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THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 SHAABAN 11, 1434 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Nine killed as Afghan govt Putin basks Brazil Shabab attack to shun US in isolation qualify for UN base in talks with as Obama’s Confederations Mogadishu7 Taleban7 charm14 falls flat Cup20 semis Cabinet to meet to decide Max 44º on ideal date for elections Min 26º High Tide 08:05 & 21:50 Debate rages over constitutional court ruling Low Tide 01:52 & 15:27 40 PAGES NO: 15845 150 FILS KUWAIT: The Cabinet is expected to hold an makes the current Cabinet unconstitutional. conspiracy theories extraordinary session today to discuss an ideal date A member of the scrapped 2012 Assembly for the parliamentary election following the consti- Mohammad Al-Dallal said the next Assembly is Who enforces the tutional court’s ruling that scrapped the National already at risk of being dissolved because the gov- Democracy Assembly as the debate over the verdict continues ernment is unconstitutional since it does not have law on enforcers? among various political groups. The Cabinet may an elected MP. This problem in addition to the prob- calls for unity announce the election date today after approving a lem of finding a proper date may force the govern- decree to dissolve the Assembly or postpone a final ment not to announce an election date until the 60- decision until the beginning of next week. day period passes off and this will automatically Observers believe that the most likely scenario is to revive the 2009 Assembly and the election date can hold polls during the holy month of Ramadan that be postponed further. will start on July 9 and specifically in the last third of Meanwhile, several members of the Salaf Islamic the month. Alliance criticized the alliance leadership for By Badrya Darwish Under Kuwaiti law, the polls must be held within announcing that they will take part in the election two months after dissolving the Assembly and this without consulting other members. Former Salafist deadline is mid-August, which is just one week after MP Mohammad Al-Kandari described the move as Ramadan-end and only about three days after the an act of “hijacking” the group and insisted that the Eid Al-Fitr feast. A large number of Kuwaiti voters are alliance’s decision should not have been affected by [email protected] expected to have already booked their trips for the the constitutional court ruling that lacks strong evi- summer vacation immediately after Ramadan, dence and should not have been impacted by the which if coupled with a major boycott of the elec- position of opportunists who only want to serve s you all know, the constitutional court tion, would make the voter turnout very small. their selfish interests. upheld the one-vote decree and dissolved In addition, the new Assembly must meet within So far, only the liberal National Democratic the parliament. Of course constitutionally, A two weeks after the election, giving authorities Alliance and the Salaf alliance have announced their we have two months to hold elections for the next another problem to think about. On top of that, a participation in the election, but the majority of for- parliament. But since that day, the street is full of number of constitutional experts have raised yet a mer opposition MPs and almost all opposition rumors - be it on social media or in newspapers - new legal problem they warned that could lead to groups have said they are boycotting. The liberal some are predicting that the 2009 Assembly will be dissolving the next Assembly. Under Kuwaiti law, at Kuwait Democratic Forum has not yet announced a back. Some say the return of this parliament is also least one Cabinet member must be an elected MP - decision but its leading member and former MP unconstitutional. So we are left in a dilemma and who is minister of social affairs and labour Thekra Al- Saleh Al-Mulla said he will not contest because he the forecast is unclear. It’s as hazy as our weather. Rasheedi in this Cabinet. But Rasheedi is no longer believes the single-vote decree promotes autocracy KUWAIT: A high-ranking officer uses his mobile phone Some newspapers have predicted that mid- an MP after the constitutional court ruling which in the country. while driving. No comments. Ramadan may be the date for new elections. Wow! What a choice! In the heat, and people are fasting - you want to hold elections? That’s a joke. On the other hand, if they wait till the end of Ramadan, it is known we are a travelling nation - we are booked Iran: ‘Jihad’ calls fuel radicalism and packed to leave after Eid and onwards. Also holding elections after Eid, for many KUWAIT: Calls by Sunni Muslim clerics is widening a divide in the Middle East Kuwaitis, will be considered a silly joke. From now for a holy war against the Syrian gov- between the two main denominations I’m predicting - unless a real relative is running, I ernment and its Shiite allies are of Islam. Kuwait, which lies across the doubt anybody will sacrifice and cancel his and his fuelling radicalism in the region, a sen- Gulf from Iran, has voiced concern family’s holiday for the sake of the parliament. Only ior Iranian official said yesterday. that the Syrian crisis is heightening the candidates themselves will do this. So the only Earlier this month, prominent cleric sectarian tension and becoming a bat- option open for everybody to agree on and not sac- Sheikh Youssef Al-Qaradawi called for tlefield for regional powers. rifice holidays or being inconvenienced in Ramadan jihad in Syria after fighters from Shiite Abdollahian said radicals in Syria is the return of the 2009 Assembly. Lebanese group Hezbollah intervened have been attacking all sects and cre- The other topic which is occupying my mind on to help President Bashar Al-Assad, in a ating rifts between communities. He the elections is the opposition and their stance. In move which stoked sectarian tensions. called for a political solution to the my opinion, if you want to serve Kuwait, everyone Shiite Iran, a close ally of Assad and crisis which has killed more than has to stand. We saw in the recently-dissolved par- backer of Hezbollah, has accused Arab 90,000 people. Abdollahian, who was liament that democracy does not work this way. I and Western states of fomenting ter- in the state to meet Kuwaiti Foreign call on the opposition to rethink and revise their rorism in Syria by arming rebels Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- decision and come back and participate. It doesn’t caught up in the two-year-old revolt. Sabah, denied that Iran was giving matter what the results are. I’m sure many of them “There were steps and fatwas from military aid to the Syrian army. “We will win seats. clerics like Mr Qaradawi, these fatwas give economic, political and media Actually it was a chance for them that circum- escalate and encourage apostasy and support to Syria,” he said. Hezbollah stances changed and this parliament was dissolved. radicalism in the region,” Hossein Amir was involved only to protect the Now the ball in your court. Play it nicely and come Abdollahian, Iranian Deputy Minister Lebanese-Syrian border and to shield back. Despite all the disputes and agendas you for Arab and Foreign Affairs, told Lebanese living in Syria from violence, KUWAIT: Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Iranian Deputy Minister for Arab and Foreign Affairs, have, Kuwait deserves that of you. reporters in Kuwait. The Syrian conflict he said. — Reuters speaks at a press conference at the Iranian Embassy yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Obama urges nuke weapons cuts

BERLIN: US President Barack Obama said to make as well,” a sweat-streaked Obama Russian and US nuclear weapons should said to an invited crowd of 6,000 people UAE to try 30 be slashed by up to a third in a keynote standing before the majestic landmark in speech in front of Berlin’s iconic sweltering summer weather. Brandenburg Gate in which he called for a The US leader called on Russia to agree ‘Brotherhood’ world of “peace and justice”. Obama used to bring the number of strategic nuclear the once divided city’s rebirth as a weapons held by the former Cold War foes cell members metaphor for progress, as he stood on the down to around 1,000 and to also cut east side of the route of the Berlin Wall, and stocks of tactical nuclear arms. “I’ve deter- DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates said yesterday it warned the “complacent” West that history mined that we can ensure the security of would put on trial 30 Emiratis and Egyptians did not stop with its Cold War victory. “The America and our allies and maintain a accused of setting up an illegal branch of Egypt’s wall belongs to history. But we have history Continued on Page 15 Muslim Brotherhood, part of a crackdown on the Islamist organisation that has soured relations with NEW DELHI: Shopkeepers use a boat as they wade through the rising waters of Cairo. Ties between Egypt and the UAE have been the Yamuna River at the Tibetan market yesterday. — AFP strained since the revolution that toppled veteran Egyptian ruler Hosni Mubarak, a long-time Gulf ally, India, Nepal monsoon in 2011, and the Muslim Brotherhood’s subsequent rise to power. The US-allied UAE has long been dis- trustful of the Muslim Brotherhood, which is floods leave 160 dead banned in the country. The UAE was openly critical DEHRADUN, India: Military helicopters “There has been large scale devasta- when the Brotherhood helped propel Egyptian dropped emergency supplies yesterday tion,” the prime minister said after flying President Mohamed Morsi to power last year. to thousands of people stranded by flash over the flooded region late yesterday A group of 94 Emiratis is on trial in the UAE for floods that tore through towns and tem- with ruling Congress party chief Sonia belonging to an illegal organisation and plotting to ples in northern India and neighbouring Gandhi. He said the government would overthrow the government. A verdict is expected Nepal, killing more than 160, officials said. give $170 million to the worst-hit state of on July 2. Most of the defendants are members of Thousands of pilgrims and tourists have Uttarakhand for rescue and relief opera- an Islamist group called Al-Islah (Reform), which already been evacuated after floods and tions, adding “all possible resources” have denies the government’s accusation that it is an landslides caused by early monsoon rains been deployed to deal with the “ghastly arm of the Muslim Brotherhood. A statement on the wrought devastation through India’s tragedy.” Torrential rains at least three UAE’s WAM state news agency yesterday said that Himalayan foothills, they said. Indian times as heavy as usual have hit some in the group had “set up and operated a Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the Uttarakhand, often called the “land of the branch of an organisation with an international priority was rescuing those still stranded gods”, where Hindu shrines and temples nature ... for the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt with- and helping the more than 10,000 people built high in the mountains attract many out a licence”. BERLIN: US President Barack Obama waves next to German Chancellor Angela already evacuated, describing the floods pilgrims. Continued on Page 15 Merkel before speaking on a podium in front of Berlin’s landmark Brandenburg as “most distressing”. Continued on Page 15 Gate near the US embassy yesterday. — AFP THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 LOCAL Amir receives new anti-graft officials

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh ty and provisions pertinent to financial Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah disclosure. This came on the occasion of received at Bayan Palace yesterday the their new appointment in their new new chief and members of the anti-cor- posts. HH the Crown Prince congratulat- ruption authority. Chief Abdulrahman ed them on the formation of the new Saleh Al-Nemash, Deputy Chief Riyadh authority which groups a number of loy- Al-Hajri, in addition to members Meshari al Kuwaiti men who are experts in vari- Al-Mutairi, Dawoud Al-Jarah, Hamad Al- ous spheres. He also praised their role in Subaie, Abdulwahab Al-Muzaini, and fighting corruption and the consolida- Luai AlSaleh all took oath in front of His tion of transparency. HH stressed that Highness the Amir upon assuming their the government would continue to new positions. The meeting was attend- apply the law sternly on all and in all ed by Minister of Justice and Minister of government institutions, calling for the Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Shareeda simplification of the authority’s tasks so Abdullah Al-Muosherji, and Advisor at as to enable it set up a strategy to com- the Amiri Diwan, Mohammad Daifallah bat corruption as such is one of the Sharar. means of achieving the sought reform. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh The meeting was attended by HH the Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah also Crown Prince’s Diwan’s Undersecretary received at Bayan Palace yesterday for Media Affairs Sheikh Mubarak Al- Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf Hamoud Al-Salman Al-Sabah and HH the and Islamic Affairs Shareeda Abdullah Al- Crown prince Diwan’s Undersecretary for Mousherji. During the meeting, Al- Ceremonies and Protocol Sheikh Mousherji presented to HH head and Mubarak Sabah Al-Salem Al-Hamoud Al- KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace yesterday the new chief and mem- members of the anti-corruption authori- Sabah. — KUNA bers of the anti-corruption authority. Kuwait, Morocco ink five key agreements Kuwait’s trade surplus with KUWAIT: The seventh session of the joint countries, stressing that they enjoy very gen- The Kuwaiti Minister also touched on the economic cooperation, trade and investment, higher committee between the State of erous sponsorship of His Highness the Amir positions of King Hassan II during the Iraqi with an emphasis on the need to increase the Japan jumps 26.4% Kuwait and the Kingdom of Morocco kicked Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and occupation of Kuwait in 1990 “which reflected volume of trade which is still below the desired off here yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister and his brother King Mohammed VI. Sheikh Sabah the authenticity of this leader”. He also recalled level. He also expressed Morocco’s readiness to TOKYO: Kuwait’s trade surplus with Japan jumped 26.4 percent Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al- Al-Khalid recalled the visit by King Mohammed the official visit made by His Highness the Amir develop an effective strategic partnership that in May to JPY 107.7 billion ($1.1 billion) from a year earlier, Hamad Al-Sabah headed the Kuwaiti side V to Kuwait in January 1960 as that historic day Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to is integrated with the countries of the Gulf expanding for the first time since February. Kuwait maintained while Morocco was represented by Foreign marked the start of the triumphant march King Mohammed VI on October 12, 2010, and Cooperation Council (GCC) which would con- black ink with Japan for the 64th consecutive month, the Affairs and Cooperation Minister Dr Saad between the two countries. the visit by the Moroccan monarch to his sec- tribute to the consecration of the elements of a Finance Ministry said yesterday. Kuwaiti overall exports to Eddine Othmani. During the session, the two He also spoke about the role played by ond home Kuwait in October 23, 2012. multi-dimensional development renaissance Japan grew 28.5 percent to JPY 122.1 billion ($1.3 billion) for the sides began official talks and reviewed the the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic He said the visits clearly reflect the fraternal whose benefits are shared by everyone. first increase in three months, while imports from Japan surged overall aspects of cooperation between them Development which was founded in in 1965, and deep-rooted ties binding the two ruling The five agreements that were signed 46.6 percent year-on-year to JPY 14.3 billion ($150 million), up in all sectors. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid gave a followed in 1976 by the start of investment families in the two countries. He congratulated today were: for the first time in three months, the ministry said in a prelimi- speech in which he reviewed the march of partnership, which is still ongoing between the Moroccan people for the vast develop- • Memorandum of Understanding in the nary report. brotherly close relations between the two the two countries and peoples. ment witnessed by their country and in the field of exhibitions. Middle East’s trade surplus with Japan also widened 12.2 march of democracy. And on the work of the • An additional protocol to the Convention percent to JPY 1. 037 trillion ($10.9 billion) last month, with current session, Sheikh Sabah Khaled said it is on mutual assistance and cooperation in cus- Japan-bound exports from the region expanding 11.5 percent continuation of the excellent partnership deals toms affairs. from a year earlier. Crude oil, refined products, liquefied natural that entered its institutional framework • Memorandum of Understanding for coop- gas (LNG) and other natural resources, which accounted for through the formation of this committee in eration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 97.8 percent of the region’s total exports to Japan, grew 11.2 2001. For his part, the Moroccan Minister said and Cooperation of Morocco (Moroccan percent on the year. The crude alone increased 10.2 percent. in his speech the convening of the joint com- Academy for Diplomatic Studies) and the The region’s overall imports from Japan went up 8.0 percent, mittee was an opportunity for consultation Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the State of mainly due to robust shipments of automobile and machinery. and exchange of views on the most effective Kuwait (Sheikh Saud Nasser Al-Sabah The world’s third-biggest economy logged a global deficit of ways to enrich the process of bilateral coopera- Diplomatic Institute). JPY 993.9 billion ($10.4 billion) in May for the 11th month of red tion between the two sides and coordination • The executive program for tourism coop- ink, as the weaker yen pushed up costs for imports despite a on issues of common concern. eration agreement for the years sharp rise in exports. It was the biggest trade deficit for the He also noted the valuable contribution of 2013/2014/2015. month of May since comparable data became available in 1979. the State of Kuwait in development projects in • Executive program for a Memorandum Exports totaled JPY 5.768 trillion ($60.6 billion), up 10.1 per- Morocco, saying the Kuwait Fund for Arab of Understanding in the field of Awqaf and cent on weak shipments to Europe and Asia. Exports to China, Economic Development (KFAED) has extended Islamic Affairs of the Ministry of Awqaf and Japan’s biggest trading partner, rose 8.3 percent on the year. until March 2012 37 loans with a financial val- Islamic Affairs in the State of Kuwait and the Imports also rose 10.0 percent to JPY 6.762 trillion ($71.0 billion) ue of KD 392 million.” He invited businessmen Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in as crude oil imports grew 6.4 percent and LNG 8.2 percent, KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al- and economic figures in the two countries to Morocco for the years 2013/2014/2015. respectively. Japan’s currency weakened more than 20 percent Hamad Al-Sabah and Morocco’s Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Dr Saad develop a genuine partnership and stimulate — KUNA (See also Page 4) against the US dollar and euro in May from a year earlier, Eddine Othmani sign agreements. — KUNA according to the ministry.— KUNA THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 LOCAL

KUWAIT: A campaign got off on July 17 to highlight the ‘dangers of fire’ spearheaded by Kuwaiti Society for Ideal Family. (Right): The deputy director of fire department, Brig Khalid Al-Zaid, received in his office the director of Hawally Mosques administration, Dr Khalid Al-Hais. Fire dept reviews holy month preparations Campaign focuses on ‘dangers of fire’

By Hanan Al-Saadoun ensuring that all precautionary norms sultant Mohammad Abdul Aziz participat- have been observed was also discussed. ed from the Ministry of Awqaf. Advisory to temporary KUWAIT: The deputy director of fire Brig. Al-Zaid appreciated the efforts A campaign titled “We want it to be in department, Brig Khalid Al-Zaid, received being made by the Awqaf ministry to every house in Kuwait” started on June 17 residency holders in his office the director of Hawally ensure safety of the devout and the fruit- and will continue for three weeks at the Mosques administration, Dr Khalid Al- ful cooperation among them and said that cooperative societies under the patron- KUWAIT: “Visitors, in accordance with article 14, Hais. the fire department will put all its equip- age of chairperson of the Kuwaiti Society who still have some disputes with their sponsors The two discussed the means to ensure ment at the disposal of the Awqaf min- for Ideal Family, Sheikha Fareeha Al- or the companies that invited them, and whose cooperation to deal with the crowds and istry to ensure the safety of the people Ahmad. The campaign aims at educating cases are still being discussed at the Ministry of any emerging situation during the praying during the holy month. the people, the citizens as well as the Social Affairs and Labor or in the local courts and Ramadan prayers in Kuwait’s mosques in The fire department has inspected expats, about the danger of fire and how who have been given one to three months worth general and in the Hawally area. more than 100 tents for the benefit of the to protect your house from an accident in temporary residency visas till they reach settle- Such cooperation is required to ensure Awqaf ministry last year. order to reduce the instance of fire at any ments are advised not to leave before the settle- smooth conduct at the mosques in partic- The meeting was attended by Colonel private residence. Brochures were distrib- ment,” MOI’s assistant undersecretary for citizen- ular and to ensure safety of the devout. Khalid Al-Ajmi, Colonel Musaad Al- uted to the people, a gesture appreciated ship and passports affairs, Major General Sheikh Also, inspection of the tents erected for Sarheed, engineer Suapha Al-Yaseen and by the visitors to the cooperative soci- Faisal Nawaf Al-Sabah said. the prayers during the holy month and Colonel Khalil Al-Amir while media con- eties. He said the departure would lead to cancela- tion of the temporary residency and such people will not be allowed back into the country except PR awareness drive for summer season on the basis of new visas. Sheikh Faisal also said that several organiza- KUWAIT: Public Relations Director of was designed for people of all age to alert them about any exigency that tional measures have been taken to straighten the Ministry of Interior Colonel Adel groups and is being executed in all can strike during the summer season, out and solve the problems accruing due to visa Ahmad Al-Hashash said that as sum- areas. He said security messages were like cases of theft when houses are left violations while, at the same time, efforts are on mer vacation approaches, an aware- being beamed for the benefit of the unattended, instances of teenagers to protect the rights of both expats and sponsors, ness plan has been prepared along citizens and expats through television loafing around and traffic accidents. without any exception. with several brochures in different lan- guages. 49 arrested The brochures, which have been A police posse from Mina Abdullah police sta- distributed, include advice about how tion of the Ahmadi governorate carried out an to keep tiers safe, especially in summer, inspection campaign under the supervision of when heat could cause the tiers to burst. Another brochure advises the Colonel AbdulAziz Saleh Al-Mutairi. sea lovers about the right way to wear The campaign resulted in the arrest of 49 per- a safety jacket. sons, of whom 28 persons were found without Yet another special brochure was identification or with expired residency and ten distributed about the parking slots persons working as free laborers, six in violation meant for the handicapped, which are of labor law and five in violation of residency law. specially designated areas since these All were sent to the concerned authorities. Also, are near the services centers. ten traffic citations were handed out. Colonel Adel Ahmad Al-Hashash Al-Hashash said that the campaign KUWAIT: Officials distribute brochures to motorists THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 LOCAL Municipality intensifies raids ahead of Ramadan 100kg rotten cheese, olives and thyme destroyed KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality has intensified its thyme, he said. Moreover, citations were issued inspection of food shops, supermarkets and stores against a store that was opened ahead of obtain- aimed at punishing violators in various areas in ing approval of the municipality and for unhealthy Kuwaiti Governorates, ahead of incoming holy food packaging. month of Ramadan. Emergency teams and regula- For his part, the head of the emergency team in tory bodies of the municipality of Mubarak Al- the municipality of the province, Abdullah Al- Kabeer continue to follow-up on itinerary of the Amaie, said “health and safety of consumers would food until they reach the consumer, in addition to remain above all other consideration,” and checking all health requirements, Director of the affirmed that these missions would not be restrict- Municipality Mubarak Al-Kabeer branch Sherida ed to specific locations or timing. Al-Mutairi said yesterday. He also stressed on commitment by all regula- Al-Mutairi added that the inspection cam- tions and municipal laws in order to avoid legal paigns carried out yesterday on supermarkets and accountability, pointing out that the teams would KUWAIT: Director General of Arab Planning Institute Bader Malallah holds talks cooperative societies were aimed at taking ran- also look out for anyone trying to tamper with the with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco Dr dom samples from a number of food products. health and safety of consumers through intensive Saad Eddin Othmani in his office yesterday. —KUNA One of the food products, after being tested at the inspection campaigns, which will include all food laboratory and found unsuitable for human con- shops as well as vendors. The municipality called sumption, was taken out of the shelves. The tours on consumers to check products’ expiry date Moroccan FM extols resulted in closing an unlicensed food store and before buying, and contact the municipal hot line Kuwait-based API demolishing 100 kilograms of cheese, olives and (139) for any complaint.— KUNA Sherida Al-Mutairi KUWAIT: Kuwait-based Arab Planning Institute training Moroccan diplomats to Institute has a formidable regional role in develop skills that they would use in their boosting growth and development among official duties, particularly in addressing eco- Arab countries, said Moroccan minister of for- nomic issues locally and regionally. eign affairs and cooperation Saad-Eddine El He stressed the point that the Institute has Othman while visiting the institute here yes- expanded its reach regionally and broadened terday. The minister said that it was imminent its activities in offering consultations and that his country would be accepted as a new training programs to its members. member in the Institute, stressing the view Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign that the Institute offered viable paradigms for Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al- growth and sustainable development that Sabah received Dr Saad Eddin Othmani. should be adopted by Arab economies in The meeting came during his official visit their long-term socio-economic planning. to the country to take part in the seventh ses- While he indicated that the size of Kuwaiti sion of the Joint Kuwaiti-Moroccan commit- investments in his country amounted to tee. During the meeting, the two sides dis- about nine billion dollars, he drove the point cussed regional and international political home that Morocco shared strategic partner- issues as well as bilateral relations between ships with nations of the GCC, saying his the two countries and ways to strengthen country was working hard on concluding them. The meeting was attended by mutual plans with the GCC in the fields of Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign economics, security, and defense. He said Affairs Khaled Al-Jarallha, Director General of there were nine task force teams in Morocco Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development working on these plans. (KFAED) Abdulwahab Al-Bader, Director of the On his part, director general of the Arab Arab world affairs in the ministry Ambassador Planning Institute Bader Malallah welcomed Jamal Abdullah Al-Ghanim, Director of the KUWAIT: Municipal inspectors conduct inspections. the membership of Morocco in the Institute Office of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign which he said would be finalized and officially Minister Ambassador Sheikh Dr. Ahmad announced soon. Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah and Kuwait’s Electoral ads, tents to be removed: Subaih He indicated that his talks with the minis- Ambassador to the kingdom of Morocco ter dealt in part with the possibility of the Shamlan Abdullaziz Al-Romi. — KUNA KUWAIT: The Kuwait Municipality General Subaih laid it bare that the Municipality will problems which emerged in previous ones. Director Eng Ahmad Al-Subaih warned yester- firmly apply law on everybody. “No one is Al-Subaih warned against hoisting unli- day that the Municipality teams will remove allowed to rent a place for electioneering tent censed billboards or installing any ads at key Tunisia PM lauds Kuwaiti any billboards, banners, tents or any sort of before the issuance of the Amiri decree setting places which could tarnish the image of main election-related ads that are hoisted before the the date of the election and electioneering roads, major squares and could even cause participation in Sfax fair official launch of electioneering campaigns. campaign,” he said. traffic jams or accidents. He asked citizenry “Municipality teams backed by security person- He unveiled that the Municipality is and firms seeking to install ads at any place to SFAX, Tunisia: Interim Tunisian Prime trade and economic domains. Speaking to nel will remove any ads violating the electoral embarking on a plan to guarantee the success get license from Municipality Council office in Minister Ali Laarayedh lauded here late KUNA during the participation, head of the law without prior notice,” Al-Subaih said. Al- of the electoral process to avoid loopholes and the related areas to avoid ads removal.— KUNA Tuesday the Kuwaiti participation in the 47th Kuwaiti pavilion Mohammad Al-Mutairi said Edition of Sfax International Fair which will that investments in Tunisia were very attrac- last till July 2. tive to business personnel from around the This came during Laarayedh’s visit to the globe due to the country’s strategic location. Kuwaiti pavilion. Laayaredh lauded the He affirmed that Sfax international fair was Kuwaiti products shown at the pavilion, the gateway for Kuwaiti investments in Africa, stressing the importance of the Kuwaiti par- making it a matter of necessity to participate ticipation in the fair. in the fair. On her part, Kuwaiti Ministry of Meanwhile, Kuwaiti Embassy’s Consul Commerce and Industry representative Dhakeel Al-Khurainej thanked the Prime Marwa Al-Judaian said that 20 Kuwaiti com- Minister for his sincere gesture and his visit to panies representing several sectors are par- the pavilion, affirming that Kuwait was keen taking in the event. on participating in the fair due to the event’s She indicated that this was the fifth international appeal. Kuwaiti participation in the Sfax fair which is He also indicated that his country was witnessing 250 exhibitors from Tunis, Libya, eager to bolster bilateral relations within the and Kuwait. — KUNA

Mazen Al-Nahedh, NBK General Manager, Consumer Banking Group, in a group photo with the Summer Internship Program students. NBK launches first in a series of its Summer Internship Program 2013

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait as an extension of NBK’s educa- handled and processed. work procedure, in addition to (NBK) has launched the first in a tion outreach services and a The 5-hour daily sessions of helping interns to have greater series of the 2013 Summer demonstration of the Bank’s long- two-week internship featured a exposure to daily banking work Internship Program two-week standing social involvement as mixture of theoretical and practi- procedures. courses custom-made for high well as its national commitment cal training dedicated to provid- NBK regularly organizes and school and college students aged towards providing the young gen- ing the interns with invaluable designs events and packages for between 15 and 20 years. erations with the appropriate knowledge on a variety of sub- the youth of the country to famil- NBK Summer Internship opportunities to experience first- jects such as; the team work, cre- iarize them with the world of Program is specially designed for hand how the actual professional ative thinking, means of self banking and make them responsi- Envoy seeks to boost high school and college students, banking issues and transaction are expression and modern banking ble citizens. ties with Australia Man arrested while crossing into Iraq KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait’s Ambassador to Shaibani in a phone call with KUNA yesterday Australia and New Zealand, Khaled Al-Shaibani on the occasion of a luncheon hosted by the Policeman held for reckless driving stressed yesterday the significance of commu- Australian National University (ANU) in honor KUWAIT: Border security officers arrested a man soon found out that the man behind the wheel poisonous substance in an apparent attempt to nications between Kuwaiti and Australian edu- of Kuwait University’s Rector Abdullatif Al- on Tuesday when he was trying to cross into Iraq, a sported police uniform. Regardless, the man was commit suicide. The man was rushed to the hospi- cational sectors to strengthen bilateral cooper- Bader and the accompanying delegation. local newspaper reported yesterday quoting arrested and taken to the area’s police station tal in an ambulance that reached his Sulaibiya ation between the two countries. Ambassador Al-Shaibani praised the efforts sources familiar with the case. The suspect, an where he was put behind bars after being allowed house accompanied by the police shortly after the “Kuwait University delegation is currently exerted by Kuwait University rector in this Iranian man in his thirties, was reportedly caught to change into civil clothes. incident was reported. Police were waiting for the touring in Australia and New Zealand, to regard. The luncheon was attended by and found in possession of “a large amount of cash man’s condition to stabilize in order to question observe new methods of academic and cultur- Ambassador Al-Shaibani, Head of Kuwait in different currencies,” said the sources who spoke Teenager stabbed him about his motives. al cooperation with universities and educa- Cultural Office in Australia Ammar Al-Husseini to Al-Rai on the condition of anonymity. He was A teenager was hospitalized after he was bru- tional institutions in both countries,” said Al- and Cultural Attache Fahhad Al-Ajmi.—KUNA referred to the proper authorities for questioning. tally assaulted at a leisure park in Hawally recently. Disabled driver arrested Police and paramedics reached the scene shortly A disabled man was arrested after he tried to Theft after the incident was reported, and found the break through a traffic jam flashing a beacon light Investigations were onto trace a briefcase con- Bedouin (stateless) youngster bleeding of stab normally affixed atop police cars. Police reached taining KD 57,000 in cash stolen from a car in wounds on his back and shoulder. He was rushed the scene where several drivers reported a vehicle Kuwait City recently. The briefcase was stolen to the Mubarak Hospital while police managed to carrying a ‘disabled driver’ sticker as well as the from a car parked outside the Liberation Tower. arrest the two men who attacked him. The Kuwaiti revolving beacon light and trying to jostle its way Police rushed to the spot while the driver youngsters were taken to the area’s police station out of the jam. The driver was intercepted and tak- explained that he was to deposit the cash in the to face charges. en into custody to the Fintas police station. In bank account of the company he worked for. He addition to the charge of impersonating police, had stopped outside the Liberation Tower on his Suicide attempts the Kuwaiti man was also charged with offending way for an errand that took half an hour. When he A worker was hospitalized after he tried self- police officers on duty after he reportedly insulted returned, he found the car’s window smashed and immolation inside a garage in Shuwaikh Tuesday. policemen while being arrested. the briefcase missing. A case was filed at the The Asian man was rushed in an ambulance to the Salhiya police station. Sabah Hospital where his condition was described Fugitive nabbed as stable. Preliminary investigations indicated that A convict sentenced to a jail term was arrested Policeman held the man tried to commit suicide by setting himself during a security campaign carried out recently in A police officer faces charges after he was ablaze. A case was filed at the Shuwaikh police sta- Farwaniya. The 34-year-old Kuwaiti was first caught driving recklessly while in uniform. The tion and officers were waiting for a clearance from pulled over for swerving, and then arrested after incident took place in Salmiya where traffic police the doctors to question the man. police found he was wanted to serve a five-year The Kuwait University delegation currently touring Australia and New pulled over a driver who was seen performing Meanwhile, a Gulf national was rushed to the jail term. He was referred to the proper authorities Zealand. — KUNA dangerous stunts with his vehicle. The officers hospital late Monday night after he consumed a for further action. THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 LOCAL Assembly elections likely on July 20 Lukewarm response to boycott call

KUWAIT: Elections are likely to be held on July 20, less than While the constitutional court upheld HH the Amir’s “in harmony with the Kuwaiti people.” two weeks into Ramadan, according to a government right to issue emergency decrees in the absence of a par- In the meantime, a parliament insider told Al-Qabas insider, who said a decree calling for Kuwaitis to head to liament, based on his assessment of the state of urgency, that between 17 and 22 MPs of the recently annulled par- the polls could be issued as early as next Sunday. decisions to boycott the elections are mostly based on the liament are not planning to run again, making it almost The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, idea that amending the electoral system outside the parlia- certain that at least 50 percent of the upcoming parlia- was quoted by Al-Qabas daily, which also indicated that ment infringes on people’s right to determine the course of ment will be new members. most members of the liberal National Democratic Forum, the House of their representatives. In a related note, Al-Rai daily reported that members of as well as the Awazem and Ajman tribes, who boycotted “Former MPs Khalid Al-Sultan, Mohammad Al-Kandari the annulled parliament have discussed the possibility of last December’s polls, are expected to take part in the and I reiterate our position to avoid taking part in an putting pressure on the prime minister to avoid a scenario upcoming elections. On the other hand, members of the assembly that lacks decision-making powers and is sub- that sees him provide support to former MPs Mohammad oppositionist Popular Action Movement and the Islamic jected to the executive authority’s decisions,” said former Al-Saqr and Marzouq Al-Ghanim, should any of them run Constitutional Movement, along with most members of MP Abdullah Al-Omairi, reflecting part of the Safalist for speaker. This was revealed by sources familiar with a the Salafist Islamic Assembly, have announced plans to movement’s opinions. Meanwhile, fellow Salafist politician meeting hosted by Yaqoub Al-Sane recently, which was boycott the upcoming elections in protest against the sin- and former MP Ali Al-Omair stated that running for the par- attended by 17 members of the annulled parliament, gle-vote system that the Constitutional Court upheld on liament became “necessary” after the court’s ruling. including its speaker, Ali Al-Rashid. Meanwhile, Al-Saqr told Sunday. “Our decision to boycott the elections is based on The chief of the Awazem tribe, Falah bin Jame’a, told Al- Al-Rai that he had yet to decide whether to contest in the principle and reflects our belief that the constitution must Qabas that tribal leaders were planning to hold a meeting upcoming elections. Separately, Director of the Elections KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh be the reference, and the ruling regime must never be within a week in order to determine their position with Department in the Ministry of Interior Colonel Mohammad Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah met Ukrainian Ambassador autocratic,” leading ICM member Mubarak Al-Duwailah regard to the upcoming elections. He pointed out that the Al-Adwani told Al-Anba that around 439,000 Kuwaitis are Volodymyr Tolkach yesterday. During the meeting, Sheikh Salman discussed bilat- told Al-Qabas. tribesmen had “no disputes” with other sectors and were eligible to vote in the upcoming elections. eral relations and ways to bolster cooperation between the two countries. —KUNA

Asian man Kuwait for global networks found hanging to avert disasters GENEVA: Kuwait condones linking the world communications net- works in such a way to prevent the occurrence of global natural dis- in Salmiya flat asters or assuage their impact on the populace and on property, By Hanan Al-Saadoun said a Kuwaiti minister at a conference here yesterday. Addressing a regular session of the council of the International KUWAIT: Security sources revealed that an Asian woman Telecommunications Union (ITU), Kuwait’s minister of communica- informed the Salmiya police station that she found dead a rela- tions Salem Al-Uthaina also came out in favor of closing the digital tive of hers with whom she shared an apartment as he hanged technology gap between developing countries and the highly himself in his room. As security men reached the apartment, developed ones. they found that the 28-year-old Asian man hung himself with a rope tied to the ceiling in his room. A case of suicide was regis- tered.

Cousins held In Salmiya, two Egyptian cousins were arrested for possess- ing some kind of drug. They were arrested after a citizen report- ed that one of them was using Hashish. After the arrest, police recovered 250 grams of Hashish, drugs pills and some money from them. Also, police found that both of them were wanted in cases of theft and forgery.

Car on fire In the Qurain area, a citizen working with the Ministry of Electricity and Water reported that an unidentified person set his Lexus car afire. A case of setting a car on purpose was filed.

Wife thief Another citizen reported to the Mubarak Al-Kabeer police station accusing his wife of stealing the house furniture and KD 5000 while he was in hospital for treatment. He was admitted at the hospital towards the end of March and was discharged recently.

Assault In Al-Naeem area, a citizen filed a report against unidentified occupants of a Lumina car and told officers at the Al-Jahra police station that a man in the car assaulted him physically and KUWAIT: Under the patronage of Assistant Undersecretary Ministry of Interior General Ahmad Nawaf stole his mobile. He gave the police the plate number of the car. Al-Sabah and in the presence of Brig Khalid Al-Jinahi, Brig Mohammad Amer Al-Ajmi, Brig Abdul Aziz Molestation Al-Mutawa, Colonel Mohammad Bader Al-Roomi and Lt Colonel Osama Al-Shimmari, a graduation cer- In Abu Hlaifa area, an Arab woman told the police that an emony was held in Saad Al-Abdullah Academy yesterday to graduate Class 27 lance corporal and Class unknown person stopped in front of the car and forced her to 80 police officers. Brig Khalid Al-Jinahi congratulated the graduates and conveyed the greetings of the note down his telephone number and sexually harassed her. A Assistant Undersecretary. He also wished them success in their career. case was registered.

Complaints about MOE reshuffles KUWAIT: Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf , recently approved and endorsed decisions to reshuffle the ministry’s assistant undersecretaries, said educa- tional sources noting that reshuffles included the assistant undersecretaries for planning sector, for the curriculums sec- tor and the educational con- structions. The sources added that the reshuffled officials had many complaints and considered them as intentional to force them file retirement requests, especially since they had refused retirement and pre- ferred staying in service to ben- efit from the new incentives approved by the cabinet recent- ly. “All of them were transferred to sectors beyond their special- ties”, stressed the sources. Meanwhile, well-informed sources at the health ministry said that, in view of the min- istry’s need for a building readi- ly equipped with medical devices and OPD clinics and because KOC is planning to build a new developed hospital in Ahmadi, MOH has plans to utilize the KOC hospital build- ing in reducing pressure at the Adan hospital. The sources added that KOC had already started building the new hospital with a total cost of KD 60 million and that the proj- ect is scheduled to be conclud- ed within three years.

PoWs issue Follow-up and coordina- tion director at foreign min- istry ambassador Khalid Muqames revealed that a meeting was held for the tech- nical committee concerned about POW in Iraq. Pointing that a trio committee will meet today in the presence of an Iraqi delegation headed by human rights minister. THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 LOCAL

In my view kuwait digest Opposition ‘Peacebook’ dilemma

By Thaar Al-Rashidi

he opposition is now in an awkward position, and personally I do not wish to be in their shoes. Their Tchoices are very limited; in fact, it has only two By Labeed Abdal choices. Either it can accept to participate in the upcoming election, or it can boycott the election and land on the streets once again. Agreeing to participate in the elections is some- thing that the opposition can better calculate. There is no harm in it for the opposition, especially for those [email protected] who announced they will boycott, to revise their deci- sion. Their decisions are not the scriptures that it would re the developments in the region over the be sinful if they decided to contest the upcoming elec- past three years a sign of a big tsunami of tions. We respect all opposition members without Achange? The wrongly named Arab Spring phe- exception, and we know that some of them alone can nomenon hardly gives a positive view of the future. design 50 councils similar to the “December Council.” Such events must be monitored by all nations, But here, it is a case of reading the real political situ- because the people shown on TV staging peaceful ation and not just praising someone. The reality is that demonstrations, engaging in violent protests, get- if the government harbored any ill will, and wanted all ting tear-gassed, or being hit by rubber bullets and decisions in its favor, as they claim, then it would have water cannons belong to the young generation. ensured any decision it wanted through the dissolved Surprisingly, most of those young people are under council. 30 years old, with almost no political affiliation, and a All it had to do was to put across a proposal which majority among them have joined a protest for the would have been adopted by the loyal MPs and then first time in their lives. published in the official paper and would have become Most of that turmoil could have been avoided a reality. But the government in its political wisdom from the beginning with a single sincere statement: kuwait digest decided that the last word should rest with the judicial “Yes, we are listening and will fulfill your hopes.” authority and not come through the loyal council that Everything possible must be done to save the coun- cannot refuse anything. This signifies a good and clear try and its people. Instead of just talking about the The court ruling political intention and the opposition knows this very national crisis and personal vendettas between well. Muslim sects or among people from different reli- If the opposition decided to boycott elections and gions, just do what needs to be done to stop all this. By Saad Al-Rushaidi wanted to bet on the actions in the political street, it It is not logical to blame ordinary people for stag- will face two possibilities. Either it would give out calls ing protests, when such events are initiated by super- few days ago my friend was cited for stopping the people, we come up with the conclusion that for rallies, demonstrations and protests, or it will powers, who also provide support by supplying his car in a no-parking area. He had left his car political forces need to focus on shifting the role of depend on organizing seminars and change the mood of the street with their fiery speeches. They may try to weapons from behind. Protestors must understand to tend to an urgent matter before the day the parliament towards achieving the general inter- A “turn a local issue into an international one” through that there are various kinds of competitions taking ended so that he did not have to postpone the sub- est, instead of using the legislative authority is a plat- the media in order to embarrass the government. place globally, particularly among superpowers who ject to the following day. When I asked him if he felt form to settle differences. I believe that the ruling consider themselves to be the world’s decision-mak- Let us come back to understanding the real political upset that the officer gave him a traffic ticket, he comes in accordance with the hopes of reformists scene and watch how it looks like from the far corner. ers and are supported by the media and other vague replied with a smile on his face, saying, “Only an igno- who seek more political freedom and a local policy entities. Now, after the current situation and the constitutional rant would be upset for a wrong he committed, while that serves the country’s interest, especially because court verdict, all political rivals will be obliged to recal- Unfortunately, keeping aside the conspiracy theo- a wise man becomes upset for something right he Kuwait requires political stability since the country ries, there is also an illness within, even though there culate their strategies about whether they should sup- strives to accomplish.” that sits on more than six percent of the world’s oil are problems existing outside. One can see the game port their loyalists, or those who allied with the oppo- reserve depends on cooperation between the cabinet of chess being played everywhere - on the ground as Last Monday, the Constitutional Court issued its sition and agree with it. Some change was noticed in well as in cyberspace. The UN must play a more ruling that was termed ‘historic’, ‘crucial’ and similar and parliament. Therefore, the opposition is required the attitude of these leaders, especially during the last active role by using distinct and highly qualified epithets. The court dissolved the parliament and to resort to peaceful tactics in order to end the few days. This change for sure will impact the thought negotiators who can find new solutions and help called for new elections but at the same time rejected aggressive attitude it has been striking against the of some of the opposition members and will tangibly treat the illnesses affecting humanity and world challenges to the constitutionality of the single-vote government for years now. change the next move of the opposition. peace. It must engage powerful players who can help system’s decree. The period before the ruling saw Meanwhile, voters have the responsibility of elect- Just as the government is not totally free in taking those suffering from poverty, ignorance, corruption, many people becoming concerned that it might lead ing competent politicians who can best represent decisions, the opposition is also not totally free and is and irresponsible regimes. Today, we can see how the to protests that could harm public interest. I believe them in the parliament and achieve their ambitions. subject to the political calculations of some of the social media helps people exercise their right of that after the court issued its ruling, everyone hon- The ruling might reduce the level of hostility to some allies. Do you know what is our problem? Simply, that expression and fulfill their urge to be heard. We ored the verdict while at the same time ensuring that extent between the government and the opposition, neither the government is free, nor the opposition and urgently need a social media application, that may those who oppose through undemocratic ways stop but what needs to be the focus of attention today is the solution to our crisis lies in liberating both, the be called Peacebook or Peacewitter, through which doing so. the need to stop the feuding between the government government as well as the opposition. Thereafter, our country will be on the path of growth and any talk oth- people across the world can network for peace, If we consider the current situation in the country, and the lawmakers, and instead work to utilize the time express their needs, and interact freely. er than this will be mere wishful thinking and hopes, including the problems it faces and the aspirations of to best serve the country and its people. — Al-Rai hopes that can neither build a hospital nor pave a road or spread real democracy. NOTE 1: The next change in the government will see kuwait digest more than 60 percent saying “never mind and say that I don’t know”. But there are not less than seven ministers whom you will not see again after the next elections. Of course, that is if there are elections in the first place. The crux of NOTE 2: The next elections, the stamp indicating a person has voted would have to be affixed on the the problem “forehead” of the citizen instead of his citizenship book. Frankly, there is no space left in the citizenship book. —Al-Anbaa By Dr Aseel Al-Awadhi

s I said in my previous article, we are morally kuwait digest committed to accept the constitutional court’s Aruling regardless of what we think of it. As citi- zens, we have a duty to abide by the law and the con- A letter of stitution, namely article 173 of it which authorizes the constitutional court to decide on constitutional litiga- tions and act as the only reference in constitutional gratitude to conflicts. Our respect for the ruling reflects our respect for the institutions we need to fortify. the judiciary This respect shown to the constitutional court rul- ing does not, at all, means that we are fully convinced about it. However, it is permitted to discuss such rul- By Dr Ahmad Al-Khateeb ings in democratic regimes, which does not mean questioning the judiciary or suspecting the judges he Constitutional Court’s historic ruling on June themselves. 16, 2013 rejects there being any authority above Different issues and cases can be seen differently Tthe constitution, judiciary and representatives of by different people but eventually court rulings put an the nation. Because without that, the democratic life end to such controversies, leaving the verdict’s analy- and partnership in the decision making process would have come to an end. There is no absolute power, and no people can be driven like sheep. All are equal citi- Settling the argument in court, zens, and the wealth of this land belongs to all. we now have to evaluate the one- Everyone’s rights and dignity are guaranteed. vote decree as an electoral system. ‘The Clash of Civilizations’ theory under which the Arab people have been unable to become a civilized It is a very bad system as it reduces nation has ended. The wave of the Arab Spring has the voters’ right to select their rep- thrown away the argument that Arabs are unable to resentatives as well as solidifies evolve after living for centuries in submission to their rulers. Everyone in Kuwait should be proud about the affiliations towards sects, families historic ruling that gives us a reason to hold our heads and tribes, a fact that eventually high in the middle of our pitiful Arabic surroundings. facilitates vote-buying, enhances Likewise, the verdict to abolish the National Elections Committee was a bold decision that rejected the role played by ‘Wasta’ MPs and any attempts to force the judiciary into the electoral helps the government control par- process in ways that are not in line with the independ- liamentary output. ence of the judicial authority. I was hoping that the ruling would not address the single-vote subject because this system, while adopted in some demo- sis to constitutional experts. Nevertheless, reading the cratic countries, favors the concept of having a single ruling’s details myself, I was not convinced that the constituency as well. If Kuwait wanted to benefit the one-vote decree was ever necessary. most from the single-vote system, constituencies However, I highly appreciate the constitutional should be divided into fifty with each being represent- court’s defense of its right to evaluate and monitor the necessity decrees and, actually, reject one of them and ed by one MP in the parliament. Also, it is necessary to annul a government’s ‘rubber-stamp’ parliament, enforce the electoral law strictly to prevent illegal which sets an example of the need to restrict the practices indulged in by those who do not believe in necessity decrees even when they come as an Amiri democracy. wish. This would be a victory for the institutional state To those criticizing the judiciary’s verdicts: While and the people’s participation in governance. some of your arguments have legal justification, you Settling the argument in court, we now have to have to realize that Kuwait’s constitutional court is evaluate the one-vote decree as an electoral system. It located in Kuwait, and not in Sweden, a democratic is a very bad system as it reduces the voters’ right to country that enjoys true democracy. We have not select their representatives as well as solidifies affilia- been a democratic state since 1967, and what separat- tions towards sects, families and tribes, a fact that ed us from our miserable surroundings is a margin of eventually facilitates vote-buying, enhances the role freedom of speech that is shrinking day after day. played by ‘Wasta’ MPs and helps the government con- The judiciary alone cannot bear the liability for the trol parliamentary output. reform process. It moves along a road punctuated by Eventually, I wonder whether the problem lies with many hurdles. It is everyone’s duty to cooperate and our electoral system, or is solvable by adapting a new put our differences aside to engage in the battle for system or whether it was much deeper. Unfortunately, true reforms, and provide a suitable environment for it is much deeper. — Al-Jarida the judiciary to carry out its required role. — Al-Qabas THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

Violence flares Egypt’s tourism minister quits over Luxor governor again in Eskisehir

