollars 0.2839500 0.2861000 Philippines Peso 6.933 Nepali Rupees 3.274 Pakistani Rupee 2.896 2.953 Asia Pakistan Rupee 2.905 Singapore Dollar 231.820 UAE Dirhams 77.55 78.000 Bangladesh Taka 0.0036286 0.0036836 Bahraini Dinar 760.850 Hongkong Dollar 36.892 Bahraini Dinar 757.78 756.800 Cape Vrde Escudo 0.0031744 0.0034044 UAE Dirham 77.850 Bangladesh Taka 3.666 Egyptian Pound 40.62 40.500 Chinese Yuan 0.0455905 0.0505905 Saudi Riyal 76.300 Philippine Peso 6.956 Jordanian Dinar 405.45 410.000 Eritrea-Nakfa 0.0165400 0.0196400 *Rates are subject to change WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 BUSINESS Australia govt forecasts $19.4 billion deficit The books would finally be balanced in 2015-16 CANBERRA: The Australian government’s promise to Australian troops withdrawing from Afghanistan, East the current fiscal year which was supposed to raise deliver a budget surplus in the current fiscal year has Timor and the Solomon Islands this calendar year. The AU$3 billion in its first year. The latest estimate is that blown out to a 19.4 billion Australian dollar ($19.4 bil- defense allocation has swollen from AU$103 billion that tax will raise only AU$200 million in the current fis- lion) deficit as a fading mining boom coupled with a spread over four years in last year’s budget to AU$113 cal year due to a sharp fall in commodity prices and buoyant Aussie dollar slows the economy. billion over four years in the latest budget. AU$700 million next year. The projected deficit for the 12 months ending June The latest budget includes AU$3 billion over nine The government also introduced in the current fis- 30 is included in the government’s economic blueprint years to buy 12 new Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic cal year a carbon tax of AU$23 for every metric ton of for the coming year released yesterday, which includes warfare fighter jets to cover deliver delays in the carbon gases emitted by Australia’s worst industrial pol- spending increases in defense, foreign aid, care for the Lockheed-Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. luters. Most households were compensated for the disabled and education. The cost of a new funding model for schools would higher living costs as a result of the tax with tax breaks It is Treasurer Wayne Swan’s sixth annual budget increase from AU$17.7 million in the current fiscal year and increased welfare. TOKYO: In this Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013 photo, Sony signs hang from a store in and is likely to be the last for his center-left Labor Party Tokyo. A US hedge fund has proposed that Sony Corp. selling up to 20 percent government, widely expected to be defeated at elec- of its entertainment business to use that money to strengthen its ailing elec- tions on Sept 14. The budget forecast a smaller AU$18 tronics unit. —AP billion deficit in the fiscal year ending June 2014 with net debt peaking at AU$191.6 billion - 11.4 percent of gross domestic product - in 2014-15. The books would Hedge fund wants part of finally be balanced in 2015-16 with an AU$800 million surplus. The surplus would widen to $6.6 billion surplus Sony entertainment sold the following year. A year ago, Swan declared an end to budget deficits TOKYO: A US hedge fund has proposed that March, helped by the recent decline of the yen. in the aftermath of the global financial crisis and pre- Sony Corp. sell up to 20 percent of its entertain- It had suffered a loss of 457 billion yen ($5.7 dicted an AU$1.5 billion surplus in the current fiscal ment business and use the money to strengthen billion) the previous year, which was the worst in year. Swan yesteray defended his government’s deci- its ailing electronics unit. The plan drew a quick the company’s nearly seven-decade history. sion not to make deeper spending cuts to balance the rejection from the Japanese consumer conglom- Outspoken investors like Loeb are still relatively government’s books sooner. “Cutting to the bone puts erate. rare in Japan. Major companies tend to have net- Australian jobs and our economy at risk, something this In a May 14 letter to Sony President Kazuo works of shareholders such as banks and group Labor government will never accept,” Swan told Hirai, first published in The New York Times, companies. Resistance to big change is strong. Parliament. hedge fund Third Point suggested Sony take 15 Shareholders’ meetings, including those of “To those who would take us down the European to 20 percent of the entertainment unit public. Sony, tend to be boring affairs in which company road of savage austerity, I say the social destruction that Third Point CEO Daniel Loeb said that would agendas are rarely challenged, except in propos- comes with cutting too much, too hard, too fast is not allow the Japanese maker of PlayStation game als that are quickly defeated or in rambling the Australian way,” he said. machines to fund improvements to its battered speeches by shareholders seen more as a nui- The budget will have to be endorsed by Parliament electronics operations. sance than a real influence on policy. over the next two months if it is to be implemented. Sony replied in a statement yesterday that its But change could be in store. Japan is seeing a Business groups have largely reacted negatively to the entertainment business, which includes movies surge in global investment interest because of its budget and questioned whether its assumptions about and music, is not for sale, and stressed it is trying recent policies of super-easy money and an infla- Australia’s economic growth prospects were too opti- to strengthen both that division and its electron- tion target designed to wrest its economy out of mistic. ics operations. “As president and CEO Kazuo Hirai the doldrums. “It is a missed opportunity because it keeps the CANBERRA: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard (L) watches as her Treasurer Wayne has said repeatedly, the entertainment business- In his letter, Loeb pointed to the “Abenomics” nation shackled to more years of deficits and a high Swan (R) delivers his budget speech to the House of Representatives in Canberra yes- es are important contributors to Sony’s growth monetary policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, cost structure that erodes business competitiveness terday. Swan vowed to keep Australia among the world’s top economies and talked up and are not for sale,” Sony said. “We look forward who took office last year, which have buoyed and innovation,” Australian Chamber of Commerce and his party’s poll hopes despite a lean budget offering little to a hostile electorate. —AFP to continuing constructive dialogue with our Tokyo stocks and brought the yen down. Industry chief executive Peter Anderson said in a state- shareholders as we pursue our strategy.” Loeb said Sony should seize on the opportu- ment. to AU$532 million next year. The latest budget scraps plans for more tax breaks The proposal highlights a common criticism nity provided by Abenomics to shore up its elec- Government revenue has been increasing every The government plans to introduce a new levy from promised in 2015-16 when the carbon tax is scheduled of Tokyo-based Sony that it has never been able tronics business. “Sony stands at the crossroads of year since 2009-10. Tax receipts are forecast to rise 7.4 July 2014 that would raise AU$11.6 billion over three to be replaced by a carbon permit trading scheme. The to take advantage of having both electronics and compelling corporate opportunity and massive percent in the next fiscal year to AU$376 billion. But the years to improve care for Australians with severe disabil- Australian scheme will be linked to the European emis- entertainment under its wing. Japanese economic reform. Under Prime Minister government has struggled to rein in expenditure ever ities. The budget confirmed Foreign Minister Bob Carr’s sions trading scheme which has experienced declining Instead, one has tended to drag the other Abe’s leadership, Japan can regain its position as since its initial splurge of stimulus spending at the peak announcement on Monday that foreign aid would carbon prices due to the depressed economy. down. Some analysts have made suggestions one of the world’s pre-eminent economic power- of the global financial crisis kept the economy out of increase by 9.6 percent on the current year to AU$5.7 While last year the carbon price was expected to be similar to Loeb’s. Sony’s electronics business has houses and manufacturing engines,” he said. recession. billion next year. Chinese demand for raw materials AU$29 a metric ton in 2015-16, the latest budget pre- been ailing, particularly its TV division, which has Loeb said in his letter that his fund owns 64 Economic growth is forecast to slow from 3 percent such as iron ore and coal helped keep Australia out of dicts AU$12 a metric ton which won’t add to living lost money for nine straight years. million Sony shares, which is about a 6.5 percent in 2012-13 to 2.75 percent next year before gathering recession during the global economic crisis. But the costs. Australia’s central bank last week cut its key inter- Sony fell behind in flat panel TVs, and has nev- stake in Sony. Sony did not have the latest num- pace again. nMost economists were surprised when mining boom is expected to peak this calendar year est rate by a quarter percentage point to a record low er been able to compete against Samsung bers on the fund’s holdings, but confirmed it is a Australia’s jobless rate fell from 5.6 percent in March to and businesses outside the resource sector are not 2.75 percent in an effort to boost economic growth and Electronics Co. of South Korea in TVs as well as major shareholder. Loeb suggested the entertain- 5.5 percent in April. The budget expects unemploy- growing fast enough to make up for the miners’ expect- to drive down the currency that has failed to track lower cheaper makers. Following four straight years of ment division be spun off in a particular way to ment will rise to 5.75 percent for the next two years ed retreat. with commodity prices. International investor interest red ink, Sony reported a profit of 43 billion yen give existing shareholders a priority in the owner- before falling back to 5 percent in 2015-16. The government introduced a 30 percent tax on in Australian bonds as a safe haven in global market tur- ($434 million) in the fiscal year that ended in ship of Sony Entertainment. —AP Defense spending is set to increase despite iron ore and coal miners’ profits above a set threshold in moil has helped keep the currency buoyant. —AP Volkswagen plans new China car plant

SHANGHAI: German auto giant ment approved the project, as it seeks move production inland to central Volkswagen (VW) will build a plant in more luxury auto sales-which at pres- and western China and its considera- central China, a spokesman said yes- ent are dominated by German brands. tion of local policies, which might terday, as it battles US rival General “The production expansion of for- offer tax incentives to support the Motors to be the top foreign eign carmakers shows they see investment,” Jia said. automaker in the world’s biggest car growth opportunities in China’s car An environmental assessment market. market,” Jia Xinguang, managing report conducted last year by the The plant in the city of Changsha director of industry group the China Hunan Research Academy of will start production in early 2016 Automobile Dealers Association, told Environmental Sciences and posted with an annual output capacity of AFP. on its website put the investment at 300,000 vehicles, a Beijing-based China’s annual auto sales rose only 12.1 billion yuan ($2.0 billion). spokesman for VW told AFP. 4.3 percent year-on-year to 19.31 mil- VW’s head for China, Jochem “We are quite close to an official lion units in 2012, hit by limits on Heizmann, told reporters last month announcement. I think it will come numbers imposed by some cities to the company was negotiating with this week,” the spokesman said, but ease traffic congestion and tackle pol- Changsha authorities over the factory, declined to give an investment figure. lution. part of its scheme to build seven new The move comes as VW battles US But management consulting firm plants in the country, Dow Jones auto giant GM for dominance in the McKinsey last year predicted China’s Newswires reported. huge Chinese market, despite worries passenger car market alone will grow VW produced 2.6 million vehicles about over-capacity. VW delivered an average eight percent annually to in China last year, with the rest of sales 2.81 million vehicles in the country 2020. VW currently has 12 vehicle and coming from imports, according to last year while GM sold 2.84 million, component plants in China, and the the group’s annual report. making them its biggest foreign Changsha plant is a joint venture with It delivered nearly 770,000 vehicles automakers. Shanghai-based SAIC Motor, one of its in China in the first quarter of 2013, GM said this month it would build existing Chinese partners. up more than 21 percent from the a $1.3 billion Cadillac plant in “The location of Changsha may be same period last year, according to an Shanghai after the Chinese govern- a result of Volkswagen’s strategy to earlier statement. —AFP Gold edges lower as dollar steadies

LONDON: Gold edged lower yesterday, snapping earlier programme. Accommodative monetary policies favour gains, as the dollar steadied against the euro after mixed gold as low interest rates encourage investors to put money European economic data, while investor sentiment into the non-interest-bearing asset, speculating on price remained cautious and physical demand slowed in some gains. Gold has recovered about $120 since a sell-off in mid- markets. April dragged prices to more than two-year lows at Gold was down 0.1 percent to $1,428.64 by 1037 GMT, $1,321.35, but it is still well below last month’s peak of having risen by one percent to a session high of $1,444.96 around $1,600, as investors shifted into equities and cut an ounce in earlier trade. The metal has faced the pressure exposure to bullion. Holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the of a stronger dollar over the past few sessions, hitting a two- world’s largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, stood week trough on Friday. It has fallen about 14 percent this unchanged at 33.811 million ounces on Monday, just off year. US gold futures for June delivery were down 0.4 per- their lowest level since March 2009. cent to $1,428 an ounce. “The weaker dollar helped to give The fall in gold prices last month spurred a surge in a bit of a boost to gold earlier on but at the first level of physical buying in Asia and elsewhere, helping to pluck resistance at $1,445 the metal seemed to run out of steam prices off lows, but physical demand for some gold prod- and now we are testing the intraday support level at ucts began to subside. “While gold coin sales have been around $1,430,” Saxo Bank senior manager Ole Hansen said. brisk, undoubtedly helping the recent recovery, we have to “Any sign of strength in the US data is likely to create suspect that the ‘bargain-buying’ off the lows has decelerat- headwinds at the moment, that will be one of things to ed somewhat after the initial spurt,” said Edward Meir, a look out for as this is having an impact on the dollar as well.” metals analyst at futures brokerage INTL FCStone. The dollar moved higher after initial losses against the euro, “And we suspect it will continue to do so, particularly if which fell after weaker-than-forecast ZEW sentiment data prices start to wobble once again.” In other precious metals, from Germany. silver fell 0.4 percent to $23.50 an ounce, platinum was up Meanwhile, a surprise rise in April’s US retail sales on 1.2 percent to $1,493.24 an ounce and palladium dropped Monday strengthened the view that the the world’s largest 0.3 percent to $712.72 an ounce. Platinum was boosted by economy remains resilient, while damping speculation the a wildcat strike at the South African operations of producer Federal Reserve will extend its bullion-friendly bond-buying Lonmin. —Reuters WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 BUSINESS Twin crises threatening Bangladesh progress

DHAKA: With its disaster-strewn garment industry scare off investors and reverse much of that progress. week that “the strikes and factory disasters are credit But its shocking safety record has led some fashion in turmoil and strikes paralysing the country on a Most shops and businesses were closed Tuesday in negative”. labels to warn they could move their business else- near weekly basis, Bangladesh is in danger of unrav- the latest of a series of strikes called by opposition par- Even before the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory where. Disney has already departed. And the growing elling hard-won progress in a one-time “basket case” ties, furious at the push to prosecute top Islamists for complex, the IMF said last month that growth this year clamour for workers to be paid more than the basic $38 economy. war crimes dating back more than four decades. would fall below six percent. a month threatens one of Bangladesh’s main attrac- One of Asia’s standout performers of late, But the shutdown of Dhaka’s Ashulia industrial zone The garment industry has long been the main driv- tions-its cheap labour costs. Bangladesh has posted average annual growth rates of which forms the hub of the garment industry threatens er of the economy but the April 24 catastrophe was “The production disruptions have already had a 6.2 percent since 2003 and its poverty rate has fallen by to run much longer, with managers announcing on only the latest in a series of disasters including a fire in number of international buyers considering sourcing some two percentage points. Monday that unrest among workers had prompted an November which killed 111 workers. production from other countries in the region such as But analysts say the combined fallout from a factory indefinite closure. Bangladesh became the world’s second-largest Vietnam or Cambodia, even at higher cost,” Ifty Islam, disaster last month that killed 1,127 people, and the In a sign of the growing apprehension, the rat- clothes maker after China last year and the $20 billion head of the Dhaka-based Asian Tiger Capital Partners deadliest political unrest since independence could ings agency Moody’s put Bangladesh on notice last industry accounts for 80 percent of annual exports. investment fund, told AFP. —AFP Branch banking in the digital age

By Wissam Khoury are largely used as transactional channels, whereas face to face time is responsible for hose of us who have been banking for approximately 80% of new product bank a number of years will remember the sales. So despite prior claims that the bank Tweekly visit to the local bank branch. branch had seen its day there is now grow- Deposits, withdrawals, balance checks or ing evidence that branch networks are, any other business involved a journey to once more, increasing in importance. the branch and a potentially time-consum- This leads us to the main challenge fac- ing wait in a queue. ing Kuwaiti bank branch networks today; how do they upgrade their facilities to meet the requirements of the 21st century, a proliferation of communications devices and increasingly more tech savvy cus- tomers? Today’s bank customers - and crucially, today’s bank employees under the age of 45 - have kept pace with the astonishing technological advances of the 21st century, whereas the infrastructure of the bank branch has not. Customers now self-edu- cate a lot more and this is exposing flaws in the old branch model, as customers go into the branch often better informed than branch staff themselves, thus negatively impacting the branch/customer experience. Banks are increasingly starting to recognize that this channel needs to evolve with the digital age to complement the customer experience across all other channels. With that, the digitalization of the bank branch is born. What we did not consider is that branch Banks are now using innovative tech- rental costs, equipment and staffing costs nologies to create a unified customer expe- all made maintaining branch a significant rience. In the Middle East, you can see that financial outlay for banks. That was why many banks now have walls decorated with banks, in Kuwait and beyond, tried to turn touch screens and their staff ‘enabled’ with their focus to call centres, online and mobile tablets and other mobile devices aimed at banking channels. While there might have making the branch experience more effi- been questions as to whether this improved cient and more enjoyable. For example, customer service, there is no doubt that some banks now use new front office solu- banks in Kuwait and the wider Middle East tions to help mobilize bank staff by provid- were able to lower many of their transac- ing them with real-time access to the bank’s tion costs and get customers out of the transaction processing system, allowing branch. them to serve clients while away from phys- So, against this backdrop, why is the ical counters. This is helping enhance staff once endangered bank branch now making productivity and boost branch efficiency, a comeback? One simple reason, which will thus improving customer service levels, be amongst several explored at a SunGard responding better to customer demands finance industry seminar in Kuwait City this and increasing revenue-generating oppor- week, is trust. tunities. The global financial crisis hit many peo- However, enhancing customer experience ple hard and, fairly or unfairly, the banks through differentiated branch services need have shouldered a large portion of that to be sustainable. A PricewaterhouseCoopers blame. This in turn has eroded trust in banks study from December 2012 shows that the and reinvigorated the need for face-to-face cost of a branch transaction is approximately customer service and consumer banking 20 times higher than a mobile transaction relationships. Recent market research car- and over 40 times higher than an online ried out by SunGard and Celent has shown transaction. Faced with this kind of discrep- that, in the Middle East, one of the top three ancy, it is essential that banks re-evaluate factors for people in selecting a bank was their branch strategy to improve cost efficien- branch location, despite the uptake of digi- cy. One Middle East bank has invested in new tal banking channels. technology to reduce its front office system So, a majority of bank customers still infrastructure from twelve applications to want human interaction and as far as their one, a good example of how clever IT ration- banking and finances are concerned, they alization through new technology can gener- still need that physical reassurance that ate significant cost savings for the branch. their money is safe - especially in a world Not so long ago, the very raison d’etre of where trust in banks has declined sharply. bank branches was being debated. Now One Middle East bank recently tested they are once again viewed as core to a this theory by giving customers access to bank’s overall performance. But banks can- tellers only through a hallway that was kit- not simply rely on the branch of old and ted out with touch screen ATMs, kiosks, and must revitalize this channel in order to other digital banking devices. There were bring it in line with the digitalized world. still queues for the teller, even though the Embracing new technologies is a funda- electronic devices could fulfill this same mental part of breathing new life into the role quite easily. It is clear that customers bank branch. Any bank which fails in this still look to the branch as the human face regard will not keep up with customer of their banking relationship. demands in our ever-changing world and And from a bank’s perspective, the risks getting left behind. branch is still a vital source in driving rev- Wissam Khoury is the managing director enue from customers. Online and mobile of SunGard Middle East.

IAG convertible raises $506m for Vueling deal MADRID/LONDON: The International um of around 35 percent to the average Airlines Group has raised 390 million price of the stock on the London Stock euros ($506 million) through a convert- Exchange on Tuesday morning from the ible bond issue to help to fund the pur- launch of the bond to its pricing. chase of low-cost carrier Vueling. IAG shares were down 2.3 percent at Chief Executive Willie Walsh said in a 1054 GMT, at 264.6 pence. IAG said statement yesterday that the bond issue some of the money raised would go would also bolster liquidity and the towards paying off bridge loans from its credit profile of IAG, home to British British arm and Banco Santander used Airways and loss-making Spanish flag to acquire Vueling for 123.5 million carrier Iberia. euros. The bond deal shows how companies The company took control of Vueling are continuing to take advantage of in April, raising its stake in the company investor demand for convertibles, which to over 90 percent from 46 percent in a offer the chance to profit from a surge in deal that valued the Barcelona-based stock markets to multi-year highs with- carrier at 277 million euros. IAG is in the out the risk of buying shares outright. painful process of restructuring Iberia As at May 9, more than $10 billion and has reached an agreement with has been raised from European convert- unions to lay off more than 3,000 staff ibles this year, according to Thomson after months of intermittent strikes. The Reuters data, up 44 percent on the same acquisition should help IAG improve its period last year. short-haul business and offset Iberia’s The bonds, which mature in 2018 losses. and have a fixed interest rate of 1.75 IAG appointed Banco Santander, percent, can be converted into IAG ordi- Barclays, Deutsche Bank AG’s London nary shares. branch, Morgan Stanley and UBS as joint IAG said it had set a conversion price bookrunners and joint lead managers at 4.25 euros per ordinary share, a premi- for the bond issue. —Reuters WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 BUSINESS India MRPL to process Iraq, Latam oil next year

NEW DELHI: India’s Mangalore Refinery The refiner aims to commission a 2.2- March) from 10-15 percent now. 650,000-barrel Oman oil parcel a month tonnes of fuel oil a month in 2013, and Petrochemicals (MRPL) plans to million-tonnes-a-year (mtpa) petro- MRPL initiated talks for importing oil in the current fiscal year. India imported according to data from Thomson begin processing oil from Iraq and Latin chemical fluidised catalytic cracker from South America in 2011 and 26.5 percent less oil from Iran in the fis- Reuters Oil Analytics. America from next year, helping the (PFCC) by August and a 3 mtpa unit planned to lift 11,000 barrels per day cal year ended on March 31, 2013. The loss of fuel oil exports from MRPL state-owned refiner to partly offset which converts heavy residue into (bpd) oil from Iraq in 2012/13 but could MRPL will boost middle distillate out- is critical to the market, traders said, Iranian supplies choked off by pressure products - called a coker - a month after not ship it as the coker was not ready. put after the start-up of the two units because of its low-density quality. from western sanctions. that, MRPL Managing Director P.P. The refiner is also scouting for high- and may cease exports of vacuum gas “This is especially critical when you MRPL, Iran’s top Indian client till Upadhya told Reuters on Tuesday. sulphur oil at official selling price (OSP), oil, a feedstock for PFCC, and fuel oil, need quality blending materials and you about a year ago, halted imports from “Once the coker stabilizes we plan to Upadhya said. “If somebody gives Upadhya said. have heavy Western arbitrage flows,” a Tehran in April after local insurers said process Iraq oil and Latin America oil,” Omani oil or any other high-sulphur oil “Fuel oil production will be linked to Singapore-based trader said. they will not settle claims at plants Upadhya said. He said the new units will under a year-long contract or so at OSP, margins. If I get good margins on fuel oil “And if there is limited Iranian fuel oil using the oil as sanctions against Iran’s help MRPL’s 300,000 barrels per day I may consider,” he said. I will produce, otherwise LPG (liquefied in the market, then the MRPL cargo disputed nuclear programme discour- (bpd) coastal refinery in southern Traders say MRPL, a subsidiary of top petroleum gas) production will rise,” he becomes even more valuable and will age global reinsurers from taking on Karnataka state process as much as 70 Indian oil and gas producer Oil & Natural added. have an impact on the market,” the trad- the risk. percent of heavy oil in 2014/15 (April- Gas Corp, has placed an inquiry to buy a MRPL exported an average 153,330 er said. —Reuters European, US retailers split on Bangladesh reform plan Wal-Mart asks govt to shut unsafe factory

