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www.kuwaittimes.net NO: 16528- Friday, May 22, 2015

Page 6 Local FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

Local Spotlight Just kiddin’, seriously The ultimate selfie! In Kuwait, we only hope - for the best By Muna Al-Fuzai

[email protected] By Sahar Moussa

selfie-obsessed Romanian teen was recently electrocuted when she touched a live wire [email protected] Awhile trying to take the ‘ultimate’ selfie of her- self on the roof of a train. Anna Ursu, 18, went to a train station in the town of Iasi in Romania with a f I were to write a list about the disadvantages of that cause resentment and division among themselves. friend to take a ‘special selfie’ that she intended to Kuwait and start today, I will probably finish tomor- Stories can be written about the income inequality, post on Facebook. Her pictures were all over the Irow. The list will keep on going. If I want to describe the prejudice against poor workers, the violence and media, but unfortunately as a corpse. She lay down the government, I can say that government is riddled injustice. Every day, laws are being put by the govern- on top of the train and stuck one of her legs in the with corruption and it’s synonymous to bribery and ment that make expats insecure and scared for the air, but an electrical field surrounding the overhead greed. If I want to mention the educational system, I future. Yes I can easily mention all the negative things cables sent 27,000 volts zapping through her body, would say it is pretty poor; the healthcare and medical about the country. There is nothing new. In fact corrup- causing her to burst into flames. The teen later died treatments don’t meet high standards, while the trans- tion, racism, greed and injustice were born from the in the hospital with 50 percent burns. It was the end portation system needs to be re-planned from scratch. It start of human civilization. We can all agree on that. is easy to write about the traffic that is caused by over- I discovered that is harder to write about hope. Yes, I of a short life. crowding, lack of planning and limited development. It used to see the world from a pessimistic point of view. I Despite the best efforts of a passerby to save the becomes natural to write about the high prices of have been asking friends around me, “Why do you wake girl’s life, the charge that hit her was deadly and sent restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing - up every morning?” I got different amazing answers that her 17-year-old friend flying off the roof of the sta- the high living costs that are not mitigated with high made me change the way I see things. One friend told tionary train. She is currently recovering. She told salaries; the hustle when you need to finish any govern- me, “I wake up to pray salat alfajr (the dawn prayer).” investigators that she only wanted to take the ‘ulti- mental papers and the slacking of the employees there. Another said, “to praise God” or “to see my children mate selfie’ and hadn’t stopped to think of the dan- Extremist ideas are growing in popularity, expanding grow up” or “to be with the one I love,” or “to fulfill my ger. A young lady lost her life for a silly reason. I won- silently, while the people in high positions only care dreams” or “I wake up for my art,” and so on. One answer der how many people will also lose their lives about money and power. I can also write about the large stuck with me: “I wake up because I have so much hope because of their crazy wish to take a picture of them- quantities of drugs freely entering the country without inside of me. Every day is a different day where I’m selves on the top of a building or a plane or some- any questions, the scary distribution and growing addic- blessed by God and I believe that he will grant me hope where extreme? tion to narcotics amongst the country’s youth. Polarizing and good things in life.” Such sad incidents make us wonder if the selfie is politics: I can write about the discrimination between All religions believe that by faith and hope, we can do a curse or trend. expats and locals, between Kuwaitis themselves and miracles. At the end of each day, hope is what is left for I have never been a selfie fan. But I know for sure between people from the same religion but from differ- us to go on in life. So now, I decide, to look at Kuwait in ent sects; racism that comes from believing that one’s an optimistic point of view and hope that one day, that most teenagers use the selfie as a way to attract own race is superior than the others. I can elaborate things will be better. So here is a question for you, “Why attention. Selfies are being posted on social media about the people who are driven by religious differences do you wake up every morning?” sites such as Facebook and Instagram, where people can comment on them and ‘like’ the images. When people depend on how popular a selfie is to deter- mine their self-worth, the situation has reached a dangerous and creepy level. Now let’s suppose I post my picture and it is not received well, with negative comments or not enough likes. For some people, this can be devastating. It can have consequences far beyond the benign idea of a ‘selfie’ for fun. People tie their self confidence, their self image and even their self worth to their popularity on social media. I agree that the selfie is good for some people like singers and actors because they seek attention, attraction and approval, so they use these pictures on social networks as a way to share their daily lives and activities with their fans. This is a way to be under the spotlight. They do so because it makes them feel that they are alive and active, besides they probably have people to do it for them. But the problem occurs with those who put their lives in danger or commit other extreme acts in order to get social media attention. Some people are tak- ing it too far when they start to compare themselves with what they see on TV and the movies and feel disappointed. This is a key disadvantage of the selfie trend on teenagers. Taking a selfie is becoming an addiction for some people, and it seems as if they want to take a picture of everything they do or any place they go, with and without their families and friends. I wonder why some people want to reveal all their personal infor- mation to the world. This is why I think the selfie trend is becoming a danger to privacy. There should be a limit to everything we do and use. KUWAIT: Palm trees sway under a cloudy sky in Kuwait recently. — File photo by Yasser Al Zayyat

