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THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 RAJAB 30, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Traffic Obama warns Google revs Serena follows offenders US must up driverless Venus out of will not be not rush car, axes French Open detained to war steering wheel after shock los 2Indications15 of27 a Cabinet20 Max 44º reshuffle next term: MP Min 30º High Tide 00:05 & 11:03 Court delays ruling on public gatherings law Low Tide 05:27 & 18:29 40 PAGES NO: 16180 150 FILS

By B Izzak

Lower turnout threatens Sisi mandate KUWAIT: MP Adnan Abdulsamad said yesterday that the Cabinet is likely to be reshuffled ahead of the opening of CAIRO: Egyptians cast their votes in a presidential the next parliamentary term late October, especially election yesterday that is certain to install former after the resignation of two ministers from the 16-mem- army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi as president, but his ber Cabinet. Abdulsamad told reporters that reports call for an overwhelming mandate did not appear to about an imminent decision to dissolve the National have been heeded by voters. Tareq Al-Shibl, a mem- Assembly “are not true”. “There are no indications toward ber of the election committee, was quoted by Al- a decision to dissolve the National Assembly. The signs Ahram, a state-run newspaper, as saying that more we have, which are real, do not indicate dissolving the than 21 million people voted, or nearly 39 percent of National Assembly,” the veteran Shiite lawmaker said. an electorate of 54 million. That would be less than Abdulsamad statements come as HH the Amir yester- the 40 million votes, or 80 percent of the electorate, day met a number of citizens. The content of the meet- that Sisi had called for last week. ing was not revealed but it is believed to have focused However, a Western diplomat following the vote put the turnout at between 10 million and 15 million on the prevailing political situation in the country. The votes, which would equate to between 19 and 28 per- influential Arabic daily Al-Qabas called in an editorial cent of the electorate, much less than the official pro- Tuesday on the Amir to conduct what it called a “com- jection. The lower turnout figure threatens to under- prehensive national reconciliation” that should include mine Sisi’s credibility as leader of the Arab world’s all sides including loyalists and opponents. most populous nation. It would also suggest that he Abdulsamad said that he believes that time is not ripe had failed to rally the support he hoped for after top- for a Cabinet reshuffle now but there is information that pling Egypt’s first freely elected president, Islamist a reshuffle will take place ahead of the next parliamen- Mohamed Morsi, following street protests last year. tary term in October after the resignation of two minis- A tour of Cairo polling stations yesterday saw only ters. Minister of Islamic affairs and justice Nayef Al-Ajmi a trickle of voters cast their ballots. The same pattern resigned about three weeks ago and education minister emerged in Egypt’s second city, Alexandria, Reuters Ahmad Al-Mulaifi resigned earlier this week. reporters said. Adbulsamad said Kuwait is witnessing a stage of relative Continued on Page 15 CAIRO: An election worker waits for voters in front of a ballot box at a polling station yesterday. — AP social and political calm following years of high tension. Continued on Page 15 THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 LOCAL

Photo of the day

KUWAIT: Summer is here and the swimming season has opened in Kuwait. Parents should be advised to take special care to keep an eye on their children while swimming to prevent accidents and drown- ing. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

No detention for More companies prosecuted traffic offenders for human trafficking KUWAIT: Traffic offenders will no longer spend time locked up at the Traffic be jailed, and instead will be issued tickets General Department detention center. Employers face jail sentences and asked to follow legal procedures Hundreds of expatriates were also deport- according to a new decision released by ed without trial, according to reports. KUWAIT: The Labor Public Authority is prepar- The companies will be questioned on suspi- early this month with Hind Al-Subaih, Minister the Interior Ministry’s Traffic General The decision went into effect Tuesday ing to file cases with the public prosecution cions of human trafficking, according to the of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of Department on Tuesday. According to the until further notice, Al-Anbaa daily report- against companies for violating the law that sources. If convicted, the employers face sen- Planning and Development. decision, traffic police officers are not ed yesterday. The step comes only one regulates work in the private sector. The step tences ranging between 15 years to life in Hiring labor forces from abroad in the pri- allowed to send drivers to jail for breaking day after Maj Gen Abdullah Yousef Al- comes following inspections that exposed prison. vate sector is currently suspended as the Public traffic regulations. They can only issue the Muhanna was appointed assistant under- companies that have employees registered in Nearly 2,500 companies were referred to the Labor Authority prepares to become fully oper- driver a traffic ticket, after which the per- secretary for traffic affairs, succeeding Maj their files but do not have existing offices, prosecution on similar charges during the first ational sometime this summer, according to son would be required to follow court Gen Abdul Fattah Al-Ali, in a major Interior according to sources with knowledge of the half of 2014, while only around 250 companies local newspaper reports. procedures. Ministry reshuffle. Ali, the architect behind case. were questioned in the past few years. The authority will have exclusive powers to Thousands were reportedly arrested last year’s traffic campaigns, was appoint- The sources, who spoke to Al-Qabas on the William Lacy Swing, Director General of the hire, sponsor and provide labor forces to com- during wide-scale crackdowns against ed as assistant undersecretary for public condition of anonymity, did not specify the International Organization for Migration, panies on demand, effectively phasing out the number of the companies in question or the acknowledged Kuwait’s efforts in combating flawed kafeel (sponsorship) system in the traffic violators last year, and many had to security affairs. date when the cases are expected to be filed. human trafficking during a meeting in Kuwait process. p3.e$S_Layout 1 5/28/14 8:26 PM Page 1

THURS DAY, MAY 29, 2014 LOCAL

Abbas Murad Ali Al-Shashtari Ali Nashi Al-Rashidi

Dadhel Al-Dabous Fahad Al-Khashshab Mamdouh Al-Enezi

Marzouq Al-Khalifah Nawaf Al-Dihani Saad Al-Azmi

KUWAIT: Registration of candidates for National Assembly by-elections continued yesterday. By-elections will be held in three constituencies over five vacant parliamentary seats after the resignation of five MPs early this month.— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Entrepreneurship widely increased in Kuwait Thanks to social media By Ben Garcia ing. We are now in a new era essen- our loved ones. It’s an extension of tially,” she noted. our culture at home. We document KUWAIT: Entrepreneurship in many According to Linaker, Kuwait is a moments with our families and countries around the world including very interesting market when it comes friends through social media and we Kuwait has increased significantly to social media, since a majority of allow our family photos to be shared since the spread of social media, expatriates and Kuwaitis are tech with others. Since expats are the according to an expert. Ema Linaker, savvy. “If you speak with young peo- majority here, the use of social media Memac Ogilvy’s Regional Director of ple aged 25 and under, they don’t to connect with their families abroad Social Media Practice, told Kuwait read newspapers anymore - they rely is really massive,” she explained. Times the use of social media in on the information they get from Linaker was asked whether the Kuwait is prevalent and considerably smartphones. Overall, people in authorities are doing the public a higher compared to other developing Kuwait are highly informed and adapt favor by banning or blocking some countries. This is because various to the latest technology quickly. Social social networks. “No they are not. But social media applications have media users in Kuwait are very sophis- thankfully, almost all media applica- tions we enjoying right now are up and running in Kuwait. I think there will be some tensions as always with authorities, but the proof is clear - see the entrepreneurship and innovations boom and who is benefiting from it? It’s the society and people around them. This is something that everyone in the government wants. So I think it’s just a question of education and proof. People are seeing the proof. Putting information in the hands of people is a good thing, and if they don’t allow this, they will be lagging behind other countries’ technology- wise. Admittedly there is a minority who will always say negative things against new things, but it will always be countered with good ones,” she Ema Linaker concluded. become a major tool for promotions, ticated; they browse the latest in fash- Linaker provides strategic leader- connecting with people and reaching ion through Instagram, then order it ship for clients across the organiza- to people in other parts of the world. through WhatsApp or call through tion’s regional network. She joined “Many entrepreneurs these days Viber. They are using social media Ogilvy in 2012 after running her own started their business with the use of tools massively via smartphones and marketing and communications social media available now like tablets,” she mentioned. agency, Bounce Communications, and Instagram, WhatsApp, Viber, Twitter, Linaker pointed out that besides works on American Express, Global Facebook and Skype,” said Linaker. being tools for entertainment, com- Village and LG accounts across the “Because of social media, we are mercial use and promotions, social MENA. It is noteworthy mentioning enjoying easy communications, and media are also used to connect with that she will also be one of the guest people in Kuwait are going beyond loved ones. “Connecting to people is speakers at the annual social media the oil economy-based way of think- very important, much more so with summit next week. Tribes narrow candidate lists to boost chances

KUWAIT: Members of the Ghanem gathering. Coordinators organized the nominations before the by-elections. tribe organized a consultative meet- process of allowing groups of voters Narrowing the list of candidates helps ing Tuesday to select one out of eight to enter the diwaniya, cast their votes, the tribe improve its chances of repre- candidates to represent the tribe dur- then leave to allow other groups to do sentation in the National Assembly by ing by-elections set for June 26. the same, the source said. He focusing tribal votes in favor of a sin- Primary elections are illegal in Kuwait, explained that this process helps gle hopeful. but tribal communities have held con- avoid unwanted attention that could The Shemmar tribe, whose 8,000- sultative meetings in recent years that lead to police reports about illegal pri- strong vote helped MP Sultan Al- serve the same purpose. Tribesmen maries. Shemmari win the first place in the are not obliged to vote for the candi- The candidate list included Mejbel fourth constituency during last year’s date selected during consultations, Awadh, Ali Al-Majedi, Saleh Al- parliamentary elections, organized a but most yield in favor of the majori- Suleimani, Badr Al-Bathali, consultative meeting earlier this ty’s choice. Mohammad Mutlaq, Muthanna Al- week, according to news reports. The Ghanim’s consultative meeting Arboud, Saqr Al-Khusaili and Saqr Other reports indicated that the was hosted at a Sulabikhat diwaniya Faisal. The name of the winning candi- Awazem, the largest tribal community and saw a large crowd of tribesmen date, who will run from the second in Kuwait, selected candidate with a notable absence of police offi- constituency, was not mentioned in Suleiman Al-Azmi as the tribe’s repre- cers, Al-Qabas reported yesterday, the report. Some of the other candi- sentative during a consultative meet- quoting a source who attended the dates are expected to withdraw their ing on Sunday. THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 LOCAL

In my view In my view

The Thai Women making Spring strides on campus

By Abdullah H. Erakat

Al-Watan ya Al-Hindy’s red veil matches perfectly with her long red dress. A third-year student majoring in By Labeed Abdal Aethics and nutrition, she says women on cam- pus feel more and more at home. “When you look at the past and where we are today, we have grown. But we are still in the growth stage,” Al-Hindy said. “We have not yet achieved our goals - that is, we have yet to be like developed states.” Birzeit University is just a ten minute drive from [email protected] Ramallah, the Palestinians’ financial and political capi- tal. Some 70 percent of the students are women. Some recent Newsweek report indicated that are veiled, others wear jeans. While traditional Palestinian society frowns on women smoking, women the Thai army has the experience to here on campus smoke openly. Aenable it to take control after overthrow- “We respect all of our students but particularly ing the government, judging from the country’s female students, Birzeit University President Khalil S. history of military coups. However, the report Hindi said. “We try to enable them with a “get up and points out that the army never faced the power of go” mentality and we succeed in that. social networks that are used by dissenters world- This university places a great deal of emphasis on wide to exchange information, which is some- gender equality and the empowerment of women. Khalid Al-Labadi, an accounting major, says he believes thing that might change the rules of the game. kuwait digest that women should have the same rights as men to After taking over the state’s authorities, the work and play a major role in society. But not everyone Thai armed forces arrested rebel leaders, dis- is ready to accept this. armed rebel forces, banned rallies, and silenced Interior ministry indecisiveness “Even (Palestinian) society is split into different the local media. Yet, it is still struggling to handle parts. In some parts, you can see people accepting it protests in cities. and in other parts, people may not accept it in the It is clear that the effects of the Arab Spring same way as others,” he said. By Waleed Al-Ghanim Al-Hindy says she feels comfortable talking to male has reached other parts around the world which students as well as other women. share similar scenarios regarding power corrup- “You have come to a university, not a village. They tion, violation of public rights and eliminating he Ministry of Interior is bothering us with its case such as the use of road shoulders. are not open-minded there. The girls are not allowed minorities even by governments elected demo- indecisiveness regarding the use of the road I wonder how decisions are taken in the ministry. to get an education. There, I wouldn’t be able to talk cratically. Public revolutions that started from Tshoulder on highways. While it is actually limit- Do traffic officials make spontaneous decisions in iso- to you, but here I can even hold a door open for you,” Tunisia in the Arab World are sweeping through ed for emergency use such as police cares and ambu- lation from senior ministry officials? Are their deci- she said laughing. the world, as people fight to make their voice lances, the ministry recently allowed drivers to drive sions based on information and studies that deter- heard to government that grabbed a strangle- there without giving an explanation. This led to mine whether they will make traffic better? Do they hold over power through dictatorship or oppress- queues of cars lining up on road shoulders all day coordinate with other sectors in the ministry con- Some men and women ing minorities. long. cerned with the subject, before making televised and Regarding the situation in Thailand, it is about But shortly afterwards, the ministry reinstated the radio announcements? Does the ministry work as a believe that having more an army that defends the monarch system, and a ban on driving on road shoulders, reminding drivers unit or individually? public outburst to demand more rights. of prison sentences and fines awaiting those who The Ministry of Interior issued a decision a few Palestinian women take People in countries like Syria, Ukraine and violate the law. That only last for two days, however, years ago to put a fire extinguisher in every car. Thailand might speak different languages, but as the ministry announced allowing cars again to use People and car dealers followed the rule strictly. But political positions could help. what they have in common is a voice to express emergency lanes at specific locations and times. In shortly afterwards, the ministry decided to cancel an urgent need, and using social media to reach short, people have become confused by the min- that condition and pretend it never happened, after But many say change out to governments that ignore the basic human istry’s inconsistency. certain individuals already benefited from it. will come slowly rights of guaranteeing proper health, education The problem is not about allowing or prohibiting The issue of driving on the road shoulder is too freedom, security and equality. drivers from using road shoulders, but in the min- small to cause all this trouble and confusion. The as attitudes toward women Minorities are also calling to become partners istry’s repeated change in decisions, and contradic- Interior Ministry has to study its decisions very well in efforts in their home countries to achieve tions in officials’ statements. Furthermore, the min- before issuing them, so that it does not risk losing first need to change. peace and justice for all, and make promises into istry lacks strong media coordination so as to clearly people’s trust. a reality. explain what people need to do regarding a trivial — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas Friendships between unmarried men and women are considered inappropriate. Once married, women are watched carefully. Any suspected extramarital activity can be punished with an “honor killing”, in kuwait digest which family members murder the women to preserve their family’s honor. The United Nations has voiced concern over the rising number of these attacks. Last Opportunity for year, 20 women were reported murdered by family members, and other incidents may have gone unre- ported. reconciliation Some of the female students on campus say any change in society will come slowly. By Abdullatif Al-Duaij “We live in a patriarchal society which comes from our traditions, religion, and what we believe in as a ow that Kuwait is going through a recession society,” said Nadia Tadros, who studies business and phase that lacks true challenges, there is a marketing. “We believe that men are stronger and they Ngood opportunity for all parties to stop for a have more rights. Until we believe the opposite, we moment, regroup and attempt to correct their path won’t be unable to do more as women and as society or find new ways to return back to the political in general,” she said. scene. All groups that practiced political work in the Education is one weapon to empower women and past few years were unfortunate in their choices and educate men to pave the way for change. “Since the confrontations. These groups now have an opportu- women don’t have such a voice or a weight in society, nity to rethink and select solutions that are more the whole sector is a bit neglected. But of course there harmonized with other political groups and the cir- are wonderful people and efforts going on which pro- cumstances surrounding them. vide wonderful education opportunities for women, by women,” Katrin Denys, the regional director of the German Adult Education Association said. “Women are most influenced by poverty so if they All groups have exceeded have a small business, they can be taken out of pover- ty, and they can give better education to their chil- their capabilities, dren,” says Middle East Business Magazine & News CEO Amal Daraghmeh Al-Masri. She owns three businesses, and two magazines especially when it comes with her partner and husband Khaled Al-Masri, and appears in the ‘Top Ten Influential Arab Women work- to the current opposition ing in Public Relations in the Arab world.’ She says the law needs to be reexamined and who were one day rewritten to expand women’s rights and more has to be done to stop honor killings. strong loyalists of the “If you are a woman in a rural area in a difficult situ- ation, and your life is threatened, how can you help government. your children to advance their lives? How can you go to do business? Al-Masri, a mother of three asked. She grew up in a village near Nablus, one of nine All groups have exceeded their capabilities, daughters. especially when it comes to the current opposition “My father is conservative, although he is a big who were one day strong loyalists of the govern- believer in assuring a good education for all his nine ment. After growing under the wing of the govern- daughters,” she said. She decided to leave the West ment which helped them through election forgery, Bank when the first intifada, a violent conflict with political naturalization, blackmailing through servic- Israel, broke out in the late 1980s. es, primary elections and others, they had a com- Katrin Denys says that there a lot of very strong plete transformation to become ‘democratic forces’ women taking responsibilities in public life like after they used to be a tool in the hand of the gov- Daraghmeh Al-Masri but it remains to be seen “how ernment to control the democratic system. far that really changes the situation for any average It is an opportunity for many to sort things out girl and women in the family, on the ground, in the and set their new alliances and positions according- schools, in society.” ly. There is no doubt that many people have given Some men and women believe that having more themselves more credit than what they actually Palestinian women take political positions could help. deserve, and put those who have political, social or But many say change will come slowly as attitudes opportunistic vendettas against the government toward women first need to change. together in a single unit. Multitude might prevail “I think the more the number of educated women over courage, and it might succeed in achieving increases, there will be more confidence among them revenge, but it certainly cannot build anything, and and I think the confidence of the men towards the soon will implode. educated woman will grow as well,” Ghadeer Fannoun Political groups need to reassess their positions Abu Gharbieh, the head of the non-formal education and alliances. We need a stand to reorganize the department in the Ministry of Education said. national scene in general. A stand from everyone - Meanwhile back on the Birzeit University campus, the government, its supporters and opposition, Al-Hindy says it’s hard to predict what she will do after because it is clear that the state’s wealthy status graduation. She says she is attracted to the field of does not have much time left, whether it is 2017, human rights and women’s rights. 2020 or 2030. It is only a matter of few years before “When there are women present in the political the wealth is gone. So take the opportunity now, arena, it guarantees my rights. We live in a man’s world because there is no other choice on the horizon but and when you find a woman, it’s a guarantee that she reconciliation. will defend you,” she said, before running off to class. — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas —- The Media Line LOCAL THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 Teacher held in Jahra for selling drugs to students Cleaning worker killed in accident

KUWAIT: A teacher was arrested in Jahra offended employees at a traffic depart- on drug trafficking charges, while investi- ment building in Jahra. The suspect gations revealed that his list of clients reportedly began insulting workers as include some of his students. The Saudi soon as he walked into the traffic viola- Islamic teacher was set up in a trap in tions office, prompting employees to Mangaf Monday night, and caught red make an emergency call. The man, who handed while selling drugs to an under- was blaming officers for ticketing his cover agent. Police found 400 captagon friend, was detained after showing pills, an amount of shabu (meth) and a strong resistance. He was taken to the piece of hashish in his possession, in Taima police station where he was addition to a gun. The arrest happened charged with verbal assault, property following investigations which started damage, intoxication and resisting after police received information that a apprehension. KUWAIT: Abdulaziz Fakhroo with members of the Kuwait Blind Association. Ministry of Education teacher was selling drugs to high school students. The man Drug possession was taken to the proper authorities for A young man was arrested at his Ooredoo funds Braillo printer further action. house in Sulaibikhat for drug possession. Police headed to the scene after the sus- Child molester pect’s older brother reported in an for Kuwait Blind Association Maidan Hawally police are looking to emergency call that he assaulted him. summon a local resident for questioning The officers searched the man under KUWAIT: Ooredoo in Kuwait announced yester- on molestation charges filed by three of suspicions that he was inebriated, and day its support for the Kuwait Blind Association by his neighbors. The complainants, and found drug pills in his pocket. The man purchasing a Braillo 300 printer, which will be at Egyptian and two Palestinian men, told was detained and taken to the police the disposal of the association. The printer will be police that the suspect molested their station where he was charged with drug used for printing educational and entertainment daughters, aged nine, four and three. possession and murder threat. material in Braille for the members of the associa- They gave the Kuwaiti man’s name and Investigations are ongoing. tion. information to police. Speaking at a press conference held at the new Illegal checkpoint Ooredoo headquarters in Kuwait City, General Jahra accident An investigation was launched with Manager and CEO Eng. Abdulaziz Fakhroo noted: A pedestrian died after he was ran two police officers who set up a check- “This initiative stems from the belief of Ooredoo over accidently at a Jahra street. point without permission in Jahra. Patrol as a community-based company in fulfilling the Paramedics and police arrived at the officers headed to a roundabout in the wants of its clients. We believe in enriching the scene in response to an emergency call, area in response to emergency calls community and helping it thrive.” and found a man standing beside a per- reporting unusual traffic after the Head of communications, brand and customer experience Riham Al-Ayyar noted: “We are happy son who was lying motionless on the Maghreb (sunset) prayer Monday. They Abdulaziz Fakhroo Riham Al-Ayyar to work with the Kuwait Blind Association today. floor. They found out that he was driving discovered that two traffic police officers One of our main aims at Ooredoo in Kuwait is to Ooredoo global brand ambassador and football Group. Commercially launched in December 1999, his employer’s car when he accidently hit had set up a checkpoint, and found out support underserved communities. Throughout hero Lionel ‘Leo’ Messi will be featured in the the company provides mobile, broadband inter- a cleaning worker. Criminal investigators after checking that the policemen did the years, we saw many individuals in Kuwait who advertising campaign for the launch with the net and corporate managed services tailored to were summoned after the victim was not have permission. lost their sight but were blessed with brilliant headline: ‘Your world just got better’. the needs of customers and businesses. Ooredoo pronounced dead on the scene. The minds. We’re very happy to be giving them sup- Ooredoo Group has officially announced the is guided by its vision of enriching people’s lives Bangladeshi man’s was taken to the coro- Bullets found port now.” rebrand on Feb 25, 2013 at the GSMA Mobile and its belief that it can stimulate human growth ner, while police apprehended the Sri Kuwait International Airport officers Fayez Lafi Al-Azmi from the Kuwait Blind World Congress 2013 in Barcelona. The new by leveraging communications to help people Lankan driver for questioning. arrested a man with possession of Association thanked Ooredoo in Kuwait for their brand, since then, is being adopted by Ooredoo achieve their full potential. Separately, a woman was hospitalized ammunition, and referred him for ques- support, saying: “It is such a breath of fresh air to companies across its footprint, and has received Ooredoo is a leading international communi- in a critical condition after she was ran tioning under suspicions that he might see that corporates in Kuwait are giving back to international recognition with a series of awards cations company delivering mobile, fixed, broad- over at the Fourth Ring Road in front of be connected to a theft reported at a the community in such a generous way. We are at major global events. The company was recently band internet and corporate managed services old Jahra. The Ethiopian woman was special security service warehouse. The certain that the new reading material which we named “Best Mobile Operator” at the World tailored to the needs of consumers and business- admitted inside the intensive care unit Indian man said during investigations at will be able to provide will open new horizon for Communication Awards. es across markets in the Middle East, North Africa shortly after she arrived there in an the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh police station that our members.” Al-Azmi added that getting read- Ooredoo is a leading international communi- and South-East Asia. As a community-focused cations company delivering mobile, fixed, broad- company, Ooredoo is guided by its vision of ambulance. Police who had accompa- the 29 bullets found in his suitcase ing material in the past used to be very time-con- band internet, and corporate managed services enriching people’s lives and its belief that it can nied paramedics to the scene in belonged to his employer’s son, who is suming but will be much easier now that the association owns its own printing machine. tailored to the needs of consumers and business- stimulate human growth by leveraging communi- response to an emergency call, detained an officer in the special task force. He es across markets in the Middle East, North Africa cations to help people achieve their full potential. the Egyptian driver who said that the said that he took the bullets after he Aside from its local initiatives in each country where it operates, Ooredoo Group has a number and Southeast Asia. It has a customer base of 95 Ooredoo has a presence in markets such as Qatar, incident was accidental. found them neglected at his employer’s million and reported revenues of $33.9 billion in Kuwait, Oman, Algeria, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, the house, and was intending to sell them at of ongoing international partnerships including its relationship with the Leo Messi Foundation, 2013. Maldives and Indonesia. The company was named his home country. Investigations are Drunk man arrested which has seen the company bring mobile health Ooredoo in Kuwait, formerly known as “Best Mobile Operator of the Year” at the World A drunk man was arrested after he ongoing. clinics to towns and villages in Indonesia. Wataniya Telecom, is a member of Ooredoo Communication Awards 2013.

KUWAIT: Four members of the Kuwait Dive Team left for Egypt to participate in the Hurghada International Festival for Diving, which takes place on Saturday. They will be among 3,000 divers from around the world who will attempt to break the Guinness World Record by making a collective dive in the Red Sea. Eliminating science from primary school ‘wrong’

KUWAIT: A senior Ministry of Education official criti- cized a decision to cancel science from early pri- mary stages, saying that the ministry’s plan in this regard is vague. Science, along with mathematics and languages, is the primary skill that provides the basis for the educational process, Abla Al-Essa, the Director of the Development and Planning Department, emphasized. Eliminating science from the curricula of the first three elementary stages creates comprehension dif- ficulties for students in the long term, according to Essa. “The decision means that a fourth grade stu- dent will learn science concepts that are normally taught to first graders,” she told Al-Qabas daily, reit- erating the importance of establishing basic knowl- edge starting from the first grade. Essa also commented on the mechanism in which students are moved up in the elementary stage. She criticized the lack of assessment tools based on which students in the first three stages are moved up, saying that the absence of evaluation standards leads to weak educational ability among students in later stages.

Phone detectors In other news, a ministry official indicated that a number of public schools have taken decisions to equip examination halls with devices to detect cell phones or headphones that students might bring with them during their final exams next week. The official who spoke to Al-Rai on the con- dition of anonymity denied earlier reports that hinted that the ministry has taken a similar deci- sion at all schools. He indicated meanwhile that the schools received approval from the Ministry of Health to confirm that the devices have no med- ical side effects on students’ health. The MoH announced yesterday that final exams will take place from Tuesday, June 3, 2014 through Tuesday, June 10, 2014. LOCAL THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 Officially registered charities play major role in Kuwait Right place to donate during Ramadan

By Nawara Fattahova official charities in Kuwait, and some are spe- money,” he added. cialized for certain projects or countries. Alnajat charity focuses on charitable activi- KUWAIT: As the holy month of Ramadan Direct Aid is one of the oldest charities in ties in Kuwait. Hussein, an employee, noted approaches, some people are not aware of Kuwait. It focuses on Africa, where it executes that Kuwait has priority in donations. “We the way or right place to donate. Many are various projects. “Donors can always track their accept both cash and material donations. In also not sure if their donations really reach donations through our photos and documents. Kuwait, it mostly goes to offering fasting peo- people in need, especially after hearing sto- They can also go personally to attend the launch ple food in Ramadan, helping poor families pay ries of fraud or unlicensed charities that use of a project for instance. Our charity was found- their rent, buy food, etc. If the donations go donations for illegal acts. ed in 1981, and since then, it has executed hun- abroad, then they’re for building projects such The Kuwaiti government banned cash dreds or even thousands of projects in Africa. We as mosques or for aid during special situations donations by individuals or unlicensed com- focus on this continent as most of its countries such as in Syria, Yemen, Myanmar and others. mittees and institutions more than 10 years are still in need, and as there are other charities We keep records and files of each case, and ago. After the Syrian uprising, some individu- focusing on other needy countries,” Fahd Al- keep copies of cheques of financial donations,” als started forming groups and collecting Hasawi, an employee at the charity, told Kuwait he explained. donations, most of them extremists who col- Times. Ibtisam has donated in various ways, mostly lected money to buy weapons. Kuwait Times Direct Aid accepts both cash and material through people she knows. “Sometimes, espe- had published an investigative report of unof- donations. “We make sure that the donations cially for Syria, I send donations with people who No major changes in prices ficial groups collecting donations from peo- really reach the people as we are the only charity know people in need. Even in Kuwait, some ple and buying weapons without any prob- in Kuwait that works directly there as we have friends tell me about people who need help. I By Nawara Fattahova KD 1.375 lems. project offices in more than 30 African counties also sometimes donate through aid campaigns • One kg of fresh local chicken cost KD If a donor wants to make sure that his with over 5,000 employees, while other charities broadcast on TV that are licensed, or through KUWAIT: This is the fourth week since 1.410 donations will really reach people in need and have to work through intermediaries. We also the Red Crescent or Zakat House, as they are Kuwait Times started tracking the prices of • One kg of local cucumbers cost 210 fils, not sold in some secondhand market or go to have a warehouse for clothes and electronics official too. I have never donated to individuals some basic commodities, and will continue the same as the past 2 weeks compared terrorists, then the best way is to give to offi- that we send there weekly. Sometimes we are or unregistered campaigns on the Internet or doing so until the holy month of Ramadan. to 4 weeks ago when it cost 145 fils. cially registered charities. There are various given furniture, which we sell here and send the social media,” she pointed out. In the previous three weeks, we published • One kg of local tomatoes cost 245 fils, the prices of five different commodities the as last week compared to 4 weeks bought from one of the co-ops to compare ago when it cost 330 fils. their prices on a weekly basis. These are the The butcher at the meat section in the Special stamps to commodities the prices of which usually co-op expected stability in meat prices in hike during Ramadan. Ramadan. “The price of meat is the same, Buying the same samples of fruits and and I hope it won’t rise in Ramadan,” he told prevent forged meat as the previous weeks from the same Kuwait Times yesterday. Follow Kuwait co-op, Kuwait Times detected a drop in the Times next week to read the next investiga- donation receipts price of Turkish lemons. While one kilo of tive report. Turkish lemons cost 770 fils in the previous Prices are the same in all co-ops for the KUWAIT: Well-informed sources said the charity 3 weeks, this week the price was 745 fils. same kind and brand of food products, but organizations department at the Ministry of Social The prices of the rest of items were may differ in other supermarkets. The co- Affairs and Labor (MSAL) has designed special ìse- unchanged: ops also hold promotions on various occa- cretî stamps to be used on donation and charity • Half kg of fresh mincemeat (beef) cost sions, so the prices may be cheaper. receipts for cash or bank donations during the eleventh charity collection project in the holy month Registration for NBK Summer of Ramadan. The sources added that the new stamps were part of new measures by MSAL to organize charity work Internship Program continues and protect it from what it described as ëintruders who defame charity by collecting donations using KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) contin- theoretical and practical training. It is dedicat- unofficial stamps they make at commercial printing KUWAIT: Dr Masouma Al-Mubarak and other dignitaries at the International ues the registration for the 2014 Summer ed to providing the interns with invaluable presses without MSAL authorizationí. The source also Organization for Migration symposium. Internship Program that will start on June 15. knowledge on a variety of subjects such as: the noted that the new stamps would facilitate monitor- The two-week courses in this program are spe- teamwork, creative thinking, means of self ing charity collection activities. cially designed for high school and college stu- expression and modern banking, in addition to The sources highlighted that MSAL has printed IOM holds symposium dents, holders of Al Azraq and Al Shabab helping them to have greater exposure to daily 3,645 receipt books to be distributed to charities tak- accounts between 15 and 20 years old. Online banking work procedures. ing part in the project - 900 for the Social Reform registration for the Summer Internship Society, 1,000 for the Islam Heritage Revival Society, on women’s rights Program is open until the 11th of June, 2014, 900 for Al-Najat, 600 for the Direct Aid, 60 for the through nbk.com and through NBK official Patients Support Fund, 50 for Abdullah Al-Nouri KUWAIT: The International Organization for current affairs, and the opportunities and page on Facebook, on Twitter and Instagram Charity, 50 for Al-Thaqalain, 20 for Bashayer Al-Khair, Migration (IOM) conducted the second sym- challenges they face. The distinguished @NBKPage. “NBK views the Summer Internship 40 for Prisonersí Solidarity and 25 for Sunnah posium on cultural diplomacy, in association speakers shed light on the important role of Program as an extension to its educative initia- Sciences. The sources explained the increase in the with the AWARE Center, entitled “The Role of women in current affairs and how they are tives and as part of its corporate social respon- number of books compared to last year to the fact Cultural Diplomacy in Women’s Rights, Role facing the challenges of gender inequalities. sibility,” said Yaqoub Al Baqer, NBK Public that the Islam Heritage Revival Society abstained and Representation in Today’s World”. The first Dr Masouma Al-Mubarak spoke about the Relations Officer. from taking part in the charity program last year. The symposium, the first of its kind in the region, presence of women in the politics of Kuwait, “This annual program demonstrates NBK’s sources also said that compared to 2012 when 6,240 was previously conducted in December 2012. based on her personal experience. Iman long-standing social involvement as well as its books were printed, the number of books printed The panel of speakers featured Dr Ereiqat followed by shedding light on the national commitment towards providing this year was lesser. Masouma Al-Mubarak, the first female minis- hardships and challenges females are facing young generations with the appropriate Meanwhile, Minister Hind Al-Subaih issued a min- ter in the cabinet and former MP; Iman in migration due to their gender from the opportunities to experience how the actual isterial decision to form a special committee to close Ereiqat, IOM Kuwait Chief of Mission; and Sara perspective of IOM. For her part, Sara Khan professional banking issues and transactions the ‘Kuwait Al-Khair’ charity and temporarily deposit Khan, founder and director of Inspire, a British discussed the role of Muslim women in the are handled and processed”, Al-Baqer added. its funds in the ministryís accounts pending a final NGO that seeks to counter extremism and west and the challenges they are facing, The Summer Internship Program consists of decision about them. empower Muslim women. The lecture served including being the most susceptible to vic- 5-hour daily sessions and features a mixture of Yaqoub Al-Baqer to highlight and discuss the role of women in timization. KIPCO signs partnership with Proteges for the second year

KUWAIT: The Proteges-a youth mentorship pro- ects, debates and guest speaker lectures. The pro- Generation Two in 2011, included a distinctive trip gram-has announced the renewal of its partnership gram includes travel and creating a project from the to Kathmandu in Nepal to appreciate art and litera- with KIPCO for the second year. The Registration for participants’ practices and inspirations.” ture. Also, distinguished guest speakers of music, art The Proteges program is open until June 7th 2014. Al-Bahar concluded, “Proteges was developed and entrepreneurship participated in this one of a The six-week Program begins on August 3 2014. because we wanted to provide Kuwait’s future gen- kind learning experience. And the Generation Three The partnership reaffirms the commitment of erations with the life and leadership skills they need in 2013 collaboration with their strategic partner KIPCO and its Group companies in supporting to contribute to the Kuwaiti society and lead the KIPCO, had an exciting trip to London, in which they Kuwaiti youths as contributors to their society, and country. Our objective is to seek out gifted youth established a socially conscious background and their role as the country’s future leaders. and give them an opportunity to portray their cultural dimension in one of the best universities in Shamlan Al-Bahar, manager of The Proteges said, inspiring future personalities.” the world, King’s College. The group then moved to “we are honored and appreciative to KIPCO for con- Furthermore Al Bahar stated that the program rural areas in the country to complete the curricu- tinuing their strategic partnership and main spon- consists of these key points: to experience all lum set by the mentors who included aspects such sorship with Generation 3 at first and now with aspects of Kuwaiti life, to experience a country out- as raising awareness and self-discovery. Generation 4 of the Proteges program. Through this side of Kuwait and create a group project by the end He continued, “for the past three years, the pro- partnership, we will be given outstanding support of the program. gram has had superior achievements regarding the KUWAIT: Abdulaziz Fakhroo and other officials at the press conference. from one of the best companies in Kuwait as well as He implied that each generation of the program previous generations and we are ready to fulfillsev- their eight contributing companies, Burgan Bank, had their share of unique experiences: The eral amazing experiences with the aspiring fourth Ooredoo supports Gulf Insurance Group, Qurain Petrochemical Generation One in 2010 included an experience that generation of 2014. We aim to enhance our partici- Industries, KAMCO, United Education Company, lead to the creation of AlSariyah Project and a trip to pants understanding and thoughts in which we United Networks, and Kuwait Hotels, and OSN. This Dubai. The idea for the project highlights a historical hope to inspire them to view the world from a cre- OXadventure youth initiative alliance will help us take the program to a whole moment in Kuwait’s history. Our ancestors’ history is ative sense.” new level, above and beyond what we did with the filled with sacrifices made for our country. One of Al Bahar stated that for this upcoming new gen- KUWAIT: Ooredoo in Kuwait announced its aid and helping in schools and community past three generations.” these sacrifices is represented through the group eration, the application deadline for The Proteges, support for OXadventure, a youth initiative centres. One of the core values of Ooredoo Al-Bahar added, “Every year, The Proteges pro- project called AlSariyah Monument that embodies Generation 4 is June 7, 2014 and applications can be that gives youth the opportunity to give aid is supporting youth in reaching their poten- gram focuses on reinforcing morals, enhancing the values - and principles of national unity. The submitted online through: www.theproteges.org. in developing countries and to communi- tial, therefore Ooredoo in Kuwait will be social skills as well as life skills and developing self- project earned the support of His Highness the Amir The program will start on 3rd August and shall con- ties in need. Ooredoo announced that it will continuously endorsing local initiatives and awareness to the youth. The curriculum contributes Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who tinue for six weeks. For further information about be the main sponsor for OXadventure for campaigns that empower and educate to improving critical thinking, methodologies, and asked the Kuwait Foundation Advancement of the program, follow us on Twitter: the_proteges and their current season. youth. creativity. This is achieved through workshops, proj- Science to help with its completion.While the Instagram: TheProteges Speaking at a press conference held yes- Aside from its local initiatives in each terday at the new Ooredoo headquarters in country where it operates, Ooredoo Group Kuwait City, General Manager and CEO has a number of ongoing international Abdulaziz Fakhroo noted: “One of our core partnerships including its relationship with values at Ooredoo is supporting youth and the Leo Messi Foundation, which has seen helping them reach new heights. We saw the company bring mobile health clinics to that OXadventure can help youth in Kuwait towns and villages in Indonesia. reach their ultimate potential; it is an Ooredoo Group has officially announced adventure that is both fun and enlighten- the rebrand on Feb 25, 2013 at the GSMA ing.” Fakhroo explained that the season Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. includes four trips: Rwanda, Sri Lanka, India, The new brand, since then, is being adopt- and one more location that will be ed by Ooredoo companies across its foot- announced a few days later. print, and has received international recog- Elaborating on the purpose of the trips, nition with a series of awards at major glob- Noura Al-Ruwaished of OXadventure al events. The company was recently named explained: “We wanted to create an experi- “Best Mobile Operator” at the World ence that helps in humbling the Kuwaiti Communication Awards. youth. We wanted them to experience life Ooredoo is a leading international com- away from the comfort of what they take munications company delivering mobile, for granted, and to take part in aid projects fixed, broadband internet, and corporate in developing areas.” managed services tailored to the needs of Saud Al-Juwayan from OXadventure consumers and businesses across markets explained that the trips, which will be fully in the Middle East, North Africa and funded by Ooredoo, include activities such Southeast Asia. It has a customer base of 95 as building and repairing homes and furni- million and reported revenues of $ 9.3 bil- ture in rural villages, as well as distributing lion in 2013. THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

500 migrants breach Australian paper shows Kate’s bare bottom Morocco-Spain fence

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SANAA: A supporter of Syria’s President Bashar Al-Assad kisses his portrait as Syrian expatriates living in Yemen cast their ballots in their country’s presidential elections yesterday. — AFP Syrians abroad vote in presidential polls Lebanese troops beat Syrian voters outside embassy

YARZE: Hundreds of Syrians desperate to vote Zammam, a 45-year-old Syrian sculptor who hand and a bottle of water in the other. Wahid for President Bashar Assad tried to rush to their arrived in Sweden 45 days ago, said he voted Ibrahim Al-Beik, a 30-year-old minibus driver in embassy near Beirut yesterday, scuffling with for Assad, “not because I like Assad, but Lebanon, had a Syrian flag tied around his neck Lebanese troops using batons and sticks to because I like Syria.” and a headband around his forehead that read: beat them back as voting abroad started “I like stability, I like (the safety) that we “Syria is protected by God.” ahead of next week’s national election. The missed because of those savages,” he said, June 3 election is all but guaranteed to give adding that he initially supported the rebels Boycotting polls the 49-year-old Syrian leader whose family has but changed his view because he felt they “I am going to vote for his excellency ruled Syria for more than four decades a new, weren’t really seeking freedom. He said mortar President Bashar Assad because there is no one seven-year mandate. Tens of thousands of fire had injured his children and destroyed his like him and we don’t accept anyone other Assad supporters flocked to the hilltop house. In Lebanon, a country of 4.5 million than him,” he said. There are about 1.1 million embassy in a town southeast of the Lebanese people that has long been dominated by its Syrians who live in Lebanon as refugees. Even capital to cast ballots, snarling traffic outside, Syrian neighbor, the election turned into a before the Syrian war, Lebanon had close to a keeping schoolchildren trapped in buses for massive show of support for Assad and his million Syrian workers who have lived in hours and forcing some schools to cancel Lebanese ally, the Shiite militant Hezbollah Lebanon for years. scheduled exams. Lebanon has more than a group. Many among the refugees and opposition million Syrian refugees, although they were a The clashes in Yarze broke out when Syrian supporters abroad were boycotting the elec- fraction of those rushing to vote. voters started pushing against the Lebanese tion. Two other candidates are in the race, but “With our souls, with our blood, we will sac- soldiers in an effort to get into the compound. they are seen as mostly symbolic contenders rifice for you, Bashar,” and “Long live Syria!” Soldiers beat the voters with batons and sticks and little known figures. In the eastern chanted many in the crowd. Many among the and were even seen slapping few people in an Lebanese town of Marj, a tented settlement for estimated 2.5 million refugees scattered across effort to control them. Overwhelmed by the refugees was half empty yesterday morning. neighboring countries abstained from a vote crowds and the heat, several people fainted. Residents said some were at work, others had they regard as bogus. Still, long lines of Syrians Red Cross volunteers ferried at least 20 people gone to vote. Some said they felt compelled to formed at embassies in Jordan, Iraq and Iran away. vote out of fear that Syrian authorities were and elsewhere. A few countries including monitoring them. France and Germany banned Syrians from vot- No checks in place “We don’t want to vote, but if we don’t and ing. But in Sweden, which has received some Polls in Lebanon were to be open from 7 am they don’t let us go back to Syria, what do we do 30,000 Syrian asylum seekers since 2011, to 7 pm, but Syrian Ambassador in Beirut Ali then?” said Kifah, a refugee from the rebellious Syrians from opposing sides of the conflict Abdel-Karim Ali said voting would be extend- eastern Ghouta region near Damascus. She gathered outside the embassy in Stockholm to ed until midnight. There was pandemonium declined to give her last name because of secu- express their views and cast their ballots. inside the embassy as well. Voters pushed rity concerns. In Amman, where the govern- Police stood between the two groups as inside a small room with four ballot boxes and ment has supported the rebels trying to topple emotions ran high, with pro-Assad Syrians out- voted publicly. At times, election workers were Assad, dozens gathered outside the Syrian numbering those opposing him. Syrian oppo- seen grabbing the ballots and stuffing them Embassy to protest the voting. Some carried sition activists fighting to topple Assad and inside the boxes themselves. No one appeared placards that read: “Anyone who votes has no their Western allies have denounced the elec- to be checking who was voting or how many morals.” “My son was one of the people who tion as a sham since it is taking place amid a times. started the protests against the regime. He was brutal civil war. The government in Damascus, People began arriving at dawn, some on the unarmed but they killed him,” said a Syrian meanwhile, has touted the vote as the political back of pickup trucks, others in cars and buses woman from Damascus who identified herself solution to the 3-yearlong conflict. Despite the plastered with the Syrian white-red-and-black as Um Mutazz Al-Shaar. carnage in Syria, Assad has maintained signifi- flag, the yellow Hezbollah flag and pictures of Lima Darazini, a pro-government voter from cant support among large sections of the pop- Assad and Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Aleppo, said she voted for Assad. “Why? Because ulation, particularly among Christians, Alawites Many abandoned their cars to walk the last few we used to live in safety during his rule, and and other religious minorities. That support kilometers (miles) to the embassy because traf- because we love him.” Inside Syria, the govern- has been reinforced as Islamic militants gained fic was at a standstill. “I came to vote for ment pressed on with its offensive in the north more strength among the rebels fighting to President Bashar Assad because we love him aimed at reclaiming rebel-held territory along topple him. and he is a good man,” said Abraham the border with Turkey and inside Aleppo, Dekermenjian, a Syrian of Armenian descent activists said. The Britain-based Syrian ‘I like Syria’ who fled from his war-devastated city of Observatory for Human Rights said military heli- Assad hails from the minority Alawite sect, Aleppo. copters dropped several so-called barrel bombs an offshoot of Shiite Islam that has ruled Syria Dekermenjian, formerly a plastic factory on Aleppo’s rebel-held district of Maghayir yes- for the past four decades. The overwhelming worker, spoke as he took a break from walking, terday, killing at least 21 people, including three majority of rebels are Sunni Muslims. Bassem sitting on the pavement, a cigarette in one children and two women. — AP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

Saudi court sentences Shiite to death for sedition

RIYADH: A Saudi Arabian court has sentenced to ly. Some funerals for local people killed by security nent Shiite cleric who is also on trial, follows that of cation or government employment and that they death a Shiite Muslim convicted of sedition, rioting, forces have also attracted thousands of mourners. Rida Al-Rubh, 26, the son of another cleric who has are spoken of disparagingly in text books and by protesting and robbery in the district of Qatif, home The government has said most of those killed been critical of the authorities. some Sunni officials and state-funded clerics. to many of the Sunni kingdom’s minority sect who died in shootouts between gunmen and the securi- The two are part of a group of around a dozen They also complain of restrictions on setting up say they face entrenched discrimination. The sen- ty forces and that police have been regularly shot at defendants now on trial for their part in protests places of worship and marking Shiite holidays, and tence, issued on Tuesday and reported by state and attacked with petrol bombs, but local activists and violent unrest in Qatif, including Sheikh Nimr, say that Qatif and Al-Ahsa receive less state funding media early yesterday, is the second time in a week say some were shot during peaceful protests. Ali Al- particularly in the village of Awamiya, where police than Sunni communities of equivalent size. The the death penalty has been imposed on a Shiite Nimr, who is 18 according to activists, was convict- officers and facilities have been attacked. Sheikh Saudi government denies the charges of discrimi- involved in unrest in Qatif, located in the oil-pro- ed of sedition, breaking allegiance to the king, riot- Nimr’s arrest in July 2012, during which he was shot nation. King Abdullah has appointed several Shiites ducing Eastern Province. ing, bearing arms, using petrol bombs against secu- in the leg, prompted protests in which three people to the 150-strong advisory Shura council and The judge’s decision to apply the penalty can rity patrols, robbing a pharmacy and stealing sur- died. included Shiite leaders in “national dialogue” meet- still be challenged in an appeal court, the supreme veillance cameras. A government census in 2001 said there were ings where officials hear from representatives of dif- court and then by petitioning the king. More than Nimr, who activists said was 17 at the time of his around a million Saudi Shiites. But US diplomats in ferent groups in society. The authorities have also 20 people have been killed in Qatif since February arrest, was also convicted of chanting anti-state slo- a 2008 embassy cable released by WikiLeaks esti- accused some of those involved in the Qatif unrest 2011 when large protests erupted calling for gans in illegal protests and inciting others to mated they represent up to 12 percent of the total of acting on behalf of a foreign power, which offi- democracy and equal rights between Sunnis and demonstrate, state media reported. The conviction Saudi population, which now numbers 20 million. cials privately identify as Iran. Activists in Qatif say Shiites. Demonstrations have continued sporadical- of Nimr, a nephew of Sheikh Nimr Al-Nimr, a promi- Shiites say they face discrimination in seeking edu- that is untrue. — Reuters Chaos in Libya with Benghazi air strike US recommends citizens leave ‘immediately’