STOCKHOLM/CHICAGO: Major US retailers, based in Europe,” Eva Sage-Gavin, an executive The garment companies could not immedi- including Gap Inc, declined to endorse an in Gap’s global human resources and corporate ately be reached for comment. Walmart said it accord on Bangladesh building and fire safety affairs department, said in a statement. found “structural concerns” at a factory adjacent backed by Europe’s two biggest fashion chains, a Europe accounts for about 60 percent of to Stitch Tone, Dresswell Ltd, which was not part trans-Atlantic divide that may dilute garment Bangladesh’s clothing exports, so even without of the retailer’s own supply chain. It said the industry reform efforts. participation from the big US retailers, the Dresswell factory “appeared unstable and could Three weeks after the collapse of a building agreement may bring some change in a country cause a hazard” for workers at Stitch Tone, which housing garment factories, which killed more that has seen at least three deadly garment fac- was making clothes for Walmart. than 1,100 people, Western brands that rely on tory disasters in the span of six months. Walmart said it removed its business from Bangladesh to produce clothing cheaply dis- Mohammad Atiqul Islam, president of the Stitch Tone and advised the owner not to contin- agreed over how best to ensure worker safety. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and ue production. The inspections also found visi- A series of deadly incidents at factories, Exporters Association, said the deal was a bit of ble cracks in the wall at Liz Apparels. Walmart SHANGHAI: An investor keeps a memo as he sits in front of the stock price including a fire in November that killed 112 peo- good news in the “worst time for us”. said it notified factory owners, the garment ple, have focused global attention on safety “We believe this decision will motivate other association and the government about the safe- monitor at a private securities company in Shanghai, China, yesterday. Asian standards in Bangladesh’s booming garment big buyers across the West and the USA to join ty concern at Liz Apparels and Stitch Tone. stock markets were mixed Tuesday in a lukewarm reaction to data showing industry, the world’s biggest exporter of clothing their hands with us,” he told Reuters in an inter- “The government of Bangladesh did the that U.S. consumers revved up their retail spending last month. —AP after China. Wal-Mart Stores Inc, the world’s view. Li & Fung Ltd, which supplies dozens of responsible thing last week by closing factories biggest retailer, called on Bangladesh to shut major retailers, including Walmart, said it was believed to be dangerous,” Rajan Kamalanathan, Asia shares mixed after one factory and examine another after its own “continuing to look at” the European pact, but vice president of ethical sourcing for Walmart, inspections found safety problems. declined to give details. Bangladesh is second said in a statement. “We call on them to show Sweden’s H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB and only to China in Li & Fung’s global supply chain. the same leadership in the Stitch Tone Apparels US data, dollar stumbles Spain’s Inditex SA, the world’s two largest appar- “We don’t think the answer is to move away and Liz Apparels cases, and take any actions nec- el brands, topped a list of predominantly from Bangladesh,” Bruce Rockowitz, Li & Fung’s essary to ensure safe conditions.” HONG KONG: Asian shares were mixed yes- Reserve could be the first among major European companies signing an agreement led group president and chief executive, told Retailers routinely inspect suppliers, but sev- terday, with the dollar’s rally against the yen central banks to roll back its quantitative by the International Labour Organization, trade reporters after a shareholder meeting in Hong eral companies said after the Rana Plaza col- stumbling despite better than expected US easing policy. unions and other lobby groups. Kong on Tuesday. lapsed in April that they were not able to check retail figures which highlighted a steady The dollar’s strength has been a domi- Major brands and retailers set a May 15 dead- “The answer is actually to invest more and try for structural soundness. recovery in the world’s largest economy. nant theme in currency trading in recent line to join the agreement after talks in Germany to make safety better and work with the govern- Walmart said it hired Bureau Veritas to Tokyo slipped 0.16 percent, or 23.79 days as it gained against other currencies last month. As of late Monday US time, the only ment on doing a better job on monitoring build- inspect for structural, fire and electrical safety, points, to 14,758.42, but Seoul rose 1.03 due to further signs of US recovery. The well-known US company to announce it had ings.” Walmart did not say whether it planned to including checking building designs and per- percent, or 20.13 points, to 1,968.83. euro fetched $1.3014 and 132.16 yen signed on was PVH, which owns brands includ- sign the accord. mits as part of an expanded inspection process Sydney rose 0.21 percent, or 10.7 points, against $1.2975 and 132.11 yen in US trade. ing Calvin Klein. But on Monday it released an unusually blunt it launched last month. to 5,221 but the Australian dollar traded just US stocks traded largely flat Monday Gap said it was ready to join “today” but first and detailed public statement, asking the gov- Rana Plaza was extended to add three more below parity with the greenback ahead of under the shadow of lower than expected wanted a change in the way disputes are ernment to halt production at Stitch Tone floors, in violation of city building codes, accord- the annual budget, which is expected to growth in Chinese industrial output for resolved in the courts. “With this single change, Apparels in Chittagong, Bangladesh, and to ing to the chief engineer of Dhaka’s develop- sketch an austere path back to surplus over April, which suggested a sluggish recovery this global, historic agreement can move for- inspect Nassa Group’s Liz Apparels Ltd factory ment authority. The day before the building col- the next four years. in the world’s second largest economy. ward with a group of all retailers, not just those complex in Dhaka. lapsed, cracks were seen in the walls. —Reuters Hong Kong closed down 0.26 percent, or The S&P 500 managed to set a new clos- 59.53 points, to 22,930.28 and Shanghai fell ing record, but only on the back of an 1.11 percent, or 24.91 points, to 2,217.01. almost negligible 0.07 point gain from the Asian markets were barely stirred by the previous mark Friday, ending at 1,633.77. India inflation cools to below announcement of a slight improvement in The narrower blue-chip Dow Jones US consumer spending for last month. Industrial Average slipped 0.18 percent to Retail sales in April were $419.0 billion, 15,091.68. Oil rebounded in Asian trade, 5% for first time since 2009 up from $418.7 billion the previous month, with New York’s main contract, light sweet boosting the earnings outlook for Asian crude for delivery in June, gaining 19 cents exporters. Analysts had predicted a decline to $95.36 a barrel. Brent North Sea crude for NEW DELHI: India’s inflation cooled have called the worst threat by far to billion in April from $10.3 billion in tantly a run of better external deficit of 0.3 percent as consumers dealt with a June delivery rose one cent to $102.83 in last month to a surprise 41-month the economy. March, driven by a 138 percent year- numbers” to cut rates, said Prior- January 1 increase in payroll and other taxes. afternoon trade. low, official data showed yesterday, Even with inflation declining to on-year jump in gold and silver Wandesforde. Consumer spending in the United States Gold was at $1,438.10 at 0850 GMT com- giving the central bank more room within the bank’s “comfort level” for imports in value terms, figures The trade deficit swells India’s drives roughly two-thirds of all US econom- pared with $1,428.90 on Monday. to cut interest rates to battle the the first time in over three years, the showed Monday. current account shortfall which is ic activity. The April jobs report in early May In other markets: worst economic slowdown in a drop was not sufficient to warrant Indians, traditionally heavy buy- running at a record 6.7 percent of also came in stronger than expected. The Taipei was flat, edging up 3.50 points to decade. any swift move to cut rates, said ers of gold for weddings, religious gross domestic product. US economy added 165,000 new positions 8,251.82. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing The Wholesale Price Index, the and February and March job growth num- Co was 0.87 percent higher at Tw$115.5 while most closely watched inflation bers were revised sharply higher. Hon Hai Precision fell 0.50 percent at Tw$79.2. gauge, dropped to 4.89 percent in Inflation data, which is due on Thursday, Wellington fell 0.55 percent, or 25.78 April on an annual basis, more than will be the next key release. points, to 4,645.86. Telecom Corp was down a full percentage point below the The dollar was at 101.54 yen in after- 1.11 percent at NZ$2.675 while Fletcher previous month’s reading of 5.96 noon Asian trade, weakening from 101.82 Building was up 0.70 percent to NZ$8.61. percent. yen in New York late Monday but still much Manila rose 0.70 percent, or 51.08 points, “Inflation is moving in the right higher than the 99-yen range a week earlier. to 7,313.46. Bloomberry Resorts gained 2.79 direction,” HSBC’s India economist The greenback briefly breached the 102- percent to 12.54 pesos while Philippine Leif Eskesen said, noting the figure yen level in Monday’s Asian trade on the Long Distance Telephone rose 2.62 percent was “well below expectations” and back of speculation that the US Federal to 3,210 pesos. —AFP “relatively broad-based”. The figure vastly undershot the 5.50 percent projected by analysts and brought inflation to its lowest point since November 2009. The drop, fuelled by lower increases in prices of food, fuel and manufac- tured goods, gave the central bank greater scope to ease rates to prod the stuttering economy, analysts said. It also brought cheer to the cor- ruption-tainted Congress govern- ment which is anxious to tame infla- tion, a sensitive voter issue, before general elections due in May 2014. At the same time, analysts said the weaker inflation number was also a less welcome reflection of slackening demand in Asia’s third KADI: In this photograph taken on May 6, 2013, an Indian factory employee wheels a trolley largest economy which has been loaded with air conditioners for dispatch at the Hitachi Home and Life Solutions’ air conditioner expanding at a decade-low of five manufacturing facility near Kadi, some 50 kms from Ahmedabad. India’s inflation yesterday, percent. unexpectedly plunged to below five percent in April — its lowest rate in 41 months — fanning While some analysts saw a June hopes of further interest rate cuts to spur a sharply slowing economy. —AFP rate cut to stimulate growth, others said the central bank would wait Credit Suisse economist Robert festivals and as a store of value, have The bank has cut rates three until at least July for figures showing Prior-Wandesforde. been flooding stores to purchase times by 25 basis point cuts since a continued decline in inflation. Taking the shine off the inflation bullion following a drop in the glob- the start of 2013. But the benchmark TOKYO: People ride escalators near Sharp advertising at a store in Tokyo The bank may also hold out for drop is India’s worsening merchan- al price. lending rate is still at a relatively ele- yesterday. Japanese electronics giant Sharp yesterday posted a record better news on the ballooning cur- dise trade deficit, driven by a mas- The bank has made it clear it vated 7.25 percent while borrowing annual loss for the second year in a row, although it added that it expected rent account deficit, the broadest sive rise in gold imports. needs to see a sustained drop in costs are 10 percent and higher, to return to profitability in the current fiscal year. —AFP trade measure, which policymakers The trade deficit soared to $17.8 inflation “and perhaps most impor- curbing consumer demand. —AFP Japan’s electronics giants still bleeding OSN special offer for ABK Visa cardholders TOKYO: Japan’s electronics giants suffered another dreadful But the one-time market leader’s television and electronics turn on sluggish demand at home and in key market China, earnings season with Panasonic and Sharp saying they lost a business continues to struggle, a plight shared by its domestic where a consumer boycott of Japanese brands erupted last KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait in cooperation with combined $12.8 billion last year as they scramble to staunch competitors as they compete against the likes of Apple and year over a territorial spat between Beijing and Tokyo. Visa International is offering its ABK Visa cardholders, the bleeding. South Korea’s Samsung Electronics. The diplomatic dispute has weighed on a slew of other special offers and discounts on OSN new subscriptions. Rival Sony emerged as a bright spot, saying it had turned a The sector has been hammered by credit rating down- Japanese firms, including the country’s still hugely profitable The offers includes exclusive deals on OSN’s profit after four years in the red, but its jump back into the grades and is awash with record losses as its struggles in the automakers. Slowing demand in key export markets, strategic Platinum Extra HD and its Premier Plus HD packages, black was largely due to fluctuations in the value of the yen low-margin TV business where foreign rivals have proved mistakes and a strong yen have also pounded the electronics where ABK Visa cardholders will receive free installa- and gains from a string of asset sales-including unloading its tough competition. sector, forcing firms to launch wide-ranging and expensive tion, free OSN box office movies and free PVR OSN Plus Manhattan office building for more than $1.0 billion. Sharp, which said Friday it lost 545.3 billion yen ($5.4 billion restructuring plans to turn around their ailing businesses. HD Box. Underlining the industry’s desperation, Sony chief financial at current exchange rates) in the year to March, its worst-ever “But they could plunge back into the danger zone if they The offer is running until 30th of June 2013, is appli- officer Masaru Kato told reporters last week that years of loss- shortfall, warned that television sales “fell drastically” over the don’t change their product portfolio or focus enough on their cable for 12 month subscription periods and is subject es had left management with one mission. “We were deter- latest fiscal year. strengths over the next few years,” said Koki Shiraishi, an ana- to terms and conditions. mined to report a profit no matter what,” he said. The maker of Aquos-brand electronics blamed the down- lyst with SMBC Nikko Securities. —AFP WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 BUSINESS Ford Focus ST features factory Gulf exports over 80% of ‘Overboost’ turbo engine petrochemical production KUWAIT: EQUATE Petrochemical Company Company (Dow), Boubyan Petrochemical said that Gulf countries export over 80% of Company (BPC) and Qurain Petrochemical DUBAI: Pilots might call it the Focus bocharged engine with an “over- whereas other EcoBoost(r) engines overclocked EcoBoost 2.0-liter their petrochemical production. Industries Company (QPIC). Commencing with afterburners. Everyone else will boost” feature that extends peak would hit peak torque and begin to would have a very robust cooling On the sideline of the Fifth Gulf production in 1997, EQUATE is the single call it really fast. torque for up to 15 seconds at a drop off at these higher engine system. “The turbo itself is specified Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association The new Ford Focus ST features a time. The gains extend the peak speeds. for sustained, high-output perform- (GPCA) Supply Chain Conference, EQUATE four-cylinder, direct-injected tur- torque from 3,000 rpm to 4,500 rpm, Ford engineers made sure the ance, but they’ve programmed the President & CEO Mohammad Husain said, car’s computer to dial in more boost “These exports have included over 30 million past 3,000 rpm to give it that extra metric tons (MT) of petrochemicals during something,” says engineer Lisa 2012, while they were only 10 million MT in Schoder, who is Marketing manager 1999 which is an increase of over 250% in for Focus ST. just 13 years with an average annual growth “We limit peak turbo boost to of exports by 5%.” maintain a wide margin of safety Husain noted a number of challenges fac- and durability over the life of the ing Gulf exports, such as port congestions, car,” Schoder adds. “But overboost is inadequate infrastructure and instability of cool in that it tweaks more accelera- market conditions, explaining that despite all tion through the turbo for brief these challenges, the Gulf’s international periods for performance-hungry exports continue to increase. drivers.” Husain said that EQUATE’s total exports, Among the more visible options from plants owned and operated by it, will be the Tangerine Scream metal- exceed 3 million tons of products, including lic color that will be offered exclu- solid material such as polyethylene and sively on Focus ST, as well as race- polypropylene, as well as the main liquids inspired Recaro(r) seats with match- that include ethylene glycol, styrene ing color accents. monomer and paraxylene. The Focus ST is Ford’s first truly In addition to leading EQUATE, Husain is a global performance car, building on member of GPCA Board and heads it Supply the heritage of previous Focus ST Chain Committee. EQUATE is one of GPCA’s models and giving drivers around main founders. Sponsored by EQUATE, the GPCA Supply Chain Fourth Conference is tak- EQUATE President & CEO the world the opportunity to share Mohammad Husain the exhilarating performance, unri- ing place in Dubai, the UAE, from May 13-15, valed handling, addictive sound and with the attendance of over 350 delegates operator of a fully integrated world-scale sporty design that Ford’s ST badge representing petrochemical and shipping manufacturing facility producing over 5 mil- represents. companies from around the world. lion tons annually of high-quality petro- Shortly after arriving in the Established in 1995, EQUATE is an interna- chemical products which are marketed Middle East, the Focus ST is becom- tional joint venture between Petrochemical throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa and ing popular with strong demand for Industries Company (PIC), The Dow Chemical Europe. more units to be available and vehi- cles getting sold out as soon as they reach dealerships. The Focus name- Markaz profits reach plate overall has seen great success around the world and beat the com- KD 2.56m in Q1-2013 petition by clinching “the world’s best-selling nameplate for 2012” KUWAIT: Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” cy law to provide an effective and organ- title. In the Middle East, the momen- announced a net profit of KD 2.56 million ized framework for dealing with insolvency tum continues in 2013 with Focus for the first quarter ending 31st March and illiquidity of companies. The govern- recording a 50 per cent growth in 2013, a net profit of 5 fils per share as com- ment has already started working on draft- the first four months of the year. pared with a net profit of KD 2.82 during the same period in 2012. Markaz Chairman, Diraar Y. Alghanim, said “Markaz profit during the first quarter Burgan Bank Kuwaitization reaches 67% of 2013 has come on the back of its high quality assets and strong financial stand- KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced work across the bank’s operations to become future leaders in the coun- ing. These positive results reflect its diverse yesterday that the Kuwaitization of including the Retail Department, try’s banking sector. By doing this they base of assets and controlled solvency. In its workforce has reached 67%. This Operations Department, and Risk are also helping to build the nation’s addition, available credit channels provide is a significant accomplishment for Department. future.” Burgan Bank has designed Markaz with the required flexibility to the bank, as it achieves its long-term Hala El Shirbini, Chief Human comprehensive education and indi- change its assets distribution, enabling the strategic objectives of nurturing Resources and Development Officer at vidual development programs to company to capitalize on the volatile local talent, while also investing in Burgan Bank said: “Burgan Bank is help steer young and ambitious investment environment. Global markets community initiatives that aim to committed to helping young Kuwaiti Kuwaitis towards a successful career have also shown positive economic indica- encourage young people to join the people achieve their full potential by in financial services. The bank’s com- tions, which led to better performance and banking sector. giving them the opportunity to devel- mitment to raising the level of pro- helped in achieving higher returns.” Over 80 new Kuwaiti employees op a rewarding and interesting career. fessional experience of the country’s Alghanim added, “We are optimistic have been hired by Burgan Bank since By joining Burgan Bank, our recruits young people is part its role as a regarding the recently enacted Companies’ Hala El Shirbini the beginning of 2012. The recruits receive the all the expertise they need major player in Kuwait’s economy. Law (25/2012) and its amendments by law (97/2013). These laws facilitate business formation, and allow for new sophisticated financial instruments such as convertible Nissan 370Z Nismo set to star debt, preferred shares, and derivatives. This will provide companies with more flex- ibility in deleveraging and restructuring their balance sheets, and will result in in 2013 gumball 3000 rally Diraar Y. Alghanim investment banking opportunities.” Manaf Alhajeri, Chief Executive Officer at ing this law. Once enacted, the bankruptcy DUBAI: It’s the kind of road trip that perform- platform to bring Nismo’s digital age perform- er a sharper and even more engaging driving Markaz said “We hope that more new laws law would hasten solving the debt crisis by ance car enthusiasts dream of: A week-long, ance to the streets of Europe. experience. Capable of accelerating from 0- will be legislated in 2013 to improve the paving the way for new and promising 3,000 mile (5,000km) driving adventure through The team has been entered as car 56, a number 100kp/h in just 5.2 seconds, the new Z follows in business environment. The private sector opportunities that include sale of dis- 13 countries in one of the most hotly-anticipated that has great significance for Nissan which occu- the tracks of the first Nismo model to arrive in anticipates the legislation of the bankrupt- tressed real estate at fair prices. new cars of 2013. pied ‘Garage 56’ at the Le Mans 24hr race in 2012 Europe, the Juke Nismo. Nissan is teaming up with French publishing with the Nissan DeltaWing. The company will be Set to be driven by Gumball 3000 regulars house L’Ecurie and INTERSECTION Magazine to returning to Garage 56, the spot reserved for inno- Patrice Meignan and Jeremy ‘Jey’ Taltaud, the Nissan 370Z Nismo features a special camouflage livery designed specifically for the event. Both are contributors to INTERSECTION Magazine and will be reporting on the rally via all major social media channels. In addition, fans can follow the action on Nismo.tv where a daily video post con- taining highlights of the previous day’s action will be available. The Gumball 3000 has become a major draw for performance car enthusiasts from all over the world since the first event was held in 1999. Named after the 1976 cult film starring Michael Sarrazin, the Gumball 3000 Rally has attracted a host of celebrity entrants over the years, includ- ing musician Jay Kay, Former F1 champion Damon Hill and fashion designer Donna Karan. Gareth Dunsmore, Nissan in Europe General Manager explains: “Gumball is a great fit for the 370Z Nismo: it’s a road rally which allows thou- sands of fans to get up close to their dream cars. Making exciting cars accessible is at the heart of participate in the 2013 Gumball 3000 Rally - a vative experimental cars, in 2014 with an all-new the Nissan brand, and with our innovative non-competitive, pan-European parade of the race car incorporating electric technology. Nismo.tv platform on Youtube our customers world’s most exciting and desirable cars - starting Previewed in Barcelona in January 2013, the will be able to keep up to date with its progress, in Copenhagen on 18th May 2013. Nissan 370Z Nismo made its debut at the Geneva so we can’t wait to take part in this historic The entry will be giving the millions of specta- Motor Show in March and is set to hit show- parade.” Kicking off in Copenhagen on the 18th tors expected to line the route a first glimpse of rooms later this year. Powered by a modified May the rally will run until the 25th May, conclud- the exciting new Nissan 370Z Nismo in action. 344PS six-cylinder engine, the Nissan 370Z ing in Monaco at the Formula 1 Grand Prix De Gumball has a great heritage, providing a great Nismo features a bespoke chassis tuned to deliv- Monaco 2013. Oula increases its Poland posts weaker than expected start capital to KD 36.3m WARSAW: Central European leader “As such, we expect interest rates to than in quarter four,” Capital Economics (GDP) expanded by 1.9 percent, down Poland got off to a weaker than expect- fall further,” they added. Poland’s central analyst William Jackson said, noting a from 4.5 percent in 2011 primarily due to KUWAIT: Oula Fuel Marketing Company the capital increase will provide a greater ed start this year, quarterly data showed bank (NBP) cut its key interest rate by a 15.4-percent year-on-year decline com- a drag from the eurozone crisis in its held its postponed Extraordinary General margin to develop the stations and their yesterday, amid expectations that cen- quarter-point to a historic low of 3.0 per- pared to a 11.3-percent drop. main trade partners, including EU pow- Meeting (EGM) on May 14th at Kuwait services in order to meet the clients’ expec- tral banks in the region will further cut cent last week, amid forecasts of slower Large-scale construction and infra- erhouse and western neighbour Business Town Tower in presence of tations in terms of provision of sophisticat- interest rates to boost demand and spur than expected growth. Although structure investments, which were Germany. Chairman Mr. Abdul Hussein Al Sultan ed services. Once the capital is raised, we a sluggish recovery. Warsaw is in no rush to join the crisis- strong economic drivers in Poland as it Inflation, which stood at 3.7 percent with a number of shareholders, auditors will be able to increase our investments in The only EU member to have grown struck eurozone, the move echoed the geared up for the Euro 2012 football in 2012, was expected to decline to 1.6 and representatives of the Ministry of order to achieve this goal”. Chairman Al each year over the last two decades, European Central Bank’s May 2 decision championships last June, have since percent in 2013 and 2014 before drop- Commerce. Under which, it has been Sultan thanked the shareholders for their Poland mustered just 0.1 percent growth to slash its key rate to a new historical waned. ping to 1.5 percent in 2015, according to approved to increase the company’s capi- ongoing and consistent support to the in the first quarter, initial official data low of 0.50 percent. “We think net trade probably provid- the NBP central bank forecast. tal to reach KD 36.3 million as per the company and its strategic development showed, after zero growth in the last With inflation in Poland under con- ed the greatest positive contribution to To the south, the Czech Republic has recommendation of AGM held on April plan, promising them that Oula Fuel quarter of 2012. trol at 1.0 percent, analysts insist the the annual growth rate,” Jackson said, been locked in recession for more than a 25th, 2013 and the distribution of 5% Marketing Company will always remain at Analysts pointed to a sharp decline in string of rate cuts since November is adding that for now they were “sticking” year, having posted a 1.2-percent con- share dividend (5 shares for each 100 the level of their expectations in apprecia- construction as contributing factor to intended to perk up demand in this mar- to their forecast of 1.0-percent growth in traction for 2012. The slowdown in euro- shares) to shareholders registered as of tion for the shareholders’ ongoing and the doldrums, highlighting trade as a ket of 38 million people, central Europe’s output this year. zone heavyweight Germany, Prague’s the date of AGM. consistent support to the company which positive driver and room for further largest. While the official preliminary The economy expanded by 0.4 per- main trading partner, is largely to blame. During the Extraordinary General complements its growth and success. interest rate cuts to bolster consump- estimate was short of details on the rea- cent in the first quarter on an annual The crisis prompted the Czech cen- Meeting, it has been approved to modify It’s worth mentioning that Oula has pre- tion. “The weak state of domestic sons behind the Q1 slowdown, Capital comparison after an uptick of 0.7 per- tral bank to slash rates to a record-low the text of Article (7) of the Memorandum viously declared that the company has demand in Poland means that the eco- Economics noted “investment is in cent in the fourth quarter of 2012, 0.05 percent in November 2012, with of Association, and Article (6) of the achieved a net profit of KD 3.8 million and nomic recovery is likely to be sluggish,” freefall.” Poland’s Central Statistical Office (GUS) Prague-based Patria Finance analyst Statute related to the capital, in addition to its AGM had recommended the distribu- London-based Capital Economics ana- “Output from the construction sector also reported Tuesday. Tomas Vlk predicting “stable rates at a modifying other materials. tion of 5% share dividend (5 shares for lysts said in a Tuesday statement. fell at an even faster pace in quarter one In 2012, the gross domestic product low level” in the coming months. —AFP In this occasion, Chairman Abdul each 100 shares) to shareholders regis- Hussein Al Sultan said: “The adoption of tered as of the date of AGM. technology WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 Nokia unveils new metal-body Lumia smartphone