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MOGADISHU: Somalis carry an injured person after Al-Qaeda linked Shebab insurgents shot and blasted their way into the United Nations (UN) compound yesterday. — AFP 16 dead in Somalia UN office attack Al-Shabab militants launch bombs-and-gunfire assault MOGADISHU: Seven Al-Qaeda-linked also works out of the building but was attack and sent condolences “to those gunmen detonated a pick-up truck not inside the compound when it was who had lost loved ones.” The UN has rigged with explosives at the gate of attacked. Kay said he was shocked had only a small presence in the UN compound in Somalia’s capital and horrified by the attack. Mogadishu in recent years. In yesterday, launching a bombs-and- “The United Nations Common December, though, UN Secretary- gunfire assault that saw militants pour Compound houses UN personnel General Ban Ki-moon touched down into the complex, killing at least nine working on humanitarian and devel- in Mogadishu wearing a bullet proof people, including three foreigners, opment issues for the Somali people. jacket to announce a return of the officials said. The seven Al-Shabab mil- This was an act of blatant terrorism UN’s political office to the seaside cap- itants were from what the militia and a desperate attempt to knock ital. The attacked compound just called its martyrdom, or suicide, Somalia off its path of recovery and across the street from the secure air- brigade. They all died in the assault, peace building,” said Kay. A UN state- port complex, where UN-backed an official said, bringing the overall ment said it was verifying its casualty African Union military forces are death toll to at least 16. numbers. “There are certainly some based. The UN compound is used by The attack comes only six months injured and most likely worse,” it said. agencies like UNICEF, WHO and UNDP. after the United Nations expanded its Speaking to the UN Security Mogadishu fell into anarchy in 1991 presence in Mogadishu, where it had Council yesterday, Deputy Secretary- and is just beginning to move past kept only a small operation because General Jan Eliasson called the attack years of sustained conflict. The UN Islamic insurgents had controlled outrageous and said the UN remains and foreign embassies were absent much of the capital until being committed to achieving peace and from Mogadishu for close to two pushed out in an offensive in 2011. Al- keeping Somalia on its path to recov- decades. Shabab said on its Twitter feed shortly ery. At 11:30 am the compound was African Union forces pushed Al- after the 11:30 am attack began that rocked by the car bomb blast that Shabab out of Mogadishu in August its fighters “are now in control of the blew down the compound’s front 2011, meaning residents didn’t have entire compound and the battle is still gate. At least two other blasts fol- to live through daily battles for the ongoing.” lowed, Parker said. Dozens of staff first time in years. An international African Union and Somali security from UN humanitarian and develop- presence slowly began to return and forces responded and took control of ment agencies were in the compound the UN began the process of moving the compound by 12:30 pm. The UN and many were moved to the secure its personnel from the nearby capital staff who sought refuge in the com- bunker, he said. Mohamed Ali, an of Nairobi, Kenya, back to Mogadishu, pound’s secure bunker then were ambulance driver, said he transported a process that has accelerated in evacuated to the secure military base five dead civilian bodies and 10 peo- recent weeks. and airport complex across the street, ple who were wounded. International embassies - from said Ben Parker, a spokesman for the An Associated Press reporter who Turkey and Britain, for example - fol- United Nations Assistance Mission in went inside the UN compound after lowed. Yesterday’s attack underscores Somalia. the battle saw two dead bodies of the fragile security situation and will Two South Africans from the com- what appeared to be Al-Shabab force the UN and embassies to review pany Denel Mechem who were doing attackers wearing Somali military uni- their safety plans and decide if they demining work for the UN died in the forms. An official said seven attackers have enough defenses to withstand a attack, said Vuyelwa Qinga, a spokes- died in total. The compound’s interior sustained Al-Shabab assault. Fadumo woman for Denel, a manufacturer of walls were scarred with bullet marks. Hussein, a shopkeeper who was sitting defense equipment. A UN official who Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah inside her shop near the scene of the insisted on anonymity because he Shirdon said he is appalled that “our attack, described a narrow escape. “It was not an official spokesman said he friends and partners” started with an earsplitting explosion, believed two UN personnel from at the UN who are carrying out followed by heavy gunfire,” she said, Kenya and Somalia were also killed. humanitarian activities would be the showing holes made by bullets on her “There was not very much time to get victims “of such barbaric violence.” An shop. “I crouched and then crawled into the safe area,” said Parker. The top African Union official, Mahamet Saleh like an animal. I am very lucky. It was a UN official on Somalia, Nicholas Kay, Annadif, condemned the “cowardly” shocking moment.” —AP Karzai suspends dialogue with US KABUL: The Afghan president yesterday was brought in. incident highlighting the fragile situa- suspended talks with the United States “In view of the contradiction tion in Afghanistan, only hours after on a new security deal to protest the between acts and the statements made announcing they would hold talks with way his government was being left out by the United States of America in the US, the Taleban claimed responsibil- of initial peace negotiations with the regard to the peace process, the Afghan ity yesterday for an attack on the Taleban meant to find a way to end the government suspended the negotia- Bagram Air Base in which four American nearly 12-year war. The move by Hamid tions, currently underway in Kabul troops were killed. Karzai raises tensions significantly and between Afghan and US delegations on Taleban spokesman Zabiullah could derail the peace process even the bilateral security agreement,” Mujahid said the insurgents fired two before it has begun. In a terse statement Karzai’s statement said. His spokesman rockets into the base outside the from his office, Karzai said negotiations was not immediately reachable for Afghan capital, Kabul, late on Tuesday. with the US on what American and questions, and the US Embassy in Kabul American officials confirmed the base coalition security forces will remain in said it had no immediate comment. had come under attack by indirect fire - the country after 2014 have been put Though the Taleban have dismissed likely a mortar or rocket - and that four on hold. The deal was expected to Karzai as an American puppet for years, US troops were killed. Also Tuesday, five define the future of American troops they indicated Tuesday when opening a Afghan police officers were killed at a here and also pave way for billions in aid new political office in Doha, Qatar, that security outpost in Helmand province to the Afghan economy. Karzai’s state- they would be willing to talk with the by apparent Taleban infiltrators - the lat- ment followed an announcement Afghan leader. But both the American est in a string of so-called “insider Tuesday by the US and the Taleban that side and the Taleban said they would attacks” that have shaken the confi- they would pursue bilateral talks in first meet together before any talks with dence of the nascent Afghan security Qatar before the Afghan government the Afghanistan government. In another forces.— AP THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 INTERNATIONAL Scorsese fan heads culture Egypt’s tourism minister ministry in Islamist govt CAIRO: “Gangs of New York” seems a fit- He accused opponents of spreading quits over Luxor governor ting favourite movie for Egypt’s new cul- lies about him and called some of the crit- ture minister, a film studies professor who icism “frightening and barbaric”. “The rev- styles himself an outsider fighting to olution took place to create change in Zazou proud of pharaonic temples, will protect them break the hold of a privileged elite over society,” he said. “And culture also has to spending on the arts. Artists enraged that change to keep pace with that.” After CAIRO: Egypt’s tourism minister he fired the head of Cairo Opera, and fear- Abdel Aziz removed the French-trained resigned in protest yesterday after ing Muslim puritans may ban ballet, have flautist who had run the Opera House President Mohamed Morsi barricaded Alaa Abdel Aziz from entering complex for the past year, a performance appointed a new governor for his own ministry. of Verdi’s set-in-Egypt “Aida” was replaced Luxor from an Islamist party linked The “culture war” has come to symbol- by a protest by singers and musicians to a massacre of holidaymakers in ise a wider conflict between the Islamist against the “Brotherhoodisation” of cul- the temple city. Hesham Zazou government and secular opponents ture. Now the fate of ballerinas has said he “cannot continue in the ahead of rival mass rallies later this month become an unlikely rallying cry for mil- role of tourism minister” a day to mark the first anniversary in power of lions who say they will join street protests after the appointment of Adel Al- President Mohamed Morsi. Speaking at to mark Mursi’s anniversary on June 30. Khayat, a member of the political the dusty state publishing house where His year in office has been marked by arm of ex-Islamic militant group he has set up camp, Abdel Aziz told complaints that the Brotherhood has Gamaa Islamiya, and other Islamist Reuters he would ban nothing. Rather, he leveraged its organisational muscle into governors triggered unrest in sev- would support “people’s art” beyond the dominating political institutions, and now eral provinces. capital, end corruption inherited from the wants to impose its social views on the Gamaa Islamiya claimed old regime and see that cultural spending less cohesive liberal factions which were responsibility for an attack on a major tourist attraction in the reflects how democratic revolution has its allies in toppling veteran ruler Hosni southern city of Luxor that killed changed Egyptian society. Mubarak. But Abdel Aziz, a member of a 58 foreign tourists in 1997. Prime small Islamic party, laughed off fears of “My concern is providing cultural serv- Minister Hesham Qandil refused ices throughout Egypt, not financial bene- Islamist “colonisation” of the administra- to accept Zazou’s resignation and fits for a few intellectuals,” he said in an tion. He said anyone “competent and asked him to remain in his post interview, justifying high-profile dis- trustworthy” was welcome in it, “whether until the situation is reviewed, missals that have prompted the sit-in, and Muslim Brother or ... Marxist or liberal.” ministry spokeswoman Rasha al- occasional scuffles, at the Culture Nor was he out to censor, as his oppo- Azaizy told the official MENA news Ministry. As for his own tastes, the 52- nents feared: “With the opera and ballet, agency. But she said Zazou insist- year-old academic cites films by Japanese this isn’t about wanting to abolish any- ed he would cease to work “as master Akira Kurosawa, Iranian and thing; we are addressing... administrative long as the new governor remains French cinema, and the work of American failure,” he said. “When there’s a ballet on in his post, greatly harming director Terrence Malick. in a theatre that seats 620 and only eight tourism in Egypt generally and in One favourite is Martin Scorsese’s seats are booked, that’s a disaster... Yet Luxor specifically”. “Gangs of New York” - perhaps appropri- when measures are taken to address President Morsi named Khayat ately, a Civil War-era tale of upstart incom- those errors, you find yourself confronted along with 16 other new governors ers and corrupt, entrenched interests bat- by these ferocious, frightening, barbaric on Sunday, including seven from tling for power on the streets of a new attacks.” his Muslim Brotherhood move- country. That taste for Hollywood sets Budgets are still under review and it is ment. Apart from its symbolic Abdel Aziz apart from some allies of Mursi unclear whether Abdel Aziz may divert implications, Khayat’s appointment and his Muslim Brotherhood, who have resources beyond the big cities. “People’s deals a blow to the once-lucrative used the power they won in elections art” is a priority - “art that has a public to tourism industry struggling to since the 2011 revolution to urge an end receive it”. He would like to help Egypt’s recover after the 2011 uprising that to public displays of ballet or belly-danc- film industry back to the heyday it last toppled Hosni Mubarak. Khayat ing, or even censorship of on-screen enjoyed in black and white, but takes a belongs to the Construction and romance. global view. “I care about all kinds of cine- Development party, the political LUXOR: An Egyptian boy burns tires during clashes between supporters and opponents of ma,” he said. “I watch Hollywood cinema arm of Gamaa Islamiya which was Egypt’s president and his Muslim Brotherhood yesterday. —AP ‘Frightening and barbaric’ as much as I watch Iranian cinema, or blamed for a spate of attacks in the gious background in a tourist city” dozens pursued a sit-in outside provinces of Damietta and Beheira To his opponents, Abdel Aziz is an French cinema. 1990s before it renounced vio- otherwise “all historic areas and the governorate headquarters against the appointment of their artistic nobody, a know-nothing pawn of “I’m very interested in cinema that cri- lence. pharaonic sites will be closed demanding the removal of gover- governors. The protests are the the Brotherhood, bent on an Islamic tiques society, like Scorsese’s ‘Gangs of In statements to the media, he down”. nor Ahmed Shaarawy, also a mem- latest sign of polarisation in the New York’ - one of the films I love.” As the said his first priority as governor morality campaign that threatens a cos- On Tuesday, clashes erupted in ber of the Islamist group. country, pitting Morsi’s mainly mopolitan cultural scene long envied army prepares to prevent rival camps would be to “ensure the return of tourists” to Luxor. But a coalition several cities of the Nile Delta fol- “The governorate has always Islamist supporters against a across the socially conservative Arab shedding blood on the streets of Cairo, of opposition groups, trade lowing protests against the voted against the Brotherhood, in wide-ranging opposition that world. The truth, he says, has more to do Abdel Aziz said protest was fine, but unions and tourism workers has appointments, leaving 26 people all elections and referendums, so accuses the president of failing with vested interests than artistic free- accused opponents in the culture war of threatened to close down all injured. In Tanta, police fired tear appointing a Muslim Brotherhood the revolution that brought him to fighting dirty. “I don’t object to protests dom. “Very simply, I am from outside the Pharaonic temples and tourist gas to break up clashes between governor is a provocation,” one of power. The tension comes ahead traditional cultural community which has because I was once a protester myself and attractions should Khayat remain protesters demanding the ouster the protesters, Mahmud Kamal, of mass protests planned on June controlled Egyptian cultural life for long took part in sit-ins,” he said of his exile in the post. The groups called for of new governor Ahmed al-Beely- told AFP by telephone. Similar 30 seeking to withdraw confi- decades,” he said. “That poses a kind of from the ministry. “But the problem is the cancellation of the appoint- a member of the Brotherhood-and protests took place in the canal dence from Morsi and calling for threat to them.” when you lie.” —Reuters ment “of a governor with a reli- his supporters. In Menufiya, province of Ismailiya, the northern early presidential elections. —AFP Mugabe seeks to delay polls

HARARE: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has filed to change the laws... but not enough to bring really change an urgent application with the country’s top court to push on the ground,” Trust Mhanda a member of the Zimbabwe back crucial elections by two weeks, following pressure by Lawyers for Human rights, told AFP in Johannesburg. regional leaders. Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa told “It must not just be a legal change, but that law must be AFP he had filed papers on Tuesday that sought “a post- implemented on the ground, and 14 days is not enough for ponement of the date for the harmonised elections from that.” Leaders from the Southern African Development July 31, 2013 to August 14, 2013.” The announcement Community had on Saturday flexed their muscles and comes just days after Southern African leaders pressed issued an unusual rebuke of Mugabe, asking that he go Mugabe to delay the polls to allow more time for demo- back to the court and seek a delay. The SADC summit cratic reforms. called on all parties to “create a conducive environment for In setting the original election date, Mugabe had said the holding of peaceful, credible, free and fair elections”. he was complying with the constitutional court’s ruling to “During proceedings at the said summit, I, in particular hold elections by July 31. The elections will choose a suc- was directed to make an urgent application before this cessor to Zimbabwe’s uncomfortable power-sharing gov- honourable court to seek a postponement,” Chinamasa’s fil- ernment, which was forged four years ago as a path away ing read. “In my capacity as the minister responsible for the from a decade of political violence. Prime Minister Morgan administration of the electoral act, I pray for an order for Tsvangirai, a long-time Mugabe rival, has called for the extension of the elections to the 14th of August.” reforms-to free the media, depoliticise the security services Activists have also expressed scepticism the application and make sure the electoral roll is accurate-before the vote to the Constitutional Court could be an academic exercise, is held. to be seen to be complying with the SADC’s decision. “You It was not immediately clear whether the court would get the sense that their approaching the court is a compli- grant the extension, or whether two more weeks will be ance issue rather than anything else,” Thabani Nyoni, enough to see Tsvangirai’s demands met. Civil society spokesman of the Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe said. “There groups welcomed the prospect of an extra two weeks to is no political will per se to really convince the courts to allow for the completion of the voter registration process. change its decision,” he said. “It’s a non-committal applica- But, they said, the extra time would do little to change tion, which is actually... setting up the court to say ‘there deeply-ingrained attitudes or dissuade Mugabe’s support- was no sufficient evidence to convince us of the impor- ers from voter intimidation. “Fourteen days may be enough tance of this going forward,’” said Nyoni. —AFP Mali signs ceasefire accord with rebels

OUAGADOUGOU: Mali’s government signed on the Malian parties, now reunited around a who fought alongside Libyan dictator a ceasefire accord with Tuareg rebels Tuesday, common project, to fully implement this Moamer Kadhafi, the MNLA overpowered paving the way for presidential elections in agreement in the best interest of the country,” the weak army. The Tuaregs seized key north- the troubled west African state next month. he said. European Union policy chief ern cities before being sidelined by their The agreement, reached after 10 days of Catherine Ashton said the agreement had more powerful Al-Qaeda-linked allies, who tense negotiations, will enable Malian troops “historical significance”. seized control of the north and imposed a to enter the Tuareg-held city of Kidal in the UN leader Ban Ki-moon also welcomed brutal form of Islamic law. northeast to secure polls scheduled to take the accord, urging both sides to begin imple- French troops and African allies have place on July 28. The two sides agreed to halt menting the agreement at once. But UN reclaimed most of the lost territory but the hostilities and for Tuareg rebels, who took envoy to Mali Bert Koenders said the deal Islamists have launched a guerrilla campaign part in an uprising last year that brought the was only “a first step”. Talks over “technical from desert hideouts. The United Nations last country to its knees, to be restricted to set details” on security and setting up an admin- week warned that the human rights situa- areas. Long-term peace talks will start after istration and essential services in Kidal had tion in northern Mali remained precarious, the election. not started, he said. Robert Piper, the UN’s with both rebels and Malian troops accused Territorial Administration Minister Moussa humanitarian coordinator for the Sahel of committing numerous abuses. A UN sta- Sinko Coulibaly signed the accord with repre- region, said Mali still faced grave prob- bilising force, comprising 12,600 internation- sentatives of two Tuareg movements in lems.“Warning indicators are flashing for the al troops and police, is due to start deploying Ouagadougou, capital of neighbouring whole country, with people in the north on July 1. The MNLA sided with France dur- Burkina Faso. Mahamadou Djeri Maiga, vice being most vulnerable.” A donor conference ing the worst of the fighting this year but was president of the Tuareg National Movement for Mali last month raised $133 million, barely reluctant to allow government troops into its for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), said the a third of the $410 million targeted. More Kidal bastion for the vote. Arrest warrants accord was a chance to “turn the page of money had to be found “...before the situa- issued by Malian authorities against MNLA hate”. There is longstanding distrust between tions deteriorates further still”, he warned. chiefs were a sticking point in the negotia- the government and ethnic Tuaregs, who The Tuareg occupation of Kidal had been a tions, but one source said an agreement was launched an uprising with Al-Qaeda-linked major obstacle to holding the election, seen made that the warrants would not be carried militants last year. French forces intervened in as crucial to Mali’s recovery from the conflict out. The accord does state, however, that January to halt an Islamist advance on the of the past 15 months. international investigators will look into capital. Malian officers staged a coup in March crimes against humanity and war crimes “This agreement represents a major 2012 in anger at the government response committed during the conflict. The breakthrough in exiting the crisis in Mali,” said to the Tuareg rebellion. Flush with weapons International Criminal Court says it is already French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius. “I call following the return of Tuareg mercenaries collecting evidence. —AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 Armed gang kills 48 in raid in Nigeria Nigeria bans satellite phones KANO: An armed gang has raided a northern Nigerian vil- There was so far no sign of any link to Islamist extremist lage and killed 48 people in an apparent reprisal attack tar- group Boko Haram, which has been waging a deadly insur- geting a local vigilante group, a state official said yesterday. gency mainly in Nigeria’s northeast. Nigeria’s military is cur- The attack saw gunmen move house to house as well as rently engaged in an offensive seeking to end Boko Haram’s take positions atop a hill and open fire, the official said. four-year insurgency. However, the raid is the latest sign of Houses were also burnt, but it was not clear how many. insecurity in Africa’s most populous nation and largest oil “There was an attack by armed bandits early Tuesday on producer, where authorities have been largely unable to Kizara village where 48 residents were killed in apparent tar- stop such violence. The country includes some 250 ethnic geted killings by cattle rustlers that have been terrorising groups and is roughly divided between a mainly Muslim the state for some time now,” said Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, north and predominately Christian south. Illegal weapons commissioner for information in Zamfara state, where the are widespread. remote village is located. Dozens of gunmen arrived in the While such clashes in central Nigeria tend to involve eth- village before dawn on motorbikes, he told AFP. nic tensions, they are more strictly criminal further north, “Some of them climbed up the hill overlooking the vil- with attackers and victims from the same ethnic group in lage and opened fire indiscriminately,” he said. “They later certain cases. “This trend of raids by bandits stealing cows moved house to house, telling residents that they were and cash from villagers has become a serious menace which looking for members of local vigilante (groups) whom they should be jointly tackled by the federal and state govern- TAKSIM: People hold a Turkish national flag as they stand on the flashpoint Taksim square in Istanbul during a said had been disturbing them.” He said those killed includ- ments,” said Birnin-Magaji. Nigeria’s military banned the use wave of new alternative protests. — AFP ed the local chief, the chief imam and the head of the vigi- of Thuraya satellite phones yesterday in northeastern Borno lante group in the village. “The police from nearby Keta state, a step it said was designed to stop Islamist militants mobilised and engaged the bandits in a shootout, but they communicating. were overwhelmed by the gunmen’s superior firepower and President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emer- Violence flares were forced to retreat,” said Birnin-Magaji. Many villages in gency in Borno and two other states on May 14, ordering Nigeria form local vigilante groups to defend themselves extra troops in to try to crush Islamist sect Boko Haram, against violent cattle rustlers or other criminal gangs, some- whose insurgency against has killed thousands of people in again in Eskisehir times leading to a cycle of clashes and reprisal attacks. the past three years. Authorities cut the mobile network in Zamfara state, located in Nigeria’s northwest, has seen a Borno state in the same week to disrupt Boko Haram’s oper- number of such incidents. ations. —Agencies ISTANBUL: Turkey’s deputy prime min- messages.” detained since late May. ister said yesterday he had no objection The silent protests could however What started as a small-scale action to silent anti-government protests pose a fresh challenge to Erdogan if by environmentalists opposed to gov- inspired by a symbolic “Standing Man” they gather momentum, although he ernment plans to build on Gezi Park, a vigil, comments that could help draw has moved to wrest back the political rare green space in Istanbul’s teeming the sting out of three weeks of often initiative with weekend rallies in centre, quickly became a broader violent demonstrations. Protests against Istanbul and Ankara attended by hun- expression of dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s govern- dreds of thousands of supporters. Erdogan and his government. The ment have become increasingly creative The government said it would differ- leader has adopted a defiant tone in recent days, as police and demonstra- entiate between what it says are legiti- throughout the unrest, and defended tors seek to avoid the fierce clashes that mate, peaceful protesters and what police whose use of teargas and water have dented Turkey’s reputation for sta- Erdogan has called “riff-raff” manipulat- cannon to control sometimes unruly bility in the volatile Middle East. ed by “terrorists”, but demonstrators crowds brought widespread condemna- Police fired teargas and water can- have complained of disproportionate tion at home and abroad. non to disperse around 5,000 demon- use of police force. One key test will In an amphitheatre located in strators in the northern city of Eskisehir come at the weekend, when clashes Istanbul’s central Besiktas district, more overnight, Dogan news agency said, between protesters and police in sever- than a thousand mostly young people and there were small disturbances in al major cities have been at their fiercest gathered late on Tuesday to discuss Ankara, but on nowhere near the scale before dying down when the working where the protests were heading, and of previous weeks. In Istanbul, the cra- week begins. many expressed hope that there was an dle of the unrest that has unsettled mar- alternative to the violence. “On Sunday I kets and presented Erdogan with the “Peaceful resistance” felt a big blank. What should we do greatest public challenge of his 10-year Taksim Solidarity, the protest next?” said 32-year-old Ilker Gumus, an rule, a sense of calm returned to streets umbrella group, called on supporters to industrial engineer, referring to last around the central Taksim Square that leave shoes outside the 14th century weekend’s clashes around Gezi Park and saw nights of running battles. Galata Tower, a popular tourist destina- Taksim Square that were among the Hundreds of protesters stood silently tion, as a symbol of solidarity for those fiercest so far. on squares including Taksim, as well as injured or detained in the clashes. “I was a bit pessimistic at first. I in Ankara and other cities, taking their According to the Turkish Medical thought, ‘This is over.’ But then the lead from a performance artist whose Association, the protests have left four ‘Standing Man’ came along in Taksim eight-hour vigil on Monday lit up social people, including one policeman, dead, and I said ‘Yes, we will go on!’.” Erdogan media and made him the new face of and some 7,500 suffering from injuries has said mass gatherings he has organ- the protests. “These kinds of protests ranging from cuts and burns to breath- ised were to garner support for his rul- should be encouraged,” Deputy Prime ing difficulties from teargas inhalation. ing AK Party ahead of March municipal Minister Bulent Arinc told reporters in The Istanbul Bar Association said 163 elections. He hits the campaign trail Ankara. “They involve no violence, but people remained in detention in the city again on Friday, Saturday and Sunday still are successful in conveying mes- yesterday. Only four people had been even though the vote is some nine sages, and we should welcome these formally arrested out of all of those months away. —Reuters Hezbollah fighters battle rebels near Syria capital

BEIRUT: Syrian troops backed by Lebanese Hezbollah war that the U.N. says has killed more than 93,000 people. fighters clashed yesterday with rebel forces south of a In recent months, the conflict’s sectarian overtones have Damascus suburb that is home to a major Shiite Muslim been growing, particularly with the overt participation of shrine, in an attempt to secure the area surrounding the Hezbollah on the side of the regime, dominated by revered site, activists said. State TV said government forces Alawites - an offshoot sect of Shiite Islam. were able to clear rebels out of one neighborhood, Al- The rebels are largely Sunni Muslims, and have also Bahdaliya, outside the suburb of Sayida Zeinab, home to been joined by Sunni fighters from countries in the region. the ornate, gold-domed shrine of Sayida Zeinab, the US officials estimate that there are 5,000 Hezbollah militia- Prophet Muhammad’s granddaughter. Meanwhile, rebel men fighting alongside the regime, while thousands of forces claimed they took control of a hospital in a village Sunni foreign fighters are also believed to be in Syria - south of the shrine neighborhood, from which they were including members of Jabhat Al-Nusra, an Al-Qaeda affili- battling regime forces and allied militias. ate that is believed to be among the most effective rebel Opposition fighters control several suburbs of the capi- factions in Syria. —AP tal, trying to threaten the heart of the city, seat of President Bashar Assad’s power. But the regime has largely been able to keep them at bay. The area surrounding the Sayida Zeinab suburb, about 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Damascus, has seen fighting before. But the regime forces and Shiite Hezbollah fighters launched an intensified assault there on Monday, according to Rami Abdul- Rahman, the director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The assault appears aimed at decisively pushing rebels back and securing the suburb of the shrine, said Abdul- Rahman. The Observatory is a Britain-based group of anti- regime activists that has a network of activists on the ground. Before the war, Shiite pilgrims from outside Syria regularly visited the shrine. Last year, rebels kidnapped Iranian pilgrims visiting the area, accusing them of being spies. Now protection of the shrine has become a rallying cry for Shiite fighters backing Assad. Lebanese guerrillas from Hezbollah as well as Iraqi Shiite militiamen have been reported fighting in the area in the past weeks, though it was not clear if Iraqis were involved in the new assault. The Syrian uprising began more than two years ago with peaceful protests against Assad, but later grew into a civil

An undated picture shows Maher Sukkar, a Palestinian living in Lebanon, who belonged to a boy scout troupe, wearing fatigues and a keffiyeh scarf wrapped around his head as he holds a Kalashnikov assault rifle at an unknown location. — AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 Kosovo-Serbia deal makes little headway

PRISTINA: Two months since Serbia and Kosovo Both sides are expected to speed up efforts to (+377) or Slovenia (+386). supposedly agreed in the April agreement have not agreed to normalise relations, implementation of the implement the accord to win the support of EU lead- “This is unacceptable and has to be changed,” said yet been implemented. accord has barely started just days before European ers at the summit on June 27 and 28. That is when Zeqir Uka, a 50-year old businessman from Pristina. “I Liaison officers from Belgrade and Pristina tasked leaders are due to decide whether they merit closer the 27-nation bloc is expected to decide whether have an impression that my business partners with that job only took up their posts on Monday. EU ties. According to the EU-brokered April 19 agree- Serbia and Kosovo have made enough progress in abroad do not consider me seriously when they Serbian officials have begun closing their police sta- ment, the first thaw in the diplomatic freeze between normalising ties. If they think they have, Belgrade will realise we still do not have our own international tions in the north of Kosovo, but some 800 policemen Belgrade and Pristina, they should by June 15 have be offered a date to start EU accession talks and country code.” But Serbs living in Kosovo insist on are still employed by the Serbian interior ministry. The completed talks on telecommunications and energy. Pristina a partnership accord. Negotiators have been keeping Belgrade-based mobile providers and the two sides have still to agree how many of them will But both issues appear to have hit stumbling blocks, trying for weeks to resolve a dispute over Kosovo’s Serbian country code to maintain links with the join Kosovo police forces (KPS). Pristina said it only with each side blaming the other for the impasse. telephone dialling code: it has been unable to get an homeland and to avoid higher costs. Talks on energy needed up to 150 Serb police officers. The Kosovo Serbian trade minister Rasim Ljajic said an agree- international code as an independent country issues have also stalled. Kosovo insists on becoming parliament was also late in adopting an amnesty law ment on telecommunications had been “more-less because of Serbia’s opposition. fully independent from Serbia in importing and that would shelter Serbs from prosecution for crimes agreed” with the EU but rejected by Pristina over the Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but exporting electricity. committed during the 1998-1999 war. telephone dialling code for Kosovo. Kosovo’s nego- when it comes to phone lines, it is still part of Serbia, All power currently goes through Belgrade in Sources in Kosovska Mitrovica, Serb-run courts in tiator Edita Tahiri blamed Serbia for “continuing to which has refused to recognise the breakaway terri- accordance with a scheme dating back to the former the northern Kosovo were ordered to stop taking new unilaterally interpret the accord” and “failing to show tory’s sovereignty. Anyone calling a fixed line in Yugoslavia. Power cuts lasting for hours are still com- cases from mid-July. It is still not clear however how needed seriousness in negotiations”. With the nego- Kosovo has to dial via the Serbian country code mon in Kosovo, partly due to the outdated system, many of the 60 judges and several hundred employ- tiators unable to agree a solution, it will likely be up (+381). For Serbians, making a call to Kosovo is still a but also because of disputes over energy supplies. ees in the judiciary will join the Pristina-administered to Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and his Kosovo national call. Mobile phone operators who moved Serbia wants its own electricity company to continue courts. Under the terms of the agreement, ethnic counterpart Hashim Thaci to hash out a deal in fresh into Kosovo after Serb forces were driven out, issue supplying Serb-dominated areas in Kosovo; Pristina Serbs should be proportionally represented in the talks in Brussels today. Kosovo numbers with the national codes for Monaco insists on control over its entire territory. Even points judiciary in areas where they live. — AFP WikiLeaks’ Assange fears US Whistleblower hails Edward Snowden as a hero

LONDON: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says least four policemen ringed the embassy. Assange, who looked pale, complained of a he will not leave the sanctuary of the Ecuadorean lack of sunlight, saying there was a risk people in Embassy in London even if Sweden stops pursu- Weighing risks his circumstances could develop rickets. He said ing sexual assault claims against him because he Assange said he initially thought he might be he worked 17-hour days, exercised to try to keep fears arrest on the order of the United States. In holed up in the embassy, a diplomatic facility in healthy and currently was working on a song an interview with Reuters and others to mark the one of London’s swishest areas, for up to two about “the new politics that has come about as a first anniversary of taking refuge in the cramped years. His original timetable was still a fair esti- result of the Internet and media distortion” with a diplomatic building, Assange said he remained mate, he told his interviewers. When asked popular Latin American musical group. hopeful he might be able to leave but offered lit- Assange said he never used email but had tle evidence to suggest he would be finding new others read it for him instead. Casually dressed in living quarters anytime soon. jeans, an open-necked blue shirt and athletic “I wouldn’t say I wouldn’t leave,” he said. “(But) shoes, Assange nursed a cup of tea as he spoke, my lawyers have advised me I shouldn’t leave the becoming animated when it was suggested he embassy because of the risk of arrest in relation had time on his hands to think about his fate. to the risk of arrest and extradition to the United “Where do people get this crazy idea I have time ISLAMABAD: Afghan refugee children collect items of use from a pile of garbage in States.” When asked whether he would remain on my hands just because I’m stuck,” he said. “It Pakistan. — AP inside even if Sweden dropped the investigation takes more time to do things if you’re in an against him, Assange said: “That’s correct.” embassy, not less.” Refugees at two-decade high: UN Assange chose his words carefully in the inter- He spoke enthusiastically about his political view, which was conducted last Friday under ambitions in Australia, whose government he GENEVA: War and other crises drove one “On top of the dangers of the voyage, embargo. In a wide-ranging discussion behind said was “perverted,” and of the popularity of the person from their home every 4.1 seconds these families often risk disintegration and drawn white net curtains, Assange hailed Edward WikiLeaks political party there. But it was his own last year, the UN refugee agency said yes- in the countries that host them, they face Snowden, a former contractor for the US National case and legal predicament that Assange circled terday, pushing the number of people cultures and societies different to their Security Agency who made revelations about US back to time and time again. It had become a forcibly displaced to a two-decade high of own.” Guterres said the number of people surveillance programmes, as a hero. “matter of prestige” for the governments con- 45.2 million. Conflict in countries including who had fled the civil war in Syria had He also railed against the United States, cerned, he said, and had developed into a Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia created mil- soared from 650,000 at the end of 2012 to Britain and his native Australia and talked about geopolitical standoff that he believed was politi- lions of new refugees in 2012. The UNCHR’s around 1.6 million now, surpassing last his case with semi-legal expertise. Assange, 41, cally motivated. “It remains the case that it is annual figures showed 1.1 million people year’s total from all conflicts. fled to the Ecuadorean Embassy last June to highly unlikely that Sweden or the United fled across international borders last year, The UNHCR has warned that Syrian avoid extradition to Sweden, which wants to Kingdom will ever publicly say no to the United while 6.5 million were displaced within refugee numbers could hit 3.5 million by question him about allegations of sexual assault States in this matter,” he told his interviewers. their homelands. “This means one in each the end of this year. Syrian refugees have and rape, which he denies. But he said he still held out some hope. “Like 4.1 seconds. So each time you blink, anoth- flooded into neighbouring Lebanon, He says he does not want to answer the alle- most matters of international prestige, solutions er person is forced to flee,” Antonio Jordan, Turkey and Iraq, stretching their gations in person because he believes Sweden are found which appear to be technical or Guterres, the UN High Commissioner for ability to cope. Guterres urged the interna- would hand him over to the US authorities, who enforced by a third party such as an international would try him for helping facilitate one of the court,” Assange said. “I expect that will happen in Refugees, told reporters. tional community to help shoulder the LONDON: Wikileaks founder Julian Assange largest information leaks in US history. WikiLeaks this matter also.” His own lawyers and the The largest number of refugees still load, although he said UNHCR-brokered speaks to the media inside the Ecuadorian began releasing thousands of confidential US Ecuadorean government had concluded a legal come from Afghanistan, a situation resettlement programmes for Syrians in Embassy ahead of the first anniversary of his documents on the Internet in 2010, embarrass- challenge could be mounted against Britain in unchanged for 32 years. Worldwide, one rich countries were not yet on the cards. arrival there yesterday. — AFP refugee in four is Afghan. Guterres said 55 With the economic crisis sharpening the ing the United States and, according to some the International Court of Justice over his case, percent of the refugees were linked to con- asylum debate in developed nations, critics, putting its national security and people’s he said, but he had decided not to do so for now flicts in Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, Sudan, Guterres said it was important to keep lives at risk. whether he was worried the situation could drag because it “could take years”. Talks between and Syria. Last year did see 2.1 million inter- some perspective. “Who is supporting The court-martial of Bradley Manning, the US on much longer, he conceded it was a possibility. Britain and Ecuador on Monday about Assange’s nally displaced people and 526,000 refugees in the world?” he asked. soldier accused of providing reams of classified “Left to its own devices that is a risk, left to fate fate ended with no breakthrough, though both refugees return home, as well as the reset- “Essentially, developing countries.” He said documents to WikiLeaks, is under way in that is a risk,” he said. “There have been other cas- countries agreed to establish a working group to tlement of 88,6000 in rich nations. 87 percent of the world’s refugees were Maryland. Ecuador has granted Assange political es, similar deadlocks for political refugees in try to resolve the standoff. When asked whether However a raft of fresh crises in Mali, the protected by developing countries, up asylum, but Britain has made it clear he will be embassies, that have gone on for dozens of years. he had any regrets Assange said simply: Democratic Republic of Congo and Central from 70 percent a decade ago. “So when arrested if he tries to leave the building, which is However, we don’t intend to leave the situation “Strategically it’s been ... exactly what I had African Republic pushed the total number we see discussion sometimes that exist heavily guarded by police. As Assange spoke, at to fate.” hoped for.” — Reuters of displaced to a level unseen since 1994, a about refugees in many developed coun- year marked by the Rwandan genocide and tries, I think it’s good to remind public opin- bloodshed in former Yugoslavia. “New ion in those countries that refugees are not Security risk, fear cloud refugees, new internally displaced, unfortu- people fleeing from poor countries into nately represent much more than those rich countries in search of a better life.” able to find an answer to their plight,” said Pakistan remained the world’s top Guterres. “We witness a multiplication of host nation in 2012, with 1.6 million Libya’s tourism ambitions new conflicts, and it seems that old con- refugees, mostly from Afghanistan. It was flicts never die.” Pope Francis yesterday followed by Iran, with 868,200, and SABRATHA: The ruins of a grandiose Roman the- rise since the lifting in 2003 of United Nations sanc- accounted for less than 1 percent of national called for more help, hospitality and under- Germany with 589,700. Some 46 percent atre behind them, two foreigners taking pictures in tions, imposed over the 1988 bombing over income. An ambitious plan initiated in 2008 aimed standing for refugees families. These fami- of the globe’s refugees are under 18. the Libyan coastal city of Sabratha make a rare Lockerbie, Scotland of a US passenger plane that to increase that to 6 percent by 2025. lies “are fleeing violence, persecution, seri- Guterres highlighted a “highly worrying” sight these days. The ancient Roman city used to killed 270 people. But those working in the indus- “Tourism depends on transport and banking ous discrimination on the basis of their reli- trend of rising numbers of unaccompa- attract more than 20,000 foreign visitors annually try - as operators or guides - say tourism was lan- and mostly security,” said Abodabous. “You feel gion, their ethnicity, their political ideas,” he nied minors seeking asylum: 21,300 in before the 2011 war that ousted Muammar guishing because of apathy, incompetence, com- embarrassed when you invite someone to your told some 60,000 people gathered at the 2012. They were at particular risk from Gaddafi. Now the temples and mosaics overlook- plex visa requirements and mercurial regulation. house and it’s in disarray.” Imam said it was too ear- Vatican. smuggling gangs, he said. — AFP ing the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean are The country attracted 32,038 foreign visitors - ly to set new targets - her priority is to plan for usually deserted. The two European visitors touring from outside North Africa and the Middle East - in infrastructure overhauls and staff training. “We the UNESCO World Heritage site on this quiet day 2010, according to tourism ministry figures, but need to look at the success of other countries and Dozing prince a cult hero are geologists on a work trip to Libya. A few Libyan they do not break down how many came for holi- learn from them. This country is like a flower open- families and a group of boy scouts mill around. days or work. The number was nearly 10 percent ing.” A survey of tourism professionals published in for disenchanted Czechs “The numbers are low these days, people no higher than in 2000 but well down from 125,480 the World Travel Market Industry Report 2012 longer come to Libya as tourists. Our visitors are visitors in 2006 after which passports required showed that 56 percent believed Libya had all the PRAGUE: It was a moment of high drama: the of his centuries-old family wealth, many Czechs people who already work in Libya or those who Arabic translations by law. ingredients to become a major destination, once Czech prime minister stood up in parliament to believe Schwarzenberg, a prince, is above cor- travel here on business trips,” Mohammed Bujila, Libya’s lucrative revenues from its oil industry the country was perceived as politically stable and try to salvage a political career torpedoed by ruption. After early years in a Czech chateau, the arrest of an aide, and Foreign Minister Karel his family emigrated to Austria to escape head of the antiquities department at Sabratha, made tourism less of a priority than for its neigh- had better infrastructure. “Libya is already behind Schwarzenberg, sitting next to him, had dozed Communist rule. A 16th-century palace next to said. “Things are different because of the problems bours Egypt and Tunisia, where it was a major by four decades in this sector,” Taleb Rifai, secretary off. Schwarzenberg’s habit of napping has, Prague castle has his family name carved into we have but we hope that maybe next year, income contributor before uprisings in those coun- general of the UN’s World Tourism Organisation, instead of being a liability, made him popular the stonework above the entrance. tourism will begin again.” tries. Abdulmajid Abodabous, head of the min- told a news conference on a recent visit to Tripoli. among Czechs fed up with their political class He is the most trusted party politician, with With Gaddafi’s iron-fisted rule isolating Libya for istry’s planning department, said tourism revenues “There is no more time to waste.” —Reuters and its endemic corruption, and desperate for 44 percent support, according to a poll in April years, the tourism industry was in its infancy before someone who breaks the mould. A 75-year-old by CVVM, a Czech public opinion research cen- the country’s “Arab Spring” uprising ground it to a aristocrat, Schwarzenberg printed posters for tre. “He has a completely different view of halt. Now that he is gone, many hope democratic the last parliamentary election campaign things. Whenever I hear him speak I always feel reforms will bring tourists to a country that boasts which deftly brought together his penchant for better and that this country is not such a bad 1,700 kms (1,056 miles) of coastline, ancient treas- snoozing, his reputation as an outsider, and the place to be,” said Filip Hanak, 30, the owner of a ures including five UNESCO World Heritage sites distaste many Czechs feel for politicians. pub in the Czech capital. “I don’t know whether and spectacular desert views. The government The slogan read: “When they talk rubbish, I it’s his archaic Czech or the way he speaks hopes future tourism revenues will help diversify sleep.” The European Union member has about things, it feels as if he were above it all Libya’s income - making it less reliant on oil and gas embraced free speech and market reforms and the dreadful scandals seem digestible exports - and create jobs to reduce unemployment, since emerging from Communist rule in 1989 when he speaks about them.” currently estimated at 15 percent. but politics has been dominated by scandals But while life in the country has mainly returned and Czechs are tired of the fiscal austerity that Irreverent style to normal nearly two years after Gaddafi’s ouster, has helped deepen a recession. Voters’ disillu- Schwarzenberg’s critics say he is a dilettante with new shops and restaurants opening regularly sionment with the political establishment unsuited to governing. Others say that behind reached new lows last week when prosecutors the outsider’s image, he too is part of the sys- in Tripoli and daily flights operating to Europe, this charged eight people, including an aide to tem. They point to people such as Finance vast country remains awash with weapons and that Prime Minister Petr Necas, with bribery and Minister Miroslav Kalousek, a veteran political is keeping foreign visitors away. The country has unauthorised spying. insider, who is number two in Schwarzenberg’s appointed its first post-war tourism minister but Necas resigned on Sunday, but his depar- TOP09 party. His irreverent style was on display with armed brigades often doing as they please, ture is unlikely to herald a fresh start. His own during last week’s political crisis. At a briefing sometimes besieging state buildings or fighting in party is expected to nominate the next prime to announce whether his party would back the streets, the government acknowledges that the minister from among its ranks, and the leading Necas, Schwarzenberg wore a punk-style T- industry is unlikely to take off until security prob- candidates are veteran political insiders. “The shirt paying homage to Ivan “Magor” Jirous, an lems are tackled. “Tourism is a mark of stability in a public has grown increasingly disenchanted underground poet. nation,” said Tourism Minister Ikram Abdusalam with the political class,” said Jiri Pehe, a former Asked in a newspaper interview about the Bash Imam. “We need a very high level of security advisor to Vaclav Havel, the democratic activist collapse of the coalition government, of which for people to come. We don’t deny that there are jailed under Communism who later became his party is a member, he said he had mixed some problems but this is normal after a war.” Czech president. “People tend to believe that feelings. “It’s like watching as your mother-in- all politicians are corrupt.” Against this back- law goes over the cliff in your new Mercedes,” Opening up drop, Schwarzenberg feels like a breath of fresh he said. He denied having been asleep when Imam, appointed last November, said she did air. He speaks his mind, he takes a breezy the prime minister spoke in parliament last not expect foreign holiday makers to return for approach to the rules of politics, and because Friday. —Reuters VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis kisses a child as he arrives yesterday for the weekly general audi- another two years. Foreign visitors had been on the ence in St Peter’s square at the Vatican. — AFP

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 INTERNATIONAL 50 plots foiled by spy programs: NSA chief NSA head says plot against Wall Street foiled

WASHINGTON: Secret US surveillance has foiled leaks of classified details. “In recent years, the informa- conspirators. In May 2010, Ouazzani pleaded guilty more than 50 terror plots since 2001, including a tion gathered from these programs provided the US to conspiring to provide material support to Al- planned bomb attack on the New York Stock government with critical leads to help prevent over Qaeda, but the FBI made no mention of a plot to Exchange, a US spy chief said Tuesday, defending 50 potential terrorist events in more than 20 countries bomb the stock exchange at the time. The controver- leaked programs. Since the disclosure of vast govern- around the world,” Alexander said, adding that at least sy over the spying programs erupted after rogue ment surveillance programs targeting phone logs 10 threats were “homeland-based.” defense contractor Edward Snowden leaked details and Internet data, Silicon Valley firms have scrambled He told the House Intelligence Committee that of them to Britain’s Guardian newspaper and The to respond to users angered by perceived privacy vio- most details were classified and would not be made Washington Post earlier this month. According to material leaked to the Guardian, the NSA acquires the call logs of Americans from phone companies and monitors digital communications with SAO PAULO: Unidentified people carry a television set during clashes against a data obtained from Internet titans like Apple, recent rise in public bus and subway fare. —AP Facebook and Google. US officials insist the phone metadata includes no names or addresses, that inves- tigators must obtain a separate order to listen in on Rousseff salutes calls, and that the Internet data searches were only carried out on foreigners residing abroad. “If you’re looking for a needle in the haystack, you have to have Brazil protests the haystack first,” Deputy Attorney General James Cole testified, referring to the huge amounts of raw data, which he said were only used “sparingly.” SAO PAULO: President Dilma Rousseff on fading before midnight, but then rioters According to Cole, the database was queried 300 Tuesday sought to defuse a massive protest began pelting the windows of nearby busi- times last year, and only after a secret court set up movement sweeping Brazil, acknowledging nesses with stones and burning trash in the under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act deter- the need for better public services and more street, TV channel O Globo reported. It said at mined there was reasonable suspicion to pursue a responsive governance as demonstrations least 20 people were arrested for looting. The suspect. Critics have slammed the spying operations continued in some cities around the country. Justice Ministry said in a statement it would as government overreach, insisting the public has the Speaking the morning after more than send federal troops to the cities hosting the right to know the scope of the programs and the role 200,000 Brazilians marched in more than a two-week FIFA Confederations’ Cup soccer major Internet firms played in surrendering personal half-dozen cities, Rousseff said her govern- tournament, which kicked off in Brazil on data to authorities. Google and other firms say they ment remains committed to social change Saturday, to reinforce security. Sao Paulo have received thousands of requests for information and is listening attentively to the many griev- Mayor Fernando Haddad, a prominent figure targeting tens of thousands of accounts. ances expressed at the demonstrations. in Rousseff’s left-leaning Workers’ Party, said But they are not allowed to provide a tally of “Brazil woke up stronger today,” Rousseff said in a meeting with leaders of the protest national security and secret FISA court requests sepa- in a televised speech in Brasilia. “The size of movement on Tuesday that he is considering rate from ordinary criminal warrants and subpoenas. yesterday’s demonstrations shows the energy a cut in bus fares but needs to find ways to WASHINGTON: In this file photo, a woman talks on the phone outside the US Courthouse Google, which has long published data on criminal of our democracy, the strength of the voice of compensate for the loss in revenue. Even if in Washington, where the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court resides. —AP requests in its “transparency report,” said it should be the streets and the civility of our population.” Haddad does cede, it remains unclear if that allowed to disclose separate tallies. “Lumping national Monday’s demonstrations were the latest would be enough to halt the protests, given lations. The government has defended the programs public. But in an effort to win political support for the security requests together with criminal requests-as in a flurry of protests in the past two weeks that protesters have embraced so many other as fully legal and vital to preventing terror attacks. spy programs, details of four incidents, including the some companies have been permitted to do-would that have fed on widespread frustration with causes. National Security Agency Director General Keith New York Stock Exchange plot, were released. Joyce be a backward step for our users,” a Google spokesper- poor public services, police violence and gov- Alexander described four thwarted plots, including a said a tip from the NSA, which had traced internation- son said. In its court filing, Google said that its “reputa- ernment corruption. The protests, organized Rousseff turns to Lula plan to bomb the New York subway he called “the al phone calls from terror suspects to Kansas City, led tion and business has been harmed by the false and mostly by university students through snow- Rousseff traveled to Sao Paulo on Tuesday first core Al-Qaeda plot since 9/11, directed from the FBI to get a court order to begin electronic surveil- misleading reports in the media, and Google’s users balling social media campaigns, marked the to meet with Haddad and former President Pakistan.” Alexander, FBI Deputy Director Sean Joyce lance on Khalid Ouazzani. are concerned by the allegations.” The company said it first time that Brazilians have taken to the Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, her predecessor and and others defended the digital snooping, which FBI agents then determined that Ouazzani had was asking the court to affirm its “right” under the First streets on such a large scale since economic political mentor. A former metalworker and they insisted has kept America safe since 2001, but provided information and support for a “nascent” Amendment of the US Constitution to publish the volatility and a corruption scandal led to the union boss who led massive protests in the which has come under global criticism following plot to bomb the NYSE, and arrested him and his co- information. —AFP toppling of a president in the early 1990s. late 1970s, Lula remains an important power The demonstrations started as small broker in Brazilian politics. The unrest comes protests in a few cities against an increase in at a delicate time for Rousseff, whose adminis- bus and subway fares but quickly ballooned tration is struggling to rein in high inflation One of US FBI’s into a national movement after police fired and get the economy back on track after two rubber bullets at protesters in Sao Paulo last years of sluggish growth. Polls show Rousseff most wanted week in clashes that injured more than 100 remains widely popular, but her approval rat- people. Eager to ease tensions and prevent ings have begun to slip in recent weeks for nabbed in Mexico future protests, officials in at least five cities, the first time since taking office in early 2011. including important state capitals such as A leftist guerrilla in her youth who was Porto Alegre and Recife, announced plans on jailed for conspiring against Brazil’s military CANCUN: Mexican authorities have arrested a former Tuesday to lower bus fares. dictatorship, Rousseff said the sight of so university professor who was on the FBI’s Ten Most But demonstrations continued in a few many young Brazilians marching for their Wanted Fugitives list in the resort city of Playa del cities, including Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, rights moved her. She also said her govern- Carmen. Prosecutor Gaspar Armando Garcia Torres where thousands gathered in front of the ment sympathizes with the many grievances said Walter Lee Williams, 64, is wanted on charges of city’s landmark cathedral and marched on its expressed at the demonstrations, from calls main avenue in what protesters hoped would for more spending on education and health- sexual exploitation of children and traveling abroad for be a final push persuading local officials to care to better and more affordable public the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with children. cancel the bus fare increase. Tuesday night’s transportation. “My government hears the Garcia said Williams was captured late Tuesday while demonstrations were marred by a small voices clamoring for change, my govern- drinking coffee near a park in the Caribbean beach group of rioters who smashed the windows of ment is committed to social transformation,” town. Sao Paulo’s city hall then set fire to a police Rousseff said. “Those who took to the streets “This person is wanted by the FBI because he is security post and a TV broadcaster’s transmis- yesterday sent a clear message to all of socie- linked to the sexual exploitation of children,” Garcia sion van. ty, above all to political leaders at all levels of Protests then continued mostly peacefully, government.” —Reuters told reporters. He said it wasn’t clear how long Williams COLORADO SPRINGS: Blaine Roth, 2 (left) his mother Caroline Roth, sister had been living in Playa del Carmen and that the fugi- Macey Roth, 4, and neighbor Chloe Stevenson, 13, join a crowd lining Old Ranch tive also had an address in nearby Cancun, where he FBI search for Jimmy Hoffa’s Road as they cheer for the firefighters leaving the fire camp to fight the Black was taken and turned over to Mexican immigration Forest Fire at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo. —AP officials. Garcia did not say whether Williams is sus- body may last two more days pected of committing any crimes in Mexico. OAKLAND TOWNSHIP: Investigators looking for gathered on Tuesday near the field, which was Colorado fire A federal arrest warrant was issued for the former the remains of former Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa blocked off by Oakland County sheriff deputies, Palm Springs, California, resident in Los Angeles in in a suburban Detroit field could search the area and peered through wavy grass and trees to see April, according to the FBI website. The indictment for two more days, seeking evidence to prove an agents digging and a backhoe at work. The search casualties named alleges Williams traveled from Los Angeles to the elderly mobster’s claim the labor leader was buried for Hoffa, who was 62 when he disappeared in Philippines in January 2011 to engage in sex acts with alive on the property shortly after his 1975 disap- 1975, has spawned many theories about his final pearance. Investigators widened the search area resting place, ranging from under an end zone in DENVER: Bob and Barbara Schmidt dashed to of those people were allowed to return as fire- two 14-year-old boys he met online in 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement Monday. and brought in a cadaver-sniffing dog on Tuesday, Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to their home on a dirt road in a heavily wooded fighters gained ground late Tuesday. but apparently did not find the remains of Hoffa, the General Motors Co headquarters in downtown area northeast of Colorado Springs as smoke A wind-whipped wildfire in Arizona grew to While in the Philippines, Williams allegedly engaged in who is thought to have been murdered by mob- Detroit and the Florida Everglades. from what would become the most destructive nearly 8 square miles by Tuesday evening and was sex acts with both boys and produced sexually explicit sters. The site where FBI agents have been digging wildfire in Colorado history filled the air. After within 400 yards of some homes west of Prescott, photos of one of the boys. Williams fled the Los for Hoffa’s remains in Oakland County is about 20 Tip prompted search quickly grabbing a few items, they spotted their authorities said. Hundreds of homes and people Angeles area approximately one week after returning miles (32 km) north of the Machus Red Fox restau- Law enforcement officials decided to search neighbors. “They were sitting on their porch, have been evacuated by the so-called Doce Fire, from the Philippines, it added. rant where Hoffa was last seen alive. The FBI the Michigan lot after Zerilli, 85, told the FBI that watching TV,” said Bob Schmidt, adding his wife which began shortly before noon Tuesday. In opened the search after a tip from reputed mob- Hoffa was buried there. Zerilli’s attorney, David urged their neighbors to immediately flee as Colorado, Bob Schmidt said he had received a call Until 2011, Williams was a tenured professor at the University of Southern California where his field of ster Anthony Zerilli. FBI officials said the search had Chasnick, told reporters the FBI spoke to his client smoke rolled in at 4:35 p.m. on June 11. “They June 11 telling him to leave immediately but that been widened but gave no details. over the past seven or eight months and that the said they’d leave when they needed to.” Marc and the Herklotzes said they did not get such a call. study was gender development. Williams was also The search of the 40- to 50-square-yard area agency believes “100 percent” that Hoffa is buried Robin Herklotz told the Schmidts they hadn’t got- Their homes lay just outside the mandatory evac- affiliated with the Buddhist Universal Association of (33- to 40-square meter) would continue at least there. “This was a guy who was intimately involved ten automated calls from authorities ordering uation boundary announced on Twitter by the El Los Angeles, California, according to the FBI. “Williams another 48 hours, said Oakland County Sheriff with some of the players who would be well them to evacuate and that, while they were pack- Paso County at 3:34 p.m. that day. The zone was has an extensive history of travel throughout the Michael Bouchard. He said police and FBI officials informed as to where the body would be placed,” ing and monitoring the approaching blaze on TV, expanded to include Jicarilla Drive at 5:36 pm. South East Asia region, specifically the Philippines,” the remain optimistic but that nothing had been sent Chasnick said. they weren’t panicking. El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said that for lab analysis so far. Bouchard said investigators According to a 21-page manuscript that Zerilli On Tuesday, authorities announced that the someone had spoken to the Herklotzes on the FBI said. “He has reportedly resided in Indonesia, Polynesia and Thailand.” had discovered concrete on the site, which could wrote and is selling online, Hoffa was dragged out lone casualties of the Black Forest Fire were the phone at about 5 pm and heard a popping sound corroborate Zerilli’s claim that Hoffa was buried on of a car, bound and gagged, hit with a shovel and The FBI added Williams to its Ten Most Wanted Herklotzes, whose bodies were found in their - most likely the fire racing through the thick trees. the site under a concrete slab. “Obviously that was then being buried alive under a cement slab in a garage on Jicarilla Drive by their car, as if they Marc Allen Herklotz, 52, and Robin Lauran Fugitives list on Monday. “I analyzed the computers part of the original information,” he said. “And it’s barn on the property. FBI officials had no com- were trying to flee. The fire has destroyed more Herklotz, 50, worked at Air Force Space and the camera that belong to Williams and found consistent with that” information. The FBI brought ment on Zerilli’s assertions. Hoffa, the father of cur- than 500 homes and charred more than 22 square Command, which operates military satellites, and child pornography,” said Special Agent Jeff Yesensky, in in forensic anthropologists from Michigan State rent Teamsters President James Hoffa, led the miles. It was 85 percent contained Tuesday. In were based at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado a video about Williams posted on the FBI’s website University and a cadaver-sniffing dog to help union from 1957 to 1971 and went to prison for California, officials said it was an unattended Springs, the Air Force said in a written statement. Monday to bring attention to the case. “He preys on search a half-acre (0.20 hectare) of the site, accord- fraud and jury tampering. He was released in late campfire near a main route into Yosemite National He entered the Air Force in 1983 but most recently the most vulnerable children,” Yesensky added. —AP ing to a person close to the investigation who 1971, when President Richard Nixon commuted Park that grew into a blaze that led to the evacua- was working as a civilian employee, and his wife asked not to be identified. Curious bystanders his sentence. —Reuters tions of 1,500 people from 800 homes. Nearly half was an Air Force contractor. —AP Social issues still fire up Republicans