Local FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

Sailing down memory lane

Yacht captain recalls early days in Kuwait

By Ben Garcia of the big ships’ captains, so I grabbed the chance,” Kuwait beckons ings in Kuwait City. There were some small new he said. When he returned to Manila, Mansueto no villas in Sharq and Sawaber and these were the uwait was like a beautiful oasis in the The yacht captain’s job is not as complicated as longer had plans to return to Kuwait. “I had built most recognized areas at that time,” he said. desert,” recalled Filipino sailor, yacht compared to the captain of big ships as the my own house in my native province of Cebu. I Traffic became a problem in Kuwait in the “Kcaptain and chief officer Ciril Mansueto International Maritime Organization (IMO) doesn’t was also able to help my siblings and parents, 1980s. According to Mansueto, heavy traffic jams as he described the country in the early 1980s. require holders to continue taking advanced train- besides I had already accepted another shipping were being seen on the First Ring Road. Some of Mansueto was hired directly from Manila by the Al- ing and workshops. They are optional, according to job overseas,” Mansueto said. the other ring roads, like the fifth, were still under Ameri family to man their newest yacht that would Mansueto, but the captain must know basic safety Things changed when the Mullas especially construction, while the old roads were narrow sail in the Arabian Gulf. During that time, the guidelines and must always be updated on new requested Mansueto to accept their proposal to and crowded. “People were concentrated in areas Ameris owned ‘Seas and Deserts’, the biggest yacht navigational equipment. As yacht captain, come back to help them recover a yacht taken by like Salmiya and Hawally, while some Kuwaitis dealership in the Gulf. Mansueto also secured the certificate of competen- the Iraqis during the war and help their company had small villas along the roads,” he added. “I was still young when I arrived here in 1983. I cy (COC) issued by the Ministry of Communication’s in its UN compensation claim. “I was compelled Mansueto remembered that in the early was 27. The people were very pleasant and eager Maritime Affairs Department. “My title in Manila to come back, and returned to Kuwait in 1992. 1980s, some big hotels in Kuwait had discos and to learn and meet other people,” he enthused. was chief officer and captain (first class), but in They told me I could also claim some compensa- openly organized parties for foreign workers. Kuwait I am a holder of a license as yacht captain, tion myself, so I filed and got the standard com- “Kuwait was an open city at that time. The hotels Origins navigation and second officer. This license means I pensation of $5,000,” he remembered. near the airport and another hotel in Messila held Immediately after graduating from Cebu am allowed to sail big ships on the high seas and such parties and the price of the buffet was KD 3 Polytechnic College with a degree in marine trans- my employers know this - so they call me ‘chief Memories of old Kuwait to 5. For us, the hotel dinner was cheap, so you portation in 1975, Mansueto sailed the Southeast captain’,” Mansueto said with pride. “I remember my boss carrying a big mobile could find us almost every day in the hotel - we Asian countries working for international shipping phone in his car with a long antenna. Very few did not have Filipino restaurants at that time. lines. “As chief officer, I have the license to sail the Gulf War here had that type of mobile phone in Kuwait. I Most of the entertainers were Filipinos and they high seas. I was very energetic at that time, ever Before the war, he transferred to another heard it cost KD 2,000 per month, and was similar regularly performed in front of the guests. The willing to run the big ships. In fact, it was my dream employer - the Al-Mulla family. “They hired me to to the radio equipment we use in the boat. There Beatles and the likes were very famous, and you to man a big boat and that’s what I did for seven man their newest yacht. But war broke out in 1990, were no cell phones, and only call booths were could hear Filipino entertainers imitating the years. I also had experience in managing cargo so after a few months, I had to leave Kuwait. I available at that time and mostly run by the gov- Beatles and Elvis Presley onstage! Several of the ships,” said Mansueto. remembered when we fled from Kuwait to Iraq en ernment,” Mansueto recalled. guests were Filipinos, some holding engineering “When I was hired here in Kuwait, I had to route to the Philippines, I met then Consul General The only mall he knew at that time was the degrees. They were with their Arab friends. I think secure my sea captain license too. They knew I had Ricardo Endaya (he eventually became the newly opened Al-Muthanna Complex in the early they were hired by the ministry. They would work the capability to man and navigate the high seas Philippine ambassador to Kuwait between 2008 1980s, while the tallest building then was the here for a few months, then leave,” said and I had enough experience when I was hired and 2010). There he helped us to get out of Iraq Kuwait Airways headquarters (currently being Mansueto. here, so I was given the ‘nokhatha’ license. This and repatriated us back to Manila,” shared demolished). “Next to it was the Le Meridian Kuwait City only changed after the 2003 Gulf license is broad, but can be classified as a yacht cap- Mansueto. “At that time, I was already courting a Hotel and the newest three banks in Mirqab. War. Old and dilapidated buildings vanished and tain license. I accepted the yacht captain post lady, who is my wife now. We have three grown-up Kuwait was mostly dominated by residential were demolished and replaced with new sky- because they offered a salary almost similar to that kids,” he added. buildings including the Sabah residential build- scrapers.

Local FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 Kuwait’s taxi drivers enduring tough times? Why cabbies dread to go to certain places

By Sajeev K Peter Phelomina Joseph, a nurse who regularly back only after 10 to 15 days,” said Mustafa, their businesses, only a few of them provide uses taxis, suggested that the authorities must another taxi driver who got back his car the other basic facilities to their employees. And many orry, I don’t go to Shuwaikh,” a taxi stop issuing tickets and confiscations of vehicles day after clearing the ‘mukhalifa’ (violation). drivers end up in huge debts, forcing some to driver bluntly told me as if I had asked indiscriminately. This will only create fear and a Even when the vehicle is impounded, the commit suicide. In case someone dares to ques- “Shim to do something illegal. feeling of insecurity among the taxi drivers. “In driver has to pay the taxi rent daily to his compa- tion the sponsor, he has to face severe conse- Incidentally, he was the third cabbie who fact, the traffic department officials must focus ny that ranges from KD 6 to KD 8. “A driver has to quences such as fabricated cases and travel refused to take me to Shuwaikh from Salmiya more on the tidiness of the vehicles,” she said. earn a minimum of KD 15 daily to meet his daily bans,” said a Syrian driver. He said several sui- that day. Shuwaikh is not the only place taxi driv- She demanded that smoking by drivers while expenses that include the taxi rent of KD 7, petrol cide cases have been reported among taxi driv- ers are loath to go these days. There are hotspots driving must be strictly banned. “It leaves a sick- KD 3, maintenance, food and home rent of KD 5,” ers. like Subhan, Maliya, Jleeb and others. Taxi drivers ening odor in the vehicle,” she said. said Saifullah, a Bangladeshi taxi driver. avoid these places as much as possible in order According to him, every driver has to struggle to Ageing meter system to avoid the traffic police and the recently inten- Terrified Taximen make ends meet. “A hardworking cabbie can Taxi drivers complain that the current meter sified campaign to purge the roads of illegal Kuwait’s taxi drivers are a terrified lot today. earn between KD 150-KD 250 per month if he system is outdated and has remained drivers. Taxi drivers use a network of communi- Some of them shared their anxieties with Kuwait works for 14 to 16 hours a day,” he claimed. unchanged since 2003. It is a known fact that cation such as Viber and WhatsApp to update Times and recounted their tales of woe. Many Even though only 30 taxis can be operated passengers are seldom charged on the basis of each other about the ‘volatile’ areas they must underlined the need to overhaul the current taxi under one taxi office license in Kuwait, many taxi meter readings in Kuwait. “With the present avoid. service system in the country, which according to companies possess more than one license and meter, we incur a loss and most of us find it hard Even if they agree, you have to coax and them is ‘outdated’ and fraught with problems of operate hundreds of taxis. In Kuwait, the govern- to cope with the rising prices of basic goods,” strike a deal with them on the fare, no matter unfair labor practices. ment has issued licenses to around 500 taxi said Afzal Ali, a Pakistani taxi driver who was in what the taxi meter shows. “How can they say They have a reason to be panicky. “If you are offices. Around 10,000 taxis are estimated to be Dubai before coming to Kuwait. He cited the that they cannot go to certain places? Taxis have caught, there is no escape. You are certain to get on Kuwait’s roads currently, taking into account a examples of the taxi system in Dubai and Qatar been given the license to take passengers to a ticket even if your papers are in order or your few thousand vehicles that could be under main- where passengers do not have to bargain with their destinations,” said Sebastian Thomas, a vehicle is fit to drive. They will issue a ticket for tenance or without drivers. Some taxis may be drivers over fare. “They follow a workable and teacher who lives in Jleeb Al-Shoyoukh. some reason or other,” said a taxi driver in his involved in traffic accidents or legal cases. fair meter system,” he pointed out. However, he admitted that there may be certain hard Pashto dialect on the condition of anonymi- Although all the taxi services and car rental Cabbies also complain about the lack of genuine reasons for the drivers to skip certain ty. “It is OK if they only issue a ticket. We are ready companies are owned and sponsored by parking spots for taxis. Most parking spaces in locations. to pay. But they seize our cars and we get them Kuwaitis, visa, insurance and stamp charges are Kuwait are for private and personal vehicles. borne by the employees. Though it is part of the Many taxi drivers end up paying huge fines due contract, the monthly salary, annual leave, med- to limited parking areas for taxis. “If there is ical leave, weekly off and public holidays are checking by police, the passengers will be let go denied to them. Most of the drivers have to pay while taxis are confiscated,” said an Egyptian the rent for the vehicle to their respective com- driver. Even though a vast majority of sponsors panies before they go on vacation. are allegedly exploiting their employees, a few Many drivers claim that licenses, fitness cer- drivers admitted that there are exceptions. “My tificates and visa renewals are put on hold for sponsor is very kind-hearted and gentle. He will those who fail to pay the rental regularly. “Even help me if there is a problem,” said when the sponsors make a good deal out of Kamaluddeen. A new kind of censorship