LONDON: Nokia unveiled a lighter, metal model in mid-tier range to protect its position in emerging its Lumia smartphone range, as it tries to catch the markets, but its success in the high-margin smart- eye of buyers to close the huge market lead of rivals phone market will be crucial to its long-term sur- Samsung and Apple Inc in the lucrative handset vival. market. The Lumia 925 is the latest in Nokia’s range The company unveiled the slightly heavier Lumia using Microsoft’s Windows Phone software and will 928 for the US market last Friday. It was priced at be sold for 469 euros ($610) before taxes and subsi- $99 after a rebate and a two-year deal with Verizon dies through carriers such as Vodafone and China Wireless. Both the Lumia 925 and 928 are targeted Mobile. at the high-end, flagship segment, which accounts Nokia Chief Executive Stephen Elop has pinned for 35 to 40 percent of the total global market, said the future of the loss-making company on Windows Jo Harlow, Nokia’s executive vice president for smart Phone, hoping to reverse a dramatic drop in rev- devices. “Our goal is to have a complete portfolio enue over the last two years. The phone weighs 139 across the price range,” she told Reuters, adding grams, compared with 185 grams for the earlier 920 that Nokia expects to see accelerated growth in model, which some critics had said was too heavy. It sales of Lumia phones. also utilizes a new smart camera mode, a photo Sales of Lumia phones have grown in recent quar- editing function which Nokia intends to introduce ters, but at 5.6 million in first quarter, they still to all Lumia devices. account for only around 5 percent of the market. “Lumia 925 looks like a solid product and should Research company Gartner said yesterday that Nokia be able to attract new customers who have consid- lost 5 percentage points of market share in the first ered 920 too bulky for their taste,” said Nordea ana- quarter, falling to 14.8 percent compared to number lyst Sami Sarkamies. “One can think of Lumia 925 as one Samsung’s 23.6 percent share. Nokia held a 19.7 a new version of Lumia 920 that has been put on a percent share just a year ago. Shares in Nokia were LONDON: The New Nokia mobile phone, the Lumia 925 is displayed during its launch in London yes- diet to fit inside an iPhone-like frame.” Nokia has down 3.6 percent to 2.84 euros by 1310 GMT, valuing terday. Nokia launched a new version of its flagship smartphone, featuring an upgraded camera in recently launched new products in the lower and the company at 11 billion euros. — Reuters the more streamlined and lighter handset. — AFP Dell gets Icahn bid Expert calls it ‘extortion’

SAN FRANCISCO: The battle over the future of an unnecessary debilitating proxy fight. Allow the where it is expected to put Michael Dell’s proposal Dell Inc. heated up Friday after the company shareholders to decide for themselves which offer up to a vote, and possibly any competing offer. received an alternative proposal from Carl Icahn they choose.” Dell responded to the Icahn propos- Last year’s shareholders’ meeting took place on and Southeastern Asset Management that may al by saying its board was reviewing the plan. July 13. compete with a privatization offer by founder and “Consistent with the special committee’s goal of Michael Dell and Silver Lake formally CEO Michael Dell. The Round Rock, Texas-based achieving the best possible outcome for all share- announced their offer on Feb. 5 after weeks of technology giant said its board was studying the holders, we and our advisors are carefully review- speculation. The offer almost immediately drew proposal from Icahn and Southeastern, but some ing the potential transaction to assess the poten- the ire of some large shareholders such as experts quickly expressed skepticism about the tial risks and rewards to the public shareholders,” Southeastern, who argued that the company was plan from the billionaire investor. One compared the board special committee said in a statement. worth more and publicly pushed for offers above Icahn’s proposal to “extortion.” But the counterbid was quickly met with skep- $20 per share. Carl Icahn bought up a large block SACRAMENTO: Joseph Boardman, Amtrak President and CEO (left) Rep John In a filing with the Securities & Exchange ticism by a couple of experts who said the letter of Dell shares after the first offer was announced Garamendi (center) and Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Rail Systems leave one Commission, Dell shared a letter sent by Icahn sounded more like a threat to sue. “The tone of and has been pushing for an alternative deal. of the new Amtrak Cities Sprinter Locomotive after a demonstration run at the and Southeastern in which they propose that the letter seems to be focusing more on frighten- Icahn and Southeastern claimed in their letter on Siemens factory in Sacramento, Calif. — AP shareholders would retain their shares and ing directors with litigation threats than on selling Friday to represent about 13 percent of Dell’s total receive a choice of either $12 per share in cash or either the board or investors on the value of his shares outstanding. $12 worth of additional Dell stock. They said this proposal,” Gary Lutin, chairman of the “We have great respect for Michael Dell for cre- Amtrak replaces aging would be superior to the $13.65 per share buyout Shareholder Forum, told MarketWatch. ating and building Dell and also for the “negotiat- offer from Michael Dell and Silver Lake, as it Ray Wang, chief executive of Constellation ing’ ability he has shown in getting his Board to fleet with locomotives would allow shareholders to retain an equity Research, echoed a similar view. “Icahn’s proposal grant to him this almost absurd bargain,” the let- “stub” in the business and participate in Dell’s is basically a modern-day extortion hidden behind ter read. “However, we believe all shareholders (at recovery. The pair also threatened a proxy battle if a veil of legal threats,” he told MarketWatch. their discretion) should have the opportunity to NEWARK: Amtrak has unveiled at a plant generating 100 percent of the energy it the Dell board does not approve their offer. Meanwhile, Icahn appeared to take special aim at participate in the upside potential we believe is in California the first of 70 new locomo- uses back to the electric grid, similar to “This company has suffered long enough from Michael Dell in his latest move, saying in an inter- present, not solely Michael Dell and an oppor- tives, marking what the national passen- the way a hybrid automobile’s motor acts very wrong-headed decisions made by the board view with CNBC, “If our board is elected, Michael tunistic buyout group leveraging to the hilt the ger railroad service said it hopes will be a as a generator when braking, according to and its management,” the letter read. “Do not Dell will not be running the company.” Dell has not company’s own assets with very little of their own new era of better reliability, streamlined Michael Cahill, CEO for Siemens Rail make another by putting the company through yet set a date for its annual shareholders meeting, equity.” — MCT maintenance and more energy efficiency. Systems. On a broader scale, the new engines dis- That could produce energy savings of played Monday could well be viewed as up to $300 million over 20 years, the com- Web users reclaim emblematic of the improving financial pany estimates. The locomotives also fea- health of Amtrak, which has long been ture crumple zones, which are basically anonymity through dependent on subsidies from an often cages built onto the front end of the train reluctant Congress. that can absorb impact from a collision. privacy programs More than 31 million passengers rode The new models will be the first in North Amtrak in the 2012 fiscal year, generating America to use them, in compliance with WASHINGTON: Dozens of silent watchers, working for corpo- a record $2.02 billion in ticket revenue. new federal safety guidelines, Cahill said. rations that want to learn about you so they can sell you Amtrak said it will be able to pay back a The locomotives, called Amtrak Cities things, track you when you go online. Why does America tol- $466 million federal loan for the locomo- Sprinters, are based on Siemens’ latest erate all that spying? “Consumers are concerned about their tives over 25 years using net profits from European electric locomotive and will privacy and about being tracked online. But the commission the Northeast Corridor line, where rider- replace Amtrak equipment that has been recognizes that a lot of content is advertising-supported, and ship hit a record high last year for the in service for 20 to 30 years and has advertising is tracking-supported,” said Peder Magee, a senior ninth time in 10 years. “The new Amtrak logged an average of 3.5 million miles. staff attorney at the Federal Trade Commission who special- locomotives will help power the econom- Simply having the same type of loco- izes in “behavioral advertising” policy. “So what we’ve said all ic future of the Northeast region, provide motive in operation should cut costs, along is, ‘If you’re going to do this, be open and transparent, more reliable and efficient service for pas- Amtrak spokesman Steve Kulm said. and give consumers control.’ “ sengers and support the rebirth of rail Amtrak now uses three locomotive mod- Sophisticated Web users know they’re being tracked, and manufacturing in America,” Amtrak els, requiring slightly different mainte- that tracking-based ads help pay to make Web sites available - President Joseph Boardman said in a nance, parts and training. ZHEZKAZGAN: (Front right to left) US astronaut Thomas Marshburn, Russian cosmo- much as ads pay for other media like newspapers and TV, says statement. “Now, we will have one model, one naut Roman Romanenko, and Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield join their hands as David Morgan, a former newspaper lawyer for Philadelphia’s “Built on the West Coast for service in inventory and one training program, and they rest shortly after the landing aboard the Russian Soyuz space capsule some 150 Duane Morris LLP who later led pioneering online ad-and- the Northeast with suppliers from many all that will help efficiency,” Kulm said. km southeast of the town of Zhezkazgan in central Kazakhstan yesterday. — AFP tracking agencies like Tacoda Inc. He’s now a New York media states, businesses and workers from About 750 people are employed at investor and head of TV ad-buying software-maker across the country are helping to mod- Siemens’ Sacramento plant. The locomo- Three spacemen return Simulmedia. ernize the locomotive fleet of America’s tive project also involves Siemens plants Tracker-identification programs like Evidon Inc.’s Ghostery Railroad.” Robert Puentes, a senior fellow in Columbus, Ohio, Richland, Miss., and program and browser-sponsored tracking systems from in the Brooking Institution’s metropolitan Alpharetta, Ga. after 5 months in orbit Apple, Microsoft, and Mozilla make the hidden watchers more policy program, said Amtrak isn’t the The ripple effect spreads farther. As a visible to curious Web users, and make blocking them easier. same organization it was a few years ago, condition of the Department of MOSCOW: Canadian spaceman Chris impressively-performed video became an “We’re trying to reveal the invisible Web,” said Scott Meyer, relying on federal handouts. “Even though Transportation loan, the majority of the Hadfield yesterday returned to Earth along immediate hit on YouTube and yesterday chief executive of Evidon, the New York digital advertising Washington is mired in debt and dysfunc- products and materials used to build the with two other astronauts after a half-year morning barely two days after it was first company that bought Ghostery from founder David Cancel tion, Amtrak is reinventing itself,” Puentes locomotives must be made in the U.S. As mission to the International Space Station posted had garnered over 5.5 million views. three years ago. The son of a former Sunoco marketing chief, Meyer was a said. a result, some lighting parts are coming that saw him shoot to global stardom by cap- Using the power of social networks more Wall Street investment banker and the New York Times Co’s The new engines will be used on the from Connecticut, the driver’s seat from tivating people worldwide with his Twitter effectively than anyone in the history of digital media chief before joining investment firm Warburg Northeast Corridor between Washington, Wisconsin, insulation from Indiana, elec- microblog. Hadfield landed safely in the manned space flight, Hadfield has now Pincus and using the firm’s capital to set up Evidon three years DC, and Boston and on Keystone Corridor tronics from Texas and hydraulic parts Kazakh steppe along with American Tom arguably become the world’s most prominent ago. Ghostery claims 18 million users, almost half of whom trains that run between Philadelphia and Marshburn and Russian Roman Romanenko astronaut since the days of Neil Armstrong from California. In all, 70 suppliers in 23 share their browsing data - anonymously - with the service. Harrisburg, Pa. Three were unveiled states are providing components, aboard a Russian Soyuz-TMA capsule that had and Buzz Aldrin. left the space station yesterday morning, He has also blazed a new trail for how Owner Evidon then sells the aggregated data to retail and ad Monday before being sent out for testing. Siemens said. clients. They also pay the firm for guidance on complying with The first is due to go into service by this Amtrak must still seek federal funding Moscow mission control said. “Safely home- astronauts can inspire the public at a time when some scientists question the need for Web privacy guidelines. fall, and all 70 are expected to be in serv- for a long list of planned and ongoing back on Earth, happily readapting to the heavy pull of gravity. Wonderful to smell and manned space flight to the ISS amid constant Evidon also services the Digital Advertising Alliance’s ice by 2016. Amtrak awarded the contract improvements, including replacing sec- feel Spring,” the 53-year-old Hadfield wrote in budget pressures. Tweeting under the Star AdChoices program, which makes it easier for consumers to in 2010 to Munich-based Siemens AG, tions of pre-World War II electrical sys- his first earth-bound tweet a few hours after Trek-like name Cmdr - Hadfield, the astronaut block unwanted online ads. “People will say they don’t like which has made a big investment in the tems on the Northeast Corridor that cause landing. posted spectacular pictures of the Earth seen advertising. But people do like the right kind of advertising,” American rail industry over the last regular disruptions. Russian state television pictures had from the sky and also insights on the mun- said Crystal Gurin, Philadelphia publisher of eMarketer, an decade. The fact that Amtrak has reduced its showed the giant white parachute of the dane aspects of eating and washing in space. online media research and reporting service that uses The company makes about one of debt by 60 percent over the last 10 years Soyuz capsule unfurling successfully after re- “Hadfield captured the world’s attention,” the Ghostery data. Gurin means advertising that announces itself every three light-rail vehicles in North and its federal operating subsidy to 12 entry and the capsule then touching down in Canadian space agency said in a statement and tells users about things they want. “The kind of service America and is building light-rail vehicles percent could make it an easier sell. “Ten the Kazakh steppe, sending a plume of dust after the landing. Evidon provides is absolutely essential in the world of big con- for Minneapolis, Houston and San Diego years ago we were in a tougher spot,” upwards into the sky. The Soyuz touched It said his outreach work has “reminded sumer advertising,” she added. “Especially if this industry at the Sacramento plant where Amtrak’s Boardman, the Amtrak president, said last down at 0231 GMT in the steppe south of the the world that space exploration is not only strives to be self-regulated.” locomotives are being produced. Among week. “Now Amtrak on the Northeast central Kazakh city of Karaganda. The Soyuz about looking beyond but also about learn- Advertisers and ad agencies that track Internet users across the improvements in the new locomo- Corridor is in a much healthier position. landed on its side rather than vertically, but ing about Earth.” Hadfield’s final tweet from many websites are making a lot more information public tives are computers that can diagnose We’re trying to maximize that, to the this is a relatively common occurrence. On a space was a spectacular image of the sun about their tracking activities than the corporations that run problems in real time and take corrective extent we can, to pay for what we should sunny spring morning, all three astronauts glinting over the Earth as it rose. “Spaceflight popular search, retail, and news sites tell their Web visitors, action and a braking system capable of pay for on the Northeast Corridor.” — AP were then successfully extracted from the finale: To some this may look like a sunset. But said Alan Chappell, a New York Internet privacy lawyer. capsule by recovery teams who rushed to the it’s a new dawn,” Hadfield wrote. Raised on a “(Retailers) have already been collecting information on you scene in helicopters. corn farm in southern Ontario, Hadfield for 100 years,” including store spending habits and credit Big 4 cellphone carriers They were then placed in special chairs become a top fighter pilot for the Canadian records, he noted. amid the long steppe grasses, covered in spe- air force before being selected from over Evidon its San Francisco rival TRUSTe.com, and trade asso- cial thermal blankets and offered tea by the 5,000 people in 1992 to be one of four new ciations like the Digital Advertising Alliance and their lawyers unite on anti-texting ads ground crews. All three appeared in good Canadian astronauts. have successfully prodded advertisers to participate in these tracking-disclosure programs. That has helped ease calls for NEW YORK: The country’s four biggest cellphone use while driving, cellphone health. After medical checks, Romanenko will This was his third space mission, after fly- federal regulation, while also helping advertisers compete cellphone companies are set to launch companies have begun to embrace the then fly on to Moscow while Hadfield and ing with the US shuttle to the now defunct with Google and other powerful Web advertising providers, their first joint advertising campaign language of the federal government’s Marshburn will be taken by NASA to Houston. Russian Mir station in 1995 and to the ISS in Chappell said. against texting while driving, uniting campaign against cellphone use by driv- Hadfield captured the public imagination April 2001. Hadfield’s official biography pub- “(Meyer) has done a fantastic job of leading a very difficult behind AT&T’s “It Can Wait” slogan to ers. Beyond TV and radio ads, the new with regular updates on Twitter that gave an lished by the Canadian Space Agency lists a conversation in our industry and putting customers first, with blanket TV and radio this summer. The campaign will stretch into the skies unprecedented insight into daily life in space seemingly endless range of earth-bound a technology that gives people meaningful transparency and multi-million dollar ad campaign is through displays on Goodyear’s three and access to spectacular images taken from interests including “skiing, playing guitar, meaningful choice,” said Mario Diez, chief executive of West unusual not just because it unites rivals, blimps. It will also include store displays, the ISS. singing, riding, writing, running, and playing Conshohocken, Pa-based PointRoll, an online ad agency but because it represents companies community events, social-media out- In a fitting climax to his mission, Hadfield volleyball and squash.” Hadfield, who was owned by newspaper publisher Gannett. “Look, this is still warning against the dangers of their own reach and national tour of a driving simu- posted a cover version of the David Bowie commander of the station, also oversaw a very new. Everyone is learning,” Diez added. “I’d like to believe products. lator. The campaign targets teens in par- classic “Space Oddity” that showed him dramatic spacewalk at the weekend per- that making this information available to consumers has had a After initially fighting laws against ticular. — AP singing and even playing the guitar as he formed by Americans Marshburn and Chris floated in zero gravity aboard the station. The Cassidy to halt an ammonia leak. — AFP positive effect on (US Internet) policy.” — MCT WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Al-Maidan hosts first Invisalign certification in Kuwait

KUWAIT: In the presence of Ambassador Tueller. Dr Parveen Chandra, senior dentist eldest and the biggest chain providing nology. Mahdi Haider thanked the ambas- with Invisalign GCC in April 2013. The align- Matthew H Tueller, ambassador of the and coordinator of the workshop wel- dental care since its establishment in 1987; sador for gracing the occasion. The famous ers are planned by using cutting edge tech- United States of America, Al-Maidan Clinic comed the gathering and briefed the audi- the workshop was attended by 25 doctors Italian orthodontist, Dr Francesco Carino an nology where 3D software allows the doc- held the first Invisalign certification pro- ence about the activities of UHC which is in addition to nurses and other administra- authority in Invisalign technique conduct- tor to forecast the result and can be viewed gram. The event was held at the conference the holding company of Maidan Clinic and tive staff. ed a day long intensive workshop. by the patient on a video before starting room KBT Tower- Sharq. the biggest private healthcare provider in A video presentation was made on Dr.Garino highlighted the advantages of the treatment. PR and Marketing Manager, Mahdi Haider, chairman of the United Kuwait which includes Al-Seef Hospital, Invisalign. The ambassador in his remarks this advanced life-style invisible braces Rawya Yaqoub noted that there are similar Medical Services Company and Mansour International Clinic, United Laboratories, said that he was pleased to watch the cut- which are wireless/ no-metal wires or products available in the market but Haider, Deputy Chairman of the United United Medical Technologies and a host of ting edge technology adopted in dentistry brackets. He mentioned that they are less Invisalign is original and apparently this Healthcare Company and Chairman of Al- other group of companies. and was highly appreciative of Al-Maidan painful pleasant in appearance removable system is very popular in Europe and Seef Hospital were present on this occasion The workshop comes to compliment for bringing this technology to the Kuwaiti and comfortable. Al-Maidan was the first to America used by more than 70.000 dentists and received the chief guest Ambassador the business strategy of Maidan Clinic, the population, in association with Align tech- launch it officially in Kuwait in association and 2 million cases completed already.