WASHINGTON: Republican lawmakers have a erred in concluding the party must embrace “com- loyal while attracting independent voters near the tions unless it agrees to far-reaching immigration Republican by a wide margin in the Electoral message for those who want the party to soften prehensive immigration reform” to attract political center. The urgency rose last fall, when changes that include new pathways to citizenship. College, 332-206. its emphasis on social conservatism in hopes of Hispanic voters. And they dismiss the notion that Mitt Romney became the fifth Republican in six “What an idiot,” Washington state Republican Democrats want to portray Republicans as out reaching a wider national audience: Not so fast. Republicans should soft-pedal their opposition to presidential elections to lose the popular vote. On Chairman Kirby Wilbur said Tuesday of Sen. of step with the nation’s values on gay rights, House Republicans flexed their cultural and con- abortion, a subject on which they say public opin- abortion and reproductive rights, some strategists Lindsey Graham’s recent comments on the mat- women’s rights and common-sense solutions to servative muscles Tuesday, passing the most ion is moving their way. say the greatest need is for Republicans - especial- ter. Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said illegal immigration. During Tuesday’s House debate restrictive abortion measure in years. They also “There’s been a misleading thought as to what ly men - to steer clear of incendiary language such that without “immigration reform” along the on abortion, Democratic Rep. Ami Bera of California advanced legislation to crack down on immi- happened after the last election cycle,” said as “legitimate rape.” They know there’s no way the lines the Senate is weighing, “we’re in a demo- asked to bring up a student loan bill instead. “This is grants living illegally in the US, even as senators Louisiana Republican Rep John Fleming. “Most Democratic-led Senate will embrace the House graphic death spiral as a party.” “The pathology a direct attack on women’s rights,” he said after pursue a plan that would offer those same mil- Americans do not support amnesty, especially bill, which would bar abortions 20 weeks after report of the death of the Republican Party is being overruled. Republicans responded by send- lions a pathway to citizenship. without securing the borders,” he said, regarding conception. Tuesday’s debate was largely symbol- grossly overstated,” Wilbur said. Republicans ing a parade of women to the House microphones. The actions reflect a roiling debate among the idea of citizenship for those here illegally. As ic but important, Republican leaders said. must do better jobs of messaging and finding “We are changing hearts and minds,” said Rep. Ann Republicans over why they lost two elections to for abortion, Fleming said, there’s growing public Immigration’s fate in Congress is less certain. It’s voters, but they should not overreact to Wagner, a Missouri Republican. “We hear more and President Barack Obama, and how best to rebuild concern about second-trimester abortions, “so increasingly clear, however, that many Romney’s relatively narrow loss to Obama, he more evidence that life begins at conception.” She a winning formula. Many Republicans in Congress we’re actually gaining ground.” Like Democrats, Republicans think party elders were hasty in say- said. Obama won 51 percent of the popular vote said she covets the day when abortion is “absolutely and elsewhere think the party’s establishment Republicans often discuss ways to keep their base ing the party won’t win future presidential elec- to Romney’s 47 percent but defeated the unthinkable.” —AP THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 INTERNATIONAL UN’s Ban meets China’s Xi for talks on N Korea China told to push N Korea to halt nuke plans

BEIJING: Chinese president Xi Martin Nesirky, his spokesman, said on China-DPRK relations and the situ- confrontation. But Pyongyang unex- Jinping and UN chief Ban Ki-moon in an e-mail, adding that Ban was ation on the Korean peninsula,” she pectedly cancelled much-anticipated yesterday discussed the situation on “being updated regularly” on the sit- told a regular briefing, referring to talks with the South last week, cast- the Korean peninsula and in Syria, uation. North Korea by the acronym of its ing some doubt on its intentions. state media reported, as Ban’s visit to Ban’s visit came as a high-ranking official name, the Democratic Kim Kye-Gwan has been a key fig- Beijing was overshadowed by a North Korean official with long expe- People’s Republic of Korea. Kim also ure in international negotiations deadly attack on a UN compound. rience as his country’s international met Wu Dawei, China’s special envoy aimed at persuading North Korea to Ban, who arrived Tuesday, met Xi in nuclear negotiator held talks with for Korean peninsula affairs, Hua said. abandon its nuclear programme in Beijing’s ornate Great Hall of the IKATA: In this file photo, the No. 3 reactor (right) of the Ikata nuclear power People after earlier visiting a centre plant, operated by Shikoku Electric Power Co, is seen in Ikata, western which trains China’s UN peacekeep- ers. They exchanged views on Syria Japan. —AP and the Korean peninsula during their talks, the China News Service reported. Japan finds highly toxic Xi described China’s “principled positions” on the issues, the report strontium in Fukushima said, without elaborating. The meet- ing comes amid ongoing tensions on Tepco says levels exceed legal limits the peninsula over the North’s nuclear programme and the worsen- TOKYO: High levels of a toxic substance to 1,000 becquerels per litre between Dec. ing situation in Syria’s civil war. China, called strontium-90 have been found in 8, 2012 and May 24, Fukuda said. That level a permanent member of the United groundwater at the devastated Fukushima is more than 30 times the legal limit of 30 Nations Security Council, has come nuclear power plant in Japan, the utility that becquerels per litre. “Tepco needs to carry under pressure to encourage North runs the facility said on yesterday. out more regular testing in specific areas Korea to halt its nuclear programme Strontium-90 is a by-product of the fission of and disclose everything they find,” added after the reclusive nation in February uranium and plutonium in nuclear reactors Furukawa, the nuclear chemist. carried out its third underground as well as nuclear weapons, the US Testing also showed 500,000 becquerels nuclear test, which brought world- Environmental Protection Agency says on its per litre of tritium on May 24, compared wide condemnation. website. The discovery of rising levels of with the legal limit of 60,000 and 29,000 on China, the North’s sole ally, is seen such radioactive material is likely to compli- Dec 8, 2012. A becquerel is a measure of as the country with the most influ- cate efforts by the utility, Tokyo Electric radioactive decay. Tepco has struggled with ence on Pyongyang’s actions. On Power Co, to get approval to release into the the clean-up of Fukushima, the site of the Syria, China has sided with Russia Pacific Ocean what it calls water contaminat- world’s worst nuclear disaster in 25 years. It three times in using a veto against ed with low levels of radiation. said in April it was running out of capacity to Western-proposed UN Security “This contaminated water should not be store the water contaminated in its still- Council resolutions that would increase pressure on President released to the ocean,” said Michiaki makeshift cooling system. BEIJING: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (second from left) meets with Chinese President Xi Furukawa, a nuclear chemist and professor Adding to its difficulties, about 400 Bashar Al-Assad. Ban, a former South emeritus at Nagoya University. “They have to tonnes of groundwater flow daily into the Korean foreign minister, is also sched- Jinping (second from right) at the Great Hall of the People yesterday. —AP keep it somewhere so that it can’t escape reactor buildings only to be mixed with uled to hold talks with Chinese outside the plant.” Tepco is being over- highly contaminated water from cooling the Premier Li Keqiang today. Chinese officials. North Korean first The meeting follows one last exchange for aid and security guar- whelmed with contaminated liquids as it melted fuel. It has been trying to convince His visit was interrupted by news vice foreign minister Kim Kye-Gwan month between Xi and North Korean antees. The so-called six party talks, flushes water over the three reactors at the sceptical local fisherman that it is safe to of an attack by Islamist insurgents on and Chinese vice foreign minister special envoy Choe Ryong-Hae, a which began in 2003 but have been seaside plant that had meltdowns after an dump 100 tonnes of the groundwater a day a UN compound in Somalia yester- Zhang Yesui co-chaired a “strategic close confidant of the North’s leader dormant since late 2008, also include earthquake and tsunami two years ago into the ocean to reduce the strain on its day that killed at least eight people, dialogue” meeting between their Kim Jong-Un. Tensions over the South Korea, Japan, Russia, China knocked out power and cooling systems. storage facilities. excluding the attackers. “The ministries in the Chinese capital, for- nuclear programme have waned and the United States. South Korea’s High levels of tritium, a less harmful sub- Secretary-General is aware of the eign ministry spokeswoman Hua somewhat in recent months amid President Park Geun-Hye is due to stance, had also been found, Toshihiko Reversing claims attack against the United Nations in Chunying said. expectations North Korea may be make her first visit to China later this Fukuda, a general manager at Tepco, told a Earlier this month the company reversed Somalia, and he is shocked by it,” “The two sides exchanged views moving towards dialogue rather than month. —AFP news conference. Tepco did not believe any a claim that the groundwater flowing into of the strontium-90 found in groundwater the damaged basements of reactor build- tests had leaked into the ocean, Fukuda said. ings was not contaminated. Recent mishaps, The company has constantly revised including two power outages, have height- News announcements about radiation levels and ened concerns about Fukushima’s stability in brief other problems at the plant since the disas- and called into question Tepco’s ability to ter. Explosions that rocked the plant at the decommission the plant, which may take height of the crisis discharged large more than 30 years. The Fukushima catastro- 2 Thai monks arrested amounts of radioactive material into the phe highlighted failings in the oversight of in child sex scandal atmosphere and surrounding land and the nuclear industry and prompted an over- BANGKOK: Thai police said yesterday they had arrested ocean. haul of safety standards, which the country’s two monks for procuring a 14-year-old boy to perform nuclear regulator finalized yesterday. sexual acts with an abbot, in the latest scandal to shake Elevated readings The rules will take effect on July 8, after the kingdom’s Buddhist clergy. The pair, who deny any Tests of groundwater outside the turbine Cabinet approval that is expected tomor- knowledge of the alleged abuse, could face up to 15 building of reactor No. 2 showed the level of row. The Nuclear Regulation Authority did years in prison if convicted, Police Colonel Wirachon strontium-90 had increased more than 100 not make major changes to a draft released Bunthawi told AFP from the northern city of Chiang times between December 2012 and May in April for public consultation. All but two Mai.”The abbot is still at the temple and we’re waiting for this year, Fukuda said. He said it was likely of Japan’s reactors have been shut down an arrest warrant for him,” Wirachon said. Based on the that radioactive material entered the envi- after the disaster, forcing the country to accounts of the victim and a driver, the two monks-aged ronment after water poured over the melted import costly fossil fuels, keeping its trade in 20 and 23 — are alleged to have taken the boy to see the fuel in unit No. 2 and leaked out via the tur- deficit for 11 straight months. Nuclear plant abbot at the temple in Chiang Dao district in the Chiang bine building, located between the reactor operators are expected to quickly apply to Mai Province several times since February, police said. and the ocean. restart reactors, Japanese media have The case comes in the wake of recent controversy in the Testing of groundwater showed that reported. Inspections will take at least six Buddhist-dominated nation over footage posted on strontium-90 increased from 8.6 becquerels months, the NRA has said. —AP YouTube of three monks flying in a private jet, wearing HANOI: In this file photo, dissident lawyer Cu Huy Ha Vu is escorted by police earphones and sunglasses and travelling with a Louis out of a courtroom after being convicted of spreading propaganda against Vuitton bag. The video prompted debate over monks’ the state and sentenced to seven years in prison and three years of house UN, US ask Filipinos not adherence to austere principles which include living arrest at the one-day trial in Hanoi, Vietnam. —AP without possessions, beyond a handful of robes. to leave Golan Heights Thailand’s Buddhist clergy has been hit by a series of scandals involving monks, with local media reporting Vietnam’s hunger striker MANILA: The United Nations and Washington between Syrian government and rebel forces. cases of drug-taking, drinking, gambling and visiting have separately asked the Philippines not to Austria announced recently that it would remove prostitutes. tests officials’ patience withdraw its more than 300 Filipino peacekeep- its 377 peacekeepers from the 911-member UN ers from the Golan Heights, warning of “maxi- peacekeeping force, which also includes troops 22 dead in Nepal floods HANOI: Cu Huy Ha Vu’s books come with pages lands, and later for prohibiting the filing of class- mum volatility” in the region after a number of from India. That will leave the Philippines as the KATHMANDU: At least 22 people have been killed in torn out by prison guards. Only some of his let- action lawsuits. The first suit was rejected by a countries decided to pull out their peacekeeping largest single contributor. Croatia withdrew in landslides and floods triggered by heavy monsoon rain in ters reach home. He is not allowed to access evi- Hanoi court, and the second was ignored. In his forces amid escalating violence, the Philippines’ March for fear its troops would be targeted. remote parts of Nepal, a government spokesman said dence from his trial or to see his wife alone. This dramatic one-day trial in April 2011, Vu’s lawyers top diplomat said yesterday. Japanese forces have also withdrawn, according yesterday. “So far, 22 people from across the country have treatment, described by Vu’s wife, has driven the walked out of the courthouse after a judge Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said UN to del Rosario. been killed by landslides and floods. Eighteen more are Vietnamese legal scholar to a hunger strike that is refused to read or distribute interviews Vu was Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and US Secretary “This, of course, will create a vacuum in the missing,” Shankar Koirala, a spokesman in the Ministry of now in its fourth week. Nguyen Thi Duong Ha says accused of giving to foreign media, including the of State John Kerry appealed to him in recent Golan, that separation stretch which keeps Israel Home Affairs told AFP. More than 100 homes have also her husband told her Saturday that he hasn’t eat- US government-funded Voice of America and talks. He said he told them security for the away from Syria,” del Rosario said in a news confer- been damaged by the floods in mainly western Nepal, en since May 27, even though she brings him Radio Free Asia. He was sentenced to seven years Filipino forces should be bolstered for the ence in Manila. He said Kerry and Ban told him that the spokesman said, as the government held an emer- orange juice and chicken stock, and that he won’t in prison and three of house arrest. Philippines to consider to keep them in the if the Philippines also withdraws, that would “create gency meeting and agreed to step up relief efforts. “Every until the prison officially replies to his complaints. Carl Thayer, a Vietnam expert at the University volatile buffer zone between Syria and Israel. Last maximum volatility for the area.” In talks with Ban victim’s family will be provided with a relief package of Now she worries the hunger strike may exacer- of New South Wales in Australia, said Vu’s case “is month, del Rosario recommended the withdraw- and Kerry, “I mentioned that we thought that the 40,000 rupees ($425). We have also dispatched a helicop- bate Vu’s longstanding heart problems and pro- an illustration of the counterproductive policies of al of the Filipinos from the Golan Heights to exposure was beyond tolerable limits for our peo- ter carrying blankets and medicines to the disaster hit voke a stroke. the Vietnamese Communist regime that seek to Philippine President Benigno Aquino III following ple but we’re willing to reconsider and make a new region,” Koirala said. Hundreds of people die every year “I live in fear,” she said. “I can’t fall asleep intimidate and silence critics.” He added that Vu’s two separate abductions of Filipino peacekeep- assessment if the security and safety of our peace- from flooding and landslides during the monsoon season because I’m afraid there may be a phone call with revolutionary background “only serves to under- ers and the wounding of another in fighting keepers would be upgraded,” he said. —AP in Nepal. The annual monsoon has also struck early over bad news.” Vu, the son of revolutionary poet Cu mine” the regime’s legitimacy. the border in India, with flash floods washing away Huy Can, is among the many government critics Ha said her husband went on a hunger strike homes and roads, leaving at least 120 people dead. who have been imprisoned as the Communist because prison officials haven’t responded to the government, beset by economic troubles and official complaints he has issued in recent China executes child rapist Zimmerman jury selection complaints about corruption and inequality, months. Vietnamese law requires the prison to into new phase cracks down on dissent. His hunger strike has respond to petitions within 90 days. “He wants to BEIJING: Authorities in central China execut- with more senior officials. SANFORD: Prosecutors and defense attorneys personally drawn attention to the conditions dissidents face be treated in accordance with the law,” Ha said in ed a former Communist Party official for rap- After briefly allowing free online discussion interviewed 58 potential jurors over seven days about in prison and to his own 2011 conviction on a Hanoi restaurant Monday. “He’s a lawyer and he ing 11 underage girls, state media said yester- following the sacking in March last year of for- their media exposure to the fatal shooting of 17-year-old charges that included conducting propaganda knows that he hasn’t done anything wrong.” Vu day, following an online uproar about the lat- mer Chongqing party boss Bo Xilai and the Trayvon Martin by former neighborhood watch volunteer against the state, calling for multiparty govern- and his lawyers have complained officially that est case of abuse of power. Li Xingong, who naming of his wife as a suspect in the murder George Zimmerman last year in Sanford, Fla. They have ment and demanding the abolishment of the par- prison guards have prevented him from accessing was the party’s deputy head in Yongcheng of a British businessman, censors moved to asked 40 jury candidates to return for the next round of ty’s leadership. evidence from his trial and from meeting privately city in Henan province, was found guilty of block the topic. The ruling Communist Party questioning and dismissed scores of others. They eventu- On Tuesday the US Embassy and the London- with his wife when she visits the prison in north- assaulting the girls during police interroga- has long pushed to eradicate corruption, ally must whittle down the pool to six jurors and four based rights group Amnesty International both ern Thanh Hoa province. He also wrote that a tions starting from the second half of 2011, underscoring a broader fear that, if left alternates who will decide Zimmerman’s second-degree called for Vu’s immediate release. Bloggers have prison guard has tormented him by repeatedly the official Xinhua news agency reported. unchecked, the problem could hurt the legiti- murder case. The case has prompted strong emotions on rallied to his cause on the Internet, where opening his door. Li appealed against the guilty verdict, but macy of one-party rule and perhaps threaten about race, equal justice and gun control, issues that have Vietnamese continue to express dissent despite Ha said some aspects of prison life have was rejected by the Supreme Court, Xinhua its survival. come to light during jury selection. Jurors’ identities are the arrests of three prominent bloggers in the improved for her husband. His 20-square meter said. The case was widely discussed on Weibo, Newly appointed President Xi Jinping has being kept confidential during the trial that is expected past month. “More and more, we are hearing (215-square-foot) cell, which at first had no win- China’s popular Twitter-like microblogging vowed to make the fight against graft and to last up to a month. Of the 40 potential jurors, 27 are about harsh treatment of prisoners of conscience dows and just a rudimentary toilet, has been site, after reports about the rapes naming Li as abuse of power a key policy platform, but has white, seven are black, three are mixed race and three are in detention (in Vietnam), including solitary con- upgraded considerably in recent months. the perpetrator began circulating online in made little apparent progress, with few senior Hispanic. Twenty-four are women and 16 are men. Below finement, being moved from prison to prison Vietnam’s state-run media has attempted to raise May last year. “Yet another great example of a officials being probed and no movement is a look at some of the more notable statements by without their families being informed, and inade- doubts that Vu is truly on a hunger strike through party cadre,” wrote one Weibo user sarcastical- towards establishing an independent anti- potential jurors - identified just by number - throughout quate food and health care,” said Rupert Abbott, several recent newspaper and television reports. A ly after the execution was announced. corruption body. Xi this week reminded offi- selection process that’s in its second week. “There was Amnesty International’s researcher on Cambodia, doctor at the prison, for example, was quoted by “What is wrong with the party that they cials of the need for a “thorough cleanup of fault on both sides as far as I can see, two people being in Laos and Vietnam. Vu, a 55-year-old, Sorbonne- People’s Police newspaper Sunday as saying that have animals like this in their ranks? There undesirable work styles such as formalism, the wrong place at the wrong time.” - Juror B-30, a 65- educated lawyer, is among the ruling Communist Vu’s health condition was normal. needs to be discussion about how to bet- bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance”, year-old white man with hearing problems who wasn’t Party’s highest-profile critics. His father was not Deputy prison chief Le Duy Sau told the online ter select officials,” wrote another. While state media reported yesterday. asked back. “I haven’t lived under a rock for the past year. only a famous poet but the agriculture minister in newspaper VnExpress that Vu’s complaint about the government has encouraged people “These four forms of decadence are the It’s pretty hard for people not to have gotten some infor- the government of Vietnam’s founding president, the guard opening his door was “completely para- to take to the internet to expose corrup- problems most hated, and complained of, by mation.” - Juror B-51, a white woman retiree, asked about Ho Chi Minh. Vu was arrested in 2010 after noid,” and that Vu would be allowed to see his tion and abuse of power, especially at the the people, severely damaging relations what she knew about the high-profile case. She was told attempting to sue Prime Minister Nguyen Tan wife privately - if he repents for his crimes. Sau grassroots, it generally keeps tight rein on between the party and ordinary people,” Xi to return. Dung twice - first for approving a Chinese-built added that Vu receives food from his family, but what can be said about similar problems was quoted as saying. —AP bauxite mining project in Vietnam’s central high- did not say whether he eats it. —AP THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 ANALYSIS14

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Issues EU-wariness complicates life for Hollande

By Mark John

feeling in France that the European Union no longer works in its interest is fueling tensions between Paris Aand Brussels and adding pressure on President Francois Hollande to be more assertive in Europe. Successive Europe-wide polls show that disenchantment with the EU is rising fastest in France, a founder member whose battle to reform its ailing economy has now become the top preoccupation of the 27-nation bloc. Sources of the malaise are many: from the rise of post-unification Germany as a political force in Europe, to the feeling that US arms to Syria unlikely to harm Israel EU institutions have mishandled the economic crisis and neglected core concerns such as unemployment. By John Davison said, alluding to arms given to the More useful would be strategic advan- ambushing tactics. That kind of limited mili- Anti-EU groups such as the National Front have latched Mujahedeen in Afghanistan, some of which tages like electronic intelligence capabilities tary aid can help rebels bog down Hezbollah onto the public mood of frustration to secure opinion poll plans to arm Syrian rebels have Israel believes ended up in the hands of or a no-fly zone, Neriah said, but stressed the and the Assad regime in an urban setting like gains. The mainstream French left and right are struggling raised fears in Israel that the Lebanon’s Shiite Hezbollah movement and latter was unlikely to be implemented given say in Aleppo,” Nisman said. Analysts said vic- to define their stances on Europe before early 2014 USweapons could fall into the wrong Islamist groups in the Gaza Strip. “There’s a Damascus ally Russia’s opposition to such a tory in Syria would boil down to who receives European Parliament elections where both fear heavy loss- hands, but analysts played down the threat - good chance these weapons might find their move. The provision of small arms, in the the most foreign military aid. “Compared to es to populist parties. The instinctively pro-European provided no big guns are involved. way to Gaza,” he added. meantime, would have little effect, Neriah the aid (the regime) is receiving from Russia Hollande is not about to tilt French policy in a Eurosceptic Washington said last week that it would pro- Daniel Nisman, an intelligence specialist at argued: “There’s no logic in giving them these and Hezbollah, (the proposed US provision) direction. But such anxieties set the stage for France’s lone vide Syria’s rebels with military support in the Tel Aviv-based risk consulting firm Max weapons.” doesn’t match,” said Mike Herzog, former stance last week to ringfence cinema and other cultural form of small arms after it determined that Security Solutions, agreed. “Advanced Nisman disagreed. “Any aid can help, even head of strategic planning in the Israeli army goods from talks on an EU-US free trade pact, to the dis- the Syrian regime had used chemical weapons like anti-tank capabilities... might if it’s light aid,” he said. “Take the example of and a fellow at the Washington Institute for may of Brussels and some European capitals. weapons. US President Barack Obama on increase the level of concern from Israel, Qusair,” which the Syrian regime recaptured Near East Policy. Victory is a “question of inter- “There is a sense in France of losing grip of its own des- Wednesday declined to categorise the arms maybe even objection,” he said. Neriah said with help from its ally Hezbollah earlier in national aid, and who gets more. Right now, tiny,” said Aurelien Renard of pollster Gallup Europe, whose the US will send to the rebels. “I cannot and Syria’s rebels in any case did not need anti- June. “The Assad regime and Hezbollah ini- Assad’s regime is getting more, whether from June survey shows two-thirds of French believe the EU is will not comment on specifics on our pro- tank weapons or small arms to gain the upper tially thought it would be a quick campaign, Hezbollah, Iran, or Russian drone support,” heading in the wrong direction. “The EU-US trade question, grams related to the Syrian opposition,” hand in the more than two-year conflict. but it ended up taking longer and costing Nisman said, referring to reports Moscow was and particularly over culture, was an opportunity to show it Obama said, at a press conference in Berlin “They’ve plundered the depots of the Syrian more casualties. This was because they giving Assad unmanned spy aircraft. Recent still had a grip.” with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. army... and got their hands on weapons, tanks encountered more resistance within an urban rebel losses “have coincided with a drop (in French officials believe that maintaining the “cultural Two months ago, Israeli Prime Minister and armoured personnel carriers and so on.” setting from rebels with small arms using aid),” he said. — AFP exception” - a 20-year-old truce in trade talks preserving Benjamin Netanyahu urged caution over such state subsidies to cinema and other sectors - is a national plans saying it “presents the question of interest just as vital to it as the City of London is to Britain. which rebels and which weapons?” And Thus Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso’s attack Israel’s former deputy foreign minister Danny Pak pushed Taleban to table on the stance as showing a “reactionary” anti-globalisation Ayalon has repeatedly warned that such a agenda unleashed a volley of Gallic ire, from the Socialist move would be a “mistake”. Other Israeli offi- By Dan De Luce by Afghan officials of sabotaging an earlier reconciliation initiative Hollande saying he was shocked to French social media cials have drawn parallels with Afghanistan in with Saudi Arabia as mediator, as Pakistan reportedly felt sidelined. users clicking the ironic #jesuisreactionnaire (“I am a reac- the 1980s, when US supplies to Mujahedeen akistan likely played a crucial role in persuading a reluctant “Pakistan has been very important in this because Pakistan has tionary”) hashtag. fighting the Russians found their way years Taleban to enter into tentative peace talks with its American always been and will always be a potential deal spoiler,” said Jonah The episode showed once again how few French politi- later to Al-Qaeda. Pand Afghan government foes, experts said here. For more than Blank, a senior political scientist at the RAND Corporation think tank. cians of any hue subscribe wholeheartedly to the free-mar- Analysts said the extent of the threat to two years, the United States has been promoting the idea of negotia- “Any deal it wants to crush it can do so quite easily.” ket agenda of the European Commission. Economic liberals Israel depended on what weaponry was tions free of preconditions with little result, as Taliban insurgents For the Taleban, peace talks are fraught with risk, potentially sap- in the U.S. or British sense are a tiny, largely silent minority involved and where it ended up. “If it means seemed unwilling to risk talking to their adversaries, particularly ping the morale of fighters, sowing divisions among leaders and of France. But the spat is the just latest example of Paris the provision of small arms and ammunition, Afghan leaders in Kabul. But Pakistan, which has deep links to the undermining its propaganda, according to the diplomat who will be being too quick to clearly mark out its territory in Europe. such as RPGs and mortars... I don’t think that’s Afghan Taleban, appears to have forced its proteges to come to the leading the US delegation, James Dobbins. “The Taleban leadership is When the Commission last month issued a detailed list of going to mean anything for Israel, and am not table, clearing the way for negotiations after numerous false starts, fighting a jihad with a view to reimposing a religiously based form of reforms it wants from Paris in return for a two-year reprieve even sure it will for the rebels,” said Jonathan said Scott Smith, a former UN official who worked in Afghanistan. government rooted in an extreme interpretation of Islam,” Dobbins to narrow its budget deficit, a peeved Hollande fired back Spyer, senior researcher at the Global “One thing that changed was the Pakistani support for it (peace wrote in a report he co-authored before he returned to the State that it was not for Brussels to “dictate” to France. Research in International Affairs Centre in talks),” Smith told AFP. “At some level there’s a shift.” Department. “Engaging in negotiations for something short of that While his response irked allies of German Chancellor Herzliya, near Tel Aviv. Even “if some of those The move comes from a newly-elected government in Pakistan, goal undercuts the purity of that message,” said the report. Angela Merkel, it reflects a domestic French reality of weapons reach the hands of extreme jihadist which faces its own battle with Islamist extremists at home and may The talks are coinciding with the gradual withdrawal of US-led which Hollande is only too aware: if he is to reform sensi- elements, such as Al-Nusra Front (in the Golan have calculated that the Afghan Taliban needed to be reined in next forces, which ironically poses a dilemma for the insurgents, as they tive areas such as pensions, it must not be seen to be at Heights) ... it is not a major strategic threat, door, experts said. “You have a deterioration of the situation in risk being perceived by Afghans as merely another armed faction Brussels’ bidding. An EU plan to cut air travel times and but rather an irritant,” he said. Pakistan,” said Smith, referring to violence from militants inside that threatens civilians, said Smith. “They have portrayed themselves costs across Europe fell foul of French air traffic controllers Dr Jacques Neriah, former adviser to late Pakistan. “Maybe they’ve made a calculation it’s getting too dicey” to as opponents of a foreign occupation. But with foreign troops leav- last week who walked off the job to protest at moves they prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, agreed that it fuel the Afghan Taliban’s insurgency, he said. Islamabad’s support for ing, they’re going to have to make clear what do they stand for,” he say threaten security and their working conditions. France, would depend on the type of weaponry the peace talks “may not be a change in policy, but it’s definitely a delib- said. Peace talks from their new office in Doha may offer a way for the this time joined by Germany, told EU authorities to freeze US intends to provide to the rebels. “Anti-tank erate decision on their part to have the Taleban go this far,” he said. Taleban to adapt, offering the insurgents a means of gaining what the project. weaponry is problematic because in the past, US officials made a point of crediting Pakistan for helping to clear they crave, a bit of international legitimacy. And they also will be The elephant in the room is the election next May to a weapons given by the US to allies farther east the way for the dialogue, which will see US and Taleban representa- interested in trying win the freedom of senior figures held at the US European Parliament with a growing say in EU policy mat- found themselves in Lebanon or in Gaza,” he tives meet as early this week. Not long ago Islamabad was accused prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. —AFP ters, and for which the French left and right are nervously bracing. Explaining the French disenchantment with Europe revealed by Gallup and a widely-watched Pew Research Center poll last month, former Commission Putin basks in isolation, Obama charm falls flat President Jacques Delors regaled a Socialist gathering this weekend with a withering attack on what he called a “puni- By Guy Faulconbridge and Timothy Heritage member 15 years ago. US officials played down the rebuff, other seven powers, with Russia as a “plus one”. Putin’s for- tive and alienating” Europe. The meeting agreed a text urg- describing the Putin-Obama meeting as “businesslike” and eign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov fired back, saying the ing a revision of EU rules on national budget deficits and t the end of a tense two-hour meeting with Russian emphasising the common ground over a sectarian civil war Canadian’s remarks came “from the position of an outside for a devaluation of the euro - policies that have little President Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama - slumped in which the two presidents are now both committed to observer”. After the bilateral meeting with Obama, Putin chance of coming to fruition but which will keep up pres- Aover and serious - tried to lighten the mood with a arming the opposing sides. “We both want to see an end to went to a dinner in a lodge on the shore of Lough Erne sure on Hollande to avoid excess fiscal rigour. joke about their favourite sports. “And finally, we compared the conflict. We both want to see stability. We don’t want to where the leaders discussed Syria over a dinner of crab, fillet France’s right remains in disarray on Europe, with a wide notes on President Putin’s expertise in judo and my declining see extremists gain a foothold,” said Ben Rhodes, the White of beef, and whisky-laced custard. cleavage between pro-sovereignty and pro-integration skills in basketball,” the US president told reporters at the G8 House deputy national security adviser. “I think both leaders Putin refused to accept any public declaration that could wings potentially meaning the centre-right UMP struggles summit, after the two men gave formal statements empha- went out of their way to underscore that they can work imply Assad would go. He won: the final communique on to go into the elections on a united platform. That would sising their common ground rather than their sharp differ- together on this issue,” Rhodes said. “If they can project a Syria did not even mention Assad’s name. He also defended delight Marine Le Pen, whose poll ratings outdo Hollande’s ences on how to end the Syrian crisis. “And we both agreed message that they have a convergence of views as it relates Russia’s arms shipments to Syria and suggested that more in some surveys and whose anti-EU, anti-immigration that as you get older it takes more time to recover,” Obama to a political negotiation, that keeps the possibility, the might be coming: “We are supplying weapons under legal National Front this weekend ousted his Socialists out of the said. Putin - who folded his hands and glowered through prospect of that political track alive.” But even their one joint contracts to the legal government. That is the government of run-off for a vacant French parliament seat in a by-election. most of the exchange - was having none of it. He waited for initiative faced a setback. One source at the summit con- President Assad. And if we are going to sign such contracts, While the Socialist Party’s case was not helped by the fact the audience to finish laughing, smiled icily and stuck in his firmed that Syrian peace talks called last month by Moscow we are going to deliver,” he said. Western officials still sug- that the rural Villeneuve-sur-Lot seat came up when one of spear. “The president wants to relax me with his statement of and Washington, initially meant to be held in June, then July gest that Moscow’s alliance with Assad is not as strong as its grandees fell to a tax fraud scandal, the other big griev- age,” retorted Putin. Few expected any diplomatic break- - were now postponed until August at least. The tense Putin’s remarks imply. “Clearly Putin doesn’t hold back with ance was against a Europe which many French do not trust. throughs from the meeting in Northern Ireland, less than a exchange between Putin and Obama marks full circle since his views,” said one Western official who tried to play down “It’s not that I am anti-EU,” Nicole Ausou, a 61-year-old retired week after Obama’s administration announced it would pro- the administration of the newly-elected Obama called for a the disagreements. social worker said at a union-organised march against wel- vide military support to rebels fighting Moscow’s ally, Syrian “reset” in ties with Russia in 2009 after a row between the “Don’t expect Vladimir Putin to pick up the phone to fare spending cuts in Paris this weekend. “But I want another President Bashar Al-Assad. Cold War foes over Russia’s 2008 war against US-ally Georgia. Damascus and say ‘the game’s over’,” he said. “The Russians Europe, a Europe of French policies.” — Reuters But Putin - who scowled, lectured and fidgeted while Obama has touted the Russia reset - in which his then have deliberately and utterly not tied themselves to him resisting the forced bonhomie of the two-day summit with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented her Russian (Assad) as an individual and have always given themselves the leaders of world’s richest nations - seemed positively to counterpart with a big red “reset” button - as one of his sig- some wriggle room.” Western officials have suggested for All articles appearing on these relish his isolation. It was a vintage display of Putin’s world nature foreign achievements. (Clinton’s aides notoriously months that Moscow might soon drop Assad, only to find view forged since the Soviet Union’s fall in 1991: the United mistranslated the button and labelled it “overload” in Putin as staunch as ever, even when the war was going the pages are the personal opinion of States will inevitably overreach, and Moscow must always Russian.) rebels’ way. Now, with Assad’s forces having seized battle- the writers. Kuwait Times takes no step forward to demonstrate the limits of US power. His posi- Putin arrived the night before the summit and made his field momentum in recent months, there seems less reason responsibility for views expressed tion won the former KGB spy plaudits at home, where he is unrelenting position clear at a press conference with his than ever for Moscow to ditch him. therein. Kuwait Times invites read- trying to reassert his authority after protests and in the face host, Britain’s David Cameron. Putin hammered home his Putin has another reason to want to look tough abroad, of a stuttering economy. point that arming Syrian rebels was reckless by zeroing in on to consolidate support at home at a time when the faltering ers to voice their opinions. Please “I think he got all the bonuses domestically. He held his an incident from last month in which a rebel fighter was economy is hurting his standing. “Despite the emotions, the send submissions via email to: opin- head high, stood tall and did what he pledged to do - to be filmed biting on the entrails of an enemy. “One does not real- summit was in many respects a success for Russian diploma- [email protected] or via snail very firm but not confrontational,” said Dmitry Trenin, a ly need to support people who not only kill their enemies cy,” the business daily Vedomosti wrote, suggesting Russia political analysts at the Carnegie Moscow Center think but open up their bodies, eat their intestines in front of the had made no concessions and the West had shown it was mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. tank. Putin clearly calculated that he had nothing to gain camera,” he said as Cameron stood by. not ready to act if Moscow was not on board. Moskovsky The editor reserves the right to edit by making concessions over Syria, and little to lose if Russia From the outset, Putin was isolated at the summit. Komsomolets, a popular daily with a reputation for catching any submission as necessary. was further alienated in a rich nations’ club where it has Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper accused Putin of the public mood, was more uneasy: “Putin is alone again,” it looked the odd-one out since it became a fully fledged supporting “thugs” and said Syria would be discussed by the wrote. “But do we need to be sorry about it?”— Reuters NEWS THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

A woman passes by a graffiti in Sao Salvador da Bahia de Todos os Santos on Tuesday. Salvador is one of the largest cities on the northeast coast of Brazil and it will host games of the upcoming World Cup 2014 and presently hosts Confederation Cup games at the Arena Fonte Nova stadium. — AFP New MERS virus spreads easily, deadlier than SARS

LONDON: A mysterious new respiratory virus that origi- was part of the team. Their report was published online such patients were known as “superspreaders” and effec- Clemens Wendtner, who treated a MERS patient who lat- nated in the Middle East spreads easily between people Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. tively seeded outbreaks in numerous countries. er died in Munich. “Our patient got everything possible and appears more deadly than SARS, doctors reported Perl said they couldn’t nail down how it was spread in Perl and colleagues also concluded that symptoms of and it still didn’t help him.” Other experts said there are yesterday after investigating the biggest outbreak in every case - through droplets from sneezing or cough- both diseases are similar, with an initial fever and cough enough worrying signs about MERS that it can’t yet be Saudi Arabia. More than 60 cases of what is now called ing, or a more indirect route. Some of the hospital that may last for a few days before pneumonia devel- written off, despite the relatively small number of cases MERS, including 38 deaths, have been recorded by the patients weren’t close to the infected person, but some- ops. But MERS appears far more lethal. Compared to it has caused. “As long as it is around, it has every oppor- World Health Organization in the past year, mostly in how picked up the virus. “In the right circumstances, the SARS’ 8 percent death rate, the fatality rate for MERS in tunity at the genetic roulette table to turn into some- Saudi Arabia. So far, illnesses haven’t spread as quickly as spread could be explosive,” said Perl, while emphasizing the Saudi outbreak was about 65 percent, though the thing more dangerous,” said Michael Osterholm, an SARS did in 2003, ultimately triggering a global outbreak that the team only had a snapshot of one MERS cluster experts could be missing mild cases that might skew infectious diseases expert at the University of that killed about 800 people. An international team of in Saudi Arabia. the figures. While SARS was traced to bats before jump- Minnesota. doctors who investigated nearly two dozen cases in Cases have continued to trickle in, and there appears ing to humans via civet cats, the source of the MERS WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan has previ- eastern Saudi Arabia found the new coronavirus has to be an ongoing outbreak in Saudi Arabia. MERS cases virus remains a mystery. It is most closely related to a ously called MERS the single biggest public health threat some striking similarities to SARS. Unlike SARS, though, have also been reported in Jordan, Qatar, the United bat virus though some experts suspect people may be and acknowledged officials were “empty-handed” scientists remain baffled as to the source of MERS. Arab Emirates, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Tunisia. getting sick from animals like camels or goats. Another regarding prevention measures. “We understand too lit- In a worrying finding, the team said MERS (Middle Most have had a direct connection to the Middle East hypothesis is that infected bats may be contaminating tle about this virus when viewed against the magnitude East respiratory syndrome) not only spreads easily region. In the Saudi cluster that was investigated, certain foods like dates, commonly harvested and eaten in of its potential threat,” she said last month in Geneva. At between people, but within hospitals. That was also the patients infected many more people than would be Saudi Arabia. a meeting this weekend in Cairo, WHO will meet with case with SARS, a distant relative of the new virus. “To expected, Perl said. One patient who was receiving dialy- Doctors around the world have struggled to treat other experts to discuss MERS and to possibly develop me, this felt a lot like SARS did,” said Dr Trish Perl, a senior sis treatment spread MERS to seven others, including fel- patients. “We need more information from other coun- guidelines for next month’s Ramadan, when millions of hospital epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, who low dialysis patients at the same hospital. During SARS, tries to find out what the best treatment is,” said Dr Muslim pilgrims will be visiting Saudi Arabia. — AP

Obama urges nuke weapons cuts Continued from Page 1 Obama also vowed to do more to help those living in impoverished corners of the globe and those, unlike the strong deterrent while reducing our strategic weapons citizens of former East Berlin, who are still living under by up to one-third,” Obama said. “These are steps we can repression, including in the Middle East. “The heroes that take to create a world of peace and justice,” he said, seek- came before us now call to us to live up to those highest ing to cement nuclear arms reductions as a key piece of his ideals to care for the young people that can’t find a job in legacy. our own countries and the girls who aren’t allowed to go It remains unclear whether Russian President Vladimir to school overseas. To be vigilant in extending a hand to Putin, with whom Obama had a frosty meeting at the G8 those reaching for freedom abroad,” Obama said. summit in Northern Ireland on Monday, will agree to such His speech though lacked the pomp of the soaring substantial weapons cuts. Russian Deputy Prime Minister address in Berlin to 200,000 people he gave as a candidate Dmitry Rogozin however poured cold water on the pro- in 2008, when the potential of a new political phenom posal. “How can we take seriously this idea about cuts in seemed limitless and his call for change heady. This time, strategic nuclear potential while the United States is devel- Obama spoke as a somewhat jaded leader, who has bat- oping its potential to intercept this strategic potential?” he tled economic blight for five years, wielded lethal power in said, according Russia’s Itar-TASS news agency. A Kremlin the US anti-terror campaign, and theoretically at least has spokesman said earlier that Russia had told the United had the power to fix the problems he invoked. States it wanted other nuclear armed states to commit to The crowd reaction was enthusiastic, but more tem- reductions. pered than when Obama, riding a wave of hope and Obama sought to conjure up the echoes of speeches change, spoke at Berlin’s Victory Column five years ago. by predecessors John F Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, Germans had eagerly awaited the pageantry of Obama’s though his speech lacked the historic weight and urgency first trip to their capital as president, but his arrival had of their Cold War efforts. Nearly 50 years to the day after been preceded by sharp questions about the scope of Kennedy proclaimed “Ich bin ein Berliner” in Berlin, Obama National Security Agency (NSA) programs. Obama, under built his conceit around another quote from the assassi- fire at home and abroad over the snooping, sought to nated Democrat’s speech - the idea of “peace with justice”. assure Germans that the system was limited in scope and Obama issued a call for the equality of economic opportu- legal during a press conference with German Chancellor nity, gender, sexuality and respect for immigrants and all Angela Merkel. religious faiths, in a throwback to his own campaign rheto- “This is not a situation where we are rifling through, you ric in 2008 and 2012. know, the ordinary emails of German citizens or American Pakistanis watch as an acrobat rides his motorcycle around a circular track at an entertainment park set up And he made his firmest vow to date to make good on citizens or French citizens or anyone else,” Obama said after outside a shrine in Rawalpindi, Pakistan yesterday. — AP previous promises to tackle global warming, which have meeting Merkel. He argued that “lives have been saved” largely been derailed by resistance in the US Congress and because of the use of the surveillance system. “We know of by the fear of harming the sluggish US economy. “Peace at least 50 threats that have been averted - not just in the India, Nepal monsoon floods leave 160 dead with justice means refusing to condemn our children to a United States, but in countries around the world, including harsher, less hospitable planet,” Obama said, to applause Germany,” he said. The programs, which have special reso- from the crowd. “We know we have to do more. And we nance in a nation where snooping operations by the com- Continued from Page 1 house evacuated locals and tourists. Some 18 air force heli- will do more,” Obama said, calling on the world to get to munist Stasi secret police are a painful memory, have trig- copters are ferrying many of those rescued to the camps, work “before it is too late”. gered alarm in Berlin. — AFP Some 65,000 people are still stranded, five days after with a control centre set up in the holy town of Badrinath. the rains hit on Saturday, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Tourists have been travelling to Uttarakhand in recent Shinde told reporters in New Delhi. Houses, multi-storied weeks to undertake pilgrimages before some sites are shut buildings, cars, bridges as well as roads have been swept down for the monsoon season, which does not normally UAE to try 30 ‘Brotherhood’ cell members away or damaged after rivers burst their banks, forcing start for another two weeks. State disaster relief minister Continued on Page 1 Dhabi was not immediately available for comment. authorities to deploy military as well as civilian helicopters Arya said portions of a revered Hindu temple have been The UAE pardoned more than 100 Egyptian prison- to evacuate people and drop essential food and other sup- washed away, leaving thousands of pilgrims stranded. Citing state prosecutor Ahmed Al-Danhani, WAM ers in April in an apparent gesture to improve bilateral “The Kedarnath temple is submerged in mud and slush. plies. “At least 110 people have died. The state government reported that the group had attempted to recruit new relations but did not include 11 Egyptians detained and the army are trying to rescue thousands of tourists We just hope that it does not collapse,” Arya told AFP. members and received financial support from a “secret last year on suspicion of training Islamists on how to who are stranded near the submerged valleys and Hindu In Uttar Pradesh, 18 people, including a family of five, organisation that had sought to seize power in the overthrow governments. The Muslim Brotherhood in shrines,” said Yashpal Arya, the disaster relief minister of were killed in rain-related accidents on Monday. A doctor country”, a reference to the 94 dissidents. The state- Egypt said at the time that some detainees were its Uttarakhand. At least another 28 people have been killed and his family were driving through Saharanpur district, ment also said the group had stolen a USB memory members and that they had been wrongfully arrested. in the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal when their car was swept away in a flash flood, officials stick belonging to a government department which The organisation has sought to reassure Gulf states Pradesh, officials said. Prime Minister Singh said the total said. In Himachal Pradesh, flash floods destroyed more official death toll is 102 “but it is feared that loss of lives than 500 houses and government buildings and at least 10 contained information about the “secret organisation” that it has no plan to push for political change beyond could be higher”. people were killed in landslides, officials said. The mon- which they then disseminated and discussed at a Egypt’s borders. Over the border in Nepal, at least 22 people were killed soon, which covers the subcontinent from June to secret meeting. The report did not say if and when the Essam Al-Erian, deputy leader of the Freedom and in recent days in landslides and flash floods also triggered September, usually brings some flooding. But the heavy members of the purported cell were detained, nor Justice Party, the Brotherhood’s Egyptian political by monsoon rains, officials said, prompting the govern- rains arrived early this year, catching many by surprise and how many of the 30 people referred to the Federal wing, criticised the UAE this week, saying authorities ment to step up relief efforts. In northern India, close to exposing the country’s lack of preparedness. Supreme Court were Emiratis and how many were “delusional” if they thought they could harm 10,000 soldiers along with 13 teams from the National Nilabja Ghosh, an economist working on climate Egyptians. Egypt with the arrests. The Freedom and Justice Party Disaster Response Force have been deployed for the res- change and agricultural methods in Uttarakhand, said the Ahmed Aref, a spokesman for the Muslim distanced itself from Erian’s comments, which were cue and relief effort, a statement from the prime minister weather office had not issued any early warnings about Brotherhood in Egypt, said he was not aware of yester- published on the state news agency on Monday, say- said. Soldiers from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have the heavy rains. “If the weather office had issued an early day’s case. “A lot of these files are not dealt with in a ing they did not represent the official view of the par- been building rope and log bridges across swollen rivers warning then authorities would have had the time to way that protects people’s rights and the charges are ty. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry also said Cairo valued to try to reach those stranded, said Ajay Chadha, chief of restrict tourist movement and shift residents to safer trials for political opinions,” Aref said. “They are dealt the “brotherly relations” it shared with the UAE. Prime the paramilitary force. zones,” said Ghosh who works at the Institute of Economic with using a security mentality similar to pre-revolu- Minister Hisham Kandil yesterday said “there was no Local officials said 40 relief camps have been set up to Growth in New Delhi. — AFP tion times in Egypt.” The Egyptian embassy in Abu real difference between the two states”.— Reuters THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 SPORTS Schleck ready to lead North cleared for first test Carroll quits Liverpool SYDNEY: Hulking Welsh winger George North has been declared fit PARIS: Luxembourg’s former champion Andy Schleck will lead RadioShack-Leopard for the British and Irish Lions’ first test against Australia, providing a LONDON: Liverpool took a huge financial hit on Andy Carroll yesterday by selling the towering England striker to fellow Premier League side West Ham, ending his disap- on the Tour de France even though he has been struggling with his form for a year, welcome boost for the tourists after Tuesday’s shock loss to the ACT pointing 2 1/2-year spell at Anfield. Carroll joined Liverpool from Newcastle on deadline the team said yesterday. Since he broke his pelvis in June 2012, Schleck has failed to Brumbies. day in January 2011 for a staggering 35 million pounds (then $56 million), making him finish most of the stage races he has entered, although he has shown improvement North, who was nursing a hamstring strain, passed a fitness test lately as he finished 40th overall in the Tour of Switzerland Britain’s most expensive footballer, but he struggled under yesterday to make himself available for the first test at the Suncorp the weight of expectation and didn’t fit into the club’s style last Sunday. “Nobody in the team ever had doubts about Stadium. the talent of Andy,” team manager Luca Guercilena of play. The striker moved to West Ham on a season-long “I’ve never seen him in better shape and he’s available for selec- loan last year, scoring seven goals in 24 league games said in a statement. tion, which is a huge fillip for us,” Lions assistant coach Rob Howley “Little by little he has come back to the level and, and has completed a permanent switch to Upton told reporters in Brisbane. where we expect him. The Tour de Suisse encour- Park on a six-year deal. “It’s a huge morale boost to have someone like George North aged and convinced us to give him the role he While West Ham said Carroll has joined for an undis- available for us.” The return of the 110 kg winger could set the stage closed fee, confirming it was a “club record,” the son of deserves and to give him the opportunity to have for a mouth-watering showdown with Wallabies’ code-hopper Israel co-owner David Sullivan - Jack Sullivan - tweeted that dedicated riders surrounding and supporting him.” Folau, who is expected to make his test debut in the hosts’ backline. the fee was 15.5 million pounds ($24.25 million) plus 2 Schleck, however, was not aiming for a podium fin- North’s Welsh team mate Jamie Roberts, however, is unlikely to be fit million pounds worth of add-ons. That is close to the fig- ish on the Champs Elysees, Guercilena said. “Of having sustained a hamstring strain in the win over the Waratahs last ure British media had been reporting. course we don’t put pressure on our champion. weekend. “Since the end of the season, I’ve had a lot of time to After the last twelve months it would be unreal- Roberts and Irish winger Tommy Bowe, who underwent surgery think, I’ve missed it and that’s why I’m back,” said istic to expect a podium place. on a broken bone in his hand, were in contention for the second test, Carroll, described by West Ham as its “marquee” sign- On the other hand, the lack of stress and said Howley. England centre Manu Tuilagi, nursing a shoulder injury, ing. West Ham, which finished 10th in the Premier pressure can be a positive stimulus to a brilliant was “touch and go”, he added.—Reuters League last season, is preparing to move into the performance.”—Reuters 54,000-seat Olympic Stadium in 2016. —AP Red Sox sweep Rays