By Aakash Bakaya offending imagery was shown but any time the characters spoke about the scientist’s deity-like uwait’s cinema chains are back in the spot- powers to create artificial life, the dialogue was light and once again the results are pretty strangely censored. Kterrible. ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, easily one of This happened again, but this time, it was dur- the most anticipated films of the year, was ing a teaser trailer for ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn released worldwide last week and the response of Justice’ shown before ‘Fury Road’. The trailer has been tremendous. Currently sitting on a 98 begins with a slow close-up of a Superman statue, percent fresh rating on movie critic site rotten- and as the camera focuses in on the statue, a sud- tomatoes.com, the film is one of the best reviewed den spotlight is shone on it and the words ‘False summer blockbusters of all time. Its viral effect has God’ is spray-painted on the front. Except in this spread through social media and Kuwait is no case, the word ‘God’ was replaced by a black exception, but unfortunately for Kuwait, it’s not on smudge and the theatre let out a frustrated groan. the merits of the film. People are instead speaking Like the majority of cinemagoers, I’m eagerly out about its new censorship techniques. anticipating the first big screen pairing of Batman The film’s plot revolves around five women and Superman. From the teaser itself, you can who happen to be the last remaining fertile understand that film deals with how a being like women on the planet. Like any post-apocalyptic Superman would affect the world realistically. society, the women are not dressed in the latest Some would treat him like a savior while others fashion brands. These women are dressed ade- would look at him like a dangerous alien that quately in a sort of white loincloth, but you would- should not be trusted. It’s a different take on the n’t know this if you haven’t seen the trailers of the character that has being a pop-culture staple for film. This is because in Kuwait’s cinemas, they are over seven decades - so why censor some com- airbrushed from neck to toe and reduced to float- pletely fictional religious undertones? Does it seri- ing heads on a white and sometimes black box. ously offend anyone that Superman is reluctantly The first time the audience got a proper look at being praised like a deity? The simple answer is no, the women (called ‘The Wives’ in the film) and saw and for the people it does offend - they should that they were crudely drawn boxes, the entire cin- frankly never visit the cinema ever again. ema hall erupted in laughter. My friends shook The censorship hammer is coming down in a their heads in disbelief - two girls next to me lot of Middle Eastern countries and is facing similar wouldn’t stop giggling whenever the Wives were ridicule online. Just this week, Iran was dealing on screen. Not only were their bodies covered, one with the backlash of banning Justin Biber’s of the Wives who was pregnant with a child had Instagram account because he has a couple of her entire baby bump covered. When did preg- shirtless pictures of himself. The feedback is unani- nant women become too sexualized to show in a mously against it just like it is in Kuwait after many movie? It was definitely a new low for Kuwait’s cin- had gone for ‘Fury Road’. The youth are confused emas. and angry at being treated like they should be Another style of censorship occured in an earli- blinded to the outside world. To paraphrase er film. ‘Ex-Machina’ is a story about a reclusive sci- Howard Beale from the film ‘Network’: “We are entist who managed to create an almost perfect mad as hell, and we are not going to take this any- robot with artificial intelligence. All the sexual and more!” I sincerely hope that media censors hear implied sexual scenes were cut (as per the norm) this cry, because it doesn’t look like it’s getting any but so was all the dialogue about ‘complexes’. No better anytime soon. Local FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 Spotlight on the history of Kuwait By Mahmoud Zakaria Anglo-Kuwaiti Treaty with Great Britain on Nov 23, 1899. During the reign of Sheikh istorical studies indicate a flourishing Mubarak, Kuwait saw its first hospital and civilization in Kuwait, and recent school open. He also built palaces, some of Harchaeological excavations have which remain close to our hearts today and revealed an ancient settlement on the main- are part of modern Kuwait - the Red Palace land as well as on the island of Failaka. One in Jahra in 1898 and Seif Palace in 1906. site clearly shows that the island was an n The eighth ruler Jaber Al-Mubarak important port of call for commerce with (1915-1917) was a generous benefactor of India as far back as 5,000 years ago, while Kuwait. Trade flourished greatly during his the Kuwaiti mainland became famous in AD reign, as Kuwaiti goods reached Syria, Najd, 636 as a scene of great Islamic battles. Hejaz and Turkey. Till the beginning of the 17th century, the n The ninth ruler Salem Al-Mubarak region was known as Kazma. Historical man- (1917-1921) was aware of the importance of uscripts and data show that Kuwait City was Kuwait’s foreign trade, establishing the first founded in the year 1713 AD ,when a group formal road network as well as funding the of families and tribes began to arrive here as building of the third city wall. migrants from Najd in central Saudi Arabia, n The years that had passed had seen insightfully realizing the importance and Kuwait forge permanent bonds through advantages of this location. trade and diplomacy and had established Arab Syrian traveler Murtadha bin Elwan, Kuwait’s credentials as a sheikhdom of high who visited Kuwait in 1709 while returning international regard. Earlier in 1938, oil had from a pilgrimage to Makkah, described been found and extraction had begun in Kuwait’s stability and prosperity. His writings what became known as one of the world’s about the state are considered the first writ- largest oilfields. It was the ability of the ten mention of Kuwait. tenth ruler Ahmad Al-Jaber (1920-1950) to Famous manuscripts in British archives spend the income from these fields wisely show that the rule was in the hands of the that shaped Kuwait since that time. Sheikh Al-Sabah family from 1716, which indicates Ahmad also oversaw the establishment of that the society enjoyed stability long Kuwait’s first national library and the first lit- before the famous Danish explorer Niebuhr erary club, and instructed the first issuance discovered Kuwait, which was called “Kout” of Kuwaiti postage stamps. (fort) in 1756. He described it as a most n The eleventh ruler Abdullah Al-Salem pleasing place - small and inhabited by (1950-1965) ensured that Kuwait was ready hardworking fisher folk. in 1961 to break free from Great Britain and In July 1961, the state of Kuwait became once again claim its independence. Sheikh fully independent by virtue of an exchange not take a decision before consulting with and his extensive knowledge of internation- Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah became the of notes with the United Kingdom. his folks and would not disagree with what al affairs greatly impressed Colonel Pelly, first Amir of independent Kuwait. The Amir Throughout its history, the relationship they considered to be right. Sir Howard who visited Kuwait in 1865. and the Al-Sabah family were at the fore- between the Kuwaiti people and their rulers Jones (1793) described him as “a dignified n The fifth ruler Abdullah bin Sabah front of discussions in formulating Kuwait’s had a special trait described by local and for- man with a strong personality, held in great (1866-1892) was a humble man loved by his eign historians as completely distinct and constitution - an important signal of its esteem by the townspeople. He was like people. Official British records show Kuwait’s different from surrounding entities. belief in democracy. The early years of inde- their father, not a ruler.” commercial and military fleet had grown pendence saw an acceleration of change. At n The third ruler Jaber bin Abdullah Al- during the past 100 years, and in 1868 - the the international level, Kuwait joined the The Early Rulers of Kuwait Sabah (1813-1859), a rational and tolerant year of famine - he exerted great effort to n Sabah I bin Jaber (1718 -1762) was United Nations, OPEC and the Arab League. man, was nicknamed Jaber Al-Aish on shelter victims. described by Kuwaiti historian Saif Al- Locally, Sheikh Abdullah oversaw the prom- account of his charity to the needy. He fre- n During sixth ruler Mohammed bin Shamlan as a leader who “used to consult ulgation of Kuwait’s constitution and this quently gave the poor bread and rice, and Sabah’s (1892-1896) short period of rule, with the people of Kuwait about important was followed by successful democratic elec- helped the Ottoman Empire free Basra even Kuwait’s independence and prosperity matters and would not take a decision with- tions for Kuwait’s first parliament and the when he could not afford to do so. He won increased. out their advice”. first Cabinet. the love of all Kuwaitis. n The seventh ruler Mubarak Al-Sabah n The second ruler Abdullah bin Sabah n The fourth ruler Sabah bin Jaber (1859- (1896-1915) was known as Mubarak the bin Jaber (1762-1813) was described by his- 1866) was a wise man. During his reign, Great, and is considered the founder of torian Sheikh Yousef bin Essa Al-Qenai as a Zakaria is a heritage researcher with the trade and revenues increased significantly, modern Kuwait. Sheikh Mubarak signed the decisive, just and good politician who would Ministry of Information. Local FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