India unveils vaccine for deadly diarrhea virus

NEW DELHI: Scientists unveiled yes- pitalizations in India a year, at a cost terday an affordable vaccine against a to the country of 3.4 billion rupees deadly diarrhea-causing virus that ($72 million), scientists say. kills some 100,000 children in India “We have (now) added to our every year. Rotavirus, which causes know-how and capacity in ways which dehydration and severe diarrhea, is will pay dividends for development of globally responsible for some 453,000 future solutions,” said Vijaraghavan. deaths annually and is particularly Each dose of licensed vaccines threatening in Africa and Asia, where from GlaxoSmithKline and Merc cost access to urgent healthcare is often around 1,000 rupees ($18), said out of reach. Sushmita Malaviya of PATH, an inter- K. Vijaraghavan, secretary of India’s national healthcare organization Department of Biotechnology which which is also part of the Rotavac pro- steered the hunt for an affordable gram. M.K. Bhan, who pioneered the rotavirus vaccine, said it was a prod- project after local scientists discov- uct of international cooperation, ered a localized rotavirus 23 years ago although it has yet to be approved by in a New Delhi hospital, said the New Delhi. “The result is a world-class development was a boon for India’s vaccine for India’s children,” he told a creaky public health service. “Total 25 press conference in New Delhi. “For percent of all diarrheal admissions the first time we have taken a vaccine would be prevented by this and that from the earliest discovery to every means you will have 25 percent less stage of development and that is a diarrheal illnesses of severe nature in very remarkable thing for India,” he India which is a very substantial pub- said, adding that the dollar-a-dose lic health gain,” he said. “We have a Invisalign program underlines oral vaccine was ready for production. good vaccine which will be useful and The vaccine named Rotavac will be we will do post-marketing surveil- manufactured by Hyderabad-based lance and keep accumulating more excellence of Al-Maidan Clinic Bharat Biotech pharmaceutical firm experience.” More than 300,000 babies which has said it has the capacity to die within 24 hours of being born in By Nawara Fattahova which may look unpleasant and also cause dis- tems and is well researched. The company has mass produce 60 million doses after India each year from infections and comfort and pain to the patient. more than 350 patients and the kit is being clearance is given. Each vaccination other preventable causes, according KUWAIT: The Invisalign workshop held here taught in more than 180 universities. consists of three doses. Rotavirus is to a report last week by Save the compliments the business strategy of Al-Maidan Q. How does it work? blamed for causing up to 884,000 hos- Children. — AFP Clinic in achieving excellence and professional- A. Clear aligners are made using cutting edge Q. How popular is it in the western coun- ism by constantly updating and training its doc- 3D technology in a facility abroad and the move- tries? tors through workshops and seminars. ment of teeth is replicated by computerized sim- A. Invisalign is evolved in terms of technolo- Vermont legislators approve Many people especially adults have little idea ulation. gies and its applications in difficult cases over about the comfortable transparent braces being the years. It is very popular in America, Europe ‘death-with-dignity’ bill available in the market. Invisalign is the original Q. This is suitable for which age group? and Japan. Only in late 2012, it was introduced and the first to come up with this technology 12 A. There is no specific age group. It is suitable to the GCC and now in Maidan where it was WASHINGTON: Liberal-minded Vermont for 10 years for a death-with-dignity law, years ago. Recently, some other competitors are for teenagers, adults and, these days, even launched officially in Kuwait. has become the third US state to allow told AFP. presenting similar products but with different becoming popular among the older age groups doctor-assisted suicide, letting terminally In the lead-up to Monday’s vote, the materials. Q. Is it a life-style treatment procedure? ill patients request lethal medication Vermont Alliance for Ethical Healthcare, Rawya Yaqoub from the PR and Marketing A. Yes and no. It caters to all types of popula- noted that Maidan always believed in the best tion but it is also very popular with celebrities as from physicians. which spearheaded opposition to the practices and therefore associated with aligning the metal does not show and does not cause End of Life Choice Bill, called the initia- Governor Peter Shumlin, a Democrat, technologies to bring Invisalign to the Kuwaiti embarrassment while smiling. stated he will sign the End of Life Choice tive “ill-conceived and misguided public population as it is the original, superior and the Bill, approved Monday by the House of policy.” most popular aligner in America, Europe and all Q. How long have you been practicing this Representatives in the state capital Its president Edward Mahoney said it over the world. technique? Montpelier by a 75-65 vote. “does not safeguard patients from abuse On the sidelines of the workshop, Dr A. Since 2003, I have been watching the Oregon and Washington already allow (and) makes it impossible to determine Francesco Garino, Chief Speaker of Invisalign product evolve, and with the new innovations, doctor-assisted suicide. But Vermont, a whether physician-assisted suicide is explained to Nawara in a brief interview wherein even complex cases can be treated. small rural state in New England, is the being practiced outside the framework he talked about Invisalign. first to do so by a legislative process of the law.” Nawara in an interview with Dr Francesco Q. What is the nature of your work - private rather than through a voter-initiated ref- Coombs Lee cited a 2010 Harris poll Q. Is this your first visit to Kuwait? Garino. practice or academics? erendum. for BBC World News America that indicat- A. Yes, and I thank the organizers Maidan A. I have been involved with both. I main- “Legislators are now embracing the ed that 70 percent of Americans believe Dental Clinic and Dr Praveen Chandra for having as this is almost invisible. tained a private practice and also teach at the high margin of public support for end- people who are terminally ill, in great organized such a good scientific event. I also University of Turin, Italy apart from lecturing of-life choices nationwide,” said Barbara pain or with no chance of recovery thank His Excellency the Ambassador of the Q. What are the advantages of Invisalign? and conducting workshops internationally at Coombs Lee of Compassion and Choices, should have the right to end their lives. United Sates for taking part in the event. A. They are clear, almost invisible, removable, least once a month. These lectures are held a national group that campaigns for But Mahoney noted that since comfortable and they cause less strain to the internationally, in America, Europe, Russia and November last year, in New England Q. What is Invisalign? teeth. The patient can brush and floss comfort- now in the Middle East. alone, efforts towards legalizing physi- A. Invisalign is a way of treating crooked ably and avoid gum disease during the course of cian-assisted suicide have failed in teeth using transparent appliances (aligners), orthodontic treatment. Q. When is your next visit to Kuwait? A. Very soon. Since I am involved with the Massachusetts, Connecticut and, last without using conventional braces. Q. How does it differ from other aligner technical support, I will be advising and guiding week, Maine. Q. So, are you sure no wires are used? systems? the doctors of Al-Maidan on the use of this Vermont has a reputation in the A. Yes, there is no use of metal wires or braces A. Invisalign is the oldest of the aligner sys- product. United States as an early adopter of pro- gressive social policies. In 2009, for instance, it was the first state to adopt a same-sex marriage law; in 2004 it Study questions if bed rest approved the medical use of marijuana. Peter Shumlin But it also has one of the fastest-aging populations in the United States. By prevents prematurity assisted suicide. 2030, one in four Vermonters will be 65 “The bill’s passage should enable leg- years of age or older, according to WASHINGTON: New research is rais- troversy - and until then, for doctors often? There aren’t a lot of good their activities, essentially offering a islatures in Massachusetts, New Jersey University of Vermont economist Art ing fresh concern that an age-old not to assume that a prescription to treatments to prevent prematurity real-world test of the effects. The pre- and other states that are considering aid- Woolf. treatment for troubled pregnancies - take it easy can’t hurt. and other problems. scriptions ranged from no sexual in-dying bills to approve them,” she said The End of Life Choice Bill is “very, very bed rest - doesn’t seem to prevent “Bed rest is misperceived as an “Patients want you to do some- activity, to partial or complete work in a statement. big for terminally ill Vermonters who, premature birth, and might even inexpensive, innocuous, logical rec- thing, and physicians want to do restrictions, to complete restriction of Under the Vermont bill, terminally ill despite the best medical and palliative increase that risk. ommendation,” Dr. Joseph Biggio Jr. something,” explained Dr. Catherine non-work activity as well. patients who are given no more than six care, still suffer greatly in their final days,” Doctors have known for years of the University of Alabama at Spong, a maternal-fetal medicine Nearly 40 percent of the 646 months to live can ask their doctors to said Sirotkin by telephone from that there’s no good evidence that Birmingham wrote in the latest issue specialist at the National Institutes of pregnant women enrolled in the prescribe a lethal dose of drugs to hasten Montpelier. bed rest offers any benefit for certain of Obstetrics & Gynecology, a journal Health who co-authored the latest study were prescribed some type of their death. “People die different kinds of deaths pregnancy complications, and it can read by thousands of practitioners. research. activity restriction in the second or Several safeguards are built into the than they did 30 or 40 years ago. Now cause side effects in the mother, not In a separate review of past stud- Spong and colleagues took a third trimester. Most were told to law. These include a requirement for two people’s lives can be prolonged well to mention emotional and financial ies that failed to support bed rest, a closer look at a study of treatments restrict all three types of activity - medical opinions, the option of a psychi- beyond the time of their initial illness or strain. Yet estimates suggest nearly 1 trio of obstetricians and ethicists at for women at risk of premature birth sexual, work and non-work. atric examination and a 17-day waiting acute incident,” he added. “Some people in 5 mothers-to-be is told to cut her the University of North Carolina, because of an increasingly diagnosed The surprise: Some 37 percent of activity - ranging from quitting work Chapel Hill, went a step further. They complication called a short cervix. women who took the precautions period before a life-ending prescription get to the point where they lose their to actually staying in bed all day - at said it’s not ethical to keep prescrib- Bed rest is a broad term that had a premature baby, compared autonomy, they lose their dignity, and can be filled. “The family is encouraged some point during pregnancy. ing bed rest unless the women are doesn’t just mean staying in bed all with just 17 percent of the women to be involved, but it’s not mandated,” they suffer physically or existentially, and Now, spurred by the latest study, enrolled in a research study, as they the time - and during that treatment who didn’t scale back, the lobbyist Michael Sirotkin of Patient feel they want a better death than the some specialists are issuing a call for are for other unproven treatments. study, doctors were free to decide if researchers report in Obstetrics & Choices Vermont, which has campaigned one offered to them now.” —AFP strict studies to finally settle the con- So why is rest prescribed so the participants also should restrict Gynecology.—AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 HEALTH & SCIENCE Dar Al-Shifa Hospital Technology Services & Trad Co welcomes Dr Darwish n 2012, Technology Services Please find below from right: Limb. Center 7. Jennifer Billings: Technician Trading Company, Kuwait in 1. Nicole: Technician from Life 4. Mr. Zaid Al Hadi: Head of Art. from Life Like Laboratory Texas USA. KUWAIT: Dar Al-Shifa Hospital announced dure in which bone cement is injected association with Life Like Like Laboratory - Texas USA Limb Center 8. Roshan: Staff of Technology yesterday the arrival of Dr Tarek Darwish, through a small hole in the skin into a frac- I Laboratory Texas USA were award- 2. Dr. Mohammed Al Haify: 5. Mr. Motlaq Al Horajy: Asst. Services Trading Company Specialist Neurosurgery in its Neurosurgical tured vertebra with the goal of relieving back ed a contract by the Ministry of Minister of Health - Kuwait Director of PMR Hospital 9. Anup Kuwait: Staff of department. This new appointment is in line pain caused by vertebral compression frac- Health to supply silicon prosthesis 3. Dr. Ammar Al Baroon: 6. Mr. Mustafa Buftain: Senior Technology Services Trading with Dar Al Shifa’s strategy in providing opti- tures. In addition to that, Dr. Darwish is an to 45 patients. Casts and measure- Director of PMR Hospital & Art. Official of art. Limb Center Compay mum healthcare services to its patients and expert at non-surgical management of back ments were taken in September enhancing patients’ experience pain and endoscopic and micro- 2012. In late April 2013, patients and standards to meet their scopic spine surgeries. Through the were fixed with their prosthetic utmost needs. past two years, Dr. Darwish has per- limbs at the Artificial Limb Centre in Neurosurgery, also called neu- formed 310 operations including the Physical Medical Rehabilitation rological surgery, brain surgery or cranial surgeries, spinal surgeries, Hospital to their enormous satisfac- spine surgery, is mainly con- intradural and extradural spinal tion and thanks. 45 patients to fix cerned with the central and tumors and intramedullary spinal silicon prosthesis from Fingers, peripheral nervous system and tumors along with peripheral nerve Partial Hands, Full Hands Partial spinal columns and is of the most decompression and repair and cran- Foot and Complete Foot by the complicated form of surgeries. iofacial repair and cranioplasty Artificial Limb Center under PMR Armed with a doctorate degree (which involves a surgical repair of a Hospital Ministry of Health. in Neurosurgery from Alexandria defect or deformity of a skull). Procedures included the fixing University, Dr Darwish has also Commenting on his appoint- of prosthetic fingers, partial and received a Master’s degree in Surgery, and a ment, Dr Darwish expressed his utmost pleas- complete hands and partial and bachelor of medicine and surgery from ure to become part of a well-established and complete feet. We at Technology Alexandria University. He has also undergone reputable medical institution such as Dar Al Services and Trading Company with training in spine surgery and has a special Shifa Hospital. “I look forward to contribute to our partner, Life-Like Laboratories, interest in back and vertebrae pain manage- the success of the neurosurgical department are very pleased with the outcome ment. at Dar Al Shifa hospital especially with the of the procedures and especially Dr Darwish is specialized at back pain, new technologies being incorporated into the grateful to the Minister of Health, spinal tumors, peripheral nerves -the nerves diagnosis, evaluation, and surgical and non- Dr. Mohammed Barrak Al-Haifi, for outside the brain and spinal cord; brain tumor, surgical treatment of patients available at the his personal interest. and vertebroplasty - a medical spinal proce- hospital.” WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 Great value and deals at SEND US YOUR Marina Hotel this summer INSTAGRAM PICS arina Hotel Kuwait recently known for its delicious international cui- hat’s more fun than clicking a beauti- rolled out its much awaited for sine: ‘The Six Palms’ and the ‘Atlantis.’ For ful picture? Sharing it with others! Let Msummer package which comes mouth-watering delicacies, indulge in Wother people see the way you see along with lots of benefits to make this international, Mediterranean and Middle Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will summer relaxed, luxurious and memo- Eastern dishes from a scrumptious array feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram rable. You are invited to enjoy this sum- of menu choices in a tranquil music set- mer in style in the midst of absolute ting. feeds. If you want to share your Instagram pho- pampering and leisure with a resort-feel In close proximity to the Marina Mall tos, email us at ambience through its wonderful facilities and Marina Crescent, one can enjoy a [email protected] away from the hustle and bustle of the complete holiday with easy access to city. their favorite shopping and hang out The all-inclusive Marina Hotel pack- destinations making it ideal for family age promises real joy under the sun with leisure. The hotel’s philosophy is dedicat- its secluded private beach and three ed to focus on individual guest’s needs Greetings pools: lap pool, kids’ pool and family pool and offer the highest standard of service. with the Marina Waves pool bar. Guests Marina offers the pleasures of graceful any happy can relax in their rooms, all overlooking living and indulgent amenities including returns of the beautiful Gulf Sea, at a rate starting a fitness centre and excellent choice of the day to M from KD 77 for a double room per night, restaurants. Rooms and suites at the Nelson Fernandes from Benaulim, Goa buffet breakfast included. The package Hotel combine intimacy, comfort, exclu- who celebrates his provides free access to the hotel’s many sivity with personalized service and birthday today. May facilities: the Coral Reef Health Club, the attention to detail. Head towards Marina God shower His squash court, beach and pool area. Hotel and benefit from all the enticing choicest blessings Complete your idyllic stay at any of offers. on you and may all the hotel’s two fabulous restaurants well- your dreams come true. Best wishes come from parents, GUST students strengthen Math skills with bowling relatives and friends.

Announcements

Speech competition t Berchmans 17th Extempore Speech Competition for Indian School students from Sclass VII to XII will be conducted on Friday, 17th May 2013 at United Indian School, Jaleeb Al Shuyoukh. Competition will be conducted in 3 cate- gories separately. Sub-Juniors (7th & 8th Stds.) Juniors (9th & 10th Stds.) and Seniors (11th & 12th Stds). Trophies and Certificates will be awarded to the I, II, and III prize winners of each category. Championship and Runner up Trophies will be awarded to the respective schools based on points earned by it’s students. he Gulf University for commented the students. They bowledwhilesolving a pre- AIP shaam-e ghazal Science and Technology urged for more such activities to designed assignment with their he Association of Indian Professionals (AIP), T(GUST) Math Foundation be conducted as it helped them peers supervised by faculty Kuwait, forthcoming event has been sched- students of Intermediate understand and apply the con- members: Shiny Moncy, Khalid Tuled for the evening of May 25, 2013 at 6 pm Algebra participated in an off- cepts better. Combining off Al-Hulaibi and Khalaf Alenezi. at the auditorium of Indian Community Senior campus activity at the 360 Mall campus activities to learning Hussain B Hussain, Dhari Al- School, Salmiya and is titled as AIP Shaam-e-Ghazal. Bowl Room. This activity was tasks enhances the understand- Mobarak, and Sulaiman Al- We have invited Raghuram Krishnan, a Ghazal singer organized for hands-on practice ing of the subject as well as help Mansour were the student rep- from Cochin, India to make this evening more melo- of basic Math application from the students have an all-round resentatives who assisted the their textbook to their daily life. development during their uni- instructors in coordinating with dious and vibrant. He will be supported by few local It was an enthusiastic learn- versity life. the management of the 360 musicians also. Ambassador of India, Satish C. ing experience; the first of its It was a fun and educational Mall and guiding their classes Mehta will be the Chief Guest. Admission is by invi- kind to be held for a Math class environment as the students during the session. tation and children below 10 years of age will not be allowed. Chaine Des Rotisseurs at Holiday Inn Salmiya Hotel

Dancing Divas show n presence of the Greek, Tunisian, led by Monjed Salha , the General harmony with the flavors of the dish- stunningly gold plated. To accompany Thailand, Japanese, and Canadian Manager of the hotel , who addressed es. the beauty guests experienced at their he Dancing Divas is organizing its 5th Annual IAmbassadors, the “Chaine des the invitees and warmly welcomed The night overflowed with ele- taste buds, they enjoyed graceful Jubilation on the 7th of June 2013 at Cambridge Rotisseurs” Kuwait Chapter members their presence on this occasion. gance from every aspect. And what piano music that completed the luxu- TSchool, Mangaf, between 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm. The and guest had a “Gold and Caviar” Beautifully executed by the Hotel else translates culinary elegance than rious ambiance. program will be attended by Raghav Juyal (Dance India evening on the 20th of April 2013, at team a luxury and resourceful dinner precious Caviar, which Holiday Inn’s A uniquely, valuable and very gold- Dance Fame) who will be judging the show as well as Al Dana Ballroom, Holiday Inn Kuwait that satisfied the eye by golden and dinner revolved around And To make en experience for the gourmets of the entertaining the audience with his dance performances. Salmiya Hotel. All the invitees were artistic presentations and taste, were the dishes even more precious and Chaine des Rotisseurs. Another highlight of the show is the presence of Raja welcomed by the Hotel management different kinds of caviar were tasted in lavish, the resourceful dinner were Sagoo (Comedy Circus Fame) who will be compere for the event. Raghav will also be conducting a dance workshop on the 8th of June at the Salmiya Model School. Workshop will be for participants within the age group PAUL’s new menu invites you to savour a slice of France of 8 and 30 and will be open for registration till the 30th of May. AUL Bakery & Restaurant has put a fresh spin on its More to Try The Dancing Divas is a reputed dance academy run by popular selection with new dishes complementing The new all-day menu abounds with French flavours, choreographer and dance teacher Jyoti Patel with over 100 Pits extensive list of classic French favourites. with well selected new dishes to try such as Salade de crevettes a la mangue - a fresh green salad tossed with children from different schools in Kuwait. Raghav Juyal Bountiful Breakfasts plump poached shrimp and a tangy lemon mayonnaise (Crockroaxz) is a dancer and choreographer and is Wake up to a mouth-watering new breakfast selection dressing. Those looking for something more robust can renowned as the King of Slow Motion for his surreal dance including sweet and savoury viennoiseries and breads tuck into the Poulet roti aux amandes - a tender almond- moves in slow motion style. He rose to fame after being a warm out of the oven, crÍpes and galettes stuffed with deli- flavoured chicken breast with runny camembert cheese, finalist in Zee TV dance reality shows like Dance India cious fillings, hearty classics like Eggs Benedict and served with hearty sides of potato puree, carrots and beans Dance (Season 3), as a skipper for the team Raghav Ke Omelette Marseillaise and aromatic coffees and teas. You and a fruity raspberry sauce. Rockstars in DID Li’l Masters 2 and Dance Ke can also pick your favourite combinations of freshly baked Fans of fish have plenty to look forward to with dishes Superkids.Raghav has become a youth icon inspiring bread and croissants, a selection of jams, an omelette, fresh such as the Tartine au Saumon, one of PAUL’s famed open dancers, who imitate his trademark moves and dance orange juice, coffee or tea for a complete breakfast spread - sandwiches served on rustic toasted farmhouse bread. This style, popularly known as Crock-style. The dance enthusi- the perfect way to ease into a day at work or to linger over tasty sandwich makes the perfect light lunch for the sum- asts of Kuwait are certain to benefit under his tutelage. on the weekend. mer, layered with slices of smoked salmon, tomato, cucum- Raja Sagoo, will be the compere for the event. ber and soft white cheese. For a quick pick-me-up, browse through our luscious selection of fine desserts, sweets and confectionary, with new additions such as CafÈ Surprise - a steamy cuppa Write to us served with a mini pot of crËme brulÈe, mini moelleux au chocolat and two melt-in-your mouth mini macaroons, or our Pain Perdu - French toast like you’ve never tried before Send to What’s On made from thick chunks of eggy bread, served with a driz- zle of sweet caramel sauce and a scoop of ice cream. upcoming events, birthdays or With so many new dishes to try, we look forward to wel- come you at PAUL! celebrations by email: The new menu is available at the below shopping malls. [email protected] Marina Mall, Rotunda, Marina Mall, Al-Mubarak Street, Fax: 24835619 / 20 Al-Kout Mall. WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 Embassy Sebamed on Information

EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA Instagram The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian Consulate-General in Dubai. Email: info.aus- [email protected] (VFS) [email protected] (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Toefl for primary stage Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem ritish International, the exclusive FL test for Middle and Upper Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, distributer for TOEFL tests in Department students aged 11-15 last Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: BKuwait, launches a new TOEFL test year. One hundred and eighty six stu- 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their for the Primary stage students of The dents from The British School of Kuwait website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more informa- British School of Kuwait (BSK); more (BSK) took the test for the first time last tion. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas specifically students aged 8-11 years. It is year in October 2012. Other ninety seven on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm. worth mentioning in this respect that students took the TOEFL test in April n n n n n n n (BSK) has been one of only two schools 2013 with 100% passing result. Most throughout the Middle East that have noticeable, though, was the fact that 7 e are glad to inform you that we launched our site on instagram. EMBASSY OF CANADA been chosen to run the test for the first students achieved full mark passing Follow us on @sebamedkuwait and (hashtag)#sebamedkuwait and The Embassy of Canada in Kuwait does time. score which was considered an unprece- Wsend us your shots involving all family members and be the lucky not have a visa or immigration depart- Educational Testing Service (ETS), dented event worldwide. winner of a valuable prize from Sebamed products. ment. All processing of visa and immi- which designs, develops and administers gration matters including enquiries is conduct- TOEFL tests worldwide, launched a TOE- ed by the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Individuals who are interested in working, studying, visiting or immigrating to Canada should contact the Canadian Embassy in Abu JW Marriott declared ‘Best’ Dhabi, website: www.UAE.gc.ca or www.going- tocanada.gc.ca, E-mail: abdbi-im- Business Hotel in Kuwait [email protected]. The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakei St, Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is open from 07:30 to 12:30. Consular services for Canadian citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00, Sunday through Wednesday. n n n n n n n EMBASSY OF CYPRUS In its capacity as EU Local Presidency in the State of Kuwait, the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the Member States of the EU and associated States participating in the Schengen cooper- ation, would like to announce that as from 2nd October 2012 all Schengen States’ Consulates in Kuwait will use the Visa Information System (VIS). The VIS is a central database for the exchange of data on short- stay (up to three months) visas between Schengen States. The main objectives of the VIS are to facilitate visa application proce- dures and checks at external border as well as to enhance security. The VIS will contain all the Schengen visa applications lodged by an applicant over five years and the decisions taken by any Schengen State’s consulate. This will allow applicants to establish more easily the lawful use of previous visas and their bona fide status. For the purpose of the VIS, applicants will be required to provide their biometric data (fingerprints and digital pho- W Marriott Kuwait City has been Traveler magazine.” The Hotel’s man- tos) when applying for a Schengen visa. It is a recognized as the ‘Best Business agement commends Business Traveler simple and discreet procedure that only takes Hotel in Kuwait City’ at the recent- for institutionalizing an Award that rec- J a few minutes. Biometric data, along with the ly-held Business Traveler Middle East ognizes initiatives which advance the AUK celebrates achievements data provided in the Schengen visa applica- Awards 2013, which acknowledge bar of business travel and hospitality in tion form, will be recorded in the VIS central excellence in the region’s travel and the region, he adds. of its top students for 2012 database. Therefore, as from 2nd October hospitality industry. This represents the Considered amongst Kuwait’s lead- 2012, first-time applicants will have to appear he American University of Kuwait President Dr. Nizar Hamzeh recognized sixth year that the Hotel has received ing business hotels, the JW Marriott in person when lodging the application, in held its semiannual President’s the 24 students on the President’s Honor this distinction - following similar wins Kuwait City is located in the heart of order to provide their fingerprints. For subse- THonor Roll / Dean’s Honor List cere- Roll, a high distinction exclusively award- in 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2004. Kuwait’s business district. With over quent applications within 5 years the finger- mony to award its top student academic ed to those few students who main- “This acknowledgment reflects our 1,850 square meters of meeting space, prints can be copied from the previous appli- achievers for the 2012 Fall Semester. The tained a 4.0 GPA for the term. The Dean’s commitment to consistently uphold comprising seven meeting rooms, 12 cation file in the VIS. The Cypriot Presidency ceremony, which was held at the AUK Honor List, a distinction awarded by the superlative levels of service and quali- breakout meeting rooms and the spa- would like to assure the people of Kuwait and Liberal Arts Auditorium, drew a large college Deans to students who main- ty,” says George Aoun, General cious Al Jahra & Al Thuraya Ballrooms, all its permanent citizens that the Member audience of students, parents, AUK facul- tained a minimum GPA of 3.7, featured Manager, Marriott hotels in Kuwait. “It the Hotel is a business venue of choice States and associated States participating in ty and staff, who took pleasure in seeing 134 recipients, 75 of whom belonged the also speaks of the goodwill and patron- for conventions, seminars and confer- the Schengen cooperation, have taken all the students’ hard work being recog- College of Arts & Sciences, while 59 age that we have successfully secured ences, as well as social and wedding necessary technical measures to facilitate the nized and rewarded. belonged to the College of Business & over the years, given that the Awardees events in Kuwait. rapid examination and the efficient process- During the event, AUK Interim Economics. are voted by readers of the Business ing of visa applications and to ensure a quick and discreet procedure for the implementa- tion of the new VIS.

n n n n n n n EMBASSY OF SOUTH AFRICA The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa will be closed on Tuesday, 28 May 2013, for an official event. The Embassy will resume it’s normal working hours on Wednesday, 29 May 2013, from Sunday to Thursday. Please note that the Working hours will be from 8h00 to 16h00 & the Consular Section operation hours will be from 8h30 to 12h30, for any emergencies please contact: 94924895.