BOSTON: Jonny Gomes hit a two-run Charlie Furbush (1-3) faced only a month. Moss put the A’s ahead to Pestano gave up three singles and a homer in the ninth inning to lift the one batter to get the victory, striking stay when his 13th homer led off the walk in the ninth but held on for his Boston Red Sox to a 3-1 win over the out Josh Hamilton with runners at second. Jaso led off the next inning second save. Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night, first and second to end the ninth. with his third homer and a 3-0 lead. The Royals lost for just the third completing a doubleheader sweep. Yoervis Medina got three outs for his The Rangers got within 3-2 in the time in 14 games and missed a Daniel Nava was aboard on a lead- first save. third when Ian Kinsler scored on a chance to move over .500 for the first off walk when Gomes followed with a Kyle Seager sparked the winning vicious collision at the plate, his face time since May 18. towering shot off Joel Peralta (1-3) rally with a two-out double in the slamming into the mask of catcher that cleared the Green Monster and 10th against Garrett Richards (2-4). Jaso while sliding feet-first. Kinsler TWINS 7, WHITE SOX 5 bounced off the sign just to the right In Minneapolis, Ryan Doumit hit a of the foul pole. go-ahead double in the eighth It was a dramatic ending to a very inning, leading Minnesota to the win. long day, which started at 1 p.m. with Joe Mauer homered and Trevor Boston’s 5-1 win in the opener, which Plouffe had an RBI single in was delayed almost three hours by Minnesota’s four-run first inning off rain. Dylan Axelrod. The White Sox came Nava also homered in the second back to tie it at 5 in the eighth when Alex Rios worked a leadoff walk ATLANTA: Daniel Murphy No. 28 of the New York Mets slides safely into third and Felix Doubront pitched eight shutout innings for Boston in the against Jared Burton (1-4), stole sec- base during game two of a doubleheader against Chris Johnson No. 23 of the night game. Doubront struck out six ond and scored on Paul Konerko’s Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.—AFP and held the Rays to three singles. single that bounced off the pitcher’s Andrew Bailey (3-0) gave up Kelly mound and into center field. Mets thrash Braves Johnson’s tying homer in the ninth, Clete Thomas walked with two but was bailed out by Gomes’ fifth outs against Ramon Troncoso (0-2) in homer. David Ortiz drove in three the eighth. Mauer followed with a ATLANTA: Zack Wheeler lived up the hype in his 13-inning loss against the Los Angeles Angels. runs in the doubleheader opener, single - his third hit of the game - and major league debut, pitching six scoreless Cincinnati’s lineup managed four hits while get- and Alfredo Aceves (4-1) pitched five Doumit drove a double to left center innings to lead the New York Mets to a 6-1 victo- ting shut out for the second time in their last solid innings for his third straight win. that gave the Twins the lead. Glen ry over the first-place Atlanta Braves and a dou- four games. The first game was marked by a Perkins pitched the ninth for his 17th bleheader sweep on Tuesday. Wheeler gave up rain delay in the fifth inning of 2 save. only four hits and struck out seven while consis- GIANTS 5, PADRES 4 hours, 59 minutes, extending the tently reaching the upper 90s on the radar gun. In San Francisco, Juan Perez hit a tiebreaking makeup of an April 12 rainout. INTERLEAGUE He struggled a bit with his control, walking five, single with two outs in the eighth inning and Highly touted Rays prospect Wil BLUE JAYS 8, ROCKIES 3 but got out of every jam. San Francisco snapped San Diego’s seven-game Myers made his major league debut In Toronto, Edwin Encarnacion hit It was a long day that gave New York’s long- winning streak. and picked up his first career hit in a two-run homer, J.P. Arencibia and suffering NL fans hope for a brighter future, led Perez’s clutch swing came after pinch hitter the second game. He went 1 for 7 on Maicer Izturis added back-to-back by two of baseball’s most dynamic young pitch- Jesus Guzman gave San Diego a 4-3 lead with a the day. shots and the Blue Jays won their ers. In Game 1 of the doubleheader, 24-year-old two-run homer in the top half of the inning. Tampa Bay’s Chris Archer (1-3) was seventh straight game. Matt Harvey (6-1) struck out a career-high 13 to Brandon Belt finished with three hits to help the charged with four runs, three earned, It’s the longest winning streak for lead the Mets past the Braves 4-3. Giants move into a second-place tie with and five hits in 4 2-3 innings in the Toronto since a 10-game run in late John Buck homered for the Mets in the first Colorado in the NL West. first game. 2008. Esmil Rogers (3-2) worked 6 2-3 game, and Anthony Recker went deep in the Jean Machi (2-0) retired one batter for the innings to beat his former team and second game. Bobby Parnell got four outs in the win and Sergio Romo worked the ninth for his ORIOLES 5, TIGERS 2 win his second straight start. Rogers opener for his 10th save. 17th save. Dale Thayer (0-3) took the loss. In Detroit, JJ Hardy and Adam didn’t allow a hit until Jonathan Recker, hitting just .158 coming into the San Francisco ace Matt Cain and Andrew Jones homered off Justin Verlander, Herrera singled with one out in the game, broke up the scoreless duel between Cashner each had a strong start. Cain had a sea- and Manny Machado added a double sixth. Wheeler and Paul Maholm (7-6) in the seventh, son-high 10 strikeouts in seven innings and was and two sparkling plays at third base The Rockies lost for the fifth time crushing his second homer of the season. charged with two runs. Cashner scattered 10 hits for Baltimore. in seven games and dropped to 0-8 Atlanta rookie Alex Wood (0-1) lost his first over 6 2-3 innings and allowed three runs. Hardy hit his third homer off BOSTON: Jonny Gomes No. 5 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates at at Rogers Centre. Jeff Francis (2-5) career start in the doubleheader opener, lasting Verlander (8-5) this month, connect- allowed season highs of eight runs only three innings. PHILLIES 4, NATIONALS 2 home plate after hitting the game-winning two-run home run in the ing for a two-run shot in the fourth ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays.—AFP and 10 hits in six innings, losing for In Philadelphia, Cliff Lee struck out nine in inning, and Jones added a three-run the first time in four career starts DIAMONDBACKS 3, MARLINS 2 eight impressive innings for Philadelphia, and drive in the fifth. Orioles starter Zach Morales, who struck out his previous needed three stitches near his left against Toronto. In Phoenix, Paul Goldschmidt hit a leadoff Michael Young tied a career high with three dou- Britton (1-1) allowed a run and five three times up, then lined a 3-2 pitch jaw and had blood on his jersey home run in the ninth inning, helping Arizona bles. Lee (9-2) allowed two runs and five hits to hits in 5 1-3 innings after being called off the glove of shortstop Erick Aybar when he returned to the field to play ASTROS 10, BREWERS 1 end a four-game losing streak. Goldschmidt’s win his fifth straight decision. The three-time All- up earlier in the day from the minors. to give Seattle the lead. second base. In Houston, Matt Dominguez hit a drive bounced high off the batter’s backdrop in Star left-hander lowered his ERA to 2.53 and Four Baltimore relievers finished. It was only the third RBI for grand slam and drove in a career- deep center field. His 17th homer of the season helped the Phillies move into a second-place tie Detroit put two on in the ninth for Morales in 30 at-bats against the INDIANS 4, ROYALS 3 high five runs to back another solid was his second in as many nights, and the sec- with the defending NL East champion Nationals. Miguel Cabrera, but the Triple Crown Angels since he was traded to the In Cleveland, Michael Brantley’s performance by Jordan Lyles, and ond game-ending home run of his career. Jayson Werth and Jeff Kobernus hit homered winner bounced into a game-ending Mariners in December for pitcher sacrifice fly capped Cleveland’s three- Houston rolled to the victory. Martin Prado also homered for the for Washington. Ross Detwiler (2-5) took the loss double play on the first pitch from Jason Vargas. run eighth inning, rallying the Indians Carlos Pena had a three-run Diamondbacks. David Hernandez (3-4) threw a in a game that started one hour, 10 minutes late Jim Johnson, who got his 26th save to the victory. Held to one run and homer and Chris Carter had two hits perfect top of the ninth for the win. because of rain. He allowed four runs and seven in 30 chances. Verlander gave up five ATHLETICS 6, RANGERS 2 three hits over seven innings by Ervin and drove in a run as the Astros won Chad Qualls (2-1) lost for the first time in 27 hits in six innings. Jonathan Papelbon worked runs and seven hits in five innings. In Arlington, Brandon Moss and Santana, the Indians finally strung for the fifth time in six games. The 22- appearances, with Goldschmidt connecting on the ninth for his 14th save a night after blowing Matt Tuiasosopo homered for the John Jaso homered off Yu Darvish, something together in the eighth off year-old Lyles (4-1) yielded seven hits his second pitch. his first of the season and then getting the win. Tigers. helping AL West-leading Oakland get Kelvin Herrera (3-5) and Tim Collins. and one run over seven innings. The the victory. Jarrod Parker (6-6) limited Michael Bourn and Jason Kipnis Astros were up by one in the fifth PIRATES 4, REDS 0 CUBS 4, CARDINALS 2 MARINERS 3, ANGELS 2 the Rangers to two runs and three delivered RBI hits before Brantley when Pena launched his home run to In Cincinnati, Pedro Alvarez singled home a In St. Louis, Ryan Sweeney and Cody Ransom In Anaheim, Kendrys Morales hit hits over seven innings to improve to drove in Mike Aviles with the go- chase Milwaukee starter Alfredo pair of runs in the first inning as Pittsburgh end- hit back-to-back homers in a four-run first inning an RBI single in the 10th inning 4-0 his last five starts. ahead run. Figaro (1-1) and extend the lead to 5- ed Mat Latos’ streak of 21 regular-season starts and that was plenty for Jeff Samardzija, who against his former team, leading Darvish (7-3) struck out 10, Cody Allen (2-0), whose throwing 1. Dominguez’s first career grand without a loss. pitched the Cubs to the victory. Seattle to a victory against Los increasing his majors-best total to error in the eighth helped the Royals slam came in Houston’s five-run sev- Latos (6-1) hadn’t lost a regular-season game Chicago started fast against Adam Angeles. 137, but still hasn’t won in more than take a 3-1 lead, got the win. Vinnie enth.—AP since last August, setting a club-record streak of Wainwright (10-4) and broke a five-game losing avoiding defeat. He couldn’t overcome streak in St. Louis. Pinch-runner Shane Robinson Pittsburgh’s three-run first inning. was called out for interference while trying to Charlie Morton (1-1) was better during his break up a double play to end the game. Brawn needs brains to avoid tyre trouble second start since returning from elbow surgery. Carlos Beltran hit his team-high 17th homer LONDON: Mercedes principal Ross Brawn, a past mas- - to support their position that they acted in good in Barcelona last month. He gave up three singles and threw 61 pitches in for the Cardinals, who lost for the third time in ter at finding Formula One loopholes, may need to faith. Brawn’s position, already questioned with the 5 1-3 innings, starting the Pirates toward their five games but still lead the majors with a 45-26 pull another rabbit from his magician’s hat today if his “I am comfortable and confident that once we get arrival of former McLaren technical director Paddy NL-leading 12th shutout. Latos had nine of record. Samardzija (4-7) gave up two runs and team are to escape potentially heavy sanctions. The to the tribunal, the facts will become apparent and Lowe, could become untenable. Cincinnati’s 17 strikeouts, which matched the seven hits in 8 1-3 innings. Kevin Gregg got burly Englishman will explain to an International people can make a better judgement,” Brawn said at So too could that of Whiting, who is close to the club’s nine-inning record. The Reds also had 17 David Freese to ground into a game-ending Tribunal hearing in Paris why the team of 2008 world the last Canadian Grand Prix. sport’s commercial supremo and fellow-Briton Bernie strikeouts on opening day, but that came in a double play for his 10th save.—AP champion Lewis Hamilton and Germany’s Nico Ecclestone but seemingly less so to FIA president Jean Rosberg should escape punishment for apparently Todt. MLB results/standings breaking strict rules on testing. There have been rumors in Italy already that for- The possible penalties range from a reprimand, mer Ferrari man Giorgio Ascanelli could replace him. through fines and points deductions, to the nuclear There have been suggestions that Mercedes, major Boston 5, Tampa Bay 1; NY Mets 4, Atlanta 3; Cleveland 4, Kansas City 3; Baltimore 5, Detroit 2; option of exclusion from the championship. players in the sport, could even pull out, although that Philadelphia 4, Washington 2; Toronto 8, Colorado 3; Boston 3, Tampa Bay 1; NY Mets 6, Atlanta 1; Brawn — winner of multiple championships with would seem unlikely given how much they have Pittsburgh 4, Cincinnati 0; Oakland 6, Texas 2; Minnesota 7, Chicago White Sox 5; Houston 10, Benetton, Ferrari and the Brawn GP team that became invested in developing their new V6 engine for 2014. Milwaukee 1; Chicago Cubs 4, St. Louis 2; Arizona 3, Miami 2; Seattle 3, LA Angels 2 (10 innings); Mercedes — is the team’s leading witness and has Pirelli have also been summoned, although it is San Francisco 5, San Diego 4. considerable experience of appearing before the gov- unclear what charges or sanctions they might be fac- American League National League erning International Automobile Federation and com- ing given that they are not competitors and therefore Eastern Division Eastern Division ing out in the clear. not subject to the sporting regulations. W L PCT GB Atlanta 42 30 .583 - Benetton’s 1994 traction control furore, Ferrari’s If Pirelli are punished in any way - and clearly sanc- ‘bargeboard’ controversy of 1999 and the Brawn dou- tions such as a points deduction or race ban cannot Boston 44 29 .603 - Philadelphia 35 37 .486 7 ble diffuser row of 2009 all ended with the Briton apply to the Italian company - then the sport could be Baltimore 41 31 .569 2.5 Washington 34 36 .486 7 emerging from an FIA hearing at least on the winning heading into very choppy waters. NY Yankees 38 31 .551 4 NY Mets 27 40 .403 12.5 side if not the entirely righteous one. The tyre supplier does not yet have a contract for Tampa Bay 36 35 .507 7 Miami 22 48 .314 19 Brawn and Mercedes - winners in Monaco in May - 2014 and it is getting too late to find an alternative. Toronto 34 36 .486 8.5 Central Division Central Division have said they welcome the chance to explain the The main accusation levelled against Mercedes by St. Louis 45 26 .634 - Detroit 39 30 .565 - facts “in an open and transparent manner” at the FIA’s their protesting rivals is that they gained an unfair Cincinnati 43 29 .597 2.5 Cleveland 35 35 .500 4.5 Place de la Concorde headquarters. Ross Brawn advantage by testing with their 2013 car and drivers Pittsburgh 42 29 .592 3 Kansas City 34 35 .493 5 The Tribunal must decide whether the team broke over what amounts to more than three race distances. Chicago Cubs 29 40 .420 15 Minnesota 31 36 .463 7 the rules in using their 2013 car at the test conducted “We would not have done the Pirelli test unless we In-season testing by teams with current cars is Milwaukee 28 41 .406 16 Chicago W Sox 29 39 .426 9.5 by Pirelli and, if so, whether they deserve to be pun- believed we could do the Pirelli test. When we get to banned in Formula One, except for limited mileage in Western Division Western Division ished for it. Courtroom drama cannot be ruled out, the tribunal, you will have your answers.” specific circumstances such as filming or straight-line Oakland 43 30 .589 - Arizona 38 33 .535 - nor can explosive consequences in one of the biggest The stakes may be higher than ever this time, how- aerodynamic evaluation. Texas 39 32 .549 3 San Francisco 36 34 .514 1.5 controversies faced by the sport in the last few years. ever. Although Mercedes have said Brawn will not be Pirelli are allowed to carry out tyre tests using rep- Seattle 32 40 .444 10.5 Colorado 37 35 .514 1.5 Expectations are that the German-registered team will made the fall guy if they are found guilty, the owlish resentative equipment and Ferrari were cleared after LA Angels 31 40 .437 11 San Diego 36 35 .507 2 produce evidence - possibly an email or letter convey- Briton has said he took the decision to do the private they took part in a Pirelli test in April with their 2011 Houston 27 45 .375 15.5 LA Dodgers 29 39 .426 7.5 ing the approval of FIA technical head Charlie Whiting 1,000km test with the sport’s sole tyre supplier Pirelli car.—Reuters THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 SPORTS

Former NBA player’s son seen as slam dunk for big NHL career

BOSTON: Given the genes and sporting later this month as the consensus number club’s executive vice-president of hockey is seen by scouts as the complete package “He was the first African-American to pedigree it is not unusual that Seth Jones, one pick. operations, for advice about what to do possessing all the skills to become a fran- play hockey, I don’t know much but obvi- son of former NBA journeyman Ronald “It’s been a really cool experience but it with two a young son fascinated by hock- chise player. ously it was tough time for him back then ‘Popeye’ Jones, would one day follow in has been a hectic season media wise and ey. But with great talent comes great but I’m looking forward to meeting him his father’s athletic footsteps. hockey wise,” Jones told reporters ahead The next season, seven-year-old Seth expectations. A team pinning a good part and hearing about his experiences,” said The sporting world, after all, has an of Monday’s Game Three of the Stanley Jones sat rinkside as the Avalanche hoist- of its future on a calculated roll of dice. Jones, whose character has received near- orchard of family trees bearing familiar Cup final in Boston. ed the Stanley Cup. That night Seth Jones “Wherever you get drafted that team is ly as much praise as his skills. “Hopefully I fruit. In the NFL there is Archie Manning “I’m just trying to enjoy it and looking was hooked. “I saw that game I knew I going to have expectations and you want can be a role model.” It is clear by the tone and his quarterbacking sons Peyton and forward to the (June) 30th, it’s going to be wanted to be a hockey player and I knew to make those expectations as much as of questions that much will be expected Eli while Bobby Bonds and his home run an awesome experience I get to share that one day I wanted to lift the Stanley you can,” said Jones. “My goal is to play of Jones. He is asked to peer deep into an king son Barry terrorized Major League with my family.” The Colorado Avalanche, Cup,” said Jones. “The intensity, the speed next year and I’m going to do whatever I uncertain future and provide details about Baseball pitchers. owners of the first pick, are widely expect- of the game and you don’t get more pas- can to make that happen.” what it will feel like to be the face of U.S. The Hockey Hall of Fame could dedi- ed to use the selection on the 18-year-old sion than Game Seven of a Stanley Cup Unlike other first round picks Jones car- hockey as well as role model. cate an entire wing to father and sons defenseman. final. ries with him an added responsibility if he For a young man who has not yet been with the likes of Bobby Hull and his boy Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy has “You just see the look on guys faces, is taken number one. Jones could be the drafted or played a single minute in the Brett and Gordie Howe and Mark not committed to Jones but the 6-foot-4, the determination to win one game and first black player ever taken number one NHL these are impossible questions to enshrined side-by-side. 206-pound blueliner would appear to be take it all.” Jones has also worn a deter- breaking down another small barrier in a answer yet Jones has a clear idea of how But Popeye and Seth Jones are a the perfect fit for the Mile High City. mined look this season. white dominated sport. He would also he wants life to unfold. father/son sporting story with a twist. It was in Denver where Popeye Jones He was a leader on the US team that become the seventh American taken with “It definitely is surreal, I haven’t really When growing up around ballparks and spent one of his 11 NBA seasons (1999- won gold at the World Junior Ice Hockey the number one pick and just the second accomplished anything yet,” said Jones. arenas kids often tend to gravitate 2000) with the Nuggets and started his championships and helped the Portland defenseman chosen since 1997. “But hopefully I can go in and live up to towards what dad does best. son down the unlikely path to hockey star- Winterhawks to the final of the Memorial Jones reflected on the responsibility on the expectations and hype that has been But it was the ice rink, not the basket- dom. Cup, that goes to the top junior club in the Monday, sitting in the same site where given to me. ball court, that held a fascination for Seth Jones learned to skate in Colorado, Canadian Hockey League. Willie O’Ree broke the NHL color barrier “As an 18-year-old you want to know Jones, who developed a better slap shot prompting his father to approach With size, slick skating ability, a big with the Boston Bruins in 1958 against the what the future holds for you but you just than a slam dunk and enters the NHL draft Avalanche captain Joe Sakic, now the shot and NHL caliber hockey smarts, Jones Montreal Canadiens. can’t see it. “You have to wait.”—Reuters

Preview Resurgent India impress Jayawardene

CARDIFF: Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene is left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja and seamers under no illusions about the scale of the task Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma and confronting his side when they face India in a Umesh Yadav. However, with yorker specialist Champions Trophy semi-final in Cardiff today. Lasith Malinga leading the way, Sri Lanka can The latest high-profile one-day interna- tame any top order. tional contest between the teams is a repeat Jayawardene, who in the course of his of the 2011 World Cup final in Mumbai. That innings against Australia became the eighth clash saw the 36-year-old Jayawardene make player to score 11,000 ODI runs, added: unwanted history by becoming the first man “Warm-up games, or whatever, don’t count to score a century in a World Cup final yet fin- right now. ish on the losing side, with India victorious by “We are playing hard and passionate crick- six wickets. et. That has been the mantra of our success in On Monday, Jayawardene was in the runs the past and I hope it continues in the future LONDON: South Africa’s Ryan McLaren (left) plays a shot as England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler (second left) looks on during the again, but on the winning side, with his also.” One Day International (ODI) ICC Champions Trophy Semi-final cricket match.—AFP unbeaten 84 helping secure a 20-run victory India’s recent results have been a tonic for over defending champions Australia at The fans at home reeling from a spot-fixing scan- Oval that booked Sri Lanka’s place in the last dal in the Indian Premier League that led to England storms into final four. Jayawardene saw India beat Sri Lanka in a the arrest of three players, including Test fast warm-up match at Edgbaston earlier this bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth. But, month and has been impressed by their form regardless of India’s off-field problems, the Champions Trophy in the tournament proper. “I think they’re play- national side’s prospects look bright. ing some really good cricket,” he said. “Their “This is the team of the future,” Kapil Dev, LONDON: England eased into the Champions De Villiers lasted nine balls without scoring 17th over. Du Plessis edged Tredwell behind for batting looks really strong, so that’s a key area India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain, told Trophy final after finishing off South Africa in a before he edged behind off Broad, who almost 26, Ryan McLaren was run out for 1 by a smart we need to focus a bit on.” AFP. “They are playing fearless cricket.” semifinal at The Oval yesterday that had all the had replacement batsman JP Duminy on the next Trott, and when Chris Morris gave another caught- The India team set to take the field in Wicketkeeper-batsman Dhoni, demonstrated tension of a practice session. ball. But Duminy had the lbw decision against him behind off Tredwell, who had 3-8 off 17 balls, the Cardiff has been transformed so dramatically the calm approach admired by Kumar, among Tasked with 176 for victory, England could reversed on review. When he was still to get off Proteas were eight down for 80. in the past two years it will likely feature just others, when he said: “There are, hopefully, still afford to take its time before a subdued, near- the mark, Duminy backed up to Tredwell and was Without pressure, Miller and Kleinveldt slogged three players-captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni two more matches to go and we must play capacity crowd to bag the runs in 37.3 overs with hit middle and leg, confirmed by TV replay. But sensibly for 16 overs. Kleinveldt’s best ODI score of plus batsmen Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli- with the same intensity that we have shown seven wickets to spare. England didn’t review. 43 was ended by Broad, who also claimed last man who appeared in the World Cup final. so far.” Jonathan Trott and Joe Root combined for 105 The damage was minimal. Duminy was bowled Lonwabo Tsotsobe off the next ball to leave Miller India were the only side in the group stage The one thing that could spoil an intrigu- from 126 balls to steer England to the brink of the for 3, third time unlucky, to Tredwell at 63-5 in the stranded on 56 not out.—AP of this Champions Trophy with a perfect ing match is rain. Bad weather in Cardiff saw victory. Trott, indispensable to England, hit the record following wins over South Africa, the South Africa knock out the West Indies on a winning runs with his 11th boundary in 82 not out West Indies and arch-rivals Pakistan. Duckworth/Lewis tie and cut England’s even- off 84 balls. Title favorite India or Sri Lanka will join Hard-hitting opener Shikhar Dhawan, the tual 10-run win over New Zealand to a 24 England in the final on Sunday at Birmingham, mainstay of the India batting praised by overs per side contest. where the hosts will try to win their first major Jayawardene, is the tournament’s leading There is provision for a ‘super over’ in the one-day international title. scorer so far with 264 runs including two hun- event of a tie today but if rain causes a no- England’s only previous Trophy final was also dreds. result, India will go through to face England in on home soil in 2004, when West Indies came from The influx of youth has also seen a marked Sunday’s final at Edgbaston on account of behind to win. improvement in India’s fielding and this has having won Group B, with Sri Lanka runners- All the drama yesterday was enacted in the backed up a well-balanced attack featuring up in Group A.—AFP morning, when England won the toss, threw the bowlers at South Africa in ideal overcast and mug- gy conditions, and watched them tear apart the Proteas to be 80-8. Only a South Africa-record, Sunny Jamaica cast into ninth-wicket stand of 95 between David Miller and Rory Kleinveldt spared them from utter humilia- shadow after drugs bust tion. A battery without the fearsome but injured Dale Steyn couldn’t defend 175 in better batting LONDON: Jamaica, sunlit home of the world’s Athens. Four years later, she became only the conditions in the afternoon. finest sprinters, was cast into shadow on second woman to retain the title after East In South Africa’s post-apartheid history of Tuesday after confirmation that the Caribbean Germany’s Barbel Woeckel (1976 and 1980) major events, it was another scar to add to chokes island’s most successful female sprinter has when finishing first in Beijing. in the World Cup semifinals in 1999 and 2007, the failed a drugs test. Suspicion over the island’s sprint dominance quarterfinals in 2011, and the Champions Trophy Twice Olympic 200 metres champion has grown since the 2008 Beijing Olympics semis in 2000 and 2002. Veronica Campbell-Brown, the first Jamaican to when Jamaica won five golds and Usain Bolt This was South Africa’s and England’s first win a global 100 metres title, was provisionally stole the show with his dazzling world records in major semi since the 1992 World Cup, the infa- suspended by the national federation after a the 100 and 200 metres. Jamaicans have won 18 mous, rain-affected match in which the Proteas LONDON: England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler (right) appeals for the dismissal of South positive test for a possible masking agent. Olympic and world championship gold medals needed 21 off the last ball. “I was crying that Africa’s Jean-Paul Duminy during the One Day International (ODI) ICC Champions The news followed Jamaican 400 metres run- since 2008 over 100, 200 and 4x100 metres relay night,” de Villiers said this week. He wouldn’t have Trophy Semi-final cricket match.—AFP ner Dominique Blake’s six-year ban last week for out of a possible 24. “There is a perception that cried on Wednesday as he had longer to digest the a second doping offence and world 4x100 m perhaps the Jamaicans are too good to be true, inevitable result at The Oval. especially after their domination of both men’s Fast bowler James Anderson started the rout in SCOREBOARD and women’s sprinting,” former World Anti- the day’s first over and took 2-14, while offspinner Doping Agency(WADA) chief Dick Pound told James Tredwell, the backup for the injured Graeme Reuters via email. Swann, tied up the middle order in claiming 3-19 LONDON: Full scoreboard of the Champions Trophy semi-final between England and South “A positive test on the part of any star athlete and an assist in a run out. Africa at the Oval in London yesterday: will tend to reinforce that perception,” he said, Pacemen Stuart Broad and Steven Finn were South Africa 45-1 (w1), Broad 8.4-0-50-3 (w2), adding the recent positives “undoubtedly” called relatively expensive, but their first wickets were C. Ingram lbw b Anderson 0 Tredwell 7-1-19-3, Root 3-0-22-0, Bopara 4-0- into question Jamaica’s anti-doping programme. the biggest prizes; de Villiers and Hashim Amla Hashim Amla c Buttler b Finn 1 19-0. “If there is a problem, it should be identified respectively, the world’s two leading batsmen in R. Peterson lbw b Anderson 30 by more positives and it may be that the one-day internationals, and out for one run F. du Plessis c Buttler b Tredwell 26 England Jamaican testers are doing a more thorough job. between them. AB de Villiers c Buttler b Broad 0 A. Cook c de Villiers b Morris 6 “I do not know if the IAAF has increased its Both Proteas openers were gone within the JP Duminy b Tredwell 3 I. Bell c de Villiers b Kleinveldt 20 own testing of them,” he added referring to the first 10 deliveries. Colin Ingram was undone by D. Miller not out 56 J. Trott not out 82 sport’s world governing body. Pound, the WADA Anderson in the first over before he’d scored, then R. McLaren run out 1 J. Root b Duminy 48 president from 1999 to 2007, felt performances the great Amla, with an average of 56, made only 1 C. Morris c Buttler b Tredwell 3 E. Morgan not out 15 from other Jamaican sprinters could now attract before he nicked Steven Finn off the toe of his bat R. Kleinveldt c Buttler b Broad 43 Extras: (lb4, w4) 8 more scrutiny. “I do not think anyone will pro- and gave wicketkeeper Jos Buttler the first of his L. Tsotsobe c Buttler b Broad 0 Total (for three wickets, 37.3 overs) 179 ceed automatically from suspicion to declaration six catches. Finn, who rose to No. 2 in the ODI Extras: (lb6, w6) 12 Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Cook), 2-41 (Bell), 3-146 of guilt in the absence of evidence against any bowler rankings without playing in the tourna- Total (all out, 38.4 overs) 175 (Root). particular athlete, but it will sharpen the focus ment, was brought in for Tim Bresnan and was Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Ingram), 2-4 (Amla), 3-45 Bowling: Morris 8-1-38-1 (w3), Peterson 9.3- on their accomplishments and probably lead to seen off by Robin Peterson, who struck three suc- (Peterson), 4-50 (de Villiers), 5-63 (Duminy), 6- 1-49-0, Duminy 5-0-27-1, Tsotsobe 5-0-26-0, far more testing of them,” he said. cessive boundaries off the fast bowler. 70 (du Plessis), 7-76 (McLaren), 8-80 (Morris), Kleinveldt 4-0-10-1, McLaren 6-0-25-0 (w1). Six-times Olympic champion Bolt has never But Peterson, dropped on 25 off Broad, made 9-175 (Kleinveldt), 10-175 (Tsotsobe). England won by seven wickets failed a drugs test and has vehemently spoken 30 before he was trapped by Anderson, who set Bowling: Anderson 8-1-14-2 (w3), Finn 8-1- Man of the match: James Tredwell (ENG) out in defence of his country’s outstanding per- up his fall impressively. formances. “We work hard, we get injuries, we have to take ice baths, we lay on the track, so I see the work we put in to be the best that we are,” Bolt said during last year’s London Olympics Blake to run just 100m at Worlds at which he won the 100, 200 and relay gold Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown medals. KINGSTON: Olympic double the Jamaican championships, his Championships,” he added of the behind his Jamaican compatriot relay gold medallist Steve Mullings losing his “When people doubt us it’s really hard, but sprint silver medallist Yohan Blake manager Cubie Seegobin said. Aug. 10-18 meeting in the Russian Usain Bolt’s world record of 19.19 appeal in March against a lifetime ban from ath- we’re trying our best to show the world that we will only run in the 100 metres at “Yohan’s coach is not satisfied capital. seconds that the six-time Olympic letics. Officials said a dozen Jamaican athletes are running clean.” Bolt’s coach Glen Mills has the World Athletics with the progress of his injury and Blake automatically qualified champion ran at the 2009 World had received sanctions ranging from three called on the Jamaican government to set up an Championships in Moscow after hence his level of fitness will not for the 100m at the World Championships in Berlin. months to life for doping violation in the past accredited anti-doping laboratory to protect its he withdrew from this weekend’s allow him to compete at (the Championships because he was Blake has only returned to five years. world-class athletes from taking contaminated Jamaican national champi- nationals) this time,” Seegobin the defending champion having competition in the last two weeks Campbell-Brown was at the forefront of substances.Mills, who mentors Bolt and world onships, his manager said on told Reuters. won the 2011 title in Daegu, and ran a pedestrian 20.72 sec- Jamaica’s transformation into a sprinting power- 100 metres champion Yohan Blake, said Tuesday. Blake suffered a ham- “We will continue to assess the South Korea. Blake has run the onds for the longer distance at a house when in 2004 she became the first Jamaican athletes faced a minefield of sub- string injury in April and due to situation and re-evaluate as we second-fastest time in the 200, low-key development meeting in woman from the Caribbean to win an Olympic stances and had little way of checking their fitness issues was withdrawn from approach the World clocking 19.26 seconds, just the Jamaican capital.—Reuters gold medal with her victory over 200 metres at validity. —Reuters THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 SPORTS

Forgotten man Bastl Photo of the day revelling in ‘new career’

LONDON: Scraping around the fringes of pro- career earnings of $1.2 million. fessional tennis, at tournaments in unglamorous “It’s a great challenge and an opportunity to locations, without umpires and ball boys and still be able to play,” he said. “Of course, I have to against players not old enough to remember his start from the very bottom but that doesn’t golden moment, George Bastl is determined for scare me at all. It’s the only way I can come back. one last hurrah. “My aim is to be able to play for one or two At 38, the tennis journeyman who beat sev- years and get back to my best ranking and I still en-times Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras in feel I can make some results on the circuit.” the second round in 2002 - still one of the great- Professional sport, be it tennis, boxing, or est shocks of all time in grand slams - is not yet soccer, is littered with tales of ignominious and ready to bow out. ill-fated comebacks by athletes long past their When Wimbledon starts next week, the best. American-born Swiss will be taking the latest After 10 years away from tennis, Bjorn Borg, steps on a comeback trail - far from the All one of the all-time greats, returned in 1991 using England Club’s manicured lush green lawns, a wooden racket and failed to win a single champagne and strawberries and cream - that match. While their stories and talents differ, Bastl he hopes will lead him back to a tournament is aware that the odds are stacked against him. that made him famous for 15 minutes. “The bigger the challenge the bigger the sat- Due to a persistent knee injury that has isfaction and personal reward. I’m aware of that robbed him of full fitness for the last three years, and if it was something I didn’t want to go Bastl has fallen so far off the tennis radar that he through I wouldn’t consider it,” he said. now finds himself in the game’s backwaters, “It doesn’t matter who is across the other where the costs of travel outweigh the prize side of the net, you have to find a way to win money on offer. and this challenge and competitiveness that The barren years have not dampened his drives me is what I want to pursue.” spirit. “Age is not an issue for me,” a now healthy For Bastl, his epic five-set win over the great Bastl, without a ranking since 2011, told Reuters Sampras came “in another life”. Only in the main in an interview. Wimbledon draw as a lucky loser, few gave Bastl “Everyone has his own career path. I started a sniff against Sampras on the now defunct later stage in my life. I turned pro at 24 after I did Court Two, once the notorious graveyard of my studies in the US. “It’s important to be in seeds. good physical shape and have the passion for Bastl won the first two sets 6-3 6-2 before Magdalena Schwertl performs at the Red Bull Ordinul Smaranda 2013 in Bucharest, Romania. www.redbullcontentpool.com the game. It’s very much there and stronger Sampras fought back to force a decider, only for than before. I don’t look at what careers other the Swiss to refocus and pull off a sensational players had.” victory. Bastl’s “new career”, as he puts it, is proving an “You have to be a tennis historian or some- Heat force Game 7 decider eye-opener for a player who reached a career- one who follows tennis closely to come up with high ranking of 71 in 2000. “The tough times and that match - for me it was a long time ago,” he injury made me also think differently about the said. “I won one match - I didn’t win the tourna- MIAMI: The Miami Heat forced an tuck throughout the first two With their season and some of winning back-to-back titles. game so I feel like a 16-year-old starting again,” ment.” already absorbing NBA Finals to a quarters with 37-year-old Tim might say legacy on the line, “It was a hell of a game... a hell he said. In seven Futures events, the third and Bastl bowed out tamely to Argentine David deciding Game Seven after a Duncan showing the consistency Miami battled back in the fourth, of game,” San Antonio coach lowest tier of professional tennis, this year in Nalbandian in the next round and three years thrilling 103-100 overtime victory and accuracy that has helped car- with a brilliant block from James Gregg Popovich said. “It was an Turkey, Bastl has yet to win a singles match in later became Andy Murray’s first grand slam over the San Antonio Spurs on ry the Spurs to four titles since on Duncan, which the MVP overtime game. It’s a game of the main draw. “I was not expecting anything main draw victim. The Briton, then 18, won in Tuesday tied the series at 3-3. 1999 as he shot 11-of-13 from the immediately followed up with a mistakes and they ended up on easy,” he candidly admitted. “The competition is straight sets in the first round at Wimbledon. Miami trailed by 13 points in floor to tally 25 points by halftime. basket to bring the game level at the winning side.” very eager and hungry.” For his efforts, including That was to be Bastl’s last appearance in the the third quarter but LeBron The Spurs ended the half with a 82-82. Game Seven will be played in doubles matches, he has accrued the princely main draw of the grasscourt slam but he has not James, ditching his trademark crowd-silencing run to lead by six But James was so nearly the Miami today and a drained Heat sum of $1057, small change for a player with given up hope of returning.—Reuters headband, turned on the after- at the interval with Duncan villain with two costly turnovers coach Erik Spoelstra was clearly burners to spark a Heat fightback. outscoring the entire Miami Big in the final stages of the fourth thrilled at the prospect of a title San Antonio were not about to Three of James, Dwyane Wade and quarter, allowing the Spurs to get showdown. “If you said when we roll over under the weight of the Chris Bosh, who had combined for back in front as some fans began started our (pre-season) trip to Nadal seeded fifth onslaught, however, rallying to just 21 first-half points. to leave the arena, convinced China if we could decide this sea- eke out a five-point lead with 28.2 The game started to drift away Miami’s season was over. son with a Game Seven in our for Wimbledon seconds remaining as the champi- from Miami in the third and the Those fans were soon rushing building, every single one of us onship ribbons were being pre- Spurs ended the quarter with a back to their seats though ,as take it. “They are the best two pared for them courtside. 10-point lead as they closed in on James and Allen forced overtime words in team sports — Game LONDON: Rafa Nadal could face world num- takes into account grass-court performances James cut the deficit with a a potential fifth NBA title. and Miami kept alive their hope Seven.”—Reuters ber one Novak Djokovic, defending champion of the past two seasons. vital three-pointer and San Roger Federer or home favorite Andy Murray As Nadal suffered a shock second-round Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard could as early as the Wimbledon quarter-finals after exit in southwest London 12 months ago, only sink one of his two free he was seeded fifth for the grasscourt major after which his ranking slipped as he spent throws to give Miami a glimmer of yesterday. seven months on the sidelines with a knee hope as they trailed by just three Friday’s draw for the tournament, which injury, Wimbledon’s seeding formula failed to points in the closing seconds. begins at the All England Club on Monday, bump him above Ferrer, who reached the Ray Allen then took centre could now produce a nightmare scenario for quarter-finals last year. stage, finding the basket with his John McEnroe, the retired three-times first successful three-point Wimbledon champion, said on Tuesday that it attempt of the night with five sec- would be ‘totally wrong’ for 12-times grand onds remaining to send the game slam champion Nadal to be seeded outside into overtime. the top four. “It’s going to be a shot that I “In my opinion there is no doubt he remember for a long time. This should be in the top four,” American McEnroe will go high up in the ranks said in a conference call. “If he ran into Ferrer because of that situation,” Allen in the quarter-finals it would be the same old, told reporters. same old because Ferrer is used to running Then, with the Heat trailing into one of the big four in the last eight. 100-97 in overtime, Allen and “But if Nadal played Djokovic in the quar- James were again decisive, sinking ters, or possibly Murray or Federer, that would jump shots before San Antonio’s be a big difference, and absolutely wrong for Manu Ginobili turned the ball over that to happen, in my opinion.” US Open while driving towards the basket. champion Murray had already resigned him- Former Boston Celtics Allen self to a possible last-eight clash with Nadal. guard then completed a memo- “I know there will be a lot of interest in the rable performance by keeping his draw this year as Rafael Nadal looks like being cool to drain two free throws to seeded fifth but as a player you can’t get too give Miami a three-point lead they obsessed about the draw,” Murray had said in would not relinquish. “It was by far a column for the BBC website on Monday. the best game I’ve ever been a Rafael Nadal “I’d sign up to be in the quarter-finals part of,” said four-time MVP James. top three seeds Djokovic, Murray and Federer against Rafa tomorrow if someone offered “I’m blessed to be a part of this.” if any of them end up being in the same quar- me that.” The Wimbledon seedings by and MIAMI: San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) and Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) collide The contest had been nip-and- ter as 2008 and 2010 winner Nadal. large reflected the current ATP rankings, during the second half of Game 6 of their NBA Finals basketball series. —AP The Wimbledon seeding reflects Nadal’s with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga bumped current ranking, with the Mallorcan behind up a place to sixth and Queen’s Club runner- fourth-ranked Spanish compatriot David up Marin Cilic profiting from two spots to Spurs’ collapse starts at top with Pop Ferrer whom he beat to win an eighth French 10th. There were no surprises among the Open title this month. women after five-times champion Serena NEW YORK: The sly smile on Erik Spoelstra’s was Popovich instead who wound up on the (quarter) and overtime. It was just - the Wimbledon is the only grand slam that Williams was named top seed ahead of lips said it all. If only this once, the Miami hot seat. He had to answer for pulling his two opportunities weren’t there.” Parker, who had does not automatically follow the men’s rank- Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova in coach couldn’t wait to field questions. best players, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, at 19 points, said he was “cramping a little bit at ings when seedings are decided. Instead, offi- second and third in accordance with the This was just minutes after a magical the start of the fourth quarter, when the the end of the game,” referring to a hamstring cials rely on a three-stage formula which also rankings.—Reuters Game 6, when the memories of how his Heat Spurs led by 10 and one more surge might injury that’s dogged him the last few games. defied the longest of odds to steal a win in have put the game out of reach. “But,” he quickly added, “I’ll go with what- overtime were still fresh: Down five points And why he played a cat-and-mouse sub- ever Pop decides.” Ultimately, it was left to Li Na relaxed after with just under 30 seconds left in regulation, stitution game with both over the final few Ginobili to present a defense, and the quick against a San Antonio team and a coach, possessions, when Duncan’s presence inside summary was Popovich is so many moves early French exit Gregg Popovich, who never lose their com- might have stopped Miami from snagging ahead that even questioning his decisions posure or cool. the rebounds that set up those 3-pointers, only makes the rest of us look foolish. To his EASTBOURNE: Who can a woman turn to when like: ‘What are you doing here?’ So I said: ‘Mum, I The championship trophy was on a plat- and how Parker’s absence left Manu Ginobili - credit, Ginobili took full blame for his own everything falls apart? Her mother, of course - just wanted to see you, say hi, have dinner, blah form being rolled toward the court, yellow playing erratically, in one of his worst playoff mistakes, including the last two of eight crip- even if, in Li Na’s case, it necessitated a 12-hour blah...” Li left Paris berating herself for losing in tape stretched on either side of its path, efforts ever - trying to make the big plays pling turnovers that proved decisive. flight from Paris to China after her early exit from the second round to American Bethanie Mattek- clearing a route through a fast-departing down the stretch. With hindsight, all of those “I had a very good game last game, and the French Open. Sands at a tournament where she became Asia’s home crowd determined to flee rather than moves proved too clever by half. So Popovich today I just couldn’t maintain it,” he said. “I Wimbledon might not be her most success- first grand-slam champion in 2011. watch the hardware be handed to the Spurs. simply ignored them. was very insecure (with the ball). I had a ful tournament but Li says she is feeling “totally The defeat included a seven-game losing In the midst of all that, someone asked “It was a helluva game, a helluva game. It career high in turnovers, and in a really bad relaxed” ahead of next week’s grasscourt grand streak, and Li departed Roland Garros vowing to Spoelstra, how does a coach keep his team was a game of mistakes,” he said, glossing moment. It really helps to make me feel terri- slam, thanks to the flying visit home. “talk to myself and my team to see what hap- focused? over all the ones the Spurs made on the court ble.” No doubt the rest of the Spurs feel the pened”. So what did happen? The 31-year-old “I had one week off, I was feeling in need of He was too smart to claim any credit for and the bench, “and they ended up on the same, standing just seconds from a fifth title having time to myself to relax. I couldn’t stress all shrugged as she stood in Eastbourne’s sunshine. what happened next. Strategy, at least the winning side.” that would have removed any doubts about the time, so I went back to China to see my mum “I was giving her the chance to play well,” she and to see friends,” the world number six told said, clearly having moved on from the Paris strategy hatched on his bench for the closing Instead of answering why he didn’t foul on which franchise was the smartest in the NBA. Reuters in an interview. heartbreak. seconds, had nothing to do with the out- Miami’s final possession in regulation when Instead of chasing stars, the preferred route “I really inside myself was feeling I had to go Lying in bed until 1030 in the morning, come. two foul shots - instead of Allen’s corner 3 - since Michael Jordan walked away, the Spurs back,” added Li, who would not normally return enjoying home cooking and spending time with “At that time, I don’t think anybody wouldn’t have been enough, Popovich built patiently through the draft, made a to Wuhan until after Wimbledon. “I really wanted friends in coffee shops allowed her to recharge, noticed,” Spoelstra began. “That is probably deflected that question, too. number of shrewd acquisitions, and let to go back to see my mum. and Li was all smiles in Eastbourne, where she the best way to live,” he added, then paused. “That’s a European question, right?” he Popovich scheme how to blend and maxi- “When I unlocked the door my mum was was seeded second. Tennis was not even a sub- “In the moment.” Of course, he could afford to said. “They usually do in Italy. We don’t.” mize their talents. ject of discussion with her mother, she said. “She be philosophical. Asked next about how he’d ready his team for One thing that Game 6 proved beyond a doesn’t like to watch my matches because she Before LeBron James made an improbable Game 7 in Miami after the devastating loss, doubt is that James, despite all the pressure says it make her nervous. I think she watches but 3-pointer at the end of a wild scramble, and Popovich didn’t even pretend to try. “I get and criticism, is an unstoppable force when she will never tell me. “She was pretty happy (to Ray Allen made an even more improbable 3 them on the bus. It arrives at the ramp over he sets his mind to the task. The other is see me), it doesn’t matter to her if I am doing to force overtime, Spoelstra was almost cer- here. We get off the bus. We go on the court, when a team collapses as completely as San well or doing badly.” Twice an Australian Open tainly thinking about how to explain losing and we play,” Popovich replied. “That’s how Antonio did, there’s plenty enough blame to finalist, Li has never done better than the quar- their second NBA Final in the last three years. we get ready.” go around, but the first sign of a crack almost ter-finals at Wimbledon, in 2006 and 2010, and That, despite having the best player in the The Spurs tried to follow their coach’s lead, always surfaces at the top. lost in the second round last year. game, and a complementary package assem- but it only worked so well. Duncan, who Popovich is a great coach who suffers fools “Grass is a good challenge,” she said. “And bled to do the few tasks - rebound, pass and scored 25 of his 30 points in the first half and poorly, and after listening to a rambling ques- when the tournament starts, everyone is the sink the occasional 3 to open up space on the none after the third quarter, shrugged off the tion about how his team “had it in the bag,” same. I will really try as much as I can.” “Big Sister floor - that James couldn’t manage by him- odd end-of-the-game substitutions, saying he cut a reporter off. Na”, as she is known at home, has long cut a self. But someone had flipped the script. the Spurs have done it that way countless “What’s your question,” he interjected lonely figure in Chinese tennis, with only Peng Shuai, ranked 24th, and Zheng Jie, 47th, also in Long regarded as one of the two or three times in the past. finally. “You want to know how angry we’ll best coaches currently working in the NBA, it “I don’t know what happened in the fourth be?” We’ll take that one for him: Plenty.—AP Li Na the world’s top 110 women players.—Reuters THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 SPORTS19 United to begin title defence at Swansea

LONDON: Champions Manchester United will travel to Swansea City for their first Premier League match under new manager David Moyes, while Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City are at home to Newcastle United on Aug. 17. United, kicking off their league campaign without Alex Ferguson in charge for the first time since 1986, were handed a tricky open- ing five matches in fixture lists published yes- terday. They host Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho back in charge for the second time, on Aug. 24 before Moyes makes a return to Merseyside with a game at Anfield against old foes Liverpool on Aug. 31. The champions then take on promoted Choi Kang-hee Crystal Palace before making the short jour- ney to the Etihad Stadium for the first Korea coach Choi exits Manchester derby against last year’s runners- up with their new Chilean manager on Sept. SEOUL: Hong Myung-bo, who coached “Hong participated in the World Cup 22. South Korea’s Olympic side to a bronze four times, both as a player and a coach,” The return Manchester derby at Old medal at the 2012 London Games, is one he said. “He did well at the last Olympics Trafford is scheduled for March 21. “Lively of the “strongest candidates” to replace as well. start to the season! Let us at them,” declared David Moyes Choi Kang-hee as national team coach, “Most of the players who will be play- United defender Rio Ferdinand on Twitter. ing Chelsea as their fourth match of the sea- between Cardiff and Swansea is due on Nov. 2 the Korean FA said yesterday. ing in Brazil next year have experience Chelsea, third last season behind the son. They visit Manchester United on Dec. 3. at the Cardiff City Stadium with the return fix- South Korea reached an eighth con- with Hong as a coach, so he is one of the Manchester clubs, start at Stamford Bridge Liverpool start the season at home to ture on Feb. 8. secutive World Cup finals by finishing strongest candidates.” against newly promoted Hull City with Frank Stoke City, now under the leadership of Mark The season ends on May 11, when runners-up in Group A of Asian qualify- Huh dismissed reports the KFA had Lampard hoping to make a record 18th Hughes, while Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal are at Manchester United are at Southampton, ing on Tuesday but only secured their already decided on Hong and said that a appearance in an opening fixture of a Premier home to Aston Villa at the Emirates. Chelsea travel to Cardiff, Arsenal visit place on goal difference after a disap- foreign candidate, or candidates, had League season. Promoted Cardiff City travel to West Ham Norwich, and Manchester City host West pointing 1-0 home defeat to Iran. already been contacted, though he The west Londoners then host Aston Villa United while Crystal Palace mark their return Ham. Choi took over in December 2011 and would not reveal any identities. after their trip north to United. Everton, with to the top flight with a home match against The FA Cup final has been moved back to said at the time his only mission was to Local media speculated Argentine Roberto Martinez stepping into Moyes’s Tottenham Hotspur. after the end of the league season with the get the team to Brazil and that he would Marcelo Bielsa, who left Athletic Bilbao shoes, start out at Norwich City before host- The first Welsh Premier league derby match scheduled for May 17.—Reuters step aside after qualification. earlier this month, and Turkish coach There was little chance of him being Senol Gunes, who managed Korean asked to reconsider after an unimpres- team FC Seoul between 2007-09, were sive end to qualifying, where the Koreans possible candidates.—Reuters lost twice to Iran, drew with Lebanon and scored lacklustre wins over Qatar and Uzbekistan. “The KFA has decided to accept Choi’s wish to resign at the end of Matches on TV his contract after having completed the (Local Timings) team’s qualification for Brazil in 2014,” the KFA said in a statement. FIFA Confederations Cup “We thank him for his efforts and wish him well.” Huh Jung-moo, vice president Spain v Tahiti 22:00 of the KFA, told a news conference they Al Jazeera Sport 1 HD would hold discussions and make a for- Al Jazeera Sport +9 mal announcement about a new coach Al Jazeera Sport +10 early next week. Al Jazeera Sport 2 HD In addition to Hong, who also cap- tained South Korea to fourth place at the Friday 21 June 2013 2002 World Cup on home soil, at least Nigeria v Uruguay 1:01 one foreign coach was being considered, Al Jazeera Sport 1 HD Huh said, adding that the KFA were look- Al Jazeera Sport +9 ing for someone with solid World Cup Al Jazeera Sport +10 experience. Al Jazeera Sport 2 HD

Blatter: World Cup legacy for Brazil goes beyond soccer

RECIFE: Brazil will benefit with more crowd at the Confederations Cup opener than just new soccer stadiums from host- on Saturday and other matches have ing the 2014 World Cup, FIFA president provided a rallying point for protests. Sepp Blatter said as unrest in the country In Brasilia, police fired tear gas at pro- continued to overshadow the testers who tried to reach Brazil’s first Confederations Cup. game and they also fought running bat- “In football, the whole country gets tles with demonstrators outside the the legacy,” Blatter said in an interview Maracana stadium in Rio and the with Rio’s O Globo newspaper. “Football Mineirao arena in Belo Horizonte. involves the whole country. The country The Brazilian government has improves airports, hotels, highways, pledged to spend at least 26.6 billion JERUSALEM: Spain’s players celebrate after beating Italy in their UEFA U-21 Championship final football match at Teddy Stadium. —AFP telecommunications, sustainability pro- reais (7.8 billion pounds) on the World grams.” Cup, which will take place in 12 Brazilian The eight-team Confederations Cup, venues starting next June. the test event for the World Cup, is tak- But with the stadiums the only obvi- Spain lift Euro Under-21 crown ing place against a backdrop of street ous gain so far, and many of them des- protests that have swept across Brazil. tined to be white elephants, protesters JERUSALEM: Captain Thiago Alcantara event began in 1976 and the first finals were Spain coach Julen Lopetegui was most Although demonstrators originally made their anger known with placards scored a first-half hat-trick to inspire Spain to held two years later. pleased with the manner of his team’s per- focused their demands on a reduction in reading: “Teachers are worth more than a 4-2 win over Italy in the European Under-21 Italy briefly lived in hope when Genoa for- formances throughout the tournament. bus fares, their gripes have grown and (Brazil striker) Neymar” and “We want championship final on Tuesday. ward Ciro Immobile chipped calmly over “We are happy, not only for the victory but many are aiming their anger at what schools and hospitals, not stadiums”. The defending champions had little diffi- Spain goalkeeper David De Gea in the ninth for the personality the team showed,” he told they see as too much investment in sport Blatter said he was in contact with culty in breaking down Italy’s unusually hesi- minute to equalise at 1-1. It was the first goal a news conference. “I think the players decid- and not enough in essential services like Aldo Rebelo, Brazil’s Communist Party tant defence as Barcelona’s Thiago scored the Manchester United keeper had conceded ed that individual talent without the strength health, transport and education. Sports Minister, and was confident with an easy header in the sixth minute, a in the tournament. of the group is wasted. I believe that was the “I can understand that people are authorities have the situation under con- close-range drive in the 31st and a penalty in Spain’s Isco of Malaga added a fourth key.” unhappy,” Blatter added. “But football is trol. the 38th. Spain added the under-21 title to Spanish goal from another penalty in the 66th Italy coach Devis Mangia said his team here to unite people. Football is here to “We’ve spoken, of course,” Blatter their collection of international crowns, the minute when he sent Italy goalkeeper lacked experience on such a big occasion. build bridges, to generate excitement, to said. “This is something for the Brazilian World Cup and the European Championship Francesco Bardi the wrong way. “Perhaps the only shortcoming for my players bring hope. government and regional governments at senior level and the European under-19 Striker Fabio Borini added a second Italian was their lack of experience because in “Brazil asked to host the World Cup. to deal with. It’s up to them to resolve it. championship. goal in the 80th minute with a powerful low matches like this you need to have experi- We didn’t force it on them. It’s obvious “The only thing that FIFA can do is Thiago became the first player to score a strike from the edge of the area after a deft ence,” Mangia said. “They have less experi- that stadiums need to be built but that offer wonderful football in beautiful sta- hat-trick in the final since the format was one-two with Lorenzo Insigne, but it came ence than the Spanish players. My players also isn’t the only thing in a World Cup: there diums so people can enjoy themselves. I changed to a one-off match in 1994. The too late against the superior Spaniards. have great qualities.” —Reuters are highways, hotels, airports and a lot of don’t know what the government is other items that remain as a legacy.” doing. But I am confident the demon- Blatter and Brazilian President Dilma strations won’t hit the Confederations Rousseff were booed by a capacity Cup.”—Reuters World Cup success a lift for troubled Egypt

MAPUTO: The impressive run of more to play but are guaranteed Zimbabwe 4-2 in Harare. took the job in October 2011. Egypt in World Cup qualifying top place in their section and will “We have a lot of belief in what But has made a good impres- over the last fortnight has much take part in the playoffs in we are doing, it showed that we sion in Cairo with his decision to more significance for the country October and November which can win at home and on the road stay on despite the turmoil of the than just moving the tournament determine places for Brazil. and now we only think about last 18 months since a stadium dream a step closer, coach Bob “This team has a strong belief, how to be ready for the playoffs,” riot in Port Said caused 74 deaths Bradley told Reuters. we have finished the group and Bradley added. and led to the near shutdown of “At a time when the country is now we begin to think about Egypt’s political and social the game in the north African looking for things that are good, how to be ready for the playoffs upheaval in the wake of the Arab country. this is very important,” he said of because the goal for everyone in spring, has impacted dramatically Egypt has been increasingly Egypt’s seamless progress to the Egypt is of course the World on football in the country where obsessed by the team’s failure to last phase of African qualifiers for Cup,” Bradley said. “To finish the the league only restarted six qualify for the World Cup since next year’s tournament in Brazil. group early was very important. months ago after a year-long hia- their last appearance in Italy in Victories in Zimbabwe and To come away on the road and tus and where most matches are 1990, despite record-breaking Mozambique over the last fort- take six points says a lot about still played behind closed doors dominance in the African Nations night in preliminary competition the mentality of the group,” said for security concerns. Cup finals over the last decade. ensure Egypt kept up a 100 per- the American after the latest tri- Bradley, coach of the United “Brazil is two games away. We cent record in their group, the umph, a 1-0 win over States team at the last World Cup must keep focus. One game at a only African side with five wins Mozambique in Maputo on in South Africa, was an unusual time,” Bradley said.—Reuters Sepp Blatter from five matches. They have one Sunday. They also beat choice as Egypt coach when he England Heat force storms Game 7 into final decider