KUWAIT: KFSD Prevention Department in Jahra carrying out an inspection campaign in Amghara scrapyard area to make sure it adheres to all safety and security regulations. 40 illegal domestic CSC to stop hiring workers arrested expats in services KUWAIT: The Civil Service ing spending and squandering By Hanan Al-Saadoun Commission (CSC) officially decided besides working in tandem with the to stop employing expats under the recommendations of the new hous- KUWAIT: Detectives of Iqama Affairs carried out a sur- use of services category or the sec- ing policy. He said many of the job prise campaign on domestic help offices in Ahmadi ond contract for the first time and titles shouldered by expats so far can governorate resulting in the arrest of 40 violators, will only renew contracts of workers be covered by citizens adding that including a maid who let others escape from their in government sectors who meet the claims of some officials that the sponsors after 100 days to work for others for a higher conditions especially age. The move Kuwaiti employees do not work and salary. Three offices were found having special maids aims at reducing the number expats have less productivity are unaccept- working without licenses. They were all sent to con- at the recommendation of the coun- able. cerned authorities. cil of ministers with regard to stream- He said the overcrowding of Meanwhile Hawally governorate security directorate line population. Kuwaiti employees in government carried out campaigns that resulted in the arrest of 13 An informed source said that the departments is due to bad distribu- wanted persons who were sent to concerned authori- number of expats in government sec- tion of employees in these sectors, ties. In Farwaniya, the campaigns resulted in the arrest tors is 92,000, while the number of administrations and departments, of 131 violator of iqama law. workers in 37 areas supervised by the adding that some departments Fire in Salmiya CSC is nearly 77,000 including 3,000 would have huge numbers while oth- Vehicles seized An expat fell unconscious after inhaling smoke when who exceeded the legal age limit and ers you find three or four employees. In Ahmadi 34 wanted vehicles were found and 84 a fire broke out in a Salmiya building. Firemen evacuated their contracts were not renewed. He said that only doctors are exclud- violators were arrested as well as four persons wanted many residents as the fire was on the fourth floor of a The source said that the stoppage ed from the employment for the first for drugs and liquor cases. nine-story building where thick smoke spread quickly of employing expats aims at reduc- time halt. — Al-Qabas and firemen found the expat unconscious. He was hand- Weapons collection ed to paramedics to rush him to hospital. Hotel Plaza Athenee participated in the national campaign to collect unlicensed weapons, ammunition Car fire Hawally girls rescued and explosives, by distributing leaflets to their clients. Two cars caught fire in Aqaila area as Mangaf fire cen- Major Assistant Director of Security Information Major ter responded and put out the fire quickly. No injuries from father’s captivity Ahmad visited the hotel and presented them with were reported. mementos as a gesture of thanks for their cooperation. 8 Iranian infiltrators arrested

Car topples KUWAIT: Hawally police rescued three Drunk Indians arrested A car flipped over on the 4th Ring Road near Jahra. girls who were allegedly locked up by A drunk Indian drove his car close to Jahra fire department worked on freeing the driver who their father for over a year inside a hotel the gate of the interior ministry. He was was taken to hospital by paramedics. flat in Meidan Hawally. Security authori- arrested for being drunk. A police lieu- ties received a call about the detainees tenant noticed a car parked in front of the Building fire and were able to free them. They were interior ministry which was found station- Firemen evacuated a two-storey building after fire sent for questioning. The three reportedly ary for a long while. When they broke out in kirby rooms on the roof of a house in said that their father was in debt and approached the car, they saw the Indian Hasawi. No injuries were reported. wanted for execution of sentences. They inside and the odor of liquor was very also said that their father used to torture strong. He was arrested and sent for ques- Amghara campaign and beat them up during their detention tioning. His car was impounded. KFSD Prevention Department in Jahra carried out an over the last one year. The father is being Meanwhile another Indian beat his wife in inspection campaign in Amghara scrap area, to make sought for questioning. their Nugra house and she called police. sure it meets safety and security conditions set by KFSD. When they entered the house from which Iranians arrested they heard screams they discovered that Security officers arrested eight Iranians the Indian man was drunk. He was who infiltrated into the country by sea. charged with assault and battery and The eight were caught inside the premis- drunkenness. es of a company. They were sent to con- cerned authorities for further questioning Brawl in restaurant and action. A restaurant in Jahra area was the scene of a violent brawl during which Police insulted plates and utensils were freely used, injur- A traffic violator insulted a policeman ing two in the process. The fight started as he protested the impounding of his car between three persons during which they for driving the wrong way in Salmiya area. used whatever was available on restau- The incident took place as the man rant tables. Police went to the restaurant obstructed traffic in Salmiya area. When and put an end to the fight. Two persons police issued a ticket and decided to found with stab wounds were sent to impound his car, he became angry and Jahra Hospital. The third person was taken KUWAIT: Detectives arrest residency violators in Ahmadi governorate. The officials arrested 40 illegal domes- insulted the policeman. Authorities are to Jahara police station. Investigations are tic workers in the campaign. investigating the case. underway.— Al-Rai Local FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 Speaker meets Qatar’s senior auditor

KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem received visiting Qatari Audit Bureau Chairman Sheikh Bandar Bin Mohammad Al-Thani and his accompanying delegation in his office here yesterday. During the meeting, they discussed ways of pro- moting and developing bilateral cooperation between both sides’ audit bodies, as well as several issues of mutual interest. The meeting was also attended by Kuwait’s State Audit Bureau Deputy Chairman Adel Al-Sarawi. Top officials from the Kuwaiti and Qatari audit bureaus yester- day discussed a host of monitoring issues, in a bid to boost cooper- ation. Kuwait’s Audit Bureau Deputy Chairman Adel Al-Sarawi and chairman of Qatar’s Audit Bureau Sheikh Bandar Bin Mohammad Al- Thani also reviewed control tasks by the Kuwaiti regulatory body, according to an official statement. During the meeting with Sheikh Bandar Al-Thani and his accom- panying delegation, Al-Sarawi reaffirmed support of the Kuwait’s Bureau to Qatari counterpart, especially what is related to Qatar’s hosting of an Arab-European forum in December. Meanwhile, the visiting delegation was briefed by the Bureau’s senior officials on the best technological systems used by the body, mechanisms of monitoring and reporting ministries and govern- ment departments, the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and affiliate KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem with visiting Qatari Audit Bureau Chairman Sheikh Bandar companies, and Kuwaiti investments at home and abroad. — KUNA Bin Mohammad Al-Thani and his accompanying delegation in his office here yesterday.— KUNA News Cabinet, SCPD approve in brief

No service road close to 5th Ring Road development plan bill By Mishal Al-Salama Premier hails crucial role of SCPD KUWAIT: Municipality Director General Ahmad Al-Subaih rejected the proposal of council members Mushari Al-Mutoutah and KUWAIT: The cabinet and the Supreme Council for Planning He urged the state bodies to show commitment in carrying Ahmad Al-Bughaili to establish a service road close to Fifth Ring and Development (SCPD) yesterday approved a draft bill on out the projects and to benefit from output of follow-ups, as Road in Industrial Ardiya because it does not meet technical and the state’s second annual development plan, 2016-2017. It will well as diagnosing executive obstacles and intensifying efforts engineering standards. Meanwhile, Kuwait municipality tem- later be referred to the National Assembly. Yesterday’s cabi- to achieve development and fulfill expectations of the Kuwaiti porarily approved requests of Kuwait National Petroleum net-SCPD meeting, held at Seif Palace, was presided over by people, the minister added. Company to license temporary laborers residence in industrial His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Al-Sabeeh and SCPD Secretary General Hashem Al-Refai Shuaiba, Ahmadi and Mina Abdallah ports. Those laborers will be Hamad Al-Sabah. briefed the meeting on the details of the mid-term national working on the environmental fuel project. The plan approved yesterday is the second annual one in development plan “2015/2016-2019/2020” issued in law the state’s mid-term national development plan “2015/2016- 11/2015. Denial 2019/2020.” As the meeting started, His Highness the Premier They said that it is one of the bases of a strategic view for KUWAIT: General Department for Relations and Security appreciated the significant role by the Supreme Council, fol- turning Kuwait into a financial and trade hub. Al-Sabeeh and Information Categorically denied that Deputy Premier, lowing up implementation of projects comprised in the Al-Refai pointed out the main indices of the plan in the field of Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khalid Al-Sabah has national development plan, Minister of Social Affairs and economic and administrative development, the method fol- any social media account. The department said that it took all Labor and Minister of State for Planning and Development lowed for preparing it and the projects it includes as well as necessary measures towards the bogus accounts. Hind Sabeeh Al-Sabeeh said. legislative requirements. — KUNA

Power stations KUWAIT: Assistant undersecretary for power stations and water distillation at MEW Fuad Al-Oun said that 90 percent of maintenance operations are complete on various stations according to schedule to get ready for the summer season. He said that two units to generate electric power will be put into service next week. He said one of them is in Subbiya and the other in north Shuaiba and they both produce 440 megawatts. EPA marks World Biodiversity Day

KUWAIT: Kuwait is ever watchful to stop any deterioration in the environment and to safeguard the nation’s natural resources, said an official yesterday. In a speech marking World Biodiversity Day, which falls on May 22 every year, Rajaa Al-Busairi, an official at the Environment Public Authority (EPA) said Kuwait’s environmental efforts were crowned in 1995 with the establishment of the EPA. KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah with visiting Moreover, this was augmented last year with the issuance of the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Ameen Madani and delegation. law on environmental protection which allows for the partnership among the state’s ministries and agencies to promote the protection of the Kuwaiti environment. Al-Busairi holds the position of deputy Sheikh Khaled hosts banquet for OIC chief director general for administrative and financial affairs at the EPA. Kuwait’s celebration yesterday of World Biodiversity Day demon- KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh The banquet was attended by Foreign Ministry Undersecretary strates its commitment to the protocols signed internationally in Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah held yesterday a luncheon Khaled Suleiman Al-Jarallah, Director of Sheikh Sabah Khaled’s 1992 regarding protecting eco-systems and biological diversity, said banquet in honor of visiting Secretary General of the Office Dr Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, Head of Dr Mona Hussain, director of the department of biodiversity at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Ameen Madani. Protocols Ambassador Dhari Al-Ajran, Director of the EPA, in remarks to KUNA, on the sideline of yesterday’s official cele- The two sides discussed Kuwait’s preparations for hosting the Undersecretary’s Office Ambassador Ayham Al-Omar and a num- bration. — KUNA 42nd edition of the OIC conference on May 27-28. ber of the ministry’s senior officials. — KUNA FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 Fall of Ramadi ‘Create history, Govt tries to leave Sunnis vote for gay stop separatist on the12 edge marriage’13 march16

ACHE PROVINCE: Migrants wait to be rescued by Acehnese fishermen on their boat on the sea off East Aceh. — AP Barred from Gulf, Bangladeshis head south Lives at risk onboard horrific boat journeys