TRIPOLI: A rogue ex-Libyan general resumed air strikes on Tuesday, gunmen attacked the family home of Miitig, who jihadists in the city of Benghazi yesterday, while gunmen was elected this month in a chaotic GNC vote, after Thani attacked an interior ministry team in Tripoli tasked with pro- resigned following what he said was an attack on him and his tecting the outgoing government. Amid the ever-worsening family. The premier and his family were in the Tripoli house at insecurity in the North African country, Washington urged US the time but escaped unharmed. citizens there to leave “immediately” and was even readying a possible evacuation of its embassy. Forces loyal to former gen- US: Leave immediately eral Khalifa Haftar carried out an air raid on a jihadist camp on Amid the political and security turmoil in Libya three years the outskirts of Benghazi, cradle of the 2011 uprising that after the NATO-backed revolution, the US State Department ousted long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi, ex-rebels told called on Americans to leave the country immediately. “Due to AFP. “A warplane carried out raids on a camp of the ‘February security concerns, the Department of State has limited 17 Martyrs Brigades,’ hitting it with two missiles,” said Ahmed staffing at Embassy Tripoli and is only able to offer very limited Al-Jazaoui, without reporting casualties. emergency services to US citizens in Libya,” a travel warning Haftar, who returned to Libya from American exile to join said. “US citizens currently in Libya should exercise extreme the uprising against Gaddafi, launched a deadly anti-jihadist caution and depart immediately.” The United States is deploy- campaign in Benghazi on May 16 when warplanes also ing an amphibious assault ship with about 1,000 marines off bombed February 17 positions. Subsequent fighting killed at the coast of Libya in case the embassy needs to be evacuated. least 79 people. The powerful brigade is made up of Islamist The precautions come amid persistent controversy over a ex-rebels, including radicals, and is suspected of links with September 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi in ABUJA: Women sing as they attend a prayer meeting calling on the government to rescue the kidnapped girls of the Ansar Al-Sharia, a group classified as a terrorist group by which Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans government secondary school in Chibok, in Abuja, Nigeria. — AP Washington On the political front, the cabinet office con- were killed. Since Gaddafi’s death, Libya has been dogged by demned an attack late Tuesday on an interior ministry force in power struggles among rival former rebel militias and is charge of protecting the government, in which there were no awash with arms. Successive governments have failed to con- ‘Time running out’ for casualties. The incident in Tripoli was the work of “outlaws,” trol the myriad militias that have carved out fiefdoms across said the government of outgoing premier Abdullah Al-Thani, the country, and Miitig is Libya’s fifth post-Gaddafi premier. who resigned last month and is to hand over to his contested He is due to lead a transition until fresh parliamentary elec- Nigeria over Boko Haram successor, Islamist-backed businessman Ahmed Miitig. tions are held on June 25. Miitig assumed office to already Witnesses said a pro-Islamist militia was behind the raid on mounting opposition and with Haftar gathering support for KANO: Nigeria faces a race against time to tackle its wors- by many people in and outside the country, including (for- the interior ministry unit, which opposes the nomination of his deadly offensive against jihadists. Near daily attacks ening security situation, which has spread in scale and mer US) secretary of state Hillary Clinton. Miitig, himself targeted in an attack hours earlier. The team, blamed on jihadists have targeted security forces in lawless scope due to a lack of political leadership, an influential “I’m sure there are many people that told him that long which the outgoing administration had called in for protec- Benghazi, and several military units have thrown their weight governor told AFP. Kano state governor Rabiu Kwankwaso before now but he didn’t take the advice and now we are tion only hours earlier, was evicted from the cabinet offices. behind Haftar. The GNC has accused Haftar of launching a said the country was unprepared for the level of violence reaping the consequences.” Kwankwaso said he welcomed Libya’s interim General National Congress passed a vote of coup but he said the people had given him a “mandate” to from Boko Haram Islamists. “Everyone is tired of our situa- the help of “friendly countries” in the search for more than confidence in a Miitig-led government, which critics have crush jihadists after thousands rallied in his support in tion now because nobody is safe in this country,” 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram fighters last charged was “illegally elected” and imposed by Islamists. On Benghazi and Tripoli last Friday. — AFP Kwankwaso, a defense minister under former president month. Olusegun Obasanjo, said on Tuesday. But he questioned why Nigeria was no longer able to “Time is running out. Something has to be done, espe- tackle the situation on its own, given the military’s history cially in the northeastern part of this country.” Kwankwaso is of involvement in peace-keeping operations overseas. Iran denies a leading figure in the main opposition All Progressives “Under normal circumstances, Nigeria should be strong Congress (APC) and is seen as a potential presidential candi- enough to defend itself. We don’t have to ask our friends- summoning date in next year’s elections. He was one of a number of the US, UK and so on-to come and help us. governors from the mainly Muslim north to abandon their “I have to say that it is very disappointing today that we Facebook CEO ties to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party of President have to ask some countries to come and help us because as Goodluck Jonathan last year, in part due to the govern- at the time I left office as the minister of defense, we had to court ment’s perceived indifference to the north. the capacity to protect every square meter of this country. “I don’t know what went wrong but this is where we have Inequality fuelling insurgency found ourselves. We have to look for support from else- TEHRAN: An Iranian prosecutor yester- Kwankwaso said the insurgency was fuelled by social where and that is what those in the saddle of leadership are day denied reports that a local judge and economic inequalities in the region compared to the looking for,” he said. ordered Facebook founder and CEO richer, oil-producing south. He said Jonathan, a Christian Kwankwaso said the five-year insurgency had left every- Mark Zuckerberg to appear in court to from southern Bayelsa state, had failed to heed advice and one a target, from ordinary civilians to the police, military, answer complaints by individuals who address the problems. “There is a very strong correlation government and traditional rulers. His own father narrowly say Facebook-owned applications between poverty, unemployment and illiteracy on the one escaped injury after gunmen attacked a mosque in his vil- Instagram and Whatsapp violate their hand and of course the issue of insurgency or insecurity on lage in January, killing three worshippers. The range of peo- privacy. Shiraz Chief Prosecutor Ali the other,” he said. ple attacked put paid to claims that politicians in the north Alghasimehr was quoted by the official “A very poor man who is looking for something to eat were stoking the insurgency as a way of destabilizing the IRNA news agency as saying Zuckerberg NYALA: Suleiman Abbakar, a displaced man from Gassa, South Darfur, can easily be persuaded by the insurgents to be recruited. government in Abuja, he added. “Every class is a victim and has not been summoned to court and gestures as he stands at the Al-Sereif camp for Internally Displaced So, also, the unemployed and the illiterate. And that is we hope the government works as tirelessly as possible to Facebook-owned applications Instagram Persons (IDP) in Nyala, South Darfur. — AFP exactly what is happening. “The president has been warned end this state of insecurity we are now facing.” — AFP and Whatsapp remain permitted. A day earlier, semiofficial ISNA news UN to focus on protecting agency had quoted Ruhollah Momen Hezbollah chief Nasab, an information technology offi- civilians in South Sudan cial with the paramilitary Basij force, as wanted by FBI saying that the unnamed judge sum- UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security mission. The council temporarily moned Zuckerberg to court and also Council voted unanimously Tuesday to increased the size of the peacekeeping ordered the two apps blocked. It would change the mandate of the UN peace- force to 12,500 military personnel and killed in Syria be highly unlikely that Zuckerberg keeping mission in conflict-torn South 1,323 international police following the would appear in an Iranian court since Sudan to focus on the protection of outbreak of violence in December. The BEIRUT: A Hezbollah military commander there is no extradition treaty between civilians, following months of fighting, new resolution makes the increase per- wanted by the FBI was killed in Syria while Iran and the United States. Some Iranian instead of on nation building. South manent, but at the end of March only fighting alongside President Bashar Assad’s courts have in recent years issued similar Sudan saw massive violence sweep the about 7,700 military and 1,035 police forces against rebels trying to overthrow him, rulings that could not be carried out. country in December, when fighting in had been deployed to South Sudan. Lebanese security officials said yesterday. Fawzi Users in the capital, Tehran, still could the world’s newest nation broke out A senior UN official said the UN Ayoub, a commander for the Lebanese Shiite access both applications around noon between troops loyal to President Salva expects 20 teams of cease-fire monitors militant group, was killed in combat in Syria last yesterday. In Iran, websites and Internet Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and those loyal to to be protected by three battalions week, said security officials who spoke to The his former vice-president Riek Machar, comprising about 2,500 soldiers. Troops Associated Press on condition of anonymity as applications have sometimes been reported blocked but remained opera- an ethnic Nuer. from Kenya, Nepal and elsewhere are they weren’t authorized to speak to journalists. Kiir fired Machar last July and expected to beef up the UN force, the tional. Facebook is already officially Ayoub, also known as Abu Abbas, was a dual accused him of trying to oust him in a official said, speaking on condition of banned in the country, along with other Lebanese and Canadian citizen. He was wanted coup in December, which sparked anonymity because details have not VATICAN: Pope Francis kisses a baby as he arrives for his general audience social websites like Twitter and YouTube on charges of attempting to use a forged US months of ethnic attacks. An initial been made public. at St Peter’s Square yesterday. — AFP as well as their mobile apps. However, passport to enter Israel. cease-fire in January failed. A second When South Sudan became inde- many Iranians use proxy servers to A Twitter account by a pro-Hezbollah media Free-wheeling pope raises cease-fire on May 9 has led to a tense pendent from Sudan in July 2011, the arm known as Mouqawama also confirmed access banned websites and applica- standoff in the country. The toll has Security Council established the peace- Ayoub’s death yesterday, posting a picture of tions, and some senior leaders such as been huge: thousands killed, more than keeping mission with a mandate “to him performing Islamic prayers, dressed in a issues but skimps on detail Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif 1.3 million people forced to flee their consolidate peace and security, and to military uniform. The Iran-backed Hezbollah are active on Twitter. homes, including between 75,000 and help establish the conditions for devel- openly joined the Syrian conflict last year. The VATICAN CITY: From the possibility of on issues like whether priests can marry his own resignation to the issue of and whether divorcees should be IRNA’s yesterday report said com- 85,000 who sought refuge in UN peace- opment” and strengthen the govern- group’s fighters have been instrumental to plaints by individuals have been filed Assad’s success on the battlefield, tipping the celibacy for priests, Pope Francis raised allowed to take Holy Communion, keeping camps, and the threat of ment’s capacity “to govern effectively key issues in a free-wheeling chat with Mercier said the 77-year-old remained against Instagram and Whatsapp and famine because farmers couldn’t plant and democratically and establish good balance of power in the now 3-year-old conflict that those lawsuits are under investiga- in the government’s favor after ousting pre- reporters that raised questions but was “vague”. “It suits him not to go too much crops. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- relations with its neighbors.” light on concrete details. The informal into detail. He knows that that would tion but no rulings have been issued. The moon and US Ambassador Samantha As a result of earlier fighting, mainly dominantly Sunni rebels from their strongholds administration of moderate President along the Lebanese border and near Syria’s press conference took place late on annoy people,” he said. Andrea Tornielli, Power urged Kiir and Machar to imple- with Sudan, the council added the pro- Hassan Rouhani is opposed to blocking capital, Damascus. Monday on the return flight from the an expert from the website Vatican ment the cease-fire agreements with- tection of civilians to that mandate. But The United States has declared Hezbollah a pope’s tour of the Middle East and Insider, said that on priestly celibacy the such websites before authorities create out further delay and resolve their dis- the resolution adopted Tuesday terrorist organization. Ayoub was placed on the included discussion of the status for re- pope was only raising “the possibility of local alternatives. Social media has pute. Power said the ethnic violence changes the mandate to concentrate FBI’s “Most Wanted Terrorists” list after he had married divorcees who have been mar- discussing it”. “He implies that this is not offered a new way for him and his and absence of “a credible peace agree- on protecting civilians threatened by been indicted by the US Attorney’s Office in ginalized in the Catholic Church. expected imminently,” he said. administration to reach out to the West ment” required the council to “prioritize violence, deterring violence against eastern Michigan on Aug 5, 2009. They accused But Vatican experts this week said Francis said celibacy was “not a dog- as it negotiates with world powers over the safety and well-being of the South civilians, and establishing an early- him of “willfully and knowingly” using and that for all the Argentine pontiff’s open- ma of faith” and pointed out that there the country’s contested nuclear pro- Sudanese people first and foremost” warning system to detect potential vio- attempting to use “a false, forged or counterfeit ness on previously taboo topics, the were married priests in the Ukrainian gram. “We should see the cyber world as and end the UN mission’s “direct sup- lence. It also authorizes the UN to moni- US passport in order to gain admittance into conversation showed pragmatism and Greek Catholic and Coptic Catholic an opportunity,” Rouhani said last week, port to the government.” tor and investigate human rights abus- the state of Israel for the purpose of conducting prudence above all. Jean Mercier from churches, which fall under Vatican juris- according to the official IRNA news The eight-nation East African es and support the delivery of humani- a bombing on behalf of Hezbollah.” Ayoub was the French weekly La Vie said his diction. “It is a rule for life that I appreci- agency. “Why are we so shaky? Why regional bloc known as IGAD has decid- tarian assistance South Sudan’s UN arrested in Israel in June 2002 on charges that impression was the pope was being ate a lot and I think it is a gift for the don’t we trust our youth?” Hard-liners, ed to send cease-fire monitors to South Ambassador Francis Mading Deng said he entered the country with an attempt to “quite cunning”. Church. Since it is not a dogma of faith, meanwhile, accuse Rouhani of failing to Sudan. Under the resolution adopted the government appreciates the UN’s organize Palestinians attacks. He was released “He is showing a wider openness, the door is always open but we are not stop the spread of what they deem as Tuesday the monitors, and IGAD sol- greater attention to protecting civilians two years later in a prisoner exchange between unlike the more dogmatic tone set by talking about it now as the order of the “decadent” Western culture in Iran. — AP diers who will protect them, will “given the gravity of the crisis the coun- Israel and Hezbollah. — AFP John Paul II or Benedict XVI,” he said. But day,” he said.—AFP become part of the UN peacekeeping try is going through.” —AP THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Australian paper shows Kate’s bare bottom

SYDNEY: One of Rupert Murdoch’s Australian seems a bit ridiculous to expect the rest of the relief fund. of the offending pictures, the most intimate of newspapers yetserday published a picture show- world’s media to follow suit, particularly in a world During their tour, the royal couple met survivors which showed the duchess topless and having ing the bare bottom of Prince William’s wife Kate, in which flesh and commercialism go hand in and toured the scene of devastating Australian suncream rubbed into her buttocks by William. The refusing to follow a “ridiculous” ban imposed by hand,” said Telegraph social writer Annette Sharp. bushfires last year that destroyed more than 200 Telegraph argued those photos were taken while the British media. The image was taken during the “If the Duchess can’t be bothered protecting homes. It is not the first time Australian media has the duchess was at a private chateau, but the Blue royal couple’s hugely successful tour of Australia in herself by having hem weights sewn into her gar- abandoned royal protocols with two radio presen- Mountains picture was on a public street. April when they showed off their infant son ments, why should the media protect her?” The ters causing outrage in 2012 when they duped a “There is a very clear distinction between pri- George, and was run in the Sydney Daily Telegraph duchess is no stranger to wardrobe malfunctions nurse at the hospital treating Prince William’s preg- vate and public property,” it said. The British press a day after it appeared in German tabloid Bild, and struggled to control the hem of her red dress nant wife into giving them details about her morn- reacted with outrage to Bild’s publication with the which declared she had a “beautiful bum”. It shows as she stepped off a plane in New Zealand ahead ing sickness condition. Daily Mail calling it “a breach of privacy” while the Duchess of Cambridge’s blue and white sum- of her Australian tour. The nurse who fielded the call later killed her- blasting a “crude” caption that appeared alongside. mer dress lifted by a gust of wind when the royal self. William and Kate have faced numerous battles Others reproducted the image but pixelated Kate’s couple got out of a helicopter in the Blue ‘Breach of privacy’ in the past to protect their privacy by preventing bottom with the Daily Mirror saying she would be Mountains, 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Diane Morel, a Blue Mountains local, took the the publication of photographs. In one of the most “deeply dismayed” by the embarrassing image. The Sydney. Australian photo and almost deleted it before real- famous cases in 2012, French magazine Closer pro- decision to run the photo sparked division in The Daily Telegraph said British newspapers had izing what she had captured. “It wasn’t until I got voked outrage among the royals and sections of Australia with one comment on the Telegraph refused to run the photo out of respect to the roy- home and I popped my camera card into the com- the British press when it published paparazzi pho- website saying “we’ve all got one, so what’s the als, but in a comment piece said this was “an anti- puter that I realized what I had captured,” the 47- tos of a topless Kate. fuss”. Others were more critical. “It doesn’t matter quated code of etiquette” under the headline “My year-old told the newspaper, vowing to donate any The royals took legal action and French authori- who has had a ‘wardrobe malfunction’, the photo bare lady: Derri-heir to the throne is fair game.” “It money raised from the photo’s sale to a bushfire ties promptly banned Closer from any use or resale shouldn’t appear in the press,” a reader said. — AFP 500 migrants breach Morocco-Spain fence Overcrowding at immigration centre critical MADRID: About 500 African migrants leapt a fencing would be accelerated, he said. In a fur- en-mile) border fence running in a semi-circle towering, triple-layer border fence to cross ther sign of the pressure on Spanish borders, up to the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, from Morocco to the tiny Spanish territory of the Moroccan authorities said on the same migrants gathering in large numbers on the Melilla yesterday, one of the biggest breaches day that a boat carrying 11 people, mostly Moroccan side have repeatedly managed to in nearly a decade, officials said. At least 1,000 from Cameroon, had capsized off the cross over. “Despite a large deployment of sub-Saharan Africans had joined in the pre- Moroccan coast while heading for Spain. The Moroccan security forces, they are trying to dawn attempt to enter Melilla, one of two bodies of two drowned people had been overcome them to get in,” Spanish Interior Spanish-held cities on the northern coast of recovered, one other person was still missing Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz told reporters Africa affording the only land crossings to and the rest of those aboard had been saved, in parliament in Madrid. Europe, they said. officials said, according to Moroccan news Overcrowding in the Melilla immigration Night-time video images released by the agency MAP. centre was reaching a critical point, he said. Spanish Guardia Civil police showed scores of In Melilla, a Spanish government spokesman The centre in Melilla is built to house 480 young men leaping over the inner layer of sev- said some of those who got into the city had immigrants but it was holding about 2,000 en-meter (23-foot) high border fencing, which been treated for “very light injuries” in a clinic at even before the latest wave of entrants, offi- had partly collapsed, and then running into the city’s immigration reception centre. On the cials said. The number of Africans trying to Melilla. “We calculate that about 500 managed Moroccan side, the authorities in nearby Nador cross into the two Spanish territories has to enter by irregular means into our territory,” said about 1,500 people in five groups had surged over recent months. said Spain’s state secretary for security, joined the assault on the border fence. “They On March 18, about 1,000 migrants rushed Francisco Martinez, who made an emergency did not heed the usual warnings and they pro- the fence in foggy weather and some 500 visit to Melilla following the intrusion. ceeded to throw stones, injuring four members migrants managed to get across, the largest “Once again, we see that the assaults were of the security forces,” an official told AFP. Ten of number since 2005, Spanish authorities say. violent on the Moroccan side,” he said. the migrants were injured and treated in hospi- On February 6 about 15 migrants drowned in Martinez called on the European Union to play tal in Morocco, Nador authorities said. a “much more active role” in securing the Moroccan waters while trying to swim to the bloc’s southern borders. Criminal organiza- ‘They came in waves’ other Spanish territory in Africa, Ceuta, from a tions appeared to have planned the border Spanish police struggled to halt the influx nearby beach. Rights groups and witnesses breach, he said, targeting weak areas of the despite deploying in large numbers and bene- accused Spanish security forces of firing rub- fencing that had yet to be strengthened. fiting from the cooperation of Moroccan secu- ber bullets at the migrants in the water. The rity forces, Melilla president Juan Jose government admitted using rubber bullets Immediate reinforcements Imbroda told Spanish public radio RNE. “They but denied its forces had targeted the migrants directly. It later banned civil guards MELILLA: Spanish Guardia Civil officers stand guard as a sub-Saharan migrant sits on An extra 100 Spanish police reinforcements came in waves,” he said. policing the border from using rubber bullets top of a pole set in a metallic fence that divides Morocco and the Spanish enclave of would arrive later in the day to help secure the Melilla, which lies on the northern coast of Melilla early yesterday. — AP border while the installation of anti-climb Morocco, is enclosed by an 11-kilometre (sev- to repel migrants. — AFP Ukraine’s new president vows quick end to revolt

DONETSK: Ukraine’s newly elected presi- longer put up with the violence threaten- both rebels and government troops. dent vowed yesterday to quickly end an ing its very existence as a sovereign state. Shops and restaurants-even the local eastern revolt after a fierce army push to “We will no longer let these terrorists kid- McDonald’s-remained locked up and reclaim a major airport saw more than 40 nap people and kill them,” said their windows boarded. pro-Russian rebels killed. The deserted Poroshenko. “We will end this terror. A The Special Monitoring Mission to streets of the million-strong rust belt city real war is being waged against our coun- Ukraine from the Organisation for Security of Donetsk echoed with bursts of morn- try.” Some analysts think Kiev has ratch- and Cooperation in Europe said it still had ing gunfire after a devastating two-day eted up its campaign believing that the received no news from a four-member firefight in which Ukrainian fighter 40-point margin of Poroshenko’s victory team that went missing outside Donetsk bombers flushed out more than 100 gun- will make it hard for Moscow to question on Monday. “They are being held by one men who had seized the region’s most his legitimacy and order its troops to “pro- of the pro-Russian groups and we are now important air hub. tect” the east’s ethnic Russians. working on their release,” Ukrainian for- Ukrainian officials said they were now The Kremlin reaffirmed yesterday that eign ministry spokesman Yevgen in control of the airport and working hard it “respected” the will of Ukraine’s voters Perebyinis told reporters. The OSCE said it to secure the release of four European but also denounced the army’s “provoca- had also learned that two Ukrainian jour- civilian observers abducted at a rebel tive” actions as another step toward strife nalists accused of “spying” had been taken roadblock outside the city on Monday. and discontent. “The people (of Ukraine) hostage in the neighbouring eastern dis- But president-elect Petro Poroshenko and are being pushed to the brink of a fratrici- trict of Lugansk. But Poland said that a his pro-Western cabinet were bracing for dal war,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Catholic priest nabbed by the militiamen a fresh crisis yesterday with the looming Lavrov warned. on Tuesday had been released. threat of Russia’s vital gas flows being halted at the start of next week. Donetsk deserted Gas threat European leaders called on Russian The regional capital of Ukraine’s coal Ukrainian premier Yatsenyuk flew to President Vladimir Putin to help his small- and steel district stood deserted yester- Berlin for urgent energy security talks er neighbor by using his leverage with day with sporadic reports of gunfire after with German Chancellor Angela Merkel the rebels to end a revolt that has claimed a devastating battle for control of the that come less than a week before Europe around 200 lives since they grabbed region’s main air hub. The gleaming faces another possible reduction in effective control of a dozen towns and Sergei Prokofiev International Airport- Russian gas supplies. Russia and Ukraine cities in early April. But Moscow has thus rebuilt at a cost of $900 million (660 mil- launched their third gas war in less than a far failed to reach out to Poroshenko-a lion euros) for the Euro 2012 football decade after the ouster of a Kremlin- 48-year-old billionaire candymaker elect- championship-stood with its vast glass backed president in February prompted ed by a resounding margin on Sunday- facade shattered after the army used Moscow to nearly double Kiev’s gas price. and cautioned Ukraine that its stepped- fighter bombers and helicopters to cap- Ukraine refused to pay in protest and has up military offensive could only backfire. ture the building on Tuesday. since balked at the terms of an interim Poroshenko told Germany’s Bild daily Dazed officials said 14 schools and deal negotiated with the help of a top EU ahead of a visit to Berlin by Prime Minister two hospitals had been closed near the energy official that would have seen Arseniy Yatsenyuk that Ukraine had sim- airport. Roads leading to it and the city’s Russia receive a down payment on its ply run out of options and could no main railway station were sealed off by debt today. — AFP

KIEV: Activists hold placards reading “free hostages” as they demand governmental action to release the hostages during their rally in front of the Ukrainian Secret Service (SBU) headquarters yesterday. — AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 Snowden should ‘man up’, face justice in US WASHINGTON: Secretary of State John Kerry yester- Defense Intelligence Agency. “I don’t work with peo- day said fugitive intelligence leaker Edward Snowden ple. I don’t recruit agents. What I do is I put systems to should “man up” and return to the United States to work for the United States. And I’ve done that at all face justice for revealing US security secrets. “This is a levels from-from the bottom on the ground all the man who has betrayed his country,” Kerry told CBS way to the top,” he said. News. “He should man up and come back to the US,” Snowden, who has been charged in the United Kerry said. “The fact is, he has damaged his country States with espionage, was granted asylum by Russia very significantly. I find it sad and disgraceful,” the US in August 2013 after shaking the American intelli- top diplomat said in one of a round of television gence establishment to its core with a series of leaks appearances yesterday. on mass surveillance in the United States and around Kerry’s remarks were in response to Snowden’s first the world. But he blamed his exile in Russia on the television interview, broadcast by NBC, in which the State Department which he said “decided to revoke technology expert recounts how he stole and leaked my passport and trap me in Moscow Airport. a trove of classified documents revealing the NSA’s “So when people ask, why are you in Russia, I say, program of phone and Internet surveillance. “I was please, ask the State Department.” But Kerry hit back trained as a spy in sort of the traditional sense of the saying “for a supposedly smart guy, that’s a pretty word in that I lived and worked undercover overseas- dumb answer, frankly.” “If Mr. Snowden wants to come pretending to work in a job that I’m not-and even back to the United States today, we’ll have him on a being assigned a name that was not mine,” Snowden flight today,” Kerry told NBC. “We’d be delighted for says, in an excerpt of the interview released this week him to come back,” Kerry said, insisting that “a patriot by NBC. would not run away and look for refuge in Russia or Snowden said he had worked covertly as “a techni- Cuba or some other country. “A patriot would stand cal expert” for the Central Intelligence Agency and the BERLIN: Activists of German Pirate party wearing mask featuring US intelligence leaker Edward up in the United States and make his case to the National Security Agency, as well as a trainer for the Snowden attend a rally. — AFP American people.” — AFP Can latest US killing spree prod Congress on gun laws? Regular mass shootings leave US shocked

WASHINGTON: After yet another US mass shooting, lawmakers return to Washington under pressure to curb rampant gun violence, but facing similar hurdles that derailed such efforts following a 2012 school massacre. In the wake of that shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, which left 20 schoolchildren and six adults dead, President Barack Obama’s adminis- tration suffered a striking defeat when the Senate failed to pass measures expanding back- ground checks on gun buyers and banning SANTA ANA: This photo shows some of the 1,427 Gold-Rush era US gold coins dis- assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. played at Professional Coin Grading Service in Santa Ana, Calif. — AP Obama and others called it a day of shame, while opponents said the result was appropriate Couple’s buried gold and rational. But after a mentally disturbed 22- year-old man armed to the hilt killed six people outside the University of California at Santa coins go up for sale Barbara last Friday, and a father of one of the vic- tims scolded Congress over the “insanity” of SAN FRANCISCO: A treasure trove of rare and use the money from the rest to pay off American gun violence, some lawmakers envi- gold coins discovered by a California cou- bills and donate to local charities. Money sion Washington revisiting the contentious issue. “Congress has an obligation to act,” said ple out walking their dog has gone on sale, from Tuesday’s auction will benefit the ISLA VISTA: UCSB Tridelta sorority members mourn at a public memorial service on the Day of with one coin selling for $15,000 on effort to turn the Old Mint into a museum. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who helped spear- head gun control efforts that fell short in April Mourning and Reflection for the victims of a killing spree at University of California, Santa Tuesday. The coins date from 1847 to 1894 Barbara. — AFP and have been valued at $11 million. WHERE DID THE COINS COME FROM? 2013. “I am absolutely determined that we will Several coins were auctioned at the Old Most of the coins were minted at the achieve common-sense, sensible measures,” the Senate schedule, signaled this year that he ing Martinez. “Where are the frigging politicians San Francisco Mint at 8:30 pm Tuesday, and San Francisco Mint, according to Kagin. It’s Blumenthal told CNN. He will encounter stub- would like to revisit background check legisla- that will stand up and say ‘We need to do this, one of them - an 1874 $20 double eagle not clear, however, who put them in the born opposition from colleagues, primarily tion. But with congressional elections looming in we’re going to do something’?” “Those gutless that is usually worth $4,250 - sold for ground or how they were obtained, though Republicans, who say efforts must focus on November, and influential groups like the men have done nothing and my son died $15,000. theories have abounded. Kagin says people enforcing existing laws and implementing pro- National Rifle Association monitoring all gun- because of it,” he roared. Congressman Peter Don Kagin, whose firm is handling the have linked the coins to stagecoach bandit grams that help the mentally ill, not curtailing control votes, prospects for a gun legislation King was one of the few Republicans to speak sale, says most of the remaining 1,400 coins Black Bart, outlaw Jesse James and a theft Americans’ constitutional right to bear arms. overhaul this year are dim. out after the rampage. had gone on sale on Amazon.com and at the San Francisco Mint, but none of the Democrat Mike Thompson, who heads the “We have to have this debate,” King told the Kagins.com after the auction. The couple, theories has panned out. House gun violence prevention taskforce and Debate needed Washington Post. “We’ve got to look at how we whom Kagin declined to identify, found who co-authored a 2013 bill expanding back- Members of Congress could, however, debate define mental illness, who is denied weapons them last year buried under the shadow of WHAT IS IN THE COLLECTION? ground checks that has not been brought to the taking some steps around the edges, such as the and who is not, and focus the discussion.” In a a tree on their rural Northern California The treasure consists of four $5 gold floor, accused Republican leaders of “refusing to background check expansion, aimed at reining reflection of Republican refusal to consider curb- property. Here are five things to know pieces, fifty $10 gold pieces, and 1,373 $20 take any steps at all” towards preventing gun in the shootings that kill thousands each year. ing long-cherished rights, Samuel Wurzelbacher- about the coins and their origin: double eagles. Among the coins that will violence. “Why didn’t Sandy Hook move these “We need to have a renewed discussion in this who as “Joe the Plumber” became a symbol of be on display Tuesday is the crown jewel of people? Why didn’t Aurora (or) Virginia Tech Capitol,” congressman Sander Levin told MSNBC. blue-collar frustration with Obama-hailed the WHY ARE THEY SO VALUABLE? the collection - an 1866-S No Motto $20 move these people?” Thompson told AFP, refer- “I don’t think we can just sit idly by and be tied Constitution’s Second Amendment as para- Experts say paper money was illegal in gold piece valued at more than $1 million. ring to mass shootings that shocked the nation up in knots here in Washington.” The most mount. “As harsh as this sounds, your dead kids California until the 1870s, so it’s extremely but led to little legislative reform. poignant chastisement of Congress came from don’t trump my constitutional rights,” rare to find any coins from before that peri- HOW DOES THIS DISCOVERY COMPARE “It’s inexplicable that you have folks who are Richard Martinez, whose 20-year-old son died in Wurzelbacher said in an open letter to families od. Additionally, most of the coins are in TO OTHER COIN FINDS? just unapologetic supporters of doing nothing.” the California shooting. of the Santa Barbara victims, according to mint condition, having been stashed away Kagin calls this coin find the largest such Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who controls “Where is the leadership!” demanded a griev- Barbwire.com. — AFP seemingly immediately after they were discovery in US history. One of the largest minted. They were valued by Don Kagin, a previous finds of gold coins was uncovered 91-year-old Rep Hall numismatist who is handling the sale and by construction workers in Jackson, 5 things to know about marketing of the coins. Tennessee, in 1985 and valued at $1 mil- lion. More than 400,000 silver dollars were ousted in Texas runoff Texas runoff elections WHO FOUND THEM? found in the home of a Reno, Nevada, man ROCKWALL: US Rep Ralph Hall, at 91 the ly visible election year for Texas Kagin says the couple - a middle-aged who died in 1974 and were later sold intact AUSTIN: A tea party leader claimed oldest-ever member of the US House of Democrats, and they averted husband and wife - does not want to be for $7.3 million. Gold coins and ingots said the Republican nomination for the Representatives, was ousted Tuesday in powerful Texas office of lieutenant embarrassment by not nominating identified in part to avoid a gold rush on to be worth as much as $130 million were the Texas Republican runoff by a candi- governor in primary election a U.S. Senate candidate who wants their rural Northern California property by recovered in the 1980s from the wreck of date barely half his age. Backed by pow- runoffs Tuesday night, signaling a to impeach President Barack modern-day prospectors. They discovered the SS Central America. But historians knew erful national groups with strong ties to Obama. Kesha Rogers, who’s allied the coins in eight cans buried in the shad- roughly where that gold was because the the ultraconservative tea party move- further push to the right in the with frequent presidential candi- ow of an old tree on the property. They ship went down off the coast of North ment, 48-year-old former US Attorney nation’s largest conservative state. date and conspiracy theorist plan to keep a few of the coins themselves Carolina during a hurricane in 1857. — AP John Ratcliffe was able to paint Hall as Here are five things to know in the too cozy with the Republican establish- Republican and Democratic runoffs Lyndon LaRouche, lost to Dallas ment after 34 years in office. He forced in Texas: dental mogul David Alameel after the incumbent into his first runoff in 17 forcing a surprising runoff in March. Immigrant on trial in terms in the House, then won it decisive- TEA PARTY TAKEOVER The Texas Democratic Party urged ly on Tuesday. The tea party still rules Texas. In voters to reject Rogers and nomi- Establishment-backed conservatives an otherwise humbling election nate Alameel to be its heavy under- NY for wife’s murder have turned back tea party challengers year for tea party challengers across dog to US Sen John Cornyn in in Republican primaries in Kentucky, the US, conservative insurgents in November. NEW YORK: A US court was shown photo- going to make that, she was going to make North Carolina and other states as party the Lone Star State keep winning graphs Tuesday of the battered body of a something else,” he said speaking through leaders have made it a priority to avoid like it’s 2012. None were bigger CAN HALL HANG ON? Pakistani woman allegedly murdered by an Urdu interpreter. the presence of candidates on the ballot than fiery conservative talk radio At 91, Congressman Ralph Hall is her husband because she cooked him this fall who are seen as too conservative host Dan Patrick, the tea party cau- the oldest-ever member of the US lentils rather than goat. Noor Hussain, 75, Beaten for ‘disrespect’ or unsteady - or both - to prevail in cus founder in the Texas Legislature, House and is seeking what he says faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted He beat her with a wooden stick used to winnable races. ousting longtime Lt Gov David will be his final term in his north- of murder after allegedly subjecting wife stir laundry after she “disrespected me” and US Rep Ralph Hall But there were few such fears in Dewhurst in a symbolic signal of east Texas-based seat. But he has Nazar Hussain, 66, to years of abuse at threw it out the window because he feared Texas where Republicans have dominat- entrenched. Hall first ran for political GOP restlessness. Anti-establish- been forced into the first runoff of their Brooklyn home. Judge Matthew he would be tempted to do it again, he said. ed statewide races for more than two office in 1950 and won his seat when ment Republicans also were his congressional career by a chal- D’Emic, hearing the case at the Brooklyn He then calmly told officers she was com- decades. Tea party challengers kept win- Jimmy Carter was president. He was a favored in key statehouse runoffs, lenger barely half his age. Former Supreme Court, could make a decision as pletely fine, and that the couple prayed ning in Tuesday’s primary election Democrat until switching parties in leaving Republicans poised to push U.S. Attorney John Ratcliffe, 48, is early as today. together before going to bed. At 12:30 am, runoffs, signaling a further push to the 2004. The only World War II veteran left Texas even further right on abor- backed by top tea party groups and Hussain’s defense attorney Julie Clark he alleged she vomited blood three times, right in the largest conservative US state. in Congress seeking re-election, Hall argues it was manslaughter, that he did not refused his repeated offers to call an ambu- It wasn’t a total sweep for anti establish- promised that his next term would be tion, gun rights and spending come says Hall has become too cozy with intend to kill her and thought it acceptable lance and fell unconscious, before he tele- ment Republicans, but they won enough his last but said he wanted to remain in 2015. the GOP establishment. But Hall, to discipline his wife of 21 years. On phoned his adult son. key races to put Texas on track to veer office long enough to help the who has won personal endorse- Tuesday, prosecutors showed the court His son telephoned 911 after arriving at even further right on abortion, gun Republicans retake the White House in DEWHURST’S DEMISE ments from tea party favorites photographs of Nazar Hussain’s swollen, his father’s home to find his stepmother rights and spending come 2015. 2016. “I just got whipped and got beat,” Just two years ago, Dewhurst including Rep. Michelle Bachman, bruised face, and of her body lying on a bed unconscious. Vincent Maneri, an emergency Hall told supporters in his hometown of seemed a lock to replace retiring US bristles at the notion he’s not con- Rick Perry’s sidekick Rockwall, where he once had a brush next to a blood-soaked wall on April 3, medic, said he found Nazar Hussain with Senate Kay Bailey Hutchison. Now servative enough for the modern Fiery conservative talk radio host Dan with notorious outlaws Bonnie and Texas Gov Rick Perry’s sidekick for voter. 2011. Police detective William Simon told bruises on her head, a large laceration on Patrick, the tea party caucus founder in Clyde while working in a pharmacy as a the court there was blood on the bedroom her face and upper lip, as well as swollen the past 12 years is being shoved the Texas Legislature, ousted long-time boy. out the door after a second loss to PERRY NON GRATA wall, floor and bed, in the kitchen, bath- and bruised arms. Paramedics spent 25-35 incumbent David Dewhurst to claim the room sink and on a mop in the bath tub. minutes trying to resuscitate her in the early an outspent tea party underdog in Rick Perry was out of sight and Republican nomination for the powerful Damage control as many years. Spending about $20 out of mind in his last Republican Hussain initially told officers that his wife hours of April 3, but she never exhibited any office of lieutenant governor. Just two No Democrat is running in the dis- died after waking up in the middle of the sign of life, he said. million of his own fortune against primary as Texas governor. He only years ago, Dewhurst seemed a lock to trict that stretches from suburban Dallas Ted Cruz in 2012 and another $5 endorsed in one major race - Texas night, vomiting blood and having breathing Neighbor Safida Khan told the court she replace retiring US Sen Kay Bailey east to Louisiana and north to Oklahoma million against Patrick this time agriculture commissioner, one of problems, before admitting to beating her. heard the Hussains argue at least once or Hutchison. Now Texas Gov Rick Perry’s - meaning Ratcliffe will be headed to Simon said Hussain had cuts and what twice a week for years, and that she twice sidekick for the past 12 years has been Washington after the November general around couldn’t buy Dewhurst a his old jobs - and his name was sel- appeared to be teeth marks on his hands. intervened, trying to pacify the warring being shoved out the door after a sec- election. Even before the final results perception among Texas GOP vot- dom uttered on the campaign trail “Finally he says ‘I killed her. Lock me up. couple. On April 2, she said Nazar Hussain ond loss to an outspent tea party under- were in, Hall called the race “not one of ers as anything but a mainstream by GOP candidates up and down Arrest me,’” Simon said. But during a one- attended a religious gathering at her apart- dog in as many years. Spending about my best ones, that’s for sure.” In Texas’ Republican who’s grown too the ballot. If that sounds like Texas hour video interview later that day, shown ment, with a red mark on her cheek. $20 million of his own fortune against March primary, Hall won 45 percent of entrenched. Republicans are looking to the to the court, Hussain admitted only to hit- “I was told by her that he hit me with a Ted Cruz in 2012 and another $5 million the vote compared to Ratcliffe’s nearly future after 14 years under Perry, ting his wife “once or twice” on the arm and phone and that’s the mark,” a heavily veiled against Patrick this time around couldn’t 29 percent - but since no one won a DEMOCRATS DODGE DILEMMA the feeling is mutual: Perry is still “once” on the lip. “I asked her to make some Khan told the court, speaking through the buy Dewhurst a perception among Texas majority in a six-way race, Hall was Wendy Davis’ high-profile run for weighing another presidential run goat, some meat. She said she was not help of an Urdu translator. —AFP Republican voters as anything but a forced into the first runoff in his congres- governor has made this an unusual- in 2016. — AP mainstream Republican who’s grown too sional career. —AP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 Indian Muslims cautious of PM’s Hindu nationalist ties Media glare to keep Modi in check?

AHMADABAD: With his long beard and white skullcap, Mohammed Naseem makes no secret that he’s a devout Muslim in a country where Muslims are often persecuted. Now, after Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi was sworn in as prime minister following a landslide election victory, Naseem and other Muslims in this country of 1.2 billion are watching the direction of their nation with a mixture of caution and fear. Modi, who is Hindu like most of India’s popu- lation, has long had an uneasy relationship with Sheikh Hasina Muslims, in large part because he, as chief minis- ter of Gujarat state, was in command in 2002 when communal riots there killed more than Bangladesh ready 1,000 people, most of them Muslims. “What hap- pened in 2002 still affects the minds of Muslims,” says Naseem, a real estate broker who lives in to work with Modi Ahmadabad, a Gujarat city where some of the worst rioting occurred. TOKYO: Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Muslim riots erupted in his western fiefdom But like millions of others, Naseem despaired Hasina said yesterday she was ready to of Gujarat in 2002. However, Hasina said of the policy paralysis and economic downslide work with her new Indian counterpart Muslim-majority Bangladesh has had good that marked the last decade under the Congress Narendra Modi, despite his hardline image. relations with India where differences have party. “On development, (Modi’s) performance Hasina, who is serving as premier for the been resolved through discussions, such as here has been very good. Now there are many MUZAFFARNAGAR: Displaced Indian Muslims watch election news on television at a relief third time, said she has dealt with four dif- concluding a treaty on water resources. Muslims who are supporting him,” Naseem said. camp in Muzaffarnagar, India, an area that witnessed one of the worst Hindu Muslim riots of ferent Indian governments-”This is the fifth “What I believe is that through bilateral He added that he hoped the media glare on recent times in which 69 people were killed and over 40,000 were rendered homeless. — AP one”-and was keen to maintain a working discussions, if there is any problem, we can Modi as prime minister would also keep him in relationship with her powerful and popu- solve it,” she said. She stressed the region check. was routed in the recent elections, has tradition- compulsions of governance will also compel lous neighbor. “He has his own ideas. Now shares a “common enemy” in poverty, ally been seen as more favorable to Muslim Modi to be neutral,” she added. One of the BJP’s he has become the prime minister of India, which it needs to fight through economic Socio-economic indicators interests than Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya main promises to its largely Hindu supporters I hope he will also act as the prime minister development.”Bangladesh’s foreign policy Modi, who was sworn in Monday, has denied Janata Party. has been to construct a temple at the site of a of India,” she told a press conference in is very clear. Friendship to all, and malice to any role in the violence, and the Supreme Court Modi’s own political career started with the 16th-century mosque in north India. Muslims Tokyo, on the fourth day of her visit to none,” she said. Hasina also suggested that said there was no case against him, but the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Dal or the National revere the Babri Mosque, while Hindus say it is Japan. Bangladesh was ready to withdraw its rival killings continue to affect Muslims’ perceptions. Volunteers Association, a militant Hindu move- the birthplace of their god Rama and contend a Modi, sworn in Monday after a landslide candidacy against Japan for a non-perma- Muslims account for more than 13 percent of ment and parent organization of the BJP. The temple to him stood on the site before the election victory earlier this month, has an nent member seat on the UN Security India’s population and face no legal discrimina- RSS has been widely accused of stoking religious mosque. image as a hardliner, even within his own Council, if Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo tion under the country’s secular constitution. But hatred with aggressively anti-Muslim views. Over the years, the dispute triggered bloody Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party Abe were to visit her nation. Abe, who met while many Indian Muslims have held high gov- Some Indians fear that Modi’s ties to the RSS communal violence. In 1992, while the legal case (BJP). He is regarded with deep suspicion with Hasina on Monday, gave $5.9 billion ernment offices - current Vice President Hamid may influence his decision-making. But Neerja to sort out the dispute lingered, tens of thou- by many in Pakistan after deadly anti- economic aid. — AFP Ansari is Muslim - the community is largely poor Chowdhury, a political commentator and ana- sands of Hindu extremists, watched over by top and fares badly on most socio-economic indica- lyst, says that Modi, known for his autocratic and BJP leaders and security forces, ripped apart the tors such as health and education. independent working style, will resist the pres- mosque with spades, crowbars and their bare Monk escapes after Many Muslims say they face discrimination, sure. hands. The demolition sparked nationwide riots sometimes subtle and at other times blatant, that killed 2,000 people and cemented the belief when looking for jobs or renting a house. ‘Compel Modi to be neutral’ that India’s Muslims could not trust the BJP. The Intermarriage between the country’s Hindus and “The RSS will continue to have consultations area has since been split up between Hindus criticizing Beijing Muslims is still rare. The center-left Congress par- with him but they will not be able to microman- and Muslims by a 2010 court order, but the issue ty, which has ruled India for all but 10 years but age a person like Modi,” Chowdhury said. “The remains sensitive. —AP DHARMSALA: A Tibetan monk who worked series of riots in Tibet in 2008 and accused of on 2008 documentary film critical of China’s passing sensitive information to foreign jour- rule in the Himalayan region said he escaped nalists. Police came looking for him armed Chinese police custody in 2012 and fled to with a phone number they knew to be his, he India last week after hiding out for 20 months. said. He was attending prayers with a group of Golog Jigme, 44, who had been arrested in monks in Labrang town when Chinese troops China a few times since the documentary and and two armored cars surrounded the com- alleges he was beaten severely during deten- pound. The monks were asked to switch their tion, said he was most recently detained in the mobile phones on at gun point and place Labrang monastery area in China’s Gansu them in front of them. A plainclothes police- province in 2012 for what he said was spread- man called Golog’s number and picked him ing pamphlets about Buddhist leader the out from the group. Dalai Lama. “As soon as my phone rang, they started He said he managed to undo his leg shack- beating me all over with rifle butts and les and escape. He survived in icy mountains batons,” he said during the interview. While for 20 months begging for food from passing serving his seven-month sentence he was nomads. Also, he said he discovered during repeatedly beaten and tied to a contraption that time that he had been falsely accused of that twisted his body in C-shape, Golog said, murder, making it more urgent to escape to adding that while beaten he shouted, “Long India. “A large price on my head and my bad live the Dalai Lama.” knees made it nearly impossible for me to escape, but thanks to the kindness of some Communicating news people, I managed it,” he said in an interview Golog said he came out of prison with with The Associated Press. damaged knees, a dislocated shoulder, failing Yangji Cairang, a police official in Xiahe, vision and broken ribs. Though frail and under near the monastery, said he had never heard constant police surveillance, Golog said he anything about Golog or his case. China’s continued communicating news to journalists Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond and activists in exile using his phone and was to a faxed request for comment. Golog first detained again in 2009 for four months. was targeted by Chinese authorities for his “Somebody had to do it. role collecting material for the 20-minute film If we are scared, our story doesn’t get told,” “Leaving Fear Behind,” a collection of inter- Golog said. Filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen, views with Tibetan nomads expressing their who worked with Golog on the film, was discontent over Chinese rule in Tibet, just arrested in March 2008 and charged with try- ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. ing to split the country and sentenced to six years in prison in late 2009. Series of riots China says Tibet has historically been part He had traveled through eastern Tibet with of its territory since the mid-13th century, and a digital camera, but no tripod, to conduct the the Communist Party has governed the several dozen interviews. A friend later smug- Himalayan region since 1951. But many gled the footage to Switzerland for editing. Tibetans say they were effectively independ- “Nomads stay in their tents during winter and ent for most of their history, and that the it’s easy to find them. I was able to conduct Chinese government wants to exploit their quick interviews with my small digital camera,” resource-rich region while crushing their cul- Golog said. He was arrested a few days after tural identity. — AP Husband of Pakistan woman beaten to death wants justice LAHORE: The husband of a pregnant hundreds of lawyers were there along with Pakistani woman who was beaten to death ordinary men, but they all just watched like outside Lahore’s High Court for marrying spectators.” against her family’s wishes vowed yesterday Police officer Mushtaq Muhammed said to fight for justice. Farzana Parveen, 25, was Parveen’s father Muhammad Azeem had attacked outside Lahore’s grand high court been detained while five others-two broth- building by more than two dozen brick- ers and three cousins-remained at large. wielding attackers including her brother Another police officer, Rana Akhtar, told AFP and father, who has been arrested, police police were launching raids in the Nankana said. Three-months pregnant Parveen, Sahib district of Punjab province to arrest whom police earlier identified as ‘Farzana the accused. Iqbal’, had gone to testify in defence of her husband Muhammad Iqbal-who was Growing apathy accused by her relatives of kidnapping her Despite the gruesome and public nature and forcing her into the marriage. of the killing in Pakistan’s most liberal city, Speaking to AFP by telephone from his media reaction has been relatively muted- home village of Jaranwala where he had indicating what activists said was a growing gone to bury Parveen earlier that day, Iqbal apathy within society amid rising extrem- said: “We demand justice. We were being ism. “The court’s regular resident police threatened since we got married.” The 45- force was mysteriously absent from the year-old said he and his wife had survived a scene, unable to take preventive action-or previous attack during the first hearing of to provide protection or pre-emption to this the case on May 12. “On Tuesday as we were and countless other foregone and foretold going to court from our lawyer’s office dishonor killing cases,” said Tahira Abdullah, almost 30 people attacked us, including her a prominent women’s rights campaigner. father, brothers and cousins,” he said. Feminist Samina Rehman added: “The The group of 10 or so people accompa- incident occurred in front of hundreds of nying him were overwhelmed by the sud- people but nobody stepped forward to save denness of the attack and fled in all direc- them because people are afraid of mob jus- tions, he said. “One of her brothers shot at tice. “People don’t speak up because they her but missed, then the women in their fear that they would either be framed for group fell upon her and her brother and blasphemy or declared un-Islamic.” Last year father finished her off,” said Iqbal. “The most 869 women died in so-called “honor killings” painful thing is that nobody came forward according to the independent Human to save my wife, the police were there and Rights Commission of Pakistan. —AFP THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 INTERNATIONAL China detains journalist ahead of ’versary