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 17 18

United to begin title defence at Swansea Page 19

FORTALEZA: Brazil’s forward Neymar (right) is marked by Mexico’s midfielder Gerardo Torrado during their FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Group A football match, at the Castelao Stadium. — AFP Neymar sends Brazil into semis

Protests get Brazilian players’ support

FORTALEZA: Brazil superstar Neymar scored one South Korea and Japan fell flat as Mexico beat weren’t helped when Oscar’s Chelsea clubmate The pace of the game slowed dramatically in with politicians, authorities and local government. goal and set up the other to give hosts Brazil a 2-0 them 1-0. David Luiz had to go off for lengthy treatment after the second-half as the high humidity had an “After seeing the people on the streets claiming win over Mexico in their Group A game and all but Neymar confirmed Brazil’s early dominance injuring his nose in a clash with one of his team- inevitable effect on the players. for improvements, it makes me feel like joining assure them of a place in the semi-finals of the with a stunning left-footed volley in the ninth mates. However, it didn’t stop Neymar from one last them,” Brazil striker Hulk said. “They are doing the Confederations Cup in Fortaleza yesterday. minute after Mexico defender Francisco However, not even with the hosts down to 10 moment of brilliance to set up Jo and send the right thing, what they are saying makes sense and The 21-year-old took his tally to 13 goals in his Rodriguez’s header fell to him. men could Mexico press home the advantage, as home fans into ecstasy. we have to hear them. Brazil needs to improve, we last 15 games for his country with a superb left- Dani Alves, who had provided the cross which they produced lots of pretty football, stemming Meanwhile, the historic wave of protests that all know that.” footed volley early in the first-half, and then pro- Rodriguez failed to clear properly, then went close from Mallorca’s Giovanni dos Santos, but failed to has swept across Brazil in recent days has gained “The people have the right to express their duced a brilliant shimmy between two Mexican with a shot towards the far right corner but Mexico round it off with the killer touch. some important allies - the players of the Brazilian opinions and to protest when they are not happy defenders in second-half stoppage time to set up goalkeeper Jose Corona did well to tip it over the The Brazilians had the ball in the net early in the national football team. with what is happening in their country. That’s the Jo for the second goal. bar. second-half as Thiago Silva headed home, but Brazil is hosting the Confederations Cup, a tour- only way to call attention to what is wrong,” said While Brazil — who had lost six of their last sev- The signs had been there right from the start once again it was ruled out for offside. nament of continental champions which serves as Brazil defender David Luiz, who plays for Chelsea en meetings with the Mexicans — are all but in the that Brazil were intent on sealing their place in the Brazil had several chances after that as they a warm-up for next year’s World Cup, but the in England. “I don’t live in Brazil but I love my coun- semis, Mexico’s hopes hang by a thread after two last four as Chelsea star Oscar scored after a flow- looked to seal the win but Hulk hit a shot into the Brazilian players’ focus has turned to the demon- try. The Brazilians love their country and that’s why defeats as Japan, who lost 3-0 to Brazil in their ing move only for it to be ruled out by English ref- side netting, after being set up by Neymar, while strations which have taken over a country fighting these protests are happening.” opener, must beat Euro 2012 finalists Italy later on eree Howard Webb for offside. the goalscorer also went close. for improvements in basic services such as public The players got behind the demonstrators Wednesday to give them any hope of reaching the Neymar went close to doubling his tally in the Luiz, fully rehabilitated after his nose bleed, transportation, schools and hospitals. even though part of the complaints is directly last four. 23rd minute as he chested the ball down outside produced probably a goal saving clearance on the The Brazilian players had been trying to avoid related to the high costs of hosting the For Brazil it was a much cheerier occasion than the area and let fly with his shot going just over hour mark as he slid in to turn behind a dangerous the subject, but it became impossible not to talk Confederations Cup and the World Cup in a the last time they played in Fortaleza in 2002 as the bar. ball played across goal with Manchester United about it after hundreds of thousands of country- country in dire need of better public services to their celebrations at winning the World Cup in Brazil went slightly off the boil after that and striker Javier Hernandez lurking just behind him. men took to the streets to show their displeasure its population in general.—Agencies

Preview Nigeria and Uruguay set Torres intends to give for decisive showdown Spain selection dilemma SALVADOR: Despite contrasting results in their opening games, Uruguay and Nigeria both approach today’s encounter between the sides in Salvador knowing RECIFE: Spain forward Fernando Torres was still have to turn up and do the job and we defeat could spell the end of their Confederations Cup ambitions. on the outside looking in as his compatriots must respect Tahiti,” said Pedro. “We will try to Uruguay lost 2-1 to Spain on Sunday, before Nigeria surged to the Group B made a winning start in the Confederations play our game and keep on winning.” summit with a 6-1 demolition of minnows Tahiti, but the meeting of the South Cup against Uruguay, but the Chelsea for- Del Bosque has acknowledged he would American and African champions was always destined to be pivotal. ward says he intends to give coach Vicente like to see Spain kill off games and be more With both teams expected to lose to world champions Spain and beat Tahiti, a Del Bosque a selection dilemma if he can get ruthless having seen Uruguay come back win at Arena Fonte Nova would leave the victors in a very strong position to some game time for the world champions and pinch a late goal to go down 2-1 in a progress to the last four. against minnows Tahiti today. game in which they should have been dead Speaking prior to the Spain defeat, Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez had Torres has found himself relegated to the and buried by half-time. described the Nigeria fixture as “our key match”, while captain Diego Lugano said status of a squad player since Euro 2012, And against amateur rivals the Spanish the game was “our final”. when Del Bosque decided he wanted to try have the chance to show they are about Striker Diego Forlan echoed their sentiments, although a draw would leave the to dispense with a designated centre for- much more than pretty passing patterns and RIO DE JANEIRO: Spain’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas takes part in a training qualification situation in the balance ahead of Uruguay’s final group game against ward, but has accepted his fate knowing that fluid movement. Tahiti. session at Maracana stadium on the eve of their Confederation Cup he still scored three goals from the bench in Spain have earned widespread praise in “Losing to Spain is something normal. Now we must forget that match and 2013 match against Tahiti.— AFP Poland and Ukraine as the Furia Roja became host country Brazil for their showing against prepare ourselves to play against Nigeria,” said the talismanic striker, who now the first country to land three consecutive Uruguay, and former Brazil star Roberto plays for Brazilian club side Internacional. major senior tournaments. Rivelino lauded Andres Iniesta in particular. “We knew before coming to Brazil that our most important game was against “I just hope I do get the chance to impress “Iniesta is different, he is a Brazilian.” Nigeria and nothing has changed because we lost to Spain.” coach Del Bosque so that I can give him a bit Pedro, who says he feels that “the first half Nigeria’s preparations for the tournament were dogged by controversy after of a selection dilemma,” Torres told Onda against Uruguay is the best I have seen us the squad initially missed their scheduled flights to Brazil in protest at a row over Cero radio. play,” agrees. “He is a real pleasure to play bonus payments. “I thought we played really well against with,” said the 25-year-old. Del Bosque mean- Coach Stephen Keshi said he was relieved to put the furore behind him with Uruguay and I think it is certainly very diffi- while insisted that his decision to field goal- the one-sided victory over Tahiti, although he was critical of his forward players for cult for any side to play against us. keeper Iker Casillas against Uruguay was not not putting the game to bed more quickly. “We always want to win of course, but we down to favoritism after the Real Madrid cus- “I wouldn’t say I was annoyed, but I was worried when we did not take our want to do so with style,” said Torres, who is todian endured a miserable second half of chances because it gave our opponents hope,” he said. aiming help Spain land a first Confederations the season owing first to a hand injury and “We had clear chances, 100 percent chances, and you need to bury the goals.” title after their shock loss to the United States then to his being left out even when fit again Keshi hopes to have Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi available, after he missed the in the 2009 semi-final. Del Bosque is likely to by then Real coach Jose Mourinho. Tahiti game in order to undergo treatment on a knee injury in Nigeria. ring the changes for today’s game meaning “It is nothing to do with favoritism or per- Although Uruguay’s players were made to look statuesque by Spain’s passing that Torres’ chances of starting are good sonal issues but all to do with sporting crite- carousel during their opening match in Recife, Luis Suarez did give the South despite the fine form of both Pedro ria. There are certain details which speak in Americans’ fans a moment to cherish with a fine late free-kick. Rodriguez, 11 goals for his country this sea- favor of plumping for him,” Del Bosque told SALVADOR: Uruguay’s footballer Luis Suarez (second right) eyes the ball son, and fellow scorer against the Spanish media, though he conceded that he The talented Liverpool striker will be central to Uruguay’s hopes of success in during an official training session. Uruguay will face Nigeria in their sec- Salvador, and he is confident that his countrymen will rise to the occasion. —AFP Uruguayans Roberto Soldado. might give a run out to either Pepe Reina or ond FIFA 2013 Confederation Cup football match today. —AFP “Of course we are clear favorites, but you Victor Valdes against Tahiti. — AFP flydubai launches its Business Class Page 24

Emirates makes Haneda Business its third Japanese route THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 Page 25 US builders seek skilled carpenters Keep cool this summer with BMW driving tips Page 26 Page 23

CURRIMAO, Philippines: Children sort tobacco leaves at a farm in Currimao town, Ilocos norte province, northern Philippines. Tobacco enriches and corrupts in the dry, sun-drenched northern Philippines, where family fortunes as well as political empires are built on the golden leaf. —AFP Palestinian tobacco faces threat Cash-strapped Palestinian Authority keen to tax

WEST BANK: Palestinian farmers sow tobac- resigned after widespread complaints over percent. Outside his native village of Ya’abad, trade and monetary policy. But it does have co sprouts in the rocky earth of the northern his handling of the economy and soaring 22-year-old Nouredeen Atatra and his fellow some power in fiscal policy, over whom to tax West Bank, reaping a harvest that provides a costs of living. A new government is now in tobacco farmers form a row of four following and where to spend. Reckless bankers reliable livelihood in the struggling occupied place, and in a meeting with reporters last behind a tractor towing a home-made tiller It has not properly protected the most vul- territory. From planting, drying and rolling, week, Mohammed Mustafa, the deputy prime digging holes and sprinkling water into the nerable citizens while income inequality ris- risk prison in UK the local cottage industry has put dozens of minister in charge of financial affairs, called dry earth. They bend down, scooping soil es,” independent economic analyst Nasser whole families to work and has defied high the social challenges “very scary”. “We are around feeble new plants. “I have a university Abdul Kareem said. “The (Fayyad) govern- LONDON: Bankers found guilty of “reckless misconduct” in levels of unemployment and poverty. reviewing the economic policies of the last degree in political science, but there are no ment deserved some blame for this situation. Britain could end up in prison and be stripped of bonuses, But pressures on their business are grow- government to improve our citizens’ situation jobs out there,” said Atatra, a slim man with a It should have helped redistribute wealth and under draconian proposals yesterday to clean up London’s ing. Tobacco production and other parts of and lighten the burden they’re carrying,” mud-spattered red-and-white checked scarf combat the marginalization of farmers and scandal-hit financial sector. The Parliamentary Commission the rural economy, which have long eluded Mustafa said. wrapped around his head. On the road, lined manufacturers,” he said. A boom in the servic- on Banking Standards, established by the government after formal government regulation, are coming The Palestinian Authority, which exercises with concrete Israeli watch towers, a gleam- es and construction sector fuelled by foreign the Libor rate-rigging scandal last year, made the recom- under the radar of the Palestinian Authority limited self-rule in the West Bank under inter- ing new bus carrying Israelis to the nearby aid saw GDP surge 9 percent in 2010. But the mendations in a final report that amounted to a blunt (PA) as it seeks to bolster its revenues and im peace accords with Israel, will boost rev- Jewish settlement of Mevo Dotan whizzes World Bank projects growth in 2013 of just 5 indictment of malpractice. alleviate a massive debt burden. In recent enue by ensuring countries deliver pledged past, escorted by an army jeep. percent as government debts to private com- The scandals have besmirched the old and worldwide months the PA has begun clamping down on aid money - and enforcing tax collection, “For generations my family worked this panies pile up. reputation of the City of London and made some bankers farmers who package and sell hand-rolled Mustafa said. But he acknowledged that 70 land and there’s no shame in being a farmer. the target of public anger. The Treasury welcomed the cigarettes around the villages, accusing them percent of PA revenues come from sources it But if the government doesn’t even allow us ‘ARAB SPRING’ FROM CIGAR review, describing it as an “impressive piece of work”, of smuggling and has even begun arresting cannot control, whether from abroad or at its to do this, then we’re afraid the land will be Sitting on a patio draped in purple adding that it would help the government “create a some workers. own borders where Israel collects customs abandoned, and the settlers will someday bougainvillea, farmers roll up cigarettes in stronger and safer banking system”. While the government maintains that duties on the PA’s behalf. Israel has withheld take it,” Atatra said. The PA has said the tobac- hands calloused by a lifetime of hard work, The Commission was formed last year after revelations building a modern economy depends on the the transfers during times of dispute with the co must be sold only through legitimate and grumble at officialdom. “They’re so used that Barclays bank tried to manipulate the Libor rate, which rule of law, its critics say the moves to stamp Palestinian government. channels. Farmers claim the PA is trying to to getting foreign aid that they forgot what is used as a benchmark for global financial contracts worth out black market trading is another example curb their sales even to legitimate companies we can achieve by ourselves,” said Abu about $300 trillion. “Under our recommendations, senior of the state-in-waiting’s failure to implement ISRAELI CURBS because it wants cigarette companies to Ayman, puffing a pungent cloud of smoke bankers who seriously damage their banks or put taxpay- policies that protect jobs and help pull For years, the PA has sought to put in import more tobacco as that would boost into the crisp village air. ers’ money at risk can expect to be fined, banned from the Palestinians out of poverty. “We’ve triumphed place political and economic institutions customs revenues. The poor economic situa- “What else can you expect from the Oslo industry, or, in the worst cases, go to jail,” Commission over joblessness,” said farmer Mohammed ready for a long-sought independent tion only enhances the appeal of cheap local gang?” another chimes in, referring to the chairman and Conservative lawmaker Andrew Tyrie said in Amarnih, 65, adding that tobacco cultivation Palestinian state, but has run up against tobacco. Around a quarter of Palestinian interim peace deals signed with Israel in the a report. had brought unemployment in several local Israeli control over land, water, internal move- adults smoke, according to official statistics, 1990s. Many Palestinians blame the accords’ The report added: “A criminal offence will be established villages down to near zero. “The government ment of people and foreign trade. The curbs, and many find 25 shekels ($7) per pack for economic annexes for their hamstrung applying to senior persons carrying out their professional has given us no alternative to this work, so along with unpaid utility bills at refugee international brands like Marlboro far too growth. The Jerusalem Cigarette Co, a pub- responsibilities in a reckless manner, which may carry a (this is the only way) we can live a normal life camps and often uncollected customs duties pricey. At just 4 shekels ($1.10) a pack, ciga- licly traded firm operating out of an industrial prison sentence. The Commission, which included in dignity,” he complains. at borders beyond PA control, have added to rettes from Ya’abad and the surrounding vil- zone east of Jerusalem, is a leader in the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the Church of Former Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, who a government debt of $4.2 billion. That equals lages are much more affordable. Analysts say Palestinian tobacco sector and endures heavy England’s spiritual leader, as well as lawmakers from across left office this month, struggled to counter 40 percent of gross domestic product and officials could do more to ease the financial taxes on cigarette sales, which are as high as British political parties, recommended also that the state- rising poverty and unemployment rates, dwarfs the annual budget of $3.8 billion. strain on ordinary Palestinians. “Yes, the gov- 9.5 shekels ($2.6 dollars) per pack, almost rescued Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) should be split into a which are both now at around 25 percent. He Palestinian youth unemployment stands at 40 ernment lacks sovereignty and control over two-thirds their retail cost.—Reuters so-called good bank and a bad bank. It also criticized the government for “political interference” in both RBS and fel- low bailed-out lender Lloyds Banking Group. The review was published ahead of finance minister New Airbus takes off with big orders George Osborne’s annual Mansion House speech to busi- ness leaders later, when he is expected to address the gov- LE BOURGET: The Airbus next-generation for a further 25 planes, and the aircraft will lems forced the grounding of its entire ernment’s privatization plans for RBS and Lloyds. A350 plane took off commercially at the Paris come into service in 2017, he told reporters. Dreamliner fleet worldwide earlier this year, Lawmakers and Welby additionally called for “much more Air Show yesterday, winning multi-billion- The airline group had first announced its Boeing announced more than 100 orders for dollar deals and the European manufacturer intention to buy the planes in September its newest plane. Yesterday, it said plane leas- (of bankers’) remuneration to be deferred and, in many cas- said that more deals were in the air. The news 2011. SriLankan Airlines, meanwhile, took an ing firm CIT Aerospace had ordered 30 of its es, for much longer periods of up to 10 years” to “reflect the comes just days after the new plane took to option to buy four of the new planes an new, medium-haul 737 MAX planes in a deal longer run balance between business risks and rewards”. the skies in its first ever test flight on Friday, option expected to be exercised within two worth $3 billion at catalogue prices. The 737 Tyrie said that “recent scandals, not least the fixing of stealing the limelight before the start of the weeks-and placed six firm orders for Airbus’s MAX is a modernised version of Boeing’s old- the Libor rate...have exposed shocking and widespread air show-a key event where Airbus and popular A330 aircraft in a deal worth $2.6 bil- er 737 and has yet to come into service. It is malpractice” within Britain’s banking sector. “Taxpayers and Boeing compete fiercely for plane orders. lion at list prices. part of a new generation of planes emerging customers have lost out. The economy has suffered. The The two rivals are currently head-to-head Airbus boss Fabrice Bregier promised onto the market which consume less fuel reputation of the financial sector has been gravely dam- - $44.6 billion in new plane orders or agree- more deals to come for the A350. Asked by a and enable airlines to reduce costs. aged. Trust in banking has fallen to a new low,” he added. ments for Airbus versus $44.8 billion for journalist whether further orders could be Other smaller competitors have also The reputation of Britain’s banking sector has been dam- Boeing-after Ryanair boosted a lagging expected at the show, he replied: “before the made a mark at the air show-the world’s aged in recent years by a string of scandals, including also Boeing by confirming a huge order for 175 end of the day.” The A350 is due to take off on biggest-with ATR, a joint venture between credit insurance mis-selling and ongoing controversy over medium-haul 737 planes. Airbus-side, Air its second test flight in the southwestern European aerospace giant EADS and Italy’s staff behavior in the run-up to the 2008 global financial cri- France-KLM also confirmed an order for 25 French city of Toulouse, where Airbus is Finmeccanica, announcing one of its biggest sis. A350 planes-which make extensive use of headquarterd, and if all goes well again orders this week. Brazil’s Embraer has also Industry body the British Bankers’ Association yesterday lighter composite materials to reduce fuel could fly over the Paris Air Show on Friday. come up trumps with the launch of a new said that it would work alongside the government to costs-in a deal worth $7.2 billion at catalogue The plane pushed Boeing out of the limelight family of regional jets and 100 orders, with implement the report’s recommendations. “This is the most prices. “Despite the difficulties that Air yesterday, but the US firm had stole the thun- 215 other intentions to purchase the aircraft. significant report into banking for a generation,” said BBA France-KLM is facing, we are in significant der on Tuesday with the launch of a long ver- But the Paris air show, in its 50th edition this chief executive Anthony Browne in a statement. “We look good shape to be able to plan for the renew- sion of its next-generation Dreamliner-the year, is not just about commercial battles, LE BOURGET: A French Airbus A 400 M takes forward to working with government and regulators to al of our long-haul fleet for the long term,” 787-10. with the long-awaited A400M military trans- off on Le Bourget airport, near Paris yester- take forward the constructive proposals contained in the said Alexandre de Juniac, head of the airline Intended as a message that it is firmly port plane taking to the skies as well as day during the 50th International Paris Air report.”—AFP group. The agreement comes with an option back on track after a slew of technical prob- Russia’s Su-35 fighter jet.—AFP show. — AFP THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 BUSINESS

Gold edges Zain Group CEO discusses higher plans with global analysts LONDON: Gold edged higher yesterday as stock markets retreated ahead of a Federal Reserve policy statement, but uncertainty Zain targets data related strategic partnerships, acquisitions over the future of US central bank’s quantita- tive easing program kept it in a narrow range. KUWAIT: At the end of May 2013, Scott Gegenheimer com- “We expect data revenue growth to continue, in line with Recently Zain Saudi Arabia signed an agreement with Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said last month pleted his first six months as Zain Group CEO and recently held industry trends worldwide” said Gegenheimer also noting, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance agreeing to postpone pay- the bank could scale back its $85 billion a conference call with 30 global banking and telecom analyst “that the percentage growth in data revenues is all the more ments of the government’s entitlements due from the monthly bond purchases if the US economy to discuss Zain’s issues and focus going forward. Expectations significant and promising for Zain when one considers that a Company for the next seven years. These payments are esti- strengthens, but a lack of clarity on the tim- for him to turn the Middle East player around are high, and the large number of the Group’s customers do not yet have smart- mated to add up to SR 800 million per year, representing a ing has unsettled markets. company’s operational results for the first three months of the phones nor 3G services that are widely available, such as in total amount of SR 5.6 billion for the entire period. Since the announcement of this deal, the Zain Saudi Arabia share price Policymakers will likely announce later year clearly identify areas that require Gegenheimer’s atten- Iraq..” “We will make strategic acquisitions and partnerships in tion. The Group CEO is aware of the many different challenges computer-based industries this year to exploit rising demand has risen over 15%. that they will keep buying bonds at the same across several operations that is necessary to raise Zain’s key for data and help offset falling conventional call and sms Regarding Zain’s operations in Sudan, there is limited pace, while keeping their options open to financial indicators. income, this will bolster our value and customer experience proactive action that Zain can take with respect to the macro- scale back the program later this year if the Zain Group reported a decline in its first-quarter net profit proposition,” added Gegenheimer. economic and political issues adversely affecting its opera- US labor market continues to improve. Spot to end-March, attributable to steep devaluation in the On a country-level, there is work to be done across much of tions in Sudan. The significant depreciation of the Sudanese gold was at $1,371.99 an ounce at 1148 GMT, Sudanese pound as the main contributing factors for the fall. Zain Group’s footprint. In its home market of Kuwait where the pound against the dollar has adversely affected the country up 0.3 percent, while US gold futures for Sudan accounted for nearly a third of Zain’s customer base company is celebrating 30th anniversary, competition is operations as well as denting the group’s metrics, and August delivery were up $4.60 an ounce at and a fifth of group revenue in 2012, but the country faced a squeezing the operator’s margins, and generating incremental Gegenheimer is hopeful that a measure of stability will return $1,371.50. Gold broke below its recent trad- number of economic challenges following South Sudan’s suc- revenues from the subscriber base is proving challenging, yet to the region soon, allowing for more predictable performanc- ing range on Tuesday to slide 1.2 percent, its cession in 2011. Zain noted that the devaluation of the Gegenheimer is optimistic. Revenues in Zain’s Kuwait opera- es from both Sudan and South Sudan. biggest one-day loss in nearly two weeks. Sudanese pound against the dollar, by 53 per cent in the 12 tion were slightly down in Q1 13, Gegenheimer attributed this The shortage of foreign currency in Sudan has resulted in “Bottom line, we expect no tapering on months to end-March, predominantly reduced group revenue decline mainly to the cannibalisation of voice revenues due to unpredictable remittances of cash from the local operations, the basis that current economic data don’t by $179 million, EBITDA by $76 million, and net profit by $44 the increased use of VoIP and over-the-top solutions, as well as another area of concern that is beyond the group’s immediate support such a move,” Saxo Bank vice presi- million. the heightened level of competition in the market. influence. In local SDG currency terms, Sudan performed sur- dent Ole Hansen said. “But the Fed is now Group revenue for the quarter reached KD299 million Nevertheless, with a $39 ARPU, Kuwait remains Zain’s and one prisingly well with revenues growing by 25% year-on-year and responsible for market regulation and stabili- ($1.06 billion), while the operator added 1.386 million sub- of the region’s most lucrative markets. net income by 57%. ty and the sell-off in bonds over the past scribers in Q1, 13, and 3.9 million over the past 12 months and Initial public offerings are also on the horizon for Zain’s months may have rattled them a bit.” “Ahead Zain reported 44.1 million active subscribers as of end-March. operating companies in Iraq and Bahrain. The requirement to of (the Fed) I see gold potentially retracing Despite several key performance indicators showing signs of list in Iraq, and in the process comply with its licence condi- some of its losses from yesterday,” he added. being under pressure, it is clear that Scott Gegenheimer’s tions, has loomed since the latter part of 2011, and finally “If $1,371 gives way, we could see a 10 dollar arrival at Zain Group last December has brought with it an seems to have kicked into high gear. The goal is to float 25 per acknowledgement that work needs to be done, and more cent of Zain Iraq before year-end or by the first quarter of 2014 upside.” importantly, a resolve on the part of the company’s executive at the latest, which in turn is expected to generate in excess of European shares fell 0.3 percent in light management to work at turning things around in an active US$ 1 billion which proceeds Gegenheimer said will be used and volatile trade as investors looked to the and determined fashion. for capital expenditure, acquisitions /partnerships and general Fed for clues on the duration of its equity- One example of Gegenheimer’s impact on the operator’s corporate purposes. friendly stimulus program. The dollar index outlook is that for the first time in numerous years, the Zain Zain also awaits the licensing of 3G spectrum in Iraq, and held steady as uncertainty kept traders on the Group’s management opened itself up to scrutiny from the given the emphasis the company places on driving new rev- sidelines. “The FOMC statement is still likely analyst community by hosting a conference call and offering enue streams through mobile data applications, is keen to to highlight recent improvements in the labor more details and insight into the company’s strategic direc- have 3G networks operational as soon as possible. The compa- market, potentially once again suggesting a tion. This included referencing a number of problem areas and ny has recently spent heavily in expanding its network in the gradual reduction to the QE3 pace in the very discussing what plans are afoot to resolve them. northern regions of Iraq and expects healthy customer and near future,” VTB Capital said in a note. “Any “I’m genuinely enthusiastic to be at the helm of such a revenue growth from this investment. hints at this time frame will be one of the great company,” Gegenheimer said to the 30 international ana- In preparation for its own listing, Zain Iraq is undergoing most eagerly awaited insights for the curren- lysts that dialed in before identifying what he believes to be the final stages of forming the requisite joint stock company, cy markets and, eventually, for gold.” some of Zain Group’s strategic assets including its regional with the company initially in possession of the operating footprint; its market leading positions in six out of the eight licence having been an offshore entity, which has now been PHYSICAL DEMAND SLUGGISH markets in which it operates; and the company’s willingness to brought onshore. With respect to Bahrain, the regulatory Buying in India and China, the top two use technology as a tool to work more efficiently and to deliv- requirement is for Zain to float 15 per cent of the issued share gold consumers, remained sluggish as er cutting-edge products and services to end-users. capital of the business, and the operator expects to accom- demand eased from peak levels seen in April Gegenheimer says Zain is now executing strategies that plish this before the end of the year. and May. Shanghai gold futures fell more will address the challenges that it faces. “Having had an oppor- Notably, global operator Vodafone has a small equity stake tunity to assess the businesses, I have reshaped the strategy of in Bahrain and the offer structure of the IPO has not yet been than 1 percent, while Indian gold futures the group to focus on several key areas, including customer finalised according to Gegenheimer. In late 2012, Zain entered edged lower. Holdings of the SPDR Gold experience, operational excellence and synergies, human into a non-equity partnership agreement with Vodafone for its Trust, the largest gold-backed exchange-trad- resources, and new business areas,” Gegenheimer said. operations Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia ed fund, fell 0.2 percent to 1,001.67 tons on The main aim of Gegenheimer’s strategy is to continue to whereby Zain will have access to Vodafone’s devices and serv- Tuesday, their lowest in more than four years. grow the company in terms of revenue and profitability, and ices in its home markets and become the preferred partner of Among other precious metals, silver was like operators the world over, look to new services and deliv- Vodafone in respect of the agreed areas of cooperation. Zain up 0.6 percent at $21.76 an ounce, while spot ery systems to drive incremental income. Interestingly for a and Vodafone will work together to provide customers with platinum was flat at $1,439.49 an ounce and business in which size and scale is an important success factor, enhanced network coverage, harmonised roaming rates spot palladium was down 0.4 percent at Gegenheimer has chosen not to focus on subscriber acquisi- across multiple countries with greater cost efficiencies and $705.47 an ounce. Platinum and palladium tion and subscriber growth as one of the company’s driving Zain will be able to use the Vodafone brand. have underperformed this month to fall 1.5 priorities. Benefits of the Vodafone agreement are immediately evi- Zain Group CEO Scott Gegenheimer percent and 5.5 percent respectively, “From a group perspective, we have not really focused dent as recently Zain Saudi Arabia launched an international although palladium remains the best per- specifically on the growth of the customer base as we want to roaming service through Vodafone’s Passport program, the former of the major precious metals this year. be careful about flooding the market with multiple SIM cards,” “Clearly Kuwait is a very competitive and challenging mar- Group announced it is piloting the ‘joyn’ Rich Communications “Industrial interest has somewhat helped Gegenheimer said.” We don’t particularly want to give a fore- ket for us. We have been undertaking a number of measures Services initiative formulated by the GSM Association. The to protect the downside in PGMs, but with cast for that [customer growth] because it is not one of the to improve results here,” Gegenheimer said. With number service will allow the company to compete more effectively the entire precious metals complex under KPIs that we want to drive the market with, as we are more portability just being introduced, the state of the art nation- against OTT players by providing customers access to leading- pressure at the moment, prospects for a focused on value share,” he added. wide LTE network and many other marketing activities being edge technology and services in a shorter period of time. The recovery in the near term appear limited for Mobile broadband is a definite area of interest to rolled out, Gegenheimer believes Zain Kuwait will show Zain brand was also exposed to a global motor racing audi- now,” UBS said in a note. “Yet, despite the cor- Gegenheimer and Zain, and with commercial LTE deploy- growth in the years ahead. ence as the Vodafone Mercedes McLaren cars and team were ments in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, the company is Saudi Arabia continues to be a loss making entity, though branded Zain during the recent Bahrain Grand Prix. rection, underlying sentiment towards PGMs staking its claim to being one of the leading regional innova- losses are narrowing year-on-year. What investors will be most “I am confident that in the years ahead the Group will con- has not soured. In a sense the washout has tors. Zain Group’s data revenues increased 14 per cent year- pleased to learn about with respect to Zain Group’s exposure tinue to deliver value for our shareholders,” Gegenheimer pre- actually been welcomed and is deemed on-year during the first quarter with data now accounting for to Zain Saudi Arabia, is that the group does not expect to dicted. In Kuwait for example, Zain intends to push actively healthy,” it added. “Those who have caught 12 per cent of overall service revenue, without the inclusion of inject any more cash into the operator beyond what it had into the small and medium size business sector, believing this the move lower are keeping a very close eye value added services and SMS revenues included. With these already committed to in last year’s capital restructuring to be a prime area for growth. The expectation is that other out for opportunities to close out shorts or other non-voice services included, data would account for 21 arrangement. Zain Group management is also confident an segments and niches across its areas of operation shall contin- re-establish longs.”— Reuters per cent of Zain’s overall service revenue as at the end of agreement is imminent between Zain Saudi Arabia and credi- ue to be tapped and developed, with Zain expected to articu- March. tor banks over a Murabaha loan. late a Group-wide corporate strategy in the coming months. EXCHANGE RATES

Chinese Yuan 0.0452909 0.0502909 Thai Baht 9.241 Omani Riyal 737.02 748.000 Eritrea-Nakfa 0.0163867 0.0194867 Commercial Bank of Kuwait Malaysian ringgit 94.271 Qatari Riyal 78.26 79.500 Guinea Franc 0.0000440 0.0000500 Irani Riyal 0.271 Saudi Riyal 75.70 76.000 Hg Kong Dollar 0.0340195 0.0371195 Irani Riyal 0.273 US Dollar/KD .2770000 .2880000 Indian Rupee 0.0048687 0.0049337 GB Pound/KD .4310000 .4470000 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Indonesian Rupiah 0.0000238 0.0000289 GCC COUNTRIES Euro .3680000 .3760000 Jamaican Dollars 0.0028329 0.0038329 Saudi Riyal 75.764 Swiss francs .3020000 .3170000 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Japanese Yen 0.0029338 0.0031138 Qatari Riyal 78.065 Canadian Dollar .2780000 .2920000 US Dollar 283.750 Kenyan Shilling 0.0032678 0.0034978 Omani Riyal 737.950 Australian DLR .2940000 .3020000 Canadian Dollar 280.895 Malaysian Ringgit 0.0863871 0.0933871 Bahraini Dinar 754.620 Indian rupees .0040000 .0069000 Sterling Pound 445.920 Nepalese Rupee 0.0029300 0.0031300 UAE Dirham 77.374 Sri Lanka Rupee .0020000 .0035000 Euro 380.130 Pakistan Rupee 0.0028520 0.0028920 UAE dirhams .0771240 .0778990 Swiss Frank 300.705 Philippine Peso 0.0061723 0.0066423 ARAB COUNTRIES Bahraini dinars .7513970 .7589480 Bahrain Dinar 751.230 Sierra Leone 0.0000725 0.0000755 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.450 Jordanian dinar .3930000 .4110000 UAE Dirhams 77.230 Singapore Dollar 0.2230032 0.2290032 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.934 Saudi riyals .0720000 .0770000 Qatari Riyals 77.885 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.0021664 0.0022084 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.325 Omani riyals .7366120 .7440150 Saudi Riyals 75.630 Thai Baht 0.0089038 0.0095038 Tunisian Dinar 176.180 Egyptian pounds .0370000 .0440000 Jordanian Dinar 399.990 Jordanian Dinar 401.210 Egyptian Pound 39.942 Arab Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.906 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES Sri Lankan Rupees 2.223 Bahraini Dinar 0.7463592 0.7548592 Syrian Lier 3.087 US Dollar/KD .2841000 .2862000 Indian Rupees 4.857 Egyptian Pound 0.0379239 0.0399539 Morocco Dirham 34.634 GB Pound/KD .4338920 .4370990 Pakistani Rupees 2.877 Ethiopeanbirr 0.0127229 0.0192229 Euro .3707360 .3734770 Bangladesh Taka 3.643 Ghanaian Cedi 0.1442921 0.1460821 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss francs .3043390 .3065880 Philippines Pesso 6.561 Iranian Riyal 0.0000789 0.0000794 US Dollar Transfer 284.000 Canadian dollars .2795430 .2816100 Cyprus pound 696.050 Iraqi Dinar 0.0001724 0.0002324 Euro 381.270 Danish Kroner .0497330 .0501010 Japanese Yen 4.000 Jordanian Dinar 0.3947072 0.4022072 Sterling Pound 446.590 Swedish Kroner .0443660 .0446940 Thai Bhat 9.785 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Canadian dollar 279.250 Australian dlr .2963730 .2985640 Syrian Pound 4.055 Lebanese Pound 0.0001740 0.0001940 Turkish lira 151.710 Hong Kong dlr .0365940 .0368650 Nepalese Rupees 3.325 Moroccan Dirhams 0.0223261 0.0463261 Swiss Franc 308.190 Singapore dlr .2291130 .2308060 Malaysian Ringgit 95.150 Nigerian Naira 0.0012034 0.0018384 Australian Dollar 270.080 Japanese yen .0029600 .0028810 Omani Riyal 0.7261310 0.7371310 US Dollar Buying 282.800 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 .0052870 Bahrain Exchange Company Qatar Riyal 0.0772976 0.0780806 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 .0022880 Saudi Riyal 0.0751467 0.0757867 GOLD Pakistan rupee .0000000 .0029190 Sudanese Pounds 0.0461426 0.0466926 20 Gram 261.000 CURRENCY BUY SELL Bangladesh taka .0000000 .0036810 Syrian Pound 0.0027430 0.0029630 10 Gram 131.500 Europe UAE dirhams .0773800 .0779520 Tunisian Dinar 0.1740625 0.1800625 5 Gram 68.25 British Pound 0.4385459 0.4475459 Bahraini dinars .7538810 .7594530 Czech Korune 0.0067169 0.0187169 UAE Dirhams 0.0758409 0.0772909 Jordanian dinar .0000000 .4048090 Danish Krone 0.0467706 0.0517706 Yemeni Riyal 0.0012801 0.0013801 Saudi Riyal/KD .0757800 .0763400 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Euro 0.3737158 0.3812154 Omani riyals .7382100 .7436660 Norwegian Krone 0.0457018 0.0509018 Al Mulla Exchange Philippine Peso .0000000 .0069870 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Scottish Pound 0.4341150 0.4416150 Australian Dollar 273.98 274.000 Swedish Krona 0.0400591 0.0450591 Canadian Dollar 282.09 282.000 Swiss Franc 0.3034377 0.3104377 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Swiss Franc 313.30 312.000 US Dollar 283.400 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Euro 383.66 380.000 Australasia Euro 382.450 US Dollar 283.40 284.500 Australian Dollar 0.2621097 0.2741097 Pound Sterling 445.450 Sterling Pound 447.72 448.500 New Zealand Dollar 0.2207648 0.2307648 Canadian Dollar 279.650 ASIAN COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 3.05 3.300 Uganda Shilling 0.0001113 0.0001113 Japanese Yen 3.000 Japanese Yen 2.985 Bangladesh Taka 3.655 3.670 Indian Rupee 4.827 Indian Rupees 4.856 Indian Rupee 4.828 5.050 America Egyptian Pound 39.920 Pakistani Rupees 2.874 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.206 2.550 Canadian Dollar 0.2723886 0.2813886 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.202 Srilankan Rupees 2.205 Nepali Rupee 3.026 3.250 Colombian Peso 0.0001443 0.0001623 Bangladesh Taka 3.641 Nepali Rupees 3.075 Pakistani Rupee 2.877 2.900 US Dollars 0.2816500 0.2838000 Philippines Peso 6.565 Singapore Dollar 226.110 UAE Dirhams 77.23 78.000 Pakistan Rupee 2.875 Hongkong Dollar 36.604 Bahraini Dinar 754.29 753.000 Asia Bahraini Dinar 754.800 Bangladesh Taka 3.641 Egyptian Pound 39.91 38.800 Bangladesh Taka 0.0035991 0.0036541 UAE Dirham 77.200 Philippine Peso 6.566 Jordanian Dinar 403.34 410.000 Cape Vrde Escudo 0.0031476 0.0033776 Saudi Riyal 75.700 THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 BUSINESS We can’t find skilled carpenters, US builders complain WASHINGTON: Where have all the carpen- rate stands at a lofty 7.6 percent, and is Now, builders are trying to meet the Quinn called it quits in 2012 and became a for his new community project, Carlton ters gone? Home builders across the United much higher in construction, builders say recovering demand, but many of the work- home inspector in St. Augustine, Florida, Landing. “I have 27 homes that have not yet States are scratching their heads for an that is not translating into the availability of ers they let go are no longer available. ending a 30-year career building homes. “I started construction,” said Humphreys. “Our answer as they struggle to assemble crews framers - the carpenters with mid-level Given the industry’s volatility, many, like was always getting laid off every year,” said people are working six days a week. We to keep up with growing demand. In some skills who create the skeletal wooden Omar Lisak, will probably never come back. Quinn. “I would never consider going back can’t ask more from them. We just need parts of the country, the shortage of skilled framework of new houses and who serve as The 46-year-old from Lincoln, Nebraska, left even if things get much better in the hous- more workers.” carpenters - especially framers - is so bad the backbone of home construction. And it in May 2008 after an 18-year career as a ing market.” Humphreys said his firm would not that builders cannot get projects off the is not only framers who are in short supply, framer. He is now a truck driver. “I need A tightening of immigration rules in break ground until year end on projects for ground and it is taking as much as two according to builders. The dearth extends something less risky. People are offering states like Arizona is also cited as a factor which the contracts were signed in May. months longer than normal to complete a to roofers, masons, sheet rockers, electri- me jobs, they want me to go back, but I behind the labor shortage. With police in Seven years ago, as the housing boom project. “Right now I have framing material cians and air conditioning technicians, and won’t,” said Lisak. “I have no need to. I am the state required to check the immigration reached its apex, residential construction sitting on the job site with the foundation it is affecting apartment building contrac- working with no stress, less headaches and status of people they stop and suspect of payrolls peaked at 1.02 million workers. on the ground,” said Stephen Paul, execu- tors as well as homebuilders. I sleep well at night and don’t have to worry being in the country illegally, many undoc- While they bottomed out in January 2011, tive vice president at Mid-Atlantic Builders “Although we are very busy and have about paying my bills.” Similar sentiments umented immigrants left the state, drying they are still down about 42 percent. At in Rockville, Maryland. “It’s been sitting work lined up for the next 12 to 18 months, are shared by Fernando Pages and Pat up a source of labor for the building indus- 10.8 percent, unemployment among con- there a week because I have not been able try there. According to the NAHB about 22 struction workers is higher than for any oth- to get a framer to start the house.” percent of the workforce in the single-fami- er group. But this rate includes workers in According to a National Association of ly home building industry are immigrants, non-residential construction, which has Home Builders survey published last though it does not say how many of those lagged home building and where workers month, 48 percent of single-family home are undocumented. Another factor, accord- are more likely to be unionized. builders could not find framing crews in the ing to unions and former framers like Lisak, Some economists like Heidi Shierholz of first three months of this year, and builders is the reluctance by builders to pay contrac- the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute in all four regions struggled. In the middle tors more. doubt talk of a labor shortage given the of last year, that figure stood at just 30 per- “Our contractors are underbid,” said Bill slack in the overall industry. “Unemployed cent. The demand for labor has been driven Luddy, head of special projects at the construction workers outnumber job open- by the decisive recovery the housing sector United Brotherhood of Carpenters. “Our ings in construction by nearly 12-to-1,” said is finally mounting. According to industry people provide a wage that people can live Shierholz. Part of the seeming discrepancy figures released on Monday, a majority of on, compared to contractors who are pay- could reflect the uneven nature of the US homebuilders view conditions for new ing piece rates, who are paying low or cash housing recovery, other economists say. construction as favorable for the first time wages.” Builders would not be drawn into Housing has not rebounded as quickly in since the housing crisis began seven years discussing financial issues. However, Lisak, areas like Michigan and the rest of the Rust ago, and home prices have been climbing. said they generally paid framers between Belt as in places like Arizona, California and To be sure, it’s hard to explain a labor $4-$5 per square foot, depending on the much of the Northeast. shortage when unemployment in the sec- region and the size of the house. That trans- Labor Department data on wages tor is over 10 percent, and some argue that lated to wages of less than $1,000 per seems to indicate some tightening in labor builders just need to pay more. Still, a labor week, he said. They would need to pay at availability. Average weekly earnings in the CALIFORNIA: Construction workers are seen atop a building of new apartments shortage and pricey materials may hold least $6 per square foot to attract people home-building sector, unadjusted for sea- for sale in Alhambra, east of downtown Los Angeles, California. — AFP back new home construction and help like him, Lisak added. sonal fluctuations, jumped by $12.56 to push prices higher as demand outstrips we could be busier if I was confident that I Quinn, who also quit after decades of build- “Labor is getting very scarce. We have $872.14 in April, the highest level since the supply, realtors and economists say. could obtain the proper help,” said Anthony ing homes. actually turned a few jobs away because series started in 2006. In the 12 months Government data on Tuesday showed Zarrilli, principal at Zarrilli Homes in Brick, Pages, 57, has moved into telecommuni- labor is unavailable,” said Johnny Yates, vice through April, they were up 6.1 percent. housing starts rose less than expected in New Jersey. When the housing market col- cations and also teaches home-building president at Rampart Construction in “You still have quite a bit of displaced work- May, an indication that supply constraints lapsed in 2006, contractors downsized and classes and writes a blog. “It was a terrible Dallas. Yates said an apartment building job ers that are unemployed in construction might be starting to impact on home build- the industry continued to shrink well after experience to want to go through again. that would normally run between 18 to 24 because their area hasn’t turned around ing. Builders say costs have risen between the 2007-09 recession ended. Between Right now I am driving to Kansas, where I months was now taking at least an addi- just yet and they are not willing to move to 10 percent and 15 percent over the last April 2006 and January 2011, the home- will teach an eight-hour class tomorrow on tional two months to complete. In where the jobs are,” said Jonathan Smoke, year. building sector shed 466,700 jobs, about foundations,” said Pages. After frequent Oklahoma, urban developer Grant chief economist at Hanley Wood in Although the nation’s unemployment half of its total. bouts of unemployment, the 57-year-old Humphreys is also having labor headaches Washington.—Reuters

BoE, still divided, flags market Swiss House wants tax dodgers exposed GENEVA: Switzerland’s upper house to lift Switzerland’s long-sacrosanct house, or National Council, refused to impact of US Fed uncertainty yesterday again backed a deal with banking secrecy for one year for consider the deal, while 67 were in favor. Washington to expose US tax dodgers Americans. Wednesday’s upper house decision BoE’s King outvoted again at final MPC meeting and fine Swiss banks which helped hide Eighteen lawmakers opposed the puts the ball squarely in the National their money, a day after G8 leaders deal proposed by the United States, Council’s court, and it is set to hold a LONDON: Bank of England policy- uncertainty about the direction of US RBS. “The on-hold majority noted the agreed to chase cheats and corporate which has angered many in Switzerland new debate today, leaving the accord makers acknowledged earlier this monetary policy, but came no closer rise in bond yields in response to Fed fiddles. The upper and lower houses are by insisting it is non-negotiable and on a knife-edge. The deal is seen as cru- month that further market volatility to shifting their own stance. Minutes tapering concerns and hinted more taking different lines on the tax agree- must be in force by July 1. The Council cial if Swiss banks are to escape the could be on the way because of of its latest policy meeting, released QE could be done in response to that.” ment in the midst of controversy in of States, which voted 24-15 in favor last threat of a raft of lawsuits in the United yesterday, show the BoE remained But other policymakers thought advanced nations about tax evasion week in an initial debate, was unswayed States on charges of abetting tax eva- deadlocked over whether to restart its the market movements showed the and low tax bills by some big compa- by a lower house refusal to hold the sion-with massive fines the price of own asset-buying stimulus, with out- difficulty of unwinding further mone- nies. A total of 26 members of the upper emergency vote needed to have the legal peace-as well as being barred going Governor Mervyn King again in tary stimulus and that the costs out- Council of States voted in favor of the deal in place by Washington’s deadline. from the big and profitable American a minority voting for another 25 bil- weighed the benefits. “The benefits of controversial “Lex USA” bill, which aims On Tuesday, 126 members of the lower market. —AFP lion pounds ($39 billion) of asset pur- further asset purchases were likely to chases. be small relative to their potential The June 5-6 Monetary Policy costs,” the minutes said of those mem- Committee meeting, King’s last, decid- bers’ views. ed economic developments in Britain “In particular, further purchases had been generally positive in the could ... complicate the transition to a past month and consistent with the more normal monetary policy stance bank’s May forecast of a slow but sus- at some point in the future.” tained recovery this year. However, Paul Fisher and David Miles again the MPC said markets were less calm sided with King, warning of euro zone about expected actions by the Fed risks and weak wage growth in Britain. and the Bank of Japan, and that there Data out on Tuesday showed a bigger was “potential for continued volatility”. than expected 2.7 percent annual rise Some among those MPC members in British consumer prices in May, who oppose more asset purchases, or though the outlook for inflation quantitative easing (QE), saw market remains more benign than a few reaction to speculation that the Fed months ago. Last month the central might slow its bond buying as evi- bank forecast that inflation would dence that another round of stimulus peak at just over 3 percent later this in Britain could be effective. “Although year before falling to the 2 percent an expansion in asset purchases was target by early 2015 - a view still not warranted at this meeting, those broadly shared by the MPC and exter- events illustrated the likely effective- nal economists. ness of asset purchases should they Carney’s arrival may lead to the be needed in the future,” the minutes introduction of policies other than QE said. in Britain. He has promoted long-term Economists said this, combined public commitments to low interest with calls for the increase in stimulus rates during his time as Canada’s cen- by King and two others of the nine tral bank chief, and Britain’s finance MPC members, suggested that the minister has asked him to assess the committee on the whole was warm- viability of this strategy in Britain. ing to the idea of another cash boost Economists polled by Reuters earlier LONDON: A man uses an automat- for the economy, just before the new this month predicted that Carney will ed teller machine (ATM) outside a governor, Mark Carney, arrives next indeed give markets a steer on policy. branch of the Royal Bank of month. “The minutes serve as a As for more quantitative easing this Scotland (RBS) in the City of reminder the MPC retains a dovish year, they only saw a 45 percent London. — AFP bias,” said Ross Walker, economist at chance of a top-up.— Reuters KKR among bidders for Saudi fast food chain

DUBAI: A majority stake in Saudi ment. Several calls to the compa- Mohammed Abdulrahman Al- fast food chain Kudu has been put ny’s Riyadh headquarters went Modeimegh, who are not selling up for sale and private equity firm unanswered. their stake, the sources said. “It’s a KKR is among the bidders, four The sources spoke on condition stable business now and valuations banking and industry sources said of anonymity as the information is are expected to be high. The advi- yesterday. Saudi Arabia is the not public. The long-term outlook sors have reached out to a wide largest Gulf Arab economy and for the Saudi food and agriculture number of parties and it will be there has been increasing interest sector remains strong, with interesting to see if the sale goes among international investors in growth supported by a young and through,” said one of the sources, a the kingdom’s booming consumer growing population and the senior Saudi-based private equity sector. Riyadh-based Kudu, which expansion of firms into new seg- executive. A bidding process for operates more than 200 restau- ments, a June 19 report from the stake has been initiated, with rants in the kingdom, is owned by Saudi-based NCB Capital said. HSBC Holdings arranging the sale, all four individual shareholders, Coca-Cola Co paid $980 million in four sources said. The bank declined including chairman and chief December 2011 for a 50 percent to comment. The lender reached out executive Abdulmohsen Bin stake in Aujan Industries, one of to more than 40 interested parties Abdulaziz Al Yahya, according to the largest beverage companies in for the stake sale, including private data from Zawya, a Thomson the Middle East. Citigroup Inc’s equity firms including KKR, Carlyle Reuters unit. venture capital arm and Dubai- Group and strategic investors, said The company, founded in 1988, based Levant Capital bought a two of the sources, who are familiar has grown rapidly in recent years $100 million controlling stake in with the plan. KKR and Carlyle both and is expected to record a net Saudi Arabian supermarket chain declined to comment. Washington- income of nearly 100 million riyals Al-Raya For Foodstuff Co last year. based Carlyle has decided not to ($26.7 million) this year, one of the The sale of the Kudu stake was trig- bid for the stake, the Saudi-based sources said. Based on a valuation gered by strategic differences source said. In 2011, Carlyle bought of 10-15 times earnings, Kudu may between the shareholders, three of a 42 percent stake in a Saudi-based be valued at between 1 billion the sources said. About 30-40 per- food franchise operator that runs riyals to 1.5 billion riyals, a second cent of the company is owned by Domino’s Pizza and Wendy’s restau- source said. Kudu officials were two brothers Abdulaziz rants in the Middle East and North not immediately available to com- Abdulrahman Al-Modeimegh and Africa.—Reuters THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 BUSINESS Shares choppy, dollar steady as Fed meets European shares dip in jittery trade