COX’S BAZAR: Denied their traditional route were perishing at sea, others were finding cyclones and flooding. Bangladeshis, many of whom worked on out of poverty in the Gulf and often urged on jobs in Malaysia thanks to the smugglers. “People from the poor rural areas where plantations, with wages higher than in the by relatives, growing numbers of young “There are hardly any jobs around here. My natural disasters have struck or the crop farm- Gulf. But Malaysia halted the influx of workers Bangladeshis are joining the waves of income is not enough for the six members of ing is no longer profitable are desperately try- in 2007 amid concerns about crime and illegal Rohingya trying to reach Southeast Asia on my family,” Rashid said from Leda, in the ing to seek better opportunities abroad,” said immigration via unscrupulous recruitment horror boat journeys. As the plight of millions southern district of Cox’s Bazar. “Putting effort Tasneem Siddiqui, who heads a Bangladeshi agents. The hiring resumed in 2013, but only has worsened in Bangladesh in recent years, in here is meaningless. At least (overseas) I think tank on migration issues. Bangladesh’s 5,134 were granted entry last year. smugglers organizing the perilous sea voy- would earn enough to keep my family going,” men have traditionally flocked to the Gulf and ages have grown increasingly sophisticated, Rashid, who earns between 150 and 200 taka other regions, working in construction and Driven mad keen to cash in on their misery. ($2-2.50) a day, said. other menial labor to send cash to their fami- A UN official, who has worked with boat- Scores of men have left their grindingly lies back home. The country of 160 million people in the region for years, said poor villages throughout the country after the Gulf jobs dry up people has long suffered from endemic cor- Bangladeshis first started to leave in boats for smugglers came calling, promising jobs in More than 25,000 people, many perse- ruption and political turmoil, and relies on Southeast Asia in small numbers around 2005. more prosperous and Muslim-majority cuted Rohingya from neighboring Myanmar these multi-billion-dollar remittances to prop “Since then the traffickers’ network has Malaysia, according to officials and elders. but also economic migrants from Bangladesh, up its economy. become stronger and spread into the entire “We no longer have enough young men to made the dangerous sea journey south from But the top three employers of country. It has become one of the most prof- farm our land or join the prayers in the the Bay of Bengal between January and Bangladeshi migrants-Saudi Arabia, the itable forms of organised crimes,” the official mosque,” said cleric Wazi Ullah, 50, in Leda vil- March this year, the UN says. Experts point to United Arab Emirates and Malaysia-drastically said, declining to be named. lage, nearly 400 kilometers southeast of the a lack of jobs as reasons for the exodus, partic- cut intakes in recent years after their job mar- Many fishermen in Cox’s Bazar-where the capital Dhaka. ularly in rural areas, where plummeting prices kets dried up. Government figures show smuggling rings are based-have joined the “People have borrowed at hefty interest for rice and other crops have only compound- 875,055 Bangladeshis worked overseas in business. There is more money to be made rates or sold their gold ornaments or whatev- ed the sense of desperation. Although 2008, most of them in the Gulf. But that figure that way than from catching fish. “This is a er precious farmland they have to pay for the Bangladesh’s economy has been growing at halved in recent years, with only 425,684 multi-million-dollar industry with the involve- deadly journeys,” he told AFP. Farm laborer over six percent annually, one-quarter of its migrants in total in 2014, and female maids ment of gangs from Bangladesh, Thailand, Harunur Rashid said he too was looking at people still live below the poverty line and are now in higher demand than laborers. Myanmar and Malaysia,” Tofail Ahmed, a sen- leaving, adamant that although migrants the country is regularly struck by tropical Malaysia had been a favored destination for ior anti-trafficking police officer, said.— AFP International FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 Palmyra in peril as IS seizes ancient city ‘An enormous loss to humanity’

DAMASCUS: Islamic State group jihadists gle opposition group that controls the most seized Syria’s Palmyra yesterday, as UNESCO territory in Syria,” he said. warned that the destruction of the ancient city would be “an enormous loss to humanity”. IS ‘controls half of Syria’ The capture of Palmyra, a 2,000-year-old By taking Palmyra, IS controls “more than metropolis, reportedly leaves more than half 95,000 square kilometers in Syria, which is 50 of Syria under IS control and comes days after percent of the country’s territory”, the the group also expanded its control in Iraq. Observatory said. The jihadist group domi- Palmyra “is the birthplace of human civi- nates the provinces of Deir Ezzor and Raqa lization. It belongs to the whole of humanity and has a strong presence in Hasakeh, Aleppo, and I think everyone today should be worried Homs and Hama. It has also seized most of about what is happening,” UNESCO chief Irina Syria’s oil and gas fields, using the income to Bokova said yesterday. IS fighters had spread fund the expansion of its self-styled out through Palmyra, including at the archae- “caliphate”. ological site in the city’s southwest, said the “IS controls large and contiguous territory Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. with a lot of freedom of movement,” said Syrian state media said loyalist troops with- Charlie Winter, researcher on jihadism at the drew after “a large number of IS terrorists Quilliam Foundation. But “even if it does con- entered the city”. In an online statement, IS trol 50 percent of territory, it doesn’t come proclaimed its capture of the entire city, which near controlling 50 percent of the popula- is strategically located at the crossroads of key tion”, he told AFP. Elsewhere in Syria on highways leading west to Damascus and DAMASCUS: A file picture taken on March 14, 2014 shows a partial view of the ancient Thursday, at least 40 rebels from an Islamist Homs, and east to Iraq. IS also seized Palmyra’s oasis city of Palmyra. —AP coalition were killed in a regime barrel bomb prison, notorious for the killings of hundreds al outrage this year when it blew up the roads of primary importance,” said Fabrice attack on the northern city of Aleppo, the of regime prisoners in the 1980s and seen as a Observatory said. symbol of oppression during the reign of ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud and smashed Balanche, a French expert on Syria. “Taking artifacts in the museum of Mosul, both in Iraq. Palmyra opens the way to Damascus and Palmyra’s