BEIJING: Beijing police have detained a The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of has been one of the most severe clamp- with trying to wipe the events of 4 June wanted cooperation in Pu’s case. Xin Chinese news assistant for a Japanese China expressed alarm over Xin’s deten- downs. Such restrictions usually are put from memory,” Salil Shetty, secretary had assisted reporters in interviewing newspaper, her family said yesterday, in tion and called for Chinese authorities in place a few days before the anniver- general of Amnesty International, said Pu, best known for his successful lobby- the latest in a string of detentions to present evidence that she broke the sary, but this year many dissidents say in a statement. ing for the closure of Chinese labor ahead of the 25th anniversary of the law or release her. “Reports that her they have been placed under house Those detained include the human camps. Police had used the camps to 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy detention was connected with an inter- arrest months ahead of the date and rights lawyer, Pu, and a prominent jour- lock up people for up to four years protests in Tiananmen Square. The view she had conducted with human have been warned against talking to nalist, Gao Yu. Ding Zilin, a founder of without legal process. newspaper, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, said rights lawyer Pu Zhiqiang, himself now the media. the Tiananmen Mothers, which repre- A woman who answered the phone it was looking into the case but under arrest, raise the disturbing possi- The scope of detentions appears to sents families of those killed in the mili- at Xin’s house and identified herself as declined to provide further details. The bility that she is being punished for the have been expanded to more people, tary attack on protesters, has been the news assistant’s mother confirmed family of Xin Jian, an employee in the routine discharge of her professional and Chinese authorities have warned placed under house arrest. Xin was tak- that she had been detained on the newspaper’s bureau in the southwest- duty on behalf of her employer,” it said foreign journalists of “extreme conse- en away from her Chongqing home on charges. She declined to provide fur- ern city of Chongqing, said she was in a statement yesterday. Every year, the quences” if they report on sensitive May 13 after police detained Pu and ther information, saying the phone detained on suspicion of picking quar- government attempts to prevent any issues ahead of the anniversary. “The four others for attending a May 3 com- line was tapped. “We believe she is rels and provoking troubles. There was commemorations or public discussions response by the Chinese authorities to memoration of the crackdown. innocent,” she said. Beijing police did no immediate explanation of the alle- of the anniversary of the June 4, 1989, the 25th anniversary has been harsher The Nihon Keizai Shimbun said not immediately respond to a request gations. crackdown, but activists say this year than in previous years, as they persist police initially told Xin’s family that they for information. —AP Singapore activists warn of increasing xenophobia SINGAPORE: Guest workers and expatri- leave the country along with his ates are increasingly the target of “xeno- Singaporean wife and their son, after a phobic” attacks on social media, backlash over comments he made mocking Singapore’s leading activists groups poorer citizens. A survey by Singapore’s warned yesterday. There is evidence of the government-linked Institute of Policy “widespread use of racist, aggressive and Studies released this year showed that over militarized rhetoric” against foreigners on 30 percent of citizens and permanent resi- social networks, said a press release issued dents felt that nationality-based prejudice by 12 independent groups including had risen over the past five years. Maruah, Singapore’s main human rights This is despite a per capita income of group. $55,183, one of the highest in the world, It warned of a worrying trend “blaming and an unemployment rate of just over two foreigners for social ills” such as over- percent. Singapore’s low birth rate prompt- crowding, local unemployment, often ed the government to grant an average of posted anonymously online. “We, the 18,500 new citizenships every year undersigned, are alarmed by the recent between 2008 to 2012 — helping the pop- surge of racism and xenophobia in ulation surge by 30 percent since 2004 to Singapore,” the statement said. It added 5.4 million last year. the key to addressing frustrations felt by Out of a foreign population of 1.55 mil- many Singaporeans was for the govern- lion, about 700,000 are mainly Asian work- ment to change the policies which caused permit holders employed in construction marginalization and inequality. and other sectors shunned by “These inequitable policies were not Singaporeans. Some 200,000 others work instituted by migrants and will not auto- as domestic helpers. Singapore’s long-rul- matically disappear if the migrant popula- ing People’s Action Party has tightened tion decreases,” the press release said. migrant inflows since suffering its worst Among the other signatories were organi- showing in a 2011 general election where zations advocating women’s and migrant workers’ welfare, gay rights. The statement the large foreign presence was a big issue. came a day after a Philippine independ- In the statement, the Singapore activists ence day celebration scheduled for June 8 said the government was partly to blame in downtown Singapore was cancelled fol- for the marginalization of guest workers, BANGKOK: Thai women stop to take a selfie with Thai soldiers outside Bangkok Art Culture Center yesterday. — AP lowing a virulent campaign by online com- “for instance by not giving domestic work- mentators. Migrant workers from South ers full and equal employment protections”. Asia have also been attacked and ridiculed They warned that discrimination not only Thai ministry sparks alarm online following a riot last December trig- oppressed the migrant community, but gered by the death of an Indian worker in a also reinforced discrimination against road accident.Western expatriates seen to Singapore’s own minorities. Singapore’s cit- with brief block of Facebook have behaved arrogantly have also been izen and permanent resident population of denounced by Singaporeans. 3.84 million is 74 percent ethnic Chinese, 13 percent Malay and nine percent Indian, Anti-coup protests organized on social media increased prejudice with the rest made up of other immigrant One wealthy British man was forced to groups. — AFP BANGKOK: Thai Facebook users were alarmed about the coup,” he said. Small protests have tak- we have assigned the ICT ministry to set up a yesterday when the Information en place daily against the regime, organized supervisory committee to follow social media Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry mainly on social media, testing the military as it and investigate and solve problems,” said Mothers of Tiananmen dead blocked access to the site at the request of the seeks to assert its influence over the media and Sirichan Ngathong, spokeswoman for the mili- military, but the junta blamed the brief shut- curtail dissent. tary council. struggle to keep truth alive down on a technical problem. Tweets, email and The junta has banned gatherings, imposed a “There’s been some technical problems with instant messenger traffic went into overdrive as curfew, arrested scores of activists and politi- the internet gateway,” she said, adding that the BEIJING: The last thing Zhang Xianling told sent for identification, and Zhang was later confused users rushed to find out what had hap- cians and told print and broadcast media to authorities were working with internet service her son was not to go to Tiananmen Square. called in to confirm it was him. Over time she pened to Facebook, a site used by millions of refrain from critical reporting of the military. providers to fix the problem urgently. The ICT But in the 25 years since he was shot and left sought out witnesses including a doctor to Thais but inaccessible for about 30 minutes in Foreign news channels like CNN, BBC and Al- ministry’s hotlines were flooded with calls, and to die she has taken up his activist mantle. gradually piece together what happened to the afternoon. Jazeera have been blocked. Small, brief protests Twitter, WhatsApp and LINE were inundated The crackdown that ended on June 4, 1989, her son. On the night of the crackdown she A senior ICT ministry official confirmed the have taken place in Bangkok as well as the with messages. left hundreds dead-by some estimates, more heard gunshots from her home and mistook site had been blocked to thwart the spread of northern and northeastern strongholds of the Posing for a “selfie” photo with his mobile than 1,000 — and a nation stunned that its them at first for firecrackers. Only when a stu- online criticism of the military in the wake of a ousted government, erupting more like flash phone, a policeman at a protest in downtown leaders had deployed troops, tanks and real dent ran past and said people were bleeding May 22 coup. “We have blocked Facebook tem- mobs than political rallies. The military has also Bangkok said he doubted the government bullets against student-led protesters in the did Zhang realize the troops were using live porarily and tomorrow we will call a meeting warned people not to spread what it considers would go as far as shutting off social network- vast plaza at the heart of China’s capital. ammunition. The next morning she found a with other social media, like Twitter and provocative material on social media. ing sites. “Why would they block Facebook?,” he Zhang’s 19-year-old son Wang Nan bled to note her son had left saying he had gone out. Instagram, to ask for cooperation from them,” said. “That would be madness.” But an office death over several hours after being shot in By late afternoon she began to worry, but still Surachai Srisaracam, permanent secretary of the “Madness” worker said there was too much vitriol on social the head and denied medical care, and was held out hope that police would call to say he Information and Communications Technology As Facebook went back online, a military offi- media and blocking it would do no harm. “If buried nearby. Now 76, Zhang has become had been detained. “Even if two countries are Ministry, told Reuters. cial quickly appeared on television channels to they’ve blocked Facebook then it’s a good one of the leaders of the “Tiananmen at war they can’t prevent the injured from “Right now there’s a campaign to ask for peo- reassure the public that the site had not been thing. There’s too much information and hatred Mothers”. The group of parents bereaved by being treated,” she said. “This was too cruel.” ple to stage protests against the army so we blocked and normal service would resume. A on social media,” said Jay Jantavee, passing the bloody suppression, more than 100 “My child at the time just had this ideal, a need to ask for cooperation from social media to spokeswoman blamed the outage on a gateway through Bangkok’s bustling Victory Monument strong, seek to hold the ruling Communist noble ideal, that he would record the truth help us stop the spread of critical messages glitch. “We have no policy to block Facebook and district. —Reuters party to account over events they have tried with his lens, and went to Tiananmen to take to wipe from the pages of Chinese history. pictures.” “What they want is for people not to know about the incident, to let it be forgotten,” ‘Truth always comes out’ China raises heat on WeChat messaging Zhang told AFP by phone, as she and other Similarly Zhang has since sought to pre- parents are under round-the-clock surveil- serve the memory of what happened. The BEIJING: China’s ruling Communist Party is inspection”. bloggers, in which he appeared contrite and lance ahead of the anniversary. “But with the Communist Party has never allowed a full his- launching a new crackdown on popular instant warned of the dangers of “casual” online posts. Internet so developed these days, lies will not torical reckoning of the crackdown and the messaging platforms including Tencent’s Jail for ‘rumor’ spreading Beijing has blamed online videos and audio be able to bury the truth,” she said. true number of dead remains unknown. The WeChat, state media said yesterday, the latest China’s Communist Party authorities keep a recordings in part for inspiring a recent spate of Tiananmen Mothers have collated the details in a series of moves to stifle online speech. The tight grip on online communication, with a terror attacks in Chinese cities, including a ‘So naive’ of 202 dead, and in their latest annual open month-long campaign follows a similar clamp- new law last year calling for up to three years in deadly market bombing last week that killed 43 Wang took his bicycle and camera to the letter they told the authorities: “These long 25 down last year on Sina Weibo, a Twitter-like prison for social media participants who spread in Xinjiang’s regional capital of Urumqi. More square the night of the crackdown, hoping to years, as you remain silent on the June 4 microblogging service whose popularity has “rumors” that are reposted more than 500 than 200 people in Xinjiang, home to mainly document history. He had debated with his issue, what is draining away from you? Your been hit as China’s censors have tightened their times. Chinese-American billionaire blogger Muslim Uighurs, have been detained in a clam- mother and others whether the army would morals, your conscience, and the legitimacy grip. Charles Xue-who regularly posted reform- pdown on “terrorist” videos, according to a open fire Zhang thought not-before sneaking of your rule. It also comes amid a string of violent attacks minded comments on a variety of sensitive Xinhua report earlier this month. A social media out and leaving the light on to avoid alerting “Those who are not willing and not brave that Beijing has blamed on separatists from the issues to 12 million followers was arrested for crackdown last year led to a nine percent her. “I said to him, ‘Don’t go out’. He said enough to admit the truth are truly the most mainly Muslim far-western region of Xinjiang, suspected involvement in prostitution. Links decline in the total number of microblog users ‘okay’,” Zhang said of their last conversation.”If cowardly and the most foolish!” On the day of and ahead of the 25th anniversary of the between the crackdown and the arrest of the over 2013, according to a January report by the I had known he was going out, for sure I the anniversary, Zhang and a few members of Tiananmen Square killings. Tencent’s WeChat is popular blogger were routinely dismissed by government-linked China Internet Network wouldn’t have let him,” she added. “But I other families meet to remember the dead an instant messaging platform that allows users state media. Xue was paraded on state televi- Information Centre. Among those who reduced might not have been very insistent, because I and comfort one another. Even these gather- to send text, photos, videos and voice mes- sion, which also broadcast an interview with their use of microblogging, 37 percent didn’t think they would use real bullets. “I was ings are sensitive, with relatives sometimes sages over mobile devices. Pan Shiyi, another of China’s most popular switched to WeChat, the report said. — AFP so naive.” blocked from attending. But Zhang argues It has more than twice as many monthly Not long after Wang reached the square, a that authorities’ attempt to silence the active users, 396 million, than Sina Weibo on round hit him in the head and soldiers Tiananmen Mothers only amplifies their mes- 143.8 million, but most WeChat users send their blocked people from taking him to hospital, sage. “When the government follows and messages privately rather than sharing them Zhang said. His body was buried nearby but monitors me every year, then they just publicly. Now the growing popularity of group began to smell after several days and was remind everybody of what happened,” she chats-through which WeChat users can share dug up. It was mistaken for a soldier’s and said. “The truth always comes out.” -—AFP messages with up to 500 participants-has drawn the attention of authorities, according to the state-run China Daily newspaper. Such chats have “become a challenge for the spreading of rumors and other harmful con- tent”, the paper reported, citing an official from China’s State Internet Information Office (SIIO). The new crackdown will target public WeChat accounts “spreading rumors and information relating to violence, terrorism and pornogra- phy, as well as those using instant messaging for fraud”, the official Xinhua news agency said, citing an SIIO statement. “We will firmly fight against infiltration from hostile forces at home and abroad,” the state- ment said, according to Xinhua. The crackdown is being jointly overseen by SIIO, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Public Security, Xinhua said. It added that WeChat and several other instant HONG KONG: Visitors look at newspaper archives about China’s June 4, 1986 Tiananmen messaging companies “have agreed to cooper- military crackdown at the June 4th Museum in Hong Kong yesterday. — AFP ate with the authorities and launch internal BEIJING: Chinese people use their smartphone yesterday. — AP THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

S Korean nominee for PM withdraws Fire in S Korea hospice kills 21 SEOUL: South Korean President Park Geun-hye suf- fered another political setback yesterday when her 81-year-old dementia patient suspected of arson choice for prime minister withdrew his name amid questions about the ethics of earning a large SEOUL: A fire believed set by an 81- income after leaving public service. Park had nomi- year-old dementia patient blazed nated Ahn Dai-hee to replace the incumbent who through a hospital ward for the elderly resigned over the government’s slow and ineffec- yesterday and killed 21 people in south- tive response to last month’s ferry disaster that ern South Korea, mostly from smoke killed more than 300 people. Park’s office said last inhalation, police and fire officials said. week Ahn, a former Supreme Court justice and The fire on the second floor of the before that a prosecutor known for fighting corrup- Hyosarang Hospital in Jangseong coun- tion, was the ideal person to lead reform of govern- ty also injured seven people and raised ment. concerns about lax fire regulations at a Ahn was expected to enforce bureaucratic ethics time when the nation is undergoing including ending a culture of officials leaving senior soul-searching about public safety fol- government jobs to go into the private sector lowing last month’s ferry sinking that which can blur the lines between businesses and killed more than 300 people. those regulating them. “Today I withdraw myself as Media reports noted that hospitals a candidate for prime minister,” Ahn said in a hastily for the elderly such as Hyosarang, arranged press briefing. “I apologize to the presi- which specializes in dementia and palsy dent who trusted me and named me as a prime patients, are not required to have sprin- minister candidate for causing concern.” klers in South Korea despite a rapidly Ahn has come under criticism after reports sur- aging population. “These are the inci- faced that he had earned 1.6 billion won ($1.6 mil- dents that wretchedly show the dan- lion) since entering private practice last year and gerous foundation on which our coun- that it was largely because of the senior positions try is established,” the Seoul-based he held in the judiciary and prosecution. Ahn has Hankyoreh newspaper said in an edito- denied he used his government experience to ben- rial on its website. efit in public practice and offered to donate most of Security video showed the suspect the money to charity. entering the room where the blaze Park vowed last week to overhaul government began, and the remains of a lighter structures and improve safety oversight to guard were found in that room, police station against any recurrence of preventable disaster. She chief Noh Kyu-ho told a televised brief- announced the breakup of the coast guard for fail- ing. Noh said the man, identified only ing in its duties in rescue efforts in the Sewol ferry by his surname Kim, denied responsibil- tragedy of April 16. ity. The video footage showed the fire SEOUL: Hospital employees kneel and bow to apologize after a fire killed 21 people at a hospital yesterday. — AFP Park has suffered a sharp drop in public support starting to spread from that room since the disaster and has apologized formally amid about two minutes after Kim left, mostly from suffocation. They spoke on agency earlier had reported some of the country that rapidly rose from poverty angry national outrage over the government’s another police officer said, speaking to condition of anonymity because of dead had their hands bound to their and the destruction of the 1950-53 response to the country’s worst civilian maritime dis- The Associated Press on condition of office rules. More than 270 firefighters beds, without citing any source for the Korean War to become Asia’s fourth aster in 20 years. She is in the second year of a single anonymity because of department put the fire out after about six minutes, information. Fire officials later yesterday biggest economy. It is too early to say if five-year term. Her conservative Saenuri Party is fac- rules. Hairs on Kim’s arms and hands officials said. Officials said that 45 peo- said that report was inaccurate. safety issues were involved in this fire. ing a tough fight in the June 4 vote to elect local were singed and he had moved back to ple, including a nurse, were on the hos- Kim, the firefighter, said all the dead But the recent ferry sinking has caused government officials, including the key posts of his own room afterward and then pital’s first floor but that they all bodies he saw were found on beds or South Korea to wrestle over issues long Seoul mayor and Gyeonggi province governor. quickly exited the hospital later, the escaped. on the floor but none of them had their neglected as the country rose from The coast guard is still struggling to recover 16 police officer said. Kim Jeong-bae, one of the firefight- hands bound. He said the second-floor poverty, war and dictatorship to an missing bodies from the Sewol. The ship’s captain and ers who entered the building, said none windows are barred. Two hospital offi- Asian powerhouse. The tragedy three other officers have been indicted on charges of Bound to the beds? of the bodies that he and his colleagues cials, speaking on condition of anonymi- exposed regulatory failures that appear homicide. Authorities are seeking the arrest of the There were 34 patients and one retrieved were burned and that they ty because they weren’t authorized to to have allowed the ferry Sewol to set head of the family that owns the operator of the ferry, nurse on the hospital’s second floor at apparently were already dead when talk to the media, also said that patients off with far more cargo than it could offering a reward of half a million dollars for informa- the time of the blaze, and Jangseong firefighters entered the hospital while it were not bound to beds. safely carry. A fire earlier this week at a tion leading to his capture. — Reuters Fire Department officials said 20 of the was engulfed in black smoke. South The fire comes as South Korea bus terminal near Seoul killed eight patients and the nurse were killed, Korean media including Yonhap news debates long-ignored safety lapses in a people and injured 57. — AP THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Issues Industry gears up to fight Obama’s climate rules

By Roberta Rampton

his summer is likely to see a series of attacks by industry opponents of a US plan to curb Tcarbon emissions from power plants in a bid to stir voter anger ahead of elections in November, when voters in states such as Kentucky and West Irish coalition needs growth more than ever Virginia may determine whether Democrats keep control of the Senate. On Monday, the By Padraic Halpin next year, the coalition’s conundrum could be solved by the could trim another 300 million euros from the adjustment tar- Environmental Protection Agency is expected to less painful half of the equation - GDP growth. Noonan hinted get, department of finance estimates show. While economists propose new rules to crack down on power plant reland’s government needs economic growth, and fast, to on Tuesday that positive tax, spending and employment data polled by Reuters this month see the government hitting its emissions, part of President Barack Obama’s efforts take the sting out of one last bout of austerity that could could give some leeway in October but a shock 2.3 percent fall 2.1 percent forecast, if growth disappoints, as it did last year to combat global climate change. The US Chamber Itopple the coalition. Economic growth has long been seen in GDP in the fourth quarter of last year, the most recent data when the economy contracted by 0.3 percent, the coalition of Commerce will release a report Wednesday ana- as the final piece of the jigsaw for Ireland’s recovery after it available, showed a tentative recovery had yet to make its way could have a problem. lyzing the effect the yet-to-be-announced regula- completed an EU/IMF bailout last year, resumed routine bor- into the annual accounts. Labour, which entered the government on the back of a tions will have on the economy. rowing on bond markets and brought a banking system back “There are still very mixed signals in the economy and the series of panicked pre-election promises it has gone on to from the brink of collapse. But tumbling bond yields - the numbers that matter for budgetary arithmetic, in terms of GDP break, saw its local support crumble to just 7 percent com- Coal industry lobbyists say the new rules will financial markets’ way of applauding Ireland’s fiscal rehabilita- growth, tax revenue, consumer spending and inflation, all pared with a record 19 percent at the parliamentary poll three probably raise household electricity costs, prompt tion by lending more cheaply - meant little at the ballot box need a serious step up to give the government the sort of lee- years ago. It is also under relentless pressure from the surging power brown-outs during heat waves and cold last weekend. way they desire,” said KBC Bank Ireland chief economist Austin opposition Sinn Fein party which is connecting with voters it snaps, and destroy jobs at coal mines and manufac- Voters weary from six years of tough budget cuts delivered Hughes. “But it’s impossible to envisage circumstances in once repelled when it was the political wing of the Irish turing plants. “We fully expect that whatever comes a sharp rebuke at local and European polls, leading to the res- which there would be a budget that would deliver a real feel Republican Army and is sweeping up left-wing votes. out will be overly stringent, and will be something ignation of junior coalition party leader Eamon Gilmore. While good factor to the economy. What we’re talking about is limit- Such strains mean that if the economy allows it, it will be in that is not good for American consumers or busi- finance minister Michael Noonan has so far said he will not be ing pain rather than delivering pleasure.” the coalition’s interests to agree a budget palatable to both nesses,” said Laura Sheehan, spokeswoman for the swayed by pressure from his coalition colleagues, October’s Ä2 parties before they cross their fingers and hope voters begin to American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity. billion ($2.7 billion) austerity budget is now under attack from Compromise Likely feel the effects of the recovery come election time in 2016. In March, Sheehan’s group, which represents members of Gilmore’s Labour party. Data sustained an uneven economic picture on Wednesday, Declaring her candidacy for the leadership of the Labour Party, coal mining companies as well as owners of coal- “I would be absolutely opposed to a 2 billion adjustment in showing demand in Dublin pushed house prices higher last social protection minister and favourite for the position Joan fired plants like American Electric Power and this budget and I think we should fight night and day to stop month and a pick-up in retail sales extended beyond the resur- Burton was also banking on growth, telling reporters that aus- Southern Co, released a report warning that the EPA that from happening,” Arthur Spring, one of eight Labour party gent motor trade, yet average weekly earnings remained lower terity had reached its limits but that Ireland also had to stick to plan might cause retail electricity prices to rise in 29 members who called for Gilmore to quit, told Reuters. “It’s than a year ago. Noonan, and other politicians, will likely have the 3 percent deficit target. states and kill more than 2.85 million jobs. The going to be one of the critical issues that needs to be debated a big red circle around the third Thursday in June when GDP “If Michael Noonan was to hold out against any of the National Mining Association, which represents large before we decide how we’re going to bring the Labour Party data is due out. Monthly tax figures - which were Ä200 million things Labour are going to need, they would absolutely coal mining companies including Peabody Coal Co, forward. If we’re going to be asked to bring in more austerity ahead of target last month - will also be closely watched to see have to use that as an excuse and jump,” said Jane Suiter, Arch Coal Inc, Alpha Natural Resources and Cloud that’s going to affect lower and middle income families, maybe if this year’s deficit goal of 4.8 percent can be bettered to hand politics lecturer in Dublin City University. “But when push Peak Energy Inc has spent $1 million on a radio and that’s a step too far.” the government a head start. comes to shove, they’re likely to find a compromise. I don’t digital campaign in five states depicting shocked With the Fine Gael-led government committed to getting However, as it stands, GDP growth of 2.1 percent is needed think it’s in the interests of whoever will lead the Labour consumers opening expensive electricity bills. the gap between its incomings and outgoings below a this year together with the 2 billion euro austerity package to party to have an election within six months or else the party “Potential EPA regulations on existing power European Union target of 3 percent of gross domestic product cut the deficit. If growth comes in a percentage point higher, it really will be decimated.” — Reuters plants could have far-reaching implications on the American economy,” said Matt Letourneau, a spokesman for the Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is heavily engaged in the rule-making Boko Haram too extreme for Al-Qaeda process and is preparing an aggressive response.” To be sure, because the new US rules will take By Tim Cocks schoolgirls last month, although it garnered the sect worldwide eral Western hostages, is AQIM’s bona fide affiliate in Nigeria, and years to be implemented, the industry’s arguments publicity, will only compound that unease. “The sort of behaviour called itself “Al-Qaeda in the Land Beyond the Sahara” in a video have “the virtue of not being testable” before the hen Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan branded Boko Haram is carrying out doesn’t live up to the standards al with a British and Italian hostage in 2011. Ansaru broke off from midterm elections, said Andrew Holland, a former Boko Haram “Al-Qaeda in West Africa”, it was sure to turn Zawahiri has set,” said Lahoud. “The attacks on civilians and partic- Boko Haram in protest at its killing 186 mostly Muslim civilians in Republican legislative aide who is now an energy Wup the alarm among Western policy-makers, if its kidnap- ularly these girls is not something he would sanction. Boko Haram the medieval Islamic city of Kano in early 2012. analyst at the American Security Project, a nonparti- ping of more than 200 schoolgirls was not enough. Yet while has crossed the line.” When AQIM seized northern Mali in early 2012, its leader san think tank. Holland said the industry has made Jonathan’s remarks, made at a meeting of regional leaders in Paris Abdelmalek Droukdel exhorted its supporters to win the hearts similar arguments for previous EPA rules, arguing this month, hold some truth, analysts say Boko Haram is overall Al-Qaeda in the Sahara and minds of the local population - not provoking them or apply- they would drive up costs. But in those instances, not an Al-Qaeda affiliate in West Africa - nor is it likely to become Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb (AQIM) did have firm links with ing sharia too harshly or quickly. That seems a far cry from Boko the rules have ended up being cheaper than the one. Boko Haram’s own aims remain thoroughly local and its Boko Haram but it is not clear how far this carried on after French Haram’s murderous campaign in northern Nigeria. industry feared, he said. “It turns out that engineers behaviour, especially killing Muslim civilians and kidnapping girls, forces kicked them out of Malian cities last year. They are reported are better at this than the lawyers expect them to runs against the Al-Qaeda leadership’s current thinking. to have given Boko Haram $250,000 in 2012 and trained its mem- What’s in a Name? be,” said Holland. The insurgents’ fight for an Islamic caliphate in Nigeria remains bers in kidnapping as a way to raise further money, Barrett said. Zenn said Jonathan’s claim that Boko Haram was no longer driven largely by domestic factors. It is fast making what is now Though riven by its own internal squabbles, AQIM has focused on just a local threat has some merit - there was a “financial, ideologi- Cost Concern Africa’s largest economy look like a failing state. They could how- strategy sanctioned by Zawahiri and Al-Qaeda headquarters - hit- cal and weapons transfer relationship,” from Al-Qaeda without Industry groups made their concerns clear to ever become a wider international problem down the line, ana- ting high value strategic targets like Algeria’s Amenas gas plant in which Boko Haram could not have got so violent. Jennifer Giroux, regulators. For example, the National Rural Electric lysts say. In Boko Haram’s early days, when it was evolving from a January 2013 and kidnapping Western hostages for money or a Senior Researcher at the Center for Security Studies at ETH Cooperative Association sent three of its experts to clerical movement to a violent insurrection, the leader of one of prisoner swaps. Zurich, said there were broader known links between various a White House meeting to show how not-for-profit several rival factions, Adnan Ibrahim, dubbed it “Al-Qaeda in West For years intelligence officials have tracked visits by small Islamist militant movements in the region. Boko Haram had co-ops that rely on coal for fuel could be pinched Africa”. groups of Boko Haram fighters to Mali, when its desert north was reached a tipping point, she said, with the state so powerless to by the new EPA proposal. “They obviously are con- The label never stuck. Western powers, weary of wars in Iraq being overrun by AQIM, and Niger. In both they met Algerian curb its activities that it could evolve into a regional issue and join cerned about cost,” said Jo Ann Emerson, chief exec- and Afghanistan, therefore took little interest in the group. This brigades of AQIM fighters for training and weapons. The deadly with a global jihad agenda. utive of NRECA, who explained the co-ops provide probably gave Boko Haram breathing space at the beginning, said UN headquarters bombing in August 2011 was the only Boko Even so, some saw Jonathan’s statement as a bid to wash his power to some of the nation’s poorest regions. And Jacob Zenn, a Boko Haram expert at CTC. “If they had called them- Haram attack targeting a Western institution. The suspected mas- hands of a homegrown issue feeding off poverty and unemploy- selves ‘Al-Qaeda in Nigeria’, Boko Haram would have attracted the termind, Maman Nur, had trained with AQIM and Al-Shabaab, ment. “If you paint Boko Haram as an offshoot of a larger interna- some industry coalitions have said they will try to attention of the West,” he said. In his numerous videos, Boko security officials said. tional threat, it gives him some level of excuse for the government work with the EPA and state officials to craft practi- Haram leader Abubakar Shekau talks a lot about local gripes and But there are signs AQIM is not totally comfortable with them. failure to tackle them,” said Ben Payton, Senior Africa Analyst at cal rules rather than flatly oppose them. very little about global jihad, although he has made a few appeals A Boko Haram faction called Ansaru, blamed for the killing of sev- London-based Maplecroft. — Reuters After the EPA first said in 2008 that it would treat to Al-Qaeda in what appears to be no more than lip service. carbon as a pollutant, power companies including “Shekau has several times said that BH (Boko Haram) is part of AES and NRG and manufacturers including Boeing AQ - or aspires to be. So far, there has been no public response and 3M formed the National Climate Coalition. It from the AQ leadership,” said Richard Barrett, an expert on Al- wants the EPA to phase in standards, and eventually Qaeda and former coordinator of the United Nations Al-Qaeda develop rules for companies and states to trade Taleban Monitoring Team. credits for carbon-reducing actions, said Robert Wyman, a partner with law firm Latham & Watkins, ‘Crossed the Line’ who represents the coalition. The coalition will take The Al-Qaeda brand has suffered damage in recent years from at least a week to read and understand the EPA rule increasingly extreme groups who assumed its name with a nod before responding, Wyman said. “Obviously the from founder Osama bin Laden or, since US forces killed him in more politicized the issue becomes, the more likely Pakistan in 2011, his successor Ayman Al-Zawahiri. Their later it is that rhetoric will overshadow some of the tech- inability to control them proved embarrassing. The first mistake nical issues,” he said. — Reuters was Al-Qaeda in Iraq, also called Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), whose brutality against civilians turned an initially supportive Sunni pop- ulation against it from late 2007. Internal correspondence shows Bin Laden - the inspiration All articles appearing on these pages behind the 2001 attacks on the United States - realised by 2010 that killings of civilians by jihadist groups had made them a liabili- are the personal opinion of the writ- ty, said Nelly Lahoud, a professor at the Combating Terrorism ers. Kuwait Times takes no responsibil- Center at West Point. Al-Qaeda broke ties with ISI, which is also ity for views expressed therein. Kuwait fighting in Syria, in February. But al-Zawahiri’s acceptance of Somalia’s Al-Shabaab, who also kill Muslim civilians on a large Times invites readers to voice their scale, shows he was slow to learn from Bin Laden’s mistake, opinions. Please send submissions via Lahoud said. email to: [email protected] or Zawahiri is unlikely to repeat that error with Boko Haram, a group he has never once publicly mentioned. The Egyptian-born via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, cleric last year issued an edict urging Islamist groups not to target Kuwait. The editor reserves the right civilians, as he sought to rein in jihadist elements. The last thing he to edit any submission as necessary. needs is to be seen supporting a group that kills hundreds of Young girls take a ride in an open car boot on a street in the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri - the spiritual Muslim civilians. Boko Haram’s kidnapping of more than 200 home of Boko Haram - on May 24, 2014. — AFP NEWS THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

Lower turnout threatens Sisi...

Continued from Page 1 great Egyptian people have given a new slap to the military coup’s roadmap and... In a country polarised since a popular written the death certificate of the military uprising toppled Hosni Mubarak in 2011, coup,” said its political arm, the Freedom the lower than expected turnout was and Justice Party. linked to political apathy, opposition to “Holding these elections is null and void another military man becoming president, under the military coup ... It cannot be discontent at suppression of freedoms legitimised by elections or in any other among liberal youth, and calls for a boycott way,” said Muslim Brotherhood member by Islamists. The two-day vote was original- Mohamed Abdel Hafeez. “They didn’t get ly due to conclude on Tuesday but was enough votes, so they extended polling extended until 9 pm (1800 GMT) yesterday into a third day,” complained filmmaker to allow the “greatest number possible” to Mohamed Ali Hagar, who said he would vote, state media reported. “The state stay away regardless. “All elections in this searches for a vote,” said a front-page head- country are rigged.” line in privately owned Al-Masry Al-Youm Young secular activists, including those WEST POINT, New York: US President Barack Obama gives the commencement address at the graduation ceremony at newspaper, a newspaper that usually backs who backed Morsi’s ouster, had become the US Military Academy at West Point yesterday. — AFP Sisi. disillusioned with Sisi after many were rounded up in the security crackdown that Electoral Process also restricted protests. “The low turnout is The Democracy International observer a slap in the face for Sisi. I hope he now mission said the decision to extend polling sees that he only has the votes of old Obama: No rush to war raised questions about the integrity of women and men but not us, the youth, Egypt’s electoral process. “Last-minute deci- who are the majority in this country,” said sions about important election procedures, Mohamed Ahmed, 26-year-old employee in WEST POINT, New York: US President Barack maneuvered by strongmen like Russian his decision to call off military strikes on Syria at such as a decision to extend polling by an a private firm in Cairo. Voter turnout may Obama mounted a defiant defense of his global President Vladimir Putin and China’s President Xi the last minute last year to punish chemical additional day, should be made only in have also been down because some leadership yesterday, rebuking critics who see Jinping. weapons strikes. Critics at home and abroad extraordinary circumstances,” said Eric Egyptians who decided Sisi’s victory was a him as weak but warning that not every global “Here’s my bottom line: America must always warned that the decision left dangerous ques- Bjornlund, president of Democracy foregone conclusion saw no point in cast- threat justifies a US military response. In a major lead on the world stage. If we don’t, no one else tions about whether Washington would stand International, in a statement. Sisi’s cam- ing ballots. Others simply did not want to speech at the West Point military academy, will. The military ... is, and always will be, the up to “red lines” elsewhere in the world. paign posted pictures of long lines of vot- vote for another military man after Obama denied US power had ebbed under his backbone of that leadership.” Obama was partic- ers, some waving Egyptian flags and hold- Mubarak. watch, after he withdrew troops from Iraq and as ularly exercised by those who complain he Barrel Bombings ing posters of Sisi. “Come out and raise the he does the same in Afghanistan. should have deployed the US military in Syria or “I would betray my duty to you, and to the flag of your country,” it said on Facebook. More Austerity He also pledged to ramp up support for made a more robust strategic response to country we love, if I sent you into harm’s way A 45-year-old Cairo shopkeeper, who Since he gave a series of television inter- Syrian rebels, vowed to stand up to Russia over Russia’s annexation of Ukraine, or who complain simply because I saw a problem somewhere in gave her name as Samaa, said at a polling views, many Egyptians feel Sisi has not Ukraine and promised to make drone strikes that he has left Iraq or Afghanistan to fend for the world that needed fixing, or because I was station in downtown Cairo she was sup- spelled out a clear vision of how he would against terror suspects more transparent. He themselves. “Tough talk often draws headlines worried about critics who think military inter- porting Sisi. “Our country can now only be tackle Egypt’s challenges, from widespread vowed to hold China accountable to internation- but war rarely conforms to slogans,” Obama said. vention is the only way for America to avoid handled by a military man, we need order.” poverty to an energy crisis and an Islamist al “rules of the road” in the South China Sea and “But US military action cannot be the only, or looking weak,” he told the graduates. Obama has But no long queues could be seen. An army insurgency. Some Brotherhood supporters elsewhere. “To say that we have an interest in even primary, component of our leadership in been under increasing pressure to do more to officer reading a newspaper outside the felt emboldened to speak out, feeling vin- pursuing peace and freedom beyond our bor- every instance. support Syrian rebels battling President Bashar same Cairo polling station said: “You want dicated by the lower turnout. “Now I can ders is not to say that every problem has a mili- “Just because we have the best hammer does al-Assad and offer some relief to civilians reeling to speak with voters? Do you see any vot- say I am a Morsi supporter,” said Ahmed Ali, tary solution,” Obama said. not mean that every problem is a nail,” Obama under strikes including barrel bombings carried ers? I don’t know why they’re not coming, a 28-year-old Cairo shopkeeper. told a graduation ceremony at the college. “And out by the regime. maybe they reject politics.” Unlike the previous election which Backbone of that Leadership because the costs associated with military action “As frustrating as it is, there are no easy Khaled Dawood, a liberal activist, brought Morsi to power and was contested “Since World War II, some of our most costly are so high, you should expect every civilian answers - no military solution that can eliminate accused the electoral commission and the by a dozen candidates, Sisi faces only one mistakes came not from our restraint, but from leader - and especially your commander in chief the terrible suffering anytime soon,” Obama said. government of running a chaotic election. rival now: the leftist Hamdeen Sabahi, our willingness to rush into military adventures - - to be clear about how that awesome power “As president, I made a decision that we should “The feeling is that the result is known in whose campaign rejected the extra day of without thinking through the consequences,” should be used.” not put American troops into the middle of this advance and this kind of festival they were voting. The justice ministry said Egyptians Obama said, in an apparent reference to the Iraq Obama said he was “haunted” by the deaths increasingly sectarian civil war, and I believe that creating for Sisi backfired because people who did not vote would be fined, and train war, which he has branded a disaster. The presi- of American servicemen under his watch - is the right decision. But that does not mean we no longer buy into this propaganda. fares were waived in an effort to boost the dent’s speech came with his foreign policy, including some who attended previous com- shouldn’t help the Syrian people stand up “People in Mubarak’s days did not partici- numbers. Local media loyal to the govern- which was once seen as a political asset, under mencement ceremonies he had given at West against a dictator who bombs and starves his pate because they knew that their vote ment chided the public for not turning out assault from critics who believe he is being out- Point. Obama also made an implicit defense of people.” — AFP wouldn’t make a difference and that is in large enough numbers, and Muslim and what is happening now,” he said. Coptic Christian religious leaders also Despite an official campaign to bring urged people to vote. Indications of a Cabinet reshuffle next term: MP out more voters, Egyptians, many opposed In the Sinai, where Egypt’s most danger- Continued from Page 1 court yesterday delayed until June 22 a ruling on that require a license are not in line with the consti- to Sisi, gave various reasons for their lack of ous militants are based, gunmen killed an certain clauses of the public gatherings law, espe- tution, citing several provisions of the constitution enthusiasm. The Muslim Brotherhood, Egyptian soldier, security sources said. In an Abdulsamad welcomed the Amir’s scheduled cially an article the bans gatherings and demonstra- guaranteeing freedom of association and protest believed to have one million members, has eastern district of Cairo, gunmen opened visit to Iran early next week, saying it will open the tions without a prior license from the Interior provided they are peaceful. rejected the poll, describing it as an exten- fire at an electricity station in what the doors for mending fences between the Islamic Ministry. The issue reached the court through the On the ninth day of registration for the by-elec- sion of the army takeover. The group, loyal electricity ministry called a “terrorist” republic and Gulf Arab states. The lawmaker said court of misdemeanours which is trying a number tions, 17 new candidates filed their nominations to to Morsi, was outlawed by the military as a attack. Egypt is suffering from almost daily any understanding between Iran and Saudi Arabia of opposition activists for taking part in a protest contest the five seats that fell vacant after five for- terrorist group and saw around 1,000 mem- power cuts as the country faces a massive will positively impact the region. without license. The activists’ lawyers have chal- mer MPs resigned. With this, the number of candi- bers killed in a security crackdown.“The energy crunch. — Agencies In another development, the constitutional lenged that the clauses in the public gatherings law dates has reached 105 as registration closes today. THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 SPORTS

Van der Vaart out of WCup Cellino agrees to sell Cagliari Atletico sign forward Correa AMSTERDAM: Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has been ruled out MILAN: Cagliari president Massimo Cellino has agreed to sell the MADRID: Spanish champions Atletico Madrid have agreed to sign teenage for- of the World Cup after the experienced international picked up a calf injury at a Sardinian-based Serie A club to an unnamed United States invest- ward Angel Correa from San Lorenzo in his native Argentina on a five-year con- training camp in Portugal, the Dutch football association KNVB confirmed yes- ment fund, he told the ANSA news agency yesterday. tract pending a medical. “Our club has reached agreement with San Lorenzo on terday. Capped 109 times for his country, the 31-year-old Hamburg midfielder Cellino, who bought control of second-tier English soccer club the transfer of the young Argentine talent,” Atletico said in a statement on their suffered the injury at a training camp for the Brazil tournament on Tuesday Leeds United in April, said it was up to the new owners to fight with website (www.clubatleticodemadrid.com) late on Tuesday. “The young foot- with KNVB saying he was not expected to recover in time to participate in the the local bureaucracy over the club’s stadium. baller is known for his speed, talent and ability, which have made him one of June 12-July 13 finals. “We have reached an agreement and we have drafted a letter of the attacking reference points for his team, for whom he has scored eight goals Van der Vaart sat out training on Monday because of a fever before con- intent providing for their entry into the company,” Cellino told ANSA this season,” added the Champions League runners-up. ducting a individual session on Tuesday while the rest of his team mates were in Miami after the meeting. “Now, they are the ones who will have to Atletico are facing a summer of transition after a sensational season when preparing to leave the Algarve at the end of the camp. It was during fight against the bureaucracy... I hope they don’t do to them what they won their first La Liga title in 18 years and lost to city rivals Real Madrid in this session that he was injured but the extent of the tear only they’ve done to me.” the final of Europe’s elite club competition. Several players who have confirmed after medical examination in Amsterdam yesterday. Cellino, who took over Cagliari in 1992, has spent the last three impressed under Argentine coach Diego Simeone, including top The former Ajax, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder years battling local authorities over a stadium for the club. Cagliari scorer Diego Costa, midfielders Koke and Arda Turan and defender competed at the last two World Cup finals and was expected to a left the dilapidated municipal Sant’Elia ground during the 2011/12 Miranda, were targets for wealthier clubs, according to Spanish play a major role for the team in Brazil. His injury means the season after a disagreement with local authorities. media. Correa, 19, who hails from Lionel Messi’s home town of Dutch have lost two key midfielders in the run-up to the For 2012/13, they moved to the small Is Arenas stadium, which Rosario, has helped favourites San Lorenzo reach the Libertadores tournament with Roma’s Kevin Strootman ruled out in had previously hosted third tier matches in the 1980s, but had trou- Cup semi-finals, which will be held after the conclusion of March through a serious knee injury.—Reuters ble from the outset.—Reuters the World Cup finals in Brazil in July.—Reuters