n n n n n n n EMBASSY GREECE The Embassy of Greece in Kuwait has the pleasure to announce that visa applica- tions must be submitted to Schengen Visa Application Centre (VFS office) located at 12th floor, Al-Naser Tower, Fahad Al-Salem Street, Al- Qibla area, Kuwait City, (Parking at Souk Watia). For information please call 22281046 from 08:30 to 17:00 (Sunday to Thursday). Working hours: Submission from 08:30 to 15:30. Passport collec- tion from 16:00 to 17:00. For visa applications KNES hosts round two of annual KS2 maths relay competitions please visit the following website www.mfa.gr/kuwait. he Primary Department of Kuwait National English School success- n n n n n n n Tfully hosted its final round of the EMBASSY OF SOUTH KOREA Annual Maths Relay Competition for The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in pupils from Key Stage 2. The main Kuwait will organize 2013 K-POP Contest on focus of the competition is on Problem Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 6:00 pm. The aim Solving in Maths and we have seen a of the contest is to provide an opportunity to the marked improvement in this area in participants to showcase their exciting talents to the the final round. Teamwork and build- audience. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the contest. Application forms can be downloaded ing team spirit amongst pupils is also from the Embassy’s website: http://kwt.mofa.go.kr of paramount importance at KNES and (Select English from the menu at the top of the having pupils participate in mixed abil- page then Bilateral Relations) or visit the “Korean ity teams in this competition addresses Culture Diwaniya” Facebook Group. Interested appli- both. All pupils received certificates for cants must send their application forms to their participation and the winning [email protected] by 24 May 2013. teams received medals. TV PROGRAMS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

04:00 BBC World News 18:55 The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo 22:00 Amanpour 08:20 E! News 04:30 Asia Business Report 19:20 Tom And Jerry Tales 22:30 CNN Newscenter 09:15 Fashion Police 04:45 Sport Today 19:45 What’s New Scooby Doo 23:00 Connect The World With 10:15 30 Best & Worst Beach Bodies 05:00 BBC World News 20:10 Tiny Toon Adventures Becky Anderson 12:05 E! News 00:45 Monsters Inside Me 05:30 Asia Business Report 20:35 Puppy In My Pocket 13:05 Ice Loves Coco 01:35 I’m Alive 05:45 Sport Today 21:00 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 13:35 Ice Loves Coco 02:25 Safari Vet School 06:00 BBC World News 21:25 Looney Tunes 14:05 Kourtney & Kim Take New 02:50 Safari Vet School 06:30 Hardtalk 21:50 Dexter’s Laboratory York 03:15 Gator Boys 07:00 BBC World News 22:15 Tom & Jerry Tales 00:15 Dual Survival 15:00 Style Star 04:05 World Wild Vet 07:30 World Business Report 01:10 Yukon Men 15:30 E!es 04:55 Shamwari: A Wild Life 07:45 BBC World News 02:05 Bear’s Mission Everest 16:30 Extreme Close-Up 05:20 Cheetah Kingdom 08:00 BBC World News 03:00 Mythbusters 17:00 Keeping Up With The 05:45 Dolphin Days 08:30 World Business Report 03:55 Border Security Kardashians 06:10 Dolphin Days 08:45 BBC World News 04:20 Auction Hunters 00:30 Grim Adventures Of... 18:00 Keeping Up With The 06:35 Wildlife SOS 09:00 BBC World News 04:50 Storage Hunters 01:20 Johnny Test Kardashians 07:00 The Really Wild Show 09:30 World Business Report 05:15 How Machines Work 02:10 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 19:00 THS 07:25 Karina: Wild On Safari 09:45 BBC World News 05:40 How Stuff’s Made 02:35 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 20:00 Married To Jonas 07:50 Karina: Wild On Safari 10:00 BBC World News 06:05 Sons Of Guns 03:00 The Amazing World Of 20:30 Playing With Fire 08:15 Dogs 101 10:30 World Business Report 07:00 Mythbusters Gumball 21:30 Playing With Fire 09:10 Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife 10:45 BBC World News 07:50 Ultimate Survival 03:25 Regular Show 22:30 Fashion Police 09:35 Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife 11:00 BBC World News 08:45 Gold Rush 03:50 Ben 10: Omniverse 23:30 Chelsea Lately 10:05 Safari Vet School 11:30 Hardtalk 09:40 Border Security 04:15 Scooby-Doo! Mystery 10:30 Safari Vet School 12:00 BBC World News 10:05 Auction Hunters Incorporated 11:00 Animal Cops Houston 12:30 World Business Report 10:30 Auction Kings 04:40 Powerpuff Girls 11:55 Shamwari: A Wild Life 12:45 Sport Today 10:55 How Machines Work 05:05 Evil Con Carne 12:20 Wildlife SOS 13:00 BBC World News 11:25 How It’s Made 05:30 Cow & Chicken 12:50 SSPCA: On The Wildside 13:30 BBC World News 11:50 Dual Survival 06:00 Casper’s Scare School 00:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 13:15 SSPCA: On The Wildside 14:00 GMT With George Alagiah 12:45 Yukon Men 06:30 Angelo Rules 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 13:45 Animal Precinct 14:30 GMT With George Alagiah 13:40 Bear’s Mission Everest 07:00 Dreamworks Dragons Riders 00:55 Unwrapped 14:40 Safari Vet School 15:00 BBC World News 14:35 Border Security Of Berk 01:20 Unwrapped 15:05 Safari Vet School 15:30 World Business Report 15:05 Auction Hunters 07:25 Johnny Test 01:45 Food Wars 15:30 Cheetah Kingdom 15:45 Sport Today 15:30 Auction Kings 07:45 Scooby-Doo! Mystery 02:10 Food Wars 16:00 The Really Wild Show 16:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 16:00 Futurecar Incorporated 02:35 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 16:30 Dogs 101 16:30 Impact With Mishal Husain 16:55 Gold Rush - Season 3 Specials 08:10 Evil Con Carne 03:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 17:25 Weird Creatures With Nick 17:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 17:50 Mythbusters 08:55 Adventure Time 03:25 Food Wars Baker 17:30 Hardtalk 18:45 Sons Of Guns 09:45 Regular Show 03:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:20 Groomer Has It 18:00 Global With John Sopel 19:40 How Machines Work 10:35 Angelo Rules 04:15 Unique Eats 19:15 Monkey Life 18:30 Global With John Sopel 20:05 How It’s Made 11:25 Ben 10: Alien Force 04:40 Chopped 19:40 Bondi Vet 19:00 Global With John Sopel 20:35 Auction Hunters 11:50 Ben 10: Alien Force 05:30 Iron Chef America 20:10 Shamwari: A Wild Life 19:30 World Business Report 21:00 Storage Hunters 12:15 Hero 108 06:10 Food Network Challenge 20:35 Cheetah Kingdom 19:45 Sport Today 21:30 You Have Been Warned 12:40 Hero 108 07:00 Guy’s Big Bite 21:05 Safari Vet School 20:00 BBC World News 22:25 James May’s Man Lab 13:05 Mucha Lucha ! 07:25 Guy’s Big Bite 21:30 Safari Vet School 20:30 BBC Focus On Africa 23:20 Mythbusters 13:30 Angelo Rules 07:50 Reza’s African Kitchen 22:00 Wildest Africa 21:00 World News Today With 14:20 Evil Con Carne 08:15 Kid In A Candy Store 22:55 Galapagos Zeinab Badawi 15:10 The Amazing World Of 08:40 Unique Sweets 23:50 Animal Cops Houston 21:30 World News Today With Gumball 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Zeinab Badawi 15:35 Adventure Time Basics 22:00 World News Today With 00:05 How Tech Works 16:00 Regular Show 09:30 The Next Food Network Star Zeinab Badawi 00:30 Sci-Fi Science 16:30 Johnny Test 10:20 Extra Virgin 22:30 World Business Report 01:00 Prototype This 17:00 Ben 10: Omniverse 10:45 Extra Virgin 00:40 Come Dine With Me 22:45 Sport Today 01:50 Sport Science 17:25 Dreamworks Dragons Riders 11:10 Cooking For Real 01:30 Masterchef: The Professionals 23:00 Business Edition With Tanya 02:45 Unchained Reaction Of Berk 11:35 Food Crafters 02:15 Gok’s Fashion Fix Beckett 03:35 Prototype This 17:50 Gormiti New 12:00 Ultimate Recipe Showdown THE DECOY BRIDE ON OSN CINEMA 03:05 Coastal Kitchen 23:30 Hardtalk 04:25 Superships 03:30 Cash In The Attic 18:15 Young Justice 05:15 The Gadget Show 12:50 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 04:15 Bargain Hunt 18:40 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 13:15 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 05:40 How Tech Works Kuruvita 12:30 Coronation Street 18:00 Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick 05:00 Holmes On Homes 19:05 Total Drama Island Basics Rules-PG 06:05 Prophets Of Science Fiction 22:00 Departures 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:45 Gok’s Fashion Fix 19:30 Total Drama Island 07:00 Space Pioneer 13:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 19:45 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of 19:55 Mucha Lucha ! Basics 22:55 Food Lover’s Guide To The 14:00 C.S.I. New York 06:35 New Scandinavian Cooking 00:45 Wacky Races 07:50 NASA’s Greatest Missions Shadows-PG15 20:20 Ben 10: Omniverse 14:05 Food Wars Planet 15:00 Eureka 22:00 The Girl-PG15 07:00 The Roux Legacy 01:35 Duck Dodgers 08:40 The Gadget Show 20:45 The Amazing World Of 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:20 Earth Tripping 16:00 Emmerdale 07:40 New Scandinavian Cooking 02:00 Duck Dodgers 09:05 How Tech Works Gumball 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:50 Delinquent Gourmet 16:30 Coronation Street 08:05 Homes Under The Hammer 02:25 Dastardly And Muttley 09:30 Da Vinci’s Machines 21:10 Adventure Time 15:20 Guy’s Big Bite 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 09:05 Bargain Hunt 02:50 Dastardly And Muttley 10:25 What’s That About? 01:00 ICC Cricket 360 21:35 Regular Show 15:45 Chopped 18:00 C.S.I. New York 09:50 Antiques Roadshow 03:00 Dexter’s Laboratory 11:20 Superships 01:30 PGA Tour Highlights 22:00 Ben 10 16:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 19:00 Touch 10:40 Extreme Makeover: Home 03:30 Wacky Races 12:10 Prophets Of Science Fiction 02:30 Trans World Sport 22:25 Ben 10 Basics 02:45 Wrong Side Of Town-18 20:00 Bones Edition 03:55 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 13:00 NASA’s Greatest Missions 03:30 NRL Full Time 22:50 Mucha Lucha ! 17:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 04:30 Mission To Mars-PG15 21:00 Castle 11:25 Masterchef: The Professionals 04:20 Tom & Jerry 13:50 Sci-Fi Science 04:00 NRL Premiership 23:15 Mucha Lucha ! Basics 06:30 Mission: Impossible III-PG15 22:00 The Client List 12:10 Come Dine With Me 04:45 The Garfield Show 14:20 The Gadget Show 06:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 23:40 Powerpuff Girls 17:25 Food Wars 08:45 Men In Black-PG15 13:00 The Roux Legacy 05:00 Bananas In Pyjamas 14:45 How Tech Works 07:00 Super Rugby 17:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 10:30 Do No Harm-PG15 13:30 New Scandinavian Cooking 05:25 Gerald McBoing Boing 15:10 Space Pioneer 09:00 Ladies European Tour 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 12:15 True Justice: Blood Alley-PG15 10:00 Top 14 13:55 Bargain Hunt 05:45 Jelly Jamm 16:00 Da Vinci’s Machines 00:00 Wrong Side Of Town 18:40 Guy’s Big Bite 14:00 Men In Black-PG15 12:00 ITU World Triathlon Series 14:40 Cash In The Attic 06:00 Ha Ha Hairies 16:55 What’s That About? 01:45 The Godfather 19:05 Reza’s African Kitchen 16:00 Superman vs. The Elite-PG15 14:30 Ladies European Tour 15:30 Antiques Roadshow 06:25 Bananas In Pyjamas 17:45 Superships 04:45 Wrong Side Of Town 19:30 Chopped 17:30 True Justice: Blood Alley-PG15 15:30 ICC Cricket 360 16:20 Extreme Makeover: Home 06:50 Lazytown 00:00 Amanpour 18:35 Prophets Of Science Fiction 06:30 Mission To Mars 20:20 Chopped 19:15 Alien Resurrection-18 16:00 NRL Full Time Edition 07:15 Krypto: The Super Dog 00:30 World Sport 19:30 Trek Nation 08:30 Mission: Impossible III 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes 21:15 Ronin-18 16:30 Premier League Darts 17:00 Homes Under The Hammer 07:40 Baby Looney Tunes 01:00 Piers Morgan Live 21:10 The Gadget Show 10:45 Men In Black 22:00 Charly’s Cake Angels 23:15 The Godfather II-18 20:00 Futbol Mundial 17:55 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 02:00 CNN Newsroom Live From 21:35 How Tech Works 08:05 Gerald McBoing Boing 22:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 12:30 Do No Harm 20:30 PGA European Tour Weekly 18:20 Food And Drink Hong Kong 22:00 Trek Nation 08:30 Cartoonito Tales 22:50 Unique Sweets 14:15 True Justice: Blood Alley 21:00 Inside The PGA Tour 18:50 The Hairy Bikers USA 03:00 Anderson Cooper 360 23:40 The Gadget Show 08:55 Ha Ha Hairies 23:15 Unique Sweets 16:00 Men In Black 21:30 Trans World Sport 19:20 New Scandinavian Cooking 04:00 Piers Morgan Live 22:30 AFL Premiership Highlights 09:20 Lazytown 23:40 Food Wars 18:00 Superman vs. The Elite 19:45 Come Dine With Me 09:45 Baby Looney Tunes 05:00 Quest Means Business 01:00 Hidden Crimes-PG15 19:30 True Justice: Blood Alley 23:30 Super Rugby 20:35 Extreme Makeover: Home 10:10 Krypto: The Super Dog 06:00 The Situation Room 03:00 The Tourist-PG15 21:15 Alien Resurrection Edition 10:35 Cartoonito Tales 07:00 World Sport 05:00 The National Tree-PG15 23:15 Ronin 21:20 Antiques Roadshow 11:00 Jelly Jamm 07:30 News Special 07:00 Hidden Crimes-PG15 00:00 WWE Bottom Line 00:00 Hannah Montana 22:15 Bargain Hunt 11:25 Gerald McBoing Boing 08:00 World Report 09:00 The Tourist-PG15 01:00 NRL Full Time 00:20 Hannah Montana 00:30 Dr G: Medical Examiner 23:00 Homes Under The Hammer 11:50 Lazytown 09:00 World Report 11:00 Wrath Of The Titans-PG15 01:30 ICC Cricket 360 00:45 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 01:20 A Haunting 23:55 Cash In The Attic 12:15 Baby Looney Tunes 10:00 World Sport 12:45 We Bought A Zoo-PG 02:00 Premier League Darts 01:05 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 02:05 Couples Who Kill 00:00 Jackass: Number Two-R 12:40 Jelly Jamm 10:30 Inside Africa 15:00 Madea’s Big Happy Family- 05:30 Futbol Mundial 01:30 Emperor’s New School 02:55 Deadly Women 02:00 The Goods: Live Hard, Sell 13:00 Tom & Jerry Kids 11:00 World Business Today PG15 06:00 Super Rugby 01:50 Emperor’s New School 03:45 I Almost Got Away With It Hard-18 13:25 A Pup Named Scooby-Doo 12:00 World One 17:00 The Decoy Bride-PG15 07:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 02:15 Replacements 04:30 Dr G: Medical Examiner 04:00 Summer School-PG15 08:00 PGA Tour Highlights 13:50 Moomins 12:30 On China 19:00 The Descendants-PG15 02:35 Replacements 05:20 A Haunting 06:00 Ernest Scared Stupid-PG15 09:00 NRL Full Time 00:00 BBC World News America 14:20 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 13:00 Amanpour 21:00 A Little Bit Of Heaven-18 03:00 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 06:10 Nightmare Next Door 08:00 Lemony Snicket’s A Series Of 09:30 ICC Cricket 360 00:30 BBC World News America 14:45 The Looney Tunes Show 13:30 CNN Newscenter 23:00 Final Destination 5-18 03:20 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 07:00 Mystery Diagnosis Unfortunate-PG 10:00 Super Rugby 01:00 Newsday 15:10 The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo 14:00 Piers Morgan Live 03:45 Emperor’s New School 07:50 Street Patrol 10:00 12 Dates Of Christmas-PG15 12:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 01:30 Asia Business Report 15:35 Taz-Mania 15:00 News Stream 04:05 Emperor’s New School 08:15 Street Patrol 12:00 Summer School-PG15 13:00 Super Rugby 01:45 Sport Today 16:00 Tiny Toon Adventures 16:00 World Business Today 04:30 Replacements 08:40 Real Emergency Calls 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 14:00 Wild Wild West-PG15 14:00 Rugby League Challenge Cup 02:00 Newsday 16:25 Moomins 17:00 International Desk 04:50 Replacements 09:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry? Stewart 16:00 12 Dates Of Christmas-PG15 15:30 NHL 02:30 Asia Business Report 16:50 Tom And Jerry Tales 18:00 Global Exchange 17:30 Futbol Mundial 05:15 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 09:30 On The Case With Paula Zahn 01:00 The Colbert Report 18:00 While You Were Sleeping- 02:45 Sport Today 17:15 What’s New Scooby Doo 19:00 World Sport 18:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 05:35 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 10:20 Murder Shift 01:30 The New Normal PG15 03:00 Newsday 17:40 The Looney Tunes Show 19:30 On China 19:00 Super Rugby 06:00 Prankstars 11:10 Disappeared 02:00 Out There 20:00 Vampire In Brooklyn-PG15 03:30 Asia Business Report 18:05 The Garfield Show 20:00 International Desk 20:00 HSBC Sevens World Series 06:25 Suite Life On Deck 12:00 Mystery Diagnosis 02:30 The Big C 22:00 Jackass: Number Two-R 03:45 Sport Today 18:30 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 21:00 Quest Means Business 23:00 PGA Tour Highlights 06:45 Cory In The House 12:50 Street Patrol 03:00 Last Man Standing 07:10 A.N.T Farm 13:15 Street Patrol 03:30 Friends 07:35 Austin And Ally 13:40 Forensic Detectives 04:00 Seinfeld 14:30 On The Case With Paula Zahn 00:30 Top 14 Highlights 07:55 Jessie 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay 01:00 Mutum-PG15 15:20 Real Emergency Calls 01:00 World Pool Masters 08:20 Good Luck Charlie Leno 02:45 An Inconvenient Truth-PG 15:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 02:00 World Cup Of Pool 08:45 Doc McStuffins 05:30 Emily’s Reasons Why Not 05:00 Henry’s Crime-PG15 16:10 Disappeared 03:00 Super Rugby 09:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 06:00 Arrested Development 07:00 Win Win-PG15 17:00 Murder Shift 05:00 PGA Tour Highlights 09:30 A.N.T Farm 06:30 Samantha Who? 09:00 Boy-PG15 06:00 Trans World Sport 17:50 Forensic Detectives 09:55 Jonas 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 10:45 An Inconvenient Truth-PG 07:00 Golfing World 18:40 On The Case With Paula Zahn 10:15 So Random 08:00 Seinfeld 13:00 Offline-PG15 08:00 Pro 12 19:30 Disappeared 10:40 Hannah Montana 08:30 Emily’s Reasons Why Not 15:00 Boy-PG15 10:00 World Pool Masters 20:20 Nightmare Next Door 11:05 Sonny With A Chance 09:00 Last Man Standing 17:00 Oscar And Lucinda-PG15 11:00 World Cup Of Pool 21:10 Couples Who Kill 11:25 Kim Possible 09:30 How I Met Your Mother 19:15 13-PG15 12:00 Top 14 Highlights 22:00 Nightmare Next Door 11:50 Shake It Up 10:00 Men At Work 21:00 The Silence Of The Lambs-18 12:30 Trans World Sport 22:50 Nightmare Next Door 12:15 Shake It Up 10:30 Samantha Who? 23:00 A Very Long Engagement-18 13:30 Golfing World 12:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 23:40 I Almost Got Away With It 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay 14:30 AFL Premiership Highlights 13:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place Leno 15:30 ICC Cricket 360 13:25 Austin And Ally 12:00 Arrested Development 16:00 World Pool Masters 17:00 World Cup Of Pool 13:45 Jessie 12:30 Seinfeld 01:00 Seeking Justice-PG15 18:00 Asian Tour Highlights 14:10 A.N.T Farm 03:00 The Pirates! Band Of Misfits-PG 00:15 Earth Tripping 13:00 Emily’s Reasons Why Not 19:00 AFL Premiership 14:35 So Random 05:00 Once Brothers-PG15 00:45 Ultimate Traveller 13:30 Samantha Who? 21:30 Ladies European Tour 14:55 The Adventures Of Disney 06:30 John Carter-PG15 01:40 Bondi Rescue 14:00 Friends Highlights Fairies 09:00 The Vow-PG15 02:05 Bondi Rescue 14:30 Men At Work 22:30 NRL Full Time 15:20 Good Luck Charlie 10:45 Footloose-PG15 02:35 Chasing Time 15:00 How I Met Your Mother 23:00 Futbol Mundial 15:45 Jessie 12:45 Moneyball-PG15 03:00 Bluelist Australia 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 23:30 Golfing World 16:10 Shake It Up 15:00 Something Borrowed-PG15 03:30 A World Apart Stewart 16:35 A.N.T. Farm 17:00 The Vow-PG15 04:25 On Hannibal’s Trail 16:00 The Colbert Report 17:00 Austin And Ally 18:45 Battleship-PG15 04:50 Travel Madness 16:30 Arrested Development 00:00 UFC 17:20 Suite Life On Deck 21:00 Werewolf: The Beast Among 05:20 Departures 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 02:00 Mass Participation Ironman 17:45 Suite Life On Deck Us-18 06:15 Food Lover’s Guide To The 18:00 Ben And Kate 04:00 US Bass Fishing 18:10 Cory In The House 23:00 The Debt-18 Planet 18:30 The Simpsons 05:00 NHL 18:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 07:00 WWE Vintage Collection 06:40 My Sri Lanka With Peter 19:00 Modern Family 18:55 That’s So Raven 08:00 WWE NXT Kuruvita 19:30 The Mindy Project 19:20 A.N.T Farm 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay 09:00 Ping Pong World 07:10 Earth Tripping 01:00 A Very Fairy Christmas 19:40 Good Luck Charlie Leno 10:00 US Bass Fishing 07:35 Earth Tripping 02:45 Snow Day 20:05 Jessie 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 11:00 NHL 08:05 Ultimate Traveller 04:30 Wheelers 20:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place Stewart 13:00 WWE SmackDown 09:00 Bondi Rescue 06:00 The Proud Family Movie 20:50 Wizards Of Waverly Place 21:30 The Colbert Report 15:00 Mass Participation Ironman 09:25 Bondi Rescue 08:00 Olentzero And The Magic Log 21:15 So Random 22:00 Weeds 16:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 09:55 Chasing Time 10:00 Winx 16:30 UIM F1H2O Nations Cup 21:40 Hannah Montana 22:30 It’s Always Sunny In 10:20 Bluelist Australia 11:30 A Very Fairy Christmas 17:00 UIM Powerboat Champs 22:00 Jonas Philadelphia 10:50 A World Apart 13:00 Barnyard 17:30 UFC TUF Finale 22:25 Sonny With A Chance 23:00 The Big C 11:45 On Hannibal’s Trail 14:30 Snow Day 20:30 NHL 22:50 Sonny With A Chance 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 12:10 Travel Madness 16:00 Return To Halloweentown 22:30 Mass Participation Ironman 23:10 Wizards Of Waverly Place 12:40 Long Way Down 18:00 Winx 23:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 23:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 13:35 Graham’s World 20:00 Battle For Terra 14:00 My Sri Lanka With Peter 22:00 Barnyard Kuruvita 00:00 Eureka 23:30 Return To Halloweentown 01:25 Heaven With A Gun-U 14:30 Earth Tripping 01:00 American Horror Story 14:55 Earth Tripping 03:10 Westworld 00:00 Scouted 02:00 The Americans 04:40 A Patch Of Blue-PG 15:25 Ultimate Traveller 02:00 The Odd Life Of Timothy 00:55 Style Star 04:00 House Of Cards 07:00 Little Caesar-PG 16:20 Perilous Journeys Green-PG 01:25 E!es 05:00 Grey’s Anatomy 08:20 Where Eagles Dare-PG 17:15 Chasing Time 06:00 Eureka 04:00 One Angry Juror-PG15 02:20 THS 17:40 First Ascent 10:50 Anna Karenina-FAM 07:00 Emmerdale 06:00 A View From Here-PG15 12:25 Hearts Of The West-PG 03:15 Style Star 18:10 A World Apart 08:00 According To Greta-PG15 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 07:30 Coronation Street 14:05 Logan’s Run-PG 19:05 By Any Means 08:00 C.S.I. New York 10:00 Dead Lines-PG15 16:00 Dial M For Murder-PG 04:10 E!es 20:00 Earth Tripping 12:00 The Odd Life Of Timothy 05:05 E!es 09:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:45 North By Northwest-PG 20:30 Earth Tripping Green-PG 20:00 The Hook-PG 06:00 THS 10:00 Grey’s Anatomy 21:00 Graham’s World 14:00 Flower Girl-PG15 22:00 Shaft 07:50 Style Star 11:00 The Americans 16:00 According To Greta-PG15 DO NO HARM ON OSN ACTION HD 21:30 My Sri Lanka With Peter 12:00 Emmerdale 23:45 Eye Of The Devil Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (09/05/2013 TO 15/05/2013)