takeover came days after IS President Bashar Al-Assad’s late father Hafez seized the Iraqi city of Ramadi, their most sig- Al-Assad. The jihadists, notorious for demol- Syria’s antiquities director now fears a simi- Homs. Eventually, this axis can be threatened,” lar fate for Palmyra, urging the international he said. IS has recently threatened a number nificant victory since mid-2014 when they ishing archaeological treasures since declaring conquered swathes of land, sparking a US-led a “caliphate” last year straddling Iraq and community to act to prevent the smuggling of regime strongholds, including Deir Ezzor air campaign to support Baghdad. A US State Syria, fought their way into Palmyra on foot and destruction of the city’s priceless artifacts. city in the east and military airports in the Department official said the loss of Ramadi after breaking through in the city’s north. Mamoun Abdulkarim described the IS’s cap- north and south. ture of the archaeological site as “a loss for all “The capture of Palmyra leaves IS strongly would force Washington to take an “extreme- ‘A loss for all humanity’ of humanity, for world civilization in the face placed to make more territorial gains from ly hard look” at its strategy against IS. The Known in Syria as “the pearl of the of barbarism”. Analysts said the city also has Assad, at a time when the government is official said Washington would step up its aid desert”, Palmyra is home to colonnaded alleys, strategic importance as the gateway to Homs heavily occupied in the north and south,” said to Iraq, including sending 1,000 anti-tank elaborately decorated tombs, and ancient and Damascus in the west, and to the Iraqi Matthew Henman, head of IHS Jane’s missile systems to help stop suicide car Greco-Roman ruins that attracted more than frontier in the east. Terrorism and Insurgency Centre. The jihadist bombs and accelerating its training and 150,000 tourists yearly. IS sparked internation- “IS now dominates central Syria, a cross- victory also “reinforces IS’s position as the sin- equipping of tribal forces to fight IS. —AP Losses suffered by Yemeni rebel leader the Syrian regime backs new UN talks SANAA: Peace talks on Yemen will begin forces would heed the demands to withdraw DAMASCUS: The Syrian regime has since Damascus next week in Geneva, the UN announced and instead called for new recruits and new March suffered a series of military On April 1, the Islamic State jihadist Wednesday, as the international community training camps. UN chief Ban Ki-moon has defeats. They follow more than a year of group seizes control of most of the tries to end weeks of Saudi-led airstrikes urged all parties to engage in talks without successive victories against rebels fight- Yarmuk Palestinian refugee camp in against an Iran-supported rebel group and a preconditions, stressing the only way to ing to overthrow the regime of President southern Damascus, the closest the growing humanitarian crisis that has left mil- resolve Yemen’s conflict is through an “inclu- Bashar Al-Assad since 2011, in a multi- organization has come to the capital. lions short of food and fuel. As fighting in sive, negotiated political settlement.” Ban sided conflict involving jihadists. the Arab world’s poorest country continued was expected to attend the start of the Nasib border post with airstrikes against the rebels in at least Geneva talks. Bosra Al-Sham On April 1, rebels backed by Syria’s Al- five of Yemen’s northern provinces, the The Geneva talks will be a test for the On March 25, rebels seize full control Qaeda affiliate seize control of the last question quickly turned to who would show UN’s new envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould of the southern town of Bosra Al-Sham, border crossing with Jordan that had up for the talks starting May 28. In a positive Cheikh Ahmed, who this month held meet- pushing pro-regime forces out after four been under the control of the Damascus sign, the leader of the Houthi rebels, Abdul- ings with rival political players in the coun- days of heavy fighting. Bosra is in Syria’s regime. Malek Al-Houthi, called the talks the “only try. At the time, the Houthis expressed readi- southern Daraa province, where the solution” for the conflict that the UN says has ness to resume peace talks in a “neutral” uprising against Assad began in March Jisr Al-Shughur killed more than 1,800 people since mid- country. Both the Yemeni ambassador and 2011. The mixed Sunni-Shiite town lies On April 25, the “Army of Conquest,” March. the Saudi ambassador to the UN, Abdallah on the main road between Daraa’s including Al-Nusra, captures Jisr Al- Yemen’s UN Ambassador Khaled Al-Moualimi, on Wednesday ruled out Iran’s provincial capital and the city of Sweida, Shughur in Idlib, the last major govern- Alyemany said the government of President participation in Geneva. Western countries Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, now in exile in accuse the Shiite power of backing the both of which are under regime control. ment-held city in the northwestern neighboring Saudi Arabia, will be represent- Houthis militarily, something the Islamic province. ed at a high level, perhaps by the vice presi- Republic and the rebels deny. Idlib city dent. But a top Hadi aide, speaking on condi- “There is no place for Iran in the consul- On March 28, Al-Qaeda’s Syrian affili- Last military base in Idlib tion of anonymity because he was not tations in Geneva,” Al-Moualimi told ate and its allies seize the city of Idlib, On May 19, the “Army of Conquest” authorized to talk to the media, reiterated reporters. “They have not been playing a only the second provincial capital, after consolidates its victories by seizing the earlier government demands that the constructive role, and as such cannot be Raqa, to be lost by the regime in more regime’s largest remaining military base in Houthis first pull out of towns and cities, rewarded by having a seat at the table.” than four years of war. Calling itself the Idlib province. The loss of Al-Mastumah including the capital, Sanaa, that they cap- The UN has not said exactly who has been “Army of Conquest,” the rebel coalition is base leaves only a few positions in regime tured starting last year. He said the govern- invited to the talks but has described them made up of Al-Nusra Front, the official hands in Idlib, a region that borders Turkey ment wouldn’t give up its condition for the as UN-facilitated discussions among Syrian affiliate of Al-Qaeda, and several and neighbors the government stronghold talks. Yemeni parties. UN deputy spokesman Islamist factions. of Latakia province on the Mediterranean In a speech broadcast on the rebels’ TV Farhan Haq said the format of the talks was coast.— AFP channel, Al-Houthi gave no indication his still being worked out. — AP International FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