Cardinals blank Yankees

ST. LOUIS: Lance Lynn threw a five-hit Hudson on the mound. shutout in his first career complete game and the St. Louis Cardinals got home runs RED SOX 6, BRAVES 3 from Allen Craig and Matt Holliday in a 6-0 Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a two-run single victory over the New York Yankees on during a four-run rally in the seventh Tuesday night. inning and Boston beat Atlanta in the latest Holliday and Matt Adams had three hits comeback following its longest losing and an RBI apiece and Craig drove in two streak in 20 years. runs in the interleague matchup. The Dustin Pedroia had three hits and Grady Cardinals have won 10 of 13, shaking off a Sizemore had two, along with a go-ahead 12-inning loss in the series’ opener, and groundout in the seventh inning of the ended the Yankees’ three-game road win- interleague contest. The Red Sox snapped ning streak that matched their best of the their 10-game losing streak on Monday, year. overcoming a five-run deficit to top Atlanta David Phelps (1-2) pitched in his home- 8-6. Jon Lester (5-6) snapped a personal town for the first time and allowed three two-game losing streak by giving up three earned runs in six innings. Two infield runs on eight hits and three walks in six errors contributed to two unearned runs in innings. Koji Uehara retired the Braves in the Cardinals’ breakout four-run third. order in the ninth for his 11th save. Braves Derek Jeter got a standing ovation starter Aaron Harang left with a 3-2 lead before each at-bat, just like in the opener. after the sixth. Anthony Varvaro (1-1) took He was 0 for 3 with a walk. Lynn (6-2) struck the loss. out two and walked three, topping his pre- vious career best of eight innings on April METS 4, PIRATES 2 25, 2012, at Chicago against the Cubs. Juan Lagares drove in two runs, Vic Black gave the bullpen a boost and New York DODGERS 6, REDS 3 finally managed some timely hits in its first Andre Ethier drove in Los Angeles’ first game with a new batting coach. four runs with a homer and a bases-loaded Daniel Murphy doubled twice and light- triple, and Zack Greinke equaled a season hitting Ruben Tejada reached base all four high with 11 strikeouts. times up to help the Mets win for only the Greinke (8-1) allowed three runs, eight fourth time in 13 games. The victory came TORONTO: Blue Jays Jose Reyes dives to first after leading off the base during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays. —AP hits and no walks in 7 2-3 innings. The 2009 one day after hitting coach Dave Hudgens AL Cy Young Award winner was lifted after was fired and replaced by Lamar Johnson, giving up a two-run homer by Devin who had been New York’s minor league hit- Mesoraco on his 104th pitch - ending ting coordinator. Black (1-0) got four big Rays fall to Blue Jays Greinke’s streak of 22 consecutive starts in outs in his first major league outing this which he had allowed fewer than three season, and Jenrry Mejia pitched two earned runs. It was the longest such streak innings for his fourth save. TORONTO: Mark Buehrle became the first nine- debut on May 3. Ernesto Frieri pitched the ninth game losing streak. since the dead-ball era. With a runner on, Curtis Granderson game winner in the majors, while Edwin for his seventh save. Hughes allowed three runs and eight hits in Kenley Jansen followed J.P. Howell out made an outstanding catch in the right- Encarnacion and Adam Lind hit back-to-back Smoak led off the fourth inning with his sev- seven innings. Glen Perkins (2-0) pitched a score- of the bullpen and pitched a perfect ninth field corner for the second out of the ninth. home runs as the Toronto Blue Jays extended enth home run for Seattle, which had won five of less ninth for the victory, stranding Alex Rios for his 16th save. Alfredo Simon (6-3) threw Mejia then walked Andrew McCutchen and their winning streak to eight games, beating the the last six meetings between the teams this after a leadoff triple. 70 pitches in 3 2-3 innings, giving up five retired Mets nemesis Gaby Sanchez on a Tampa Bay Rays 9-6 on Tuesday night. season. runs, five hits and four walks. game-ending grounder. Starling Marte hit Juan Francisco also homered for the AL East- Roenis Elias (3-4) allowed five runs and eight ASTROS 3, ROYALS 0 a two-run single for Pittsburgh. Jeanmar leading Blue Jays, who have won 13 of 15 and hits in 6 1-3 innings. The five earned runs were Collin McHugh held light-hitting Kansas City BREWERS 7, ORIOLES 6 Gomez (0-2) threw two the Pirates four wild are 19-7 in May. Buehrle (9-1) allowed four runs, the most the Mariners rookie has allowed in his at bay over seven innings, and Houston earned Pitcher Yovani Gallardo delivered a pitches. three earned, and eight hits in 6 2-3 innings. 11 career starts. its first four-game winning streak since last pinch-hit double that drove home the win- Casey Janssen finished for his eighth save in September. ning run with two outs in the 10th inning, PADRES 4, DIAMONDBACKS 3 eight chances. TWINS 4, RANGERS 3 The Astros own the worst record in the AL, foiling Baltimore’s strategy and sending Tommy Medica hit a tiebreaking solo Encarnacion connected for the 14th time in Texas closer Joakim Soria bobbled a slow- but have won four in a row on the road for the Milwaukee to victory. homer in the eighth inning and Eric Stults May, matching Jose Bautista’s team record for bouncing ball hit by Minnesota’s Danny Santana first time since taking six straight away from With the pitcher’s spot on deck and pitched six effective innings for San Diego. home runs in a month. Bautista hit 14 homers in to the left of the mound with two outs and the Minute Maid Park last May 29-June 3. knowing Milwaukee was out of position Stults was sharp early before giving up a June 2012. Sean Rodriguez had three RBIs for bases loaded in the ninth inning, allowing the Houston rookie George Springer’s homer players, the Orioles intentionally walked couple of runs that allowed Arizona to tie the Rays, who lost their second straight follow- winning run to score. streak ended at four games. He hit two flyballs to Mark Reynolds with two outs and no one the game at 3-all. Medica had a run-scoring ing a season-best four-game winning streak. The day began ominously for the Rangers the warning track and finished 1 for 4. on base in the 10th. single in San Diego’s three-run third inning Rays right-hander Alex Cobb (1-2) allowed six when star pitcher Yu Darvish was scratched from Matt Dominguez hit an RBI single in the Brewers manager Ron Roenicke sent up and lined a solo homer to left off Evan runs and nine hits in five innings. his scheduled start with stiffness in his neck. Fill- fourth and Houston tacked on two more runs off Gallardo - a starting pitcher who was 1 for Marshall (2-1) in the eighth to put the in Scott Baker gave up three hits over six innings reliever Tim Collins in the eighth. McHugh (3-3) 14 this season - to bat for reliever Francisco Padres back up. TIGERS 6, ATHLETICS 5 and Chris Gimenez hit a tiebreaking two-out RBI scattered five hits while striking out nine with- Rodriguez (2-1). Gallardo then drove a 2-0 Kevin Quackenbush (1-1) pitched 1 2-3 Pinch-runner Rajai Davis scored on Austin single in the sixth off Phil Hughes. out issuing a walk to earn his first win in five pitch from T.J. McFarland (0-1) to deep cen- innings for his first win in the majors after Jackson’s fielder’s choice groundout in the But Soria (1-2) took his first blown save in starts. Kansas City right-hander Jeremy Guthrie ter field to win it. The Brewers blew an early giving up a walkoff homer the night before eighth inning to help Detroit halt a three-game nine chances with a shaky ninth inning patched (2-4) allowed one run and seven hits in six 5-0 lead, but tied it at 6 with two outs in the and Huston Street worked a perfect ninth losing streak. together by the Twins, who ended their four- innings.—AP ninth on an infield single by Jonathan for his 15th straight save. Wade Miley had a JD Martinez drew a one-out walk off Oakland Lucroy. career-high 11 strikeouts in seven innings reliever Fernando Abad (0-2). Davis was brought and Martin Prado homered for Arizona. in to run and the speedy outfielder took second MLB results/standings GIANTS 4, CUBS 0 on a passed ball. He then stole third when A’s Tim Hudson turned in another vintage ROCKIES 6, PHILLIES 2 catcher Derek Norris was throwing the ball back Colorado 6, Philadelphia 2; Toronto 9, Tampa Bay 6; Boston 6, Atlanta 3; NY Mets 4, Pittsburgh 2; Chicago White Sox 2, performance to start this season, tossing Wilin Rosario hit a go-ahead, three-run to Abad. After Luke Gregerson replaced Abad, Cleveland 1; Houston 3, Kansas City 0; Milwaukee 7, Baltimore 6 (10 Innings); Minnesota 4, Texas 3; St. Louis 6, NY seven scoreless innings to lead San homer and Jorge De La Rosa pitched six Yankees 0; San Diego 4, Arizona 3; Detroit 6, Oakland 5; LA Angels 6, Seattle 4; LA Dodgers 6, Cincinnati 3; San Jackson hit a sharp grounder to Oakland short- Francisco 4, Chicago Cubs 0. Francisco past Chicago. strong innings to lift Colorado to victory. stop Jed Lowrie, but the A’s were unable to turn Hudson (5-2) allowed six hits, struck out Drew Stubbs went 2 for 4 with a double the double play and Davis raced home with the American League National League five and walked none. The 38-year-old has and an RBI for the Rockies, who had lost go-ahead run. Eastern Division Eastern Division W L PCT GB allowed two earned runs or fewer in nine of four of five while being outscored 16-0 in Miguel Cabrera and Torii Hunter homered for Atlanta 28 23 .549 - his 10 starts, and he has pitched at least their two previous games. Toronto 31 22 .585 - Miami 27 25 .519 1.5 the Al Central-leading Tigers. John Jaso homered NY Yankees 27 24 .529 3 seven innings eight times. Ben Revere hit his first career homer in Washington 25 26 .490 3 for the A’s. Al Albuquerque (2-1) pitched one Baltimore 26 24 .520 3.5 NY Mets 23 28 .451 5 Buster Posey drove in two runs, and his 1,466th at-bat, and Darin Ruf also went inning for the win and Joe Nathan worked the Tampa Bay 23 30 .434 8 Michael Morse and Pablo Sandoval singled deep for the Phillies. The start of the game Philadelphia 22 27 .449 5 ninth for his 12th save in 15 tries. Boston 22 29 .431 8 Central Division home a run each to help the Giants (33-19) was delayed 1 hour, 22 minutes due to rain. Central Division Milwaukee 31 22 .585 - Detroit 29 19 .604 - hold on to the best record in the majors. De La Rosa (6-3) continued his strong ANGELS 6, MARINERS 4 St. Louis 29 23 .558 1.5 Chicago White Sox 27 27 .500 5 Jeremy Affeldt pitched a perfect eighth and stretch, allowing one run and six hits with Jered Weaver gave up three runs over six Pittsburgh 23 28 .451 7 Jean Machi pitched a perfect ninth to close four strikeouts and two walks. The left-han- innings for his fifth win in six starts and C.J. Cron Minnesota 24 25 .490 5.5 Kansas City 24 27 .471 6.5 Cincinnati 22 28 .440 7.5 out the Cubs, who will try again to win their der is 6-0 with a 1.58 ERA in his last seven homered to lead Los Angeles. Weaver (6-3) gave Chicago Cubs 19 31 .380 10.5 first road series since last September in starts. Cleveland 24 29 .453 7.5 up seven hits and a walk while striking out five. Western Division Western Division Wednesday’s finale. Philadelphia starter Cole Hamels (1-3) Weaver has lasted at least six innings in nine of Oakland 31 21 .596 - San Francisco 33 19 .635 - Jake Arrieta (1-1) gave up four runs and left after the seventh, giving up four runs his 11 starts this season, and this was the first LA Angels 29 22 .569 1.5 LA Dodgers 29 24 .547 4.5 seven hits in six innings. He struck out six and three hits with four strikeouts and two time in eight outings he allowed more than two Texas 26 26 .500 5 Colorado 28 24 .538 5 and walked one but got no support with walks.—AP runs. Cron led off the seventh inning with his Seattle 25 26 .490 5.5 San Diego 24 29 .453 9.5 third homer since making his major league Houston 21 32 .396 10.5 Arizona 21 33 .389 13 Captain Read returns for Crusaders

NEW ZEALAND: All Blacks number this year and will go into the match eight Kieran Read will return to boasting eight wins, the same num- Super Rugby action for the ber as their hosts. Read’s return in Canterbury Crusaders tomorrow place of Luke Whitelock, who after six weeks on the sidelines with moves onto the bench, is the only concussion and flu. change to the team that beat the The 2013 IRB Player of the Year, Otago Highlanders by the narrow- who sustained the concussion est of margins last week to go top against the Waikato Chiefs on April of the New Zealand conference. 19, will captain the seven-times The Crusaders have lost three of champions in their match against their five matches at home this sea- the Western Force in Christchurch. son and coach Todd Blackadder The 28-year-old has been train- called on the crowd to make plenty ing with the All Blacks in prepara- of noise as the team bids for a victo- tion for the June series against ry in their last outing before the England and will be out to prove his international break. “We are up match fitness ahead of Sunday’s against another very tough team announcement of the squad for the this week and this win is so impor- three tests. tant for both of us,” he said in a The Crusaders would usually be statement. “So we need to make the odds on favorites to beat the Force most of every advantage we’ve got, ST. LOUIS: Cardinals starting pitcher Lance Lynn throws during the ninth inning of a but the Perth-based outfit have and the home crowd is one of the baseball game against the New York Yankees. —AP been the surprise of Super Rugby big ones.”—Reuters Kieran Read THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 SPORTS

World Series of Poker Photo of the day kicks off in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS: The 45th Annual World Series different countries and has a ripple effect of Poker kicked off seven weeks of play in on hotel, restaurant and entertainment Las Vegas on Tuesday, promising the tour- business in the city. nament champion at least $10 million and Some 30 percent of participants hail enticing tens of thousands of players with a from Nevada and California, and 74 percent prize pool estimated at $200 million. are from the United States. The rest come The 65-event series at the Rio resort from abroad, with large pockets from begins with a $500 casino employees’ Canada, Australia and Europe. game, a sort of warm-up for organizers, and Ninety-four percent of participants are will culminate July 5 with the start of the male, and the average player age is 38. “It’s No-Limit Hold’em Main Event. That event a very mentally tiring game, which is why narrows the playing field to nine people you see this kind of younger age demo- over the course of 10 days before finalists graphic,” said series spokesman Seth break for several months and reunite in Palansky. The tournament has been boost- November for the finals. ed by the expansion of online poker, which An estimated 80,000 players will enter gives players a less-intimidating space in the tournament, and organizers expect which to learn and practice their game. they’ll cross the $200 million prize give- Online play also moves faster than the in- away threshold for only the second time in person game, giving players more experi- their history. Last year, the World Series of ence more quickly. Poker gave out $197 million in prize mon- “It’s totally built the numbers that we ey. This year’s tournament includes a $1 have,” Palansky said. At any given time in million charity buy-in game held every oth- the next seven weeks, 5,000 players might er year. Capped at 56 players, the June 29 be sitting at the tournament’s poker tables event typically attracts poker professionals at the Rio. Events - which have buy-in levels and amateurs used to making high-stakes as low as $500 - average about 1,300 play- bets. About 10 percent of the proceeds will ers each. benefit The One Drop Foundation, a non- Winners of each event take home the profit created by Cirque du Soleil founder signature WSOP gold bracelet. Last year’s Guy Laliberte and dedicated to providing top poker player, Michigan native Ryan clean water to developing countries. Other Riess, outlasted 6,351 players to win his niche contests include a senior event for title and $8.4 million at the age of 23. players age 50 and up, and a women-only Players to watch this year include game. Conceived as an event to attract Canada native Daniel Negreanu, the reign- tourists to Las Vegas as the weather heats ing WSOP Player of the Year. Negreanu pre- up and convention activity slows down, the viously took the title in 2004 and is the first series draws players from more than 100 to win the coveted ranking twice.—AP The Red Bull Extreme Sailing Team performs during day 4 at the Extreme Sailing Series Act 3 in Qingdao, China. — www.redbull.com England thrash Sri Lanka

MANCHESTER: Chris Jordan led England’s attack as they bowled out Sri Lanka for just 67 on the way to completing a crushing 10-wicket win in the third one-day international at Old Trafford yesterday. The Sussex paceman took a career-best five wickets for 29 runs as England, after fit-again captain Alastair Cook won the toss in overcast conditions, dismissed Sri Lanka in just 24 overs. Cook (30 not out) and Ian Bell (41 not out), then made easy work of their meagre target, although left-hander Cook was dropped on 12 at square leg by Sachitra Senanayake. Bell finished the day/night match with a straight six off left-arm spinner Rangana Herath as England, now 2-1 up in this five-match series, hit back just three days after being bowled out MONTREAL: Max Pacioretty No. 67 of the Montreal Canadiens plays the puck against for 99 during Sri Lanka’s 157-run win at Chester- Kevin Klein No. 8 of the New York Rangers during Game Five of the Eastern le-Street. Conference Final in the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. —AFP “The lads came out firing, desperate to prove a point today, and we did that,” Cook told Sky Sports. “When we got the chance Jords really hit Canadiens defeat Rangers the mark,” explained the left-handed opener, who missed the second ODI with a groin strain. NEW YORK: Rene Bourque scored a hat- ended with Montreal leading 5-4. The Jordan added: “It was really emphatic today trick as the Montreal Canadiens beat the Canadiens, who lost the first two games of and, after we lost at Durham, we wanted to fight New York Rangers 7-4 in a high-scoring the series at home, extended their lead to back hard. We were surprised at how quickly we thriller on Tuesday to stay alive in the 4-1 early in the second period when Max won but we’re happy. “Playing international National Hockey League’s Eastern Pacioretty then Bourque both scored. cricket fires me up and it was nice to get one MANCHESTER: England’s Ian Bell plays shot off the bowling of Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga dur- Conference finals. “Rene Bourque played a great game. He over on them today.” ing their One Day International cricket match at Old Trafford cricket ground.—AP Needing to win to avoid elimination in was a force out there, you know?” said Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews slammed a well-judged catch. Sangakkara was caught the way to surpassing his previous best of three the best-of-seven series, the Canadiens Canadiens’ head coach Michel Therrien. his side’s top order, saying: “The poor shot selec- behind off Jordan and the Sussex star then had for 25 in England’s series-opening 81-run win won a wild and ill-tempered Game Five to “He’s a very good scorer, so definitely that tion was the main reason why we only got 67.” Dinesh Chandimal taken at short extra-cover by against Sri Lanka at The Oval last week. The exit reduce the deficit to 3-2 and retain some was a great performance by him.” However, he added: “The English team is hard Bell. of Mathews was the cue for a flurry of wickets, hope of reaching the Stanley Cup finals for New York coach Alain Vigneault took the to beat on home soil but I’ve got the team to do But it was off-spinner James Tredwell who, that included a direct hit run out by Ravi Bopara. the first time in 21 years. unusual step of replacing Lundqvist, who it.” Kumar Sangakkara top-scored for Sri Lanka with his first ball, took the prize wicket of Barbados-born Jordan, 25, appropriately The next game will be today with the allowed four goals from 14 shots, with Cam with 13 in an innings where the only other bats- Jayawardene when the right-hander was plumb wrapped up proceedings when he had last man eventual winner to play either the Los Talbot and the visitors responded with men to make it into double figures were Mahela lbw on the back foot. Lasith Malinga lbw for two. The series continues Angeles Kings or the Chicago Blackhawks three goals in a four and a half minute blitz. Jayawardene (12) and Mathews (11). Mathews was then caught behind off Jordan, at Lord’s on Saturday before concluding at for the NHL championship. “I pulled him because I thought at that time The tourists lost their last six wickets for nine who in his 12th match at this level was well on Edgbaston on June 3.—AFP “Sometimes it seems that wherever we needed a little momentum shift, and I runs in six overs. Sri Lanka’s total was their third you’re going the puck seems to be follow- thought it might catch everybody’s atten- lowest at this level, following the 43 they made ing you,” said Bourque. “My linemates did a tion,” Vigneault said. against South Africa at Paarl in 2012 and 55 SCOREBOARD great job of getting the puck to me and we “It did for a while but obviously it didn’t against the West Indies at Sharjah in 1986. had a lot of shots on net.” work out.” Rick Nash started the comeback It was also their lowest in England, with their MANCHESTER: Kingdom: Final scoreboard in the third one-day international between England and Sri Lanka at Montreal got off to a flying start on with a power play goal then Stepan beat previous worst in the country also coming at Old Old Trafford yesterday: home ice when Canadiens forward Alex Canadiens’ goalie Dustin Tokarski, who Trafford when, as a non-Test nation, they made Sri Lanka 60 (Mathews), 7-65 (Priyanjan), 8-65 (Kulasekara), 9-65 Galchenyuk tipped in a slap shot from PK made 23 saves, and Kreider scored his sec- 86 against eventual champions the West Indies L. Thirimanne c Buttler b Anderson 7 (Senanayake), 10-67 (Malinga) Subban to score inside the first two min- ond off a power-play when Plekanec was at the inaugural World Cup in 1975. T. Dilshan c Buttler b Anderson 2 Bowling: Anderson 7-2-10-2 (1w); Gurney 6-1-23-0; utes from a power-play after New York’s penalised for diving. Heavy cloud cover favored England’s attack K. Sangakkara c Buttler b Jordan 13 Jordan 8-0-29-5 (3w); Tredwell 3-1-2-2 Chris Kreider was sent to the penalty box But Montreal regained control when but conditions alone could not explain how Sri M. Jayawardene lbw b Tredwell 12 for tripping. Bourque scored late in the second period Lanka were bowled out on Wednesday with a D. Chandimal c Bell b Jordan 6 England A. Mathews c Buttler b Jordan 11 That goal set the tone for a chaotic then early in the third as New York’s frustra- mammoth 26 overs remaining. A. Cook not out 30 A. Priyanjan run out (Bopara) 2 slugfest between the two Original Six rivals tions boiled over. James Anderson, on his Lancashire home I. Bell not out 41 with the Rangers levelling the game mid- John Moore was given a five-minute N. Kulasekara c Tredwell b Jordan 5 ground, got England going with an opening S. Senanayake c sub (Woakes) b Tredwell 0 Extras (w2) 2 way through the opening period when major penalty for elbowing Dale Weise that burst of two wickets for no runs in five balls, with R. Herath not out 0 Total (0 wkts, 12.1 overs) 73 Derek Stepan, who was recalled despite could lead to a possible suspension before both Tillakaratne Dilshan and Lahiru Thirimanne L. Malinga lbw b Jordan 2 Did not bat: J Root, G Ballance, E Morgan, R Bopara, J suffering a broken jaw in Game Three, scor- Montreal’s David Desharnais finished off caught behind by his county colleague Jos Extras (lb3, w4) 7 Buttler, C Jordan, H Gurney, J Anderson, J Tredwell ing from a wrist shot. the scoring with an empty netter less than Buttler. Total (all out, 24 overs) 67 Bowling: Kulasekara 3-0-14-0 (2w); Malinga 3-0-13-0; The Habs regained the lead two minutes five minutes from the end. “The league will Dilshan was undone by an especially good Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Dilshan), 2-13 (Thirimanne), 3-32 Herath 3.1-0-29-0; Senanayake 1-0-8-0; Priyanjan 2-0-9-0 later when Tomas Plekanec snapped a shot do what it has to do. I think he was penal- delivery which cut back into him, Buttler taking (Sangakkara), 4-45 (Chandimal), 5-58 (Jayawardene), 6- Result: England won by 10 wickets. past New York’s unsighted goaltender ized on the ice,” Vigneault said. “John is defi- Henrik Lundqvist to end the first period 2-1 nitely not the type of player to try to hurt in front. There were six goals, three from someone, but it was a late hit and it was each team, in a crazy second period that the right call on the ice.”—Reuters Gambhir recalled for England Test tour

MUMBAI: Opener Gautam Gambhir was named in England since 1959, has struggled in tests were also rested for the series along with Dhoni, in an 18-man squad announced yesterday for an abroad in recent years and was blanked 4-0 on Virat Kohli, Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja, upcoming Test series in England. its last tour of England in 2011. Mohammad Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The left-handed Gambhir, who last played India play two warm-up three-day games in The matches of the India-Bangladesh one-day tests for India during a home series against England before the five-match test series. The series will be played in Mirpur on June 15, 17 England in December 2012, is seen as a backup tests will be played at Trent Bridge (July 9-13), and 19. for regular openers Murali Vijay and Shikhar Lord’s (July 17-20), The Rose Bowl (July 27-31), Dhawan. Old Trafford (Aug. 7-11) and Kennington Oval India squads The 32-year-old Gambhir, who has scored (Aug. 15-19.) For England Test series: Murali Vijay, Shikhar 4,021 runs in 54 tests with 11 centuries, is one of India will also play five one-dayers and a Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir, Cheteshwar Pujara, only three in the squad to have played test one-off Twenty20 game during the tour, the Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, cricket in England before. Dhoni and pace team for which will be announced later. India Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Wriddhiman bowler Ishant Sharma are the other two with also named a 15-member squad led by Suresh Saha, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, test experience in England. Raina for a short three-match one-day series in Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishwar Ishant is the most experienced in a six-man Bangladesh from June 15-17. Pandey, Ishant Sharma, Stuart Binny, Varun pace attack which is without experienced left- Raina, who had failed to make the cut for Aaron, Pankaj Singh. armer Zaheer Khan, who suffered a shoulder India’s last one-day assignment - the Asia Cup in For Bangladesh ODI series: Robin Uthappa, injury recently. There is also a seam bowling all- Bangladesh - was named captain amid specula- Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ambati rounder in Stuart Binny, who has been picked in tion that either batsman Rohit Sharma or off- Rayudu, Suresh Raina (captain), Manoj Tiwary, CORSICA: The sailing boat Eileen races during the 12th edition of the Regates a test squad for the first time. spinner Ravichandran Ashwin would lead a sec- Kedar Jadhav, Wriddhiman Saha, Amit Mishra, Imperiales sailing race in Ajaccio’s bay, off the French Mediterranean Island of The Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led squad, which ond-string side. Parvez Rasool, Akshar Patel, Vinay Kumar, Corsica. In the background is the sailing boat Oiseau de Feu. —AFP will be playing India’s first five-match test series But as it turned out, Sharma and Ashwin Umesh Yadav, Stuart Binny, Mohit Sharma.—AP THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 SPORTS

‘Globetrotter’ reaches end of the road at World Cup

BOGOTA: Colombia goalkeeper Faryd year-old David Ospina, who plays for group games, Colombia lost 1-0 to between returning to Colombia in 2011, France for two years and ordered to pay Mondragon will make history when he Nice in the French championship. Romania and 1-0 to Tunisia but Mondragon has played for clubs in a 300,000 euro fine. turns 43 on June 21 as he will become It is not certain he will get a game in Mondragon became a hero for a series Paraguay, Argentina, Spain, Turkey, The Colombian’s career did not end the oldest player to be part of any World Brazil-Colombia start in Group C against of spectacular saves against the likes of Germany and the United States. though. He played with Galatasaray in Cup finals squad. Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan - but the David Beckham that limited England to Mondragon spent 10 months with Metz Turkey from 2001 until 2007, then for Mondragon’s amazing football jour- hunger to play remains. a 2-0 win. At the end of the game in in the French first division, helping them Cologne in Germany for three years and ney has seen him appear in six World If he gets a game, Mondragon will be Lens, Mondragon broke down in tears to avoid relegation. Philadelphia Union in the United States Cup qualifying campaigns and play for older than Roger Milla, the Cameroon and had to be consoled by his England Sylvain Kastendeuch, the team cap- before going back to Cali. 11 clubs in seven countries. legend, who took part in the 1994 World counterpart David Seaman. tain of the time, told Le Monde newspa- “This call up to the national squad There has been no shortage of emo- Cup in the United States at the age of 42 Mondragon started his career with per that Mondragon “had an unortho- has given me an extra dose of oxygen,” tion, but Mondragon insisted: “I am years and 39 days. Deportivo Cali in Colombia and it is the dox style and saved shots from every Mondragon said after Colombia coach proud to reach a World Cup at my age. He will also break the 12-year record club he probably finished his career position.” JosÈ Pekerman named him in the Today I feel happier than when I was first for the gap between two World Cups with. His last game for them was on April However, his career in France was national squad. called for the United States” in 1994 contested, held by Alfred Bickel of 20. “To the football family across brought to an abrupt halt by the French “He said that he knew that I was older where he was understudy to Oscar Switzerland who played at the 1938 and Colombia, a thousand thanks for all the judicial system. In April, 2001, a Paris than the other players but that he need- Cordoba. 1950 World Cups. love and respect,” he posted on his court found Mondragon guilty of using a ed to bring in someone with experience, Mondragon, who was born to a Mondragon was in the squad for the Twitter account after the game. false Greek passport to be able to play in someone who could bring a lot of things Colombian father and Lebanese mother, 1994 tournament, but made his name at He added that it was not a farewell, Europe. Along with two South American to the group, and I was delighted to will start the World Cup as reserve to 25- the 1998 World Cup in France. In their but probably his last “official” game. In players he was banned from entering accept,” Mondragon added.—AFP

Nike and Adidas get personal in battle over soccer World Cup BERLIN: US sportswear group Nike is bank- ADIDAS ON THE RUN ing on its sponsorship of more of the Adidas, which has long dominated the world’s best-known soccer stars than market for soccer boots, shirts and balls, is Adidas in its battle to overtake the German facing a fierce challenge from Nike, the firm as the sport’s top-selling brand at its world’s biggest sportswear company that World Cup this summer. has only been a serious player in soccer for Nike has signed six of the 10 most mar- the last 20 years. ketable footballers in the world, to just While Adidas has supplied the match three for Adidas and one for smaller ball for the World Cup since 1970 and has German brand Puma, according to a new extended its sponsorship of the competi- ranking by sports marketing research tion to 2030, Nike is for the first time kitting group Repucom published yesterday. out more teams - 10 out of 32 finalists - Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, sponsored including hosts and favourites Brazil. by Nike, tops the Repucom ranking, with “Nike’s sponsorship of the host’s nation- almost 84 percent of people around the al football team alone gives it a massive world saying they recognise the Real competitive edge,” said Euromonitor ana- Madrid striker, helping to sell over one mil- lyst Magdalena Kondej, predicting it would lion shirts with his name on the back in allow the US firm to extend its share of the 2013. Brazilian sportswear market from 12.1 per- In second place is Lionel Messi of cent now, with Adidas currently only on 5.5 Argentina, front man for the Adidas cam- percent. paign who scores 76 percent global aware- Adidas, which is supplying nine teams ness according to Repucom - his mar- including reigning champions Spain, as ketability little dented by a mixed run of well as Argentina and Germany, expects to form for Barcelona this season. make a record 2 billion euros ($2.7 billion) The appeal of the extrovert Ronaldo, from football this year, still exceeding Nike’s who took the crown as the world’s best $2 billion of soccer turnover. player from Messi in January, is helped by “Football is the DNA of our company. We his use of Twitter, where he has 26 million want to clearly show that we are number followers to just two million for the more one in football,” Adidas Chief Executive retiring Argentine. Herbert Hainer told journalists last week. Ronaldo probably helps sell shirts even Hainer acknowledged that Adidas faced when he isn’t wearing one - he poses nude a “head-to-head” race with Nike in the soc- on the cover of the latest Spanish Vogue cer shoe market, but predicted Adidas with his model girlfriend Irina Shayk - would still sell 2 million pairs of special FRANCE: France’s forward Loic Remy (left) vies with Norway’s Valon Berisha during a friendly football match between France and Norway at the though the branding benefits are shared as World Cup boots and significantly more Stade de France in Saint-Denis near Paris. —AFP Adidas sponsors Real Madrid. balls than at the last World Cup in 2010. “While it is primarily about performance Nike believes it has already overtaken on the pitch, a player’s appeal is about a Adidas in boots, including in its rival’s Giroud scores twice as whole range of variables. With a footballer, home market Germany. While Adidas will you see everything, on the pitch and off be supplying the German kit, many of the the pitch, week in, week out,” said Repucom country’s top players now wear Nike boots, founder Paul Smith. with nine members of the team that start- France defeat Norway “Athletes like Ronaldo have something ed against Poland this month sporting unique that if you could bottle it and sell it, Nike. However, Hainer dismissed sugges- PARIS: Striker Olivier Giroud scored twice and in Group E and will face Ecuador, Honduras and ting the ball back a fraction behind the Arsenal you would do nothing else.” Nike tries to do tions Adidas had not signed the right stars, winger Mathieu Valbuena set up three goals as Switzerland. “It’s about getting players used to forward, and Ruffier kept out an effort from right just that with a glitzy ad featuring Ronaldo saying 14 of the 27 members of the France began its World Cup preparation in fine our system, players who may play in a slightly back Tom Hogli as Norway went close in the - and Shayk - in which boys playing football German squad would be wearing boots style with a 4-0 win against Norway on Tuesday. different way for their clubs,” Deschamps said, 43rd with a race chance. in the local park end up scoring a penalty with Adidas’ trademark three stripes. Paul Pogba headed France into the lead in looking ahead to the next two matches. Giroud made it 2-0 in the 51st, taking down a in a huge stadium against their heroes, Meanwhile, Puma, whose only player in the 15th minute and, after France’s performance Deschamps rested striker Karim Benzema, high ball from Valbuena and cutting inside including others from the Repucom top 10 the Repucom top 10 is former France strik- had dropped in intensity, Giroud got things winger Franck Ribery and goalkeeper Hugo defender Martin Linnes in one smooth move- such as England’s Wayne Rooney and er Thierry Henry, is resorting to a stunt to going early in the second half with an expertly- Lloris, with Stephane Ruffier making his second ment before flicking a rising shot into the top Brazil’s Neymar. attract attention: it has persuaded players taken goal. Substitute Loic Remy scored shortly appearance in goal for France. corner. Adidas has retaliated with a new ad such as Italy’s maverick Mario Balotelli, after he coming on, and Giroud rounded off a Norway goalkeeper Orjan Haskjold Nyland France’s third goal saw right back Mathieu launched last Saturday which shows Messi Marco Reus of Germany and Cesc Fabregas good night for coach Didier Deschamps’ team was busy from the start. He tipped over Antoine Debuchy releasing his Newcastle teammate dreaming about his rivals such as Bastian of Spain to wear one pink and one blue with a glancing header. Griezmann’s header from Valbuena’s freekick and Remy with a defense-splitting pass, and Remy Schweinsteiger of Germany, Luis Suarez of “Tricks” boot. France plays Paraguay on Sunday and then then made a brilliant point-blank stop from giving Nyland no chance with a confident low Uruguay and Dani Alves of Brazil, none of “I have to be honest, the first time I saw takes on Jamaica in its final friendly match on Giroud’s header from the resulting corner. finish in the 67th. Two minutes later, Giroud whom feature in the Repucom top ranking. the Tricks boots, I thought the Puma guy June 8 before heading to Brazil. Griezmann’s glancing header flew past him -and headed in Valbuena’s floating cross from the left The Nike ad has already attracted over was mad. But when I realised he wasn’t, I “We played with a lot of intensity and deter- the post - moments later. The fourth headed for his seventh international goal. “Valbuena has 67 million views on YouTube since it was was already excited,” Balotelli said. “It is mination, which is very positive,” Deschamps chance went in, however, as Pogba arched back- been very good for us over the past two years,” launched a month ago, while the Adidas exactly the reason why I chose to be with said. “We’re not ready (for the World Cup) yet, ward to guide in Valbuena’s cross from the left. Deschamps said. “He plays with a smile on his spot has been viewed almost 29 million Puma, they dare to be different and every- but you can sense that there is a collective deter- Griezmann looked lively and almost created a face.” France could have scored more, but Nyland times in just three days. one knows that I do as well.” —Reuters mination in this side.” Les Bleus have been drawn goal for Giroud near the end of the first half, cut- denied Remy three times.—AP Australia off to Brazil with shocks in mind

SYDNEY: Australia’s squad depart- going to lose the game because er is one of Australia’s injury con- Chile in the opening match of ed for the World Cup yesterday, the game does go for 90 minutes cerns after a back problem forced Australia’s campaign in Cuiaba on convinced their attacking style can and teams will eventually break him to miss Monday’s 1-1 friendly June 13. help them cause a shock or two in you down,” said Bresciano. draw with South Africa. Bookmakers are offering in one of the toughest first round “I think if we are going to have Bresciano, who has scored 13 excess of 750-1 for Australia to win groups. any chance to get a result, we have goals in 73 internationals, said he the tournament, odds which The 27-man party, which will be to attack and try and hurt them.” would be back in training in three Bresciano thought made a wager winnowed down to the final 23 on The 34-year-old former Empoli, or four days time and was confi- worthwhile. “Put a dollar on it,” he Monday, were cheered by around a Parma, Palermo and Lazio midfield- dent he would be fully fit to face said, with a smile. —Reuters hundred fans at Sydney Airport before they embarked on their flight to Brazil. Coach Ange Postecoglou has selected an inexperienced squad with a smattering of players who SAN FRANCISCO: An unidentified player from the US men’s national team collides will be playing in their third succes- with Mahir Shukurov of Azerbaijan during their World Cup preparation match at sive World Cup finals. Candlestick Park. —AFP One of those is midfielder Mark Bresciano, who accepted that Socceroos success over the last US overcome Azerbaijan decade had raised expectations in Australia even if, at 59th in the in World Cup warm-up world, they will be the lowest ranked team in Brazil. “It’s always a SAN FRANCISCO: The United States got Azerbaijan, coached by German Berti dream going to World Cup, regard- their World Cup preparations off to a posi- Vogts who will join Klinsmann’s team as a less of if it’s your first or your third. tive start with a comfortable 2-0 friendly ‘special advisor’ for the World Cup, went I’m as excited as 2006,” he told a win over Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park in close soon after when a Mahir Shukurov’s news conference at the airport. San Francisco on Tuesday. curling free-kick struck the side netting. “We’ve got a very tough group Juergen Klinsmann suffered a blow Wondolowski’s instincts were on display but we’re going to go there and try shortly before kick-off when forward Clint again when he found space to meet an and do our country proud, and do Dempsey was withdrawn with a ‘sore groin’ Alejandro Bedoya cross with a firm header ourselves proud, and try and shock and San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris but again Agayev did well to tip over as the the world.” Wondolowski was brought in as his sides went into the break locked at 0-0. The With world champions Spain, replacement alongside Jozy Altidore in Americans struggled to break down a well- 2010 finalists the Netherlands and attack. disciplined Azeri defence but second half Chile in their first round group, any- Klinsmann told ESPN that Dempsey substitutions proved to be the difference. thing other than defeat in all three should recover from his injury in a few days After a Michael Bradley drive was matches would constitute a sur- and said it was purely a precautionary cleared off the line, Mix Diskerud pounced prise. measure to keep the striker out of the to drive home from close range in the 75th Postecoglou, who took over game. minute. Two substitutes then combined for from Holger Osieck last October Wondolowski proved to be an able the second, eight minutes later, when Aron and set about overhauling the replacement, however, and almost opened Johannsson headed home a Brad Davis cor- squad, has promised his team will the scoring inside five minutes with a div- ner. The US will face Turkey and Nigeria not be looking to grind out results ing header from a Graham Zusi free-kick before heading to Brazil where they are up with dogged defence, however. SYDNEY: Australia’s national football head coach Ange Postecoglou (second right) walks past supporters but his effort was straight at Azeri keeper against Ghana, Portugal and Germany in “If you go with that mentality of as the team prepares to depart for the 2014 Brazil World cup at Sydney International Airport.—AFP Kamran Agayev. Group G.—Reuters parking the bus, eventually you’re THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 SPORTS

Shamed by sport scandals, Spain slowly wakes up to racism MADRID: Shamed by race scandals in such as homophobia and xenophobia in praise for picking up the banana and tak- spokesman in Spain. “There are cases of Campaign group SOS Racism sports and local politics, Spain is starting 2013. ing a bite before playing on. xenophobia, racism and anti-Semitism demanded “clear action by the political to crack down on racism which cam- The release of the figures, which don’t Football authorities fined Villarreal and cases of harassment and neglect of class, the media and citizens so that paigners say it has ignored for too long. cover the Basque Country, coincided 12,000 euros ($17,000) for the banana the gypsy community. But the authori- social problems not be used to justify Banana-throwing and monkey chants with a number of apparent efforts to face incident. The club said they will close the ties do not seem to take it seriously.” arbitrariness, xenophobia and discrimi- at football grounds and anti-Semitic up to racism. The ministry said it had stand from which the banana was nation”. tweets against Israeli basketball players trained 23,000 police in how to spot and thrown for a Europa League match in ANTI-SEMITIC TWEETS The rise of offensive chatter on social have put racism in the headlines in report racist offences. August, to “send a resounding message Spain has five million foreigners and networking sites has also grabbed recent weeks. against racism and xenophobia”. an unemployment rate close to 26 per- authorities’ attention. Last week Jewish Until recently authorities “did not take BITING THE BANANA A week after the banana incident, cent, but unlike other EU countries such groups brought a lawsuit after Twitter it seriously because xenophobic parties The Spanish football league has also Senegalese footballer Pape Diop danced as France and Greece it has no major users posted 17,500 messages of anti- were not widely represented” in national promised to train its officials on the issue, in defiance when he was targeted by anti-immigration political party. Semitic abuse when Israeli basketball politics, said Esteban Ibarra, leader of the after a racist incident at a top-level monkey chants while playing for Levante Mainstream parties were put on team Maccabi Tel Aviv beat Real Madrid Movement Against Intolerance. match was broadcast internationally. against Atletico Madrid. guard however during this month’s in the Euroleague final. “There has been a significant change Spain’s football league, home to Amnesty International says racism European election campaigns when a The government has vowed to crack in the past month,” however, since world-class athletes of various colours may not be more prevalent in Spain than conservative mayor in the Basque down on hate speech via the Internet, Spain’s government published its first and nationalities, was put on the spot in elsewhere in Europe, but complains it Country was accused of targeting immi- including on sites such as Twitter and official figures on “hate crimes”, as April when a Villarreal fan threw a has been ignored. grants in a foul-mouthed outburst. Facebook. ordered by EU authorities, he said. banana on the pitch near Barcelona’s “We have been demanding for more The mayor of Sestao Josu Bergara Lawmakers are examining a proposed According to those figures from the Brazilian defender Dani Alves. Alves said than 10 years that the authorities form a apologised and said he had been refer- penal reform that would make “incite- interior ministry, Spanish police recorded he had often heard racist abuse during national strategy for fighting racism,” said ring to “delinquents” in general, not for- ment to hatred” punishable by up to four 1,172 “incidents linked to hate crimes” his decade playing in Spain. He won Angel Gonzalo, Amnesty International’s eigners in particular. years in jail.—AFP Memorial tournament attracts a quality field

DUBLIN: Very few of the game’s top players not boast an impressive track record at are absent from this week’s Memorial tourna- Muirfield Village, he has produced excellent ment in Dublin, Ohio where the leafy form so far this season with six top-10s in 10 Muirfield Village layout is always in immacu- starts, including his second victory at the late condition and the PGA Tour event has the Masters last month. feeling of a major. Heading the field this week will be Hosted annually by golfing great Jack Australian Adam Scott, who clinched the Nicklaus and benefiting from a prime spot in Crowne Plaza Invitational in a playoff on the tour schedule just two weeks before the Sunday and will be making his second con- US Open, the Memorial repeatedly attracts secutive appearance on the PGA Tour since one of the best fields on the US circuit. Seven replacing Woods as world number one. of the world’s top 10 players will be compet- “Winning any golf tournament is very diffi- ing this week where second-ranked Henrik cult out here, they don’t come easy,” said Stenson, third-ranked Tiger Woods (still recov- Scott, who beat American Jason Dufner on ering from back surgery) and Sergio Garcia the third extra hole at Colonial Country Club. (eighth) are the notable absentees. “I played hard and I was really happy with “I love this place,” American world number where my game was at. five and Masters champion Bubba Watson, “As always, a bit of luck involved but to told reporters on Tuesday while preparing for come out on top is a really satisfying feeling. today’s opening round. I’m trying not to put too much pressure on “It’s one of those places where you always myself to have to go and win every week to see a great field and it’s a good golf course. I stay number one.” love the look of it. I’ve ever played very well Scott will tee off in high-profile company here but I love coming back and challenging in Thursday’s opening round where he is myself. “Hopefully now that I am playing a lot grouped with compatriot Jason Day, the better, and thinking my way round a bit bet- world number seven, and Northern Ireland’s ter, that will show on Sunday afternoon. Rory McIlroy, the former world number one. Hopefully I’m here Sunday afternoon,” Watson McIlroy returns to PGA Tour action with his smiled, referring to his prospects of making game in excellent shape, having won the the cut after the second round. European Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Sunday, just EXCELLENT FORM four days after breaking up with his tennis- Though the American left-hander does playing fiancee Caroline Wozniacki.—Reuters

Stats don’t lie: Germans, SEOUL: South Korea’s midfielder Lee Chung-Young (left) vies for the ball with Tunisia’s defender Aymen Abdennour during a friendly football Uruguay hot for Brazil match ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2014. —AFP LONDON: Form may be temporary, as the Yaya Toure, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Korea slump to Tunisia saying goes, but when a World Cup is at Ronaldo, but former champions Germany stake temporary attributes can be crucial to and Uruguay both boast two in-form play- a successful campaign and statistics ers heading to Brazil. SEOUL: A ragged South Korea were given a fears he would miss the June 12-July 13 show- Dae-sung rolled a great chance past the post late revealed this week suggest Germany and Germany can rely on versatile captain World Cup wake-up call as they slumped to a dis- piece in Brazil. The Koreans will need the defend- on. “We tried hard but the result is not as good as Uruguay could have the edge over other Philipp Lahm, who recorded a passing appointing 1-0 home defeat by Tunisia yesterday er’s composure if they are to progress at the finals we expected. We are sorry to our fans but I am favorites in Brazil. accuracy of 92 percent in the Bundesliga, before they leave to prepare for the finals. after their backline was exposed badly in his sure today’s match will turn out to be a good les- Sports data analysts Opta have been supplying balls to blond-haired maestro The home side were also given a fright when absence, with Zouheir Dhaouadi allowed to burst son,” head coach Hong Myung-Bo told reporters. poring over last season’s statistics from Marco Reus. The Borussia Dortmund mid- defender Hong Jeong-ho was forced off after 13 through and fire home the only goal a minute “Today’s focus was to check on our defence Europe’s top five leagues in England, Spain, fielder made the statistical team through minutes with an ankle problem following a heavy before halftime to stun the 57,112 supporters at but it was not good. How we lost the goal to France, Italy and Germany and have con- having a direct involvement in 40 goals in tackle from behind by forward Issam Jemaa. The the Seoul World Cup stadium. The hosts pushed Tunisia was bad.” The squad will travel to Miami structed a formula that may provide an all competitions this season. Uruguay’s 24-year-old Augsburg centre back, who missed for an equaliser in the second period as the visi- on Friday and face Ghana in a friendly on June 9 insight into who will lift the World Cup on Group D opponents Costa Rica, England the 2012 London Olympics because of a broken tors retreated but returning striker Park Chu- before they take on Russia, Algeria and Belgium in July 13. and Italy, will have to contend with formi- leg, suffered bruising, officials said, playing down young could only fire wide, while midfielder Ha Group H at the World Cup.—Reuters They have come up with a “Dream Team” dable centre back Diego Godin, while of form players who should be the ones to Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who faces a watch in Brazil. “The 11 was devised by battle to be fit for the World Cup after looking at a range of stats for each player in undergoing knee surgery, was involved in Pirazzi grabs Giro stage each position,” Duncan Alexander, head of 43 league goals this season, more than any UK content at Opta, told Reuters on other player in the top five European ITALY: Stefano Pirazzi won the 17th ized so why remove an advantage break was Damiano Cunego, who Wellens, McCarthy and Matteo Tuesday. leagues. stage of the Giro d’Italia yesterday, that I won?” was more than 48 minutes behind Montaguti. “Opta collect more than 250 categories “There is an element of subjectivity the first professional victory of his The peloton remained together Quintana, and so the pink jersey There were attacks off the chas- and record about 2,000 data points in each when choosing any group of players,” career while Nairo Quintana for almost half the route before a group allowed the gap to go out to ing group but the quintet’s advan- match that’s analysed, but we have a range admits Alexander, whose company put the retained the overall leader’s pink group of 26 riders managed to get more than 12 minutes. tage continued to grow and it of tools that allow us to easily filter players team together for bookmaker William Hill. jersey. away. After the previous tough Thomas De Gendt attacked from swiftly became apparent they by attribute and performance.” The line-up, “But by utilising categories that we Pirazzi made an obscene arm stage - where the cyclists had to the breakaway on the approach to would not be caught before the fin- which is sure to provoke arguments in know professional clubs value, this team gesture as he crossed the finish line deal not only with both the leg- the last of three classified climbs, ish. The Giro returns to the moun- pubs, beer-halls, cafes and taverns the should be the most effective choice based and was reduced to tears following endary Gavia and Stelvio climbs, the ascent up the Muro di Ca’ del tains in Thursday’s 18th stage, a world over, contains the usual suspects on recent performance levels.”—Reuters his win. “It wasn’t a nice gesture, I’m but with snow and rain as well - the Poggio. 171km (106-mile) leg from Belluno, sorry, forgive me,” Pirazzi said. “But peloton was happy to keep a Pirazzi followed and caught the with a summit finish up to Rifugio it’s been five years of anger, five steady pace and let the escape go. Belgian cyclist near the summit, Panarotta. The race ends on Sunday years of criticism. As the days went The best-placed rider in the and they were soon joined by in Trieste.—AP by, my moral was going down. I was here to get this victory finally, that was the target. “I was unleashing all that. Five years of criticism is a lot for a young guy. I really had to deal with a lot. Today I reached a goal that I want- ed since I was a young boy watch- ing the Giro. I’m very happy. I’ll enjoy it and never forget this moment.” Pirazzi, who had led from the breakaway, made his move with lit- tle more than a kilometer remain- ing and edged out Tim Wellens and Jay McCarthy in a sprint at the end of the 204-kilometer (127-mile) stage from Sarnonico to Vittorio Veneto. The peloton crossed the line 15:36 behind Pirazzi as the top overall standings were unchanged. Quintana remained 1:41 ahead of fellow Colombian Rigoberto Uran and 3:21 ahead of Cadel Evans, with Pierre Rolland only five seconds fur- ther back. Quintana had moved into pink after Tuesday’s tough leg, which was marred by confusion after some teams believed part of the route had been neutralized - mean- ing the times for that section wouldn’t count. “In reality there is no controversy,” Quintana said. “I know what happened. They’re cre- ating a story which isn’t there. TERESOPOLIS: Brazil’s soccer coach Luiz Felipe Scolari (top left) watches his players, “It would be unjust (if they took including Neymar (left) practice at the Granja Comary training center. Brazil will host time away from me). The organiza- ITALY: Italian Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani-CSF) celebrates his victory as he crosses the finish line of the 17th the World Cup soccer tournament that starts in June. —AP tion said the race wasn’t neutral- stage of the 97th Giro díItalia, Tour of Italy, cycling race. —AFP England thrash Giroud scores Sri Lanka twice as France defeat Norway

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 201417 18 Shamed by sport scandals, Spain slowly wakes up to racism Page 19 Williams sisters crash out of Open Sharapova marches on

PARIS: Defending champion and world number one biggest win of my career,” said world number 56 Serena Williams was knocked out of the French Open by Schmiedlova who had lost to Venus in straight sets in Spain’s Garbine Muguruza yesterday as the American star Miami this season. stumbled to her second worst Grand Slam defeat. Defeat for Venus, the 29th seed, meant she has now The top seed lost 6-2, 6-2 in the second round to the failed to get beyond the second round in Paris on her last world number 35 with her defeat coming just an hour three visits. She was undone by 47 unforced errors and after sister Venus also went out, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Slovak despite saving two match points it was all too much for teenager Anna Schmiedlova. mother Oracene who was caught on TV napping as It was the earliest exit for a defending champion at Venus slipped to defeat. Roland Garros since 2005 when Anastasia Myskina of As the American sisters exited, 18-year-old Taylor Russia was eliminated in the first round. Townsend gave her country a glimpse of a bright future With Li Na losing in the first round on Tuesday, when the world number 205, making her Grand Slam Serena’s defeat marks the first time in the Open Era that debut, knocked out French 20th seed Alize Cornet, 6-4, 4- the top two seeds had failed to get to the third round at a 6, 6-4. major. Left-hander Townsend held her nerve after squander- Yesterday’s defeat was Serena’s worst at a Grand Slam ing a 4-1 lead in the second set and 5-1 advantage in the in terms of games won and was only the second time she decider to take victory on a fifth match point with her had been beaten at a major in the round of 64. The last scintillating brand of tennis yielding 43 winners as well as time that happened was on her debut at the 1998 55 unforced errors. Australian Open. “Nothing worked today,” said 17-time “The sky’s the limit,” said the violin-playing teenager major winner Serena who hit just eight winners and a who next faces Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro. Third seed huge 29 unforced errors with five double faults. Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, the highest-ranked “I just couldn’t serve. But you can’t be on form every woman left in the draw, reached the third round with a 6- day. I hate to be off at a Grand Slam but it happens, it’s 3, 6-4 win over Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic not the end of the world. and next faces Croatia’s Ajla Tomljanovic. “I will have to work five times as hard to make sure it The men’s tournament was sedate by comparison. doesn’t happen again,” added the 32-year-old who suf- Second seed Novak Djokovic, the 2012 runner-up who fered her only Grand Slam first round loss in Paris in 2012. needs a French Open title to complete a career Grand The 20-year-old Muguruza was over-joyed by her per- Slam, enjoyed a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over Jeremy Chardy of formance. “Today’s a great day,” she said. Serena’s defeat France to reach the last 32. was good news for Maria Sharapova who is now the Djokovic took his record over the world number 42 to overwhelming title favorite. The Russian seventh seed, 9-0. Roger Federer, the 2009 champion and fourth seed, the champion in 2012, responded to the challenge by also reached the third round with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over beating Bulgaria’s Tsvetana Pironkova 7-5, 6-2. The Argentine qualifier Diego Sebastian Schwartzman. It was Williams sisters had been scheduled to meet in the third Federer’s 60th win at Roland Garros as he goes on to face round but their back-to-back exits represented just the Russian 31st seed Dmitry Tursunov for a place in the last fourth time they had lost on the same day at a major. 16. Instead the tournament will get Muguruza against Also progressing were Czech sixth seed Tomas Schmiedlova, the 19-year-old Slovak who ended 32-year- Berdych who beat Alexsandr Nedovyesov of Kazakhstan old Venus’s 17th French Open with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 win. 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 and Milos Raonic, the eighth-seed- Schmiedlova was just a month old when the American ed Canadian who defeated Jiri Vesely of the Czech PARIS: Spain’s Garbine Muguruza hits a return to USA’s Serena Williams during their French tennis Open second round match made her professional debut back in 1994. “It’s the Republic, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 6-1. — AFP at the Roland Garros stadium. — AFP European shares, bonds tread water after gains Page 24