SHARQIA-1 JAVA HEAT (DIG) 8:45 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 8:15 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 1:00 PM WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 10:45 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 10:30 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 3:00 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 12:45 AM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 12:45 AM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 5:00 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 6:45 PM MARINA-2 AL-KOUT.3 RISE OF THE ZOMBIES (DIG) 8:45 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 1:30 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 2:00 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 10:45 PM THE CALL (DIG) 3:45 PM THE CALL (DIG) 4:00 PM RISE OF THE ZOMBIES (DIG) 12:45 AM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 5:45 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 6:00 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 8:00 PM THE CALL (DIG) 8:00 PM SHARQIA-2 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 10:15 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 10:00 PM WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 12:30 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 12:30 AM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 12:05 AM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 2:30 PM WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 5:00 PM MARINA-3 BAIRAQ-1 IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 7:00 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 9:30 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 4:00 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 4:00 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 12:05 AM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 6:30 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 6:45 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 9:00 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 9:15 PM SHARQIA-3 IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 11:45 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 12:05 AM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 1:00 PM THE CALL (DIG) 3:30 PM AVENUES-1 BAIRAQ-2 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 5:30 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 1:00 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 12:30 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 7:45 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 3:00 PM WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 2:30 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 10:00 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 5:00 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 4:30 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 12:15 AM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 7:00 PM WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 6:30 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 9:00 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 8:30 PM MUHALAB-1 NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 11:00 PM RISE OF THE ZOMBIES (DIG) 10:30 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 1:15 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 1:00 AM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 12:30 AM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 3:15 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 5:15 PM AVENUES-2 BAIRAQ-3 RISE OF THE ZOMBIES (DIG) 7:15 PM THE CALL (DIG) 1:30 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 12:45 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 9:00 PM THE CALL (DIG) 3:45 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 3:00 PM RISE OF THE ZOMBIES (DIG) 11:00 PM THE CALL (DIG) 6:00 PM THE CALL (DIG) 5:15 PM THE CALL (DIG) 8:15 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 7:15 PM MUHALAB-2 THE CALL (DIG) 10:30 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 9:30 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 1:45 PM THE CALL (DIG) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 11:45 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 4:00 PM 12:45 AM MATRIMONIAL THE CALL (DIG) 6:15 PM AVENUES-3 PLAZA SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 8:15 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 1:15 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 5:30 PM Looking for brides working SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 10:30 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 3:30 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 7:45 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 5:45 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 10:00 PM in Kuwait for Hindu Ezhava MUHALAB-3 JAVA HEAT (DIG) 8:00 PM brothers 32 and 27 year old SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 12:30 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 10:15 PM LAILA IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 2:45 PM JAVA HEAT (DIG) 12:30 AM Mulam Chittra (stars) from IRON MAN 3 (DIG) 5:45 PM Kottayam, Kerala. If interest- IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 5:15 PM NO THU+FRI IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 7:45 PM 360º 1 IRON MAN 3 (DIG) 8:15 PM ed please contact. Email: IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 10:15 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 12:30 PM [email protected] SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 2:45 PM NO THU+FRI FANAR-1 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 5:00 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG) 10:45 PM (C 4412) SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 1:30 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 7:15 PM NO THU+FRI 11-5-2013 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 3:45 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 9:30 PM THE CALL (DIG) 6:00 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 11:45 PM AJIAL.1 SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 8:15 PM EMMANUEL (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 6:30 PM EMMANUEL (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 9:30 PM FOR SALE SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 10:30 PM 360º 2 SITUATION WANTED SITUATION VACANT SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 12:45 AM WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 1:30 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 3:45 PM AJIAL.2 Nissan Infiniti G37 2009 WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 6:00 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 5:30 PM model, 3.7 liter, excellent 9 years Kuwait experienced Cook required for Kuwaiti FANAR-2 WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 8:15 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 7:45 PM condition, automatic, origi- Indian house driver avail- home, knows local and SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 10:00 PM WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 1:00 PM WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 10:30 PM nal paint, 6 cylinder, 6 CD able from 9th of June international food, transfer- RISE OF THE ZOMBIES (DIG) 3:00 PM WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 12:45 AM changer, mobile connectivi- AJIAL.3 onwards. Sponsor release able residence, live-in full WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 5:00 PM ty, rear view camera and money no need, preferred RISE OF THE ZOMBIES (DIG) 7:00 PM 360º 3 NAGARAJA CHOLAN, MA, MLA (DIG) (TAMIL) 7:00 PM time, male only. Contact: NAGARAJA CHOLAN, MA, MLA (DIG) (TAMIL) 10:00 PM scanner, sunroof, sand col- to work for a small family. 94088822. (C 4416) WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 9:00 PM THE CALL (DIG) 2:30 PM or, cruise control, GPS, as RISE OF THE ZOMBIES (DIG) 11:00 PM THE CALL (DIG) 4:45 PM Contact: 90049716. 14-5-2013 WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 1:00 AM THE CALL (DIG) 7:00 PM AJIAL.4 good as new. Has run (C 4413) THE CALL (DIG) 9:15 PM GO GOA GONE (DIG) (HINDI) 5:30 PM 60,000 kms, Price KD 13-5-2013 FANAR-3 THE CALL (DIG) 11:30 PM GIPPY (DIG) (HINDI) 7:45 PM 6,500/-. Contact: 99742340. JAVA HEAT (DIG) 1:30 PM GO GOA GONE (DIG) (HINDI) 9:45 PM (C 4414) Prayer timings JAVA HEAT (DIG) 3:30 PM AL-KOUT.1 13-5-2013 JAVA HEAT (DIG) 5:45 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 2:15 PM METRO-1 Fajr: 03:27 GO GOA GONE (DIG) (HINDI) 7:45 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 4:45 PM EMMANUEL (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 6:30 PM EMMANUEL (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 9:30 PM Two Mitsubishi L300 long Shorook 04:56 JAVA HEAT (DIG) 10:15 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 7:15 PM panel delivery vehicles white JAVA HEAT (DIG) 12:15 AM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 9:45 PM IRON MAN 3 (DIG-3D) 12:15 AM METRO-2 color, 2004 model, 225,000 Duhr: 11:44 MARINA-1 GREEKU VEERUDU (DIG) (TELUGU) 6:45 PM km, price KD 1,300/- and JAVA HEAT (DIG) 12:45 PM AL-KOUT.2 THU+FRI+SAT 2007 model, 201,000 km, Asr: 15:20 WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 2:45 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 1:30 PM NAGARAJA CHOLAN, MA, MLA (DIG) (TAMIL) 6:45 PM price KD 2,300/, fully main- JAVA HEAT (DIG) 4:45 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 3:45 PM NO THU+FRI+SAT tained by Al-Mulla, ready for Maghrib: 18:33 WELCOME TO THE PUNCH (DIG) 6:45 PM SAMEER ABOO ELNEEL (DIG) 6:00 PM NAGARAJA CHOLAN, MA, MLA (DIG) (TAMIL) 9:45 PM checking any time. Contact: 112 Isha: 20:00 99852361 (C 4415)

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 15/5/2013 ALK 229 COLOMBO 21:10 Departure Flights on Wednesday 15/5/2013 KNE 481 TAIF 14:10 Airlines Flt Route Time UAE 859 DUBAI 21:15 Airlines Flt Route Time UAE 872 DUBAI 14:15 QTR 148 DOHA 00:15 ETD 307 ABU DHABI 21:30 AIC 982 AHMEDABAD 00:05 FDB 58 DUBAI 14:30 JZR 267 BEIRUT 00:20 QTR 136 DOHA 21:35 JAI 573 MUMBAI 00:20 CLX 792 GIALAM 14:45 JZR 539 CAIRO 00:40 GFA 217 BAHRAIN 21:45 UAL 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 00:25 QTR 141 DOHA 14:55 ETH 620 ADDIS ABABA 01:45 QTR 146 DOHA 22:00 DLH 637 FRANKFURT 00:30 IRC 6693 MASHHAD 15:00 GFA 211 BAHRAIN 01:55 FDB 59 DUBAI 22:20 THY 773 ISTANBUL 02:20 MSR 576 SHARM EL SHEIKH 15:00 UAE 853 DUBAI 02:25 AIC 975 CHENNAI 22:25 ETH 621 ADDIS ABABA 02:45 KAC 673 DUBAI 15:05 ETD 305 ABU DHABI 02:30 UAL 981 BAHRAIN 22:40 UAE 854 DUBAI 03:45 KAC 617 DOHA 15:45 FDB 67 DUBAI 03:10 KAC 102 NEW YORK 19:35 FDB 68 DUBAI 03:50 SVA 503 MADINAH 15:45 MSR 612 CAIRO 03:15 KAC 542 CAIRO 18:15 MSR 613 CAIRO 04:15 KAC 773 RIYADH 16:00 OMA 643 MUSCAT 03:20 KAC 786 JEDDAH 18:30 OMA 644 MUSCAT 04:20 RJA 641 AMMAN 16:55 QTR 138 DOHA 03:30 KAC 788 JEDDAH 15:00 ETD 306 ABU DHABI 04:20 JZR 238 AMMAN 17:05 THY 770 ISTANBUL 04:35 KAC 166 PARIS 18:40 QTR 139 DOHA 04:25 QTR 135 DOHA 17:15 DHX 170 BAHRAIN 05:10 KAC 674 DUBAI 19:25 QTR 149 DOHA 05:15 ETD 304 ABU DHABI 17:20 KAC 302 MUMBAI 07:50 KAC 774 RIYADH 19:25 JZR 560 SOHAG 05:35 IYE 824 SANAA 17:30 JZR 538 CAIRO 17:40 KAC 344 CHENNAI 08:20 KAC 538 SHARM EL SHEIKH 15:50 FDB 70 DUBAI 06:30 ABY 128 SHARJAH 17:50 KAC 206 ISLAMABAD 07:25 KAC 618 DOHA 19:10 GFA 212 BAHRAIN 07:00 UAE 858 DUBAI 18:15 KAC 412 MANILA 06:15 JZR 531 ASSIUT 15:20 THY 771 ISTANBUL 07:10 JZR 164 DUBAI 07:25 GFA 216 BAHRAIN 18:20 KAC 352 COCHIN 08:05 JZR 777 JEDDAH 17:50 SVA 511 RIYADH 18:20 KAC 382 DELHI 07:30 JZR 535 CAIRO 16:10 KAC 411 BANGKOK 07:30 KAC 537 SHARM EL SHEIKH 08:00 JZR 184 DUBAI 18:30 JZR 529 ASSIUT 06:40 JZR 787 RIYADH 16:15 JZR 266 BEIRUT 18:40 FDB 69 DUBAI 05:50 JZR 135 BAHRAIN 23:00 FDB 54 DUBAI 08:25 JZR 530 ASSIUT 09:00 UAL 982 BAHRAIN 18:40 FDB 53 DUBAI 07:45 JZR 357 MASHAD 16:50 KAC 117 NEW YORK 09:05 KNE 471 JEDDAH 18:40 UAE 855 DUBAI 08:25 JZR 177 DUBAI 17:30 JZR 534 CAIRO 09:10 QTR 145 DOHA 19:25 ETD 933 ABU DHABI 08:30 JZR 185 DUBAI 22:40 KAC 789 MADINAH 09:15 FDB 64 DUBAI 19:35 ABY 125 SHARJAH 08:50 JZR 239 AMMAN 22:30 KAC 671 DUBAI 09:25 GFA 220 BAHRAIN 19:50 KAC 790 MEDINAH 13:55 IRC 6692 MASHAD 14:00 JZR 134 BAHRAIN 20:05 ABY 126 SHARJAH 09:30 KAC 672 DUBAI 13:40 MSR 575 SHARM EL SHEIKH 14:15 MSC 404 ASSIUT 20:20 KAC 787 JEDDAH 09:35 KAC 284 DHAKA 12:05 SVA 500 JEDDAH 14:30 MSR 619 ALEXANDRIA 20:30 UAE 856 DUBAI 09:50 QTR 134 DOHA 15:45 JAI 571 MUMBAI 20:35 JZR 165 DUBAI 11:35 FDB 56 DUBAI 09:55 FDB 62 DUBAI 20:40 JZR 561 SOHAG 12:00 RJA 640 AMMAN 15:55 ETD 302 ABU DHABI 10:15 ABY 120 SHARJAH 20:45 QTR 132 DOHA 9:00 IYE 824 SANAA 16:30 IRA 602 SHIRAZ 10:25 IRM 1186 TEHRAN 9:10 ETD 303 ABU DHABI 16:35 KAC 331 TRIVANDRUM 20:50 QTR 133 DOHA 10:25 KAC 361 COLOMBO 20:50 FDB 55 DUBAI 9:15 UAE 857 DUBAI 16:55 IRM 1187 IMAM KHOMEINI 10:30 IRA 603 SHIRAZ 9:25 ABY 127 SHARJAH 17:10 OMA 648 MUSCAT 20:55 ETD 934 ABU DHABI 10:30 KAC 351 KOCHI 21:05 ETD 301 ABU DHABI 9:30 GFA 215 BAHRAIN 17:20 JZR 356 MASHHAD 11:00 GFA 213 BAHRAIN 10:40 SVA 510 RIYADH 17:20 MEA 403 BEIRUT 21:15 GFA 214 BAHRAIN 11:25 DHX 171 BAHRAIN 21:50 MEA 404 BEIRUT 10:55 UAL 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 17:25 KAC 541 CAIRO 11:30 KLM 417 DAMMAM 22:05 IAW 157 BAGHDAD 11:00 KNE 462 MEDINAH 17:45 MEA 405 BEIRUT 11:55 ETD 308 ABU DHABI 22:15 MSC 403 ASSIUT 11:20 QTR 144 DOHA 18:25 IAW 158 AL NAJAF 12:00 ALK 230 COLOMBO 22:20 FDB 63 DUBAI 18:55 IRM 1188 MASHAD 11:45 KAC 175 FRANKFURT 12:10 UAE 860 DUBAI 22:25 TMA 213 BEIRUT 12:00 GFA 219 BAHRAIN 19:05 MSC 406 SOHAG 12:20 KAC 381 DELHI 22:30 KNE 470 JEDDAH 12:15 MSC 405 SOHAG 19:20 JZR 776 JEDDAH 12:25 QTR 137 DOHA 22:35 UAE 871 DUBAI 12:45 MSR 606 LUXOR 19:30 KAC 103 LONDON 12:30 KAC 301 MUMBAI 22:40 MSR 610 CAIRO 13:00 JAI 572 MUMBAI 19:35 JZR 786 RIYADH 12:50 GFA 218 BAHRAIN 22:45 THY 766 ISTANBUL 13:10 OMA 647 MUSCAT 20:00 KAC 785 JEDDAH 13:00 FDB 60 DUBAI 23:00 CLX 792 LUXEMBOURG 13:15 FDB 61 DUBAI 20:00 IRM 1189 MASHHAD 13:10 KAC 205 ISLAMABAD 23:00 KNE 480 TAIF 13:20 ABY 129 SHARJAH 20:05 KNE 461 MADINAH 13:10 QTR 147 DOHA 23:15 QTR 140 DOHA 13:45 MEA 402 BEIRUT 20:15 JZR 176 DUBAI 13:20 JZR 554 ALEXANDRIA 23:20 FDB 57 DUBAI 13:50 DLH 636 FRANKFURT 23:10 TMA 223 DUBAI 13:45 KAC 283 DHAKA 23:45 AXB 489 COCHIN 20:35 JAI 574 MUMBAI 23:20 MSR 611 CAIRO 14:00 KAC 415 KUALA LUMPUR 23:50 KLM 417 AMSTERDAM 21:05 THY 772 ISTANBUL 23:45 THY 767 ISTANBUL 14:10 JZR 528 ASSIUT 23:55 Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) stars34 WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

CROSSWORD 190 STAR TRACK

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

You will not have to work quite as hard to move forward in your career now. Your work could come under the scrutiny of people in authority. This is a You have powerful energies spilling into your life helping you make a positive good thing for now because you can show off how much you have learned either recently difference and guiding you in ways that you can help others. Independence, as well as any- or from your past experiences. Those that doubted your talents will no longer be doubtful. thing unusual or different, is valued. You may enjoy getting away from routine and doing some Now you will need to be ready to respond when the requests come in for you to contribute things really, really different this afternoon. Step out of your own character and consider trying your very own expertise. There are indications that this is a good time to finish up any out for a part in the next community play. If you are not a member of a club or organization, unresolved business. You are filled with an urge to work hard and get things done. Do not think about joining one now. The social contacts you make this year will benefit you spiritually push yourself beyond what is comfortable with regard to time limitations. Go easy on and professionally. Physical activities, like sports, among friends or family can be enjoyed this yourself and enjoy a few breaks each day. This evening there is an opportunity to enjoy evening, perhaps evening basketball, tennis, etc. and relax with loved ones.

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

This is a very lucky day for making plans or decisions and finding your way There may be a return of some old mechanical problems so take your through just about any problem you may discover. Positive energies are available with respect time and make sure all mechanical defects are serviced properly. All forms of communica- to love and money today. You feel successful and able to handle difficult situations. Good tion are possible today. A family member that lives some distance from you may enjoy advice from a guide or older person may be forthcoming. There is a growing sense of self-confi- communication by telephone. There is a strong emphasis on community participation— dence and even a pride of ownership. You could do well in politics, if that is your choice. Your perhaps a block party is being planned, etc. You, a friend and a loved one or a few family social life is active at this time. New social contacts will boost career prospects now. Social and members will enjoy a group get-together soon . . . Plans are in the making. There is lots of community endeavors are also open to you where the need for basic fairness and evenhand- laughter and interaction between neighbors. You feel most comfortable in these surround- edness is helpful. You can be direct, candid and to the point. This passion is about truth. There ings and may find yourself in a storytelling mood. Your dreams are worth exploring this are positive results today. evening—consider keeping a dream diary.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

This is an excellent time to plan a trip or take a vacation. You are likely to This time is perfect for focused and detailed mental work, though you hear some good news regarding something of importance to you. Your sensitiv- may resist some of those dull routine tasks. Complete unfinished business ity to others is increased but there are possibilities of being deluded—pay close attention. today. You have a sharp mind and your awareness in the overview of a situation is strong. There is great achievement now through your profession. Being in the spotlight is common to Your ambition is strong and you have the right amount of discipline to get you where you ACROSS intense) pain. you just now. It may be a good idea to be humble and see where your work can best help oth- want to go. You develop a keen appreciation for the value of things, including the money it ers. You may look to the social setting to improve your professional standing. Interactions with takes to buy them. Take the social opportunities that are open to you now and network 1. Type genus of the family Myacidae. 4. United States astronomer (1885-1972). with people that share your same job interests or talents. A love of music and an apprecia- 4. A professional dancer. 5. A three-tone Chadic language. the opposite sex on the professional level may occur a great deal during this time. There is inner harmony and a deepening of a love relationship. This romantic partner may want your tion for sensual pleasures is strong. You may find the right romantic interest for you, or you 11. A heavy open wagon usually having 6. Any of various trees of the genus Ulmus. undivided attention. may find an existing romance will deepen. two wheels and drawn by an animal. 7. Type genus of the Plataleidae. 15. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) 8. A tricycle (usually propelled by ped- that was responsible for research into alling). atomic energy and its peacetime uses in 9. A period marked by distinctive character Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) the United States. or reckoned from a fixed point or event. CAPRICORN 16. Freshwater fish of Central America hav- 10. A state in New England. This is a period of personal growth. This attitude is contagious and you may find Consciously take and plan for extra time to stay organized with projects ing a long swordlike tail. others have questions and inquiries as to the latest self-help book or mentor that you the rest of this month. A strong instinct to be powerful and in control may 11. Edible starchy tuberous root of taro lead to a greater interest in investing. There are all sorts of interaction through some form 17. Large elliptical brightly colored deep- have been gaining information from lately. This mindset is carried over into the workplace so that plants. whatever you do, you do it with enthusiasm and look for ways to improve the workplace. You want to of lecturing, teaching or learning a new technique. You could resist someone’s ideas and it sea fish of Atlantic and Pacific and 12. South American armadillo with three reshape the world and help others. You may expend a great deal of effort to secure finances at this might be a good idea to look at your reasoning. This is an artistic time when you are more Mediterranean. bands of bony plates. time. This may come about through associations you have with people in important positions. The aware of the beauty that surrounds you; it is also a practical and materialistic time. You may 18. The syllable naming the sixth (submedi- 13. A rapid series of short loud sounds (as simple things in life bring you much pleasure. Besides being creative, you are very sociable and mag- decide to keep a sketch pad handy for those times you are in repose with a cup of tea or ant) note of a major or minor scale in netic to the opposite sex. This feeling will extend to a love interest later. chatting on the phone. You will have a grasp for abstract and spiritual ideas and the ability might be heard with a stethoscope in some to present or convey these things to others. solmization. types of respiratory disorders). 19. A large fleet. 14. (Greek mythology) The Titaness who 21. A member of the Himalayan people liv- was mother of Helios and Selene and Eos in Aquarius (January 20- February 18) ing in Nepal and Tibet who are famous for ancient mythology. Leo (July 23-August 22) their skill as mountaineers. 20. The clock time given by a clock carried Interactions with co-workers may create a desire to plan a get-together at Someone could challenge your sense of identity today, but you will remain 23. A light strong gray lustrous corrosion- the noon meal. Be careful to arrange an additional day for those that need to stay behind. This on board a spacecraft. calm and clear in your reporting of the details that are needed. There is someone watching you resistant metallic element used in strong is a great time to be with others and to work together as a team. You may be sought after as 22. Being in competition. that appreciates your struggle. Now is the time to initiate any changes that will create the most just the person for a particular job. Your management abilities are in high focus. There has been light-weight alloys (as for airplane parts). 24. A highly unstable radioactive element positive results, whether it is regarding some project or some goal of yours. Financial gain a lot of overtime lately and it probably will not be the last of the overtime for a while. You will 25. Being nine more than forty. through speculation looks positive—you will eventually need to take care in how you allocate (the heaviest of the halogen series). enjoy a relaxing evening. There is a sense of support and harmony around you, making this a 28. A name for the Old Testament God as the benefits or money received. Study and mental self-control are hard to achieve today, but 26. Flightless New Zealand birds similar to productive and happy time. Place a notepad, flashlight and pen next to the bed and put your not impossible! The time is ripe for family changes and this may be in a marriage, birth or transliterated from the Hebrew YHVH. worries on paper so you don’t fidget all night . . . They will be waiting tomorrow; you will have gallinules. reunion. This is a great evening for socializing with friends or just enjoying some quality time 31. (botany) Of or relating to the axil. better insight. 27. A self-funded retirement plan that with a loved one. 32. The 10th and last incarnation of Vishnu. allows you to contribute a limited yearly 36. Take back what one has said. sum toward your retirement. 37. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked 29. A genus of tropical American plants Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) on a skewer usually with vegetables. have sword-shaped leaves and a fleshy 38. United States educator who introduced compound fruits composed of the fruits of reforms that significantly altered the sys- You have good choices from a career standpoint. Your work is progress- Circumstances may help to create some negative moods—careful. It several flowers (such as pineapples). would be easy to find an argument if you are looking. Keep your sense of humor and do tem of public education (1796-1859). ing well and you will probably complete projects way ahead of time. The knowledge you 30. A city of central China. have regarding some hobby or some recent home project will come in handy when you not push your point of view too strongly. There may be some serious decisions made 39. A hardy cabbage with coarse curly 33. A genus of Lamnidae. solve problems in the workplace this afternoon. It is good that you pull on all your about the future of a project, investment or term of employment with your business at leaves that do not form a head. 34. A small metal weapon. resources when you or those around you are in a quandary. You may feel like socializing this time. You are in the mood to conquer just about anything you set out to do. Stay away from the negative verbiage to calm others and find some inside point of view. You 42. Water soaked soil. 35. In truth (often tends to intensify). this evening. This is an excellent time to socialize and enjoy life. If you are single, go out to all those gatherings where you might really find that dream partner. At the very least, you may perceive how to proceed with plans and decisions regarding your own life situation. 43. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. 40. A small cake leavened with yeast. 49. An ambitious and aspiring young per- will meet compatible people who share your love of life. Enjoy some time with friends This evening you will have the opportunity to enjoy new music; perhaps a concert or a 41. (computer science) Protocol that allows who tend to make many appealing invitations. new group of songs has your attention. son. users to copy files between their local sys- 51. A process of using up or consuming tem and any system they can reach on the again. network. 52. A very poisonous metallic element that Word Search Yesterday’s Solution 44. A dicotyledonous genus of the family has three allotropic forms. Ericaceae. 53. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 45. A small slow-growing deciduous tree of from aba cloth. northern Iran having a low domed shape. 55. A state in north central United States. 46. An abnormal new mass of tissue that 57. Not hard-surfaced. serves no purpose. 59. Type genus of the Lycaenidae. 47. Wood of a sumac. 63. Considerate and solicitous care. 48. (Greek mythology) Goddess of wisdom 64. Kamarupan languages spoken in north- and useful arts and prudent warfare. eastern India and western Burma. 67. A yearning for something or to do 50. A quantity of no importance. something. 54. A trivalent metallic element of the rare 68. Photographic equipment consisting of earth group. a lightproof box with a lens at one end and 56. (of complexion) Blemished by imperfec- light-sensitive film at the other. tions of the skin. 71. A lyric poem with complex stanza 58. A unit of elastance equal to the recipro- forms. cal of a farad. 72. Be iridescent. 60. The capital and largest city of Japan. 74. Used of a single unit or thing. 61. A lawman concerned with narcotics vio- 75. A sign of assent or salutation or com- lations. mand. 62. Type genus of the Amiidae. 76. The academic world. 65. Not present. 77. A fixed charge for a privilege or for pro- 66. Widely cultivated in tropical and sub- fessional services. tropical regions for its fragrant flowers and colorful fruits. DOWN 69. A doctor's degree in education. 1. A master's degree in library science. 70. Large brownish-green New Zealand 2. Not only so, but. parrot. 3. A dull persistent (usually moderately 73. Being one more than one hundred. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 information