LONDON: European shares turned lower but four-month high on Tuesday. Against a basket of rate in more than two years. The MSCI world equi- major currencies and commodities stuck within major currencies the greenback was flat at around ty index, tracking shares in 45 countries, added recent ranges yesterday as investors awaited clari- 80.50. “The general elements for a stronger dollar 0.15 percent to bring its gains this week to 1.2 ty on the US Federal Reserve’s next policy move. are in place, on the back of the prospect of tighter percent, but with activity expected to be limited Mixed reports on the strength of the US economic US monetary policies. Maybe it will get another ahead of the Fed statement. recovery are expected to encourage the Fed to shot in the arm (from the Fed), may be it won’t, Bund futures were also little changed ahead of leave its ultra-loose policy unchanged, but con- but rushing to judgment is probably going to be a the Fed and a sale of 5 billion euros of new 10- cern it may hint at when it will wind back its bond mistake,” said Ned Rumpeltin, head of G10 FX year German bonds later in the session. Ten-year buying is making all markets skittish. strategy at Standard Chartered Bank. German bonds yielded 1.55 percent, up around “The market is very nervous,” said Oliver Roth, 40 basis points since the beginning of May, mir- head trader at Close Brothers Seydler. “For SHARES EXPOSED roring a rise of about 50 bps in equivalent US investors, I would say that they should be careful Trading was choppier in equity markets as Treasury yields over the same period. In cautious and set their limits - especially stop limits - very investors have seen strong gains this year on the commodity markets, growth-linked metals like carefully, because if there is some change coming back of the liquidity injections from major central copper, as well as safe-haven and inflation-linked up for the Fed policy then there could be a dra- banks. Europe’s broad FTSEurofirst 300 index gave assets such as gold, were restricted to minor matic drop for the market,” he said. up earlier gains to dip 0.25 percent, tracking a soft- moves. flydubai launches The policy setting Federal Open Market er session in Asia outside Japan, where mainland Three-month copper on the London Metal Committee will announce its decision at 1800 Chinese stocks were hit by dampened hopes for a Exchange CMCU3 rose 0.1 percent to $7,013.25 a GMT, followed 30 minutes later by a news confer- local policy easing. tonne, but this was not far off its lowest price its business class ence with Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke. “The Fed’s tone will clearly influence the since early May. “Base metals have been strug- Expectations for a scaling back of the Fed’s mas- action. If Bernanke indicates that tapering is quite gling as portfolio managers and investors have DUBAI: Dubai-based flydubai yesterday range of services on offer for both our busi- sive bond buying program has supported the dol- a bit of a distance off, investors will feel relieved been cutting their exposure to commodities,” said announced the launch of business class serv- ness and leisure travelers. We have provided lar, especially against emerging market currencies, and equities can revisit their recent highs,” Victor Thianpiriya, commodities strategist at ANZ ices, based on feedback from its passengers, easier access for our passengers to 44 previ- though uncertainty over the impact of any policy Philippe Gijsels, head of research at BNP Paribas Bank. Brent crude held above $106 a barrel, near across its network of 60 destinations. ously underserved markets, creating free shift has led some investors to prefer the yen. Fortis Global Markets, said. Japanese stocks an 11-week high, as hopes for ongoing Fed stimu- Commenting on the launch of the airline’s flows of trade and tourism, to support Dubai’s It shed 0.4 percent to under 95 yen yesterday, bucked the softer trend in Asia, closing up 1.8 lus underpinned prices. US crude for July delivery Business Class services, Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO economic development. Passengers will now although the dollar was steady against the euro at percent to reach a one-week high as data showed touched a nine-month high of $99.01, before eas- of flydubai, stated, “We are very pleased to be able to enjoy these services on destina- around $1.34 after the single currency touched a Japan’s exports rose in May at their fastest annual ing to $98.81, still up 37 cents. —Reuters announce the evolution of our passenger tions across our network including some that offering as we continue to meet the travel have never offered business class air travel needs of our customers. before,” Al Ghaith continued. The introduction of Business Class will pro- flydubaioffers passengers reliable high All-new Pathfinder enjoys vide greater choice for our passengers, who will have access to faster check-in services, comfortable and spacious seating and can enjoy a variety of internationally -inspired high levels of popularity menus during their journey.” “Both our busi- ness and leisure travelers can now benefit from a more personal flying experience. fly- DUBAI: The all-new Nissan Pathfinder has dubai is ready for business and we look for- enjoyed high levels of popularity since its launch ward to continuing to offer our passengers in February with more than 1,600 unit sales in the reliable and accessible travel services, whether Gulf region in March and April. Pathfinder sales in Economy or Business Class.” have increased by 204% vs March/April 2012 across the Middle East as the ‘Next generation IN THE AIR SUV’ gathers acclaim in the showroom and from flydubai’s Business Class cabin is config- the automotive industry with strong demand ured with12 seats finished in soft Italian quality travel services and strives to listen to anticipated to maintain sales momentum. leather with lumbar support and a seat pitch its passengers to meet theirtravel require- “It is very evident that, with its fresh design of 42 inches. The in-flight entertainment sys- ments. Not only is the airline the launch cus- and improved levels of standard technology, the tem will offer a high definition touchscreen of tomer for this newly developed reclining seat all-new Nissan Pathfinder is not only positioned 12.1 inches with over 900 hours of movies, but it was the first to introduce high definition to appeal to the existing customers in the region, music and games. In addition, Business Class films on its flights as well as introduce but is also attracting a new range of Middle East passengers will benefit from having their own Boeing’s Sky interior, designed to increase buyers looking for a stylish, premium and dedicated cabin crew. Travellers will be passenger comfort and reduce jetlag. The air- authentic SUV,” said Samir Cherfan, Managing offered a selection of coldlight food and line will launch a new catering option for Director, Nissan Middle East. “We are very accompaniments on short flightsand the Economy Class customers, in the near future. pleased with the growing demand that the all- choice of a three-course meal from aspecially Passengers can pre-select their meal and new Pathfinder is experiencing across our dealer- designed Halal menu on flights of 90 minutes order online up to 48 hours before departure. ships in the region. Our goal is for the new model and above. flydubai’s Business Class offering includes: not only to be the best in class but also to Business class fare includes a comfortable spa- advance the whole SUV segment forward into ON THE GROUND cious seat, a generous checked baggage the future,” concluded Samir. Business Class passengers will be able to allowance, its award winning in-flight enter- All-new Nissan Pathfinder defines the ‘Next take advantage of flydubai’s priority check-in, tainment system and a choice of internation- generation SUV’ with a modern balance of off- East continues to show considerable growth Blue Book in the United States and among the ‘10 conveniently located just 120 paces from the ally-inspired menus and refreshments; An road capabilities with on-road refinement deliv- (29% in GCC). Best family cars’ by Edmund.com and Parents car park, as well as the new facilities at the exception customer experience; 12 soft Italian ering ‘innovation that excites’ to meet the needs Nissan will now use the strong initial response magazine in United States. recently upgraded and expanded Terminal 2 leather seats with lumbar support; Seat pitch of today’s modern families with unmatched tech- from the region’s SUV and cross-over buyers as a It is also one of the nominees for the Middle at Dubai International Airport. Later this year, of 42 inches; In-flight entertainment system nologies and features. It also offers dynamic platform on which to build towards an ambitious East Motoring Award’s title of ‘Best mid-size SUV’. passengers will be able to relax in flydubai’s with a high definition 12.1 inch touchscreen; design, class-leading comfort, thoughtful tech- sales target of 8,200 Pathfinder sales per year in MEMA is the most prestigious awards of its kind Business Class lounge ahead of their flight A dedicated and highly-trained cabin crew nology, and a rewarding driving experience. SUV the GCC region in the next three years. All-new for the Middle East, judged by 19 independent and will have access to priority baggage col- member; Premium catering services including sales across the Middle East rose 29% in FY2012 Pathfinder recognized for its balance of style, jury members from 10 Middle Eastern countries, lection upon arrival at their destination. cold food and accompaniments on short and its mid-size class is highly competitive with affordability, safety and technology has recently including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, A dedicated business team will also be flights, and the option of a three-course meal 31 models in the segment. The All-new been awarded by one of the Middle East’s Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia available 24 hours a day to attend to queries on flights of 90 minutes and above Priority Pathfinder entered the Nissan range at a time respected automotive media, Automobile TV, as and the UAE. The jury members are among the and assist in ticket booking, meal selection check-in located one minute or just 120 paces when demand for SUVs/Crossovers in the Middle ‘Best mid-size SUV’, as ‘Best family car’ by Kelly most influential automotive writers in the region. and telephone check-in. The airline will from the car park at Terminal 2, Dubai receive delivery of the first aircraft with a busi- International Airport; Priority baggage collec- ness class cabin in August 2013. All new air- tion upon arrival at destination; Dedicated craft subsequently delivered will include busi- customer service team to attend to enquiries US auto giant GM plans to ness and economy classes. Business class tick- and assist with bookings and Access to fly- ets will be available for purchase on selected dubai’s Business Class lounge later this year. flights from August 2013, and the inaugural flydubai aims to make travel more conven- invest $11 billion in China flight is scheduled to take off in October 2013. ient for its passengers through services such “flydubai’s agility and flexibility has been as visa facilitation for select destinations, a an integral part of our young airline’s journey mobile website, car hire and insurance servic- SHANGHAI: General Motors will invest $11 billion in since its launch four years ago. We are com- es. Most recently, the airline has made holiday China through 2016, executives said yesterday, as the US mitted to innovation and expanding the packages available to its passengers. Japan trade deficit car giant broke ground on a plant to produce luxury Cadillacs for the world’s biggest auto market. The figure includes four new plants, including the $1.3 billion climbs to $10.5bn Cadillac factory in Shanghai, GM officials told a media US billionaire tries light briefing. “China is a critical market for General Motors TOKYO: Japan’s trade deficit rose nearly in exports. Stronger growth in the US today and General Motors tomorrow,” GM chairman and touch in Sony shakeup 10 percent in May to 993.9 billion yen and some other major markets has also CEO Dan Akerson said. TOKYO: A US billionaire’s gentle bid to investors is setting off more constructive (nearly $10.5 billion) as rising costs for helped boost demand for Japanese GM is already the largest foreign auto maker in China by sales, but it has lagged behind in the country’s luxury convince Sony to spin off part of its enter- dialogue with management, said imports due to the cheaper yen matched products. Exports to China rose 8.3 per- segment, in which German companies hold an estimated tainment arm could mark a dramatic shift Tetsuyuki Kagaya, an associate professor a rebound in exports, the Ministry of cent in May from a year earlier to 1.05 tril- 80 percent share. GM sold a record 1.33 million vehicles from previous, mostly unsuccessful, forays at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo. “This is Finance reported yesterday. Exports rose lion yen ($11 billion) while imports in China for the first five months of this year, up 10.6 per- by foreign investors into Japan’s cloistered a quite flexible approach. Sony will have 10.1 percent in May over a year earlier to jumped 15 percent to 1.46 trillion yen cent from the same period last year, according to the corporate landscape, analysts say. The difficulty ignoring it,” he said. London- electronics giant is holding its annual based The Children’s Investment Fund has 5.77 trillion yen ($60.7 billion) while ($15.4 billion), leaving a deficit of 410 bil- company. The Cadillac plant will have annual output capacity of 160,000 vehicles, with production to start in shareholders meeting today in Tokyo also been employing a methodical, multi- imports also surged 10 percent, to 6.76 lion yen ($4.3 billion). two years, GM officials said. “We’re going to bring our where the break-up plan devised by Daniel year effort to help boost shareholder trillion yen ($71.1 billion), the ministry Japan’s efforts to boost trade with the high-end, premium product here and we’re going to see Loeb, head of hedge fund Third Point, was returns at Japan Tobacco instead of rush- said. Japan’s trade deficit in May 2012 rest of Asia appeared to be yielding how we run against the competitors from Europe and expected to feature. But rather than seek- ing in aggressively. “It is getting more diffi- was 907.93 billion yen. results, with exports rising 11 percent to Japan,” Akerson said. ing a public showdown with Sony’s board, cult for firms to have a management that Loeb has opted for the soft touch with a completely ignores shareholders,” Kagaya A weakening in the yen’s value has 3.2 trillion yen ($33.7 billion), as imports GM has already announced plans to introduce one new Cadillac model a year in China through 2016 to hand-delivered letter that lauded Sony said. “The era of activist shareholders is pushed up costs for imports of crude oil, climbed nearly 10 percent to 2.98 trillion boost annual sales of the brand from around 30,000 vehi- chief Kazuo Hirai’s efforts at dragging Sony coming.” natural gas and other commodities for yen ($31.4 billion). Japan’s trade surplus cles last year to 100,000 by 2015. The US company hopes back to profitability. Foreign investors have long found stok- this resource scarce nation, but the with the United States jumped 26 per- to capture 10 percent of China’s luxury car market by The letter also suggested the board ing change in Japanese companies to be deficit in May was bigger than most cent over the year before to 427.1 billion 2020, up from the current 2.5 percent, GM officials said take a serious look at his proposal. A fur- an uphill battle. Among high-profile clash- ther polite letter was delivered to Hirai this es was a failed effort by US fund Steel economists’ estimates. The figures show yen ($4.5 billion). Exports surged 16.3 yesterday. They declined to say what Cadillac models will be produced at the new plant. GM launched a locally week. Sony said it was reviewing the idea Partners to oust top executives at brewer strong growth in exports to the US, percent year-on-year to 1.04 trillion yen produced Cadillac sedan, the XTS, in China earlier this to sell off part of its entertainment unit, Sapporo Holdings. Meanwhile US private China and the rest of Asia. The deficit for ($10.9 billion) and imports rose 10 per- year and also imports the Cadillac SRX, a sport utility which includes a major Hollywood movie equity fund Cerberus Capital Management May compared with a deficit of 879.9 bil- cent to 614 billion yen ($6.5 billion). vehicle, for sale in the country. studio and a music label. Hirai has resisted is locked in a battle with management at lion yen ($8.6 billion) in April. Japan’s But exports to the EU fell 5 percent, “There are generous profits in the luxury car market,” previous calls to break up the electronics hotel and railway operator Seibu Holdings behemoth which has struggled for years as over a proposed corporate governance trade deficit rose to a record $83.4 billion while imports jumped nearly 9 percent, Cui Dongshu, deputy head of industry group the China Passenger Car Association said. “GM has to make an it bled money from its television unit. overhaul and other issues. in the fiscal year that ended in March, as boosting Japan’s deficit by nearly 650 investment targeted at the segment and build this plant Loeb has a reputation for aggressively A huge accounting scandal at camera imports climbed and a surge in exports percent, to 88.7 billion yen ($933.7 mil- in Shanghai to localize its products, in order to effectively trying to force change at target compa- giant Olympus saw its whistleblowing to the US failed to offset the impact from lion). Imports from the Middle East, pri- seize a place in the high-end segment,” he said. Speaking nies. But he appears to be making a break Britain-born former chief fail to win support territorial tensions with China and weak marily of crude oil and gas, jumped 11.5 at a groundbreaking ceremony, Akerson forecast China from past investor confrontations with from institutional Japanese shareholders to management, something which is rarely run the firm, despite the backing of foreign demand from crisis-stricken Europe. percent from a year earlier to 1.23 trillion would eventually become the world’s largest luxury car market with sales of 3.0 million vehicles. seen in Japan. Shareholder activism in investors. Part of the cultural clash stretch- The yen has slid in value by more than yen ($12.9 billion). Japan’s demand for Consultancy McKinsey has put the Chinese premium Japan is not firmly entrenched like it is in es back to Japan’s post-war economic 20 percent against the US dollar and natural gas has ballooned since most of auto market at 1.25 million vehicles last year, second only Europe and the United States. “Their (Third boom when firms were given leeway to euro, in turn pushing up other currencies its nuclear power plants remain closed to the United States. Other GM plants planned for the Point’s) style seems different from so- focus on growing the company rather than in relative value. Its decline, due to following the March 2011 accident at the next three years include one for mini-commercial vehi- called vulture funds in the past,” said shareholder needs. Hostile takeovers are Hiroshi Sakai, chief economist with SMBC rare in corporate Japan and companies expectations among market speculators Fukushima Dai-ichi plant, and the deteri- cles in Chongqing city, as well as others in the cities of Wuhan and Shenyang, officials said, but they did not give Friend Research Center in Tokyo. “Third tend to be deeply suspicious of foreign pri- and also monetary policies that are oration in the trade balance is adding to details. China’s overall auto market would grow eight to Point appears to be taking a long-term vate equity firms. Companies also own injecting huge sums of cash into the pressure from the pro-nuclear govern- 12 percent over the next four to five years, eventually approach to gradually change Sony.” large stakes in each other, a system of economy, has contributed to a recovery ment to restart more plants. —AP reaching 30 million vehicles by the end of the decade, The Sony bid and a growing appetite mutual security known as “keiretsu” that Akerson said. —AFP for change among even some Japanese can prevent unwanted takeovers. —AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

The Business Class check in.

First class lounge. Emirates mirates, which already operates daily flights to Tokyo Narita and Osaka EKansai has added Tokyo Haneda makes (HND) as its third destination. On 3rd of June, Emirates celebrated the start of its daily, non-stop service from Dubai to Tokyo Tokyo Haneda International Airport (Haneda) with the launch of its inaugural flight. It is not the first time that Emirates actually beats all its competitors to be number one in every its third Japanese route aspect, and operating to Haneda as a new destination is only a mark on its upcoming of mechanical components, electronic goals and targets. goods and automobile parts, and its “Emirates has been operating to Japan imports of gas and oil products. Dubai is an since 2002 when we introduced non-stop important hub for the re-export of flights to Osaka; our commitment contin- Japanese manufactured products to the ued when we launched flights to Narita Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. International Airport in 2010.We value our Together with the new Haneda flight partnership with Tokyo International service, Emirates has launched a compli- Airport; it is one that helps to connect two mentary airport transfer services for its pas- global hubs of development and growth - sengers from Haneda Airport directly to a Japan and the UAE. We know that Haneda location of their choice in the Greater Tokyo will play an integral role in our route net- area. This service is available to First Class work and the launch of services demon- and Business Class passengers travelling on strates Emirates’ commitment to Japan,” Emirates flight EK312 (Dubai to Haneda) or said Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ Executive EK313 (Haneda to Dubai). Emirates’ flight Vice President, Passenger Sales Worldwide. EK312 departed Dubai at 0935hrs, touching “Since the commencement of Emirates’ down at Haneda 0001hrs the following day. flights to Osaka in 2002, trade relations The return flight, EK313, departed Haneda between Japan and UAE have flourished. at 0130hrs and arrived at Dubai at 0705hrs According to JETRO (Japan External Trade the same day. Organisation), two-way trade between UAE The Boeing 777-200LR aircraft operating and Japan rose to $53.1 billion in 2012, up the route is equipped with eight luxurious by 5.4 per cent compared to previous year,” private suites in First Class, 42 of its latest continued Antinori. lie-flat seats in Business, and generous “Haneda is our third gateway in Japan space for 216 passengers in Economy, and we are confident that the demand in along with gourmet cuisine in all cabins terms of both passengers and cargo is which has been tailored to Japanese pas- strong enough to warrant Emirates operat- sengers, served by Emirates’ multinational ing non-stop, daily flights to both of Tokyo’s cabin crew. The aircraft also features ice, airports, offering our passengers more flexi- Emirates’ award-winning in flight entertain- bility on the route to Dubai and onwards to ment system which offers over 1,500 chan- over 70 destinations in the Indian Ocean, nels showing the latest Japanese block- Middle East, Africa and Europe,” concluded busters, subtitled Hollywood films and Antinori. Japanese music and TV. Haneda Airport is located in Ota-ku, Emirates now operates services to 134 Tokyo and handles the majority of domes- destinations in 77 countries from Dubai, tic flights to and from Tokyo; it opened its earlier this year Emirates launched services doors to international carriers following the to Warsaw and Algiers on 6th February and opening of the fourth runway and the 1st March respectively. In addition to international terminal in October 2010. Haneda, Emirates has announced plans to Haneda is currently ranked as the second launch services to Stockholm starting 4 A First class seat in the Emirates A340. busiest airport in Asia. On board Emirates’ first flight to Haneda was Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operation Far East & Australasia; His Excellency Daisuke Matsunaga, Consul General of Japan; RavishankarMirle, Emirates’ Vice President Cargo Commercial; media representatives from the United Arab Emirates and con- A play area for kids at the first class lounge. necting passengers from 17 destinations on Emirates’ global network. In the cockpit September, Clark International Airport Emirates Holidays, the airline’s tour operat- of the Boeing 777-200LR was Captain (Philippines) beginning on 1 October; the ing arm, offers holidays to Japan, with itin- Ahmad Al-Shamsi from the UAE and First same day as it begins its transatlantic route eraries that highlight attractions in Tokyo, Officers Tsuyoshi Mikami from Japan and between Milan and New York. Kyoto and Osaka. Emirates Holidays pro- Hermes Guzman from the USA. Emirates’ longstanding partnership with vides holiday options that take travellers With the new daily flight to Haneda, Japan Airlines has been expanded to from Tokyo - the modern capital city; to the Emirates SkyCargo is able to add about 23 include a code share on the new Dubai- majestic Mount Fuji and the natural beauty tonnes per flight, which accounts for about Haneda-Dubai services. The flights will be of Hakone; to Nagoya and Kyoto, the cultur- 160 tonnes of additional cargo capacity per identified with the Emirates ‘EK’ code as al heart of Japan; and to Osaka, gateway to week, further supporting Japanese exports well as with Japan Airlines ‘JL’ code. the Kansai region. BUSINESS THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 American Mattress Summer Sale - up to 60%

KUWAIT: Staying true to its annual tradition, American Mattress has Apart from the wide range of natural and luxurious mattresses, started the summer season off with a bang with its special summer American Mattress also provides a selection of medical mattresses promotion that reaches up to 60% off on the store’s mattresses and including Aristocrat Mattress, Doctor’s Choice, Dreamer, Health Care accessories. The sale also comprises world-renowned brands including and other orthopedic mattresses including adjustable ones that Adjustables, Natura, Visco Pro, Kluft, Luxury Latex, Aireloom, Stylution provide the spinal cord the essential support it needs and balances and other high quality brands. The sale started on May 20 and will end the body’s position during sleep. When it comes to pillows, on June 28, 2013. American Mattress provides a vast assortment of accessories as well American Mattress has always been committed to providing its as the chance for customers to touch, feel and use the pillows inside client base in Kuwait with the highest quality by carefully selecting American Mattress’ showroom. Due to the many services it provides leading global brands. One of the quality brands that the company car- such as its delivery and warrantee services, American Mattress has ries is Aireloom, an American brand that provides a wide range of luxu- grown to become the store of choice for many hotels, resorts, rious, hand made mattresses that are created with natural cotton, silk chalets as well as homeowners who all seek the truest forms of lux- and latex so as to comfortably cushion its users’ times of slumber. urious comfort. Another brand, Kluft, provides mattresses that lie on the exact point Discover the many features and offers that American Mattress pro- where luxury merges with elegance. Made with durable and high qual- vides including globally renowned mattress brands that are all offered ity New Zealand wool and natural Egyptian cotton, Kluft has become a at a discounted price. Benefit from this limited time offer by visiting the highly favored choice for all due to its attention to detail and delivering stores that supplies American Mattress’ products including Good Night comfort with every stitch. American Mattress also carries other globally in Shuwaikh’s Pepsi Street, Kids Mattress located in the Creative Design known brands that have been chosen by many luxury hotels, resorts as Center in Shuwaikh, block 2, American Mattress’ showroom in Tunis well as homes. Street and Boland Mall in Farwaniya. BC Partners buys Springer Science for 3.3bn euros Dual track approach helped push price

FRANKFURT: Buyout firm BC Partners has Sources told Reuters earlier this week that the Springer, which competes with Anglo-Dutch agreed to take over German publisher Springer owners entered fresh negotiations with BC publisher Reed Elsevier and Dutch company Science+Business Media for about 3.3 billion Partners after last week rejecting the private Wolters Kluwer, publishes 2,200 English-lan- euros ($4.4 billion) in the largest private-equity equity firm’s 3.1 billion euro ($4.1 billion) bid as guage journals and more than 8,000 new book acquisition in Germany in seven years. One of too low. People familiar with the negotiations titles every year. British private equity investors Springer Science owners, Swedish private equity had said EQT and GIC had previously aborted Candover and Cinven created Springer Science Jazeera Airways No 1 in firm EQT said in a statement yesterday the clos- sale talks to focus on a stock market listing, after in 2004 by merging Dutch group Kluwer ing of the transaction was expected in August. which BP Partners topped up its bid. The deal is Academic Publishers with German firm ‘On-Time Performance’ The dual track approach of EQT and co-owner the largest takeover of a German company by a BertelsmannSpringer. In December 2009, EQT Government of Singapore Investment private equity group since the 4 billion euro and GIC bought 82 percent and 18 percent of KUWAIT: Jazeera Airways yesterday Bahrain route. The airline also saw an Corporation, which prepared both a direct sale acquisition of forklift truck maker Kion by KKR the company, respectively, from Candover and released its April 2013 Operational increase in passenger numbers on the and a flotation, appears to have paid off. and Goldman Sachs in 2006. Cinven. — Reuters Performance Report showing a continued Kuwait-Dubai and Kuwait-Jeddah routes, lead in On-Time Performance (OTP) against with a 6% and 8% increase respectively all other airlines in the Middle East during compared to April 2012. Jazeera Airways the month with a performance of 91%, as was also the leading airline on the Kuwait- Keep cool this summer ranked by the independent US-based OTP Amman route capturing a 44% market tracker FlightStats. The April report, which share, with an increase of 20% in passenger presents market share figures based on offi- numbers on the route compared to last year. with BMW driving tips cial statistics from Kuwait’s Directorate On the Egyptian routes, the airline saw an General for Civil Aviation (DGCA), also increase of 27% in passenger numbers on showed that Jazeera Airways grabbed signif- the Kuwait-Sharm El Sheikh route compared KUWAIT: Summertime is travel time. So whether icant market shares on routes serving to the same period last year, 6% on the you’re going back and forth from work, or plan- Amman, Beirut, Bahrain, Dubai, Sharm El Kuwait-Assiut route, 47% on the Kuwait- ning a road trip to visit friends and family, then Sheikh, Assiut, Luxor, and Sohag. Luxor route, and 39% on the Kuwait-Sohag BMW has a whole host of top summer travel tips Jazeera Airways grabbed a 38% market route. Jazeera Airways was the leading air- to help keep you safe on the roads during the share on the Kuwait-Beirut route, a 15% line serving Sharm El Sheikh, Assiut, Luxor, hottest months of the year. market share on the Kuwait-Dubai route, and Sohag with a 62%, 53%, 72% and 54% and a 10% market share on the Kuwait- market share respectively. SERVICING The high summer temperatures put excessive strain on mechanical components like cooling systems, batteries and tyre pressure, so if you The Airport’s shopping have not yet had time to book your car in for a service this summer, here are a few self-check tips mall chooses FASTtelco you can do at home to at least make sure your car is in top working condition. Before you pull out of KUWAIT: As part of its social responsibility commitment to continuously introduce the the driveway you should check the owner manual and commitment to the community, latest in the field of communication tech- in your vehicle for guidance on how best to check FASTtelco, the leading Telecom Service nology and to deliver sustainable and inno- that your vehicle has: Correct level of engine Provider in Kuwait, has recently signed an vative solutions that contribute to the com- coolant; Oil is at the correct levels; The air condi- agreement with United Project Company munity’s development and success. tioning works efficiently; A full tank of fuel. Never to power the Kuwait International Airport Al-Nakib added: “FASTtelco is proud to leave it until you reach your reserve!; Tyres have with free fast Wi-Fi. The agreement cites have succeeded in meeting travelers and sufficient and correct air pressure; Tyres have that FASTtelco and United Project visitors main requirements and expecta- tread depth of at least 3mm, the recommended Company will provide free Wi-Fi of speeds tions at Kuwait’s International Airport’s depth reaching up to 100Mbps across the shopping mall by signing a new agreement summer, it is an important point to note at all times. entitles you to. Airport’s shopping mall at both Departure with United Project Company providing CHECK THE PRESSURE BMW recommends that this isn’t just necessary as and Arrival areas. the fastest and most innovative Internet Never underestimate the importance of check- the driver, but for every passenger in your vehicle IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY connections through its fast Wi-Fi service.” ing the pressure once a month at any BMW Group too. Seat belts really do save lives, and being caught As well as offering a whole host of 24-hour Al-Nakib further added that “FASTtelco has showroom or leading gas station. Something as without one can cost you on your insurance too! roadside assistance options and top notch insur- accomplished major achievements by simple as a burst tyre can cause a terrible acci- ance packages, BMW also recommends that you offering internet and data communication dent. INSURANCE & ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE stay calm and follow the below steps in the case services at one of the most vibrant facilities If you are planning road trips across the region of an emergency: Turn your hazard lights on and in a country that caters to the largest num- OIL CHANGE this summer, make sure that you have adequate park on the far right lane of the road out of the ber of internet users. Oil is the lifeblood of your car. It keeps hard- motor insurance to cover you on the road or if you way from other drivers. Keep your boot open and FASTtelco is the first company that has working engine parts running clean, smooth and are involved in a collision. Also check with your use your red-emergency triangle to warn other worked towards developing the Internet most importantly, cool. All service information insurance company what your road side assistance motorists that you are stationary. and data communication fields that benefit including when the oil needs changing or topping Kuwait in general”. On the other hand, up is projected on to the onboard computer in all Chief Operations Officer at United Projects BMWs making it easy and efficient for owners to Company, Hamad Malallah commented: receive service information. “FASTtelco has been chosen to offer its Abdulwahab Al-Nakib service at the airport’s mall because it has BRAKE EASY In this regard, Abdulwahab Ahmad Al- been placed among the leading Internet Your brakes are the single most important safety Nakib, Chairman and Managing Director of and Wi-Fi Service Providers in Kuwait feature on your car, especially in the summer when Al-Deera Holding, and CEO of FASTtelco according to research and various studies the roads can become slippery and overheated. So announced that FASTtelco today considers that assessed FASTtelco’s Wi-Fi services in you need to make checking your brake linings a pri- the deal to provide Wi-Fi access across terms of speed, efficiency and technical ority. Here are some signs that your brakes need to Kuwait International airport as a tremen- support.” be checked: Your brake pedal is very hard and dous leap forward for such a vibrant facility Malallah added that United Project resistant; Your brake pedal rests too low or too as the airport shopping mall, providing one Company aims at providing the best servic- high; Indication or warning lights on the dash- of the most frequently-requested enhance- es available on the market to all its cus- board; Loud scraping and grinding sounds coming ments by an ever increasing amount of air- tomers, whether visitors or travelers, so from the brakes. If you have any doubt about port travelers and visitors reaching over a they can easily accomplish their operations whether or not your brakes are working in tip top million each year. whilst visiting the airport’s mall. This agree- condition, you should contact your authorized This initiative plays an important role in ment reflects the development of agency partner’s service centre. improving internet services offered at the FASTtelco that recently won the Bizz airport’s shopping mall, allowing users to International Award of 2012 for being the BUCKLE UP connect to the Internet in a fast, effective, most inspirational company as well as the Be it summer or really anytime of the year, safety and convenient manner. With this new Annual GCC HR Excellence Award for Best is paramount and the easiest way to increase your achievement, FASTtelco has proven its Change Management Strategy of 2012. chances of survival in the case of an accident is to wear your seat belt. While this is not only for just Middle East should nurture CSR for economic prosperity

By Ramez Shehadi ing and educating young people for jobs. Just keeping businesses, functional units, and partners. They also focus on a CSR by naming a ministry or department to coordinate CSR employment at 2011 levels will require an additional 75 mil- few CSR themes that leverage the company’s expertise; and strategies and policy making. The authorities can also offer KUWAIT: For many years the approach to achieving long-term lion jobs by 2020-a 43 percent increase on the number of jobs they tap the credibility and expertise of civil society organiza- incentives for companies to pursue CSR. Governments can prosperity and stability in the Middle East and North Africa in 2011, according to the World Economic Forum. tions, public-private partnerships and social business ven- provide funding and research around CSR, and can spearhead (MENA) has been economic growth. That approach has to Until recently, too many MENA companies consider CSR tures. Finally, these CSR pioneers measure CSR results to training and promotional campaigns. change. Instead, governments should be pursuing sustainable initiatives an optional extra and define such work too narrow- assess and refine their initiatives. The education sector also has an important role to play in development. Unlike previous policies, sustainable develop- ly, and too few governments fully comprehend how CSR can In tandem with companies aligning their CSR projects with shaping the attitudes of future business leaders. Universities ment is a strategy for economic progress that aims to create dovetail with national development. One sign that the tide is national development goals, governments need to help and business schools can influence the mindset of tomorrow’s jobs, alleviate poverty, provide education, and carefully man- turning is the number of regional companies that have joined define these goals and create an environment in which CSR is managers and entrepreneurs by introducing CSR-related con- age the environment. the UN Global Compact-a strategic policy initiative for busi- encouraged and, indeed, expected from companies. cepts into the curriculum. Civil society organizations, for their Companies have a particularly important role to play in the nesses committed to ten principles in the areas of human Encouragingly, MENA governments have become more active part, can form partnerships with private companies to lend sustainable development through corporate social responsi- rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. The list of sig- in their promotion of CSR. Almost all Gulf Cooperation Council credibility to CSR initiatives, and can monitor the performance bility (CSR) initiatives. Many MENA companies are increasing natories from the MENA region has grown from just three in members now have corporate governance codes or guide- of the private sector on issues ranging from child labor, to fair the scale and range of their CSR projects, part of a global 2003 to 262 by the end of 2012. lines in place for publicly listed companies. trade, to community involvement, and environmental protec- trend and an extension of longstanding cultural traditions. As more companies conduct CSR projects, they are estab- Eventually, when the CSR environment is mature, MENA tion. Unfortunately, too many companies conduct these initiatives lishing best practices that other companies can follow. These governments may not need to intervene, except to offer While there is an important role for government, and to an on an ad hoc basis that limits their effectiveness. For maxi- best practices include ensuring high-profile support and encouragement. For the time being, however, given the extent civil society and academia, the main burden of CSR and mum impact, companies need to align CSR projects with engagement of senior leaders, and practicing more transpar- region’s substantial development needs and the undeveloped sustainable development falls on companies. By aligning their national development goals and coordinate with govern- ent corporate governance to encourage candid discussions nature of CSR, governments need to play a more active role in CSR work with national development goals, MENA companies ments, academia, and civil society. and create clear guidelines for tackling CSR issues. These CSR setting CSR priorities. At the very least, governments can can be good corporate citizens, and by supporting sustain- Such a coordinated effort is critical to tackle regional sus- leaders also integrate CSR with their operating model by, at define and mandate minimum standards for business per- able development can contribute to the betterment of the tainable development, including the main challenge of train- the very least, coordinating the activities of their company’s formance through legislation. Governments can also facilitate societies in which they operate. technology THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 NZ emerges as guinea pig for global tech companies

WELLINGTON: When Google chose New Zealand to has enthusiastically used New Zealanders as guinea to the fact that (New Zealand) is a perfect micro- country, aiming to bring Internet to the two-thirds unveil secret plans for a balloon-driven wi-fi net- pigs, last year trialling a scheme where users can cosm of a global community,” said Candace Kinser of the global population currently without web work last weekend, it cemented the country’s repu- pay to make their posts more prominent on friends’ from technology industry group NZITC. access. tation as a test bed for global tech companies look- newsfeeds. It also rolled out its timeline feature first “Auckland has immigrants as more than 50 per- It involved sending 30 helium-filled balloons to ing to trial their latest innovations, industry experts in New Zealand in 2011, saying at the time: “As a cent of its population, from nearly every country in the edge of space above the South Island last say. They said New Zealand, tucked away deep in global company, we need to gain perspective and the world (and) Kiwis take up technology rapidly Saturday, each carrying transmitters capable of the southern hemisphere, offers a tech-savvy, insights from outside the US. “New Zealand is a and use it well.” Fraser said hosting leading-edge beaming wi-fi Internet access down to antennae on English-speaking population where firms such as good place to start because it’s English speaking, so projects helped boost New Zealand’s IT sector, properties below. Google and Facebook can quietly test new products we can read the feedback and make improvements which boasts world leaders in sectors such as com- The ultimate goal, which Google admits remains without risking major fallout if anything goes quickly.” puter gaming and digital special effects. a distant dream, is a network of thousands of such wrong.”We tend to be early adopters, any technolo- The LinkedIn social network also tested its “When these organisations come along, they balloons creating a network that provides online gy that reduces the tyranny of distance we’re keen endorsement feature in New Zealand last year, but don’t bring their whole R&D (research and develop- access anywhere in the world. on,” said Malcolm Fraser, chief executive of the Fraser said the country had been a laboratory for ment) department, they just bring one or two key The first person to access the web under the Auckland-based Future Cities Institute, who has experimental technology since the mid-1980s, people, along with the new product or technology,” scheme was dairy farmer Charles Nimmo, who said researched the trend. when the world’s first electronic payments system he said. “So we get quite a lot of benefit from that, he appreciated the chance to work with one of the “We’re a small market, which means it doesn’t was introduced. In the early 2000s, telecoms giant in terms of people in our technology getting world’s largest companies to push the frontiers of cost that much to test something here and if any- Vodafone debugged the GPRS network which trained up to fill the void.” The Google foray into technology. “It’s been weird,” he told the New thing screws up we’re far enough from major mar- replaced dial-up Internet connections for Kiwis New Zealand, dubbed Project Loon, is perhaps the Zealand Herald. “But it’s been exciting to be part of kets for it not to have a spillover effect.” Facebook before releasing it internationally. “It comes down most ambitious high-tech test carried out in the something new.” — AFP Internet balloons to help small businesses: Google Google expects half a billion people to have Internet access

SINGAPORE: Google’s plans to beam the Internet from giant balloons sent to the strato- sphere could boost small businesses in rural parts of Asia by connecting them online, the company said yesterday. Karim Temsamani, Google’s head of Asia Pacific, said in a speech at the Communicasia conference in Singapore, that the Internet balloons might also facilitate com- munication during disasters. Google last week revealed top secret plans to launch thousands of balloons to provide Internet connections to remote parts of the world, allowing the more than four billion peo- ple with no access to get online. Its scientists on Saturday released up to 30 helium-filled test bal- loons flying 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) above Christchurch in New Zealand, carrying antennae linked to ground base stations. “What’s devastating is that only a tiny fraction OSAKA: Osaka Mayor and co-leader of the Japan Restoration Party Toru Hashimoto of SMEs (small-medium enterprises) all across (foreground center) along with Shingo Nishimura (foreground right) a former mem- Asia are online right now,” Temsamani told the ber of the House of Representatives, waves to supporters during their party’s elec- conference. He said India, one of the region’s tion campaign in Japan. — AP emerging economies, has 47 million small busi- nesses, but only one percent are online. “Getting Online gaffes plague more businesses online is crucial to every single CHRISTCHURCH: This file photo shows visitors standing next to a high altitude WiFi internet country in the region,” he said. hub, a Google Project Loonballoon, on display at the Airforce Museum in Christchurch. — AFP The experimental balloon project, called Japanese politicians Project Loon, is one way to provide affordable asters, this could help coordinate supplies,” he said. remained in an experimental stage, and would Internet access to “rural, remote and under- The balloon network is controlled by ground require a lot of work from participating nations. served” regions, Temsamani said. “For farmers in stations connecting to the local Internet infra- “These balloons need networks’ co-operation TOKYO: On the Internet, no one can save you ence, he shouted, “Don’t laugh! Why you are remote rural areas, this would bring market structure and beaming signals to the balloons, to function, we’re all going to have to work from yourself. That is a lesson many Japanese laughing?” “Shut up! Shut up!” he said. By information that allows them to get better prices which are self-powered by solar panels. Users together on this,” he said. He said Google politicians have learned recently in painful, awk- Wednesday the video had been viewed on from merchants,” he added. ward and at times costly fashion. In the latest YouTube more than 200,000 times. The footage below have an Internet antennae they attach expects half a billion people in emerging mar- The balloons, which once in the stratosphere flap, a senior reconstruction official in charge of was also repeatedly shown on mainstream the side of their house which can send and kets worldwide, most of them in Asia, to have helping victims of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Japanese TV and in newspapers until the will be twice as high as commercial airliners and receive data signals from the balloons passing Internet access “between now and 2015”. nuclear crisis was dismissed last week after he Foreign Ministry reprimanded him last week. barely visible to the naked eye, will also help in dis- overhead. Some 50 people were chosen to take “These people will drive this transformation used a scatological insult on Twitter to deride Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto said and asters when communication infrastructure is part in the trial in New Zealand and were able to even faster. They will not have all the desktop- civil activists. Another official’s loss of compo- tweeted that sex slavery by Japan’s Imperial down, Temsamani said. “For places with few doc- link to the Internet. based habits we’ve developed over the past 10 sure at a United Nations committee meeting Army before and during World War II was a “nec- tors, this could help relay drug information. In dis- Temsamani cautioned that the project years,” he added. — AFP might have gone unnoticed in another time, but essary” wartime evil. He also used Twitter to post today it’s on YouTube. Even Prime Minister his suggestion that the US military patronize Shinzo Abe has been reproached for remarks on adult entertainment to help reduce sex crimes Facebook that some deemed disrespectful to his committed by American troops. Google asks US court to opponents. US officials characterized the comments as Japan only began allowing use of social “outrageous and offensive.” Hashimoto, a co- media in political campaigns in April. As cam- founder of the nationalist Japan Restoration paigning heats up for a pivotal July 21 election allow data query release Party, apologized, but only for his adult enter- for the upper house of parliament, this relatively tainment remark. He has continued tweeting his new tool for reaching the public appears as assertions about the Imperial Army’s use of much a liability as it is a blessing. Japanese prostitutes. Sophia University political science politicians and government agencies control professor Koichi Nakano said gaffes by politi- Google settles suit access to information through a system of press cians and others spotlight a lack of sensitivity to clubs, and to keep their memberships, tradition- a variety of issues, and to opposing views. WASHINGTON: Google said Tuesday it asked a spe- of a vast, covert Internet surveillance program US new class of non-voting shares later this year. The al Japanese media often have overlooked politi- “The society that leaves such problems cial US court handling national security investiga- authorities insist targets only foreign terror suspects settlement announced Monday came on the eve of cians’ gaffes. Politicians’ aides also help them unchecked could become one that is insensitive,” tions for permission to publish the number of gov- and has helped thwart attacks. a scheduled Delaware chancery court trial that avoid making embarrassing comments on TV Nakano said. “People gradually lose sensitivity ernment requests for data to the Internet giant. The Google chief Larry Page and Facebook co- threatened to cast an unflattering light on Google and in print media. But those filters disappear and then think nothing of it anymore.” One label court filing in Washington came amid a firestorm of founder Mark Zuckerberg have publicly con- co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. The class- when a politician posts a comment online. that has drawn attention is the word “leftist,” protests over revelations that the National Security demned online spying and called for governments action by the Brockton Retirement Board in “It takes only one emotional sentence. Once which appears to be a catch-all term for liberals Agency had accessed vast amounts of data in a sur- to be more revealing about snooping on the Massachusetts and another Google shareholder, you hit the comment or tweet button, it’s too supportive of minority rights and pacifism, and veillance program under the supervision of the spe- Internet. “We understand that the US and other Philip Skidmore, alleged that Page and Brin engi- late. You’re caught by gaffe watchers on the net, who sometimes challenge conservative values. cial court, which operates in secret. Google said it governments need to take action to protect their neered the stock split in a way that unfairly benefits with your true nature exposed,” said Junichiro The media and the political opposition are already publishes in its “transparency report” data citizens’ safety-including sometimes by using sur- them while shortchanging the rest of the compa- Nakagawa, an editor at the Internet news site taking Abe to task for using the term too casual- on requests from law enforcement and so-called veillance,” Google chief and co-founder Larry Page ny’s shareholders. Shunkan Research News. Yasuhisa Mizuno, the ly. Abe has also called former Prime Minister former Reconstruction Agency official for Naoto Kan a leftist, criticizing his civil activist National Security Letters from the FBI. said in a blog post. Google denied the allegations and maintained Fukushima-Dai-ichi victims, was fired over this background and relatively lenient stance toward “However, greater transparency is needed, so “But the level of secrecy around the current legal that the proposed stock split announced 14 months tweet: “Attended a meeting where I was merely North Korea. Abe, who is known for his national- today we have petitioned the Foreign Intelligence procedures undermines the freedoms we all cher- ago would benefit shareholders by ensuring that yelled at by leftist (vulgarity). Surprisingly, I’m ist and hawkish views, complained in a recent Surveillance Court to allow us to publish aggregate not outraged. I only have pity for their lack of Facebook entry about hecklers at a public rally. numbers of national security requests, including intelligence.” “A group of leftists came into the crowd, FISA disclosures, separately,” a Google spokesperson He posted the comment March 7, but it was intensely trying to interfere with my speech by said. “Lumping national security requests together overlooked for several weeks before “gaffe shouting into a loudspeaker and banging with criminal requests-as some companies have watchers” discovered it and made it more widely drums, full of hatred,” he wrote “Mr. Abe, what do been permitted to do-would be a backward step for known. In late May, Hideaki Ueda, Japan’s repre- you mean by ‘leftists?’” asked Hideo Matsushita, our users.” sentative to the United Nations’ committee on senior editor at the liberal-leaning Asahi news- FISA refers to the Foreign Intelligence torture, shouted while defending Japan’s judicial paper, in a commentary published Sunday. Surveillance Act, which authorized the secret court. system against criticism by an envoy from Many of the hundreds of comments Google said it was seeking a court ruling to allow it Mauritius who said its lack of protections for sus- attached to Abe’s Facebook entry expressed to publish “limited, aggregate statistics” on orders pects’ rights was “medieval.” support for his remark, along with hatred of the for the company to hand over data. “Google’s repu- Speaking in somewhat broken English in political left, ethnic Koreans and China. But oth- tation and business has been harmed by the false footage shown on YouTube and an official web- ers questioned for using the word “leftists” to and misleading reports in the media, and Google’s site, Ueda said, “Certainly Japan is not the describe hecklers who were apparently oppos- users are concerned by the allegations,” the petition Middle Age. We are one of the most advanced ing Abe’s plans to join a US led trans-Pacific said. The company said it was asking the court to country in the field.” To giggles from the audi- trade bloc. —AP affirm its “right” under the First Amendment of the US Constitution to publish the information. Google’s legal move came as the nonprofit Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) ramped up a campaign to pressure Congress to put an end to online snooping and come clean about what has been done to date. MOUNTAIN VIEW: In this file photo, a Google sign is seen inside Google headquarters in More than 215,000 signatures have been logged Mountain View, Calif. — AP in support of a petition at a stopwatching.us web- ish.” Google, Facebook and other technology firms Page and Brin would preserve the power that has site launched last week by the EFF. “This type of have vehemently denied that they knowingly took enabled them to make the same kinds of bold bets blanket data collection by the government strikes part in a secret program called PRISM that gave the on technology that has helped increase the compa- at bedrock American values of freedom and priva- National Security Agency (NSA) and the FBI back- ny’s market value by more than $260 billion during cy,” the petition contends, arguing that dragnet doors into servers. the past nine years. The split calls for a new class of online surveillance violates Constitutional protec- The program was reportedly set up in 2007 and “C” stock with no voting power to be issued for each tions. has grown to become the most prolific contributor share of an existing category of “A” voting stock. The “We are calling on Congress to take immediate to President Barack Obama’s Daily Brief, the US structure is designed to ensure that Page and Brin action to halt this surveillance and provide a full leader’s top-secret daily intelligence briefing. Some retain control over the company, even though they public accounting of the NSA’s and the FBI’s data of the biggest firms in Silicon Valley were involved only currently own about 15 percent of Google’s collection programs.” The EFF on Tuesday teamed in the program, including Apple, AOL, Facebook, outstanding stock, combined. with Fight for the Future to launch CallDay.org web- Google, Microsoft, PalTalk, Skype, Yahoo and Page, Google’s CEO, and Brin, an executive who site and provide a telephone number that automat- YouTube, reports said. Internet titans contacted by oversees special projects in the company’s secret X ically routes callers to US legislators. AFP denied providing intelligence agencies with Lab, hold 56 percent of Google’s voting power “We’re asking everyone concerned about their backdoors to networks and held firm that they only through a “B” class of stock that gives them 10 votes privacy to call Congress today and throughout the cooperated with legal “frontdoor” requests for infor- per share. By creating a new class of non-voting rest of the week,” the EFF said in a message at its mation. shares, Google will be able to keep rewarding other website. Apple, Facebook, Microsoft and several Meanwhile, Google has resolved a shareholder employees with more stock and financing potential SINGAPORE: A promoter displays Huawei’s Ascend P6 phone, billed as the world’s other top Internet and technology companies have lawsuit blocking a long-delayed stock split, clearing acquisitions of stock without undermining the vot- thinnest smartphone, at the CommunicAsia telecom and broadcast event yesterday come under heightened scrutiny since word leaked the way for the Internet search leader to issue a ing power of Page and Brin. —Agencies just hours after its global launch in London. — AFP THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Study: Wiser medication use could cut health costs

TRENTON: If doctors and patients used nosis when new symptoms providers each year. lion a year in avoidable care costs - due to prescriptions and other changes. prescription drugs more wisely, they arise to taking medicines as directed “Those are staggering numbers,” patients putting off doctor visits and not Not using generic drugs when they could save the US health care system at by the doctor. Across the six categories, Aitken said. The report, titled “Avoidable getting medications they’re prescribed, or are available, costing about $12 billion least $213 billion a year, by reducing med- the researchers generally focused on Costs in Healthcare,” found the biggest doctors not promptly starting treatments annually. That’s a decreasing problem, as ication overuse, underuse and other flaws spending on a handful of very common area of waste is patients not taking medi- proven to prevent expensive complica- strategies of health plans and pharmacies in care that cause complications and or very expensive diseases - from high cines prescribed by their doctor, either at tions. “We’ve got a lot of people without encourage patients to choose generics longer, more-expensive treatments, cholesterol and blood pressure to HIV and all or as directed. IMS estimates the cost insurance who are not routinely going to by setting copayments for brand-name researchers conclude. The new findings diabetes - for which costs of care and of such “non-adherence” at about $105 the doctor, and even some with insurance drugs a few times higher than for the by the IMS Institute for Healthcare complications are well documented. billion a year. Reasons for the longstand- aren’t,” Aitken said. generics. Without insurance, generics can Informatics improve on numerous prior “There’s even larger avoidable costs if ing problem include patients fearing drug cost 90 percent less than brand-name efforts to quantify the dollars wasted on we were to look at all disease areas” side effects, not understanding complica- Other areas of waste noted in the drugs. Today, when a generic is available, health care. Numerous experts previously where patients aren’t getting optimal tions that can occur without treatment, report include: it’s dispensed about 95 percent of the have estimated that tens of billions, per- care, Murray Aitken, the institute’s execu- having mental health issues and not Prescribing antibiotics inappropri- time. haps hundreds of billions of dollars, could tive director, told The Associated Press in being able to afford their medicines. Price ately, as for patients with the flu or Multiple medication confusion, cost- be better used each year to improve an exclusive interview. “There’s a big has become less of a factor, though, as another viral infection, costing about ing about $1.3 billion annually. For elder- patient care and outcomes and to slow opportunity for improvement.” The $213 there are now relatively inexpensive $35 billion annually. This can con- ly patients taking five or more medicines, down spending by government health billion equals nearly 8 percent of the generic versions of drugs for most dis- tribute to bacteria becoming resistant it’s easy to mix up which pills should be programs, insurers and consumers. more than $2.7 trillion the US spent on eases. to antibiotics, resulting in more expen- taken when, and for those who are frail, The institute, part of data analysis and health care last year. Those billions could “I think there’s really good, solid evi- sive treatment and even hospitaliza- those mistakes can cause serious harm. consulting firm IMS Health, used its pro- pay for the health care of more than 24 dence that if you adhere to medications, tion with a future infection. That problem likely will grow significantly prietary data on prescriptions written by million Americans currently uninsured, that keeps you out of the hospital,” said M. Medication errors, costing about with our aging population. doctors - many of which patients never fill according to IMS. And Aitken said more- Christopher Roebuck, president of health $20 billion annually. Those include The report will be shared with govern- - plus other information to produce a cur- appropriate use of medication - taking it policy consultants Rx Economics LLC. sloppy handwriting leading to the ment, medical and policy groups and rent, more reliable estimate of avoidable exactly as prescribed, not taking antibi- Roebuck, who was not involved in the wrong drug or dose being dispensed other stakeholders in the health system, costs solely related to medication use. IMS otics for viral illnesses, preventing med- study, said it’s well done. But he said the and doctors not checking to see that Aitken said. The institute, whose clients arrived at the $213 billion figure based on ication errors and the like - could prevent estimates of potential savings are “quite the patient is getting better, meaning include major drugmakers, noted that its six categories in which doctors, patients 6 million hospitalizations, 4 million trips conservative” for medication non-adher- they’ve been getting the right medi- report was prepared without funding or both could be making better use of to the emergency room and 78 million ence and treatment delays. Those delays cine. Those errors are on the decline from government or the pharmaceutical medication, from getting a prompt diag- visits to doctors and other outpatient care are blamed for racking up about $39 bil- due to more doctors using electronic industry. —AFP Frigid hospitals cloud N Korea’s picture of health