Dubai’s Emaar Properties Business secures $1.5b Islamic loan THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 Page 26 S-Class interior Weak loans, supply data turn up pressure on ECB ‘without parallel’ Page 23 Page 26

PARIS: US industrial conglomerate General Electric (GE) chief executive Jeffrey Immelt (right), flanked by Vice President, Corporate Business Development at GE, John Flannery (2nd right), General Electric CO for Europe Clara Gaymard (2nd left) and president and CEO of GE power and water Steve Bolze (left) leave the Elysee Palace in Paris, after a meeting with French President yesterday. — AFP Housing snags tug back French economy Red-tape, prices put off buyers despite strong demand

PARIS: Strangled by regulation and high in housing investment puts an added onus on percent in the first quarter compared with a Noyer has pointed out that housebuilding is prices, weak French housing investment is companies and consumer spending to keep year before, data from INSEE show. Figures falling short even though France ploughs News proving a major drag on the euro-zone’s sec- the recovery on track. Developers put about from the OECD suggest prices relative to more public money into the sector than any ond-biggest economy as it struggles to stage 350,000 properties on the market last year, far household income are now less affordable in other developed country through a range of in brief a convincing recovery. President Francois below Hollande’s target and extending the list France than in Britain, where the central bank measures to encourage home ownership. “It’s Hollande pledged more than a year ago to of unfulfilled promises by the Socialist presi- has warned of a potential housing bubble. a valid question whether these policies have MtGox operator looks to slash red tape holding back construction, dent, whose poll ratings are mired at record The government acknowledges that build- only led to higher prices rather than construc- sell Bitcoin trademarks TOKYO: The holding company of collapsed virtual currency hoping to bring within reach an oft-repeated lows for a modern-day French leader. No ing norms need to be eased. New Housing tion,” said Gardner. Record low interest rates as exchange MtGox is looking to sell the trademark to the word promise to build 500,000 new homes a year. meaningful pick-up is expected this year after Minister Sylvie Pinel has promised to deliver a the euro- zone struggles to recover from its Bitcoin, The Wall Street Journal said yesterday. The company But property developers complain that gov- a soft first quarter. “Given the demand, we list of 50 measures next month to cut red debt crisis - caused in some countries by the hopes to raise at least 100 million yen, or about $1 million, for ernment measures since then have even dis- should be able to put a lot more houses on tape. “Boosting supply is a way of reacting to popping of huge property bubbles - have a package including the Bitcoin trademarks in Japan and the couraged home building and say they simply the market, but we can’t,” said Payelle. the housing crisis that many French people helped keep mortgage lending buoyant, European Union, the Journal quoted an executive of the com- cannot make houses at prices would-be buy- For him, new housing regulations that are living, encouraging lower prices and although March saw a small decline. pany as saying. It is also looking for a buyer for the domain ers can afford. There’s no shortage of demand: recently took effect have made a bad situation breathing new life into the building sector,” French banks usually refuse mortgages name bitcoins.com, the paper said, adding it was unclear Charity Fondation Abbe Pierre estimates that worse, with additional restrictions on rents Pinel said. With housing starts down 17.6 per- that will saddle a borrower with monthly pay- whether any money from the sale would be used to pay back some 3.5 million people in France are without and other rules putting off would-be investors cent in the three months to end-April from a ments greater than a third of their income, a the creditors of MtGox. The executive said the company want- a roof of their own or inadequately housed. and buyers. A new law that allowing govern- year ago, the situation has become urgent, policy Noyer says has kept default rates man- ed to sell the trademarks because it had no use for them, the According to statistics agency INSEE, ment officials to set rent limits in cities of over the Housing Ministry said on Tuesday. ageable. Longer-dated mortgages have Journal said, without naming the company official. Tibanne, a household investment - primarily in real 50,000 people has spooked investors, who “It’s worrying. It’s a sector that’s missing allowed French households to borrow more, company headed by former MtGox chief Mark Karpeles, had estate - slumped 2.6 percent in the first quar- fear lower rents will make their properties out on the recovery,” said IMF mission chief to although most have lower debt than in coun- its registration of the Bitcoin trademark approved in Japan in ter from the previous three months. That was unprofitable. Developers also say local author- France Edward Gardner, adding that prices tries such as Britain. Bank of France data 2012, an AFP search of the online database of the patent the biggest drop since the 2008 financial crisis ity rules on parking places, apartment sizes remained too high to encourage investment. shows household debt has risen to a record authority ahowed. Tibanne was effectively the operator of the and brought household investment to its low- and how many floors buildings may have also The building slump contributes to French 84.8 percent of gross disposable income. troubled Bitcoin exchange since MtGox had no staff, the est since mid-1999. “Falling household invest- stop them being able to build the properties unemployment stuck above 10 percent. Some Economics professor and real estate expert Journal said. ment is really starting to weigh on growth,” people want or need. 122,500 construction jobs - 8 percent of the Michel Mouillart sees few options left for the said Francois Payelle, head of the French workforce - have been shed since the financial sector short of allowing smaller deposit pay- UAE’s regulator approves Property Developers Federation. “What was a Supply and demand crisis. Developments in the French housing ments than the 20-25 percent usually Samena’s RAK acquisition marginal subject has now become sensitive in A 30 percent jump in prices over the last market also influence shares in real estate required. “If we want to revive construction DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates regulator gave its macroeconomic terms.” decade has made home ownership impossi- developers like Nexity, Kaufman & Broad and without using more debt or more public aid, approval for Samena Limestone Co to acquire more than With the government counting on eco- ble for many even though the market has construction groups Bouygues, Vinci and all you have to do is make the French rich,” 30 percent of Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics from the firm’s nomic growth this year of 1 percent, any slack cooled over the last two years. Prices fell 1.4 Eiffag. Bank of France Governor Christian Mouillart quipped. —Reuters founding shareholder, it said in a bourse statement yester- day. UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority approved the purchase by Samena, a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and also granted it a waiver UAE, Qatar bourse bull runs in relation to the price it was paying for the RAK Ceramics shares. The offer is outside the range permitted - 25 per- cent above or below the closing price on the day before the bid was made - the statement added without specify- ing Samena’s proposal. RAK Ceramics said in April its may end with MSCI upgrade founding shareholder, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al-Qasimi, a member of the ruling family of Ras Al Khaimah, which is one of the seven United Arab Emirates, had agreed to sell 30.6 percent of his stake in the company, or 250 million MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS shares, to Samena. Members of the Al-Qasimi family own at least 45 percent of RAK Ceramics, one of the world’s DUBAI: When index compiler MSCI the upgrades will attract more foreign mon- MSCI frontier market index, which the UAE premium to emerging markets in general, biggest makers of floor tiles and also a major producer of upgrades the United Arab Emirates and ey have been a key reason for the bull runs, and Qatar are leaving. compared with a 50 percent discount a cou- ceramic wall tiles and sanitary ware, according to Thomson Qatar to emerging market status at the end along with strong local economies, rising ple of years ago, Citi analyst Andrew Howell Reuters data. of this week, it will put those countries on property prices and plans for heavy govern- History estimated. Exchange data shows foreign the global investment map. But it may also ment spending on projects such as the Out of nine national stock markets investors are becoming more picky in end the bull runs in their stock markets. The 2020 Expo world fair in Dubai and the 2022 upgraded by MSCI since 1997, six posted Dubai. Non-Gulf investors reduced their Alibaba to take 10.35% history of other markets upgraded by MSCI soccer World Cup in Qatar. outright losses in the first month after the holdings of stocks listed on the Dubai stake in Singapore Post shows that many perform poorly in the 12 Indeed, Reuters calculations show for- action while five underperformed the new Financial Market by at least $200 million SINGAPORE: Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba will buy a months after the actions take effect, eign investors have poured a net total of index in which they had been included, between March 16 and May 13. 10.35 percent stake in Singapore Post (SingPost) for because stocks have already shot up and about $2 billion into the UAE and Qatar according to a Reuters study. On average, Inflows appear to be continuing in the Sg$312.50 million ($249 million) as part of a strategic cooper- become richly valued in anticipation of the stock markets so far this year. Much of that MSCI indexes for Portugal, Greece, Israel, other two markets. Foreigners, including Gulf ation deal, both companies announced yesterday. The two upgrades. A Reuters analysis of exchange sum has come from “active” foreign funds Pakistan, Serbia, Lithuania, Sri Lanka, Egypt investors, increased their holdings in Abu companies also signed a memorandum of understanding to data indicates foreign investors have already which use MSCI benchmarks as rough and Morocco posted a loss of 2.5 percent in Dhabi by roughly $200 million during the discuss a joint venture in the global logistics business, partic- ularly in Southeast Asia, the statement said. The investment started to decrease their exposure to Dubai, guidelines and can position themselves the first month, a gain of 3.4 percent over period and pumped about $500 million into deal was announced three weeks after Alibaba filed for a the region’s top-performing bourse. before adjustments occur. Another wave six months and a loss of 4.0 percent over 12 Qatar. But these amounts are modest com- potentially massive initial public offering in the United States. Nine companies from the UAE and 10 of inflows is likely to start today when months. pared to the size of the markets - Abu Dhabi Lim Ho Kee, chairman of SingPost, said the company “will stocks from Qatar will become part of the “passive” funds, which follow the MSCI A year after upgrade, five out of nine has a capitalization of about $135 billion and benefit from Alibaba’s expertise in e-commerce, technology MSCI emerging market index after the mar- emerging market index closely, start buy- country indexes were underperforming Qatar, $200 billion. “I’d be inclined to tread and business volumes”. Alibaba combines aspects of eBay, kets close today. Since MSCI announced the ing too. However, passive funds are small- their MSCI benchmarks. It is by no means cautiously starting next week,” Howell wrote Amazon, PayPal and other Western tech darlings. Analysts say move last June, Dubai’s main index has er than active ones, so analysts estimate certain that the UAE and Qatar will follow in a research note last week. “The annals of an investor frenzy could drive its value as high as $200 billion rocketed 112 percent, making Dubai one of they may only add several hundred mil- this pattern, but high valuations have emerging markets history are littered with the when it goes public later this year. Daniel Zhang, chief oper- the world’s best-performing markets, while lion dollars each to the UAE and Qatar - increased the chances. The UAE and Qatar roadkill of markets that peaked right around ating officer of the Alibaba Group, said the Chinese firm Qatar has added 44 percent and Abu Dhabi and some of that buying will be offset by are now trading at about two times their the time that they were upgraded or added to hopes to “leverage SingPost’s strong delivery networks and has gained 43 percent. Expectations that selling on the part of funds tracking the trailing price-to-book ratios, a 40 percent a new index.” — Reuters end-to-end e-commerce logistics”. THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 BUSINESS Shares in India’s Jet plunge after record loss

MUMBAI: Shares in India’s Jet Airways to end the day down 8.5 percent at rupees from the 7.8 billion loss posted has also worked in top positions at The rivalry is set to intensify with two plunged more than nine percent dur- 245.35 rupees. The steep fall came after the previous year. Jet chairman Naresh Etihad and Gulf Air, would be its new new airlines due to start operations in ing trading yesterday after the compa- Jet reported that its net loss had Goyal said the firm needed to take head. coming months-both Malaysia’s AirAsia ny, part-owned by Gulf carrier Etihad, jumped to 21.54 billion rupees ($366 “stringent measures” to ensure success Jet said it would reconfigure planes and Singapore Airlines have set up joint posted its biggest quarterly loss. On million) for the fourth financial quarter in the competitive industry. “There can and write down overvalued assets as ventures with India’s Tata group. Etihad’s the Bombay Stock Exchange shares in ended March 31, from 4.96 billion be no short-term solutions,” he said. part of efforts to return to profitability. purchased a 24 percent stake in Jet in Jet, the country’s second-largest airline rupees in the same period last year, as The company named its fourth chief All of India’s airlines have been report- April 2013 after the government relaxed by market share, fell by as much as 9.38 costs soar. executive since last June. It said avia- ing losses apart from market leader foreign ownership rules to allow over- percent to 243.00 rupees during trad- The publicly traded airline’s net loss tion veteran, Cramer Ball, 46, a former IndiGo, struck by high fuel prices and seas carriers to buy up to 49 percent of a ing. They retraced their losses slightly for the year soared to 41.3 billion chief executive of Air Seychelles, who the country’s slowing economic growth. local airline.— AFP Egypt could ‘revise’ wheat import rules ABU DHABI: Egypt, one of the world’s largest the tough import standards, Minister Khaled wheat importers, said it was studying changes to Hanafi’s remarks in April indicated the moisture its wheat import specifications, including a content would remain the same. He advised tough moisture content rule that has barred French sellers to dry their wheat in order to make French wheat since its introduction in January. it fit the standards. Mamdouh Abdel Fattah, vice chairman of Egypt’s GASC’s comments on Wednesday seemed to main state-buyer, the General Authority of indicate a change is possible in the near future to Supply Commodities (GASC), said yesterday that accommodate purchases of the 2014 French all conditions would be reviewed, including the crop. French export traders had said the market wheat moisture limit of 13 percent. “The main did not expect Egypt to make concessions on aim is to make the process of importing wheat the issue for the 2013 season as its annual easier,” Abdel Fattah told Reuters over the tele- import campaign was drawing to an end but phone. that GASC could consider concessions for the Egypt exerts a strong influence over the glob- coming season if its supply options were limit- al wheat market with its imports of 10 million ed. Abdel Fattah said he could not give a time tons per year, split more or less equally between frame for possible changes as all the terms GASC and private importers. GASC last January were still under review. GASC has imported ended its tolerance for a moisture content of up slightly over 5 million tons of wheat on the to 13.5 percent in a move that affected its international market since July 2013. Egypt, imports from France. The average moisture con- currently in the middle of the procurement sea- tent in the 2013 French wheat harvest was 13.5 son for its domestic harvest, has said it bought percent. Although the Supply Ministry, which around 3 million tons of the targeted 4.4 mil- oversees GASC, has said before it would revise lion tons of local wheat so far.—Reuters Saxo Bank sees growth in Mideast and Africa

ABU DHABI: Saxo Bank expects the Middle Brokers Group Inc. But it is looking to diversify ANKARA: Turkish miners shout slogans during a protest over the Soma deadly mining disaster yesterday outside the Energy Ministry in Ankara. East and Africa (MEA) to contribute around 15 into other asset classes, co-chief executive A total of eight officials from Soma Komur have now been charged over last May 13, 2014 accident that claimed 301 lives at the Soma mine, and percent of its total revenue within five years, Kim Fournais told Reuters last year. sparked anti-government protests in several towns and cities. The placard reads: ‘It’s not an accident, but a massacre!’. — AFP as the specialized investment bank looks to Saxo opened its first UAE office in Dubai in tap the region’s growing wealth, its co- 2009 and is looking to tap private investors founder and chief executive said yesterday. and institutional clients in Abu Dhabi and Turkish govt piles pressure Speaking as the Copenhagen-based bank nearby markets with its online trading and opened an office in Abu Dhabi, its second in multi-asset products, Christensen said, as part the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Lars Seier of a strategy to expand in emerging markets Christensen said the bank’s revenue in the due to slower growth in Europe. The bank is on central bank over rates region had already grown to 10 percent of also moving more towards serving wealthier the group total from between 3 and 4 per- clients as well as small-to-medium hedge cent in 2009. “This region has great concen- funds and private clients, a segment Minister says high interest rates contributing to inflation tration of wealth and a stronger regulatory Christensen said was ignored by big invest- ISTANBUL: Turkish interest rates are too high, pressure on the central bank by expressing our the sub plot is to actually pressurize the central environment now,” Christensen told Reuters. ment banks. Saxo has traditionally focused on contributing to inflation and undermining worries here,” he said. Last week the central bank to cut rates,” Ash said. Speaking in “From our perspective, we are hoping to take retail traders. “There’s an interesting gap there growth and employment, Economy Minister bank cut interest rates for the first time in more Istanbul, the finance minister appeared to revenues from this region to 15 percent (of for us which is under-serviced,” he said. Nihat Zeybekci said yesterday, adding to recent than a year, unwinding some of January’s huge defend the central bank by stressing that its total revenue) in the next three to five years.” He said Saxo could launch a stock market government criticism of the central bank. The rate hike aimed at halting a dramatic slide in credibility was vital to Turkey and that it should Abu Dhabi, the oil-rich capital of the UAE, flotation in three years’ time, adding the bank political noise over interest rates has under- the lira amid an emerging market sell-off. be backed in its efforts to tame rising prices. “I is spending billions of dollars on industry, would like to prove the value its strategic initia- mined confidence in the central bank and Erdogan and Zeybekci’s view that high inter- believe that the central bank must be strong in tourism and infrastructure, and is creating a tives first to extract the best share price. “It added to pressure on the lira, which slipped to est rates lead to inflation are contrary to the its fight against inflation, and we need to sup- new financial free-zone to draw in global depends on many things - the markets, whether 2.1083 against the dollar by 0925 GMT from opinion of most economists, who argue that port it,” Simsek said. firms, similar to the Dubai International it is the right point ... a realistic time would be 2.0979 late on Tuesday. “We think interest rates Turkey’s stubborn inflation is largely imported, But he also forecast inflation would top out Financial Centre (DIFC). Saxo, in which private three years,” he said. An issue could probably be are high, higher than the levels they should be driven by a weak lira and a heavy trade deficit. this month, boosting expectations that the cen- equity firm TPG Capital has a 30 percent launched in Copenhagen. “We are a bigger fish at,” Zeybekci told reporters at an industry con- “Zeybekci does himself no favors with investors tral bank might loosen policy again at its rate- stake, is among the world’s top 30 foreign in a small pond and it could generate more ference in Istanbul. by again backing his prime minister by arguing setting meeting in June, which could leave exchange banks, based on volume transact- interest in the stock,” he said, declined to esti- “Markets are pushing market interest rates that high interest rates contribute to inflation,” Turkey vulnerable in the eyes of some investors. ed, and one of the biggest in retail forex trad- mate the bank’s current value but noting it was down ... The central bank should lead the mar- said Timothy Ash, head of emerging markets “We have always viewed appropriately high ing. Its rivals include FXCM Inc and Interactive valued at $2 billion in 2011.—Reuters ket trend, not follow the market from behind,” research at Standard Bank in London. “The AK interest rates (c.10 percent) as the necessary Zeybekci said, arguing that high borrowing Party government have something of a bee in and sufficient condition for Turkey’s CAD (cur- Bahrain clarifies Basel III costs were contributing to rising inflation. their bonnets about this ... Most economists, rent account deficit) to remain reliably financed Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said two days and central bankers, would argue that the through coming years of progressively less easy ago that the central bank’s surprise interest rate causality is the other way around, but it does monetary policy,” Commerzbank said in a note rules, eyes 2015 rollout cut last week, which followed a huge rate hike show the dominant thinking within the AKP.” to clients. in late January, did not go far enough. “This defense worked, as expected, recent- DUBAI: Bahrain has become the first country Banks across the Gulf have been waiting Speaking separately yesterday, Finance Minister Simsek defends central bank ly when the central bank hiked rates in an in the Gulf outside Saudi Arabia to clarify its for regulatory guidance on how subordinated Mehmet Simsek defended central bank efforts Erdogan, who has dominated politics for emergency meeting. But, this defense could treatment of capital-boosting instruments debt instruments will be treated under Basel to tame rising prices but also said inflation was more than a decade and overseen a period of be about to be dismantled,” said the bank, under Basel III rules, saying the instruments III, a set of stricter banking rules which are likely to peak this month, reinforcing expecta- unprecedented growth, is keen to maintain his which recommended investors cut their must include loss absorption features. Its being phased in around the world over the tions that the bank could again lower rates. record on the economy ahead of an expected exposure to Turkey in the coming week. decision, which is in line with Saudi Arabia, a next several years. It is up to each national The comments from Erdogan and others run in the country’s first direct presidential Turkey’s 10-year benchmark bond yield rose member of the committee which drafted regulator to decide how to interpret the rules; have added to concerns about government election in August. “The question ... is whether to 9.35 percent from 9.23 percent at Basel III, could influence regulators in other Bahrain’s central bank has drafted separate interference in monetary policy. But Zeybekci commentary from Erdogan and some of his Tuesday’s close. The Istanbul share index rose Gulf states that have not yet clarified their rule books for conventional and Islamic denied that the government was trying to ministers is just meant for domestic consump- 1.2 percent, outperforming the broad emerg- stance, such as the United Arab Emirates and banks, proposing they both come into effect influence policy. “I don’t think we are putting tion ... and driven by the electoral calendar, or ing markets index.— Reuters Qatar. in January 2015.—Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.900 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 Nepalese Rupees 3.880 Singapore Dollar 0.222192 0.228192 South African Rand 0.021406 0.029906 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.040 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Chinese Yuan Renminbi 45.395 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001868 0.002448 Japanese Yen 2.773 Australian Dollar 268.84 261.84 Thai Bhat 9.680 Taiwan 0.009264 0.009444 Indian Rupees 4.805 Canadian Dollar 262.66 263.66 Turkish Lira 134.045 Thai Baht 0.008358 0.008908 Pakistani Rupees 2.865 Swiss Franc 321.42 319.42 Arab Srilankan Rupees 2.166 Euro 390.18 391.18 Bahraini Dinar 0.743014 0.751014 Nepali Rupees 3.026 US Dollar 281.70 284.70 Egyptian Pound 0.036123 0.039223 Singapore Dollar 225.800 Sterling Pound 478.47 481.47 Bahrain Exchange Company Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000079 Hongkong Dollar 36.466 Japanese Yen 2.85 2.87 Iraqi Dinar 0.000181 0.000241 Bangladesh Taka 3.636 Bangladesh Taka 3.631 3.901 CURRENCY BUY SELL Jordanian Dinar 0.394297 0.401797 Philippine Peso 6.447 Indian Rupee 4.800 5.100 Europe Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Thai Baht 8.685 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.161 2.596 Belgian Franc 0.007343 0.008343 Lebanese Pound 0.000138 0.000238 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Nepali Rupee 3.004 3.539 British Pound 0.468171 0.478171 Moroccan Dirhams 0.025331 0.049331 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Pakistani Rupee 2.861 2.790 Czech Korune 0.006195 0.018195 Nigerian Naira 0.001194 0.001829 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 76.76 77.23 Danish Krone 0.047624 0.052624 Omani Riyal 0.727863 0.733543 Saudi Riyal 75.417 Bahraini Dinar 749.77 751.84 Euro 0.379894 0.387894 Qatar Riyal 0.076899 0.078112 Qatari Riyal 77.708 Egyptian Pound 39.57 40.17 Norwegian Krone 0.043379 0.048579 Jordanian Dinar 400.93 406.58 Saudi Riyal 0.074710 0.075410 Omani Riyal 734.670 Romanian Leu 0.081528 0.81528 Omani Riyal 732.60 739.90 Syrian Pound 0.001752 0.001972 Bahraini Dinar 751.160 Slovakia 0.008085 0.018085 Qatari Riyal 77.79 78.34 Tunisian Dinar 0.169250 0.177250 UAE Dirham 77.019 Swedish Krona 0.038669 0.043669 Saudi Riyal 75.25 75.65 Turkish Lira 0.138778 0.145778 ARAB COUNTRIES Swiss Franc 0.308951 0.319151 Turkish Lira 0.138778 0.145778 UAE Dirhams 0.075946 0.077095 Egyptian Pound - Cash 38.568 Yemeni Riyal 0.001274 0.001354 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.494 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.320 Australian Dollar 0.253049 0.264549 Tunisian Dinar 174.290 New Zealand Dollar 0.235348 0.244848 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate America Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 399.380 US Dollar 281.500 Canadian Dollar 0.255105 0.263605 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.897 Canadian Dollar 259.510 US Dollars 0.278450 0.282800 Syrian Lira 2.016 Sterling Pound 475.750 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 35.249 Euro 391.810 US Dollars Mint 0.278950 0.282800 US Dollar 282.200 Asia EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 320.975 Euro 386.400 Bangladesh Taka 0.003333 0.003933 US Dollar Transfer 282.700 Bahrain Dinar 749.235 Pound Sterlng 474.600 Chinese Yuan 0.044033 0.047533 Euro 386.870 UAE Dirhams 76.620 Canadian Dollar 261.500 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034356 0.037106 Sterling Pound 476.910 Qatari Riyals 78.200 Indian Rupee 4.785 Indian Rupee 0.004449 0.004850 Canadian dollar 261.760 Saudi Riyals 75.340 Egyptian Pound 39.450 Jordanian Dinar 396.715 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000020 0.000026 Turkish lira 134.650 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.163 Egyptian Pound 40.115 Japanese Yen 0.002687 0.002867 Swiss Franc 327.580 Bangladesh Taka 3.635 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.154 Kenyan Shilling 0.003291 0.003291 Australian Dollar 262.770 Philippines Peso 6.425 Indian Rupees 4.679 Korean Won 0.000266 0.000281 US Dollar Buying 281.500 Pakistan Rupee 2.860 Pakistani Rupees 2.852 Malaysian Ringgit 0.083804 0.089804 GOLD Bahraini Dinar 751.300 Bangladesh Taka 3.622 Nepalese Rupee 0.003005 0.003175 20 Gram 245.000 UAE Dirham 76.850 Philippines Pesso 6.322 Pakistan Rupee 0.002659 0.002939 10 Gram 124.000 Saudi Riyal 75.350 Cyprus pound 691.420 Philippine Peso 0.006339 0.006619 5 Gram 64.000 Japanese Yen 3.750 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 Southern Europe’s families offer short-term fix to pensions crisis Pensioners help out younger generation hit by crisis

MADRID: When Angel Gomez and Maria Luisa Fernandez 800 euros a month in rent and charges, plus economize on food to reduce the inequalities bred by the crisis,” said Herce, a profes- retired a decade ago, they imagined spending their pensions and other daily purchases. “The children love it. We’ve had to sor at Madrid’s Complutense University and associate director at largely on restaurant meals, holidays and toys for the grandkids. adapt, but given the circumstances, we’re grateful,” said Angela. Afi, an economic advisory firm. Only well paid work offers a long Today, their retirement money helps to support five families. The Economist Jose Antonio Herce says that after years of austerity, term solution for the younger generation facing the inevitability Spanish couple, like other relatively prosperous pensioners southern European governments will be tempted to give people that the Bank of Mum and Dad won’t supply funding for ever. In across southern Europe, are providing an informal safety net more money by cutting taxes. But he believes they should Villaverde, Angel Gomez said he and his wife are there to help BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives which has helped many in the younger generation to avoid spend more on welfare for the active population, such as train- now but frets that his children, with their shaky employment situ- at the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery widespread poverty despite record-high unemployment. ing to help people like Ghidoni find new and better jobs. ations, can’t expect a pension as high as theirs. “It’s not getting in Berlin yesterday. — AP “I never thought I would have to spend part of my pension to “We should take advantage of any financial breathing space any better,” he said. “My kids will never get what I have.”— Reuters help my kids,” said 79-year-old Angel, who worked for 35 years as an administrative clerk at the Bank of Spain. “I am proud of it, but I’m a little worried for them.” In much of southern Europe, pen- German jobless sions have been the most stable type of income during the past five years of economic hardship. In Spain, they rose 8.3 percent total rises between 2008 and 2012, government statistics show. By con- trast, incomes of people aged 30-44 - the biggest group in the working-age population - fell 2.8 percent as millions lost their unexpectedly jobs or took wage cuts. Angel and his wife are typical beneficiaries. Their combined FRANKFURT: Unemployment in Germany rose unexpect- monthly pension of 3,600 euros ($4,900) is almost double the edly in May as clouds begin to appear on the horizon of average income of Spanish households, which is about 2,050 Europe’s biggest economy and favorable effects from the euros. It’s proven enough to help their four middle-aged chil- mild weather wear off, data showed yesterday. After taking dren and their families. While the couple enjoy a stable income, into account seasonal factors, the number of people regis- their children lead insecure lives that are common for the tered as unemployed rose by 23,900 to 2.905 million this younger generation even when they have work. month, the Federal Labor Office said in a statement. Their son David, 40, fears he’ll lose his job as a keyboard Analysts had been penciling in a decline of around teacher when his state music school goes into private ownership 15,000. “For the past few months, the economic outlook later this year. His wife Raquel, 39, must reduce her hours as an has been clouding over somewhat, albeit at a high level,” administrative officer because her indebted employer, Spanish the office said in a statement. “Unemployment and under- building and infrastructure company FCC, is cutting costs. The employment increased in May. As a result of the mild retired couple help however they can from their tiny but cosy weather, the joblessness usually seen in winter did not flat in working-class Villaverde, south of Madrid, which has bare- materialize so strongly this year,” the statement said. ly changed since they bought it in the mid-1960s. Outdoor sectors such as construction and agriculture Slumped in his brown velvet sofa, Angel cuts out supermar- typically lay off workers during the cold winter months. But ket discount coupons from the newspaper. Vouchers, gasoline they have not needed to do so this year as a result of the money, rent and babysitting are part of the aid he and 80-year- unusually mild weather, flattering the overall jobless figures old Maria Luisa give their children every month. Retired people in the winter months. The unemployment rate, which account for 17 percent of Spanish households but finance twice measures the number of people looking for work as a pro- as many. Italy is similar: pensioners’ income rose 4.6 percent portion of the working population, was steady at 6.7 per- between 2008 and 2012, while that of workers on long-term cent in May, the Federal Labor Office said. Nevertheless, in contracts - the main type of employment - fell by the same raw or unadjusted terms, the German jobless total fell by amount. Four out of 10 Italians received financial help from their 61,300 to 2.882 million and the unadjusted jobless rate parents last year, according to a study by farmers’ association slipped to 6.6 percent from 6.8 percent, the office calculat- Coldiretti. ed. In Spain, more than one out of four workers are unemployed, Analysts insisted that German labor market remains and the rate among under 25-year-olds outside education is a robust and the favorable trend intact. “The mild winter, whopping 55 percent. This income gap between old and young which had flattered German economic data a bit in the first points to a chronic problem aggravated by the crisis: how to quarter is now striking back. Some of the winter strength rebalance Europe’s welfare systems to make them affordable will fade in the second quarter,” said Berenberg Bank econ- and socially just. One example: though Spanish state spending omist Christian Schulz. “Nevertheless, Germany’s labor mar- on pensions rose 18.2 percent in 2008-2012, that on education ket remains on a strong positive trend despite the slight and healthcare dropped 8.1 and 0.1 percent respectively. This May setback,” he said. Employment is still on the increase. year, money for schools, hospitals and publicly-funded research Statistics published separately by the federal statistics is due to fall even further while pension costs keep rising. office Destatis showed that the number of people in work The affluence of pensioners relative to their children and increased by 34,000 to 42.101 million in April. That was con- grandchildren has created a dependency that may hurt those sistent with 400,000-500,000 new jobs over this year as a now aged 30-40 for the rest of their lives. “We’re facing a genera- whole, Schulz said. And that was good news for Germany’s tional time-bomb,” says Alessandro Gentile, a professor of sociol- economy. “The continued jobs boom is a major force ogy at the University of Zaragoza. As today’s young are more behind Germany’s buoyant domestic demand, with con- likely than in the past to suffer unemployment or under-employ- sumption joining investment as a key driver of growth,” ment through their careers, their pensions will be lower. This Schulz said. “Germany is contributing to the euro-zone means eventually they won’t be able to cushion their own chil- rebalancing by sucking in more imports, but also by offer- dren financially. At that point, says Gentile, the model of family ing jobs to immigrants to make up for the intensifying labor solidarity “will short-circuit”. shortage at home,” he said. BayernLB economist Johannes Mayr said that the strong momentum seen on the labor Voting bloc Pensions systems, the biggest component of state welfare market at the beginning of the year was unlikely to be FRANKFURT: Photo shows the Deutsche Bank headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany. — AP maintained in the coming months. “But aside from monthly expenditure in most of Europe, are hard to change overnight. volatility, we believe the labor market remains in an Many governments began tweaking their loss-making pension uptrend,” Mayr said. Natixis economist Johannes Gareis systems a decade ago and retirement ages have risen to reflect Weak loans, supply data agreed. “After the German job market surprised to the increased life expectancy. In Spain, for example, people will upside from month to month since the beginning of this retire at 67 in 2027 compared with just over 65 this year. year, it took on a break in May,” he said. “However, since the Also, in many European countries a bigger share of contribu- good German joblessness figures in the recent months tions to state-run pensions is now paid by people while they turn up pressure on ECB benefitted significantly from the mild winter weather, work, rather than through taxes on working populations. Governments say this makes the system financially healthier. Yet today’s rebound is not very worrying,” Gareis said. In fact, FRANKFURT: Slowing money sup- ment. They see this as a way of help- medium-sized companies were still in most cases, the reforms don’t take full effect until 2030 or with the jobless rate of 6.7 percent close to its post-unifica- ply growth and declining loans to ing cash to circulate, to boost activi- experiencing credit constraints in even later. With pensioners forming an important voting bloc, tion lows, “today’s job report provides further signals for the private sector will add to pres- ty and reduce unemployment, and the stressed countries. “The further this reflects political resistance to faster change. Greece is the robust growth of the German economy from consumer sure on the European Central Bank to lower the euro. The volume of slowdown in euro-zone money sup- only country to have taken drastic action, forced to cut pensions spending,” Gareis concluded. — AFP to ease policy next month, analysts loans to private businesses and ply growth in April and the ongoing by 30 percent between 2009 and 2013 under the terms of its said yesterday. In its latest monthly households declined by 1.8 percent fall in lending to businesses keeps international bailouts. monetary data, the ECB calculated in April, after falling by 2.2 percent up the pressure on the ECB to deliv- The economic crisis has also undermined reforms begun in that the euro area money supply the previous month, the ECB calcu- er a package of stimulative meas- the 1990s; with so many Europeans unemployed, there are not grew by a meagre 0.8 percent in lated. ures at its policy meeting on June 5, enough well-paid workers paying into the system to fund it UK’s Nationwide April, down from 1.0 percent in The data appear to confirm a including interest rate cuts and liq- properly. “It is not sustainable with such a low level of jobs, with March. This could prove a headache tentative recovery slowly emerging uidity measures,” Archer said. The such kind of jobs with such low salaries,” says Jose Carlos Diez, an expects housing for the ECB, which regards its M3 in credit demand in the 18 countries ECB has held its key interest rates at economics professor at ICADE business school in Madrid. For money supply as a barometer for which share the euro, where the their current all-time lows since instance, Spanish unemployment is 25.9 percent while about 5 future inflation, since area-wide long and deep financial crisis November. market to cool million people - or about 30 percent of the employed workforce inflation is currently much lower caused credit to dry up almost com- - are on short-term or reduced-hour contracts and pay very little than the ECB would wish. At the pletely. But IHS Global Insight econ- Action on the cards into the state pension system. LONDON: Nationwide, Britain’s third-biggest mortgage lender, same time, loans to the private sec- omist Howard Archer believed the But central bank chief Draghi According to the European statistics office Eurostat, people has warned the price of homes in London may start to fall this tor in the euro area-a gauge of eco- ECB would take only “limited com- recently hinted that additional eas- aged 65 and more will account for 31.6 percent of the Spanish summer, saying there were signs the red-hot property market in nomic health-are still contracting, fort at best from the fact that the ing was on the cards so as to keep population in 2050 - up from 17 percent today - while the num- the capital is cooling. House prices are soaring in London as the albeit at a slower rate than before, rate of decline in lending to busi- the euro-zone economy flush with ber of 25-64-year-olds will drop to 34.8 percent from 44.9 per- economic recovery, record-low interest rates and government the data showed. nesses seems to be slowing.” At an cash amid deflation concerns. That cent. As a result, there will be 1.1 workers per pensioner in Spain, schemes to help home buyers tempt purchasers into one of the could come in the form either of far less than the current 1.8. That is likely to mean years of red ink world’s most expensive property markets. additional rate cuts. But other meas- for the social security system, which posted an 11.8 billion euro Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has warned that a ures such as pumping more liquidi- deficit last year. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is trying to plug housing bubble poses the biggest risk to the financial stability of ty into the financial system are also the gap. Over the past two years, Madrid has financed the pen- Britain’s $2.5 trillion economy. He said the BoE was looking at seen as possible options. Berenberg sion system with 16 billion euros out of a 70 billion euro special new measures to control mortgage lending amid a shortage of Bank economist Christian Schulz reserve fund. But the money will run out by 2020 unless new home building. “My view is that in London we will see a natural also said the monetary data showed changes are made. correction through the summer months. That intense heat does that the overall dynamics “remain seem to be dissipating a bit. We could be seeing the early signs very subdued”. And that would give Rabbit and potatoes of a natural correction,” Nationwide Chief Executive Graham the ECB “plenty of room to ease pol- Older generations in Spain, Italy and Greece regularly look Beale said yesterday. icy further without stoking infla- after their grandchildren, and children are expected to take age- The warning comes as the building society said it more than tion,” Schulz said. BayernLB econo- ing parents into their homes. But not all pensioners can help doubled its underlying profit last year and hit a capital target set mist Johannes Mayr also said the financially without suffering hardship themselves. One pension- by Britain’s financial regulator a year early. Beale said estate data would “keep the pressure high er, also called Angel, supports three homes with the 1,600 euros agents were starting to report a drop in the number of viewings on the ECB to do more to kick-start he gets a month after 40 years working in German and Spanish for properties and house price reductions. Official data showed credit.” car factories. He pays nearly 1,000 euros a month in two different house prices in London rose 17 percent in March compared to He suggested the ECB could pare mortgage payments for his daughter and son, who has two uni- the previous year, but less than a 17.8 percent increase in back its key refi refinaning rate from versity degrees but cannot find a job. “It’s getting hard,” said February. Britain’s biggest mortgage lender Lloyds Banking 0.25 percent to 0.1 percent and take Angel, 68, who didn’t want his full name published lest friends Group has said it was introducing tougher lending criteria to the deposit rate, which currently and acquaintances learn of his family’s situation. help tackle rising prices. stands at zero percent, down to He and his wife have turned to eating frugal dishes common minus 0.1 percent. Newedge in the hard times that followed the Spanish civil war of the Reduced leverage Strategy analyst Annalisa Piazza 1930s. “All our savings have vanished and we’re back to eating The 168 year old customer-owned lender reported a 113 per- agreed. “The ECB needs to address rabbit with potatoes,” he said. Southern Europe’s family safety cent rise in underlying profit to 924 million pounds ($1.55 bil- the main pocket of weakness of the cushion has also compensated for low state spending on other lion) in the year to end March, benefiting from increased lending FRANKFURT: The euro sculpture stands in front of the headquarters of euro-zone that is represented by the welfare services, such as universal unemployment benefits or and a decline in costs. Nationwide also said it had achieved a the European Central Bank, ECB, in Frankfurt, Germany. — AP credit sector,” she said. “Credit con- care for infants and the elderly. As a percentage of gross domes- requirement set last year by Britain’s financial regulator for it to straints are a downside risk for a sus- tic product, Italy, Spain and Greece spend far less on these serv- have a leverage ratio of 3 percent a year ahead of schedule. Its Meanwhile, some countries ECB forum earlier this week, presi- tainable recovery in stressed coun- ices than northern European countries, according to the OECD. leverage ratio stood at 3.3 percent at the year end. under pressure from low growth, dent Mario Draghi had observed try and might lead to further disin- When 40-year-old Renato Ghidoni lost his job at a small Leverage measures the amount of equity a bank holds as a high unemployment and voter dis- that bank lending data continue to flationary pressures.” Piazza said the Italian asphalt company near Milan a year and a half ago, he and percentage of its loans, without adjustments for risk. A 3 percent satisfaction as shown by swings to present a mixed picture, Archer said. ECB could roll out new liquidity-pro- his family survived on unemployment benefits for about eight leverage ratio means that Nationwide can lend up to about 33 far right and left parties in European And while surveys of bank viding measure called LTRO or long- months. Once the benefits stopped, Ghidoni, his unemployed pounds for each pound of capital it holds in reserve. The lender’s elections on Sunday, are hoping behavior pointed to a gradual term refinancing operation, this wife Angela and their three children moved in with her ageing core Tier 1 ratio increased by 5.4 percentage points to 14.5 per- that the ECB will ease policy. This is improvement in the overall situa- time targeted specifically at compa- parents. They share the top floor of the house where Angela was cent, higher than Britain’s biggest four banks - Royal Bank of particularly the view of the belea- tion, Draghi had noted that the lat- nies and cut both refi and deposit raised with her 90-year-old great-uncle, while her parents - both Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays and HSBC. Beale said guered French Socialist govern- est ECB data showed that small and rates by 15 basis points. — AFP that had risen to 15 percent since the year-end following the retired - live below. sale of a portfolio of commercial real estate loans.—Reuters The change has allowed the Ghidoni family to save around BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 US data, ECB easing bets feed risk appetite European shares, bonds tread water after gains

LONDON: Strong economic data in the United States and bank lending figures from the European Central points to Tuesday’s all-time high close. strategist for Nordea in Helsinki, said it broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares shored up world stocks yesterday, with record highs Bank that further bolstered the case for rate cuts next The ECB’s lending data showed credit to firms fell added to the case for the central bank to outside Japan scale a one-year high of for US and German markets underpinning risk appetite week. German two-year bond yields, the most sensi- 1.8 percent on an annual basis in April, less pro- cut its already record-low 0.25 percent 490.15. Tokyo’s Nikkei ticked up 0.4 per- and sending safe-haven gold to a 3-1/2 month low. tive to ECB interest rate moves, hovered at a 6 1/2- nounced than the previous month but giving further base rate, but that markets may need cent, while MSCI’s 45-country world European markets took a breather in early trading after month low, while the DAX in Frankfurt marginally out- evidence of the sluggish lending environment in the bolder action to rally any further. “Unless index shuffled towards an all-time high. a strong last two days and as they digested new credit performed London and Paris as it added a token two euro-zone. Jan von Gerich, chief developed markets they (ECB) significantly exceed expecta- “The bullish US indicators have set tions, the meeting is likely to be a trig- the positive tone for investors, who are ger for core euro-zone yields to rise,” von basically using this week to prepare for Gerich said. “That is my main assump- next week’s ECB meeting,” said Cho tion. It has often been the case in the Byung-hyun, analyst at Tong Yang past... buy the rumor sell the fact.” Securities in Seoul. The positive senti- In the currency market, the euro and ment eroded the safe-haven appeal of sterling were both under pressure from gold, which extended sharp overnight a stronger dollar at $1.3622 and $1.6767 losses and fell to a fresh 3-1/2 month low respectively. China’s yuan was the stand- amid the strong US economic data and a out mover though as end of month drop in imports by top consumer China. trading compounded concerns about a Spot gold slipped to a low of $1,260.74 property market-led economic slow- an ounce, its weakest since Feb 7. down in the country to leave it flirting The dollar, which was also supported with an 18-month low. “There is a lot of by a small rise in US Treasury yields, held negative news around the property sec- near an 8-week high against a basket of tor and that is hurting the currency and major currencies and fetched 101.93 we may see more weakness unless there yen, within striking distance of a two- is more evidence of an economic turn- week high of 102.145 hit on Tuesday. around,” said a senior strategist at a Brent crude rose 17 cents to $110.19 a European Bank in Hong Kong who barrel as the upbeat US data brightened requested anonymity. demand prospects from the world’s largest economy, with geopolitical risk Gold slides in Libya and Ukraine providing addition- Riskier asset markets rose overnight al support. On Tuesday, hopes the after the United States reported an weekend’s Presidential election win for unexpected rise in durable goods orders Petro Poroshenko would ease Ukraine’s in April and higher home prices for tensions with Russia suffered an early March. Services industries, which domi- setback after heavy fighting left more nate the economy, grew at a rapid clip than 50 dead, according to pro-Moscow in May. The sunny mood saw MSCI’s rebel fighters. — Reuters

BANGKOK: A motor tricycle driver (foreground) waits for customer as foreign tourists, (background) walk near the wall of the Grand Palace during a tour in Bangkok, Thailand. For Thailand’s tourist industry, the situation is more omi- nous. Bookings were already down after six months of anti-government protests in Bangkok, and the combination of coup plus curfew along with uncertainty over how long the crackdown will last could be bruising, hotels and industry experts say. — AP Oil holds above $110

LONDON: Brent crude oil rose yesterday, Helping to cap gains in oil are rising holding above $110 a barrel on renewed exports from Iraq. Oil exports from its optimism about steady demand growth in southern terminals are on track for a the United States, the world’s top oil con- record high in May, according to loading sumer, coupled with further disruptions to data and industry sources. Shipments have Libyan supplies. Orders for long-lasting US averaged 2.60 million barrels per day in manufactured goods unexpectedly rose the first 27 days of May, according to ship- and consumer confidence perked up, US ping data tracked by Reuters. data showed, underpinning risk assets including oil and powering US equity mar- Supply outlook kets to another record close. Brent crude Any fall triggered by investors booking gained 23 cents to $110.25 by 1039 GMT profits may see Brent declining to $108.50 a after ending 30 cents lower as some profits barrel if the contract manages to drop past were booked following a long holiday the $110 and $109 levels, Tetsu Emori, a weekend. US oil gained 20 cents to $104.31 commodity fund manager at Astmax after losing 24 cents in the previous session. Investment, said. Similarly, a strong support “Brent is continuing to hold its own level for the US benchmark is $101 if it man- above the $110 per barrel mark, finding ages to slip below $103, he said. Investors support from positive US economic data are also awaiting commercial stockpile data and the production outages in Libya, where from the United States to gauge the coun- rebels are preventing the loading of tankers try’s demand growth outlook. US commer- at an oil terminal that only reopened just a cial crude oil stocks and refined product month ago,” Commerzbank analysts said in inventories were expected to have risen in a research note. The overnight US data the week to May 23, a preliminary Reuters added to gains in a market already elevated poll of five analysts showed. The survey fore- by supply disruptions in Libya and the rift cast crude oil stocks to have increased between Russia, the world’s top oil produc- 700,000 barrels last week. The survey is tak- er, and the West over Ukraine. Ukrainian air- en ahead of weekly inventory reports from craft and paratroopers killed more than 50 the American Petroleum Institute (API), an pro-Moscow rebels in an assault that raged industry group, and from the US into a second day on Tuesday after a newly Department of Energy’s Energy Information elected president vowed to crush the revolt Administration (EIA). The API and EIA reports in the east once and for all. are each coming out a day later than normal In Libya, a brigade from the country’s because of the US holiday on Monday. “For Petroleum Facilities Guard has disrupted now we are stuck in a range,” Christopher operations at Hariga port in the far east of Bellew, trader at Jefferies Bache, said. “There the country to demand salary payments. are potential drivers coming up: next Full storage tanks at Hariga have forced a month’s talks on Iran’s nuclear program, production halt at Sarir and a reduction at developments in Ukraine, Chinese econom- Messla, oilfields which feed the terminal. ic data so it will break eventually.”— Reuters Gold prices edge off 3-1/2 month lows LONDON: Gold prices edged off 3-1/2 hit new records,” Saxo Bank’s head of month lows yesterday as stock markets commodity strategy Ole Hansen said. weakened in Europe, having earlier “Adding to this (was) data which extended losses after a technical break- showed China gold imports from Hong out the previous day saw prices slide Kong falling to a 14-month low.” “There more than 2 percent. Gold posted its are not that many bullish themes to latch biggest daily fall since mid-December on onto,” he added. “The election of what Tuesday after strong US data helped send seems to be a strong man in Ukraine may US and German stocks to record highs, help relations with Russia, at least that’s with losses accelerating as prices broke the view the market is now taking. All is out of the narrow range they’d held in for not lost though. ETP holdings jumped more than a month. yesterday... Today the $1,262.70 (level) Spot gold initially extended losses remains the key. Any additional selling yesterday to a low of $1,260.74 an ounce, should run out of steam ahead of $1,245.” but had recovered to $1,265.33 an ounce European stocks were down 0.2 per- at 0934 GMT, up 0.2 percent. US gold cent, bucking the trend for rising global futures for June delivery were flat at markets which had been shored up by $1,265.50 an ounce. A decline in strong US economic data on Tuesday. The European stocks after a strong rally in Asia euro traded near a three-month low as and the United States, and a rise in hold- expectations solidified for a multi- ings of bullion-backed exchange-traded pronged attack on monetary policy by funds, have helped the metal recover the European Central Bank next week. from early lows, analysts said. “(A) techni- Comments this week by ECB President cal break out of the triangle kicked off Mario Draghi were read as confirming the (the fall yesterday), which then accelerat- bank is on course to ease policy signifi- ed when US data surprised and US stocks cantly. —Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 The dilemma of child labor in Bolivia