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

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

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

Nuzha 22526804 Afghanistan 0093 Iran 0098 Albania 00355 Iraq 00964 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Algeria 00213 Ireland 00353 Qadsiya 22515088 Andorra 00376 Italy 0039 Angola 00244 Ivory Coast 00225 Dasmah 22532265 Anguilla 001264 Jamaica 001876 Antiga 001268 Japan 0081 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Argentina 0054 Jordan 00962 Shaab 22518752 Armenia 00374 Kazakhstan 007 Australia 0061 Kenya 00254 Qibla 22459381 Austria 0043 Kiribati 00686 Bahamas 001242 Kuwait 00965 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Bahrain 00973 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Mirqab 22456536 Bangladesh 00880 Laos 00856 Barbados 001246 Latvia 00371 Sharq 22465401 Belarus 00375 Lebanon 00961 Belgium 0032 Liberia 00231 Salmiya 25746401 Belize 00501 Libya 00218 Jabriya 25316254 Benin 00229 Lithuania 00370 Bermuda 001441 Luxembourg 00352 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Bhutan 00975 Macau 00853 Bolivia 00591 Macedonia 00389 Bayan 25388462 Bosnia 00387 Madagascar 00261 Mishref 25381200 Botswana 00267 Majorca 0034 Brazil 0055 Malawi 00265 W Hawally 22630786 Brunei 00673 Malaysia 0060 Bulgaria 00359 Maldives 00960 Sabah 24810221 Burkina 00226 Mali 00223 Jahra 24770319 Burundi 00257 Malta 00356 Cambodia 00855 Marshall Islands 00692 New Jahra 24575755 Cameroon 00237 Martinique 00596 Canada 001 Mauritania 00222 West Jahra 24772608 Cape Verde 00238 Mauritius 00230 South Jahra 24775066 Cayman Islands 001345 Mayotte 00269 Central African 00236 Mexico 0052 North Jahra 24775992 Chad 00235 Micronesia 00691 Chile 0056 Moldova 00373 North Jleeb 24311795 China 0086 Monaco 00377 Ardhiya 24884079 Colombia 0057 Mongolia 00976 Comoros 00269 Montserrat 001664 Firdous 24892674 Congo 00242 Morocco 00212 Cook Islands 00682 Mozambique 00258 Omariya 24719048 Costa Rica 00506 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 N Khaitan 24710044 Croatia 00385 Namibia 00264 Cuba 0053 Nepal 00977 Fintas 23900322 Cyprus 00357 Netherlands (Holland) Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 0031 Czech Republic 00420 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Denmark 0045 New Caledonia 00687 Diego Garcia 00246 New Zealand 0064 Djibouti 00253 Nicaragua 00505 PRIVATE CLINICS Dominica 001767 Nigar 00227 Dominican Republic 001809 Nigeria 00234 Ecuador 00593 Niue 00683 Egypt 0020 Norfolk Island 00672 El Salvador 00503 Northern Ireland (UK) Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Endocrinologist England (UK) 0044 0044 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Equatorial Guinea 00240 North Korea 00850 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Eritrea 00291 Norway 0047 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Estonia 00372 Oman 00968 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Ethiopia 00251 Pakistan 0092 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Falkland Islands 00500 Palau 00680 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Faroe Islands 00298 Panama 00507 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Fiji 00679 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Finland 00358 Paraguay 00595 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 (1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 France 0033 Peru 0051 French Guiana 00594 Philippines 0063 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, Rheumatologists: French Polynesia 00689 Poland 0048 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 FRCS (Canada) 25655535 Gabon 00241 Portugal 00351 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dentists Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Gambia 00220 Puerto Rico 001787 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Georgia 00995 Qatar 00974 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Germany 0049 Romania 0040 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ghana 00233 Russian Federation 007 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Gibraltar 00350 Rwanda 00250 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Greece 0030 Saint Helena 00290 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Greenland 00299 Saint Kitts 001869 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Grenada 001473 Saint Lucia 001758 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Guadeloupe 00590 Saint Pierre 00508 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Guam 001671 Saint Vincent 001784 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Guatemala 00502 Samoa US 00684 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Guinea 00224 Samoa West 00685 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Guyana 00592 San Marino 00378 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Haiti 00509 Sao Tone 00239 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Saudi Arabia 00966 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Honduras 00504 Scotland (UK) 0044 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Hong Kong 00852 Senegal 00221 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Hungary 0036 Seychelles 00284 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sierra Leone 00232 Soor Center Iceland 00354 Singapore 0065 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 India 0091 Slovakia 00421 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 Indian Ocean 00873 Slovenia 00386 Indonesia 0062 Solomon Islands 00677 lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 Gossip

he ‘Stay’ hitmaker is set to launch a summer line for the high street store later this month and has designed the pieces with her loyal followers in mind, aiming to cater Tto their various needs. Speaking in a behind the scenes video during a model fitting, in which she is joined by her co-designer Adam Selman, the singer said: “I made a piece for everybody in my crew, we all have different body types and different tastes - some are braver than others. “I think like that because that’s how women in the world are. We’re all different, we like different things, we have different occasions and different moods.”Rihanna, 25, also made sure the range reflects her own personal taste in clothes and what she would purchase if shopping for new ensembles, with items including floral and tie-dye jumpsuits, simple dresses in black and pink and elegant crop tops.

he 32-year-old reality star, who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Kanye West in July, has been ordered by doctors to keep her feet elevated in Ta bid to combat the swelling but while she waits for it to go down, she has been forced to splash out on new footwear. She said: “My doctor has told me to elevate my feet. Can you see how wide and swollen they are? I’ve just ordered a pair of pointy-toed flats. “[My Louboutins] hardly fit me any more. When I flew in them the other day, I landed with one strap unbuckled, as I couldn’t get it around my ankle.” Kim’s maternity choices have sparked debate, and while many have dis- missed her tight-fitting choices as fashion disasters, her younger sister Khloe is proud of her for flaunting her curvaceous figure, which she believes should be on show more often.

he pop diva will reclaim her judge’s chair on the next sea- Tson of the singing contest, ousting current mentor Shakira. A mole told The Wrap that former pan- elist Christina - who left the show in 2012 after three seasons to promote her latest album ‘LOTUS’ - is expected to return this autumn after signing a deal worth a rumored $17 million. It is as yet unclear whether Cee Lo Green, who also departed last year, Usher sued by will be returning alongside Christina or whether his popular replacement, Usher, will stay on. The current line- former nanny up of NBC’s singing competition, which also features Adam Levine and he superstar was rewarded for her sex appeal for the third year in a ecilia Duncan - who was hired to look Blake Shelton, has proved a hit with row by the world’s most desirable group of models as part of their after the ‘Yeah!’ hitmaker’s two sons, audiences and ratings are at an all- T8th annual ‘What is Sexy List.’ The catwalk divas have released a CUsher V, five, and four-year-old Naviyd time high. Producer Matt Burnett new video which sees some the lingerie brand’s most famous faces - between December 2010 and September confirmed Shakira’s departure and including Karlie Kloss, Erin Heatherton, Candice Swanepoel and 2012 - has filed a lawsuit against the singer, explained change was a natural Alessandro Ambrosio - give their experienced judgement on some of alleging she was “overworked” and was not progress when working with success- Hollywood’s leading ladies. The list saw several other repeat entries paid overtime, according to TMZ. The ex-nan- ful recording artists. He told including Jessica Chastain, who went from 2012’s Sexiest Smile to this ny claims she often worked over 40 hours a Deadline: “Everybody can’t coach for year’s Sexiest Actress, and Rihanna, who took home Sexiest Bikini Body. week, but wasn’t being compensated for the life because when you have people As well as more conventional beauty categories like Sexiest Legs (Blake extra hours and when she brought up her with current recording in the game, Lively), Sexiest Eyes (Zooey Deschanel) and Sexiest Smile (Zoe Saldana), grievance to the 34-year-old star in 2011, he this is not their job. the Angels placed emphasis on other attractive qualities. Oscar-winner ignored her claims for more than a year and Jennifer Lawrence made the list for the first time for Sexiest Sense of subsequently fired her last year. Cecilia is Humour after becoming a firm favourite on the red carpet with her thought to have filed a six-figure lawsuit tongue-in-cheek jokes. against the ‘Scream’ singer for wrongful ter- mination, failure to pay wages and is also seeking other unspecified damages. However, Usher’s camp denies any wrongdo- ing, branding the nanny’s claims “completely false” and the lawsuit “frivolous”. Thieves mar Justin Bieber concert in he Italian fashion mogul sees a younger South Africa version of himself in his son Daniele, Twho helms the label’s menswear line, and believes he was always destined to make hieves allegedly spent at least three days burrowing his mark in the industry. Roberto told The through walls at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium before Hunger magazine: “Daniele and I have always Tswiping around three million rand just hours after the been very close, and I knew that he would fol- ‘Beauty and a Beat’ hitmaker had walked off stage. The cash low me one day. He is extremely talented. I came from merchandise and refreshments sold at the 19- can see how much he tries to invent some- year-old star’s show - part of his worldwide ‘Believe Tour’ - as thing special. “It’s fantastic to listen to him well as takings from a gig by Bon Jovi the previous evening, because when I speak to him I feel that he’s but officials only realized the money was missing on like me when I was younger. He has lived and Monday morning. A police officer from nearby Booysens breathed and grown up in my studio, so his police station in Soweto said: “The money was taken from apprenticeship started at a very young age!” the building and they only realized today. “We don’t know The pair share a love of traditional craftsman- how many people were involved as we are still gathering ship and both take inspiration from their evidence.” The crooks - who are said to have been armed Italian heritage and their hometown of with chisels, hammers and ropes are believed to have Florence for their designs. Daniele explained: gained access to a room, where cash was stored, through “My father and I do not have the usual con- the roof before lowering themselves down using a rope. cepts that other designers or brands have; it’s Speaking yesterday, South African police spokeswoman more about other things. Katlego Mogale said: “The suspect had gained entry through the roof.”They broke the tile of the bathroom between last night after the concert and this morning.” lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 Music & Movies

his guitar may not quite gently weep, but it could at session for “Hello, Goodbye.” It was given by Lennon to least make a well-heeled Beatles fan cry with happi- Apple Records electronics engineer Yanni “Magic Alex” Tness. The VOX guitar played both by John Lennon Mardas in 1967, Julien’s said. It’s a “once-in-a-lifetime oppor- and George Harrison is expected to sell for between tunity to own one of the rarest pieces of Beatles memorabil- $200,000 and $300,000 at auction in New York’s Hard Rock ia ever to be offered,” the auction house said. — AFP Cafe on Saturday. The custom-made instrument is the main lot in the Julien’s Auctions sale. Harrison used it while prac- ticing “I am the Walrus” and Lennon while recording a video

Museum of the Confederacy opening Gettysburgshow

mong the swords, the wrenching letters home and the Virginia Division and the doomed charge on Union Maj. George “That’s one reason we put the photographs in, so you can see a origin of its collections. Much of it is from family members, haunting photographs in the Museum of the G. Meade’s union positions on Cemetery Ridge on July 3, 1863. face, attach a face to an object.” There is a photo of Edward handed down through generations. The flags followed a differ- AConfederacy’s new exhibit on Gettysburg, few artifacts While the battle forever will be known as Pickett’s Charge, it Estes, along with a letter addressed “Dear Sis.” He wrote of the ent path to the museum. embody the ferocious battle more than the eight battle flags was ordered by Confederate Gen Robert E Lee. Pickett was one carnage: “God forbid that I should ever see another such bloody Any flag captured during the war was to be returned to the recovered from the bloodied fields where Pickett’s Charge was of three generals who led the assault under Lt Gen James field.” Of Pickett, the Pittsylvania County man wrote to his sister US War Department. They were so coveted, Hancock said, a sol- fought. The men who carried them were first in the line of fire, Longstreet, the charge’s commander. All eight battle flags are in Maryland, “When he came out and saw how few of us were dier who turned one in was up for a Congressional Medal of and the flag was coveted by the enemy. If the color bearer fell, from Pickett’s Division and the swords of his three brigade com- left he wept like a child, & said he wished they of killed him too.” Honor and a furlough. In 1905, Congress decreed that all the it was expected another soldier would pick it up. For the 7th manders - Gens. Lewis Armistead, James Kemper and Richard Soldier C Robey’s Bible took a bullet during the battle, and flags be returned to the states. All the Virginia Flags went to the Virginia Infantry alone, nine men were lost at Gettysburg hold- Garnett - are part of the exhibit. the hole through its pages is proof of his good fortune. He took museum. The flags, which are made of wool, will be framed for ing the St Andrew’s Cross. The battle involved more than 12,000 Confederate soldiers two other shots, in his arm and leg, and survived. A letter from a the exhibit. They are, Hancock said, “the biggest and most color- “Capturing the flag was a pretty big deal, or losing your flag who attempted to advance over fields for three quarters of a Union surgeon written to the family of a Confederate soldier ful objects of the show,” which is fitting. “During the battle, they was a bigger deal,” said Robert Hancock, senior curator at the mile amid unrelenting fire from Union forces. More than half of said he had “suffered considerable pain, but wore it with forti- were figuratively and literally the centerpiece there too,” he said. Richmond museum. “Color bearers made a nice target because the South’s soldiers were killed or injured in a battle that forever tude and patience I have never seen equaled.” He also told the “The flag was important as a rallying point.”_ AP they were bearing the big red flag. You did not want to let that bruised the psyche of the South. The exhibit offers Civil War soldier’s family where he was buried. flag go.” The flags, among more than 500 in the museum’s buffs plenty to see, including a large map detailing the battle, The exhibit also features a photograph of Thomas Owens, extensive collection, are the centerpiece of “Gettysburg: They but Hancock said the show is also intended to humanize this who died nine days after the battle, a watercolor, revolvers and walked through blood,” which just opened and runs through chapter of history. Armistead’s book, which included casualty figures. The muse- September to mark the 150th year since the Battle of “We try to get the audience to connect a little bit more with um, which is located next to the former Confederate White Gettysburg. The exhibit focuses on Gen. George Pickett’s the individuals and what happened to them later on,” he said. House in the city’s medical district, prides itself on knowing the

ollywood star Toni Collette is being owned, the Kellys’ barrister Bernard Coles sued for loss and damage after told the court. Coles submitted that one Hallegedly failing to complete the of the reasons they did not settle was purchase of a Sydney house for Aus$6.35 because they had decided to buy another million (US$6.35 million), reports said yes- property, the report said. terday. Industrie clothing brand founders The Kellys ultimately sold the house to Nick and Susan Kelly launched the action another party last year for Aus$5.5 mil- in the Supreme Court in Sydney against lion, with the couple seeking damages the Oscar-nominated Australian actress, mostly made up of the fall in value of the known for her roles in “The Sixth Sense” property as well as the costs of resale and and TV show “United States of Tara”. The interest. Collette and Galafassi have Sydney Morning Herald said Collette and denied a number of the Kellys’ claims, her husband David Galafassi claimed including that they had to complete the they were unable to sell another proper- sale by December 30 and pleaded with ty and did not have the funds to com- them to settle the dispute out of the plete the deal. spotlight. “For the sake of both our fami- In a statement of claim, the Kellys lies I implore you to find a way to settle alleged Collette put down a Aus$317,500 this less publicly,” the actress wrote to deposit on September 30, 2011 for the Nick Kelly, according to an email submit- Dr Joyce Brothers This undated file photo shows Dr Joyce Brothers in the stu- trendy Paddington terrace house and ted to the court, the Herald reported. The dio of her direct line radio show. Brothers saved a would-be agreed to complete the sale on December hearing continues.— AFP suicide in 1968. The popular psychologist, columnist, and 30.But on the day it was due to sell, television and film personality has died in New York City on Colette’s solicitor told the Kellys that “our Monday, May 13, 2013. She was 85. — AP clients will not be able to proceed” due to not being able to sell another house they

efore Dr Phil and Dr Drew and Dr Oz, there any knowledge of cheating, and during a 1959 1958 when it was revealed that quiz show pro- was Joyce Brothers. The popular psycholo- hearing in the quiz show scandal, a producer ducers had been rigging the outcome of some Bgist pioneered the television advice show exonerated her of involvement. Her celebrity shows, including “The $64,000 Question,” by giv- in the 1950s, opening the airwaves to discus- opened up doors. In 1956, she became co-host ing favored contestants the answers in advance. sions of love, marriage and parenting, as well as of “Sports Showcast” and frequently appeared Brothers was one of a number of big winners such taboo subjects as menopause, frigidity, on talk shows. who told an Associated Press survey in impotence and sexual enjoyment. She went on Two years later, NBC offered her a trial on an November 1959 that they knew nothing of any to become an author, syndicated advice colum- afternoon television program in which she cheating. At a House hearing that month, associ- nist and TV and film personality, setting the advised on love, marriage, sex and child-rearing. ate producer Mort Koplin also said Brothers was stage for today’s one-named TV doctors. Its success led to a nationally telecast program, among those not involved in cheating. But he Brothers died Monday of respiratory failure in and subsequent late-night shows that also described how contestants, who were care- New York City, according to her longtime publi- addressed even racier topics. She also dispensed fully interviewed in advance, could be affected cist, Sanford Brokaw. She was 85. Phil McGraw advice on several phone-in radio programs, unknowingly as producers tried to manipulate called Brothers “a pioneer in the field of mental sometimes going live. She was criticized by the outcome of shows by tailoring questions to health.” some for giving out advice without knowing her benefit favored ones and oust less-favored ones. “Decades before I came along, Dr. Joyce was callers’ histories. But Brothers responded that According to the testimony, Brothers applied able to get people talking about their emotional she was not practicing therapy on the air and to be a “64,000 Question” contestant as an issues and problems. In her own gentle and car- that she advised callers to seek professional help expert in home economics and psychology. The ing way she let people know it was OK to discuss when needed. producers, looking for an audience-pleasing their feelings and emotions,” he said in a state- Despite criticism of the format, the call-in oddity, suggested the pretty young woman try ment Monday. “She had a great sense of humor show took off, and by 1985, the Association of boxing as her specialty. She learned the subject and gave very sound advice in her column and Media Psychologists was created to monitor for so well, Koplin said, she kept on winning even whenever she appeared on TV. I owe her a great abuses. Dr Drew Pinsky, who has offered his after the producers “threw the book” at her with deal for what she did for the mental health pro- medical expertise in radio and television formats tough questions aimed at eliminating her. fession and society owes her a big thank you.” first pioneered by Brothers, saluted her impact Born Joyce Diane Bauer in New York, Brothers Brothers first gained fame on the game show on the industry. “Knew nothing about her histo- earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell “The $64,000 Question” and said her multimedia ry on the $64,000 question, but I did know Joyce University and a PhD in psychology from career came about “because we were hungry.” Brothers,” he wrote on Twitter. “She was a pio- Columbia. She wrote numerous advice books, It was 1955. Her husband, Milton Brothers, neer and very knowledgeable.” including “Ten Days To A Successful Memory” was still in medical school and Brothers had just Other celebrities, including Paris Hilton, rap- (1964), “Positive Plus: The Practical Plan for given up her teaching positions at Hunter per Common and motivational guru Tony Liking Yourself Better” (1995) and “Widowed” College and Columbia University to be home Robbins, posted bits of Brothers’ advice on (1992), a guide to dealing with grief written after with her newborn, firmly believing a child’s Twitter, such as: “The best proof of love is trust.” the death of her husband in 1990. Brothers is development depended on it. But the young For almost four decades, Brothers was a colum- survived by sister Elaine Goldsmith, daughter family found itself struggling on her husband’s nist for Good Housekeeping. She also wrote a Lisa Brothers Arbisser, four grandchildren and residency income. So Brothers came up with the daily syndicated advice column that appeared in two great-grandchildren. — AP ext year’s Grammys show will be held second largest since 1993. In 2015, music’s idea of entering a television game show as a more than 350 newspapers. Briefly, in 1961, she on January 26, 2014, earlier than usual biggest night will return to the more typical contestant. “The $64,000 Question” quizzed con- was host of her own television program. Later, because of the Winter Olympics in February 8 timeframe, Grammys organizers testants in their chosen area of expertise. She Brothers branched out into film, playing herself N February, organizers of the music industry the Recording Academy noted. Oscars organ- memorized 20 volumes of a boxing encyclope- in more than a dozen movies, including “Analyze awards said Monday. The move is in line with izers announced in March that the 2014 show dia - and, with that as her subject, became the That” (2002), “Beethoven’s 4th” (2001), “Lover’s other awards shows which have shifted dates will be held on March 2. The Academy Awards only woman and the second person to ever win Knot” (1996) and “Dear God” (1996). to avoid clashing with the Feb 6-23 Games in are typically held the last week in February. In the show’s top prize. She was also an advocate for women. In the Sochi, Russia. 2015 the Oscars will be held on February 22, Brothers tried her luck again on the super- 1970s, Brothers called for changing textbooks to Organizers are keen to avoid competing back in its more traditional slot. — AFP seding “$64,000 Challenge,” answering each remove sexist bias, noting that nonsexist cul- for TV viewers. Grammy show ratings have question correctly and earning the dubious dis- tures tend to be less warlike. The quiz show consistently grown in recent years, with some tinction as one of the biggest winners in the his- scandal of 1958-59 was one of the biggest scan- 28.3 million viewers tuning in last year, the tory of television quiz shows. She later denied dals in the history of television. It erupted in lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 Features