PYONGYANG: In the lobby of back to another time. Hulking reluctant to offer support amid rising al community that continues today. Pyongyang’s maternity hospital, a machines and antiquated equipment tensions. The United Nations recently Child stunting rates remain high, at government guide pauses during a in exam rooms could have arrived reported a desperate shortage of 28 percent nationally and 40 percent tour, pointing down to an elaborate decades ago, when there was still a funds for its North Korea operation, in the worst-hit isolated province of flower pattern glowing in buffed red steady flow of medical supplies from resulting in a scarcity of drugs and Ryanggang. North Korean men are and green marble. “One hundred and the former Soviet Union. vaccines for children and pregnant up to 3 inches shorter than their sixty-five tons of rare stones were The government also typically col- women. The country also lacks the South Korean counterparts, accord- used on the floor,” Mun Chang Un lects and analyzes health data, raising basic health infrastructure and ing to findings published two years proudly tells the foreign visitors being questions about accuracy and sam- hygiene to reduce diarrhea and pneu- ago by Daniel Schwekendiek, an offered an unusual glimpse inside. He pling methods. Some prominent for- monia, the two biggest child killers economist at Sungkyunkwan walks toward a row of tiny booths eign aid workers in Pyongyang say worldwide. University in South Korea. North with mounted TVs, video cameras and they were initially skeptical, but now “Overall, it’s a stark contrast Koreans also can expect to die ‘70s-style phones, explaining that the trust the numbers after independent between Pyongyang - which is the around 12 years earlier than their “high-tech” video conferencing sta- attempts to check their accuracy window to the world for North Korea - southern neighbors. tions are used to protect mothers and revealed similar results. Yet even the and the rest of the country,” says However, some say the outside newborns from visitors’ germs. Just a Ministry of Public Health’s own recent Katharina Zellweger, who has traveled world’s perceived picture of health few floors upstairs, he says, a well- reports reveal glimpses into a system to every province during nearly two may also be skewed. North Korea, for equipped breast cancer center was where all is not well. More than one in decades of humanitarian work. She instance, has lower stunting rates MANILA: This photo taken on June 5, 2013, shows children playing dice, recently opened under new North four children under 5 years old suffer routinely found clean facilities with than Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, using freshly-made charcoals as their bets at an unregulated charcoal facto- Korean leader Kim Jong Un. from stunted growth due to a chronic old equipment, limited drugs and Myanmar and Nepal. “We think it’s a ry locally known as “Ulingan” in the slums of Manila. —AFP photos It’s a rehearsed picture of health lack of food; tuberculosis is raging intermittent supplies of water and constant situation where you find the reclusive government wants the within the country; infant death rates electricity. “There is an extended malnutrition or you find undernutri- Blackened lives in outside world to see, complete with have jumped to levels higher than in health infrastructure across the whole tion or you find people not well fed,” spotless granite corridors. But the real- the 1990s. Foreign doctors, aid work- country. The question is really how says Gerhard Uhrmacher, program well does it function?” Back at the manager for the German humanitari- Philippine charcoal field Pyongyang Maternity Hospital, Mun, an aid organization Welthungerhilfe, the facility’s director of foreign affairs, who has traveled extensively in North MANILA: A sinewy man covered in thick soot from respiratory illness to skin disease. Juan steps off an elevator with flickering Korea over the past decade. “This is stands in a grey cloud of smoke, watching Villa, an outreach worker with local charity lights and begins spitting facts about generally almost all over the country, over a slow-burning pile of wood that sus- group Project Pearls, says asthma, bronchitis the newly built Breast Cancer but it’s not to the extent where hun- tains his life but may also eventually kill him. and lung cancer are major problems at Research Center. dreds of thousands of people are Nearby, emaciated children with their bones Ulingan. Project Pearls has helped some of Here, it’s like being transported to a dying. We don’t believe that.” He says visible through their skin bet over a game of the slum dwellers relocate, but most are heated exam room in the US or the government’s propaganda dice using charcoal instead of money. More reluctant to go. Europe equipped with high-tech machine also twists reality to fit its than 1,500 people live in this makeshift char- Despite the daily torture, making charcoal machines for mammograms, radia- needs. He recalls foreign journalists a coal factory in one of the sprawling slums can return up to 2,000 pesos ($50) a week, tion and ultrasound. Mun refuses to year and a half ago being shown a that dominate large chunks of the Philippine providing a better existence than for many say how much this new addition cost, hospital “where they took children capital of Manila. They mine a neighboring others in the slums. “To everyone else, this is adding only that one X-ray machine who were in very, very bad shape to garbage dump for scraps of wood, which totaled 700,000 euros, or $910,630, reinforce their request for food aid.” they place into crude furnaces. After a week and that the late leader Kim Jong Il At the Kyongsang Clinic in the charcoal is placed into sacks and hauled and his successor son spared no Pyongyang, the impact of donor off to market. expense. (Young Kim’s mother is money is on display, along with While the country’s rich enjoy electricity rumored to have died from breast pageantry and a heavy dose of prop- and gas delivered into their homes, charcoal cancer, but when asked, a hospital aganda. Plump children in pouffy remains a vital source of fuel for the poor NORTH KOREA: Photo shows a doctor measures the head of a official declined to answer). There was bright traditional dresses and military masses. The Philippines, for decades one of child during an exam at the Kaeson Clinic in Pyongyang’s just one thing missing from the model uniforms howl in their mothers’ arms, the Asia’s economic laggards, has attracted Moranbong District. —AP health center: patients. A waiting as nurses force crushed Vitamin A global attention for remarkable growth since room with rows of shiny chrome tablets and chalky deworming pills President Benigno Aquino came to power in benches is deserted, while a lone into their mouths. In a nearby nursery, 2010. The stock market has hit record highs, nurse sits almost hidden behind a children take the medicine and then credit agencies have upgraded the country’s towering work station. Mun says 80 of go onstage to sing traditional songs risk ratings and new skyscrapers are being the hospital’s 100 beds are full, but praising the leaders. The campaign, built with speed reminiscent of China’s con- only one room shared by three supported by UNICEF, reaches 1.7 mil- struction boom. Yet that has done little to women is shown. lion children twice a year. Eliminating change a huge rich-poor divide that sees “This morning there were many parasites helps combat malnutrition, roughly a quarter of Manila’s 12 million peo- patients,” says Pak Hyang Sim, director but it’s clear none of these children ple surviving on a dollar a day or less. of the hospital’s diagnostic imaging. are going to bed with empty bellies. Nowhere can the chasm be felt as deeply “They were all diagnosed. That’s why The clinic does, however, show- as in Ulingan, the squatter community whose it’s so empty now.” Defectors and aid case one of the bright spots in a gen- residents make their living from charcoal. workers say hospitals everywhere are erally bleak scene: A focus on preven- Among them is 34-year-old Rose Mingote, often eerily vacant. Bad roads, a lack tion, which is central to the overall the creases in her tired face filled with black MANILA: This photo shows a boy of transportation and no money health system. In the early years, powder after a night of filling sacks. “I am not sorting out freshly-made charcoal at make it impossible for many to access North Korea set up an army of house- sure if I can bring a child into this kind of an unregulated charcoal factory health centers. Medicine and care are hold doctors, each responsible for world,” says Mingote, who has been married locally known as “Ulingan” in the supposed to be free. But in reality, overseeing basic health within their for four years. “This is as good as it gets for slums of Manila. everything has a price. “There’s a say- communities. Tens of thousands of me.” On a nearby broken bench that alter- ing in North Korea: If your relative has these physicians still exist today, with nates as a sleeping space, a mother and her dirty, but to poor people like me, it’s our NORTH KOREA: A nurse sits inside a laboratory at the cancer then your entire family is one doctor responsible for about 130 three children share a single plate of rice. source of life,” says mother-of-three Madelyn Pyongyang Maternity Hospital. ruined because everything will go to households. North Korea has been The youngest of the three stares blankly Rosales, 33. “We’ve had different jobs and dif- getting that medicine,” says Jeon, a applauded by the WHO and others into the distance, with only a ripped tarpau- ferent homes but it’s only through working ity of that image is clouded every time ers, North Korean defectors and vari- 24-year-old defector in Seoul who for its mass mobilization, successful lin providing shade. Everyone is forced to here that my children have been able to taste Mun takes a breath that explodes into ous reports, such as a scathing 2010 fled North Korea five years ago and child immunization programs and inhale the smoke that billows from the char- meat and hotdogs.” For gap-toothed 13-year- icy wisps. The hospital is so cold dur- assessment by Amnesty International, asked that only one name be used to health promotion - systematic coal pits, turning the dire landscape into an old Biboy Amores, money earned here goes ing this February visit, patients remain paint an even darker picture. safeguard her father still living across approaches commonly deployed in eerie monochrome. Those who toil here risk to his education. “It’s hard but I need to pay bundled in thick coats, gloves and They describe beer bottles used as the border. “Some families who can’t top-down socialist countries. contracting a range of health problems, for school,” he says. —AP scarves during exams, while nurses IV drips and broken legs splinted with afford the medicine have no choice These programs are among the swish with every step as they hustle sticks instead of plaster. Amputations but to watch their loved ones die.” few reminders left of a free universal through the halls in white snow pants performed without anesthesia. Dirty Despite the new center, breast health system that in the 1960s boast- and matching puffer jackets. Mun needles reused. A husband holding cancer is far from the top of the list of ed more hospital beds and a lower himself wears big, furry teddy bear up a candle while a doctor removes a health problems gripping the coun- infant death rate than the South. Now, slippers. fetus from his hemorrhaging wife. try, revealing a disconnect between it’s mostly Pyongyang that benefits. At The contrast raises one fundamen- Surgeons operating with Soviet-era where the government spends and the new breast cancer center, guide tal question: If there’s no heat in many instruments with no heat or running what the people really need. Hunger Mun stops on the stairs to show off a parts of one of the country’s best water. remains perhaps the biggest health wide strip of jade colored marble that showcase hospitals in Pyongyang - The health system has crumbled concern, with 16 million North “looks like a waterfall flowing down.” where temperatures can plummet and languished over the past few Koreans - two-thirds of the popula- He explains that the wooden railing well below zero - what type of health decades amid deepening poverty and tion - not getting enough to eat. The was replaced with stone because Kim care exists at small clinics in the desolation. Government health resulting malnutrition exacerbates a Jong Un thought anything less would rugged mountainous countryside spending ranks among the world’s range of health issues, from hijacking cheapen the facility. A female doctor where even government officials say lowest, with one World Health child brain development to maternal later stops to point out shimmering electricity and running water are Organization estimate putting it at death. In the famine of the 1990s, prisms dangling from a golden chan- sometimes hard to find? less than $1 per person in 2006. hundreds of thousands of North delier before leaning in to whisper: As with so much in North Korea, it’s Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions have Koreans are believed to have died. “Look closely, doesn’t it look like a difficult to know what the true overall resulted in further isolation and years The government launched a “let’s eat breast?” At the end of the tour, in a picture of health really looks like of crushing international sanctions, two meals a day” campaign, and peo- room with photos of founding leader beyond the face presented. Only a with the toughest-ever restrictions ple foraged for bark, roots and grass- Kim Il Sung and son Kim Jong Il loom- handful of foreign aid groups and UN coming after the country’s third es, according to the Amnesty ing overhead, Mun hands visitors a agencies operate in the country, and nuclear test in February. Humanitarian International report. large guest book filled with pages of none of them can move around freely. aid is not supposed to be affected, but The period, known inside the messages scrawled in many lan- Some areas remain totally off limits. health officials say the sanctions have country as the “arduous march,” left a guages. Please write your impression Even in the gleaming capital, some made it difficult to import medicine devastating mark on its overall health of the hospital, he says smiling, hand- MANILA: This photo shows a worker and a child taking a rest at an unregu- health facilities appear to be a throw- and supplies. Donors have also been despite food aid from the internation- ing over a pen. —AP lated charcoal factory locally known as “Ulingan” in the slums of Manila. THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 HEALTH & SCIENCE Mumbai fights for ailing elephant’s life

MUMBAI: An overworked and overweight Indian ele- phant called Bijlee is fighting for her life in Mumbai EU fines Denmark’s after collapsing in the street, sparking anguish among animal activists and Bollywood stars. Bijlee, Lundbeck 94m euros aged 58 and weighing five tons, was found lying in pain in a northeastern suburb last week after decades in generic drugs case of alleged overwork and neglect. Local reports said she was used by her owners to beg on the streets and BRUSSELS: The EU executive yesterday entertain at weddings without a break for more than imposed a fine of 93.8 million euros on Danish 50 years. On Tuesday, elephant specialist K.K. Sharma pharma firm Lundbeck for colluding with was flown in from northeastern India to treat Bijlee, generics producers a decade ago to delay the and who now has helpers caring for her around the sale of a cheap version of a popular anti- clock and a crane to help her stand up. depressant. The generics producers were also “Everybody shows their concerns but unfortu- nately the prospects are very bad,” Sharma told AFP. fined 52.2 million euros for breaching He said Bijlee, whose name means “lightning” in antitrust rules by agreeing in 2002 to delay Hindi, is 1.5 tons overweight and suffering degenera- the sale of generic versions of Lundbeck’s tive joint disease, but even a strict diet many not help branded citalopram, a widely selling antide- much. Vets say Bijlee’s owners have been feeding her pressant. “It is unacceptable that a company junk food for years, including popular Indian snacks pays off its competitors to stay out of its mar- such as the “vada pav”, a spicy potato pattie. Indian ket and delay the entry of cheaper medicines,” elephants’ usually live off grass and tree bark. “The said Joaquin Almunia, the EU’s Competition damage has been done already. We’re trying to con- trol the pain and supplement the vitamin deficiency, Commissioner. give fluid and strengthen her nerves and muscles.” “Agreements of this type directly harm On Tuesday, the #savebijlee hashtag began trend- patients and national health systems, which ing on Twitter and she appeared on the the front are already under tight budgetary constraints. page of Wednesday’s Mumbai Mirror. Bollywood’s The Commission will not tolerate such anti- veteran superstar Amitabh Bachchan is among those competitive practices”. The generics firms moved by her plight, posting pictures and appealing involved include notably Alpharma (now part for help on his blog. “A compassionate appeal to all animal lovers,” he wrote on Twitter, asking them to of Zoetis), Merck KGaA/Generics UK (Generics support the “Animals Matter To Me” charity that is car- UK is now part of Mylan), Arrow (now part of ing for Bijlee. Elephants are a common sight on the Actavis), and Ranbaxy. Citalopram, a block- streets of many Indian cities although their move- buster antidepressant, was Lundbeck’s best- ments are officially restricted in Mumbai, the coun- MUMBAI: An Indian vet give medical assistance to Bijlee, an elephant aged 58 and weighing five tones, lying inside selling product at the time. —AFP try’s largest city. —AFP the temporary shelter in Mumbai yesterday. —AFP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 AUK graduates a new class SEND US YOUR INSTAGRAM PICS

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Announcement

Issue of online visa by Indian embassy oreigners requiring visas for India need to apply it online from 16th June 2013. Applicants Fmay log on to the Public portal at www.indian- visaonline.gov.in. After successful online submis- sion, the hard copy, so generated, has to be signed by the applicant and submitted with supporting documents in accordance with the type of visa along with the applicable fee in cash at any of the two out- source centres at Sharq or Fahaheel. It is essential that applicants fill in their personal details as exactly available in their passports. Mismatch of any of the personal details would lead to non-acceptance of the application. Fees once paid are non-refundable. All children would have to obtain separate visa on their respective passports.

Indian Embassy sets up helpline he Indian Embassy in Kuwait has set up helpline in order to assist Indian expatriates in Tregistering any complaint regarding the gov- ernment’s ongoing campaign to stamp out illegal residents from the country. The embassy said in press release yesterday that it amended its previous statement and stated if there is any complaint, the same could be conveyed at the following (as amend- ed): Operations Department, Ministry of Interior, Kuwait. Fax: 22435580, Tel: 24768146/25200334. It said the embassy has been in regular contact with y message to you today is a simple one. Have graduating class to use their education wisely, believe in ate innovation and enthusiastic development.” local authorities regarding the ongoing checking of a plan for your life, but be alert to new oppor- the future, and pay gratitude to those who contributed to The event proceeded with the main highlight of the cer- expatriates. The embassy has also conveyed to them “Mtunities as they arise and be open to altering their success. “As you walk the stage out into the world, I emony, where the graduates walked on stage to receive the concerns, fears and apprehensions of the com- your path. And then, most importantly, be mindful that hope you will carry forward the spirit of AUK and the liberal their degrees, greeted with cheers and applause of families munity in this regard. The authorities in Kuwait have your successes are seldom, if ever, solely your own. Be arts education you have received. The future is now in your and friends. Interim Dean of the College of Arts and conveyed that strict instructions have been issued to aware of the role that others play in your success, and hands,” Said Dr. Hamzeh “For our faculty and staff, this is a Sciences Dr Rawda Awwad recommended the conferral of ensure that there is no harassment or improper thank them. And, be sure to call your parents,” said the day of accomplishment, of knowing you have mentored degrees for the graduates of the College of Arts & Sciences, treatment of expatriates by those undertaking American University of Kuwait (AUK)Interim President and tomorrow’s leaders. And we thank you for your hard work while Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr checking. “The embassy would like to request Indian Provost, Dr Nizar Hamzeh in the AUK 2013 and dedication.” Doug Munro recommended the conferral of degrees for expatriates to ensure that they abide by all local Commencement Ceremony held on June 13th at the The keynote speaker, Dr Eickelman, was next invited to the graduates of the College of Business and Economy, to laws, rules and regulations regarding residency, traf- Kuwait International Fairgrounds (KIF). the podium, where he spoke to the graduating class about Interim President Hamzeh, who then conferred upon the fic and other matters,” the release read. It would be The ceremony, which celebrated the graduation of the value of liberal arts education, referring to the histori- 350 graduates their respective degrees. Graduates were prudent to always carry the Civil ID and other rele- 350students,was attended by the AUK Chair of the Board cal background of the liberal arts philosophy that con- then awarded their bachelor’s degree diplomas by Dr vant documents such as driving license, etc. In case of Trustees Shaikha Dana N Al-Sabah, board members, par- tributed to America’s “unprecedented growth and expan- Hamzeh, Dr Doug Munro and Dr Rawda Awwad. an Indian expatriate encounters any improper treat- ents and families, and numerous dignitaries and diplomats. sion” in the early 20th century. “In a like manner to the US, In keeping with the academic tradition, the graduates ment during checking, it may be conveyed immedi- The keynote address of the commencement was delivered Kuwait entered a period of massive and rapid growth- were then asked to move their tassels from right to left, ately with full details and contact particulars to the by Dr Dale F Eickelman, Ralph & Richard Lazarus Professor including in education-since the mid-20th century. thereby marking their official graduation from AUK. As the embassy at the following phone number 67623639. of Anthropology & Human Relations, Chair of the Training in the liberal arts and critical thinking, analyzing ceremony drew to a close, the graduating class celebrated Department of Anthropology at Dartmouth College, and the unexpected and assessing alternative solutions, offers the traditional cutting of the Class of 2013 cake, and took These contact details are exclusively for the above- Dartmouth-AUK Program Relationship Coordinator. a critical edge in thinking and acting in both local and photos with their families and friends. mentioned purpose only. After the Kuwait national anthem and a recitation of the global environments,” said Dr Dr Eickelman. The AUK 2013Commencement coincides with impor- Holy Quran, the event commenced with the student pro- Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Carol Ross-Scott tant milestones in the history of AUK as it overlaps with the cessional, long awaited by the parents and families. Led by then introduced the Class of 2013 Valedictorians, Huda Al- 10th Anniversary of AUK and the renewal of the the AUK President’s party, deans, and faculty members, the Rashid and Nada El-Badry who have earned a cumulative Memorandum of Understanding between AUK and IMAX graduating class marched through the central aisleof the grade point average of 4.0 Summa Cum Laude (with the Dartmouth College, the USA affiliate of AUK. Building on hall in a ceremonial atmosphere marking the official start greatest honor). On behalf of the valedictorians and the its academic excellence and leadership, the American of the event. Class of 2013, Al-Rashid delivered a speech calling on her University of Kuwait has introduced academic expansion Delivering his opening speech to hundreds of students, fellow graduates to be “altruistically compassionate,” to plans for the year 2013-2014, including the initiation of an parents, and guests, Interim President Hamzeh urged the “treasure the gift of knowledge,” and to use it “for passion- academic degree in Electronic Engineering.

IMAX film program

Thursday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Flight of Butterflies 3D 10:30am, 5:30pm, 8:30pm Born to be Wild 3D 11:30am Tornado Alley 3D 12:30pm, 7:30pm, 9:30pm To The Arctic 3D 6:30pm

Friday: Fires of Kuwait 2:30pm Tornado Alley 3D 3:30pm, 5:30pm, 8:30pm To The Arctic 3D 4:30pm, 7:30pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 6:30pm Born to be Wild 3D 9:30pm

Saturday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Flight of Butterflies 3D 10:30am, 1:30pm, 8:30pm Tornado Alley 3D 11:30am, 2:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm, 9:30pm To The Arctic 3D 12:30pm, 6:30pm Born to be Wild 3D 3:30pm Journey to Mecca 4:30pm

Notes: All films are in Arabic. For English, headsets are available upon request. “Fires of Kuwait” is in English. Arabic headsets are available upon request. Film schedule is subject to changes without notice.

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: [email protected] Fax: 24835619 / 20 WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 Yusuf A Alghanim Automotive sponsors Embassy Kuwaiti Camaro Club contest Information EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA 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: [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 Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their website www.vfs-au-gcc- com for more information. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm.

n an effort to strengthen the relation- the new 2013 Camaro ZL1 to the youth n n n n n n n ship with the youth, Yusuf A Alghanim market and true Camaro fans across IAutomotive sponsored the Kuwaiti Kuwait. EMBASSY OF CANADA Camaro Club’s ‘Best Looking Camaro’ con- Apart from having a long and rich his- test on Thursday (13, June 2013) at the tory, the Chevrolet Camaro has been the The Embassy of Canada in Kuwait does Historical, Vintage & Classic Cars Museum ultimate drive that won over the hearts of not have a visa or immigration depart- in Shuwaikh. The Kuwaiti Camaro Club dis- thrill-seeking youth ever since it was intro- ment. All processing of visa and immigra- played a range of Camaros at the contest duced back in 2010. The Chevrolet Camaro where the audience voted on the ‘Best is equipped with three engines: a V8, 6.2- tion matters including enquiries is conducted by Looking Camaro’ (based on design and liter engine that has a massive 426 hp,, a the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE. added accessories) in each of the follow- V6, 3.6-liter engine with an impressive 323 Individuals who are interested in working, ing categories: hp. And the latest addition is the 580- studying, visiting or immigrating to Canada • 1st generation Camaro (1966-1969) horsepower Camaro ZL1 which is the • 4th generation Camaro (1993-2002) fastest Camaro ever built. The ZL1 is should contact the Canadian Embassy in Abu • 5th generation Camaro RS (2010- pres- equipped with a 6.2L supercharged V8 Dhabi, website: www.UAE.gc.ca or www.going- ent) engine and 556 lb.-ft. of torque, this tocanada.gc.ca, E-mail: abdbi-im-enquiry@inter- • 5th generation Camaro SS (2010- pres- Camaro goes beyond raw power. The ent) Camaro ZL1 performance and precision is national.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is located • Modified Camaro supported with a Magnetic Ride Control, at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakei St, Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Yusuf A Alghanim Automotive awarded world-class braking and 4-wheel inde- Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. the 5 wining Camaro owners in each cate- pendent suspension. The Camaro ZL1 is gory with certificates and vouchers from the kind of vehicle that engineers dream of that is provided by a team of profes- tional standard. The largest in the world, The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to Alghanim Automotive Service Center. The of designing and speed lovers crave to sional and skilled team members and the service center is equipped with a large 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is event attracted many Camaro and sports drive. technicians. An element that further variety of the most advanced equipment open from 07:30 to 12:30. Consular services for enhances customers’ peace of mind is operated by a team of skilled professionals car enthusiasts in Kuwait who were excit- Apart from providing the youth with Canadian citizens are provided from 09:00 until ed to be part of this fun and thrilling con- their dream car, Alghanim Automotive Alghanim Automotive’s service center that and effective consultants who ensure test. goes beyond a driver’s experience on the is distinguished by its continuous and suc- timely service. 12:00, Sunday through Wednesday. The contest created a great platform road with its quality maintenance options cessful efforts in providing the highest Yusuf A. Alghanim Automotive to present and competitive prices on spare parts, all quality of services that have set an interna- n n n n n n n

EMBASSY OF US Parents of Kuwaiti citizen children may drop off their sons’ and daughters’ visa applications - completely free of an interview or a trip inside the Embassy. The chil- dren must be under 14 years of age, and addi- tional requirements do apply, but the service means parents will no longer have to schedule individual appointments for their children, nor come inside the Embassy (unless they are applying for themselves). The service is only available for children holding Kuwaiti pass- ports. To take advantage, parents must drop off the following documents: Child Visa Drop-off cover sheet, available on the Embassy website (http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/child_visas.htm) - Child’s passport; The Child’s previous pass- port, if it contains a valid US visa; 5x5cm photo of child with eyes open (if uploaded into DS- 160, photos must be a .jpg between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels, less than 240kb, and cannot be digitally altered); A completed DS- 160 form; Visa Fee Receipt from Burgan Bank; A copy of the valid visa of at least one parent. If one parent will not travel, provide a visa copy for the traveling parent, and a passport copy from the non-traveling parent with a letter stating no objection to the child’s travel. - For children of students (F2): a copy of the child’s I- 20. Children born in the US (with very few exceptions) are US citizens and would not be eligible for a visa. Parents may drop off the application packet at Window 2 at the Embassy Movenpick Hotel Kuwait celebrates the Go Healthy Menu from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, Monday to Wednesday, excluding holidays. More information is avail- s the world becomes more con- tion to dairies delivered from trustworthy scious about health and the envi- private farms, all to provide splendid able on the U.S. Embassy website: Aronment, making the right choic- healthy meals and support the sustain- kuwait.usembassy.gov/child_visas.html es has become a priority for most. In ability of the local market. From the chef response, our culinary team at special Caesar salad and the Pepper Movenpick Hotel Kuwait has combined Crusted Salmon Steaks to the Aromatic n n n n n n n all that’s good about going green, Rice Pudding with Pistachio, all are defi- healthy and sustainable in one delicious nite must tries. EMBASSY GREECE program “Go Healthy”. “Go healthy” dishes are available sev- The Embassy of Greece in Kuwait has the At MovenpickHotel Kuwait, we use en days a week during the operating pleasure to announce that visa applica- the finest selection of seasonal fruits, hours at Bays restaurant for lunch and fresh-cut vegetables, and superb kinds of dinner. tions must be submitted to Schengen Visa sea-fruits from the Arabian Gulf in addi- 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 KKMA to hold DDA training, awareness program Friday information please call 22281046 from 08:30 to 17:00 (Sunday to Thursday). Working hours: uwait Kerala Muslim Association (KKMA), a coming days. Submission from 08:30 to 15:30. Passport collec- leading social welfare organization of Indian The second part of the program is a Public tion from 16:00 to 17:00. For visa applications nationals in Kuwait, will conduct a Awareness Seminar on Defensive Driving, Causes K please visit the following website Defensive Driving Awareness (DDA) Training and and Costs. The event will begin at 7 pm in which Awareness Program on Friday, ( June 21, 2013) at Indian ambassador Satish C Mehta, Major Abdul www.mfa.gr/kuwait. Indian Community School, Salmiya (Senior). Fattah Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Addressing a press conference, KKMA office- Affairs of Kuwait along with subject experts will n n n n n n n bearers, said the program would be held as part of participate. KKMA’s skill development programs for its mem- KKMA chairman Sageer Trikarpur, Vice chair- bers and well wishers. “It is a community outreach men Akbar Siddique and NA Muneer, President EMBASSY OF VATICAN program by KKMA organized in association with Abdul Fathah Thayyil, general secretary K Basheer, The Apostolic Nunciature Embassy of American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) - treasurer Sayed Rafeeque, working presidents the Holy See, Vatican in Kuwait has Kuwait Chapter to provide local drivers sensible Ibrahim Kunnil, A P Abdul Salam and Iqbal B M moved to a new location in Kuwait City. advice for choosing safe, responsible, and lawful and organizing secretary Hamza Payyanur, admin Please find below the new address: Yarmouk, driving behaviors and habits.” secretary KC Rafeeque and vice president for skill The program will be conducted in two parts. A development SM Basheer attended the press Block 1, Street 2, Villa No: 1. P.O.Box 29724, defensive driving awareness training program meet. Safat 13158, Kuwait. Tel: 965 25337767, Fax: held earlier in the afternoon will be attended by American Society of Safety Engineers - Kuwait 965 25342066. Email: nearly 200 expatriate drivers working at local com- Chapter is a non-profit organization of profession- [email protected] panies and households who already have regis- als committed to the advancement of Health, tered for the program. The organization will con- Safety and Environment (HSE) practices among tinue organizing similar free of cost program in the Industrial sectors and social groups in Kuwait. p32_Layout 1 6/19/2013 10:02 PM Page 1

TV PROGRAMS THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

23:10 Wizards Of Waverly Place Basics 08:00 UK Open Darts 23:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 13:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 12:00 IRB Junior Championship 00:00 Hannah Montana Basics 14:00 IRB Junior Championship 03:00 Ben And Kate 00:20 Hannah Montana 14:05 Food Wars 16:00 Futbol Mundial 14:35 Border Security 03:30 The Simpsons 00:45 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 16:30 NRL Full Time 15:05 Auction Hunters 04:00 Seinfeld 01:05 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 17:00 International Rugby Union 15:30 Auction Kings 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay 01:30 Emperor’s New School 15:20 Guy’s Big Bite 19:00 WWE NXT 16:00 Fast N’ Loud Leno 01:50 Emperor’s New School 15:45 Chopped 20:00 ATP Tennis 16:55 Yukon Men: Last Chance 05:30 Two And A Half Men 02:15 Replacements 16:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 22:00 Trans World Sport 17:50 Mythbusters 06:00 All Of Us 02:35 Replacements Basics 18:45 Sons Of Guns 06:30 Til Death 17:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 19:40 Industrial Junkie 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Basics 20:05 How It’s Made 08:00 Seinfeld 17:25 Food Wars 20:35 Auction Hunters 08:30 Two And A Half Men 17:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:00 NRL Full Time 21:00 Storage Hunters 09:00 Ben And Kate 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:30 ICC Cricket 360 21:30 Sons Of Guns 09:30 Modern Family 14:30 Style Star 18:40 Charly’s Cake Angels 01:00 European Senior Tour 22:25 Amish Mafia 10:00 The Mindy Project 15:00 Kourtney & Kim Take New 19:05 Unique Sweets Highlights 23:20 Hellriders 10:30 Til Death York 19:30 Amazing Wedding Cakes 02:00 Asian Tour Highlights 00:15 Sons Of Guns 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay 16:00 Kourtney & Kim Take New 20:20 Chopped 03:00 Ladies European Tour 01:10 Amish Mafia Leno York 21:10 Chopped Highlights 12:00 All Of Us 17:00 Ice Loves Coco 22:00 Food Network Challenge 04:00 World Pool Masters 12:30 Seinfeld 17:30 What Would Ryan Lochte Do? 22:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 05:00 World Cup Of Pool 13:00 Two And A Half Men 18:00 E! News 23:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 06:00 Trans World Sport 13:30 Til Death 19:00 THS 23:40 Food Wars 07:00 Asian Tour Highlights 14:00 The Simpsons 20:00 Kourtney And Kim Take Miami 00:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 08:00 Golfing World 14:50 Combat Countdown 14:30 The Mindy Project 21:00 Married To Jonas 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 09:00 NRL Full Time 15:45 Clash Of The Dinosaurs 15:00 Modern Family 21:30 Fashion Police 00:55 Unwrapped 09:30 ICC Cricket 360 16:40 Great Planes 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 22:30 E! News 01:20 Unwrapped 10:00 Asian Tour Golf Show 17:35 Mystery Cars Stewart 23:30 Chelsea Lately 01:45 Food Network Challenge 10:30 Asian Tour Highlights 18:00 Mystery Cars 16:00 The Colbert Report 00:00 Opening Act 11:30 Total Rugby 18:25 I Shouldn’t Be Alive 16:30 All Of Us 00:55 Style Star 12:00 World Pool Masters 19:20 American Car Prospector 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 01:25 E!es 13:00 World Cup Of Pool 20:10 Living With The Kombai Tribe 18:00 New Girl 14:00 Super League 21:05 Why Ancient Egypt Fell 18:30 Family Tools 03:00 The Muppets-PG 16:00 Trans World Sport 22:00 American Car Prospector 19:00 Community 04:45 The Way-PG15 17:00 International Rugby Union 22:55 Legend Detectives 19:30 Parks And Recreation 07:00 Flicka 3-FAM 19:00 International Rugby Union 23:50 Most Evil 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay 09:00 New Year’s Eve-PG15 21:00 Golfing World 03:05 Coastal Kitchen 00:45 Mystery Cars Leno 11:00 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of 22:00 UK Open Darts 03:30 Food Poker 01:10 Mystery Cars 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Shadows-PG15 04:15 Bargain Hunt 01:35 American Car Prospector Stewart 13:15 Outlaw Country-PG15 05:00 To Build Or Not To Build? 21:30 The Colbert Report 15:00 Journey 2: The Mysterious 05:25 To Build Or Not To Build? 22:00 The League Island-PG 00:00 NHL 05:50 Cash In The Attic 22:30 Entourage 17:00 New Year’s Eve-PG15 02:00 Motor Sports 2013 06:35 Coastal Kitchen 23:00 The Ricky Gervais Show 19:00 Safe House-PG15 02:30 Mass Participation 07:00 Food Poker 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 21:00 Prometheus-PG15 03:00 Ping Pong World 14:20 Food Factory 07:45 Planet Cake 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 23:15 Cedar Rapids-18 04:00 US Bass Fishing 14:45 Food Factory 08:15 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent Stewart 01:00 Ondine-PG15 05:00 NHL 15:10 Thunder Races 09:05 Bargain Hunt 01:00 The Colbert Report 07:00 WWE Smackdown 16:00 Nextworld 09:50 Antiques Roadshow 01:30 The League 09:00 Ping Pong World 16:55 Mega World 10:40 Extreme Makeover: Home 02:00 Entourage 10:00 US Bass Fishing 17:45 Joao Magueijo’s Big Bang Edition 02:30 The Ricky Gervais Show 11:00 NHL 18:35 The Gadget Show 11:25 MasterChef Australia 07:00 The Winning Season-PG15 13:00 WWE Vintage Collection 19:00 The Tech Show 11:50 Food & Drink 09:00 John Carter-PG15 14:00 WWE Bottom Line 19:30 Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger 12:15 Come Dine With Me 11:15 This Means War-PG15 15:00 Motor Sports 2013 19:55 Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger 13:05 Planet Cake 13:00 A Dog Named Duke-PG15 15:30 Motor Sports 2013 20:20 Finding Bigfoot 13:30 New Scandinavian Cooking 14:45 The Way-PG15 16:30 UIM Powerboat Champs 21:10 Food Factory With Claus Meyer 17:00 Extremely Loud & Incredibly 05:15 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 17:30 UIM Powerboat Champs 21:35 Food Factory 13:55 Bargain Hunt Close-PG 05:35 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 18:30 Mass Participation 22:00 Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger 14:40 Cash In The Attic 19:15 How I Spent My Summer 06:00 Prankstars 19:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter 22:25 Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger 15:25 Antiques Roadshow Vacation-PG15 06:25 Suite Life On Deck 20:00 UFC Prelims 22:50 The Science Of Fear And Lust 16:15 Extreme Makeover: Home 21:00 Powder Blue-18 23:40 Food Factory 06:45 Shake It Up 22:00 UFC WANDERLUST ON OSN CINEMA 07:10 A.N.T Farm Edition 23:00 Wanderlust-R 00:05 Food Factory 17:00 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 01:00 How I Spent My Summer 00:30 How Do They Do It? 07:35 Jessie 07:55 Good Luck Charlie 17:55 The Good Cook Vacation-PG15 08:20 Good Luck Charlie 18:25 The Roux Legacy 08:45 Doc McStuffins 19:00 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 09:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 19:25 New Scandinavian Cooking 09:30 A.N.T Farm With Claus Meyer 14:00 Storage Wars 09:55 A.N.T Farm 19:50 Come Dine With Me 04:00 Flypaper-PG15 14:30 Storage Wars 10:15 Jessie 20:35 Extreme Makeover: Home 06:00 Every Jack Has A Jill-PG15 15:00 Storage Wars 10:40 Jessie Edition 08:00 People Like Us-PG15 15:30 Storage Wars 11:05 Good Luck Charlie 21:20 Antiques Roadshow 10:00 A Thousand Words-PG15 16:00 Storage Wars 11:25 Good Luck Charlie 22:15 Bargain Hunt 12:00 Flypaper-PG15 ollywood’s gamble on a crowded summer movie more diversity in terms of subject matter this year, 16:30 Storage Wars 11:50 Good Luck Charlie 23:00 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 14:00 Treasure Buddies-PG season chockablock with pricey tentpoles is pay- there’s more overall depth. 23:55 Food Poker 16:00 People Like Us-PG15 17:00 Storage Wars 12:15 Shake It Up ing off, with the box office running 12.7 percent Last year at this time, four summer movies had hit 12:35 Shake It Up 00:40 Come Dine With Me 18:00 The Makeover-PG15 H 17:30 Storage Wars 20:00 Seeking Justice-PG15 ahead of last summer and on track to possibly break the the $100 million mark at the domestic box office. This 18:00 Storage Wars 13:00 Austin And Ally year, six have done it already and a seventh will soon. 18:30 Storage Wars 13:25 A.N.T. Farm 22:00 Peacock-18 all time summer record. That $4.4 billion record was set 19:00 Ax Men 13:45 Jessie 00:00 Failure To Launch-PG15 in 2011; last summer the box office dipped back down Besides the top three, the biggest movies of the sum- 20:00 Pawn Stars 14:10 Shake It Up 02:00 People Like Us-PG15 to $4.29 billion. If the box office continues on this torrid mer so far are Warner Bros.’ “The Great Gatsby” ($140 mil- 20:30 Storage Wars 14:35 Suite Life On Deck 03:00 Unique Sweets pace, this summer will easily top last year. lion), “Man of Steel” ($128 million) and “The Hangover 21:00 Ancient Aliens 15:00 Gravity Falls 03:25 Food Wars Last month was the biggest ever at the box office, Part III” ($108 million). Fox’s animated kids film “Epic” is 22:00 Counting Cars 15:25 Good Luck Charlie 03:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and June is tracking to be record-breaker, too, according at $96 million. 22:30 Counting Cars 15:50 Jessie 04:15 Unique Eats 04:00 The Man Inside-PG15 to BoxOfficeMojo.com. “Man of Steel” debuted to $128 “I think moviegoing can create more moviegoing, 16:10 Shake It Up 04:40 Chopped 06:00 Iron Sky-PG15 16:35 A.N.T. Farm 08:00 Mission To Mars-PG15 million last weekend for the biggest June opening ever, because people come back to work Monday and talk 05:30 Iron Chef America and this weekend, with Disney’s “Monsters University” about what they’ve seen and get other people excited,” 17:00 Austin And Ally 06:10 Food Network Challenge 10:00 X-Men: First Class-PG15 17:20 Gravity Falls 07:00 Guy’s Big Bite 12:15 True Justice: One Shot, One and Paramount’s “World War Z” opening and “Man of Bock said, “and that ends up helping the overall market.” 14:00 C.S.I. 17:45 Suite Life On Deck 07:25 Guy’s Big Bite Life-PG15 Steel” returning, could be the year’s biggest so far. He said a weekend with two, or possibly three, new 15:00 Glee 18:10 Good Luck Charlie 07:50 Andy Bates American Street 14:00 Mission To Mars-PG15 Before the season began, studio executives wide releases is idea in terms of fostering business. 16:00 Emmerdale 18:30 That’s So Raven Feasts 16:00 Superman vs. The Elite-PG15 expressed concerns that the summer schedule was too “When you get people talking and thinking about 16:30 Coronation Street 18:55 Austin And Ally 08:15 Unique Sweets 18:00 True Justice: One Shot, One crowded with pricey tentpoles. But those concerns have movies, they take note of some films that they normally Life-PG15 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:20 Jessie 08:40 United Tastes Of America might not. Both ‘The Purge’ and ‘Now You See Me,’ for 18:00 C.S.I. 19:40 Gravity Falls 20:00 Saving Private Ryan-18 so far proved unfounded: The booming box-office num- 09:05 Barefoot Contessa bers say moviegoers are welcoming the more-is-better example, both benefited from being something differ- 19:00 Switched At Birth 20:05 A.N.T. Farm 09:30 Food Network Challenge 23:00 Scream Of The Banshee-18 20:00 Fairly Legal 20:30 Good Luck Charlie 10:20 Extra Virgin 01:00 Saving Private Ryan-18 approach. With a crowded end of summer looming, the ent in the market.” 21:00 Suits 20:50 Suite Life On Deck 10:45 Kid In A Candy Store question now is how many big movies can thrive in the The box-office smashups that some feared due to the 22:00 The Hollow Crown 21:15 Austin And Ally 11:10 Charly’s Cake Angels popcorn movie season. “If things keep going, it’s going crowded slates haven’t materialized, at least not yet. 23:00 Greek 21:40 That’s So Raven 11:35 Unique Sweets to be a record, and this will be how summers are going “Hangover III” underwhelmed domestically but Sony’s 00:00 Glee 22:00 Shake It Up 12:00 Amazing Wedding Cakes to look for the next few years, with a ton of big-budget $130 million Will and Jaden Smith sci-fi adventure “After 01:00 The Hollow Crown 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 12:50 Have Cake, Will Travel 08:00 Police Academy 4: Citizens On 02:00 Switched At Birth 22:50 Austin And Ally franchise movies,” Exhibitor Relations vice-president and Earth” has been the season’s only real dud so far. But the 13:15 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Patrol-PG15 senior analyst Jeff Bock told The Wrap. “Moviegoers are market can only expand so much, and the rest of sum- 10:00 Good Boy!-PG telling the studios what they want, and they’re going to mer looks as if it will test those limits. August in particu- 12:00 The Wish List-PG15 14:00 Police Academy 5: give it to them.” lar looks jammed, with 15 wide releases scheduled on Assignment Miami Beach-PG15 Indeed, Sony on Monday announced 2015 and 2016 the last four weekends. 16:00 Good Boy!-PG dates for the third and fourth Spider-Man movies on “They’ve gotten away with it so far,” Bock said,” but at 18:00 Turner & Hooch-PG15 Monday. Disney had “Avengers 2” next year and has dat- some point it’s just too many movies.” While this year is 20:00 Detention-18 ed Marvel projects in May on 2016 and 2017. It has also especially crowded, studios typically jam their biggest- 22:00 Spread-R set dates for several major animation projects from its budget releases, particularly superhero and franchise 00:00 Venus And Vegas-PG15 own animation unit and Pixar, as has Fox with its movies that skew young, into the summer when kids are 02:00 Detention-18 DreamWorks Animation and Blue Sky Studios projects. out of school, the weather is good and there is a history There are 20 movies with production budgets around of successful launches. At some point, Bock said, $100 million or above this summer, compared to 14 last Hollywood is going to have to look at releasing some of year. The rest of this summer’s box-office season is just these big-budget franchise movies in April or 09:45 Cinderella PT 1-PG15 as jammed as the front half. September. “They may not want to do it, and it would be 11:30 Cinderella PT 2-PG15 The summer got off to a robust start with the $175 a risk, but at some point things will get so crowded that 13:30 Page Eight-PG15 15:15 I’ve Loved You So Long-PG15 million opening of Disney’s “Iron Man 3’ on the first if you don’t expand the summer, you’ll be making 17:15 Dolphin Tale-PG weekend in May. “Iron Man 3” remains the highest- bombs,” he said. — Reuters 19:15 The Terminal-PG15 grossing movie of the season - and year - with more 21:15 Mad Bastards-18 than $400 million domestically. That’s nearly double the 23:00 7 Days In Havana-18 take of the summer’s No 2 and 3 movies, “Fast & Furious 01:15 Coriolanus-PG15 6” ($219 million) and Paramount’s “Star Trek Into Darkness” ($211 million). But this summer is a departure from last summer, when superhero movies “The Avengers,” “Dark Knight 00:30 International Rugby League Rises” and “The Amazing Spider-Man” went 1-2-3 and 02:30 NRL Full Time left little room in market for other fare. There’s not just 03:00 IRB Junior World Championship 05:00 IRB Junior World Championship 07:00 Trans World Sport 08:00 PGA European Tour Weekly 08:30 Inside The PGA Tour 09:00 International Rugby Union 11:00 AFL Highlights 12:00 NRL Full Time 12:30 ATP Tennis 14:30 Inside The PGA Tour 15:00 PGA European Tour Weekly 15:30 Live PGA European Tour 19:30 AFL Highlights 20:30 Futbol Mundial 21:00 PGA European Tour Weekly 21:30 Inside The PGA Tour

00:00 Trans World Sport 01:00 Futbol Mundial 01:30 NRL Full Time 02:00 ATP Tennis 04:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 05:00 European Tour Weekly 05:30 Inside The PGA Tour 06:00 Trans World Sport ONDINE ON OSN MOVIES HD 07:00 Super Rugby Highlights Classifieds

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (20/06/2013 TO 26/06/2013)

SHARQIA-1 MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG) 3:15 PM SCENARIO (DIG) 9:45 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 1:30 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG) 5:30 PM SCENARIO (DIG) 12:15 AM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 3:45 PM SCENARIO (DIG) 7:45 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 6:15 PM SCENARIO (DIG) 10:15 PM AVENUES-3 WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 8:15 PM TATTAH (DIG) 12:45 AM WORLD WAR Z (DIG-3D) 1:45 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 10:45 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 4:15 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 12:45 AM FANAR-3 WORLD WAR Z (DIG-3D) 6:45 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 1:45 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 9:15 PM SHARQIA-2 LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 3:45 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 11:45 PM THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) 12:45 PM NOW YOU SEE ME (DIG) 5:45 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 2:30 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 8:00 PM 360º- 1 MATRIMONIAL MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 4:45 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 10:00 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 12:30 PM Prayer timings MAN OF STEEL (DIG-3D) 7:00 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 12:05 AM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 3:00 PM Fajr: 03:13 MAN OF STEEL (DIG-3D) 9:45 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 5:30 PM Invited for a Roman MAN OF STEEL (DIG-3D) 12:30 AM MARINA-1 WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 8:00 PM Catholic girl, 25/155cm, BSc Shorook 04:48 LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 1:30 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 10:30 PM Nurse working in Kuwait, SHARQIA-3 SCENARIO (DIG) 3:30 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 1:00 AM (Thrissur Dist.) proposals Duhr: 11:49 TATTAH (DIG) 2:00 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 6:00 PM from God fearing, suitably SCENARIO (DIG) 4:30 PM SCENARIO (DIG) 8:00 PM 360º- 2 educated and employed Asr: 15:23 LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 10:30 PM SCENARIO (DIG) 1:15 PM TATTAH (DIG) 7:15 PM boys. Email: Maghrib: 18:50 SCENARIO (DIG) 9:30 PM SCENARIO (DIG) 12:45 AM SCENARIO (DIG) 3:45 PM [email protected] TATTAH (DIG) 12:05 AM SCENARIO (DIG) 6:15 PM (C 4444) Isha: 20:23 MARINA-2 SCENARIO (DIG) 8:45 PM 18-6-2013 MUHALAB-1 WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 12:30 PM SCENARIO (DIG) 11:15 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 1:30 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 2:45 PM Inviting marriage proposal MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 4:15 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 5:00 PM 360º- 3 for Tamil Christian girl age WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 7:45 PM THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) 1:00 PM No: 15845 SCENARIO (DIG) 7:00 PM 30, working in Kuwait, qual- MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 9:30 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 10:00 PM THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) 3:00 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 12:15 AM THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) 5:00 PM ifications B.P.T + M Sc (UK). MUHALAB-2 NO SUN+ TUE+WED WORLD WAR Z (DIG-3D) 7:00 PM Contact Email: WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 1:30 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG-3D) 9:30 PM [email protected] LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 3:45 PM MARINA-3 WORLD WAR Z (DIG-3D) 12:05 AM (C 4441) WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 5:45 PM THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM 12-6-2013 LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 8:00 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 1:15 PM AL-KOUT.1 WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 10:00 PM THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) 3:30 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 1:15 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 5:15 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 3:30 PM CHANGE OF NAME MUHALAB-3 TATTAH (DIG) 7:30 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 5:45 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 1:00 PM TATTAH (DIG) 9:45 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG-3D) 8:00 PM I, NSE OKON AKPAN holder THE LEGEND OF SARILA (DIG-3D) 3:30 PM TATTAH (DIG) 12:15 AM WORLD WAR Z (DIG-3D) 10:15 PM of Nigerian passport WORLD WAR Z (DIG-3D) 12:45 AM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 5:15 PM Number A01448202 do TATTAH (DIG) 7:30 PM AVENUES-1 hereby change my name to TATTAH (DIG) 9:45 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 1:15 PM AL-KOUT.2 LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 3:15 PM TATTAH (DIG) 12:45 PM NSE SAMUEL KASALI. FANAR-1 LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 5:15 PM TATTAH (DIG) 3:00 PM 18-6-2013 WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 12:30 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 7:15 PM TATTAH (DIG) 5:15 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 3:00 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 9:15 PM SCENARIO (DIG) 7:30 PM I, Kamasani Damodaram WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 5:30 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 11:15 PM TATTAH (DIG) 10:00 PM holder of Indian passport WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 8:00 PM LAY THE FAVORITE (DIG) 1:15 AM TATTAH (DIG) 12:30 AM No. E6147415 issued at WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 10:30 PM Hyderabad on 26-08-2003, I WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 1:00 AM AVENUES-2 AL-KOUT.3 wish to change my name SCENARIO (DIG) 2:15 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 1:00 PM Kamasani Damodar Reddy. FANAR-2 SCENARIO (DIG) 4:45 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 3:45 PM (C 4443) MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG) 1:00 PM SCENARIO (DIG) 7:15 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 6:30 PM 15-6-2013

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 20/6/2013 ETD 303 ABU DHABI 16:35 Departure Flights on Thursday 20/6/2013 QTR 141 DOHA 14:55 Airlines Flt Route Time UAE 857 DUBAI 16:55 Airlines Flt Route Time ABY 122 SHARJAH 15:05 BBC 43 DHAKA 00:05 ABY 127 SHARJAH 17:10 AIC 976 GOA/CHENNAI 00:05 KAC 673 DUBAI 15:05 QTR 148 DOHA 00:05 UAL 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 17:15 AXB 490 MANGALORE 00:15 KNE 473 JEDDAH 15:30 RJA 644 AMMAN 00:30 GFA 215 BAHRAIN 17:20 JAI 573 MUMBAI 00:20 OMA 646 MUSCAT 15:40 SAI 441 LAHORE 01:30 SVA 510 RIYADH 17:20 UAL 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 00:25 KAC 617 DOHA 15:45 JZR 539 CAIRO 00:40 TAR 327 TUNIS 18:00 DLH 637 FRANKFURT 00:30 KAC 773 RIYADH 16:00 JZR 267 BEIRUT 00:20 QTR 144 DOHA 18:25 MSR 615 CAIRO 00:30 JZR 188 DUBAI 16:00 THY 764 SABIHA 01:40 FDB 63 DUBAI 18:55 BBC 44 DHAKA 01:30 KNE 471 JEDDAH 16:00 ETH 620 ADDIS ABABA 01:45 GFA 219 BAHRAIN 19:05 JZR 502 LUXOR 01:30 SVA 505 JEDDAH 16:00 GFA 211 BAHRAIN 01:55 AXB 393 KOZHIKODE 19:15 THY 773 ISTANBUL 02:20 KAC 613 BAHRAIN 16:35 UAE 853 DUBAI 02:25 JAI 572 MUMBAI 19:35 SAI 442 LAHORE 02:30 NIA 252 ALEXANDRIA 16:50 ETD 305 ABU DHABI 02:30 KAC 672 DUBAI 13:40 THY 765 ISTANBUL 02:40 RJA 641 AMMAN 16:55 THY 768 ISTANBUL 02:50 KAC 774 RIYADH 19:25 ETH 621 ADDIS ABABA 02:45 JZR 238 AMMAN 17:05 FDB 67 DUBAI 03:10 KAC 542 CAIRO 18:15 RJA 645 AMMAN 03:05 JZR 512 SHARM EL SHEIKH 17:15 RJA 642 AMMAN 03:10 KAC 674 DUBAI 19:25 THY 769 ISTANBUL 03:40 QTR 135 DOHA 17:20 RBG 555 ALEXANDRIA 03:15 KAC 614 BAHRAIN 19:35 UAE 854 DUBAI 03:45 ETD 304 ABU DHABI 17:20 MSR 612 CAIRO 03:15 KAC 502 BEIRUT 18:50 FDB 68 DUBAI 03:50 JZR 538 CAIRO 17:40 QTR 138 DOHA 03:30 KAC 118 NEW YORK 16:00 RBG 556 ALEXANDRIA 03:55 ABY 128 SHARJAH 17:50 THY 770 ISTANBUL 04:35 KAC 618 DOHA 19:10 MSR 613 CAIRO 04:15 UAE 858 DUBAI 18:15 DHX 170 BAHRAIN 05:10 JZR 787 RIYADH 16:15 ETD 306 ABU DHABI 04:20 GFA 216 BAHRAIN 18:20 FDB 69 DUBAI 05:50 JZR 177 DUBAI 17:30 QTR 139 DOHA 04:25 SVA 511 RIYADH 18:20 BAW 157 LONDON 06:30 JZR 777 JEDDAH 17:50 QTR 149 DOHA 05:15 JZR 184 DUBAI 18:30 JZR 1541 CAIRO 06:25 JZR 535 CAIRO 16:10 JZR 560 SOHAG 05:55 UAL 982 BAHRAIN 18:30 JZR 555 ALEXANDRIA 06:20 JZR 125 BAHRAIN 16:25 FDB 70 DUBAI 06:30 JZR 266 BEIRUT 18:40 JZR 529 ASSIUT 06:40 JZR 257 BEIRUT 14:30 RJA 643 AMMAN 06:35 TAR 328 TUNIS 18:50 KAC 412 MANILA 06:15 JZR 269 BEIRUT 19:15 GFA 212 BAHRAIN 07:00 RBG 558 ALEXANDRIA 19:00 KAC 206 ISLAMABAD 07:25 RBG 553 ALEXANDRIA 19:40 THY 771 ISTANBUL 07:10 QTR 145 DOHA 19:25 FDB 53 DUBAI 07:45 OMA 647 MUSCAT 20:00 JZR 240 AMMAN 07:10 FDB 64 DUBAI 19:35 UAE 855 DUBAI 08:25 FDB 61 DUBAI 20:00 KAC 545 ALEXANDRIA 07:20 GFA 220 BAHRAIN 19:50 IRA 605 ISFAHAN 08:40 ABY 129 SHARJAH 20:05 JZR 164 DUBAI 07:25 JZR 134 BAHRAIN 20:05 IZG 4161 MASHAD 08:45 RBG 557 ALEXANDRIA 18:20 BAW 156 LONDON 08:25 AXB 394 KOZHIKODE 20:15 ABY 125 SHARJAH 08:50 KAC 546 ALEXANDRIA 14:15 FDB 54 DUBAI 08:25 KAC 283 DHAKA 20:15 QTR 132 DOHA 09:00 KAC 786 JEDDAH 18:30 JZR 256 BEIRUT 08:50 RBG 554 ALEXANDRIA 20:20 IRA 617 AHWAZ 09:10 KAC 788 JEDDAH 15:00 JZR 534 CAIRO 09:10 JAI 571 MUMBAI 20:35 FDB 55 DUBAI 09:15 KAC 104 LONDON 18:45 KAC 561 AMMAN 09:25 FDB 62 DUBAI 20:40 ETD 301 ABU DHABI 09:30 KAC 562 AMMAN 14:40 KAC 671 DUBAI 09:25 ABY 120 SHARJAH 20:45 SYR 341 DAMASCUS 10:10 KAC 176 GENEVA 17:45 ABY 126 SHARJAH 09:30 KAC 331 TRIVANDRUM 20:50 GFA 213 BAHRAIN 10:40 JZR 239 AMMAN 22:30 KAC 787 JEDDAH 09:35 KAC 343 CHENNAI 20:55 MEA 404 BEIRUT 10:55 JZR 185 DUBAI 22:40 IRA 606 MASHHAD 09:40 OMA 648 MUSCAT 20:55 MSC 403 ASSIUT 12:40 JZR 135 BAHRAIN 23:00 IZG 4162 MASHHAD 09:45 KAC 351 KOCHI 21:05 UAE 871 DUBAI 12:45 JZR 513 SHARM EL SHEIKH 23:20 UAE 856 DUBAI 09:50 MEA 403 BEIRUT 21:15 MSR 610 CAIRO 13:00 JZR 189 DUBAI 20:10 FDB 56 DUBAI 09:55 AFG 415 JEDDAH 21:20 THY 766 ISTANBUL 13:10 MEA 402 BEIRUT 20:15 QTR 133 DOHA 10:00 MSC 404 ASSIUT 21:25 KAC 362 COLOMBO 08:45 AFG 415 KABUL 20:20 IRA 616 AHWAZ 10:10 MSR 619 ALEXANDRIA 21:30 KAC 332 TRIVANDRUM 07:55 MSC 405 SOHAG 20:25 ETD 302 ABU DHABI 10:15 KAC 543 CAIRO 21:30 JZR 561 SOHAG 12:20 MSR 618 ALEXANDRIA 20:30 KAC 101 LONDON 10:25 KNE 475 JEDDAH 21:45 JZR 165 DUBAI 11:35 KNE 474 JEDDAH 20:50 SYR 342 DAMASCUS 11:10 DHX 171 BAHRAIN 21:50 JZR 241 AMMAN 12:35 MSC 401 ALEXANDRIA 21:00 KAC 501 BEIRUT 11:10 MSC 402 ALEXANDRIA 22:00 JZR 503 LUXOR 07:40 ALK 229 COLOMBO 21:10 UAE 4987 BEIRUT 11:20 UAE 4987 DUBAI 10:35 UAE 859 DUBAI 21:15 GFA 214 BAHRAIN 11:25 FDB 8054 DUBAI 22:10 KAC 382 DELHI 07:30 ETD 307 ABU DHABI 21:30 KAC 541 CAIRO 11:30 ETD 308 ABU DHABI 22:15 KAC 302 MUMBAI 07:50 QTR 136 DOHA 21:35 KAC 165 ROME 11:45 ALK 230 COLOMBO 22:20 KAC 284 DHAKA 08:15 GFA 217 BAHRAIN 21:45 MEA 405 BEIRUT 11:55 UAE 860 DUBAI 22:25 KAC 352 COCHIN 08:05 QTR 146 DOHA 22:00 JZR 776 JEDDAH 12:25 QTR 137 DOHA 22:35 KNE 480 TAIF 13:20 JAI 576 COCHIN 22:05 JZR 786 RIYADH 12:50 KAC 301 MUMBAI 22:40 QTR 140 DOHA 13:45 THY 6512 ISTANBUL 22:20 KAC 785 JEDDAH 13:00 GFA 218 BAHRAIN 22:45 FDB 57 DUBAI 13:50 FDB 59 DUBAI 22:20 JZR 176 DUBAI 13:20 FDB 60 DUBAI 23:00 ABY 121 SHARJAH 14:25 AIC 981 CHENNAI 22:25 JZR 124 BAHRAIN 13:30 KAC 205 ISLAMABAD 23:00 SVA 500 JEDDAH 14:30 UAL 981 BAHRAIN 22:40 JZR 268 BEIRUT 13:35 QTR 147 DOHA 23:05 KNE 472 JEDDAH 14:35 DLH 636 FRANKFURT 23:10 MSC 406 SOHAG 13:40 JAI 575 ABU DHABI 23:05 OMA 645 MUSCAT 14:40 JAI 574 MUMBAI 23:20 MSR 611 CAIRO 14:00 JZR 554 ALEXANDRIA 23:20 KNE 470 JEDDAH 15:05 MSR 614 CAIRO 23:30 THY 767 ISTANBUL 14:10 JZR 1540 CAIRO 23:25 NIA 251 ALEXANDRIA 15:50 KLM 411 AMSTERDAM 23:40 KNE 481 TAIF 14:10 KAC 411 BANGKOK 23:40 RJA 640 AMMAN 15:55 THY 772 ISTANBUL 23:45 UAE 872 DUBAI 14:15 KAC 415 KUALA LUMPUR 23:50 QTR 134 DOHA 16:15 FDB 8053 DUBAI 21:30 FDB 58 DUBAI 14:30 JZR 528 ASSIUT 23:55 DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

CROSSWORD 226 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) ARIES These next years are ones in which you should plan to work hard to bring Your comprehension of issues is broadened today and your inner peace out and give shape to the ideas you have had recently. You are beginning to really move makes you tolerant of dissenting views. You realize that this is part of life and the process forward now and can expect rewards. There is an increase in self-confidence. A growing of elimination that is needed to find good results. This workday brings insight as well as sense of direction and self-worth will find you reaching out and establishing yourself. accomplishments your way. While visiting with friends this afternoon, you may be sur- You have plenty of enthusiasm and warm up to things and people quickly. You have an prised to find strong support for certain issues that you feel enthusiastic about these inner self-confidence that is obvious but very positive and contagious. Lovers, children days. This could mean air emission controls or the study of the impact that some gov- and other people or things dear to your heart are emphasized this evening. Eat foods ernment decision has on society, etc. You enjoy working in the garden or the yard this high in fiber to avoid water retention and a clogged body. This also brings to mind that afternoon. There are thoughts running around in your head of becoming a famous pho- it would be good to exercise in some forward-moving activity. tographer until you remember, or discover, freelancing costs.