A PAZ: Sergio has worked since he was “child”. According to UNICEF, around eight years old. The teen has already spent 850,000 Bolivian children between the age half of his short life making bricks in a tradi- of seven and 15 work under poor condi- tional factory in Alpacoma, a poor area on tions. Bolivia’s labor ministry meanwhile the outskirts of La Paz. He leaves the work- maintains that 87 percent of those youths shop each day exhausted and covered in do dangerous work, notably in mines, red dust but filled with pride at the thought brickyards or in the countryside during of being useful to his family. Of course, sugar cane harvest. International conven- Sergio is totally unaware of the raging tions on child labor smash up against harsh debate in Bolivia over child labor. “I work to reality in places like Bolivia-Latin America’s help my parents and buy myself things,” the poorest country-as well as Peru, Paraguay 15-year-old, wearing thick glasses that hide and Nicaragua, where thousands of chil- eyes damaged by the sun and harsh dust dren enter the labor market at an early age, said. Sergio can make as much as $57 a driven by hunger and poverty. week in a country where the minimum wage for an adult is about $207 a month. ‘I like it’ In 1997, Bolivia ratified the International Labour Organization’s convention limiting child labor for those under 14, but the reali- ty on the ground doesn’t reflect that. “El Chino” learned to repair tires at age eight. He now works at a shop in Pampahasi, a neighborhood in eastern La Paz, diligently measuring tire pressure. “My dad is an auto mechanic and my mom puts my money in the bank,” he said from his tiny workstation. The small 13-year-old with surprisingly muscular arms says he “chose to work.” “I like it,” he said, adding that he was “kicked out of school because I hit another boy. I haven’t been back since.” His long-term goal is to become a mechanic. In the mean- time, he says he fixes at least 100 tires a day. About 13 million children work in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the International Labor Organization. The LA PAZ: Sergio M works in the making of bricks-since he was eight on the outskirts of La Paz. — AFP figure has sparked concern in the region, where children younger than 14 have barred from working for the last 40 years. Germany joins new Children ‘need to work’ In neighboring Peru, home to 30 million people, about 1.6 million children are at LA PAZ: ‘El Chino’ repairs tyres in a street work-in agriculture, brick-making and con- of La Paz. — AFP struction. More than 100,000 between the scramble for Africa age of five and 12 work in mines. “It’s a real That monthly wage is however more of social problem that should be treated as an exception than the rule: most Bolivians such,” said Jose Sanchez, director of the do odd jobs off the books, and earn just a Movement of Adolescent and Child Africa hopes arrival of Germans will develop industry few coins here and there. For some work- Workers, an organization that has defended ing the family farm, they make nothing at their rights since 1976.Despite the letter of all. Child labor is considered a cultural the law, “many children need to work to be BERLIN: German industry’s representative in powers, wanted to get its hands on uranium from shopping malls, and you spend lots of time in traf- norm in Bolivia, a landlocked South able to survive,” he said. Angola, Ricardo Gerigk, has a tough job drumming Niger and Namibia, cobalt from the Democratic fic,” said Sacha Poignonnec, co-CEO of Rocket and American country of 10 million. The prac- A similar reality faces youth in Paraguay, up business in Luanda, the costliest city in the Republic of Congo, chromium, manganese and partners’ Africa Internet Holding. Muhereza tice is so entrenched that in 2011, the where some of the toughest jobs, such as world for expats, where contracts tend to go to platinum from South Africa and oil and gas from Kyamutetera, a 34-year-old advertising executive Unatsbo union of young workers was creat- work in lime kilns and quarries, are carried firms from China, Portugal and other countries Nigeria, Angola and Algeria. in Kampala, said that instead of spending lunch ed. The group campaigns for the regulation out by children. But “one of the worst forms with a bigger presence. Although Angola has “But there is growing awareness of another nar- finding a parking space and a restaurant, with of child labor and abolition of a minimum of child labor is work in landfills,” Eduardo dynamic growth and a wealth of resources includ- rative - the emerging African middle class, rising Hellofood “you spend a few minutes on your com- age limit. President Evo Morales, who him- Sosa, a government official who works on ing oil, gas, rare earths and diamonds, only about consumerism and growth of 6-7 percent - which puter and, bang, food finds you on your desk”. self worked as a shepherd in the Andean children’s issues said. In Central America’s 15 German companies have taken what Gerigk Germany shouldn’t miss out on,” said Vines. One Germany’s traditional industrial exports were nation as a child, has shied away from rais- poorest country, Nicaragua, the govern- calls the “leap of faith” to set up business there. German firm that has been quick to spot this trend facing tough competition from China, ing that minimum age, saying that labor ment has launched a program called “None of them have any regrets,” he adds. is Rocket Internet, which with Sweden-listed Kyamutetera said, but they could find a niche in helps people to develop a “social con- “Amor” (Love), which aims to pull children The world’s second-biggest exporter has wok- Millicom and South Africa’s MTN has launched what he called “offbeat areas” like this. The hope is science.” off the street and help their families. In the en up late to the potential of Africa’s fast-growing ventures in Africa such as e-commerce outfit that Germany’s late arrival will not just boost its While Bolivia’s constitution bans forced country of 5.8 million, around 300,000 chil- economies and is scrambling to catch up - not just Jumia and delivery service Hellofood. own exports but signal that Africa’s economy can with an aggressive China and France, in its West “There is a huge middle class and very little on “move up the value chain to do some industrializa- labor or the exploitation of children, it is dren and teens work, according to humani- African sphere of influence, but also smaller offer for them. Even in Lagos there are only a few tion”, said Songwe. — Reuters not specific about what age defines a tarian organizations. — AFP European rivals such as Spain and Italy. Emerging powers India, South Korea and Brazil have also been quicker to spot opportunities. German trade with Africa totaled $60 billion last year, while KSE Price Index China managed $200 billion. Beijing wants to dou- ble that figure by 2020 and has sent its president and premier to the region to sign infrastructure and credit deals. down by 1.57% German firms do only 2 percent of their over- seas business on the continent of 1.1 billion peo- ple. Of the 9 billion euros of German investments there, 8 billion are concentrated in South Africa BAYAN INVESTMENT MONTHLY REPORT and on energy deals in Algeria and Nigeria. Africa makes up only 2 percent of German new car exports, according to the auto industry body VDA, which says the market is “still in its infancy”. Again, South Africa accounts for almost 60 percent of sales, though its economy has weakened. “Germans still find the continent challenging and perhaps overwhelming to deal with,” says Vera Songwe, an economist at the World Bank and country director for West Africa. DURBAN: An activist gestures during a protest against chemical giant Monsanto in At the consultancy African Development Durban. Marches against Monsanto and genetically modified organisms (GMO) food Solutions (Adesol) in Berlin, Saschsa Meyer says and seeds were held across South Africa and in other countries with protestors call- the attitude so far has been: “South Africa and ing attention to the dangers posed by GMO food. — AFP Nigeria are where the money is, but where is Ivory Coast? Where is Togo? They are just blank spots on the map.” Now German companies, from industrial Fragile Five giants to start-ups, are overcoming their caution, keen to profit from the combination of rich resources and economic growth. The OECD esti- mates that growth in sub-Saharan Africa will total ride out risks 5.8 percent this year. “Mittelstand firms are now starting to look at KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended the compared to its closing in 2013, while the Africa,” said Meyer, seeing special potential in the month of April with variance on its indices. The weighted index increased by 8.88%, and the Focus switches to other emerging markets burgeoning African middle classes, who “don’t Price Index closed at 7,291.09 points, down by KSX-15 recorded 13.13% increase. need a third Porsche” but goods and services like 1.57% compared to the closings of the month “decent middle-class housing, modified for African before. The Weighted Index increased by 0.27% Sectors’ Indices LONDON: Elections from Jakarta to swaps, often used as a proxy for measuring needs”. Africa’s population is growing at twice the after closing at 493.08 points, whereas the KSX-15 Five of KSE’s sectors ended last month in the Johannesburg have calmed investors’ worst political risk, have fallen sharply. This also world rate, while Europe’s is stagnating. German Index closed at 1,208.68 points increasing by green zone. And the other Seven sectors ended fears about political risk in emerging markets reflects a more positive view than six months exports to Europe, the market for nearly 60 per- 0.58%. Furthermore, last month’s average in the red zone. Last month’s highest gainer was this year, but voting in Cairo and Kiev and ago on the extent of monetary stimulus in cent of its shipments, grew 0.1 percent in 2013, turnover decreased by 22.80%, compared to the the Consumer Services sector, achieving 6.63% instability in Thailand and elsewhere are cre- developed markets, which has kept US yields but the dynamic African market, surpassed only by preceding month, reaching KD 21.95 million, growth rate as its index closed at 1,173.16 points. ating new concerns. Polls in the so-called relatively subdued and supported high-yield- Southeast Asia, is expected to take 5 percent more whereas trading volume average was 175.48 mil- Whereas, in the second place, the Insurance sec- Fragile Five economies - Brazil, India, ing assets. German exports this year. lion shares, recording decrease of 14.56%. tor’s index closed at 1,171.30 points recording Indonesia, Turkey and South Africa - topped Emerging market equities have risen 4 per- This has prompted Europe’s biggest economy The stock market performance declined in 3.63% increase. The Health Care sector came in investors’ list of political worries for 2014. As cent this year, outperforming developed mar- to review what experts say remains basically a general despite the variance witnessed by its third as its index achieved 2.35% growth, ending these countries were dubbed ‘fragile’ because ket peers, after falling 5 percent last year. “donor-recipient” relationship. With the foreign three indicators, as the selling and profit collec- the month at 1,105.23 points. The Consumer of their reliance on foreign investor flows to Brazil’s five-year credit default swaps (CDS), ministry drawing up new African policy guidelines, tion operations were active and included many Goods sector was the least growing as its index shore up government balance sheets, elec- used to protect against default or restructur- the armed forces playing a bigger role in French- stocks, especially the small-cap ones, which closed at 1,305.91 points with a 0.15% increase. tions were seen likely to lead to more spend- ing of debt, have dropped nearly 50 basis led missions and industry bodies urging members affected the Price Index in particular to decline On the other hand, the last month’s highest loser ing and more instability. points this year, to 155 bps, according to data to venture into new territory, Germany is jostling to its lowest levels of the current year in one of was the Real Estate sector, recording 4.86% loss Presidential polls in Brazil and Turkey are provider Markit. That means it costs $155,000 for its “place in the sun”, a phrase coined by states- the month’s sessions, which increased its accu- rate as its index closed at 1,255.75 points, fol- still to come, but parliamentary elections in a year for five years to insure $10 million of man Bernhard von Buelow in 1897. mulated annual loss significantly. lowed by Financial Services sector as its index India and South Africa and local elections in Brazilian debt against default. South Africa’s In addition, the stock market performance recorded 2.84% loss rate as its index closed at Turkey have been greeted with enthusiasm by CDS have fallen 30 bps this year to one-year HELLO, GOODBYE varied in general during the month of May, as 1,015.63 points, The Oil & Gas sector was the least investors. In India, the result was a resounding lows of 170 bps, while Turkish CDS have The Berlin Conference of 1884 launched the the decline of the market indices came in parallel sector which record decrease as its index close at victory for the business-friendly opposition dropped by 50 bps, also to 170 bps. first “Scramble for Africa”, and Kaiser Wilhelm’s with the decrease in the trading levels, especially 0.43%, ending the month at 1,203.08 Points. and in South Africa and Turkey there were “Weltpolitik” began a colonial experiment that led the value which reached its lowest levels since strong performances by the ruling parties, Ukraine, Egypt to the genocide of the Hereros in South West August 2012 in one session, to record only Sectors’ Activity who have already shown some willingness to Instead, worries have switched to the out- Africa - now Namibia - and ended with defeat in KD8.75 million on 25th May, among limited pur- The Financial Services sector dominated total tackle problems. Uncertainty remains ahead come of elections this weekend in Ukraine and World War One. Even so, it has relatively little colo- chasing operations on one hand, and decreased trade volume during last month with 1.21 billion of a presidential poll in Indonesia, following Egypt, the security situation in Nigeria and this nial baggage compared with some other desire to trade by some investors due to the shares changing hands, representing 34.60% of parliamentary elections last month, but mar- week’s coup in Thailand. The flare-up between European countries, which could be an advantage missing supportive and investment attractive the total market trading volume. The Real Estate kets there are also relatively unscathed. Ukraine and Russia, which led to the annexa- in a region often sceptical about post-colonial motivators, on the other hand. sector was second in terms of trading volume as “So far, elections have not delivered what tion by Russia of Crimea following the ousting powers and asset-stripping, as Chancellor Angela Moreover, the delay by many listed compa- the sector’s traded shares were 30.61% of last was feared - political uncertainty,” said Jorge of Ukraine’s pro-Russian president Viktor Merkel looks for a geo-political role to match nies in disclosing their 2014 first quarter financial month’s total trading volume, with a total of 1.07 Mariscal, chief investment officer for emerging Yanukovich, has made investors wary about German economic might. results, was one of the pressure factors that billion shares. On the other hand, the Banking markets at UBS Wealth Management. “So far, trading these countries’ assets. Ukrainian presi- Denying any interest in “Germanizing” a conti- affected the market activity, as the traders feared sector’s stocks where the highest traded in terms elections have resulted in better outcomes for dential elections are expected to result in vic- nent that has seen too much outside interference, that some stocks get banned from trading due of value; with a turnover of KD 139.10 million or (financial) markets.” The outcome for October tory - possibly in Sunday’s first round - for con- Merkel said in a podcast at the end of March - to exceeding the legal disclosure period, which 31.68% of last month’s total market trading val- elections in Brazil may be less comfortable for fectionery magnate Petro Poroshenko, a for- ahead of an EU-African summit - that Germany caused a state of watch & caution, and notice- ue. The Financial Services sector took the second investors as incumbent leftist President Dilma mer Yanukovich ally who later joined the could play a useful role as an “honest broker” in ably affected the stock market trading activity. place as the sectors last month turnover of KD For the annual performance, the price index 106.44 million represented 106.44% of the total Rousseff has been gaining in the polls. protests against him and supports Ukraine’s tilt the region. Alex Vines, head of the Africa Program ended last month recording 3.42% annual loss market trading value. However, in all of these markets, credit default towards the West. —Reuters at Chatham House, said Germany, like all foreign BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

S-Class interior - Without parallel worldwide

KUWAIT: The editorial team of the renowned And the US specialist magazine continued: US ‘Ward’s Auto World’ magazine have chosen “With the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz is re-writing the ten best interior designs from a pool of 41 the script for interior design - not only for its new or restyled vehicles. To this end, the car own brand, but maybe for all German luxury experts spent two months drawing up detailed cars.” rankings which took diverse aspects of interior The interior design of the new S-Class fulfils design into consideration, such as ergonomics, this trailblazing role with its clear architecture driver information, high quality, safety and which establishes a new vision of a superior, comfort as well as design harmony and aes- classic yet cutting-edge saloon. The interior is thetics. informed by a uniquely flowing, sensuously ele- On the basis of the applied objective crite- gant style. Horizontal elements and lines create ria, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class not only secured a setting characterized by visual breadth and its place among the ten equal-ranking best calm solidity. High quality and elegance harmo- contenders, but also earned special praise from nize with clarity and functionality: the interior Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of “Ward’s Auto design of the S-Class combines ride comfort, World” magazine: “No other vehicle interior spaciousness and user-friendliness to the very worldwide combines aesthetics, technology highest standard. This perfection down to the and safety like the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.” last detail creates “The Essence of Luxury”. Canon highlights wireless Weir drops Metso takeover flash/studio photography

DUBAI: Canon Middle East, a world our corporate social responsibility to bid; second offer snubbed leader in imaging solutions, put the become a truly excellent global corpo- spotlight on wireless flash/studio pho- ration.” tography, on-location lighting, direc- Macharia, a commercial and con- Scotland’s Weir keen to expand its mining business tion and basic editing at the Light temporary photographer who founded Freaks Workshop held recently with K63 studio, is based in Nairobi, and is a LONDON: Scottish engineering firm Weir Group expand further into the heavy mining equipment sec- to cost-conscious clients. renowned Kenyan professional photog- graduate in Architecture and abandoned efforts to acquire rival Metso after the tor, in which Metso is a market leader. The Scottish Bankers have said a failure to merge with Metso rapher, Osborne Macharia. A former Background Design. On his involve- Finnish company rejected a second, improved firm is keen to expand its mining business after years could make Weir, already frequently the subject of participant of Canon’s photography ment with Canon he said: “I love digital takeover bid. Metso said yesterday that the latest of strong growth in its oil and gas division, which has takeover speculation, a target for big players such as training, Macharia shared his experi- art and its influence in defining culture offer - which valued it at around 4.5 billion euros seen profits triple since 2009. General Electric or Honeywell that are keen to access ences on wireless flash/studio photog- in Africa today. Canon’s workshops will ($6.13 billion), up by around 20 percent from an April But Metso rejected the offer yesterday, saying it did the Glaswegian company’s lucrative position in US raphy with 17 amateur and semi-pro- help the talented yet undiscovered bid - undervalued the firm as it has a bright future as not benefit the firm. “We believe that Metso has a real shale. Shares in Weir group were trading 0.5 percent fessional photographers in Kenya, over photographers and filmmakers in a stand-alone company. Weir said Metso shareholders opportunity to create significant value for all its share- higher at 0915 GMT, while Metso shares were down two days at Ang’ Camp Site, Kajiado. Kenya find a foothold in the industry in would have owned around 40 percent of the com- holders by pursuing its own course and that the pro- 3.34 percent. Weir’s improved bid of 30.49 euros per Starting out with the five variables of order to share their stories and com- bined entity and the two firms would have made at posal from Weir significantly undervalues this oppor- share was made on May 20 and represented a 34 per- flash photography, the workshops cov- pete on an international platform.” least 150 million pounds in annual cost savings as a tunity and that a takeover by Weir at these conditions cent premium to Metso’s share price on May 26, the ered understanding ambient lighting, As part of its corporate social joint group. would not be in our shareholders’ best interests,” said day before the bid was rejected. The new proposal using props, insights into composition responsibility, Canon holds training “Weir believes it made a compelling proposal but board Chairman Mikael Lilius. Weir sits in a crowded included a special dividend payment to all sharehold- and working with the outdoors as a workshops throughout the region that remains financially disciplined and therefore does not mid-sized industrial sector which industry insiders say ers of the combined group of 2.13 euros per share. canvas for photo shoots, making ran- are open to both aspiring and profes- intend to pursue this opportunity further at this time,” is ripe for consolidation in order to provide a wider Weir’s initial approach for Metso was for around 25.6 dom locations work to a photogra- sional independent photographers. it said in a statement. A deal would have helped Weir range, and a greater scale, of equipment and services euros per share. — Reuters pher’s benefit, and knowing where These are aimed at helping photogra- equipment such as EOS, lenses, and phy enthusiasts elevate their knowl- Speedlight, should be used. edge and skills. Additionally, experts Trans-Pacific Rio Tinto seals deal on Macharia also presented partici- offer insights into the most recent pants with his own personal experience advancements in digital photography of using a Canon EOS 5D MK II, high- and the high quality yet affordable free-trade pact $20 bn mine in Guinea lighting that his professional journey technology available on the market. was indeed ‘Powered by Canon.’ Once In the past, Canon has also hosted old-fashioned SYDNEY: Global mining giant Rio Tinto yesterday a statement issued by Rio. “With transparent and the training was completed, partici- workshops in Kenya on wildlife photog- said it has formalized an agreement with Guinea’s fair deals, our mining sector has the potential to be government to develop the world’s biggest a game changer for Guinea. This project also rep- pants were taken on a tour of Hell’s raphy which were led by Jonathan and SYDNEY: Plans for a vast trans-Pacific free trade pact includ- Gate, where they put their skills to the Angela Scott, Photographers & Canon ing the United States and Australia were “good” but “old- untapped iron-ore deposit after years of wran- resents a symbol of our continent’s tremendous test and learned how Canon’s technolo- Ambassadors, at the National Museums fashioned”, former World Trade Organization chief Pascal gling over the US$20 billion deal. The penning of efforts to meet its infrastructure challenges and gy is ideal for supporting aspiring pho- of Kenya. Another workshop held by Lamy said yesterday. Lamy, who stood down from the WTO an investment framework for the Simandou proj- build inclusive growth”. The investment framework tographers who use nature as their Jonathan Scott was hosted in the in September, also said that cutting tariffs was no longer the ect with its partners, Chinese state-run aluminum is expected to be brought before the Guinean backdrop, across a variety of fields of Maasai Mara with Raul Gabat, Business force it once was in advancing trade, in comments to Fairfax group Chalco and the International Finance National Assembly within days for ratification. photography - from weddings to fash- Development - Pro Imaging Group at newspapers. “The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement Corporation, a division of the World Bank, provides Once this is done, the partners will finalize, within ion. Canon Middle East. A third basic pho- Australia is negotiating with the US and 10 other countries, the legal and commercial foundation to push a year, a feasibility study to confirm project param- Commenting on the workshop, tography session was conducted by it’s a good, old-fashioned agreement,” Lamy told The Age. ahead. eters including cost and timeline. No date was giv- Anurag Agarwal, Managing Director, Raul Gabat at Hell’s Gate. “It’s about goods, services, government procurement, a “Today is an important milestone in the devel- en for production to start. Canon Middle East, said: “At Canon, we Earlier this year, Canon sponsored bit of intellectual property, but it’s the last of the big old-style opment of this world-class iron ore resource for In the meantime, Rio will lead talks with want to empower both professional the Egypt Photo Summit where pho- agreements.” The Trans-Pacific Partnership has 12 prospec- the benefit of all shareholders and the people of investors to finance the estimated US$20 billion and amateur photographers with the tographers and videographers met tive members-Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Guinea,” said Rio chief executive Sam Walsh. The investment, which will include a railway to carry ability to make the most of their skills with stylists, directors, models and Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Simandou iron ore project would create Africa’s iron ore from the Simandou mountain range to a and create the best possible images. advertising executives to exchange States and Vietnam-with trade ministers this month agree- biggest-ever infrastructure venture, boost deep-water port 650 kilometers away to export ideas and showcase the latest trends. Macharia shares our passion for digital ing to intensify talks on the deal. Guinea’s annual revenue by US$1.2 billion the ore. The joint-venture includes the develop- technology and unlocking opportuni- Canon Middle East is currently focused The ambitious pact, which would cover about 40 percent through income tax and royalty payments and ment of the port, the establishment of fiber optic ties for aspiring photographers in on diversification into new business of the world economy, has stalled as the United States and pump billions more into the nation’s economy, and wireless communications, and more than Kenya. “This workshop further rein- domains such as professional cine- Japan lock horns over key details, including Japanese tariffs forces Canon Middle East’s “closer to matography and pro-video business in on agricultural imports and US access to its ally’s huge auto Walsh said. Guinea President Alpha Conde said it 1,000 kilometers of new and upgraded roads. Rio customers” strategy as it helps the region. For further details of Canon market. If agreement between the US and Japan could be was of “critical importance” to his country, which is was awarded control of all four tenements at strengthen long-term relationships Middle East products and services, visit reached, it would raise hopes of a wider pan-Pacific agree- still recovering from decades of military dictator- Simandou-which it said held 2.25 billion tons of with photographers while exercising www.canon-me.com ment. “Look at the US-Japan agreement,” Lamy said. “It’s ships and misrule. iron ore resources-in 2006, but was ordered by the about pork, beef and rice. They are not exactly 21st-century “It’s a nationwide priority that goes beyond the then military dictatorship to relinquish two north- trade opening topics,” he said. “Pursue the Trans-Pacific mines and far beyond our generations,” he said in ern concessions in 2008.—AFP Partnership if you think there’s something in it for you. But it’s the last of the big old-style trade agreements.” Speaking about tariffs, the Frenchman likened them to Dubai’s Emaar Properties “dead stars” whose light could still be seen across millions of kilometers despite them being long expired. “They have been dead for thousands of years and you still see the light secures $1.5b Islamic loan of the star. That’s what tariffs are like, tariffs are dead,” he said. Lamy was, however, enthusiastic about a US-EU free trade DUBAI: Emaar Properties has secured a holders,” Emaar, 29-percent owned by sov- pact which is under negotiation, the so-called Transatlantic $1.5 billion sharia-compliant loan from five ereign fund Investment Corp of Dubai, said Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). “The new era local lenders, two banking sources aware of in a statement. begins with the Transatlantic Trade and Investment the matter said yesterday, the latest Dubai- “The outcome of such process and rele- Partnership,” he said of the deal which would vastly expand based borrower to take advantage of buoy- vant details will be included in the IPO the US-EU economic relationship. The TTIP includes tariff ant markets to reprice debt. A number of prospectus and made available to the pub- cuts and improved market access but one of its most ambi- state-linked entities in the emirate have lic.” The developer announced plans to list tious objectives is common regulatory standards for goods sought to refinance existing debts, even if up to 25 percent of its malls business in and services. Lamy said agreeing to common standards the loans have years until maturity, as mar- March, which is expected to raise 8 to 9 bil- would make an “enormous difference” to trade because ket sentiment towards Dubai improves lion dirhams. The new loan replaces an global corporations could “truly take advantage of after its debt crisis at the start of the existing facility worth $980 million which economies of scale”. Australia has just concluded free-trade decade and local banks look to focus was raised in 2011 and was secured against agreements with Japan and South Korea but Lamy, a former excess cash on the emirate’s best-quality Dubai Mall - one of the world’s largest EU trade chief, conceded that businesspeople often did not borrowers. shopping malls - to help secure a lower use these kinds of deals. “They make ambassadors feel good, Emaar, developer of the world’s tallest borrowing rate. The new transaction has no but they are not worth the effort,” he said. — AFP building, has raised the seven-year facility collateral to support it, the sources said, which will pay 175 basis points over the emphasizing how far the market has shift- London interbank offered rate (Libor), the ed in terms of banks willing to lend to sources said on condition of anonymity as Dubai names. Citadel Capital chief expresses Burgan Bank’s the information isn’t public. This is half the Emaar’s fortunes have been helped by a rate of the existing loan, which was due to rebound in the local property sector, which optimism about Egypt’s future Airport Branch run until 2016 and had an interest rate of has seen residential prices rise on average 350 bps over Libor. by 33 percent in the year to March 31, KUWAIT: In an interview with CNN’s Business million capital increase, we are moving ahead to operate during The funds have been provided on an according to consultants JLL. Emaar is not Day, Citadel Capital Chairman and Founder with plans to construct a $3.7 billion refinery equal basis by three Dubai lenders - Dubai the first Dubai name to take advantage of Ahmed Heikal, expressed his optimism about and we have established a new subsidiary, Al-Esra’a, Me’eraj Islamic Bank, Mashreq and Noor Bank - and the improved borrowing conditions for Egypt’s future. According to Heikal, Egyptians Qalaa Energy. Approximately $540 million will two from Abu Dhabi - First Gulf Bank and state-linked firms. DP World is in talks with are now more aware of the urgent need to be invested in Qalaa Energy, said Heikal. The KUWAIT: Burgan Bank yesterday announced that its airport National Bank of Abu Dhabi. The lenders banks to triple the size of an existing $1 bil- tackle the country’s economic problems, new entity will be partially financed through branch will resume normal working hours during the Al-Esra’a & plan to market the transaction to other lion loan, as well as extend the lifespan and which will require adopting tough measures. development finance institutions. Qalaa Me’eraj holiday today. The branch will commence operations from banks in a syndication phase, which could cut the interest rate, sources told Reuters Heikal stated that Citadel Capital (CCAP.CA on Energy has already submitted a USD 1.3 billion 8:00 am to 10:30 pm, in an effort to accommodate banking begin in the next two weeks, one of the last month. Dubai Duty Free and a secured the Egyptian Exchange), a leading investment proposal to build an additional 1GW of new requirements for travelers’ during the public holiday. For more source said. “In the context of the proposed loan for the emirate’s Roads and Transport company in Africa and the Middle East, is firm- power generation capacity. In a second inter- information on any products or services, customers are required public offering of Emaar Malls Group, the Authority backed by revenue from the Salik ly committed to pursuing new investments in view with Al Arabiya, Heikal said that providing to contact Burgan Bank’s call center 1804080 during the holiday. company is in the process of assessing and toll network were also renegotiated down Egypt in the coming period. Egyptians a new sense of optimism should be On this occasion, Burgan Bank extends its best wishes and greet- optimizing its capital structure taking into in the last 12 months, in some cases by The company has just completed a $520 a top priority for Egypt’s next president. ings to the public. consideration the best interests of all stake- more than half their original cost.— Reuters THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 TECHNOLOGY Amazon.com ‘not optimistic’ about Hachette book deal SAN FRANCISCO: Online commerce titan from another author instead. attributed to the negotiations with the e-retailer. 2009 and early 2010 during which Apple negotiated Amazon.com on Tuesday said it doubted that it Amazon.com said Tuesday that it has cut its Amazon has a reputation for negotiating hard to contracts with publishers ahead of its iPad launch would soon bury the hatchet with book publisher inventory of print books from Hachette and is no push down prices for the goods it sells online. In a and proposed a new and more profitable business Hachette. longer taking pre-orders on works slated for release turn that may have emboldened Amazon, US Justice model. Apple’s deals with five major publishers Negotiations between Hachette and the biggest by the publisher. The Seattle-based e-commerce Department triumphed in at e-book anti-trust aimed to undo the “wholesale” pricing model set by book seller in the United States over pricing, dis- colossus blamed the failed contract negotiations. against Apple. Last year, the judge who found Apple Amazon by shifting to an “agency” model where counting and other terms for selling works have Amazon.com maintained that the discord with guilty of illegal price-fixing for e-books ordered the publishers set the price and paid a 30 percent com- been unsuccessful. Hachette affects a small percentage, along the lines tech giant to steer clear of new contracts with pub- mission to Apple. Cote sided with the government “The two companies have so far failed to find a of a dozen out of every thousand, of the Kindle-mak- lishers which could violate antitrust law. US District on charges that Apple helped orchestrate the indus- solution,” Amazon said in a post at an online Kindle er’s book sales. “If you do need one of the affected Judge Denise Cote ordered Apple to refrain from try’s shift. Apple is appealing the decision. forum. “Though we remain hopeful and are working titles quickly, we regret the inconvenience and any agreement with publishers “where such agree- “To me, the current situation proves that the hard to come to a resolution as soon as possible, we encourage you to purchase a new or used version ment will likely fix, or set the price at which other e- Justice Department’s view was wrong and Amazon are not optimistic that this will be resolved soon.” from one of our third-party sellers or from one of our book retailers can acquire or sell e-books.” The order is not strictly interested in low prices for con- Amazon is pressuring the Hachette Book Group, a competitors,” Amazon said. A recent New York Times followed the judge’s July ruling that Apple illegally sumers,” lawyer turned famous author Scott Turow subsidiary of French company Lagardere, as the two report maintained that the “scorched-earth tactics” conspired with publishers, including Hachette, to was quoted as saying Tuesday in the Chicago renegotiate their contract, according to US media arose as Hachette balked at Amazon’s demands for boost the price of electronic books. Apple can still Tribune newspaper. “They are interested in using reports. Noticed tactics include delaying delivery of better terms in contract negotiations. sell e-books through its online channels, but cannot their market power to their own advantage and to Hachette books and not discounting works handled Hachette early this month confirmed that many make any special arrangements or collude with pub- pad their bottom line. The problem that Hachette is by the publisher, and suggesting that readers look- of its older titles and a few new releases sold by lishers to fix prices. experiencing right now is that there really is ing for some Hachette titles might enjoy a book Amazon were being hit with shipping delays that it The trial focused on a six-week period in late nowhere else to go.” — AFP Survey: Cybercrime on the rise

SAN JOSE: The hackers are winning, accord- ments in cybersecurity technologies, cyber ing to a survey of 500 executives of US busi- criminals continue to find ways to circum- nesses, law enforcement services and gov- vent these technologies in order to obtain ernment agencies released yesterday. sensitive information that they can mone- The 12th annual survey of cybercrime tize,” Ed Lowery, who heads the US Secret trends found that online attackers deter- Service’s criminal investigative division, said mined to break into computers, steal infor- in a written statement. mation and interfere with business are Lowery said companies and the govern- more technologically advanced than those ment need to take “a radically different trying to stop them. approach to cybersecurity,” which goes The survey was co-sponsored by San beyond antivirus software, training employ- Jose, California-based business consulting ees, working closely with contractors and firm PwC, the U.S. Secret Service, the CERT setting up tighter processes. Division of Carnegie Mellon University’s The top five cyberattack methods Software Engineering Institute and CSO reported in the survey were malware, phish- security news magazine. ing, network interruption, spyware and Three out of four respondents said they denial-of-service attacks. And 28 percent of had detected a security breach in the past respondents said the attackers were insid- year, and the average number of security ers, either contractors or current and former intrusions was 135 per organization, the employees or service providers, according survey found. “Despite substantial invest- to the survey. — Reuters Australian Apple users report ‘lost phone’ cyber attack SAN FRANCISCO/SYDNEY: Multiple An Apple spokeswoman in Sydney users on Apple Inc’s online support forum said by telephone Apple did not have any and Twitter have reported an unusual details on how widespread the incident GERMANY: A photo taken on May 13, 2014 shows the entrance of the village of Loewenstadt, northern Germany, which inhabitants have built a smartphone and tablet hack in which was or whether it was contained to broad-band Internet network of their own, as their village was too small to show up on the radar screens of national Internet operators. The cyber attackers were said to have locked Australia. fibre-optic network has been built through a Citizens’ Broadband Network Company ( BBNG ). — AFP Australian users’ smartphones and Multiple users requested information demanded payment in return for unlock- on Apple’s support forum about how to ing them. reset their phones or otherwise circum- The alleged cyber attackers, first vent the lock, while other users also Release of ‘The Evil Within’ reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, tweeted their concerns. appeared to use Apple’s “Find My Phone” “I went to check my phone and there feature to lock the devices’ screens and was a message on the screen saying that send a message demanding money be my device(s) had been hacked by ‘Oleg horror video game delayed sent to a PayPal account, according to Pliss’ and he/she/they demanded $100 multiple users. The anti-theft feature locks USD/EUR,” said “veritylikestea”, a user from SAN FRANCISCO: Video game publisher “The Evil Within” will be available in North you’ll fight for survival and experience profound phones that are reported lost. Apple, in the Australian city of Melbourne, on an Bethesda Softworks on Tuesday delayed release America on October 21; in Australia two days lat- fear in this perfect blend of horror and action,” response to inquiries about the hacking, Apple discussion board. Other users of eagerly awaited horror action title ‘The Evil er and in Europe on October 24. Bethesda promised. confirmed there had been an incident. replied that they had received the same Within’ to October. Versions of the game are being tailored for Players assume the role of a detective who The technology giant said in an emailed message. Telstra Corp Ltd, Australia’s The team at Tango Gameworks wanted more play on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 as well as comes up against an evil force while investigat- statement it “takes security very seriously largest telecommunications provider, said time to “deliver the polished, terrifying pure sur- the previous generation of both consoles. “The ing a gruesome mass murder. The new title is and iCloud was not compromised during it was aware of the issue, while Vodafone vival horror experience they set out to create” Evil Within” will also be playable on personal being publish by Bethesda, the US company this incident”. Hutchison Australia said it was encourag- when the title was originally given an August computers powered by Windows software. behind blockbuster video game hits “Fallout” It recommended affected users ing worried customers to contact Apple. release date, according to Bethesda. “With limited resources at your disposal, and “Elder Scrolls.” — AFP change their passwords as soon as possi- Reuters could not immediately verify the ble and avoid using the same username identity of the users, or the accuracy of and password for multiple services. their claims. — Reuters Skillz brings friendly wagers to iPhone game players

SAN FRANCISCO: Skillz wants iPhone and iPad ning money for besting a friend at Zynga’s such as “Farmville” or “Clash of Clans” where peo- game players to put their money where their “Words With Friends” game would be on par with ple are building fantasy worlds, he maintained. mouths are. The startup’s technology for tourna- a marathon runner being handed a check for The number of registered accounts at Skillz has ment-style play in which victors get cash prizes being first across the finish line. grown to 1.5 million since the kit for Android debuted yesterday in more than 150 games Skillz announced that more than 300 studios mobile game makers was released a year ago. available at Apple’s online App Store. representing thousands of mobile games have The Skillz software kit for Apple gadgets was It has been available for games tailored for signed onto the startup’s platform. in a private test mode for four months before its Android-powered smartphones or tablets for Launch titles include “Strike!” bowling and release yesterday. “It is about fostering competi- about a year. “Skill gaming has happened in the “Survival Run with Bear Grylls.” Skillz provides tion, and for those interest in something more off-line world for hundreds of years; down to the software to build its capability into titles, then than points or bragging rights,” Chafkin said. “The dollar-a-hole game friends play on the golf collects entry fees for tournaments; pays out way we think about this, we are enabling e- course,” Skillz co-founder and chief operating shares to winners, and splits proceeds with game sports for everyone.” Video games have become officer Casey Chafkin told AFP. “This is just taking makers. “The fundamental problem we are trying tournament level, spectator competitions in a it to the online world.” to solve here is that there aren’t a lot of moneti- booming trend referred to as “e-sports.” Skillz Cash prizes for tournament matches, even if zation options that work well for developers,” helped pioneer the skill-based gaming trend, only pitting two players against one another, Chafkin said. Digital ads popping up in games and scores of competitors have dived into what sidestep gambling laws that ban pay-outs for typically distract or annoy players, and selling vir- is projected by analysts to quickly balloon into a games of chance. Chafkin contended that win- tual goods tends to be effective only in titles multibillion dollar industry. — AFP Lookout ‘thefties’ nab selfies of smartphone thieves UNITED STATES : This handout image provided May 28, 2014 by Google, shows a self- driving a two-seat prototype vehicle conceived and designed by Google. Google unveiled plans to build its own self-driving car that it hopes to begin testing in the SAN FRANCISCO: Mobile security startup Emails that include maps of the location of becoming a really big problem,” Lou said. coming months. “They won’t have a steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake ped- Lookout is turning smartphones and tablets stolen devices are fired off to owners. In the case Lookout launched in 2007 and reports that 55 al... because they don’t need them. Our software and sensors do all the work,” against gadget thieves with a new feature that of Android, the emails include copies of “thefties” million people worldwide use its mobile security Google’s Chris Urmson said in a blog post. — AFP when possible-will snap a picture of the culprit. taken with front-facing cameras. “Phone theft is software, a version of which is free. — AFP A new theft alert function added Wednesday to Lookout’s premium service for Apple and Google making its Android mobile devices sets out to pinpoint where a gadget might be and, in some cases, even take the thief’s picture. “We are not provid- own self-driving cars ing this information for you to go out and find the device yourself,” Lookout product manager WASHINGTON: Google has started building controls, Google said. Greg Lou told AFP. its own self-driving car that it hopes to “If all goes well, we’d like to run a small “It is so you can give it to the police so they begin testing as early as this year. “They pilot program here in California in the next can find it for you.” A premium version of won’t have a steering wheel, accelerator couple of years,” the company said. The top Lookout costing $3 a month or $30 annually pedal, or brake pedal... because they don’t speed of the prototypes will be 25 mph. The already provides features such as backing up need them. Our software and sensors do all San Jose Mercury News called the car a data and finding lost phones. The new capability the work,” the company said in a blog post “rounded, almost cuddly-looking two- lets users tell smartphones to fire off theft alerts Tuesday night. For Google, the car marks a seater.” The vehicles are battery powered if anyone botches a lock-screen code, turns the shift away from adapting vehicles made by and boast safety features like a flexible gadget off, pulls a SIM card, or puts the device in others in its quest to pioneer individual windshield and foamlike material covering ‘airplane’ mode to block network connections. transport that needs only a stop-and-go the front, the paper said. “We took a look On Android devices, theft alerts will signal function. from the ground up of what a self-driving front-facing cameras to snap photos in the hope “It was inspiring to start with a blank car would look like,” Google co-founder of capturing images of culprits. SAN FRANCISCO: LG Electronic’s new G3 flagship smartphones are on display at a presser in sheet of paper and ask, ‘What should be dif- Sergey Brin told a conference in Rancho The capability referred to by Lookout as tak- San Francisco, California, May 27, 2014. Simultaneous introductory events were held in a half- ferent about this kind of vehicle?’” the post Palos Verdes, California. He announced the ing a “theftie” is not available on Apple devices dozen cities, LG saying they would hit US soil by September in deals with an array of telecom said. Google said it plans to build about 100 prototypes there Tuesday night. Until now because the operating system won’t allow it, service carriers. The G3 has a 5.5-inch (14 centimeter) display with screen quality four times prototype vehicles. Later this year its drivers Google has been re-fitting Lexus and Honda according to Lou. that of standard high-definition resolution and extensive battery life. — AFP will start testing early versions with manual cars to work as self-driving ones. — AFP THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Brain activity changes seen after chemo

NEW YORK: For some women with breast cancer, after chemo, as well as with other women, Deprez was between 70 and 80 percent,” Deprez said. That thing that we found was a relation with subjective changes in brain activity while multitasking could and her colleagues at the University Hospital meant patients’ performance on the test, which cognitive complaint,” Deprez told Reuters Health. explain “chemo brain” - reduced mental functioning Gasthuisberg of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, included indicating if two sounds were the same that many experience after chemotherapy, Belgian used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging frequency and if two moving circles with lines Related to cognitive symptoms researchers say. “Cognitive complaints of people (fMRI). through them were at the same orientation or not, The decreased brain activation seen with fMRI increase with chemotherapy and we are trying to The imaging technique indirectly assesses brain while remembering two symbols presented earlier, may help explain why many chemotherapy patients find out why,” said Sabine Deprez, who led the new activity by signaling changes in blood and oxygen did not change over time. This allowed the complain of chemo brain. “It feels like they have to study. “Difficulty multitasking is one of the biggest delivered to various regions of the brain. Eighteen researchers to measure changes in brain activity do more effort to get the same result after chemo,” complaints.” women with breast cancer scheduled to receive levels during the task, not in the women’s ability to Deprez said. That could be because chemotherapy Past research has documented changes in men- chemotherapy performed a multitasking exercise in complete the task, Deprez said. causes structural changes in the brain, but experts tal performance following chemotherapy - and in an MRI machine before starting treatment and four Neither of the two comparison groups seemed still don’t know, she said. some cases, in cancer patients before chemothera- to six months after treatment ended. Two compari- to change in terms of the parts of the brain activat- Functional MRI is very useful for research, but for py, suggesting disease-related processes may also son groups - one of women with breast cancer not ed by the tasks or their level of activation, while in the cognitive effects of cancer treatment it can only play a role, according to Deprez’s team. Other stud- scheduled to receive chemotherapy and another of the chemotherapy group brain activation signifi- be used to draw conclusions about people in gen- ies have used imaging to show differences in brain healthy women - also performed the tasks. cantly decreased, the authors report. eral, not individual patients, Brenna C McDonald activity between cancer patients who had Meanwhile, patients in the chemotherapy group told Reuters Health in an email. McDonald, of the chemotherapy and healthy people not being treat- ‘Foggy thinking’ also complained of “foggy thinking” more than Radiology and Imaging Sciences department at ed for cancer, the researchers write in the Journal of “The special thing about how we did the design those in the other groups. Before the chemothera- Indiana University School of Medicine in Clinical Oncology. was that before we did it we adjusted the difficulty py started, all the participants had about the same Indianapolis, has investigated this topic but was not To compare women with themselves before and for each patient, and the performance of everyone amount of cognitive complaints. “The important part of the new study. — AP

US salmonella outbreak widens, 574 sick

WASHINGTON: Another 50 people have suffered salmonella poisoning linked to Foster Farms chicken, bringing the total to 574 cases in the United States since March 2013, health officials said on Tuesday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in an update that the new cases were reported at an average of eight a week since an April report on new infections caused by strains of drug-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg. Thirty-seven percent of those with the foodborne bacteria have been hospitalized in the outbreak that began in March 2013. About 13 percent have developed blood infections, about three times the number in typical salmonella infections, the CDC said. No deaths have been reported. Foster Farms, which is based in the US west coast, said in a statement that it had developed a multiple step approach to reduce or wipe out salmonella at each stage of production. “The company continues to make steady progress that has effectively reduced Salmonella at the parts level to less than 10 percent - well below the 2011/2012 USDA-measured industry benchmark of 25 percent,” the company said. USDA stands for US. Department of Agriculture. It added that salmonella incidence increased with warm weather. — Reuters

Big insurance rate hikes in the future?