Workers add the finishing touches outside the Carlton Hotel in Cannes on the eve of the 66th edition of the Cannes Film Workers set up a hoarding advertising a film ahead of the 66th international film festival, in Cannes, southern France Festival. — AFP photos yesterday.

urope’s top film festival opens in Cannes today admissions have been whacked by a rise in value- fiscal year. French TV financing in movie-making fell to its annual show of glitz and popping cham- added tax from eight percent to 21 percent. “If we by 5.4 percent last year; the state-run France Epagne corks, but for many in the continent’s don’t find new sources of income, many movie proj- Televisions, which runs a group of national TV net- movie business, times are tough and likely to get ects will be shelved, and it will be a great loss for cul- works, will reduce its movie investment by three mil- tougher still. The financial crisis that erupted in 2008 tural creativity in Europe,” said the president of the lion euros this year to 57 million euros. The big is now biting hard into state and regional subsidies Spanish cinemas federation, Juan Ramon Gomez exception is Britain, which last year had a huge suc- and TV programming budgets that are a key sup- Fabra. cess with the James Bond movie “Skyfall,” which port for film-making. Added to that in some coun- A leading independent distributor, Alta Films, notched up world box office of more than a billion tries is the problem of rampant piracy, as people recently filed for bankruptcy, a development that dollars. snub a trip to the cinema and instead download the French Association of Film Exporters (Adef), The industry contributes 4.6 billion pounds ($7 their films off the Internet. which sells French movies to its neighbour, said was billion) to the national economy, employing 117,000 “There are many clouds over movie funding,” said a tragedy. Adef took aim at two perceived causes: people today, compared with 100,000 in 2009. But it Eric Garandeau, head of France’s National Cinema what it described as a “lack of Spanish political sup- is also an industry that is heavily supported by the Centre (CNC), which helps the French film industry, port” for the cinema, and decisions by state and pri- state-and royalty, too, for the Queen hosted a bash the biggest in Europe. “In some countries, the crisis vate TV channels to stop buying “auteur” films, for it at Windsor Castle in April, which helped is widespread-in some places, long-standing policies meaning movies that are made by marginal or smooth the way to a deal for Pinewood Studios in are being scrapped.” The 12-day Cannes Film Festival provocative directors. the making of the seventh episode of “Star Wars.” will feature six French, one Italian and one Dutch Italy is another big film maker where austerity is Despite this success, Britain fails as a nurturing film in competition. But Spain-one of the most pro- starting to bite: state aid this year has been cut by ground of films that are socially or artistically chal- lific and quirky producer countries-will literally be four million euros to 72.4 million, unleashing a howl lenging, said leftwing British director Ken Loach. out of the picture. of pain from the national association of cinemato- “American commercial films dominate and Laurent Creton, head of the Paris-based Institute graphic and audiovisual industries, ANICA. In monopolize the market so it’s very hard, and people for Cinema and Audiovisual Research (IRCAV), says Germany, 13 professional groups in the movie struggle as best they can and they try to get this tax the mood of belt tightening has played an impor- industry last month issued a joint appeal to the state relief or that tax break... but it’s very meager and the French actress and mistress tant if indirect role in reducing output. He is espe- channels ARD and ZDF to allocate 3.5 percent of critical thing is we don’t have access to our screens,” of ceremonies at the cially worried for the long-term impacts. “You can’t their combined income from TV licences of seven he said in an interview. “The screens are dominated Cannes Film Festival, make an automatic association between austerity billion euros to making feature-length movies. The by the American industry commercial films and the Audrey Tautou poses yes- and movie-making capacity,” he said in an interview. trend in financing “points to fewer films being sup- cartels operate... if you make an independent British terday during a photocall “But in today’s tough economic climate, companies ported, not more,” said Bettina Reitz, in charge of film it’s very hard to get a screen presence.”— AFP in Cannes on the eve of the start to go out of business, which is a threat to the programming with the Bavarian network BR. 66th edition of the Cannes skills base.” France, according to Garandeau, “still has the Film Festival. — AFP In debt-wracked Spain, aid to the movie industry privilege” of strong financing, although the cash- slumped from 123 million euros ($160 million) in strapped state required CNC to repay 50 million 2010 to 55 million euros this year-and cinema euros last year, followed by 150 million in the 2013 roadcast networks Fox and NBC are turning to proven favorites to lure new viewers next season, Bwith Fox rebooting the defunct Kiefer Sutherland action series “24” and NBC bringing back Michael J. Fox in a comedy loosely based on his life. The two networks pitched their TV schedules to advertisers on Monday at the start of the “upfront” selling season, an annual rite when broadcasters try to persuade advertisers to shell out billions of dollars in advance for their new shows. Fox is suffering from a 20 percent decline in the audi- ence for once-unbeatable singing contest “American Idol,” while NBC has been trying to climb out of the rat- ings cellar for years. Prime time ratings at News Corp- owned Fox slumped 16.7 percent this year, according to Nielsen data provided by Horizon Media and based on viewing the day the show airs. Viewership at Comcast- owned NBC remained flat this season while that of its rivals declined. NBC is so far in third place this year among total viewers based on same-day viewing. At a presentation at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt highlight- ed “The Michael J Fox Show,” a new semi-autobiographi- cal comedy about a father with Parkinson’s disease. Fox starred on NBC in 1980s sitcom “Family Ties.” The network also announced “Will & Grace” star Sean Hayes will return in “Sean Saves the World,” a sitcom about a divorced gay dad, and trumpeted its Winter Olympics broadcast in February. It plans 17 new shows throughout next season. Bringing back former stars is no sure thing. Fox has not starred in a lead role since “Spin City” went off the air 12 years ago. Hayes’ “Will & Grace” ended its run in 2006. Greenblatt said NBC’s performance needs to improve. “We have no illusions about how much work is ahead of us in order to grow our business,” Greenblatt told adver- tisers at the presentation, where the network’s own stars poked fun at NBC’s shortcomings. Jay Leno, who will be replaced by comedian Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show” in early 2014, joked in a video duet with Fallon. “Who knows? We may beat Univision,” Leno sang. NBC lost the February sweeps ratings period this year to Spanish-language network Univision.

JACK IS BACK On Fox, the network is turning to one of its former heavyweights, Sutherland, for a limited run in May of its popular thriller “24,” with 12 episodes that represent 24 hours. The original show ran on Fox for eight seasons View a giant installation (back R) being set up of the film ‘The Great Gatsby’ ahead of the 66th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes yesterday. — AFP ending in 2010, when its average audience had declined from a high of more than 13 million to roughly 9 million. Fox unveiled five new comedies and four dramas. They hen Leonardo DiCaprio, the star of the latest big “Tender is the Night” chronicling the privileged but compli- bump into the writer or his wife. Lining the walls are black include “Dads,” the first live-action comedy from “Family screen adaptation of “The Great Gatsby”, arrives at cated lives of Dick and Nicole Diver. The novel was pub- and white photos showing the young couple smiling on Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane, and drama “Almost Wthe Cannes Film Festival this week, he will be fol- lished in 1934. During their time on the Cote d’Azur, the the villa’s terrace. How Fitzgerald felt about the place is Human,” from J.J. Abrams, creator of “Lost.” Fox lowing in the footsteps of author F Scott Fitzgerald. The Fitzgeralds led a hedonistic and sometimes volatile clear from a plaque in the corner of the hotel’s foyer Entertainment Chairman Kevin Reilly told reporters the Jazz Age writer spent a number of years in France includ- lifestyle. Zelda is on one occasion said to have thrown her- inscribed with an extract from one of his letters home. network was making its “biggest investment” to date in ing a spell on the Cote d’Azur where he led a gilded life sur- self over a restaurant’s railings after seeing her husband “With our being back in a nice villa on my beloved programming but declined to comment on the amount. rounded by other luminaries such as artist Pablo Picasso speak to the dancer Isadora Duncan. Riviera... I’m happier than I’ve been for years. It’s one of Reilly said it was likely “American Idol” would feature and fellow writer Ernest Hemingway. On another occasion the inebriated couple bombarded those strange, precious and all too transitory moments three judges next year rather than four. Last week, veter- The American composer and song writer Cole Porter other guests with tomatoes. Earlier this year, villa Picolette, when everything in one’s life seems to be going well,” he an judge Randy Jackson said he would be leaving the popularized the cap d’Antibes by renting a house there which Fitzgerald and Zelda rented between 1922 and 1924 wrote. Today, the area plays host to another generation of show after 12 years. During the Fox presentation at New during the summers of 1921 and 1922. The area was then went on the market priced at an eye-watering $35.5 mil- celebrities with stars such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and York’s Beacon Theater, Emmy winner Greg Kinnear took almost totally undiscovered. But all that changed with the lion. The seven-bedroom property near Juan-les-Pins the US rapper P Diddy all favoring hideaways not so far to the stage to promote his new legal drama “Rake.” Reilly arrival of a young American couple, Gerald and Sara between Cannes and Nice, boasts panoramic sea views, a away from Fitzgerald’s old haunts. The Cannes Film Festival pitched upcoming miniseries “Wayward Pines” starring Murphy, and their children who were among those to stay swimming pool, manicured gardens and a private beach. opens today with the European premiere of Australian Matt Dillon and directed by filmmaker M Night with Porter. The Fitzgeralds held lavish parties there for guests includ- director Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby”. Shyamalan. Wall Street analysts expect broadcast net- Before the couple’s arrival, the fashionable and well- ing Hemingway. The sea view from the property’s tower is — AFP works to have to settle for lower ad rate increases than heeled tended to spend only the winter on the Cote d’Azur the same one featured on the cover of some editions of they have enjoyed in recent years. —Reuters before heading north in April. “Tender is the Night”. But in 1923 the couple persuaded the Hotel du Cap to The couple also lived at the former villa Saint- Louis at keep its doors open during the summer months, trans- Juan-les-Pins from 1925-26. It later became the Hotel Belles forming the area into a year-round playground for literary Rives. The art deco “Fitzgerald” bar of the five-star hotel is and artistic types. The Murphys inspired Fitzgerald to write so suffused with the Fitzgerald era one almost expects to lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Features

By Sahar Moussa

DUBAI: When Sir Thomas Lipton opened his first shop in 1870 creating the Lipton tea brand, nobody knew that his modern vision would keep his name alive even after 100 years. A self- made man from Scotland who was known for his persistence for challenging the American holders of the America’s Cup through the Royal Ulster Yacht Club five times with his yachts, he earned for himself a specially designed cup which made his tea brand famous in the US. Today, Lipton’s dream has come true as it has become the number one tea brand in the world, and as consumers’ first choice, it is many times bigger than its nearest competitor. Lipton, thanks to his aspiration, became a legend sourcing his tea from 35 countries. Lipton Yellow Label has understood the importance of tea in the Middle East, especially the Gulf and mainly in Dubai. It set up a factory to cater to the customers’ high expectations. The Lipton Jebel Ali Factory is Unilever’s second largest tea manufacturing plant in the world, producing an astonishing 1.2 million tea bags per hour, amounting to a gigantic six bil- lion teabags per year. “With 170 employees locally, Lipton has built a deep understanding for the Middle East, and notwithstanding the Arab Spring, Lipton has grown. Even the economic recession couldn’t stop Lipton from expanding”, said Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman of Unilever, North Africa and Middle East, at a re- State-of-the-art facility launch event for Lipton Yellow Label, Unilever’s new, Lipton Jebel Ali Factory (LJA) is the company’s lead- improved blend designed to appeal to the next generation of • ing tea production facility in the region and it is one tea drinkers. of Unilever’s flagship tea factories worldwide. With the newly-introduced blend, the iconic brand will use The Lipton Jebel Ali Factory in Jebel Ali is Unilever’s a groundbreaking innovation in tea production. In a new • second largest tea manufacturing plant in the process unique to Lipton, fresh, high-quality tea leaves are world, producing an astonishing 1.2 million tea pressed during production. This releases a ‘natural tea essence’ bags per hour, amounting to a gigantic 6 billion full of fresh tea flavor. The essence is added back to the tea teabags per year. blend; thus Lipton Yellow Label delivers a fully rounded, satis- fying flavor that Yellow Label lovers demand, with a rich body, Background but without bitterness or astringency. Until 1998, tea bags for the Arabian regional mar- The new tea essence process was developed by the Lipton • kets were sourced from the United Kingdom. Whilst Institute of Tea - Lipton’s dedicated tea research facility. The packet tea was sourced from India up to 2005. With team was inspired to experiment with the concept of tea Dubai’s optimal location, the city is strategically essence using the same techniques involved in pressing olives located - within close proximity of the world’s and grapes. From this inspiration came the new process now biggest black tea growing countries (e.g. India, Sri operational at the Lipton Tea Gardens in Kericho, Kenya, one Lanka, East Africa) on the one hand, while also of the finest tea growing regions in the world. Only freshly being at the heart of the large Middle East tea mar- picked, high-quality tea leaves are pressed as part of the new kets, on the other. Hence, Unilever decided to invest Yellow Label process. onshore in the UAE, and establish a Lipton Jebel Ali Lipton has updated its high quality blend to continue to Factory in 1998, located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone. give consumers the rich tasting tea they love. “Yellow Label is While the factory was originally conceived to supply probably the world’s most famous tea,” said Mehta. “It is • into the local markets in and around the Arabian designed to be enjoyed not only by the millions of people region, the site has since grown enormously in size, around the world who currently drink it every day, but by a scale, and reach. With annualised production vol- new generation of drinkers looking for a tea that can deliver a umes increasing from 5000 Tons to 25,000 Tons in great taste, without dryness or bitterness, cup after cup.” 10 years, the site today is a global tea sourcing hub, Mehta continues: “Creating brands that our customers exporting to 47 countries worldwide. want and love is at the heart of our business and we’re hugely excited about this new use of tea essence. Not only it is a world first, but also it means we’re now able to develop prod- ucts in ways that have never been seen before.” The new Lipton Yellow Label is on major supermarket shelves across the region.

Factory expansion Despite the turbulent economic and business condi- tions, Unilever continues to invest in one of its biggest and globally renowned brands, Lipton. The expansion which was completed in March 2013 will enable the Lipton Jebel Ali Factory to increase its production capacity of both black and green tea, to cope with the rapidly growing consumer demand for many years to come. Manufacturing excellence Over the years, the Lipton Jebel Ali Factory has developed tremendously, not only in terms of the vol- umes it generates but also with regards to its manufac- turing excellence. Quality and consistency remains the cornerstone of the site’s manufacturing strategy which ensures that loyal Lipton consumers receive a great product every time. Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman of Unilever Lipton Yellow Label ‘richer and natural’

WEDNESESDAY, MAY 15, 2013 39

US movie actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie pose in this file photo during a photo session prior to the Japan pre- miere of Pitt’s latest film ‘Moneyball’ in Tokyo. (Right) actress Angelina Jolie poses for a portrait to promote her directorial debut of the film ‘In the Land of Blood and Honey’ in New York. Jolie authored an op-ed for yesterday’s New York Times where she wrote that in April she finished three months of surgical procedures to remove both breasts as a preventive measure. — AP

ngelina Jolie revealed yesterday that she has under- decision to have a preventive double mastectomy,” she wrote. aged to find moments to laugh together.” Jolie said she has joined forces at a meeting of G8 finance ministers last month gone a preventive double mastectomy to reduce her “I started with the breasts, as my risk of breast cancer is higher only small scars after the ordeal, with nothing alarming for her to win a pledge to act against the use of rape as a weapon of Arisk of contracting breast cancer. Jolie said she was than my risk of ovarian cancer, and the surgery is more com- children to see. war. speaking out to encourage other women with a family history plex,” Jolie wrote. She said that on April 27 she completed the “On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel “She’s a courageous lady, a very professional lady. She’s of cancer-her mother died of it age 56 - to seek out informa- three months of medical procedures that the mastectomies empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way dimin- done a lot of work with me in recent months and travelled tion from doctors and make informed choices about their involved. ishes my femininity.” Jolie, one of the world’s highest paid per- with me through some difficult places in the Congo,” Hague bodies. She said she managed to keep the issue quiet and Jolie said her chances of developing breast cancer are now formers, said the cost of getting tested for BRCA1 and another told Sky News television. “She gave no sign that she was keep working. “But I am writing about it now because I hope down to five percent. Jolie and Pitt have three adopted and faulty gene, called BRCA2, is more than $3,000 in the United undergoing such treatment. She’s a very brave lady not only that other women can benefit from my experience,” she said. three biological children. “I can tell my children they don’t States and that this “remains an obstacle for many women”. to carry on with her work so well during such treatment, also The 37-year-old American actress wrote in an opinion need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer,” Jolie said. Jolie She said she hopes women living under the threat of cancer to write about it now and talk about it. She’s a brave lady and piece entitled “My Medical Choice” in The New York Times that described a two-stage surgical process, the second of which is will be able to get tested. “Life comes with many challenges. will be an inspiration to many.”— AFP she had chosen the procedure because she carries a faulty an operation that can take up to eight hours as the breast tis- The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on gene that increases her risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. sue is removed and temporary fillers are put in place. and take control of,” Jolie wrote. Jolie, one of Hollywood’s best-known faces and the partner of “You wake up with drain tubes and expanders in your British Foreign Secretary William Hague, who has been actor Brad Pitt, said that because of this gene, known as breasts. It does feel like a scene out of a science fiction film. working with Jolie in the past few months in her role as UN BRCA1, her doctors estimated she had an 87 percent risk of But days after surgery you can be back to a normal life,” Jolie special envoy for refugee issues to highlight the problem of breast cancer and 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer. wrote. Jolie said Pitt has been a huge source of support. “Brad sexual violence in conflict, said she was a “brave lady and will “Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be was at the Pink Lotus Breast Center, where I was treated, for be an inspiration to many”. Hague and Jolie visited Rwanda proactive and to minimize the risk as much I could. I made a every minute of the surgeries,” she said, adding that “we man- and Democratic Republic of Congo in March and successfully

ere is a look at some female celebrities who have suffered breast cancer after Oscar-winning Hactress Angelina Jolie revealed yesterday she underwent a preventive double mastectomy to reduce the risk of breast cancer:

SHERYL CROW Grammy-winning rock star Sheryl Crow, 51, was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in February 2006 after a routine mammogram. She has campaigned for women aged over 35 to have annual mammograms. “I can safely say my life has changed in every way. I feel keenly aware of how precious and fleeting life is,” she wrote on her website.

KYLIE MINOGUE Australian pop star Kylie Minogue, 44, was diag- nosed with breast cancer in 2005 and went through sur- gery and chemotherapy. Her 2006 “Showgirl Homecoming Tour” represented her comeback from cancer.

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN Australian singer Olivia Newton-John, 64, was diag- nosed in 1992 and underwent a partial mastectomy and chemotherapy. Her 2005 album, “Stronger than Before” promoted breast cancer awareness. She also introduced the “Olivia Breast Self-Exam Kit” and helped build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in her native A Sri Lankan laboratory assistant works at a factory in Kandana on the outskirts of Colombo. (Right) Sri Lanka’s exotic Golden Tips and Silver Tips and a Japanese Sencha tea Melbourne, Australia. brewed on display at a factory in Kandana on the outskirts of Colombo. A hot cup of Ceylon tea is better known as being soothing and relaxing, but Sri Lanka is now market- ing its most profitable export as a luxury boost for the libido. — AFP photos ROBIN ROBERTS Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, 52, made a name for herself interviewing athletes, actors, and other newsworthy personalities, but in 2007, she turned the camera on herself to announce she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2012, she developed the rare MDS or myelodysplastic syndrome. hot cup of Ceylon tea is better known as being sooth- nols, flavonoids and anti-oxidants-known to improve the The Sri Lanka Tea Board is about to embark on a major ing and relaxing, but Sri Lanka is now marketing its immune system and blood circulation. Leading tea maker international marketing campaign for the first time in JACLYN SMITH Amost profitable export as a luxury boost for the libido. Herman Gunaratne is also keen to promote such qualities in decades, which will promote the health benefits of a high-end Former “Charlie’s Angels” star and fashion business The tea industry is increasingly plugging Ceylon’s supposed his rare “virgin white” tea, so called because it is untouched by cup. Currently only 42 to 43 percent of Ceylon is exported in woman, Smith, 67, discovered a lump and underwent a aphrodisiac qualities in a bid to radically change perceptions human hands in production, unlike orthodox types hand- packets of less than three kilos each, but the target is to raise lumpectomy and radiation. She has become active with of the brew, which manufacturers say can sell for less than plucked from the tea bush. The product retails at the Mariage this to 60 percent in the next five years, board director Hasitha groups such as Susan G Komen for the Cure. Smith also water in some markets.”We are highlighting the properties of Freres tea emporium in Paris for $88 for a 20-gram box, the de Alwis said. Anil Cooke, head of Sri Lankan tea broking firm speaks publicly about the recognizing breast cancer risk tea that can give you an edge in the bedroom,” said Rohan equivalent of $4,400 per kilo. Asia Siyaka Commodities, agreed that Ceylon-known by the factors as part of the Strength in Knowing program. Fernando, whose firm HVA Foods sells a small 60-gram jar of “My virgin white tea contains 10.11 percent anti-oxidants... country’s colonial name-should be “re-positioned globally” premium Ceylon for $350. This could be the highest level of anti-oxidants in any tea,” with a focus on increasing its value.”It is being done in a small SHARON OSBOURNE “Tea has traditionally been the poor man’s drink. We want Gunaratne said. “When your overall health improves, your way by a few companies, but it can be given a bigger boost,” Famed as a TV presenter of “America’s Got Talent to be at the top-end of the supply chain,” he said.The industry sexual performance automatically increases.” Tea is not indige- Cooke said. and Sharon, 60, wife of heavy metal singer Ozzy may not yet have hard medical proof of Ceylon’s performance- nous to Sri Lanka, but after Scotsman James Taylor planted Leading the way is Gunaratne’s tea plantation in the south Osbourne, developed colon cancer in 2002. She start- enhancing powers, but they have long been the stuff of leg- the first tea bush, Camellia Sinensis, in 1849, it became a pri- of the island, which has become a key tourist attraction with a ed the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Foundation in end among Sri Lankan tea lovers. The brews known for their mary export. Last year, tea brought in nearly $1.5 billion to tea museum, tours and tasting sessions. Despite cutting daily association with Cedars Sinai Medical Center. As a pre- potency are the top-quality white teas, known as Silver Tips the country’s coffers. Sri Lanka also conducts the world’s tea leaf production from 20,000 to just 2,000 kilos a day, his caution in 2012 she underwent a double mastectomy and Golden Tips, which are gaining popularity among well- largest weekly tea auction where five to six million kilos (10 to gourmet products now sell at 10 times the average retail price after she carried genes which made her a likely risk for heeled Chinese businessmen along with rich Saudis and 13 million pounds) change hands. of loose tea in the local market. “Since shifting to highly spe- breast cancer. — Reuters Japanese, Fernando said. Unlike orthodox teas, the white vari- But the island may soon be reaching its maximum produc- cialised teas... I earn double what I did before,” said Gunaratne. eties are made with just the tender tea buds, which are sun- tion capacity after exporting nearly 320 million kilos last year. Cooke said he was not sure if the aphrodisiac properties or the dried and carefully tended until they turn gold or silver in Gunaratne is among the tea purists who want to guard Sri big bucks from his Ceylon had put a permanent smile on the colour. Lanka’s reputation as a maker of clean tea-product that is free 69-year-old tea maker’s face.— AFP At his tea factory in Kandana town, north of the capital of pesticide residue and other contaminants-and he is keen to Colombo, Fernando held up a ceramic urn wrapped in black see more high-end varieties rather than the traditional export velvet and sealed with a gold ribbon, explaining that a cuppa of cheap bulk products. “We need to re-brand tea,” he said. is not only good for sexual health. The tea contains polyphe- “We have the potential to increase our tea income four-fold.”