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

Work, school or just life in general is a bit more relaxed today. You are gre- Things are fast and furious today—you may not remain calm for long. garious, even to the point of bringing out the performer in others. You somehow always There is, however, that feeling that anything is possible. Your thirst for experience and manage to find a creative environment or the creative in any environment. You are great growth keeps you always on the move. You work through an enormous amount of with kids and big on animals, sports and the out-of-doors. You are an instant umbrella change compared to an average person. You are quite lucky today and may find that of warmth, friendship and self-expression. This afternoon will present opportunities for you magically get green lights, parking places, etc. This is a great day for making money. group sports. Your friends, partners and relationships mean a lot to you. They are a pri- This evening you enjoy your family and friends in some social type of get-together. A mary source of strength and you always look to them for support and encouragement. strong need for nurturing is a bigger than usual element in your life. After a busy day, You are indeed a social being and will happily weave this fact into your lifestyle. A vari- you can really enjoy the company of family and friends. You are a natural guide and ety of entertainment choices will be tempting you. counselor, when others need help, you will probably be the first to know.

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

You feel like being different, trying something new and unusual. This is a You have a great gift for sensing the limits and truth of any matter. Your perfect time for new ideas, a breakthrough in thinking, a novel approach. sense of responsibility is clear and requires no training or education. There You have the mind of a lawyer, always able to size up a problem and come up with a is a sign of clarity and competence in practical and business matters today. There may solution. However, do not go against tradition or become too independent for group be some small loose ends to tie together before you see any end results—but the end ACROSS 4. Put a new heel on. approval. You could become carried away and make mistakes you might regret. Using to some long-time project is in sight. You are able to change your way of thinking when 1. A unit of pressure. 5. A bag used for carrying money and small your mind to negotiate obstacles is a great talent. You have an innate ability to guide and it comes to what you believe in; however, you may be in a struggle this afternoon over lead others through the hurdles and hassles of life. You could be very much in demand as how not to become carried away with some new vision. Make an effort to stay to the 4. Resistor for regulating current. personal items or accessories (especially by main idea and positive results will happen. The world of your imagination is a major 12. A compartment in front of a motor vehi- women). a counselor just now. Your problem-solving abilities are excellent and your best results now will come from a slow and patient attitude. Group involvement is positive. focus of change. Relationships are the keys to emotional satisfaction for you now. cle where driver sits. 6. A trivalent metallic element of the rare 15. The cry made by sheep. earth group. 16. The range within which a voice can be 7. The ball-shaped capsule containing the heard. vertebrate eye. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. Step on it. 8. Fastener consisting of a resinous composi- Marriage and other close relationships give rise to great expectations. This is a A difficult time schedule can be put behind you now. Hopefully, you have 18. United States architect (born in England) tion that is plastic when warm. time to enjoy and appreciate your ties to others and to seek and promote har- learned to always leave a space open each day for relaxation time and to reor- (1802-1878). 9. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. mony in the interaction between people. You are happy in most settings and can do without ganize—or to organize your thoughts. Government or community issues come to your atten- tion. Perhaps during the noon break, you will talk about change. You dream of that perfect 19. Cook and make edible by putting in a hot 10. Lacking a centromere. the extras in life that others seem to think are necessities. You enjoy making do with the basics. Your love of simplicity is good for politics too. It brings out the truth and a sense of relationship—one that is sensational. You wish for a kindred soul—a sunny relationship filled oven. 11. The fifth day of the week. honesty in a group. Religion, truth and the world of philosophy and ideas are of interest to with light, power, energy and strength. Good news yesterday, today and tomorrow has the 21. A beverage made by steeping tea leaves 12. (Mexican) Ground beef and chili peppers you. You may become involved in some interesting subjects during the lunchtime. Perhaps an potential to enhance, renew or strengthen your faith in love. Someone new or the resurgence adventure is in order. Long distance travel for your work is possible if you let the right people of an old love will put a sparkle back in your eyes and that extra zest in your step. Key players in water. or chili powder often with tomatoes and kid- to some future goal of yours are falling into place. 22. A doctor's degree in education. ney beans. know that you want to be included in the plans. 24. Small translucent lancet-shaped burrow- 13. An officer who acts as military assistant to ing marine animal. a more senior officer. 27. A car driven by a person whose job is to 14. Biennial Eurasian plant usually having a Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) take passengers where they want to go in swollen edible root. Your mind runs to domestic issues; home and family are always on your You are very much a creature of habit and the encircling network of exchange for money. 20. The cardinal number that is the sum of mind. This trait could work against your career interests, especially if your job requires friends and relationships is crucial to your success or lack thereof. You are nourished in managerial and organizational skills. Perhaps a home business would be good. Work 28. An esoteric or occult matter that is tradi- five and one. great measure by the atmosphere and conditions you are able to arrange. You may have within a system and schedule in which you can enjoy, achieve and excel. You will be able tionally secret. 23. An official prosecutor for a judicial district. trouble controlling your urge to rush through things today. You may tend to fluctuate to create this for yourself soon. You have a fine sense of appreciation and are very atten- 35. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian 25. A coral reef off the southern coast of between uninspired routine and crazy binges. Your sense of responsibility and the way tive to others’ needs. You love to help take care of others, expressing a first-rate sense of you go about organizing your life sometimes seems like a prison sentence. You could mythology. Florida. compassion. You possess an almost infinite ability to respond to the unsaid request. In find yourself rebelling against the ordinary. You get set in your ways, so much so that 36. 1,000,000,000 periods per second. 26. God of love and erotic desire. looking for a bit of quiet time for yourself, look for ways to enjoy a hobby or talent you you revolt and break away. Neurolinguistic programming and learning to organize your 37. A religious belief of African origin involv- 29. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan may have forgotten you had. time may help. Relax, drop the expectations and flow with the energies. ing witchcraft and sorcery. River. 38. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 30. Of or relating to the African people who Chad. speak one of the Bantoid languages or to Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 40. Obvious and dull. their culture. 43. The 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet. 31. (informal) Uncomplimentary terms for a It is easy for you to convey yourself to others and you manage to make a Work-related decisions need your guiding hand. You seem to have luck on 44. (prefix) Opposite or opposing or neutral- policeman. good appearance. You have an easy manner and find it easy to relate to just about any- your side today for moving ahead in great leaps. You may feel blocked in a group situa- izing. 32. In bed. one. This can be an incredible time. In fact, you have rarely been in a better position to tion, however. Easy does it—perhaps the listening attitude will help you get your be in control. You will inspire yourself and others to new accomplishments. Something thoughts together. You could say things you might regret—think through your 45. An interior passage or corridor onto 33. Any of various deciduous or evergreen from which you have been excluded is now opening up for you. This could mean a new thoughts a moment and ask yourself if you can make a positive difference. Your inborn which rooms open. ornamental shrubs of the genus Abelia hav- seat at important meetings or a new position that is more suited to your talents. You like love of law and order helps you find the answers you could be seeking. Any problems or 50. Worthy of high praise. ing opposite simple leaves and cymes of beautiful surroundings, everything that is calm, tasteful and harmonious. You may be obstacles do not put you off today. You have a large circle of friends and tonight several 53. An isogram connecting points having small white or pink or purplish flowers. planning a water garden for those hot summer days—maybe some goldfish. You dis- of you might be out enjoying a dinner together and decide to make plans for a big sum- equal barometric pressure at a given time. 34. A young unmarried woman. cover new and flattering things about a loved one this evening. mer party. Perhaps some grilled food, drinks and music. 55. A severe or trying experience. 39. Any organic compound containing the 56. A shop where a variety of goods are sold. group -CONH2. 59. American dramatist (1928- ). 41. The sacred city of Lamaism. Word Search Yesterday’s Solution 61. A translucent mineral consisting of 42. Evergreen trees and shrubs having oily hydrated silica of variable color. one-seeded fruits. 64. An informal term for a father. 46. Little known Kamarupan languages. 68. Thigh of a hog (usually smoked). 47. A three-year law degree. 72. An anxiety disorder characterized by 48. Not widely known. chronic free-floating anxiety and such symp- 49. Combined or joined to increase in size or toms as tension or sweating or trembling of quantity or scope. light-headedness or irritability etc that has 51. The face of a timepiece. lasted for more than six months. 52. Any plant or flower of the genus Lobelia. 73. The use of nuclear magnetic resonance of 54. A motley assortment of things. protons to produce proton density images. 57. Remote and separate physically or social- 74. Any plant of the genus Alocasia having ly. large showy basal leaves and boat-shaped 58. Any of various cycads of the genus Zamia. spathe and reddish berries. 60. Restraint consisting of a rope (or light 75. A benevolent aspect of Devi. chain) used to restrain an animal. 76. The 7th letter of the Greek alphabet. 62. A public act of violence by an unruly 77. A long Turkish knife with a curved blade mob. having a single edge. 63. Type genus of the family Arcidae. 78. A river in north central Switzerland that 65. Largest known toad species. runs northeast into the Rhine. 66. Fallow deer. 67. The sixth month of the civil year. DOWN 69. Grass mowed and cured for use as fodder. 1. Lie adjacent to another. 70. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike 2. A long thin piece of cloth or paper as used part of an organism. for binding or fastening. 71. A local computer network for communi- 3. Type genus of the Majidae. cation between computers.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 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

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ritish comic Russell Brand told Katy Perry he was divorc- do want an equal, but then they get that equal and they’re ing her by text message, the US pop star said in a new like, I can’t handle the equalness. “He didn’t like the atmos- Bmagazine interview, adding that she hasn’t heard from phere of me being the boss on tour. So that was really hurtful, him since. Brand issued a statement in December 2011 and it was very controlling, which was upsetting. announcing that he had filed for divorce 14 months after the “I felt a lot of responsibility for it ending, but then I found pair were wed in India, saying that “I’ll always adore her and I out the real truth, which I can’t necessarily disclose because I know we’ll remain friends.” Perry, in an interview in the latest keep it locked in my safe for a rainy day. “I let go and I was edition of Vogue magazine, which features her as its cover sto- like: This isn’t because of me; this is beyond me. So I have ry, tells it differently. moved on from that.” Brand, 38, a former drug addict with a “He’s a very smart man, and I was in love with him when I reputation as a womanizer, found fame as a comedian and married him,” she told the magazine, adding: “Let’s just say I later as a TV and radio presenter in Britain before starring in haven’t heard from him since he texted me saying he was hit Hollywood films “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Get Him divorcing me December 31, 2011.” In court documents filed in to the Greek.” Perry, 28, is best known for hit songs, “Teenage Los Angeles, the British actor and comedian cited “irreconcil- Dream,” California Gurls,” and “I Kissed a Girl.” Her debut able differences” as a reason for divorce. The couple, married album “One of the Boys” garnered two Grammy nominations, on October 23, 2010, after a whirlwind romance, had no chil- and her second record “Teenage Dream” was given six dren. Grammy nods.—AFP Perry said Brand’s in-your-face humor was “hysterical in some ways. Until he started making jokes about me and he didn’t know I was in the audience, because I had come to sur- File photo shows Katy Perry and Russell Brand arriving for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at the Noika prise him at one of his shows. She added: “At first when I met Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, California. — AFP him, he wanted an equal, and I think a lot of times strong men

apper Kanye West pushes the boundaries of hip together, a baby girl born over the weekend. hop with his latest album “Yeezus,” usingaggres- But on the album the famously ironic and self-ref- Rsive electro-dance music beats to channel his erential West avoids mentioning Kardashian and their anger and win over critics, who have called the record high-profile romance, which has been heavily tracked “daring” and “ambitious.” “Yeezus,” the 36-year-old rap- by paparazzi and the Kardashian clan’s plethora of per’s seventh solo studio album, has also sped to the reality shows on the E! Network. Instead, he lets his top of the iTunes digital music chart upon its release anger out against critics, the public and “haters” on on Tuesday, led by the single “Black Skinhead.” The tracks such as “I Am a God,” “Send It Up” and “Black album’s release coincides with the birth of West and Skinhead,” a scathing message on modern day racism. reality star girlfriend Kim Kardashian’s first child While West rages against the world, critics have been taken aback with the new sounds that West explores, moving away from the traditional hip hop of his earlier albums and fusing electro-dance and syn- thesizers with thumping beats. “Yeezus” has so far earned a score of 87 out of 100 on review aggregator This film publicity image released by The Weinstein Company shows Gemma Arterton, left, and Terrence Stamp in Metacritic.com. ‘Unfinished Song.’—AP Jon Pareles at the New York Times called the album “an aggressive demand for attention” while ritish actress Gemma Arterton does not need to wor- plays these gangsters or villains and for him to take on that Rolling Stone’s Jon Dolan said, “‘Yeezus’ is the darkest, ry about typecasting with roles ranging froma fairy role was a real decision because he is playing an old man. most extreme music Kanye has ever cooked up, an Btale character and literary heroines to MI6 agent He was nervous about it but it was beautiful and he did abrasive album.” USA Today’s Steve Jones called the Strawberry Fields in the 2008 James Bond film “Quantum of such a good job. album “daring and infectious,” while the New Yorker’s Solace.” Sasha Frere-Jones labeled it “ambitious” and West’s In “Unfinished Song,” a comedy-drama that opens in US Q: How intimidating was it working with Vanessa “most satisfyingly narcissistic record.” theaters on Friday, Arterton, 27, stars as Elizabeth, a music Redgrave and Terence Stamp, both highly acclaimed “Yeezus” features collaborations with French DJ teacher in a boys’ school. She also directs a choir for sen- British actors? duo Daft Punk - who provide beats on four songs, iors, which includes Marion, played by Vanessa Redgrave, A: It was incredible. Vanessa is one of my all-time the- including “I Am God” and “Black Skinhead” - folk singer and forges a special friendship with her cantankerous ater idols. For me she just represents the ultimate in Justin Vernon from Bon Iver on “Hold My Liquor,” and retired husband, played by Terence Stamp. The following strength and dignity. She can do anything. Working with rappers Chief Keef, Kid Cudi and King L. Billboard mag- week Arterton will be seen in US theaters as a sexy vampire her made me quite nervous and I was fascinated by the azine, which compiles the weekly U.S. music charts in Neil Jordan’s film “Byzantium.” Arterton spoke to Reuters way she was working. This film was really, really important based on Nielsen SoundScan sales figures, projected about her choice of characters, sharing the big screen with to do. It was a love letter to her sister (Lynn Redgrave), who that “Yeezus” could sell 500,000 copies in its first week, Redgrave and Stamp, and her first French-speaking role in died of cancer. You could feel it was a special thing for her. making it one of 2013’s big debuts along with Justin the upcoming film “Gemma Bovery.” Timberlake’s “The 20/20 Experience.”—Reuters Q: How do you choose your roles? Q: You have some interesting films coming out. Two A: At first I was quite mindless. I didn’t really think about are opening in the space of a week. How did you man- it. I was pleased I was being offered stuff ... And then I real- age that? ized I’m not happy with what is going on and had to be a A: It’s weird that it happened that way. I made them bit more thoughtful. Now I think about what I want to do about three months apart. It’s nice. I remember when the in relation to what I have just done. Bond film came out in the UK I also made the TV show called “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” and they were so different Q: What projects do you have coming up? and it was really good that it happened. It’s nice when peo- A: I am just preparing now for my next film, which is my ple can see the range. first French film. It is called “Gemma Bovery” and Anne Kanye West Fontaine is directing it. She directed “Coco Before Chanel.” Q: “Unfinished Song” is a small British film that is It is my first French-speaking movie so I am a bit nervous about as far away as you can get from a Bond film. about it. What attracted you to the role? A: The script. I was making an action-comedy at the Q: Are you fluent in French? time and it was a long shoot, a four- or five-month shoot, A: I started learning French in January and then in and I thought I just want to do something real, something February this script came through called “Gemma Bovery,” close to home. My agent sent me the script and I read it based on “Madame Bovary” ... For me it’s a really big chal- and I was crying. lenge but I feel if I can do it then I have opened another door. I love French cinema and some of my favorite actors Q: In the film you develop a special relationship with are French. It would be something I would really be proud Terence Stamp. What was that like? of doing. I start filming that in August.—Reuters A: Everyone thinks that Terence Stamp is a very serious, stern Englishman. I was thinking he was going to be a very elissa Etheridge believes Angelina Jolie “My belief is that cancer comes from inside you grumpy guy but for some reason we just got on really well jumped the gun with her double mastec- and so much of it has to do with the environment and we brought out the best in each other and we’re Mtomy. The singer, a breast cancer survivor, of your body,” she told the Blade. “It’s the stress that friends now ... told The Washington Blade that she has the same will turn that gene on or not.” Jolie announced her In the film we warmed to each other and ended up BRCA gene mutation as Jolie. When asked about elective surgery in a May 14 Op-Ed for The New York helping each other in certain ways. He is such a lovely guy. Jolie’s choice to undergo a preventative double Times titled, “My Medical Choice.” In the piece, she It was so lovely to see him play that kind of role. Usually he mastectomy, Etheridge called Jolie’s decision “the revealed that her doctors told her she would other- most fearful choice you can make when con- wise be at an 87 percent risk of getting breast can- fronting anything with cancer.” “I wouldn’t call it the cer. Here’s the entire Blade/Etheridge exchange: brave choice,” the singer said. Invoking her own Blade: As a breast cancer survivor yourself, what experience with cancer, Etheridge suggested stress did you think of Angelina Jolie’s announcement? reduction and proper nutrition as better preventa- Etheridge: I have to say I feel a little differently. I tive steps. have that gene mutation too and it’s not something I would believe in for myself. I wouldn’t call it the brave choice. I actually think it’s the most fearful choice you can make when confronting anything with cancer. My belief is that cancer comes from inside you and so much of it has to do with the environment of your body. It’s the stress that will turn that gene on or not. Plenty of people have the gene mutation and everything but it never comes to cancer so I would say to anybody faced with that, that choice is way down the line on the spectrum of what you can do and to really consider the advancements we’ve made in things like nutrition and stress levels. I’ve been cancer free for nine years now and looking back, I completely understand why I got cancer. There was so much acidity in everything. I really encourage people to go a lot longer and further before coming to that conclusion. — Reuters

ariah Carey and Nicki Minaj will take the stage at leads with 12 nominations, while Lamar and 2 Chainz are up the BET Awards. BET announced Tuesday that for eight awards each. Chris Tucker will host the BET Awards Melissa Etheridge MIndia.Arie and Ciara will join the former ‘American live from the Nokia Theatre LA Live. Presenters include Paula Idol’ judges as performers at the June 30 awards show. Patton, LaLa Anthony, Angela Bassett and Gabrielle Union. Previously announced performers include Chris Brown, — AP Miguel, R Kelly and Kendrick Lamar. Rapper-singer Drake lifestyle THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

Music & Movies

File photo shows Brad Pitt This publicity image released by Paramount posing for a portrait in Pictures shows, from left, Mireille Enos as Karin New York. — AP Lane, Sterling Jerins as Constance Lane, Abigail Hargrove as Rachel Lane, and Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane in a scene from ‘World War Z.’ — AP

rad Pitt wanted to build a better blockbuster. During the former United Nations investigator has no superpowers, no gun, weighed down on it. We spent a couple years on it. We couldn’t The need for such a reshoot, though, contributed heavily to early years Hollywood shifted toward increasingly bigger spec- and as Pitt says, “can’t even run that fast.” It may sound paradoxi- get it into one movie. We had to walk a line between using the perceptions of the film. While Pitt admits the production was ini- Btacles and superhero tentpoles, one of the movies’ biggest cal, but though “World War Z” is awash with gruesome hordes of film as a Trojan horse for some of that, but these things have to tially difficult, he says once solutions were found, the process was stars largely stayed on the sidelines, focusing instead on ambi- snarling zombies, it is - alongside Superman and Godzilla-sized be fun. And we were bored, ourselves.” Instead, the filmmakers, “really fun.” (Forster was not made available for this article.) tious ensembles (“The Tree of Life,” “Inglourious Basterds”) and sea monsters - one of the most human-scaled blockbusters of the including director Marc Forster (“Quantum of Solace,” “Stranger Gardner, too, chafes at what she calls the unfair over-scrutinizing unlikely dramas (“Moneyball”). But the zombie apocalypse summer. Than Fiction”), wrestled with finding what Pitt calls “the pace of of the film. “World War Z,” which opens Friday, is Pitt’s bold, long-gestating, While Hollywood awaits the film’s box office performance the summer action film, the cadence it needs.” “Movies have a “You often hear of the artists in a studio not getting along,” big-budget effort to enter the franchise fray. It’s his attempt to with bated breath, Pitt is confident. He’s shaped the film as a pro- DNA,” says Gardner. “They have their own identity. This one just says Pitt. “This was absolutely a really nice experience. engineer not just a disaster thrill ride like 1974’s “The Towering ducer since his production company, Plan B, acquired the book fought back. It fought back, ultimately, in a way that I really (Paramount) has been so supportive and came to the table with Inferno” (a beloved film to Pitt, who saw it repeatedly as a kid rights in 2006. “I know it works,” the 49-year-old actor says. “I appreciate because it sort of met our ambitions for it with its own great creative ideas.” Whether “World War Z” will spawn sequels, growing up in Missouri), but to make a thought-provoking action know everyone involved is going to be happy. It’s just a question ambitions.” as was the initial hope, will have to wait for the box-office flick filled with geopolitical questions. of how happy. We’re proud of it. When you get involved with a The most painful part of taming “World War Z” was deciding response. In a packed summer schedule, the film will have to It’s been a humbling crusade. “These films are much more dif- film like this at this scale, at this cost, there’s more responsibility to that the third act - a large-scale battle with the zombies in compete with “Man of Steel” in its second week of release. After a ficult than I realized,” Pitt said in a recent interview over coffee at a meet that number immediately.” Not unlike his character, Pitt has Moscow’s Red Square, filmed in Budapest - didn’t work. It was a long battle with “World War Z,” Pitt (who’ll this fall star in David restaurant off Times Square. Based on the 2006 sci-fi novel “World been flying around the world to promote “World War Z.” He spent gut-wrenching realization, made after the filmmakers and Ayer’s World War II thriller “Fury”) says he’s just “not really the fran- War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War” by Max Brooks (son of Father’s Day with his family, but at 40,000 feet, he says. “I’ve got a Paramount executives screened the film. “It was abysmal,” says chise kind of guy.” “We spent so much time on this,” he says. Mel), the $200 million-plus film has had a rocky path to theaters. few countries to go,” he says with a grin. Pitt. “It was really painful. What it means is that after you’ve put in “We’ve got so many good story lines stemming from the book or It’s gone through a swarm of screenwriters, several key crew Though he acknowledges the film has been “a learning expe- that much work, you go, ‘Oh, we’re so far away.’ It just means we inspired by the book and then just generated from our own pow- changes, a postponed release date and, most notably, a reshot rience,” he’s upbeat, repeatedly citing the “good fun” of making a got a lot more to go. You go home, you have one too many beers wows. It might still be fun. We’ve got enough material, that’s for ending. But most moviegoers that make it to the film - far from big movie for the multiplexes. Adapting the book - a series of and you get up the next day and you go, ‘OK. This is what we got sure. We’ll see, we’ll see how this works, we’ll see how everyone the flop many predicted - will likely wonder what all the fuss was first-person dispatches from around the globe - required not just to do.’” feels afterward.”— AP about. As Pitt’s producing partner Dede Gardner points out, no finding a narrative drive to the story, but capturing the novel’s While tinkering with a movie in post-production is normal, one ever says: “Honey, let’s go to this movie this Friday. I swear it theorizing of how self-interested nations would fare in a global hiring screenwriters (Damon Lindelof, Drew Goddard) to write an was on-budget and on-schedule.” catastrophe. (Faring well, for example, is walled-off Israel, the entirely new ending is quite uncommon. Instead, a more quietly The reviews have largely been positive for “World War Z,” a riv- location of the film’s most extreme set piece, shot in Malta with tense sequence set in Wales was constructed, with production eting, brisk thriller with a refreshingly - and, for summer movies, some 900 extras.) resuming for a $20 million reshoot. “We just decided it wasn’t atypically - human protagonist who relies purely on his intellect But in the end, the principles of making a popcorn-friendly good enough,” says Gardner. “I see that as a good thing. We were and experience as he shuttles around the world trying to solve movie often bested the filmmakers’ higher ambitions. Much of very fortunate to have partners at Paramount who were interest- the zombie pandemic that’s engulfed most of the planet. Pitt’s the allegory had to be cut. “It got too dense,” Pitt says. “We got too ed in doubling down. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that.”

il Wayne says he wasn’t intentionally stepping on the American flag when Lshooting his latest video. Video of the rapper from his music video shoot for the song “God Bless Amerika” hit the Web on trapped in an orange suit in his spaceship, Yuri drubbing, the film won praise from Russian Space Monday. In it, he appears to be stepping on Gagarin smiles as the rockets roar and chirpily Agency officials who watched it in Moscow. “It got top of the American flag. But he said in a Stells mission control: “Let’s go!” A new Russian through to me, I’ll be honest, it was great. We still Facebook post Tuesday the flag on the film-”Gagarin. First Man in Space”-is the first full biopic know how to make films-not just rockets,” said head ground will not appear in the clip. on the pioneering cosmonaut ever to be released in of manned flight programs at Roscosmos, Alexei He writes it was never his intention “to Russia or the Soviet Union. Until now, Gagarin’s 108- Krasnov. The film is the first biopic of Gagarin ever desecrate the flag of the United States of minute orbit of the Earth in 1961 appeared almost made, although several post-Soviet films have shown America.” He says the flag will reveal a group too hallowed a subject to be tackled in drama. But him as a symbolic figure. of people behind him in the video. The New the state-subsidized film has been made amid a new “Soviet film treated Gagarin as a god whom it was Orleans-based rapper says in the statement drive for patriotic cinema as post-Soviet Russia looks a sin to depict, while in post-Soviet film he is a kind of his environment helped shape the way he for heroes. metaphor for all of Soviet life,” wrote Ogonyok. The views America and his song and video repre- It recreates Gagarin’s pioneering space voyage in film came out as the Kremlin aims to boost patriotism sent the people he grew up with. — AP detail and also tries to reveal something of the man among the young with the help of locally grown who became a Soviet legend: his childhood, family heroes-preferably Soviet ones. A film about hockey life in the cosmonaut training centre at Star City and star Valery Kharlamov and his Soviet teammates beat- his rivals for the number one role. But critics have ing Canada in 1972, called “Legend Number 17”, has complained the film failed to portray a rounded flesh- made 920 million rubles ($28.5 million, 21.5 million and-blood figure, instead portraying a person so per- euros) after significant state funding. It was hailed as fect that Gagarin loses all traces of human character. the highest grossing Russian feature film in five years. “Any humanity is carefully hidden from us. We A file picture taken on April 12, 1961 shows Yuri Another recent success was a portrayal of Vladimir stop believing at all in the existence of the person Gagarin, 27, wearing spacesuit inside the Vysotsky, a cult singer and actor of the 1970s,that also named Gagarin,” wrote Ogonyok weekly magazine. Vostok 1 command capsule at the Baikonur cos- had state funding. But other films have struggled to The cosmonaut is shown as a virtually flawless figure: modrome. — AFP replicate the formula and as “Gagarin” launched, her is no stranger to tabloid fodder. The Cher said reality singing competitions are he thoughtfully buys his wife flowers, he carefully many expressed doubts it would recoup its budget of 67-year-old singer who has spent most simply a modern incarnation of classic star- a swagger and cheeky grin who seems very different swaddles his baby daughter and he flashes a white- around $10 million. In its first weekend it made 15.75 of her life in the spotlight offered this makers like “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “Arthur from his portrayal in the film. “Flashing past in a sec- C toothed smile after being tested with G-forces at Star million rubles ($497,606). Last month President advice to young artists on navigating the Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.” “It’s just another vehi- ond, he absolutely repudiates the acting performance City. The director Pavel Parkhomenko “made a deadly Vladimir Putin dressed down a group of top film world of paparazzi attention: “You’re screwed. cle, you know what I mean? Talent is talent,” of Yaroslav Zhalnin” who plays Gagarin, wrote critic retro film as if he was turning a feature from (Soviet directors including Oscar-winner Nikita Mikhalkov for That’s my advice.” “You don’t deal with it. You she said on the red carpet following the finale Mikhail Trofimenkov in Kommersant business daily. mouthpiece daily) Pravda into a film”, said one review- failing to persuade people to watch local cinema. This just try to get a place where no one can find which crowned 16-year-old country singer er on the TV channel Rain. year, the Kremlin will finance films to the tune of 6.61 you and that’s your little sanctuary,” continued Danielle Bradbery the winner. The young pow- From untouchable god to The film received state funding as part of a drive billion rubles ($204.4 million). However Russian films the “Believe” singer in an interview Tuesday. “I erhouse from Blake Shelton’s team beat out metaphor for modern life for patriotic cinema and has been supported by only account for 15 percent of cinema tickets, Putin have a fabulous house that I love and it’s my indie rocker Michelle Chamuel and country The film’s strength is its careful recreation of Gagarin’s Gagarin’s family-his widow and two daughters, Yelena complained. — AFP sanctuary.” Looking ever the rock star in leather duo the Swon Brothers for the season four training and flight showing the bizarre endurance and Galina. The family has previously vetoed a and studs, Cher took the stage Tuesday for the title. tests-such as reading out poetry in a steam room-and Gagarin musical and legally forced the makers of a fic- season finale of NBC’s “The Voice.” She per- the cramped and basic spacecraft. Despite its critical tional film drama to cut all references to Gagarin, formed “Woman’s World,” the first single off her even changing its title which had included his name. upcoming album of the same name - her 26th “At first the Gagarin family were suspicious because album since she began recording in the 1960s. before there were attempts to make films and it somehow didn’t work out. For them this is a delicate topic and there have always been a lot of unneces- sary rumours and sensation around it,” producer Oleg Kapanets said at a Moscow presentation. “They had even stopped believing that it was pos- sible to make honest cinema. But time passed and they were OK with it all.” He said he asked Gagarin’s daughters to check with their mother Valentina who is still alive but rarely seen in public-on details such as what flowers Gagarin used to give her (in the film it is chrysanthemums). The film ends as Gagarin para- chutes back to Earth, without touching on his later years of hobnobbing with Soviet pop stars and world leaders such as Queen Elizabeth II. Neither does it refer to his death at 34 in a plane crash, an incident whose circumstances have never A handout file picture provided by Russian film producer and distributor Central Partnership and been fully explained. Archive footage shown at the taken shows Russian actor Yaroslav Zhalnin playing Yuri Gagarin and Vadim Michman as German Photo shows Danielle Bradbery and Cher, right, pose after Bradbery won season-four of end of the film of the real Gagarin depicts a man with ‘The Voice’ Tuesday. —AP Titov while shooting the film, ‘Gagarin.—AFP photos lifestyle THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

The Meiji Jingu Shrine. By Sahar Moussa the airplane, I was introduced to Hatem K Omar, the Public Relations Manager of Corporate Communications for Emirates apan was a place I always dreamt about visiting, it was on Airlines. my to do list, and I guess I was lucky that Emirates airlines I finally met the person with who I was communicating over Jstarted its non-stop service from Dubai to Tokyo the phone for a week in order to prepare the right documents. International Airport (Haneda) to make my dream come true. He greeted me with his friendly looks, a welcoming face and a Although Emirates already operates a daily flight to Tokyo smile. Omar’s professionalism, punctuality and kindly ways Narita and Osaka Kansai but I was the lucky one this time to helped make my journey to Japan a memorable experience. witness the launch of its inaugural flight as a journalist from My second voyage on board Emirates began with warm Kuwait. smiles of the cabin crew right from the moment I stepped on When I used to dream about Japan, I used to visualize the EK312 which departed Dubai at 09:35hrs. The seats were myself walking under the cherry blossom trees, which is a cen- spacious and comfortable; the cabin attendants were dynamic, turies-old practice of picnicking under a blooming Sakura or friendly and empathetic. The food was delicious and I felt I was Ume tree, a practice called “Hanami”. in heaven. Honestly, I think that Emirates airlines flights are for people who want to be treated special. Depending on how much you pay, you are treated accordingly. Even if you choose to travel economy, and have to pay a bit more than other air- lines, I bet you will not find such quality in any other airlines.

Reaching Japan Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo: Making the world feel at home We reached Haneda 00:01hrs the following day. I personally didn’t feel so much exhausted after all those long flying hours. At the airport, there was a Japanese representative from the tourism agency that welcomed us and was scheduled to accompany us throughout our Tokyo visit. She took us to the Shangri-La Hotel. newest landmark, and Tokyo Bay in the distance. Mount Fuji If you are searching for a place that combines comfort, luxu- The 200-room Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo opened on March 2, ry and warmth, Shangri-La Hotel in Tokyo is your first choice. 2009 as Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ first property in Japan. Shangri-La Hotel is the place where you want to be after a long The hotel occupies the top 11 floors of the 37-floor, mixed-use flight or a long day discovering Tokyo. The hotel’s modern out- Marunouchi Trust Tower Main building, located adjacent to er design that is reflected imperially on the river’s glossy sur- and with direct access to the Tokyo Station, which serves as the face with a park nearby, hides inside secrets of the culture’s terminus for the Shinkansen bullet train network that extends hospitality that you feel from the moment you enter the lobby. nationwide as well as the city’s railway hub that connects the You cannot ignore the smallest details in this hotel - the local train and subway lines with regional services. warm earthly colors, the elevator and the furniture that The hotel’s dining facilities include Piacere, a signature embraces your mood for a calming effect - to the huge chan- Italian restaurant; Nadaman, which serves authentic Japanese deliers made up of thousands of crystal teardrops. kaiseki cuisine and The Lobby Lounge. CHI, The Spa at Shangri- One of the main hallmarks of Shangri-La is its grand chan- La Hotel, Tokyo features ancient Chinese healing therapies and delier features. There are more than 50 chandeliers adorning is the first CHI spa to open in Japan. CHI offers six treatment the Shangri-La Hotel, of which more than 20 were designed rooms that form the largest self-contained spa suites in Tokyo. specifically for the hotel. Paying homage to the city of Tokyo, Talking about hospitality, I really appreciated the welcom- the hotel showcases a series of chandeliers with intricately ing hand-written card with my name from the General carved crystal pieces in the shape of ginkgo leaves - a symbol Manager, Jens Moesker. I can’t hide the fact that it made me The waterfall at the I used to think that one can enjoy this blissful sight any time of Tokyo. feel at home. Moesker has 23 years of experience in the hospi- Gajoen Kanko hotel. of the year, only to be disappointed by the fact that the blos- As for the rooms, if it is your first time to check in at the tality industry, and has been with the Shangri-La Hotels and soming in Tokyo starts at the end of March or in the beginning Shangri- La Hotel, I guarantee that you will find your room a Resorts since 2000. I was really lucky to meet the tall, elegant of April, and unfortunately I was there in June. Although I thrilling and exciting experience. I have personally spent more and well-spoken man the day I had to leave the hotel. We met didn’t see the cherries blossoming, I was more than satisfied to than an hour discovering the hidden technological treasures at the breathtaking presidential suite. With just a few words, touch and smell the trees that carry that soft, pinkish flower found in every corner of the room, and the genius-designed well-articulated phrases and his warm and deep voice, he which flourishes like thousands of fairies in their pink and electronic toilet. made me feel not only welcome and special in this exceptional white attire celebrating and welcoming the next season. In the room, you can find every single facility that one hotel but also made me understand for a fact that the next would consider a basic amenity which guarantees conven- time I will visit Tokyo, I would without hesitation know which Emirates First Class Lounge ience for both leisure and business travelers. Anything that can hotel I will stay in. My journey to Japan started when I reached Dubai airport make your life easier, you will definitely find in the room. And from Kuwait on an Emirates airlines, ensconced in a business to my surprise, I even found a copy of the Holy Quran in the class seat and was led to the Emirates first class lounge at the drawer next to the bed, a prayer carpet and a qibla that marks Dubai’s airport; a welcoming and generous gesture on the part the prayer destination; it was a very unique gesture. of the Emirates staff in order to make the hours-long flight as After I finished surveying the room, I decided to draw aside comfortable as possible. the curtains for the view. It was dark when I reached Tokyo, so Here, I can confidently say that my voyage started through- you can imagine how the night view would have been from out which I was spoilt. The Emirates first class lounge is located the 32nd floor. It was as if one was residing in the sky and on the fourth floor. There is a reception area and the reception- watching the stars twinkling above. As for the day view, it is ists behind the counter at the welcome desk check your board- like living it up while thinking how lucky you are. ing passes before entering the lounge. The hotel offers views of the Marunouchi business area, the I was really impressed by how huge the first class lounge is. Imperial Palace, Shinjuku’s skyscrapers as well as Mount Fuji, if On top of it, they have not missed the smaller details to make the weather is fine and clear. From another side of the hotel, the first class passenger as satisfied as possible in every aspect. one is able to view the soaring Tokyo Sky Tree tower, Tokyo’s There is a private duty-free shopping area, and it made me feel like a Hollywood star to have my own shopping center. As a matter of fact, the entire floor is an integrated first class lounge and a departure gate area. You can board the flights directly from the lounge. The lounge’s design is so elegant and its warm colors make you feel relaxed. There are a lot of seating areas with different buffets at each individual gate. The lounge offers an a la carte menu as well as a cold buffet and light appetizers to suit all tastes. What I appreciated the most were two things other than Emirates’ press conference Wall paintings at the the high quality of food and the spacious areas; the quiet room My first day in Japan was pretty exciting. From the bus you Meguro Gajoen. and the swank toilets. The room has a daybed and lounge could see the well organized streets, well structured buildings chairs that come with pillows, and trust me, you can take a nap and neat streets. The air was so fresh that you could actually or fall asleep like a baby in a second. breathe clean air and everything around you appears so clear, As for the toilets, these are highly maintained, well the colors appearing richer and more vibrant. designed with marble stone and wood frames on the mirrors We were scheduled to attend a press conference for with big shower rooms. But the most relaxing experience that Emirates’ launch of its inaugural flight from Dubai to Haneda. I had was the 15 minutes free back massage at the Timeless The press conference was held at the Palace Hotel Tokyo. At Spa that is complimentary for the first and business class pas- the conference, there was Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior sengers. Vice President, Commercial Operation Far East & Australasia; As I have mentioned before, the first class lounge has a gate Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger for each flight exclusively for first class passengers. You don’t Sales Worldwide; Shigeyuki Taguchi, Managing Director of have to stand in queues and once your documents are Tokyo International Air Terminal Corporation and Richard checked, you can easily and smoothly walk down the hallway Engelmann, Emirates’ Manager Japan. They delightfully towards the elevator to the jet bridge. Before proceeding to answered the journalists’ questions.

Tokyo Tower lifestyle THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

paintings and carved ceilings in each and every room. Climbing the 100 steps was like climbing the stairways to heav- en, discovering an artistic treasure with each step.

Imperial Palace Plaza Imperial Palace Plaza was our second trip on our second day in Tokyo. The Imperial Palace is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. In order to see the palace, you have to cross a large park-like area. I have never seen greener and well arranged pine trees than the ones I have seen in that park. There is a big statue of Masashige Kusunoki at the entrance, which is one of the three major statues in Tokyo. The Masashige Kusunoki was a royal Samurai who fought for the emperor against Kamakura government. If you pass the park you can see Nijubashi which means the ‘Double Bridge’ which is also the most well-known bridge in Japan. The bridge only opens on special occasions and people (From left) Salem At the conference, Antinori stressed the importance of the geographical advantage that Dubai offers to connect the are allowed to enter the East Palace twice a year, on January 2 Obaidalla, Emirates’ which is called “People’s visit to the Palace for New Year Nijubashi or the ‘Double Bridge’ at the Imperial Palace Plaza. Senior Vice President, world together, facilitate business and trade mentioning the growth in revenue by two percent which proves good busi- Greetings” and on December 23, which is the Emperor’s official Commercial Operation birthday. Far East & Australasia; ness. He also talked about the extraordinary services that Thierry Antinori, Emirates offers to its passengers, from the on board entertain- ment with 150 channels running, Japanese cuisine, the arrival Meiji Jingu Shrine Emirates’ Executive Vice Our quest to discover Japan’s treasures, we went to the President, Passenger premium pass and the On Air-Wi-Fi in the sky. While Obdaidalla expressed his gratitude to the wonderful Meiji Jingu Shrine. Meiji Jingu Shrine is a piece of old Tokyo you Sales Worldwide; don’t want to miss. It is a Shinto shrine built in 1920 to honor Shigeyuki Taguchi, and long relationship between Dubai and Japan, he was grate- ful for Japan to allow them the route. Emperor Meiji, who reigned as Japan opened to the rest of the Managing Director of world after centuries of isolation. The shrine is surrounded by Tokyo International Air Japan, old and new man-made tree forest. It is covered by an evergreen forest of Terminal Corporation and 120,000 trees of 365 different species, which were donated by Richard Engelmann, Meguro Gajoen For dinner, we went to the Gajoen Kanko hotel which people from all parts of Japan when the shrine was estab- Emiratesí Manager Japan lished. at the press conference. turned out to be a very interesting hotel, offering a real taste of Japan. From the minute you step in, you will enjoy the embod- Passing the entrance, the first thing to see on your right are iment of beauty and technology, especially the marvelous the huge barrels of sake wrapped in straw. If you keep walking, view of a gallery type corridor on your right and a Japanese you will be stunned by the nation’s largest wooden “torii” gate garden planted with seasonal flowers in full bloom on your which is 40-foot-high (12 meters). There is a second one like it left. But the most impressive sight was the atrium garden with closer to the shrine itself. Crossing the “torrii” gate is like cross- a waterfall, full of light surrounded by water and covered with ing a spiritual gate to the other world, letting the spirits of the trees. old ancestors see your naked spirit without the barriers of the If you go to the Gajoen Kanko Hotel, visiting Meguro body. You can stop at the cleansing station where you can dip Gajoen or the older parts of the premises which became a into a communal water tank and purify your hands and mouth museum is a must. The old Gajoen is often called a ‘department before offering a prayer. By doing this cleansing ritual, you only store’ of ornamentation, or a Showa era version of the fairy tale wish to wash some of your sins leaving them to disappear in The Masashige Kusunoki statue at the entrance of the Imperial Palace Plaza. the running water. You can also write wishes on little pieces of paper or wood- en plates and tie them onto the prayer wall, or do as the locals ly the return flight to Dubai was by Emirates EK313 which do - toss some yen into the offering box, bow your head twice, departed Haneda at 01:30hrs and arrived at Dubai at 07:05hrs clap twice, so the spirits can hear you, say your name, where the same day. I can describe no more my luxurious experience are you from and pray with a sincere heart and bow once on the First class while heading back to Dubai because it was more. exceptional, especially in my private suite on the plane. Japan is a squeaky clean and extremely organized country Tokyo Tower where they smartly use every inch of their land to their favor. Tokyo Tower was our next stop. It is one of the best-known The Japanese people are very friendly, humble and hospitable. towers in the world, made of prefabricated steel. It is still The young generation has an amazing sense of fashion and is called light because it weighs only 4,000 metric tons. At a very polite with tourists with the minor problem being the height of 1,092 feet (333 meters), it is the world’s tallest self- English language that at times becomes a barrier. It was kind of supporting steel tower. a purifying and thrilling journey for me, where I left my impuri- Since its opening in 1958, it has become well known to visi- ties in the Shinto temple, felt free and tall in Tokyo Tower, tors around the world, not only as one of Tokyo’s popular sight- defied my fears at the Owakudani Volcano and reinforced my seeing attractions, but also as the symbol of Tokyo as an inter- inner strength by the Samurai’s voices that I heard, their national city. You can see a big part of Tokyo from above, the echoes coming from Mount Fuji. view is really outstanding.

Geisha How can you visit Japan without meeting a real geisha? At night, we went to an authentic Japanese restaurant called ‘Hisago-an’ restaurant. Taking off your shoes at the entrance before entering the restaurant is a must and part of the Japanese traditional experience. The room where we were to dine had a simple and relaxing atmosphere. They offer amaz- ing Japanese food accompanied with a performance of two A geisha playing geishas wearing kimonos with their faces painted white. music at the During dinner, they danced, sang and taught us games to keep Japanese restau- us entertained. rant ‘Hisago-an’.

Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi and Owakudani Volcano Our third and last day in Japan was spent visiting Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is considered to be the inspiration of artists for its magical, captivating and secretive shape. At 3776 meters, it is Japan’s highest mountain. It is not surprising that the nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshipped as a sacred mountain and has enjoyed huge popularity among artists and common people throughout the centuries. Mount Fuji is an active volcano, which most recently erupt- ed in 1708. It is located on the Honshu Island and it took us at TheTorrii least two hours by bus to reach Fuji visitors center from our The cleans- gate at the hotel. We were lucky that it was a clear sunny day and we had a ing ritual Meiji Jingu clear view of the mountain. In order to have a better view of area at the Shrine. Mount Fuji, we traversed Lake Ashi using a big ferry where we were blessed to enjoy the captivating views. Meiji Jingu A geisha dancing From there we went to the Owakudani Volcano, which is an Shrine. at the Japanese active volcanic zone. The place is filled with sulfuric smell due restaurant to the sulfurous fumes. You can also experience the hot springs ‘Hisago-an’. and hot rivers. Passing by the souvenir shop, I bought boiled palace of the Sea God. Established in 1931, the Old Gajoen eggs cooked in the naturally hot water where its shells had comprises seven rooms, to access which you have to climb a gone black from the sulfur. The legend says that if you eat one stairway of 100 steps. I was asked to remove my shoes while egg, it can prolong one’s life by seven years. I ate three. climbing the stairs, and by touching the floor with my bare foot I was transferred back in time in the flash of a second as if I Japan, the never ending story was in the presence of great painters drawing the stunning On our way back to the hotel, we took the train due to our tight schedule. We packed and went to the airport and natural-

The exterior view of Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo.

The presidential suite at Shangri- La Hotel.

The Deluxe Room at Shangri-La Hotel. Japan: A spiritual journey in the land of the rising38 sun THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

A man walks past a 3D wall portrait of British musician David Bowie, created by Australian street artist James Cochran, also known as Jimmy C, in Brixton, South London, yesterday. The artwork is based on the iconic cover for Bowie’s 1973 album, Aladdin Sane. — AFP

fter an absence of 10 years, the Miss Algeria beauty said. The competition was suspended in 2003 after the 81-year Frenchwoman who has presided over the Miss contest is to resume on Friday in the western city of death of Cheradi Hamdad, who launched the beauty con- France contest for more than 50 years. It is too late for the AOran, organizers said. A total of 20 women aged test in 1996 during Algeria’s devastating civil war and winner to participate in this year’s Miss World contest, due between 18 and 26 have been carefully selected from whose son Faycal Hamdad has now taken up the mantle. to be held in Bali in September, but Ameziane says she will Algeria’s main cities to line up for the beauty pageant, co- “This first edition was difficult to organize because of a lack vie for the “Best model of the world” title in Brussels later in organizer and jury member Hamza Ameziane told AFP yes- of sponsors,” Hamdad told the French-language newspaper 2013. — AFP terday. Liberte, adding that with this show he hoped to “restore the The women must be “at least 1.7 meters tall with classic image of Algeria.” (bust, waist, hip) measurements of 90, 60, 90 centimeters,” The judges include stars of Algerian cinema, notably the and are expected to have had French language training, he actress Bahia Rachedi, as well as Genevieve de Fontenay, an

Models showcases a creation by Malaysian designer Tom Abang Saufi during the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2013, yesterday. — AFP photos