NEW YORK: The wild hikes in health insur- cent, which can lead to public attention ance rates that blindsided many Americans that insurers don’t want. “Nobody’s going to in recent years may become less frequent get a rate increase unless they truly deserve because of the health care overhaul. Final it,” said Dave Axene, a fellow of the Society rates for 2015 won’t be out for months, but of Actuaries, who is working with insurers in early filings from insurers suggest price several states to figure out pricing. increases of 10 percent or more. That may “The rigor that we had to go through to sound like a lot, but rates have risen as prove that the rates were reasonable, it’s much as 20 or 30 percent in recent years. worse than an IRS audit at times.” To be sure, The rates that emerge over the next few insurers and others in the field say it’s too months for 2015 will carry considerable early to fully understand what pricing political weight, since they will come out trends will emerge for individual insurance before Republicans and Democrats settle plans, which make up a small slice of the their fight for Congressional control in next insured population. And some experts fall’s midterm elections. Republicans are aren’t convinced of any one outcome of the vowing to make failures of the law a main law. Industry consultant Bob Laszewski theme of their election push, and abnor- called the idea that the exchanges will reign GERMANY: Elephants are pictured in their outdoor enclosure at the zoo in Magdeburg. — AFP mally high premiums might bolster their in prices by promoting competition an argument. In addition to insuring millions of “unproven theory.” uninsured people, the other great promise of the massive health care overhaul was to ‘Praise the Lord’ Insurers scrutinize drug costs tame the rate hikes that had become com- “No one has any idea what this risk really monplace in the market for individual insur- looks like yet and probably won’t for two to ance coverage. three years,” he said. Karen Ignagni agrees. after $84,000 Sovaldi surprise No one expects price increases to go The CEO of the trade association America’s away, but some nonpartisan industry Health Insurance Plans, which represents NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES: Shocked by the rapid took Gilead to task at a public conference. “The discussed the Sovaldi launch with insurers, is in watchers say they do expect the big hikes insurers, said competition between insurers adoption of a new $84,000 hepatitis C treatment, company in this case is asking for a blank check talks over which patients should be treated with to hit less frequently in the years to come, will mean little if too many sick people sign US health insurers are trying to make sure they and you can’t give anyone anymore a blank check its next hepatitis C pill. That will be a two-drug even though it’s still early in the law’s imple- up for coverage on the exchanges. Insurers aren’t blindsided by other drugs being developed because it will blow up family budgets, state combination that will eliminate the need for a mentation. They point to competition and need a balance between sick and healthy and are looking for ways to limit their use from Medicaid budgets, employer costs and wreak companion drug that nearly doubles Sovaldi’s greater scrutiny fostered by the law as key people to avoid big claim hits that lead to the day they are launched. Manufacturer Gilead havoc on the federal debt,” said Karen Ignagni, current total cost. factors. Public insurance exchanges that future rate hikes. Sciences Inc says 30,000 people have received president of America’s Health Insurance Plans. Industry analysts expect the company will debuted last fall and were created by the Laszewski expects some plans to seek hepatitis drug Sovaldi so far, and that sales hit a Gilead argues that Sovaldi’s price is worth it, price it closer to Sovaldi’s $84,000 than to the law make it easier for customers to compare either big premium increases or decreases record-breaking $2.3 billion within a few months. since it will replace even costlier spending on hos- $150,000 cost of a combination of Sovaldi and a prices. The overhaul also prevents insurers in 2015, but he says that says nothing about The treatment, typically 84 pills taken over 12 pital visits and treatments for cirrhosis or liver fail- Johnson & Johnson drug that some doctors pre- from rejecting customers because of their the long-term implications of the overhaul. weeks, completely cures the disease in more than ure. It has not budged on price for the hepatitis C scribe. Mick Kolassa, chairman of pricing consul- health. He noted that insurers entered 2014 with- 90 percent of patients. drug, although Gregg Alton, Gilead’s executive tancy Medical Marketing Economics, in Oxford, out a good feel for what their competitors As many as 3.2 million Americans are infected vice president for corporate and medical affairs, Mississippi, who advises pharma companies, says Experts aren’t convinced would charge, so price swings are inevitable by hepatitis C, and the cost of giving most of acknowledged that insurers are going to start insurers are being aggressive. “We are seeing That means someone who develops a as companies adjust. Charmaine Piquette, them Sovaldi would surpass $200 billion. Some negotiating. some of them step up and flex their muscles,” he health condition like high blood pressure 60, said she’s “petrified” of a big increase for insurers have already put conditions on who can US drug spending reached a record $329 bil- said. isn’t stuck in the same plan year after year next year. “I finally feel like in my life I have a get the drug, and states including California and lion in 2013, driven by a double-digit increase in because other insurers won’t take her. She break and can afford to take care of myself Texas have slowed or put treatment on hold while prices for new cancer, HIV and hepatitis C thera- Cholesterol drugs in sight can now shop around. The Urban Institute, even though I’m not living on very much a they study what to do. Insurers warned that these pies. Express Scripts, the nation’s largest pharma- More scrutiny of new pricing is likely ahead a nonpartisan policy research organization, month,” said Piquette, who lives outside unforeseen costs will cut 2014 earnings and cy benefit manager, expects spending on such as the country comes to terms with how it said in a recent report that competition will Milwaukee. require rate hikes. Now, at industry conferences, specialty drugs to rise an additional 63 percent should pay for expensive drugs, according to help restrain individual insurance prices Piquette used Wisconsin’s public health in conversations with investors, and in private, from 2014 to 2016, driven by an 1,800 percent John Castellani, Chief Executive Officer of lead- next year. insurance exchange in March to get cover- they are pushing Gilead’s rivals, a group that increase in hepatitis C drug costs. Successful ing drug industry lobby group Pharmaceutical And it could have a lasting impact once age from the nonprofit insurance coopera- includes AbbVie Inc , Merck & Co and Bristol- drugs can cost $1 billion to bring to market, Research and Manufacturers of America or the new markets for coverage stabilize in a tive Common Ground. The plan costs her Myers Squibb Co , to discount their own new hep- including spending on research, development PhRMA. Sovaldi has shown that patients are few years, said Larry Levitt, an insurance only about $177 a month thanks to a $500 atitis C treatments when they come to market and marketing. Supporters of drug companies bearing too much of the drug’s costs because expert with the Kaiser Family Foundation, tax credit she receives as part of the over- starting this fall. Such a high-profile campaign by say big advances necessitate high prices. of rising co-payments, co-insurance and which analyzes health policy issues. “Now if haul. She lives mainly on about $1,200 a insurers before drugs are even approved is new. “We are the only country in the world that deductibles, he told Reuters, laying the blame a plan tries to raise premiums a lot, people month in Social Security disability pay- They are also signaling they will restrict who pays exorbitant prices to provide innovation first on factors controlled by insurance companies. can vote with their feet and move to anoth- ments, but her health coverage helps her can get coverage for new cholesterol drugs being here, but that’s what we need and that’s what the But patient advocates are not choosing sides er plan,” Levitt said. Greater scrutiny by reg- afford things like visits with a diabetes developed by Amgen Inc , Pfizer Inc and a part- American people have come to expect,” said yet, which may have the effect of giving insur- ulators could also keep rates from skyrock- counselor to get her blood sugar back nership of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc and Richard Burr, a Republican Senator from North ers room for action. “I think the fault lies with eting. The overhaul requires a mandatory under control. “I said, ‘Praise the Lord’ every Sanofi SA. By law, insurers cannot deny access to Carolina who has spent decades working on both the for-profit insurers and the drug com- review of rate increases larger than 10 per- single time I use this,” she said. — AP new drugs if they represent a real improvement bipartisan health bills. panies,” said Anne Donnelly, director of health- for patients, leaving drug companies with the care policy at the San Francisco-based Project upper hand in most price discussions. When com- Limiting use Inform, which advocates for hepatitis C parable competitors, or a generic version is on the Hepatitis C complications can take years to patients. The system has not changed to reflect market about a decade later, insurers have room develop, which gives insurers and government the impact of new effective, expensive drugs, to steer patients away from the new drugs, and health agencies leeway to determine when treat- she said. pharmaceutical companies cut prices steeply and ment should start. Many insurers, which manage The next big price battle centers on a new give big discounts. most of the 150 million people covered by class of cholesterol drugs known as PCSK9 But insurers have not faced such a highly employer-based plans as well as some govern- inhibitors, which help the liver to clear “bad” effective drug aimed at a widespread disease that ment Medicare and Medicaid plans, require LDL cholesterol from the blood. Large-scale is so expensive and so quickly adopted. The previ- patients to get authorization before using studies show the new drugs can help patients ous record for a drug reaching blockbuster status Sovaldi. Some limit the drug to patients with a who cannot tolerate, or get enough benefit was set in 2011, when hepatitis C therapy Incivek certain genetic type of the disease. from, the most widely-used cholesterol drugs, from Vertex Pharmaceuticals raked in $1.56 billion Express Scripts has been pushing for all but statins. The PCSK9 therapies are expected to for the entire year. Sovaldi has sold more in a the sickest patients to wait for new therapies that cost thousands of dollars a year, far above the quarter of the time. As a result, insurers are taking are expected to compete head-to-head with price of statins sold as generics. a harder line on which patients should get Sovaldi late this year. It is also pressing rival man- Drugmakers are expected to push for the Sovaldi, based on the drug’s clinical data. ufacturers for low prices, hoping to avoid the new medicines to be used by 7 million to 20 Sovaldi is “game-changing” for insurers think- shock of Sovaldi, which sped through trials and million people, or up to 30 percent of the 71 ing said John Whang, president of Intelligence regulatory approval and caught insurers by sur- million Americans with high cholesterol. Reimbursement, a consulting firm that helps prise. “In this particular case there was very little Insurers already are questioning whether the pharmaceutical companies set prices. The only discussion pre-launch. But other companies are estimates of use are legitimate. “There is really way for them to respond is to control the volume now already discussing potential future price no need to take these new medications and of treatment used, he said. points in response,” said Steve Miller, Express spread them out across a larger community of Scripts Chief Medical Officer. people who will respond to existing treat- Public shaming AbbVie and Merck both declined to comment ments, many of which are generic,” Aetna Inc’s CALIFORNIA: File photo shows SEIU-UHW worker Kathy Santana, left, assists Ruben In a sign of how serious the industry has on whether discussions with insurers about their National Medical Director for Pharmacy Policy Torres, 27, during a health care enrollment event at SEIU-UHW office in Commerce. — AP become, the largest insurer lobby group last week new drugs were underway. Gilead, which says it Ed Pezalla said in an interview. — Reuters

WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa celebrates 1st anniversary

umeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, General Manager of Jumeirah Messilah Kuwait.” “Our success couldn’t have been evening, a raffle draw took place including hotels, resorts and residences around the Kuwait’s idyllic resort, celebrated its first Beach Hotel & Spa, said: “This resort has achieved without the support and confi- some impressive prizes to Jumeirah’s desti- world. The company has 10 hotels under Janniversary in the Badriah Ballroom on become a destination in its own right and a dence of our guests, business partners, nations around the world. Jumeirah Messilah development and agreements signed for a Wednesday, May 21, 2014. landmark in Kuwait and the region, repre- shareholders and the tireless work and dedi- Beach Hotel & Spa is the most recent addi- further 13, including properties in Jordan, In his welcome speech Hakan Petek, senting the beauty, comfort and luxury of cation of our colleagues,” he said. To close the tion to Jumeirah Group’s portfolio of 22 Oman, India, Indonesia and Russia.

Announcements

Australian Embassy n the occasion of Isra’a and Miraj, the Australian Embassy wishes to advise Othat it will be closed today. The Embassy will reopen on Sunday, June 1, 2014.

Bangladesh Embassy he Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kuwait will remain closed Ttoday on the occasion of Holy Shab-E- Miraj.

South Africa Embassy he Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa will be closed on Ttoday It will resume its normal working hours on Sunday, June 1, 2014. Working hours for the Embassy: Sunday to Thursday - 8:00 to 16:00 and consular hours - 8:30 to 12:30. For emergen- cies, please contact: 94924895. Muhammad Sulaiman, the 4th raffle draw winner of “Summer Surprises” campaign by Malabar Gold & Diamonds receives prize quarter loki of gold from Afsal Khan, Zonal Head, Malabar Gold & Diamonds (left) and Lukman Alavi, Branch Head, Malabar Gold & Diamonds (far right). The winner has done the purchase from Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Al-Rai Lulu outlet. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 Al-Babtain announces Kuwait’s GT Academy ME qualification

bdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al- Showroom to compete and to try to Khater, once again proved GT Mardenborough, a Le Mans 24-hour Meanwhile, inaugural-winner, fascinating ZEOD RC ‘Garage 56’ entry. Babtain Co, Nissan’s authorised achieve the best score until May 31. Academy could turn virtual racers into podium finisher, will compete in Spaniard Lucas Ordonez takes his tal- Online qualifying on PlayStation’s Gran Adealer Kuwait, is offering the Commenting on this occasion, real racing drivers with a win in his Formula One feeder series GP3 in ents overseas in 2014 to race for NIS- Turismo6 game is now open. Anyone country’s aspiring professional racing Mohamed Shalaby, COO of Al-Babtain first competitive race. 2014. His meteoric rise since winning MO in the competitive Japanese Super in a participating country with Gran drivers the chance to follow in the Group said: “Last year’s entrants were Further proof of the success of the GT Academy in 2011 sees him racing GT Championship. Lucas and 2012 GT Turismo 6 and a PlayStation3 will be footsteps of reigning Nissan of utmost pride for Al-Babtain espe- virtual-to-reality competition can be for Arden International while also Academy champion Wolfgang Reip able to enter the free qualifying PlayStation GT Academy Middle East cially with those who reached the final seen in the stunning on-track results undertaking a Red Bull Racing Driver (Belgium) will also contest this sum- rounds within the game’s automatic through a live qualification round. The stage. This program is of an innovative of its other graduates. Briton Jann Development Programme. mer’s Le Mans 24 Hour race in Nissan’s online update for more details. fastest time recorded at each of these and exciting nature where in GT events will automatically go through Academy summarizes Nissan’s core to the regional final in Dubai, United belief. This year is another chance to Arab Emirates, where top 28 Middle prove their talent as part of GT Eastern players will compete for a Academy Middle East. On behalf of Al- place in the Nissan NISMO team as a Babtain, we invite anyone who would professional car racer. like to chase their dream with this The exciting partnership of Al- unique opportunity to pay our Nissan Babtain and Sony Middle East has suc- Showroom a visit and enjoy a transi- cessfully kicked-off the first phase of tion from virtual to reality.” GT Academy 2014 by hosting Live The GT Academy competition has Events at the Australian College of attracted nearly four million entries Kuwait. In an exciting ambience, an globally since its inception in 2008, exclusive GT Academy stand with Pods with gamers and motor sport fans bat- was displayed, where participants had tling it out for the chance to become the chance to qualify for the fastest the next NISMO Athlete, one of the lap. The second phase is currently tak- elite racing drivers competing to ing place at the Nissan Al-Rai repeat for Nissan under the banner of Showroom, where all potential candi- its motor sport arm, NISMO. The dates are welcomed to the Nissan Middle East’s first star, Salman Al-

PGA celebrates successful season

he Premier Goal Academy in association with the playing of the national anthems of Over 120 of these players, aged from 3 to Further awards were given to players World Cup match footballs were also provided with Everton FC and under the sponsor- Kuwait and the United Kingdom. Several other 18 years, were nominated by their coaches to involved in the Girls Coaching Courses, School by the awards sponsors, Porsche Centre Tship of Porsche Centre Kuwait, prominent guests including ambassadors and receive awards in several categories, including: Community Programs, and specialist Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company and Behbehani Motors Company, held their Gala embassy officials were in attendance during Most Outstanding, Most Improved, Most Goalkeeping Awards. All the players were pre- Sports Direct. Academy Director Mike Finn and Presentation Evening Season 2013-14 at the which more than 150 prestigious awards were Sporting, Top Trainer, Star Player, Coaches sented with trophies by the British Executive Director Baker Al-Nazer thanked the Marina Hotel this week. More than 400 guests presented to select players, coaches and spon- Award and Centre of Excellence Team Player. Ambassador Frank Baker, the Palestinian coaching team, sponsors and supporters for filled the Salwa Sabah Al-Ahmad Theatre and sors at the end of a tremendously successful These players demonstrated an abundance of Ambassador Rami Tahbob, and Charge all their assistance in making the season such Hall for the celebratory gathering, which was season of training courses, matches, festivals, hard work, commitment, high standards of D’Affaire and from the Canadian Embassy an enjoyable and successful one for everyone also held under the patronage of the British tournaments and special events involving over performance and conduct over the course of Colleen Mapendere. Many surprise gifts that involved with the PGA. Ambassador Frank Baker. The event convened 500 young players. the season to earn their rewards. included BMX Bicycles, gift vouchers and TV PROGRAMS THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

01:30 Emmerdale 03:00 How The West Was Won-PG 20:00 Duck Dynasty 02:25 Coronation Street 05:30 From The Earth To The Moon- 20:30 Duck Dynasty 02:55 You’re Wearing That?!? FAM 21:00 Pawn Stars 03:25 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 07:00 Double Trouble-FAM 21:30 Storage Wars 00:45 Crime Scene Wild 05:15 60 Minute Makeover 00:30 Naked And Marooned: Ed 08:55 From The Earth To The Moon- 22:00 Swamp People 01:35 Untamed & Uncut 06:10 The Jonathan Ross Show Bares All FAM 23:00 Mountain Men 02:25 Leopard Fight Club 07:05 You’re Wearing That?!? 01:20 Get Out Alive With Bear 10:35 Hearts Of The West-PG 03:15 Animal Clinic 07:30 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 04:05 Bizarre Animal ER Grylls 12:15 Some Came Running-PG 02:10 Manhunt 09:20 60 Minute Makeover 14:30 The Rounders-PG 04:30 Bizarre Animal ER 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries 04:55 Animal Cops South Africa 03:00 You Have Been Warned 16:00 Speedway-FAM 03:50 Border Security 11:10 Emmerdale 17:50 The Glass Slipper-FAM 00:10 Hoarding: Buried Alive 05:45 Saving A Species 12:00 Coronation Street 06:35 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 04:15 Baggage Battles 20:15 Marlowe-PG 01:00 Secret Eaters 04:40 Money Barn 12:30 The Jonathan Ross Show 07:00 Animal Airport 22:00 Sweet Bird Of Youth 01:50 42 Stone Mum ‚Äì One Year 05:05 How It’s Made 13:25 60 Minute Makeover 07:25 Animal Battlegrounds Later 05:30 How Stuff’s Made 14:20 You’re Wearing That?!? 07:50 Animal Battlegrounds 02:40 Sister Wives 06:00 Manhunt 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 08:15 Untamed China With Nigel 03:30 I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant 07:00 You Have Been Warned 15:35 Dirk Gently Marven 03:55 Long Island Medium 07:50 Manhunt 16:30 Vera 04:20 Say Yes To The Dress 09:10 Crocodile Hunter 00:00 Storage Wars 08:40 Fast N’ Loud 18:20 Murdoch Mysteries 04:45 Say Yes To The Dress 10:05 Leopard Fight Club 09:30 Border Security 00:30 Pawn Stars 19:10 Coronation Street 05:10 Toddlers & Tiaras 11:00 Animal Precinct 09:55 Baggage Battles 01:00 Storage Wars Texas 19:35 Dirk Gently 06:00 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 11:55 Animal Airport 10:20 Money Barn 01:30 Storage Wars Texas 20:30 Vera 07:00 What Not To Wear 12:20 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 10:45 How It’s Made 02:00 Duck Dynasty 22:20 Coronation Street 07:50 Oprah’s Next Chapter 12:50 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 11:10 How Stuff’s Made 02:30 Duck Dynasty 22:50 Emmerdale 08:40 Oprah’s Next Chapter 13:15 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 11:35 Naked And Marooned: Ed 03:00 Storage Wars 23:45 Murdoch Mysteries 09:30 Toddlers & Tiaras 13:45 The Jeff Corwin Experience Bares All 03:30 Storage Wars 10:20 Say Yes To The Dress 14:40 Leopard Fight Club 12:25 Get Out Alive With Bear 04:00 Pawn Stars 10:45 Say Yes To The Dress 15:30 Treehouse Masters Grylls 04:30 Pawn Stars 11:10 Cake Boss 16:30 Untamed China With Nigel 13:15 Manhunt 05:00 Ancient Aliens 11:35 Jon & Kate Plus 8 Marven 14:05 Border Security 06:00 Storage Wars Texas 12:00 Little People, Big World 17:25 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 14:30 Baggage Battles 00:00 Chasing UFOs 06:30 Counting Cars 14:55 Money Barn 12:25 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 17:50 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 01:00 Science of Stupid 07:00 Storage Wars Texas 15:20 Finding Bigfoot 13:15 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 18:20 Preposterous Pets 01:30 Science of Stupid 07:30 Storage Wars Texas 16:10 Fast N’ Loud Bridesmaids 19:15 Natural World 02:00 Human Ape 08:00 American Restoration 17:00 Flying Wild Alaska 13:40 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 20:10 Wildest Indochina 03:00 Nat Geo’s Top 10 Photos 08:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 17:50 Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up Bridesmaids 21:05 The Real Lion Queen 04:00 Mega Breakdown 09:00 Storage Wars Texas 18:40 You Have Been Warned 14:05 Something Borrowed, 22:00 Natural World 05:00 Engineering Connections 09:30 Counting Cars 19:30 Manhunt Something New 22:55 Wildest Indochina 06:00 Air Crash Investigation 10:00 Pawn Stars 20:20 How It’s Made 14:30 Something Borrowed, 23:50 Animal Cops South Africa 07:00 Lords of War 10:30 Pawn Stars 20:45 How Stuff’s Made Something New 07:30 Mystery Files 11:00 Storage Wars 21:10 Baggage Battles 14:55 Extreme Couponing 08:00 Chasing UFOs 11:30 Storage Wars 21:35 Money Barn 15:20 Cake Boss 09:00 Science of Stupid 12:00 Storage Wars Texas 22:00 Treehouse Masters 15:45 What Not To Wear 09:30 Science of Stupid 12:30 Storage Wars Texas 22:50 Mind Control Freaks 16:35 Toddlers & Tiaras 23:15 Mind Control Freaks 10:00 Human Ape 13:00 Ancient Aliens 00:20 Doctors 17:25 Say Yes To The Dress 23:40 Mythbusters 11:00 Into The Crystal Cave 14:00 Duck Dynasty 00:50 Hunderby 17:50 Say Yes To The Dress 12:00 Mega Breakdown 14:30 Duck Dynasty 01:15 Last Of The Summer Wine 18:15 Jon & Kate Plus 8 13:00 Engineering Connections 15:00 Storage Wars Texas 01:45 Scott & Bailey 18:40 Little People, Big World 14:00 Air Crash Investigation 15:30 Storage Wars Texas 19:10 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 02:30 The Job Lot 15:00 Lords of War 16:00 Storage Wars Texas 20:05 Extreme Couponing 02:55 Mistresses 15:30 Mystery Files 16:30 Storage Wars Texas 00:00 Chelsea Lately 20:30 Cake Boss 03:45 Last Of The Summer Wine 16:00 Chasing UFOs 17:00 Pawn Stars 00:30 The Spin Crowd 21:00 My Crazy Obsession 04:15 The Weakest Link 17:00 Science of Stupid 17:30 Pawn Stars 00:55 The Spin Crowd 21:55 Bizarre ER 05:00 Jackanory Junior 17:30 Science of Stupid 18:00 Storage Wars 01:25 Style Star SKYFALL ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 22:20 Bizarre ER 05:15 Little Human Planet 18:00 Mysteries Of The Moose 18:30 Storage Wars 01:50 Style Star 22:50 Long Island Medium 05:20 The Green Balloon Club 19:00 Situation Critical 19:00 Storage Wars Texas 02:20 E! Investigates 23:15 Sister Wives 05:45 Nina And The Neurons: In 20:00 The Indestructibles 20:00 Diggstown-PG15 21:45 Rainbow Valley Heroes 19:30 Storage Wars Texas 03:15 Extreme Close-Up 23:40 Sister Wives The Lab 20:30 The Indestructibles 22:00 Piranha 3DD-R 23:30 Angel’s Friends 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 23:45 The Big I Am-18 06:00 Balamory 04:10 E!ES 21:00 Naked Science 06:20 Jackanory Junior 05:05 E!ES 22:00 Megastructures 06:35 Little Human Planet 06:00 THS 23:00 80s Greatest 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon ‘Blended’ among 06:40 The Green Balloon Club 07:50 Style Star Stewart 07:05 Nina And The Neurons: In 08:20 Fashion Police 01:30 Sean Saves The World 00:00 The Do-Deca Pentathlon- 00:00 Fright Night 2: New Blood Sandler’s biggest The Lab 08:45 Eric And Jessie: Game On 02:00 Web Therapy PG15 02:00 The Double 07:20 The Weakest Link 09:15 Opening Act 03:00 The Simpsons 02:00 Revenge Of The Nerds-18 04:00 3 Times A Charm box-office bummers 08:05 The Job Lot 10:15 Married To Jonas 03:30 Raising Hope 04:00 From Prada To Nada-PG15 06:00 Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds 00:20 Night Stalkers 06:00 Surf’s Up-PG Away 08:30 Gavin & Stacey 10:40 Chasing The Saturdays 04:00 Seinfeld he Adam Sandler-Drew Barrymore comedy 01:10 Monster Fish 08:00 Dark Shadows-PG15 08:00 Steel Magnolias 09:00 Eastenders 11:10 The Drama Queen 02:00 Ultimate Animal Countdown 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring “Blended” marked the first time the two 10:00 Three Men And A Little Lady- 10:00 Zambezia 09:30 Doctors 12:05 Fashion Police 02:50 Caught In The Act Jimmy Fallon stars have teamed for a movie in a decade. 12:35 The Fabulist 05:30 My Boys PG 11:30 Lincoln T 10:00 The Weakest Link 03:45 Croc Ganglands 12:00 From Prada To Nada-PG15 14:00 Hitchcock Given this weekend’s reception at the box office, 10:50 The Mystery Of Edwin Drood 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 04:40 Prehistoric Predators 06:30 Friends 14:00 Toys-PG 16:00 Steel Magnolias they may wait another 10 years for the next one. 13:35 E!ES 05:35 Ultimate Animal Countdown 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 11:45 The Job Lot 16:00 Three Men And A Little Lady- 18:00 Gambit “Blended” has managed to take in just $14 million 14:30 Style Star 06:30 Caught In The Act 08:00 Seinfeld 12:10 Last Of The Summer Wine PG 20:00 This Is 40 over the first three days of the Memorial Day 15:00 Keeping Up With The 07:25 Croc Ganglands 08:30 My Boys 12:40 Gavin & Stacey 18:00 The Giant Mechanical Man- 22:15 Django Unchained weekend, and will likely top out at $18 million for Kardashians 08:20 Africa’s Blood River 09:00 The Simpsons 13:10 Eastenders PG15 the four days. It’s not a financial disaster for dis- 16:00 Keeping Up With The 09:15 Animals Gone Wild 09:30 About A Boy 13:40 Doctors 20:00 The Impostors-PG15 tributor Warner Bros or Sandler’s Happy Madison Kardashians 10:10 World’s Weirdest: Funny 10:30 Friends 14:10 The Weakest Link 22:00 Pineapple Express-18 Productions, since “Blended” cost roughly $45 17:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills Farms 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 15:00 The Mystery Of Edwin Drood million to produce. But it’s among the worst 17:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 11:05 Mudcats Jimmy Fallon 00:00 Super Rugby 15:55 The Job Lot openings ever for Sandler. 18:00 E! News 12:00 When Sharks Attack 12:30 Seinfeld 02:00 HSBC Sevens World Series 16:20 Lark Rise To Candleford 19:00 Fashion Police 12:55 Animal Fight Club 13:30 Friends 05:00 PGA Tour Highlights It’s a little over the $13.4 million “That’s My 17:15 Eastenders 19:30 The Fabulist 13:50 Caught In The Act 14:00 Raising Hope 06:00 PGA European Tour Boy” managed in 2012, but way under the $25 17:45 Doctors 20:00 Giuliana & Bill 14:30 About A Boy Highlights million that “Jack and Jill” debuted to in 2011. 14:45 Man-Eater of The Congo 01:15 Salmon Fishing In The Yemen 18:15 The Weakest Link 21:00 The Drama Queen 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 07:00 Amlin Challenge “Blended” didn’t match Sandler and Barrymore’s 15:40 Leopard Queen 03:00 Les Miserables 19:00 Twenty Twelve 22:00 Eric And Jessie: Game On Stewart 09:00 Futbol Mundial previous collaborations, either. It couldn’t take in 16:35 Animals Gone Wild 05:45 The Music Never Stopped 19:30 The Job Lot 22:30 E! News 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 09:30 NRL Premiership half of the $39.8 million that 2004’s “50 First 17:30 Bear Nomad 07:30 Hide Away 20:00 Mistresses 23:30 Chelsea Lately 18:25 Mudcats 18:00 The Simpsons 11:30 NRL Full Time Dates” opened with, and it was even behind “The 09:00 Salmon Fishing In The Yemen 20:50 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 19:20 Animal Fight Club 18:30 Back In The Game 12:00 Live Rugby League Wedding Singer,” which opened to $18 million in 10:45 Les Miserables 20:10 Caught In The Act 19:00 The Mindy Project 14:30 Futbol Mundial 1998 - and that’s not accounting for inflation. 21:40 The Cafe 13:30 Carnage 21:00 Man-Eater of The Congo 19:30 Modern Family 15:00 PGA Tour Highlights 22:10 The Children 15:00 The Good Doctor “What this shows, after misses like ‘Jack and 21:50 Leopard Queen 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 16:00 PGA European Tour 23:00 The Weakest Link 17:00 Beastly Jill,’ ‘That’s My Boy’ and ‘Blended,’ is that Sandler, 22:40 Animals Gone Wild Jimmy Fallon Highlights 23:45 Eastenders 18:45 Mud like everyone else in the comedy world, now has 00:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:30 Bear Nomad 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 17:00 Golfing World 21:00 Lawless to dig a bit deeper to deliver a hit these days,” Stewart 18:00 Super Rugby 23:00 The Place Beyond The Pines said Exhibitor Relations vice-president and senior 22:00 Sean Saves The World 20:00 European tour weekly analyst Jeff Bock, “unless, of course, he plunges 22:30 Getting On 20:30 Inside The PGA Tour into ‘Grown Ups 3.’” The frequently critically 21:00 Trans World Sport 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers reviled films of Sandler, a three-time Razzie win- 22:00 Rugby League ner, have often been critic-proof and his 36 films have taken in more than $2.3 billion at the world- 01:00 7 Days In Havana-18 wide box office. But his biggest hits - “Big Daddy” 00:00 The Glades 05:15 Strictly Sinatra-PG15 01:00 NRL Full Time 01:00 24: Live Another Day and “The Waterboy” - came more than 15 years 07:15 Tricks Of A Woman-PG15 01:30 IndyCar Series 02:00 Justified ago. 09:00 The Lady-PG15 06:00 IndyCar Highlights 03:00 Nip/Tuck Sandler’s audience has matured as well, and 11:15 Wind Chill-PG15 07:00 Golfing World 06:00 The Glades there is a new generation of film comics that is 13:00 Encounter With Danger- 08:00 IndyCar Series 12:00 Emmerdale taking the spotlight. “Neighbors,” the Seth PG15 12:30 Super Rugby 12:30 Coronation Street Rogen-Zac Efron comedy, is among a recent wave 15:00 Centre Place-PG15 14:30 Super Rugby 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show of R-rated comedies which have seized a lot of 17:00 Wind Chill-PG15 16:30 NRL Full Time 15:00 The Glades the territory that he once dominated. Over the 18:45 The Best Man-PG15 17:00 Rugby League State of Origin 16:00 Emmerdale past few years, the films of Judd Apatow (“This Is 21:00 All Things To All Men-PG15 19:30 ICC Cricket 360 16:30 Coronation Street 40”) and his disciples like Rogen (“This Is the 22:45 The Game-18 20:00 AFL Highlights 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show End”), along with others from Seth MacFarlane 21:00 Golfing World 19:00 Once Upon A Time 22:00 European Tour Weekly (“Ted”), Zach Galifiankis (“The Hangover”) and 20:00 Unforgettable 22:30 Inside the PGA Tour Melissa McCarthy (“The Heat”), have stolen some 21:00 Chicago Fire 23:00 Trans World Sport thunder. 22:00 Bates Motel 01:00 Sacrifice-18 23:00 Nip/Tuck 03:00 Olympus Has Fallen-PG15 Last seen 05:00 Pop Star-PG15 Sandler was last seen on the big screen in 07:00 Love And Honor-PG15 “Grown Ups 2.” That one opened to $41 million 09:00 Mirror Mirror-PG15 last July and went on to take in $133 million 00:00 The Veteran 11:00 Olympus Has Fallen-PG15 02:00 ICC Cricket 360 domestically for Sony and $247 million world- 02:00 Devil’s Playground 13:00 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: 02:30 IPL Highlights wide. “The Wedding Singer” director Frank Coraci 04:00 Seconds Apart Viva LA Fiesta!-PG 03:30 IPL Highlights also did the honors on “Blended,” which featured 06:00 40 Days And Nights 15:00 Ice Age: Continental Drift-PG 04:30 IPL Highlights the two stars as single parents who bump into 08:00 Premium Rush 17:00 Mirror Mirror-PG15 05:30 IPL Highlights each other at an African resort. Terry Crews and 09:45 Skyfall 19:00 The Expendables 2-PG15 06:30 ICC Cricket 360 Joel McHale co-starred. The critics weren’t turned 12:15 Disturbia 21:00 The Frozen Ground-PG15 07:00 IPL Highlights on by the concept and bludgeoned it, and it’s at 14:00 Vehicle 19 08:00 IPL Highlights just 15 percent “fresh” on review aggregation site 15:30 Skyfall 09:00 ICC Cricket 360 Rotten Tomatoes. 18:00 Abandoned 09:30 IPL Highlights 20:00 Vehicle 19 10:30 IPL Highlights That couldn’t have helped the box office, nor 22:00 Diggstown 01:00 Marco Macaco 11:30 IPL Highlights did the comedy competition, with “The Other 02:45 Marvel’s The Invincible Iron 12:30 IPL Highlights Woman,” “Million Dollar Arm” and “Chef” all in the Man 13:30 ICC Cricket 360 top ten. The studio had hoped the presence of 04:30 A Cat In Paris 14:00 IPL Highlights Barrymore would draw mature women, and it 06:00 MIA And The Migoo 15:00 IPL Highlights may over the next couple of weeks, since 08:00 Angel’s Friends 16:00 IPL Highlights “Blended” got an “A-” CinemaScore from audience 00:00 Devil’s Playground-18 10:00 Ploddy Police Car 17:00 ICC Cricket 360 members. Barrymore has kept a relatively low- 02:00 Seconds Apart-PG15 11:30 A Cat In Paris 17:30 Live IPL profile recently. Her last box-office outing was 04:00 40 Days And Nights-PG15 13:00 Marvel’s The Invincible Iron 21:00 ICC Cricket 360 “Big Miracle,” the save-a-whale tale that opened 06:00 Premium Rush-PG15 21:30 IPL Highlights Man to $7 million and topped out at $20 million 07:45 Skyfall-PG15 22:30 IPL 14:30 Rainbow Valley Heroes 10:15 Disturbia-PG15 domestically for Universal in 2012. Her last hit 16:15 Wizards And Giants 12:00 Vehicle 19-PG15 was “He’s Just Not That Into You,” an ensemble 18:00 Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes 13:30 Skyfall-PG15 comedy that opened to $27 million and took in United 16:00 Abandoned-PG15 $179 million for Warner Bros. in 2009. — Reuters 20:00 Scooby-Doo! Mask Of The 18:00 Vehicle 19-PG15 VEHICLE 19 ON OSN MOVIES ACTION Blue Falcon 00:30 The Comedians-PG Classifieds

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (29/05/2014 TO 04/06/2014)

SHARQIA-1 CRUSH (DIG) 3:30 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 12:30 PM CRUSH (DIG) 5:30 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 2:30 PM CHEF (DIG) 7:30 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 5:00 PM CRUSH (DIG) 9:45 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 7:30 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 11:45 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 8:00 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 10:00 PM FANAR-4 EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 10:30 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 1:30 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 12:30 AM MALEFICENT (DIG-3D) 4:00 PM LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN (DIG) 6:00 PM SHARQIA-2 MALEFICENT (DIG) 8:00 PM LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN (DIG-3D) 12:30 PM MALEFICENT (DIG-3D) 10:00 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 2:30 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 12:05 AM LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN (DIG) 4:30 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 6:30 PM FANAR-5 MALEFICENT (DIG-3D) 9:00 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 2:30 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 11:00 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 5:00 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 1:00 AM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 7:30 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 8:00 PM SHARQIA-3 X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 10:15 PM CHEF (DIG) 2:00 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 10:15 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 4:15 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 12:45 AM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 6:15 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 8:30 PM MARINA-1 THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 10:45 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 1:15 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 12:45 AM CHEF (DIG) 3:15 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED MUHALAB-1 THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 3:30 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 1:30 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 5:30 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 3:30 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 7:45 PM LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN (DIG) 5:45 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 10:00 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 8:00 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 12:05 AM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 10:00 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 12:15 AM MARINA-2 X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 1:45 PM MUHALAB-2 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 4:30 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 1:45 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 7:15 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 4:15 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 9:45 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 6:15 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 9:45 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 8:45 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 12:15 AM color, excellent condition, MALEFICENT (DIG) 10:45 PM CHANGE OF NAME SITUATION WANTED KD 2,200. Tel: 50994848. MALEFICENT (DIG) 12:45 AM MARINA-3 (C 4729) MALEFICENT (DIG) 2:00 PM I, Allakunta Swamy, S/o. B.Com, PG in Social Work, NO THU+ FRI MUHALAB-3 Ellaiah, R/O. 5-49/11, PG Diploma in Computer. Mitsubishi Lancer 2011 - X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 2:00 PM LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN (DIG-3D) 2:00 PM Gandhi Area, Linganapet, 14 years of experience (5 GLX - maroon color, sun- X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG-3D) 4:30 PM LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN (DIG-3D) 4:15 PM Gambhiraopet, Karimangar years in Kuwait) in finaliza- roof, spoiler + wheel cap, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 7:00 PM MALEFICENT (DIG-3D) 6:15 PM tion of company accounts, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG-3D) 9:30 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 8:15 PM Dt, A.P. changed my name km 64,000, KD 1,950. Tel: as Golleni Swamy, S/O. bank reconciliation, payroll 66729295. (C 4730) EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG-3D) 9:30 PM MALEFICENT (DIG-3D) 10:45 PM management. Experience in X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 12:05 AM MALEFICENT (DIG) 12:45 AM Ellaiah. (C 4732) 25-5-2014 29-5-2014 Tally ERP-9, Bann ERP etc. Kuwait driving license. Mob: FANAR-1 AVENUES-1 I, Raji Cyril, Passport No: 65990299, mail ID: GODZILLA (DIG) 1:00 PM CRUSH (DIG) 12:30 PM [email protected] JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 3:30 PM CRUSH (DIG) 2:30 PM K2835299, hereby change (C 4728) GODZILLA (DIG) 5:45 PM CRUSH (DIG) 4:30 PM my name to RAJI RAPHAEL. 25-5-2014 JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 8:15 PM CRUSH (DIG) 6:30 PM (C 4731) JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 10:30 PM CRUSH (DIG) 8:30 PM 25-5-2014 Prayer timings GODZILLA (DIG) 12:45 AM CRUSH (DIG) 10:30 PM FOR SALE EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 10:45 PM I, George David Joseph, FANAR-2 CRUSH (DIG) 12:30 AM son of Mr. George David Sofa Al Wahab 7 pc 150 Fajr: 03:17 THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 1:45 PM holder of Indian Passport KD, 3 pcs 100 KD, D bed set THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 3:45 PM AVENUES-2 No. J 1331685, presently Middas 125/-, IKEA 100/-, Shorook 04:50 THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 6:30 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 2:00 PM residing at flat #36, bldg. TV-60 LCD 42” & 32”, fridge Duhr: 11:45 THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 8:30 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 4:15 PM #15169, street #6, block #4, LG 75, washing machine JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 6:30 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 10:30 PM Jaleeb Al Shuwaikh, Kuwait 50/- cooker 40/-. Tel: THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 12:30 AM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 8:45 PM Asr: 15:20 66055084. (C 4733) JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 11:00 PM do hereby change my 29-5-2014 FANAR-3 MALEFICENT (DIG) 1:15 AM name as Joseph George Maghrib: 18:41 CRUSH (DIG) 1:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED with immediate effect. (C 4726) Toyota Yaris - 2011, white Isha: 20:11

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 29/5/2014 Departure Flights onThursday 29/5/2014 KAC 741 Dammam 14:35 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 058 Dubai 14:50 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 QTR 1079 Doha 14:55 MEA 409 Beirut 00:15 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:20 KAC 673 Dubai 15:05 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:35 QTR 8646 Dhaka 15:30 NIA 264 Alexandria 00:50 KAC 617 Doha 15:30 KLM 411 Amsterdam 00:55 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:35 JZR 502 Luxor 01:30 JZR 188 Dubai 15:50 DLH 637 Frankfurt 01:35 KNE 481 Taif 15:50 THY 773 Istanbul 02:20 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 MSC 404 Asyut 02:30 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 SAI 442 Lahore 02:35 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:55 KNE 471 Jeddah 16:30 FDB 5068 Dubai 03:45 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 OMA 646 Muscat 16:50 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:20 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 QTR 1077 Doha 04:25 MPH 093 Dubai/SIN 17:10 JZR 560 Sohag 04:50 JZR 512 Sharm el-Sheikh 17:15 MSC 406 Sohag 05:00 QTR 1073 Doha 17:20 QTR 1085 Doha 05:20 RJA 641 Amman 17:20 UAE 854 Dubai 05:30 JZR 538 Cairo 17:40 THY 765 Istanbul 06:00 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:45 JAI 575 Abu Dhabi/Kochi 06:30 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:50 RJA 643 Amman 06:35 UAE 858 Dubai 18:15 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:00 JZR 156 Dubai 18:20 JZR 240 Amman 07:05 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 JZR 150 Dubai 07:15 UAL 982 Bahrain 18:40 IRA 672 Ahwaz 07:20 JZR 238 Amman 18:45 JZR 256 Beirut 07:30 TAR 328 Tunis 18:55 FDB 054 Dubai 07:50 FDB 064 Dubai 19:10 KAC 537 Sohag 08:00 QTR 1081 Doha 19:25 BAW 156 London 08:25 KAC 287 Dhaka 19:30 JZR 778 Jeddah 08:45 ABY 120 Sharjah 19:40 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 QTR 1087 Doha 08:55 AXB 394 Kozhikode 19:55 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 KAC 363 Colombo 20:05 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:30 JZR 242 Amman 20:10 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:35 FDB 052 Dubai 20:10 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 JAI 571 Mumbai 20:35 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:00 FDB 5062 Dubai 20:50 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:15 KAC 331 Trivandrum 20:50 FDB 5056 Dubai 10:15 OMA 648 Muscat 20:55 KAC 101 London/New York 10:25 IZG 4162 Mashhad 10:40 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 351 Kochi 21:05 KAC 671 Dubai 11:20 JZR 552 Alexandria 21:15 KAC 561 Amman 11:25 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 KAC 541 Cairo 11:30 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:30 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 KAC 543 Cairo 21:30 KAC 501 Beirut 11:40 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:45 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 21:55 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:55 JZR 174 Dubai 12:05 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:15 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:20 UAE 860 Dubai 22:25 FDB 8060 Dubai 12:45 KAC 381 Delhi 22:30 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 QTR 1075 Doha 22:40 SYR 342 Damascus 13:05 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:40 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:45 JZR 124 Bahrain 13:30 FDB 060 Dubai 22:55 TBZ 5484 Mashhad 13:45 KAC 203 Lahore 23:10 MSR 580 Sohag 13:50 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:35 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:40 THY 767 Istanbul 14:10 JZR 528 Asyut 23:50 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:50 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

CROSSWORD 562 STAR TRACK

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

You may find that your personal and career growth depends on how you Your work is productive and your kind nature wins friends and influences handle the very sensitive psychological material coming up. You will benefit people. This is a good day for increased business that results from your hard work. Your cre- from analytical insights and getting to the heart of things. Work and career should be a pri- ativeness is expressed this afternoon in your problem-solving abilities. Someone needs mary focus. An opportunity to make good decisions and clear choices is yours now-higher- money and has asked for your help. You will be able to help solve the problem, but loaning ups are watching. Not too much pressure . . . You will do well. What happens now will have out money is not the answer. Lending money now could set you up for some negative a positive effect on your professional and perhaps, life direction. Your work or career is in results. This is a good day for increasing your own finances through an investment or by the real harmony with the rest of your life. You could gain from subordinates or young people sale of a personal possession. Young people will be in your life this evening. You love to be this afternoon. Your home environment, friends and surroundings receive encouragement. needed and these young people seem to fill that need with questions and problem-solving Your personal life is positive. requests with which you can help-perhaps some homework.

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

Career gains are available now because you have done the work and have This is a great day to gain positive results from your hard work. You may find gained the experience. When it is time for an employee review, let your light shine. You ways in which to secure a promotion or new job today. You crave organiza- have an eye for what you need to eliminate that may slow your progress. Searching, tion and practicality and you want to get things accomplished. The good life and all that is research, detective work and such may be the activity of the day. Relationships and the fine and luxurious may be what you value just now. Material things are foremost on your social scene are very important to you. Your positive attitude can have a very decided influ- mind in many respects. You could enjoy making your own way and finding solutions to ence on your career and workplace. You could be more than a little curious today. Your cur- whatever problems present themselves. Health and work goals take on a great deal of rent appreciation for just about everything may lead you to overspend. You will benefit by importance at this time. You are at your mental best with sharp ideas and clear thoughts. getting to the heart of any personal problems this evening. You will have no trouble put- This is an excellent time to make decisions. After your workday has ended, your own plans ting your feelings into words. could be put on hold by friends that want your attention.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Whether you are in education, big business or running a business or house- You may find yourself planning a garage sale for this upcoming weekend to hold you will find yourself looking forward to a debate with some respected put a little cash in your pocket. In the workplace, co-workers as well as high- people. All the people involved in this debate will be learning and teaching simultaneously. er-ups seek you out for your psychological insight. You do seem to have a grasp for abstract You could be an instructor on how to debate and the subject matter is interesting to all. If and spiritual ideas, and the ability to make wise conclusions. Work goals are important and ACROSS moss capsule. you are not participating, it is a process you want to learn for better problem-solving tech- you work very hard to meet your goals or quota for this day. Since you have been overwork- 1. A proportion multiplied by 100. 5. A populous province in northeastern niques, and you will be wise to observe. There are new and fascinating ideas regarding your ing lately, your loved ones may decide to occupy your time this afternoon. This is a great 4. Large egg-shaped structures of gray mat- China. hobby this afternoon, and friends will lend their thoughts if you ask, sometimes if you don’t time to be with those you love, in quiet and pleasant surroundings. You may talk about ter that form the dorsal subdivision of the 6. Type genus of the Amiidae. ask. All in all, this is a memorable day. Consider taking pictures for reference later. Enjoy the dreams or visit a pond and feed the birds or do any number of things that are conducive to sharing each other’s company. There is talk of UFOs. diencephalon. 7. Balcony consisting of the forward section festivities today. Happy birthday! 12. The virus that causes acquired immune of a theater mezzanine. deficiency syndrome (AIDS). 8. Gone by. 15. American prizefighter who won the 9. The force of workers available. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) world heavyweight championship three 10. An organization of independent states to Cancer (June 21-July 22) times (born in 1942). promote international peace and security. Work flows in an uneventful way today. The most beneficial item that your 16. (biology) Similarity because of common 11. One appointed to represent a city or uni- This is a time to pursue a more lasting set of values-be they religious or philo- company sells, produces or helps to produce may be in the process of sophical. Everything external and business-oriented should prosper, provided that honesty improvement. The afternoon finds you busy with projects. You seem a bit impractical today evolution. versity or corporation in business transac- and truth are your guides. You may find everyone is as busy as you are today and stopping 17. Used of a single unit or thing. tions. and this is an excellent time to enlist others to your cause. Great rewards may come from to chat or pass the time of day is a little more difficult just now. If you are in need of a break, group efforts, particularly if this continues for the remainder of the day. A young person 18. A compartment in front of a motor vehi- 12. A building where travelers can pay for take one out-of-doors, if possible, in order to have a different view, a distraction from the may learn a little about money today from observing you. If you have checked other prices cle where driver sits. lodging and meals and other services. usual and perhaps, to recharge your own batteries. You might rethink a presentation or in town you might want to go ahead with some purchase you have been thinking about 19. An inferior imitator of some distinguished 13. Complacently or inanely foolish. some information you heard and then offer your own input through a printed report. You lately. There are emotions that can manifest themselves in self-analysis or deep emotional writer or artist of musician. 14. Elevated open grassland in southern have a great deal of mental drive and can lavish great energy on mental pursuits of all experiences in romance-for good or ill. Remain objective. 20. Relating to or accompanying birth. Africa. kinds. You are in a creative mood this evening. 22. Plants having flowers in umbels. 21. The segment of the public that is easily 25. A woman hired to suckle a child of some- influenced by mass media (chiefly British). one else. 23. Not functioning properly. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 27. Gin or vodka and lime juice. 24. Largest known toad species. Taking care of business is a major theme today. You crave organization and 28. A shop selling delicatessen (as salads or 26. Being ten more than one hundred ninety. This day has the possibility of being an easy, calm day that should flow practicality and you want to get things accomplished. You may also want to cooked meats). 29. Any plant of the genus Erica. along in a smooth manner. Ideas and interaction with authority figures or older people may yell, scream and stomp your feet about some financial injustice. Instead, see what you can 33. A man who is a native or inhabitant of 30. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of be in the forecast. Working with rather than against the flow of energy should be easy to do to make the accounting difficulties come back into balance. Most people take pride in Ireland. Lamaism. manage. This is a real time to buckle down and consolidate your career. Opportunities are the fact that they are your friends and that they do business with someone as conscientious available now to make good use of your time. Your sense of responsibility will be what 35. An intensely radioactive metallic element 31. Type genus of the Anatidae. as you. People value you for your independence as well as your unique qualities. This is a guides you and proves successful. Whether you are working in a job, earning money or hav- that occurs in minute amounts in uranium 32. Forced to turn and face attackers. great time to be with others and to work together, regardless of any delays or feelings. ing the responsibility of raising a family, you will give it your full attention and you will cre- ores. 34. (Judaism) A chant of praise (Psalms 113 There is much mental busywork. Work, achievement and ambition are the things that ate a successful outcome. Tonight, you may find yourself enjoying a long conversation, writ- 36. (linguistics) Of speech sounds. through 118) used at Passover and Shabuoth mean a lot to you now. 40. A genus of Laridae. and Sukkoth and Hanukkah and Rosh ing a letter or making a special phone call. 41. Female equine animal. Hodesh. 43. Kill intentionally and with premeditation. 37. Relating to or near the ulna. 44. A radioactive element of the actinide 38. An Indian side dish of yogurt and Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) series. chopped cucumbers and spices. 45. United States tennis player who was the 39. United States songwriter noted for his Positive energies are stirring with regard to your career or life path now. You may be sought after as just the person for a particular job today. Self-dis- first Black to win United States and English protest songs (born in 1941). Success depends upon your own ambition and drive, which are strong. You cipline and a sense of self-worth radiate from your personality. You may be singles championships (1943-1993). 42. Fertility goddess in ancient Greek mythol- are able to use good common sense and can feel the trends in order to make the right called upon to persuade some co-workers to work on a difficult project. A fear of asserting 48. An esoteric or occult matter that is tradi- ogy. moves. This is the perfect time to get ahead by taking action. This could be some kind of yourself can hold you back-as can coming on too strong. You will be able to rise above this tionally secret. 46. A federally chartered corporation that high-water mark for your career, recognition, etc. At the same time, a change of direction fear. If you want a management job, this would be a good time for making a presentation to may be in order, finding you in a gradual curve toward more inwardness. You will find that your supervisor. One day at a time, you can do anything. You could come up with new solu- 52. Order of mammals having few or no purchases mortgages. you can really use your mind to make clear choices and you are able to think clearly. Career teeth including. 49. A unit of heat equal to the amount of tions or inventions. You enjoy neatness and organized people and you seem happiest when decisions or ways in which to improve finances are straightforward and easy to make. A you are part of a team that works together. There is a kind of romantic wistfulness charac- 55. Indian nun and missionary (born in heat required to raise one pound of water secret love or a lost love is on your mind this evening-romance is near. terizing your approach to life this evening. Albania) dedicated to helping the poor in one degree Fahrenheit at one atmosphere India (1910-1997). pressure. 57. An immunosuppressive drug (trade 50. According to the Old Testament he was a name Imuran) used to prevent rejection of a pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel Word Search Yesterday Solution transplanted organ. (9th century BC). 58. The largest city of Cameroon. 51. A constellation in the southern hemi- 61. The azimuth of a celestial body is the sphere near Telescopium and Norma. angle between the vertical plane containing 53. A republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties it and the plane of the meridian. comprising the island of Ireland. 64. Harsh or corrosive in tone. 54. Of or relating to o occurring in a tube 68. Airtight sealed metal container for food such as e.g. the fallopian tube or eustachian or drink or paint etc.. tube. 73. A steep-walled semicircular basin in a 56. A range of mountains (usually with mountain. jagged peaks and irregular outline). 74. A cut of pork ribs with much of the meat 59. United States conductor (born in Japan in trimmed off. 1935). 76. An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation 60. An African river that flows northwest into of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine Lake Chad. and norepinephrine and serotonin). 62. The provision of money temporarily (usu- 77. A river in north central Switzerland that ally at interest). runs northeast into the Rhine. 63. Be teeming, be abuzz. 78. Low stingless nettle of Central and South 65. Fabric dyed with splotches of green and America having velvety brownish-green brown and black and tan. toothed leaves and clusters of small green 66. (Islam) The man who leads prayers in a flowers. mosque. 79. The executive agency that advises the 67. Trailing grass native to Europe now cos- President on the federal budget. mopolitan in warm regions. 69. Resonance of protons to radiation in a DOWN magnetic field. 1. Large burrowing rodent of South and 70. Of southern Europe. Central America. 71. An accountant certified by the state. 2. A sudden very loud noise. 72. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 3. A skeletal muscle arising from the tibia. from aba cloth. 4. A case or sheath especially a pollen sac or 75. Being nine more than ninety.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 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 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Al-Faiha 22545051

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

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

Nuzha 22526804 Afghanistan 0093 Iran 0098 Albania 00355 Iraq 00964 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Algeria 00213 Ireland 00353 Qadsiya 22515088 Andorra 00376 Italy 0039 Angola 00244 Ivory Coast 00225 Dasmah 22532265 Anguilla 001264 Jamaica 001876 Antiga 001268 Japan 0081 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Argentina 0054 Jordan 00962 Shaab 22518752 Armenia 00374 Kazakhstan 007 Australia 0061 Kenya 00254 Qibla 22459381 Austria 0043 Kiribati 00686 Bahamas 001242 Kuwait 00965 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Bahrain 00973 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Mirqab 22456536 Bangladesh 00880 Laos 00856 Barbados 001246 Latvia 00371 Sharq 22465401 Belarus 00375 Lebanon 00961 Belgium 0032 Liberia 00231 Salmiya 25746401 Belize 00501 Libya 00218 Jabriya 25316254 Benin 00229 Lithuania 00370 Bermuda 001441 Luxembourg 00352 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Bhutan 00975 Macau 00853 Bolivia 00591 Macedonia 00389 Bayan 25388462 Bosnia 00387 Madagascar 00261 Mishref 25381200 Botswana 00267 Majorca 0034 Brazil 0055 Malawi 00265 W Hawally 22630786 Brunei 00673 Malaysia 0060 Bulgaria 00359 Maldives 00960 Sabah 24810221 Burkina 00226 Mali 00223 Jahra 24770319 Burundi 00257 Malta 00356 Cambodia 00855 Marshall Islands 00692 New Jahra 24575755 Cameroon 00237 Martinique 00596 Canada 001 Mauritania 00222 West Jahra 24772608 Cape Verde 00238 Mauritius 00230 South Jahra 24775066 Cayman Islands 001345 Mayotte 00269 Central African 00236 Mexico 0052 North Jahra 24775992 Chad 00235 Micronesia 00691 Chile 0056 Moldova 00373 North Jleeb 24311795 China 0086 Monaco 00377 Ardhiya 24884079 Colombia 0057 Mongolia 00976 Comoros 00269 Montserrat 001664 Firdous 24892674 Congo 00242 Morocco 00212 Cook Islands 00682 Mozambique 00258 Omariya 24719048 Costa Rica 00506 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 N Khaitan 24710044 Croatia 00385 Namibia 00264 Cuba 0053 Nepal 00977 Fintas 23900322 Cyprus 00357 Netherlands (Holland) Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 0031 Czech Republic 00420 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Denmark 0045 New Caledonia 00687 Diego Garcia 00246 New Zealand 0064 PRIVATE CLINICS Djibouti 00253 Nicaragua 00505 Dominica 001767 Nigar 00227 Dominican Republic 001809 Nigeria 00234 Ecuador 00593 Niue 00683 Egypt 0020 Norfolk Island 00672 El Salvador 00503 Northern Ireland (UK) Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Endocrinologist England (UK) 0044 0044 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Equatorial Guinea 00240 North Korea 00850 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Eritrea 00291 Norway 0047 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Estonia 00372 Oman 00968 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Ethiopia 00251 Pakistan 0092 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Falkland Islands 00500 Palau 00680 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Faroe Islands 00298 Panama 00507 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Fiji 00679 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Finland 00358 Paraguay 00595 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 France 0033 Peru 0051 French Guiana 00594 Philippines 0063 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: French Polynesia 00689 Poland 0048 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Gabon 00241 Portugal 00351 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dentists Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Gambia 00220 Puerto Rico 001787 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Georgia 00995 Qatar 00974 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Germany 0049 Romania 0040 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ghana 00233 Russian Federation 007 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Gibraltar 00350 Rwanda 00250 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Greece 0030 Saint Helena 00290 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Greenland 00299 Saint Kitts 001869 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Grenada 001473 Saint Lucia 001758 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Guadeloupe 00590 Saint Pierre 00508 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Guam 001671 Saint Vincent 001784 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Guatemala 00502 Samoa US 00684 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Guinea 00224 Samoa West 00685 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Guyana 00592 San Marino 00378 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Haiti 00509 Sao Tone 00239 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Saudi Arabia 00966 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Honduras 00504 Scotland (UK) 0044 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Hong Kong 00852 Senegal 00221 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Hungary 0036 Seychelles 00284 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sierra Leone 00232 Soor Center Iceland 00354 Singapore 0065 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 India 0091 Slovakia 00421 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Indian Ocean 00873 Slovenia 00386 Indonesia 0062 Solomon Islands 00677 lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 GOSSIP De Niro joins Pattinson Kim Kardashian’s ‘amazing’ in Idol’s Eye wedding make-up obert De Niro has joined the cast of ‘Idol’s Eye’ starring RRobert Pattinson. The double Oscar-winner will star alongside the im Kardashian’s make-up artist was- ‘Twilight Saga’ actor in the heist n’t nervous about creating the per- action-thriller which is set to start pro- fect bridal look. The reality star enlist- duction in Chicago and Toronto in K ed celebrity cosmetics whizz Mario October this year, reports Deadline. Dedivanovic to make her look perfect for The picture will be directed by Olivier Assayas and produced and developed her high-profile wedding to Kanye West on by Charles Gillibert, although plot Saturday and he claims the experience was details are yet to be released. “amazing” in spite of the pressure. Speaking Benaroya Pictures will finance and fresh from his trip to Florence for the show- produce the film with International biz wedding of the year, Mario told Channel Film Trust, which was co-founded by Nine’s ‘Mornings’: “I did her make-up for her Benaroya, handling foreign sales of wedding and it was amazing. We worked the movie. It won’t be the first time together for so long so I’m so comfortable French-born Assayas has directed a with her face. It was actually not nerve former ‘Twilight star’. His drama wracking. It was a great experience. She ‘Clouds Of Sils Maria’ premiered at the looked stunning.” The make-up artist, who Cannes Film Festival last week, star- has worked with Kim for five years, helped ring Pattinson’s ex-girlfriend and for- the 33-year-old brunette achieve her mer co-star Kristen Stewart, along favourite contoured look with the help of with Juliette Binoche and Chloe liberal amounts of bronzer and highlighter. Moretz. Pattinson’s ‘Queen of the He said: “Contouring frames the face and Deserts’ was also shown at the annual chisels the cheeks. So basically it’s putting a festival in France, in which he stars as little bit of bronzer on the hairline and jaw- a British army Colonel T.E Lawrence line and on the hollows of the cheeks and with Nicole Kidman and James the bridge of the nose. It thins out the face Franco. Meanwhile, De Niro, 70 - who and gives warmth to the face. “Sometimes won the Best Actor Academy Awards it takes 20 minutes, sometimes an hour. The for his performances in ‘Raging Bull’ most important is to blend, blend, blend.” (1981) and ‘The Godfather: Part II’ Kim looked radiant in a ladylike custom- (1975) - recently released crime- made Givenchy Haute Couture gown from thriller ‘The Bag Man’ 2014 with ‘High Riccardo Tisci on her big day, which fea- Fidelity’ star John Cusack. tured a cut-out back and lace sleeves. Mario enthused: “It was a magical week- end. I can’t really speak of any details. To ohnny Depp is in talks to star as put it in one word, it was magical. It was Houdini in a new movie. The 50- amazing. I am very happy for her.” Jyear-old actor could be set to take on the role of the famous magi- cian, Harry Houdini, in Lionsgate and Summit’s film ‘The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America’s First My Big Fat Greek Wedding sequel in the works Superhero’, directed by ‘Red 2’s’ Dean Parisot. The screenplay has been writ- sequel to ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ kiss John Corbett again. One of these ten by Noah Opprenheim, based on is in the works. Nia Vardalos is repris- things is true. (sic)” Later she added: “Re: the book by William Kalush and Larry ing her role as Toula Portokalos, in #MyBigFatGreekWedding2, thank you for Sloman, and looks at Houdini as more A the follow-up to 2002’s comedy with John the love, yes the entire big fat family is invit- of an Indiana Jones character who is Corbett who played her love interest in the ed back for the sequel. (sic)” Vardalos has an investigator of the world of the original, and feels she’s ready to take on the written the script for the project and the occult, according to The Hollywood project since she’s “experiencing mother- plot involves a “bigger and fatter” wedding Reporter. Depp’s producing partner hood” after she adopted a daughter, Ilaria, than that in the first film, according to The Christi Dembrowski is in talks to come with husband Ian Gomez. Vardolas wrote Hollywood Reporter. Rita Wilson and Tom on board for the project, along with on Twitter: “I’m working on the Hanks will produce with Gary Goetzman, Frank Marshall, who worked on ‘The MBFGWedding sequel; now that I’m experi- and no director has been cast yet. ‘My Big Bourne Legacy’ and Bruce Cohen, encing motherhood I feel ready to write Fat Greek Wedding’ generally positive who produced ‘Silver Linings this next chapter.”A few jaded press corps reviews and was a box office success and Playbook’. Depp, who is currently will claim I ran out of money or just want to grossing over $368.7 million worldwide. working on Whitey Bulger’s crime dra- ma ‘Black Mass’, is also set to star in to Disney blockbuster franchises this year, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 5’ and ‘Alice 2’, known as ‘Through The Timberlake wearing Cole envies Victoria Looking Glass’. According to sources, Lionsgate want to start filming the Houdini movie in November this year, Barrett on tour which would mean pushing the pro- Beckham’s style duction of the next ‘Pirates of the ustin Timberlake will be Caribbean’ film to early 2015 at the kitted out by Neil Barrett heryl Cole thinks Victoria Beckham is the queen of the red least. Depp has also wrapped on Jon his ‘The 20/20 carpet. The Girls Aloud singer has been living it up at the ‘Mortdecai’, co-starring Gwyneth Experience World Tour’. The CCannes Film Festival this May and lusting after the designer Paltrow and Ewan McGregor, after 33-year-old singer is going to dresses at the film premieres in the south of France. But while teaming up with Lionsgate. It will be be clad in the designer’s Cheryl is a big fan of Blake Lively’s style, she thinks the former released on February 6. clothing when he begins the Spice Girl is unbeatable when it comes to looking perfectly put Depp in talks to play Houdini second half of his tour, which together. The 30-year-old Geordie said: “Blake Lively has looked kicks off in Abu Dhabi this gorgeous this time in Cannes, but if I think of someone who Friday. The fashion star has always gets it right every single time, then Victoria Beckham. She also created sophisticated looked stunning at the Met Ball with David recently.” After five pieces for his backing band years in the Cannes spotlight representing L’OREAL Paris, Cheryl Chris Martin: I don’t care and dancers. Neil told WWD: has learnt what works best for her and is determined to never suf- “I’ve always admired Justin fer a fashion mishap again following an embarrassing nail varnish as an artist and for his style. malfunction moments before hitting the red carpet a few years Not to mention his charisma ago. The ‘Call My Name’ chart-topper said in an interview with that Coldplay aren’t cool is contagious. “Justin’s Britain’s HELLO! magazine: “I’m such a girlie girl. I love make-up approach to fashion is very and beauty and hair, but to be honest at Cannes it’s often quite hris Martin doesn’t care much in sync with the design ethos of the brand. He is a true rushed. “A couple of years back it was having my nails painted that people think Coldplay pleasure to work with.” Justin has previously worked with Neil for while I was getting ready and as I got out of the car to walk the red Caren’t “cool”. The ‘Magic’ the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards and his ‘Legend of Summer carpet I smudged my wet burgundy nails on my white gown. “I singer admits the group - also Tour’ with Jay Z, as well as a few of his music videos. Designer Tom was horrified, but I just smiled and walked and kept my hand over made up of Johnny Buckland, Ford also contributed to the singer’s tour wardrobe and has made the stain. The next day the newspapers reported that I had a per- Guy Berryman and Will 600 pieces for the ‘Suit and Tie’ hitmaker. Tom previously com- fect manicure; if only they knew. “Now, I go for a neutral nail and Champion - have never been mented: “Justin has great personal style and knows what he wants avoid and rich body lotions before I get dressed - although I do seen as fashionable but after which makes designing for him an absolute pleasure. He is a love a tinted skin shimmer if I’m wearing black or a dark dress.” scoring the fastest-selling album tremendous talent and has a kind of effortless cool that makes of 2014 with ‘Ghost Stories’, they classic menswear tailoring modern.” The collection includes eight have proved they have longevity. custom choices for Justin as well as outfits for the tour’s band Chris, 37, said: “We have never members, vocalists and dancers. been the coolest thing or the most fashionable thing. Well, maybe for a period. “It just feels Gomez’ battling lupus like we’re able to keep rolling and no-one really notices.”I feel elena Gomez’s grand- like every day we’re given is a father has confirmed real blessing. I could not have Sshe is secretly battling asked for a more dreamy job.” lupus. The ‘Come & Get It’ hit- Although the band have had maker was previously the repeated success and toured the subject of rumors she had world, they realise Coldplay may the disease, and her family not last forever, according to the have now admitted she was Daily Star newspaper. Chris said: diagnosed with the auto- “If we’re in that place in 10 years, immune condition “a couple that’s amazing. But if we’re not, of years ago” but has her that’s okay.” The singer has symptoms under control. Her always promised he would not grandfather Ricardo Gomez split the band up to launch a said: “She’s in treatment. solo career and admits he’s even She’s getting along pretty had nightmares about sacking good.” Earlier this year, their drummer Will. He recalled: “I Selena - who has an on/off woke up in a cold sweat and I relationship with Justin called Will. From that day for- Bieber - checked into rehab and her elderly relative is desperate ward, we’ve always shared all the for her to now follow medical advice and take a break from her money and all the credit.” The career. He told RadarOnline.com: “We just saw in some newspaper frontman, who split from wife that she was doing drugs. I called her and said, [you] need to watch out ... She was working a lot. She was exhausted. She hardly Gwyneth Paltrow, 41, recently, takes some time out. There was some pressure, first because it’s a has revealed the band are not lot of work. “The doctor was telling her she needs to take some planning to tour this year to give time out It’s just too much pressure what she’s going through. It’s them a break from gigging. just too much! She doesn’t have a single day’s break ... It’s getting Talking about their new album, to the point with all this pressure ... that it’s too much. “Everyone he also told BBC Radio 1: “What was telling her, even her agent and the doctor, ‘Selena take some ‘Ghost Stories’ means to me is time to yourself!’ “And Ricardo - who hasn’t seen his granddaugh- you’ve got to open yourself up to ter since last November - also claimed the former Disney star is love. And if you really do, of keen to give up her pop career. He added: “She was saying she course it will be painful, but then don’t want to sing no more, she just wants to be an actress ... but it will be great.” she’s going to combine it, it looks like.” lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 GOSSIP Seyfried takes her Rob Kardashian dog paddle-boarding vows to get in shape

ob Kardashian has vowed to hit the gym every day to lose weight. The Rsock designer missed his sister Kim Kardashian’s wedding to Kanye West at the weekend because he reportedly felt too self-conscious about his size to appear in photographs. He’s now had enough of being overweight and is determined to get he 28-year-old actress and boyfriend Justin Long have stuffed animal collection includes a miniature horse and a back into shape. Celebrity trainer Gunnar their own paddle boards and she’s revealed she regu- fox. Although she loves her pet pooch she has no plans to Peterson told TMZ he had received a text Tlarly takes her beloved German Shepherd Finn out on have him preserved when he eventually dies. The ‘A Million message from the reality TV star when he Liv Tyler: Career suffers the waves because the mutt loves the water. Talking on UK Ways To Die In The West’ star said: “I haven’t got one in a returned to Los Angeles from Florence, Italy, TV show ‘This Morning’, she said: “My boyfriend and I recent- while now. I have a baby horse. Like a miniature horse. Then and is determined to “hit the ground run- ly got a paddle board thanks to MRC who did ‘A Million I have a fox, a pygmy goat ... They’re not toys, just to be ning” with a new fitness regime and wants when family comes first Ways to Die in the West’ and Finn gets on the paddle board looked at. Although sometimes I give them a nice little pat. to work out every day until he feels slim and we paddle out in the lake and he just sits on it. He’s the Asked about whether she’d get her own dog stuffed, she again. Rob previously lapsed his workouts iv Tyler doesn’t think family life can “flourish” if you focus on best.” Amanda is famous for collecting taxidermy and her said: “He’s the love of my life, I wouldn’t want to.” and visited the gym just a few times before your career. The 36-year-old star - who is the daughter of flying out to Europe, but is now determined LAerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and raises 10-year-old son to get into a regular routine. Gunnar told Milo with ex-husband Royston Langdon - believes it is impossible to the website he will show his client “no mer- perfectly balance a personal and professional life and one will always cy” and plans to put him through an hour of suffer at the expense of the other. She told UK’s Red magazine: Madden ‘madly in love’ with Diaz high-intensity full body exercises, cardio “Perhaps I shouldn’t think this way but, from a very young age, I had and resistance training every day. He added: this idea in my head... “That if you are very successful in your career enji Madden is “madly in love” “Rob is locked and loaded.” It was previously and you’re giving all of your attention to that, then your family life with Cameron Diaz. The Good claimed the 27-year-old star - whose over- will not ... I need to word this in the right way.... “The life of your fami- Charlotte rocker only stated dat- eating began following his break-up from ly possibly won’t flourish as it might. But when you focus on your B Rita Ora in 2013 - allegedly got into an argu- family and you put that first, then your career suffers in some sort of ing the Hollywood actress a few weeks ago after being introduced to her via his ment with Kim over her lavish wedding way. “I can live with the career part not going so well, I think, but I twin brother Joel Madden’s wife Nicole extravaganza, which he branded “superficial don’t think I could live with my family not.” Liv admires her A-List pals, Richie, but the guitarist is already com- thing”. Things kicked off between the sib- designer Stella McCartney and actress Gwyneth Paltrow - who has pletely smitten with her. An insider told lings during a lunch at designer the airport kids Apple, nine, and Moses, eight, with estranged husband Chris the New York Post newspaper’s Page Six shortly afterwards. An insider said: “Rob is Martin - for the way they have managed to strike a healthy balance column: “Benji is madly in love with not in a good place right now at all and his between work and motherhood.She added: “I see Stella [McCartney] Cameron, but she wants to take it slow- family should be very worried about him. whenever she’s here, and we have a weird, crazy conversation, say ‘I he isn’t her usual type. He has dated a lot He was embarrassed to go to the wedding love you’ and then she’s jetting off back to London. “She’s got four of Nicole’s friends in the past but Nicole in the first place because of his weight gain kids, and a million businesses. And Gwyneth’s just really good at really wants this one to work.” The new and to be ridiculed by Kim and basically everything. She’s very organized, whereas I’m far more sensitive and couple have been spotted hanging out rejected has put him over the edge.” adaptable. “She’s good at structure and routine and schedules, at Cameron’s house in Los Angeles as whereas I get lost all the time. I’m always late and always rushing.” well as indulging in a mutual passion - working out at an Equinox gym. Benji has enjoyed a string of romances with famous blondes over the years, includ- ing Nicole’s former best friend Paris Hilton, Hugh Hefner’s ex-girlfriend Holly Madison and Australian model Sophie Monk. Meanwhile, the ‘Girls & Boys’ hit- maker is also set to have a busy year pro- fessionally since he has formed a new band with his sibling called The Madden Brothers. The duo recently announced that their first album, ‘Greetings From California’, is being released on October 3 and they are already preparing for a tour Hayden and live shows. Panettiere Samuel L Jackson to host Liam Hemsworth is pregnant LC:M charity fashion ball has injured his ankle he ‘Nashville’ actress and her fiance, boxer er. Sometimes people speak about [having kids] like, Wladimir Klitschko, are reportedly expecting their ‘Your life ends - you’re never going to be able to do any- amuel L Jackson is hosting a first child together, it has been claimed. A source thing again!’ And I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’ charity ball as part of London T told the new issue of Us Weekly magazine: “Hayden is “Motherhood is the most beautiful, exciting thing, and Collections: Men. The ‘Pulp S totally pregnant!” The 24-year-old actress - who got there’s nothing that I feel like I can’t accomplish while Fiction’ actor has been chosen to chair the fashion fundraiser held at engaged to the 36-year-old athlete last year after a having children in my life.”And the former ‘Heroes’ star the Natural History Museum on June three-year on/off romance - previously admitted she has even speculated on what her future children would 15, with proceeds benefitting One was keen to start a family and felt like she was “born” to look like. She previously joked: “He’s got bowlegs and For The Boys male cancer founda- be a mother. She has said: “I’ve lived a very big life, and I I’ve got knocked knees, so they’re going to have straight tion. The 65-year-old star will be don’t feel my age, and I feel like I was born to be a moth- legs. And they’ll be normal height.” joined by famous Brits Tom Hiddleston, Simon Pegg, Luke Evans, David Walliams as they model cloth- ing from top designers including Willis’ wife shows Fendi, Alexander McQueen and Y-3 on the catwalk. Samuel said in a statement: “Men don’t tend to talk about their health issues, worrying about appearing vulnerable. The problem is that they off new baby do not have enough information on the subject. “One For The Boys focuses on cutting through the noise to educate men, in ruce Willis’ wife has shared the first pic- the hope that we can have a similar reach to that of the pink tures of their new baby daughter. The ‘Die campaigns.”The One For The Boys Fashion Ball is one of several BHard’ star and spouse Emma Heming- events running throughout the year to raise awareness and Willis welcomed their second daughter, Evelyn, money for cancers that specifically affect men. into the world three weeks ago and are delight- ed she has already begun to bond with her old- er sister, two-year-old Mabel. Emma posted a picture on Instagram of Mabel cradling her sis- Charlize Theron is ter’s head while the baby gazes up at the older girl and added the caption: “The start happily unmarried of a beautiful he ‘A Million Ways To Die In The friendship.” The 35- roduction on ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - year-old brunette West’ actress, who is dating Part 2’ was halted over the weekend after the 24- Hollywood heavyweight Sean Penn, also shared a pho- T year-old hunk - who reprises his role of Gale tograph on her is totally comfortable with being single at P Hawthorne in the final installment of the franchise - Facebook page at the age of 38 because she’s accomplished hurt his foot last Friday. According to E! News, filming Whibley everything she wants from life. She told the weekend of vows to return stopped on Saturday and resumed just yesterday on herself breastfeed- Britain’s Esquire magazine: “I’m sure some the big budget movie, which is due for release next ing the new addi- people would be like, ‘I would never want eryck Whibley has vowed to be back on stage “soon”. The Sum year. Liam was spotted limping in Berlin, Germany, over tion to their family. to have that life.’ I’m sure there’s a lot of 41 rocker was recently hospitalised due to the effects of heavy the weekend and had a second doctor’s check-up yes- Emma recently drinking and has thanked fans for their compassion and sup- aspects to my life that a lot of people revealed her 59- D terday. The star was accompanied by a driver and two wouldn’t want. “Just personal choice port as he fights to beat his addiction. He wrote on his website: “I just members of his entourage as he visited the doctor’s year-old husband - things. Like the fact that I’m [unmarried] wanted to thank you all so much for sending gifts and all of the com- office and is thought to have been there for 90 minutes. who also has daughters Rumer, 25, Scout, 22, at 38. That’s not necessarily what a lot of passion and support you have shown me. “It really means a lot to me Liam and his co-stars Jennifer Lawrence, 23, and Josh and Tallulah, 19, with ex-wife Demi Moore - is a women want.” Charlize adopted a baby son, Jackson, in March 2012 in this time of recovery. I will be better soon and back out on stage Hutcherson, 21, have picked up numerous war wounds “hands-on” father and she will always be grate- and has never looked back since. She added: “A life is good if it’s the before you know it.” The 34-year-old rocker - who was previously mar- while filming the high-octane ‘Hunger Games’ movies ful for his support. Speaking shortly before life that you want. I am living my life in a way that if tomorrow it end- ried to Avril Lavigne - admitted earlier this month he had been “scared over the last four years. Josh previously revealed that he Evelyn’s birth, she said: “Luckily, Bruce decided ed - and I hope not because I have a kid - but if it did, this was the life straight” after suffering some worrying health problems that saw him suffered a concussion after being kicked in the head by to take some time off to help with Mabel during that I really wanted to live. But I work at that, you know?” Charlize has my pregnancy. He’s a very hands-on dad - and come close to death. Alongside pictures of himself looking thin and his Oscar-winning co-star, Jennifer. He said: “The only been smitten with Sean since late last year and they took their secretly I think he’d like to be a stay-at-home frail, he wrote: “The reason I got so sick is from all the hard boozing I’ve romance public with a New Year’s holiday to Hawaii in early January. time I got hurt was when I got kicked in the side of the dad. “He’s all hands on - and thankfully so. I real- been doing over the years. It finally caught up to me. “I was drinking The star believes she was in the right frame of mind to find love again head by Jennifer. We were hanging out and she was ly couldn’t do it without him. That’s why I have hard every day. Until one night. I was sitting at home, poured myself after spending months focused solely on Jackson. She said: “I wasn’t like, ‘I can kick over your head’, and I was like, ‘No way.’ such respect for single parents. My mom was a another drink around midnight and was about to watch a movie when in any place that I even wanted something like [a boyfriend]. Then She said, ‘Watch!’ But then she kicked me right in the single parent, she worked three jobs to support all of a sudden I didn’t feel so good. I then collapsed to the ground one day you go, ‘Oh, [Jackson’s] almost two now, and he has his little temple. “She felt so bad. She was crying. I’ve had a cou- us. I look back and think, ‘How could she juggle unconscious.” Deryck panicked when he woke up in an intensive care activities that he goes to and he’s got a bedtime now, and you have ple of concussions before so I knew what it feels like it all and not lose her mind?’ “I’m so grateful to unit, but is determined to get his life back on track. He added: “I had no more time again.’ “And it’s like if you are open to something, if you just when it happens. We had to have a neurologist come in. have such a dedicated dad for our child ... He’s a idea where I was. I was so freaked out. My liver and kidneys collapsed let it happen, it will happen. When you least expect it. It was nice to It ended up being a very mild concussion, but still, it family man. He loves being a dad.” on me. Needless to say it scared me straight. I finally realized I can’t be single and now it’s nice to be not single.” was a concussion.” — Bang Showbiz drink anymore. If I have one drink the docs say I will die (sic).” lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

Features Stars campaign to keep kid shots out of media

uri Cruise did not ask for fame. Yet she’s been chased by cameras practically from birth, with no choice in the Smatter, because her parents are Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Kristen Bell is exasperated just thinking about it. “Suri Cruise is not fictional. She’s a real little girl ... and it’s just not fair,” Bell says. The 33-year-old actress and mother has been leading a growing movement among Hollywood stars aimed at reducing media demand for paparazzi images of celebrity kids and she’s using the plight of 8-year-old Suri as an exam- ple. Launched in January, Bell’s No Kids Policy gained almost instant traction by hitting the entertainment media where it hurts: celebrity access, which translates into viewers, readers and profits. Bell got a bunch of stars, from Jennifer Aniston to Jennifer Lawrence, who agreed to decline interviews with TV and text outlets that use paparazzi photos or video of children that were taken without their parents’ consent. Then she met with entertainment media executives and told them either agree to her No Kids Policy or celebs will stay away. Now, through upcoming media interviews and meetings with “mommy bloggers,” Bell is taking her cause direct to con- sumers, asking them to consider the circumstances around the starry images that beckon at grocery check stands. “There is no way for a child to wrap their head around the fact that they are a cog in this machine,” Bell said in a recent interview. “All they experience is the predatory sense of being hunted.” In this Nov 4, 2007 file photo, actress Katie Holmes, husband Tom Cruise, center, and their daughter Suri pose for a photograph after Holmes fin- In this Aug 13, 2013 file photo, actress Jennifer Garner, right, describes how paparazzi aggressively fol- Being picky low her and her three children daily, while testifying before the Assembly Judiciary Committee. — AP And the actress would sooner quit the business than sub- ished running the New York City Marathon in New York. — AP ject her 11-month-old daughter, Lincoln, to such a media scrum. “I like being an actress very much,” she said, “but I love chief Mike Steele might consider such images in cases of Rigorous guidelines included various shots of Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom’s 3- being a mother and it is a very clear decision which one I breaking news involving the children. Steele said the new pol- “We have these long lenses and keep our distance. We let year-old son, Flynn. would choose.” Bell and her famous colleagues can’t outright icy hasn’t impacted editorial operations at the magazine, oth- them enjoy their weekend,” Tuan said. “The kids generally It is not illegal in California to photograph a minor in pub- refuse interviews as they leverage the power of celebrity to er than requiring an extra step to get consent from celebrity don’t know what’s going on.” Two major celebrity-photo agen- lic, but such photos can’t be used commercially without a stomp out invasive imagery of kids; contracts typically obli- parents before publishing images of their kids. Some agree cies, Splash News and x17, also continue to distribute release. And steps are being taken in the California legislature gate them to promote their movies and shows. But they can and some don’t, he said. paparazzi images of children. Both declined to be interviewed against photographers who harass children of the famous. Yet be picky about which outlets they’ll work with. Like other entertainment news outlets, Us Weekly also uses for this story. Weekly magazines Life & Style, OK! and In Touch, the power of celebrity and a mother’s drive could be the most Star-driven shows and magazines such as “Entertainment social media for pictures of star children, which are inherently and websites such as TMZ, haven’t signed on to Bell’s policy effective force of all. Says Bell: “I’ll argue until my dying day Tonight” and Us Weekly, which rely on images from freelance approved when posted by their celebrity parent. So with vary- and continue to publish paparazzi pictures of kids. TMZ and that my daughter should not be affected by my career photographers and independent photo agencies to help illus- ing sources for kid photos - approved or not - how does Bell OK! did not respond to multiple requests for an interview. choice.”— AP trate their stories, say it’s easy to support Bell’s effort. But their monitor compliance? She and her publicist are doing it them- Bauer Media Group, which publishes Life & Style and In interpretations of compliance vary. selves, they say, and it isn’t easy. Tuan, a freelance paparazzo Touch, did not grant an interview, but said in a statement that “Entertainment Tonight” executive producer Brad Bessey who shoots for the Phamous Photo agency, said he hasn’t its editors follow “rigorous guidelines.” The company did not said he would not use paparazzi-generated photos of celebri- seen any change in demand for his pictures, which sometimes elaborate. In Touch magazine runs a weekly feature called “oh ty kids under any circumstances, while Us Weekly editor-in- include unauthorized images of celebrity kids. baby!” filled with images of celebrity kids. A recent issue

Miley Cyrus wins two World Music Awards

iley Cyrus won two World Music Awards at the cer- emony in Monaco last night. The ‘Wrecking Ball’ Msinger looked stunning in a green strapless gown while performing her hit song at the event at the Sporting Club in Monte-Carlo, before being handed her gongs for Best Female Act and Best Pop Video for ‘Wrecking Ball’. Megastar Mariah Carey delayed the event by more than an hour before eventually opening the show with her new track ‘Meteorite’ and Miley joked while accepting her award: In this Feb 15, 2011 file photo, President Barack Obama In this July 27, 2004 file photo, Poet and activist Dr Maya “Thank God, I thought this party was never going to get kisses author and poet Maya Angelou after awarding her Angelou addresses the Democratic National Convention in started.” The 21-year-old singer had been nominated for 14 the 2010 Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Boston, Massachusetts. awards at the bash and was thrilled to win two, stepping Room of the White House in Washington. — AP photos onto the stage in a shimmering silver gown after a costume change. She posted a number of photographs of herself on Instagram in her outfit with the hashtags ‘#wmaselfie’ and ‘ihopethisthangairz’, along with images of her with her brother Braison, 19, who she claimed was her “date” for the ceremony. Meanwhile, Mariah also picked up the Pop Icon Award and said: “It feels so strange, being called an icon, because I don’t feel like one.” Tinie Tempah, James Arthur and Leona Lewis were also among the stars who attended the bash, along with Pamela Anderson and Ricky Martin, who won the Latin Legend Award. The full list of winners are yet to be announced and US singer Miley Cyrus receives an award during the the 22nd International World Music Awards show will air in World Music Awards in Monaco Tuesday. — AP photos the US on NBC tonight. — Bang Showbiz

File photo shows US President Bill Clinton congratulating Dr Maya Angelou after presenting her with the National Medal of Arts during ceremonies at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. Poet Maya Angelou dies at 86

merican author and poet Maya Angelou, who is best known for her groundbreaking autobiography “I Know AWhy the Caged Bird Sings,” has died at age 86 in North Carolina, her publisher confirmed yesterday. The prolific African-American writer penned more than 30 books, won numerous awards, and was honored last year by the National Book Awards for her service to the literary community. “Dr Belgian singer-songwriter Stromae receives the best Mariah Carey performs during the World Music Angelou has passed in Winston-Salem,” said Sally Marvin, of selling Benelux artist and best selling European singer Awards. Random House. No other details were immediately available. Awards. Angelou provided eloquent commentary on race, gender and living life to its fullest in poems and memoirs. Her latest work “Mom & Me & Mom,” about her mother and grandmother and what they taught her, was released last year. “She was beyond simply being a writer of autobiography and poetry. I think she transcended the idea of writing and using writing as a transcendence medium to further the individual,” Harold Augenbraum, the executive director of the National Book Foundation, told Reuters. “She was an extraordinary symbol in the United States of what can accomplish using the arts,” he added. Wake Forest University also mourned the loss of Angelou. “Dr Angelou was a national treasure whose life and teachings inspired millions around the world, including countless students, faculty, and staff at Wake Forest, where she served as Reynolds Professor of American Studies since 1982,” the university said in a state- ment. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Angelou’s family and friends during this difficult time.” It added that details about a campus memorial service will be announced at a later date. “I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings,” a coming-of-age story in a hostile society in the American South in the 1930s and ‘40s that deals with racism and rape, is considered an American classic. In addition to her In this April 5, 2014 photo, Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou many books, she was a Grammy winner for three spoken-word and Oprah Winfrey pose for a photo backstage at albums. She had a home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Angelou’s portrait unveiling at the Smithsonian’s National where she was a professor of American studies at Wake Forest US singer Miley Cyrus performs during the World Music Awards. Portrait Gallery in Washington. University. — Reuters lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014

Music & Movies Jolie’s a fun hero-villain in ‘Maleficent’ aybe it’s too soon to say the tide has shifted been rehabilitated, by means of the durable Broadway er quite believe Maleficent is bad. That’s because we definitively. But it’s certainly been a unique hit “Wicked”: the witch Elphaba from “The Wizard of know she’s essentially good, and she seems to know Mtime for fairy-tale villains. After hundreds of Oz,” who, it turns out, we just didn’t know enough that we know it; You can see it in the upturned wrinkle years of moral clarity, suddenly we’re getting a new about. of her mouth. look at these evil creatures, who are actually turning And so it is in “Maleficent,” in which director Robert And frankly, the other characters are simply not out to be complex beings, and not that bad at all. Stromberg and screenwriter Linda Woolverton take us that interesting - Stefan, but also Elle Fanning’s Aurora, Really, they’ve just been misunderstood. (And, by the back to the fairy’s youth to better understand her. or “Sleeping Beauty.” The best scenes Aurora has, in way, those charming princes? Highly overrated.) She’s a plucky young thing with lovely wings and fact, are when she’s a gurgling baby and then, The most obvious recent example is “Frozen,” the bright pink lipstick, which will turn blood-red when adorably, a toddler, played by none other than 5-year- animated Disney blockbuster that showed us how the she becomes an adult (the fairy world clearly isn’t lack- old Vivienne Jolie-Pitt. (In the movie’s one laugh-out- Snow Queen, long portrayed as an icy-hearted villain, ing for cosmetics.) One day she meets a young man loud moment, Maleficent tells Aurora: “I don’t like chil- was actually a tragic victim of circumstance, with a from that other, darker world, where humans live. The dren.”) But Fanning as Aurora is too boringly sweet - pure and loving heart. And now we have “Maleficent,” two form a strong bond. But the ugliest human emo- especially compared to the fabulous-in-every-way which tells us that one of the most evil characters in all tions - jealousy and ambition - will intervene. Young Maleficent, with her blazing lips, fashionable black of pop culture is equally vulnerable and misunder- Stefan will grow into the power-hungry older Stefan headgear and exaggerated cheekbones, not to men- stood. Plus, she’s gorgeous. Duh. She’s Angelina Jolie. (the wild-eyed South African actor Sharlto Copley.) tion her way around a quip. All this is a rather seismic development in fairytale- And his stunning betrayal of Maleficent will instant- In the end, “Maleficent” is fun for its appealing visu- dom. There are numerous versions of “Sleeping ly harden her, turning her into the villainess we recog- als - especially in the forest - and for watching Jolie. Beauty,” stemming back even before Charles Perrault’s nize. Alas, the story’s still all about a guy, in the end. But that’s not enough to make the whole film interest- from 1697, but the fairy who casts an angry spell on But we digress. “Maleficent” is surely targeted to the ing. As the minutes tick by, you might even start feel- the baby princess, dooming her to prick her finger, has same audience - young and female - which has so lov- ing a bit like Sleeping Beauty herself comes to feel: always been, well, just nasty. ingly embraced “Frozen” and its appealing message of Drowsy. “Maleficent,” a Walt Disney Studios release, is But now, 55 years after Disney introduced the char- female solidarity and empowerment. But “Frozen” felt rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America acter named Maleficent in its 1959 classic film- and clever, charming, and fresh. “Maleficent,” less so. “for sequences of fantasy action and violence, includ- colored her skin an eerie green - the studio is back ing frightening images.” Running time: 97 minutes. with a live-action (not to mention 3D) Maleficent Drowsy Two and a half stars out of four. — AP who’s more superheroine than evil fairy. Think Part of this is due, paradoxically, to Jolie’s star Maleficent by way of Lara Croft. And though wattage. Don’t get us wrong: she’s the best thing Maleficent is no longer green-skinned, it’s hard not to about the movie, and always worth watching. But it This photo released by Disney shows Angelina Jolie in a scene from think of another green-skinned villainess who’s also blunts the effectiveness of the narrative if we can nev- ‘Maleficent.’ — AP Cooper praises theatricality of female pop singers

lice Cooper believes many contemporary male artists lack the glamour and over-the-top theatricali- Aty of being a rock star. “It’s been a really funny thing now. All the girls are doing the big productions,” Cooper said in a recent interview. “Shakira, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga - it seems like all the girls decided to do it big these days.” The 66-year-old shock rocker said he’s been impressed with Lady Gaga’s creativity and image. “Lady Gaga said to me, ‘Thanks for letting me steal your show.’ And I said, ‘The funny thing is, your show is nothing like mine,’” he said. “But what we do is more similar than you can imagine. We both created characters and have written for the character.” Cooper’s wild style can be seen in his documentary, “Super Duper Alice Cooper,” out on DVD next week. The highly stylized film chronicles the singer’s life from being the son of a preacher to the creation of his onstage charac- ter to the ups and downs of his five-decade career. He is now on his Raise the Dead tour, and will join Motley Crue for their final tour in July. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer believes rock ‘n’ roll today is “totally anemic,” and he wishes newer rock bands were more interesting. “I hope the next generation will rebel against this generation and come out Alice Cooper poses at the Eyegore Awards at Universal with another Guns N’ Roses,” he said. “Bands that look like Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles. — AP photos One Direction’s rock bands and play like rock bands.” — AP

File photo shows US singer Katy Perry performs on lawyers looking stage at the BRIT Awards 2014 at the O2 Arena in into leaked video London.

representative for One Direction says the band’s lawyers are dealing with a video showing two band members smoking what the singers referred to as an “illegal Asubstance.” British tabloid The Daily Mail posted a five-minute clip Tuesday of Zayn Malik smoking and speaking with Louis Tomlinson, who is filming. Their publicist said: “This matter is in the hands of our lawyers.” In the video, 22-year- old Tomlinson says they are in Peru. The band, on an international tour, stopped in Lima, Peru, last month. Tomlinson says “joint lit, happy days,” and asks his bandmate, “What do you think Zayn about that kind of content?” “Very controversial,” the 21-year- old Malik responds. The band will perform today in Sunderland, United Kingdom. — AP

Steve Perry Emily Blunt does plank in sushi restaurant mily Blunt did the plank in the middle of a sushi were all out having sushi, and one of the other characters, restaurant while exploring her opening sequence for one of the members of J-Squad, Kick, just said, ‘Em, show performs for first Ethe ‘Edge of Tomorrow’. The 31-year-old actress, who Doug [director] that toga move you can do’. I just did in the stars as Rita Vratask in the sci-fi film, revealed the cast and middle of a sushi restaurant and I remember Doug looking crew were out at lunch working out how to introduce char- at me like that and going, ‘That’s it’.” Blunt and her co-star acters when her co-star Christopher ‘Kick’ Gurry insisted Tom Cruise had a busy day with three premieres for the time in 19 years she show director Doug Liman one of her impressive yoga film in London, Paris and New York. — Bang Showbiz poses which was later incorporated into the film. ormer Journey frontman Steve Perry took the Talking to the BBC, she explained: “We were trying to stage for the first time since 1995 on Sunday night figure out the best way to introduce the character, so we Fwhen he sang with indie rock band Eels during a concert in St Paul, Minnesota. The 65-year-old elusive rock star surprised the audience at the Fitgerzald Theater during Eels second encore, and sang the band’s 2000 cult hit “It’s a Motherf-er.” “I love that song. When I first heard it, someday I wanted to sing it. Tonight was the first time I ever sang it,” Perry said during the performance. “I don’t know why the Eels don’t do my music.” That was the cue for the band to launch into classic Journey tune “Open Arms,” followed by “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’.” Perry left Journey in 1987, but reunited with the band in 1996 to record “Trial By Fire.” A hip injury, how- ever, prevented Perry from touring after the album’s release. He eventually left the band again after putting off a hip replacement surgery for two years, and singer Steve Augeri filled in for the band’s delayed tour. These days, the arena rock band is fronted by Arnel Pineda, a former cover band singer whose rise from anonymity to rock star is captured in 2012 documentary “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey.” — Reuters

US actor Tom Cruise, British actress Emily Blunt (right) arrives for the World Premiere of the film ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ Steve Perry at the BFI IMAX cinema in London yesterday. — AP Poet Maya Angelou dies in North Carolina

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 38

A model presents a creation by the French Lejaby lingerie house during a fashion show marking the 130th anniversary of the company’s creation, at the Lido in Paris on May 27, 2014. — AFP Countertops get creative

he concrete countertops in Eleanor Zuckerman’s San Francisco kitchen are hand-crafted works of Tart. Custom-designed by Fu-Tun Cheng of the Berkeley, California-based Cheng Concrete, they feature colors like brick, flowing lines and pictures of nautilus shells. “With concrete there is a lot of room for creativity, to say nothing of color,” says Zuckerman, a retired psy- chologist. “It gives you flexibility.” Homeowners looking to spice up their kitchens can install a variety of counter- tops that go beyond the traditional laminate and tile. Today’s options include concrete and butcher-block- style wood, and a range of custom-designed colors and shapes. IceStone countertops use recycled glass from broken bottles. “So many different materials are used in countertops these days,” says Tony Izzo, Curtis Lumber’s corporate kitchen and bath manager in Albany, New York. Until about 25 years ago, he says, roughly 90 percent of coun- tertops in US homes were laminate, and the rest tile. Then DuPont’s Corian hit the market, followed by granite and quartz, which are current favorites, he says. Today, just half of countertops are laminate, Izzo says. The burgeoning interest in alternative countertops is the natural extension of that trend. And they are becoming more affordable. “Slowly, over the years, the market has really grown,” says Mike Heidebrink, president of Cheng Concrete. When the company opened in 2002, it catered mostly to well-heeled dot-commers willing to spend more to bring an artisan’s touch to their kitchens. Today, Heidebrink says, Cheng also serves a growing number of skilled do- makes wooden countertops with enough thickness and ally have to accept that idea and know that they want a This photo provided by it-yourselfers who want to shape, mold and install coun- durability to be used as cutting boards. Clients include living finish like that,” he says. Even granite countertops Cheng Concrete shows con- tertops themselves. They can choose the color and lines barbeque restaurants as well as home cooks. While have drawbacks. Some granite releases trace amounts of crete being used to create of their countertops, he says. Once installed and sealed, Wessell says his handmade countertops are more expen- radon, the radioactive gas. Izzo instead is a fan of quartz. artisanal countertops. he says, concrete countertops are as durable as lime- sive than factory-made ones, he can make “a sizeable Although it’s about as expensive as granite, it doesn’t — AP photos stone and marble. “They can have that for $10 a square countertop for about a grand,” he says. have the radon issue and it’s less porous, therefore less foot,” he says. Of course, no countertop is perfect. Concrete can likely to harbor bacteria, he says. — AP Nils Wessell in Brooklyn, New York, says the do-it- stain, so it must be sealed properly. Wooden countertops yourself movement is also fueling his businesses, in a dif- take a beating from knives, although Wessell says they ferent way. “This DIY interest in cooking leads to people can be easily maintained with semi-regular sanding. wanting a suitable surface to chop up meat on,” says Soapstone, popular for its natural look, has its quirks as Wessell, whose company, Brooklyn Butcher Blocks, well, Izzo says: It weathers over time. “Consumers gener- Work from Islamic collection goes on view in Texas

he Dallas Museum of Art is putting on display the It’s part of the Keir Collection, which is one of the lar quality from the medieval Islamic world are known. first item from a rarely-shown Islamic art collection largest private holdings of Islamic art. The museum The collection was assembled by a Hungarian-born col- Tthat it recently got on long-term loan. The carved announced earlier this year that the collection of almost lector over five decades. — AP crystal ewer went on display Tuesday at the museum. The 2,000 works was coming to Dallas as part of a 15-year pitcher from late 10th- to 11th-century Egypt was cut renewable loan. from a single piece of rock crystal. The museum says only seven rock crystal ewers of simi-