Hezbollah in border battle

ON THE SYRIA-LEBANON BORDER: On a windy hilltop over- looking the mountainous Syrian border, a fighter from Lebanon’s Hezbollah says the battle against militants in the area is among the toughest the group has ever faced. The powerful Lebanese Shiite movement, a key ally of the govern- ment in Damascus, has fought across Syria in the years since an uprising began in 2011. In the past two weeks, Hezbollah says it has secured around a third of the Qalamun region, territory on both the Lebanese and Syrian sides of the porous border. “This is one of the hardest battles we have fought,” said a Hezbollah fight- er in Qalamun, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Everyone knows that fighting in the mountains is the hardest kind of fighting there is, up there with fighting in cities.” The area of roughly 1,000 square kilometers is a landscape of imposing hillsides riddled with caves, and open valleys full of scrub and wildflowers. “This is the most difficult battlefield in the Middle East right now,” nodded another fighter, dressed like many in the area in desert-tone camouflage. The fate of Qalamun is particularly important for Hezbollah, which has long defended its intervention in Syria alongside President Bashar Al-Assad’s troops as key to the security of Lebanon.

‘To protect Lebanon’ In Qalamun, that argument carries more weight because of the presence of jihadists from the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front. The two groups have infil- trated Lebanon in the past, and last August briefly overran the eastern Lebanese border town of Arsal. They are still holding 25 soldiers and policemen hostage, and have executed four RAMADI: Displaced Iraqis from Ramadi cross the Bzebiz Bridge to flee the fighting. — AP captives. “Our goal in Qalamun is to protect Lebanon, and we’ve seen the evidence of the threat in Arsal and the other attacks on the border,” a Hezbollah military commander said. In recent days, Hezbollah has provided unprecedented but care- Fall of Ramadi leave fully orchestrated media access to its fighters and positions in the Qalamun region. The tours begin with a briefing by a mili- tary commander, who uses a green laser pointer to illustrate on a projected digital map the necessity of securing the high Sunnis on the edge ground to ensure line-of-fire sight over the area. On the ground, an array of fighters lead convoys of journalists in SUVs across rocky terrain with little sign of life beyond a few City’s collapse deepens mistrust of govt birds and a scrambling lizard or two. The trips include stops at bunkers captured from militants, BAGHDAD: They were always seen as the key to defeating the ernment that failed because it fears that arming the tribes will where Hezbollah is eager to show the remains of homemade jihadists in their bastions but the fall of Ramadi has deepened turn against it,” Anbar tribal sheikh Omar Al-Alwani said, using explosives, and cautious interactions with fighters, many of the distrust that Iraq’s Sunni tribes feel towards the govern- an Arab acronym for IS. He argued that the tribes could have whom preferred to observe the visitors from a remove, some ment. Many tribal leaders in Anbar province, of which Ramadi defeated IS without the Hashed had they been provided heav- smoking quietly. The outreach is a new approach for is the capital, said they would continue to fight the Islamic ier weaponry. Hezbollah, which has generally preferred to keep coverage of State group, not for the sake of a government they say never its involvement in Syria’s conflict confined to its official media offered the adequate support, but because they have no other Political solution outlets. One member of the group said the new campaign choice. Victoria Fontan, a professor at American University Duhok was an attempt at both “psychological warfare” but also a “The fall of Ramadi is a disaster,” said Salah Hassan Al-Nada, Kurdistan, said trust will be difficult to rebuild without a politi- form of public relations. a tribal leader from Awja, near the northern city of Tikrit, who cal solution. “Morale is now very low among the Sunnis after “This is psychological warfare that we hope will make the moved to Kurdistan when IS established its grip on Sunni what happened in Ramadi,” she said. The Shiite-dominated enemy afraid, but it’s also a way for us to send our message to areas last year. “Ramadi truly was a model,” he said, in refer- government is blaming Anbaris for not mobilising en masse say that we’re the good side.” That assertion is contested by ence to the force of tribal fighters called “Sahwat” against IS. “However, it is difficult for Sunnis to actually sup- Syria’s opposition, which accuses Hezbollah of facilitating (Awakening) that emerged a decade ago to battle previous port the government against IS, since the government has Damascus’s attempts to put down an uprising that began incarnations of IS. “They are the ones who fought them and been dropping barrel bombs on them,” Fontan said. with peaceful protests and spiraled into a war after a regime kicked them out of Ramadi and brought normal life back to The previous government carried out air raids, mainly in crackdown. But while Hezbollah is listed as a “terrorist” organ- the city,” he said. the Fallujah area of Anbar, using barrel bombs-improvised, ization by Washington, it is now fighting against some of the The force spread to several parts of Iraq to reach a strength unguided devices packed with explosives and scrap metal same jihadist groups being targeted by US-led air strikes in of around 50,000 men initially paid directly by the United known for causing indiscriminate damage. “If Baghdad prom- Syria and Iraq. States. Responsibility was transferred to the government in ises autonomy to Sunni regions in exchange for their support 2008 and the outfit was eventually disbanded after relations against IS, that will be a game changer. A political solution is Evidence of battles soured over former Prime Minister Nuri A-Maliki’s failure to the only way to actually derail IS for good in Iraq,” she argued. The Lebanese and Syrian armies are conspicuous by deliver on promises to integrate the Sahwat in the army. His Michael Knights of the Washington Institute was more their absence in Qalamun. Hezbollah members avoid com- successor Haider Al-Abadi has only just begun to rekindle the hopeful that Baghdad and the Sunni tribes could work togeth- ment on the Lebanese army’s role in the region, and insist Sahwat under a different and more controlled format, by er effectively. “Sunni tribal groups simply will not be able to Syria’s army leads the fight inside its country. “We fight incorporating them into the Shiite-dominated Hashed Al- operate independently against armoured IS suicide truck from the Lebanese side and they fight from the Syrian side,” Shaabi organization that serves as an umbrella for volunteers bombs without anti-tank capabilities,” he wrote in analysis for a Hezbollah fighter identified as Hajj Nader said, standing and militias. the think-tank, which focuses on US Middle East policy. “The several kilometers inside Syrian territory. In 2014, the remnants of the extremist groups the tribes quickest and least controversial way to protect them is by At several sites in the region, the evidence of battle was had successfully fought returned as the most violent organiza- embedding them in existing units,” he said. strewn on the ground. Heavy machine gun casings and tion in modern jihad, and this time with more ambitious goals For Ashour Al-Mihlawi, a tribal leader from Ramadi’s Albu tubes that once held rocket shells lay alongside metal than insurgency warfare. As IS seized territory and proclaimed Mihl tribe, Anbaris can only count on themselves. “If the ammunition cases, their lids peeled back like sardine tins. a “caliphate” that has drawn thousands of foreigners but also government responds to the tribes’ requests, especially At some positions, Hezbollah fighters fired into the dis- been seen by some Iraqis as a lesser evil than sectarian Shiite those who fought Daesh and Al-Qaeda, our relations will be tance, and explosions they said were mines being cleared rule, the tribes that did oppose the jihadists felt they were not good... If it doesn’t, we will never trust it,” he said. “We will could be heard. — AFP getting nearly enough backing. not join Daesh, we will fight it by ourselves with the means “The tribes of Anbar did not fail facing Daesh, it’s the gov- that we have.” —AFP International FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 13 Irish premier: ‘Create history’, vote for gay marriage ‘Barriers of fear and prejudice will be obliterated’

DUBLIN: Prime Minister Enda Kenny is urg- ing Ireland’s voters to support the legaliza- tion of gay marriage in a referendum that pits the power of the Catholic Church against his secular-minded government. Speaking on the eve of today’s nationwide vote, Kenny said Ireland could “create history” by becom- ing the first nation to cast a popular vote for gay marriage. Kenny said voters’ approval of a constitutional amendment to legalize gay marriage would represent an Irish civil rights breakthrough “that for generations gay peo- ple could never imagine.” “The ‘yes’ will obliterate, publicly, the remaining barriers of prejudice or the irra- tional fear of the ‘them’ and ‘us’ in this regard,” said Kenny, a devout Catholic who nonetheless during his four years in power has pushed to reduce the church’s influ- ence on policy and state services. Eight opinion polls taken since the campaign opened in March suggest that the “yes” campaign should win. Kenny’s government is holding a referendum because it’s con- sidered legally necessary to add an explicit amendment to the country’s 1937 constitu- tion before lawmakers can pass the rele- vant legislation. All political parties and most lawmakers are on the “yes” side. That lopsided reality, common in Irish referen- dums, has rebounded in previous contests when some voters, confused by the issue at DUBLIN: Photo shows members of the Yes Equality campaign begin canvassing in the capital. — AP hand or alienated from the political estab- lishment, voted “no” in protest. lined by our very wise forefathers.” Catholic “Marriage isn’t just about two people the capital. Officials counseled activists to leaders and conservative pressure groups are falling in love. It’s a much more complex and keep leafleting train stations and busy inter- Surprising repercussions arguing that legalization could produce sur- a much more important part of the way our sections that evening and outside polling A lone anti-gay protester, Hilary Fagan, prising repercussions in Irish courts that society is built up,” Martin said. “My voting stations day and night today. “We are not held aloft a placard yesterday by the road- could undermine traditional marriages. ‘no’ is not a vote against gay and lesbian peo- complacent. We are aware that we need a side as morning rush-hour traffic flowed past Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, the ple. It’s against changing the definition of very good turnout to get a ‘yes’ vote over the Dublin’s financial district. Her sign said “Two Catholic Church’s most experienced diplo- marriage,” Martin said. Kenny attended the line,” said Walter Jayawardene, communica- Men Can’t Replace A Mother’s Love, Vote mat in Ireland, said the government could “yes” campaign’s final event at midday yes- tions director for the Yes Equality pressure No.” Fagan, 63, said she was determined to not guarantee the legal or social conse- terday, where officials carried YES in big card- group and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, “defend traditional marriage as it was out- quences of a “yes” vote. board letters through the shopping heart of which backs the campaign. —AP International14 FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 US, Cuba hold further talks WASHINGTON: The United States and Cuba launched a fourth round of talks yesterday, seeking to overcome hur- dles blocking the restoration of diplomatic ties, as Cuban exiles warned of a fresh crackdown on dissidents in Havana. The delegations, led by top US diplomat for Latin America Roberta Jacobson and Cuba’s chief negotiator Josefina Vidal, met at the imposing State Department building in Washington, the hub of US diplomacy. The two countries are seeking to end a half century of enmity and reopen open embassies in each other’s coun- tries as part of moves to restore normal relations. But Jacobson told US lawmakers on the eve of the fresh talks that “significant differences remain between our two gov- ernments.” The communist authorities in Havana have been particularly angered by US democracy programs and have so far not met demands that American diplomats be allowed to meet freely with dissidents. “We continue to raise our concerns regarding democracy, human rights and freedom of expression,” Jacobson told the Senate for- eign relations committee. Cuban exiles in Miami on Wednesday alleged that Havana’s crackdown on dissident groups had increased “dramatically” since the rapprochement with the US began, as it feels a sense of “impunity” due to the easing in tensions with the United States.”In recent weeks, and in particular in the last few days, we have seen a toughening LOUISVILLE: In this file photo, Sen Rand Paul, R-Ky holds up his cell phone as he speaks before announcing the start of of repression in Cuba,” said Orlando Gutierrez Boronat, his presidential campaign. — AP national secretary of the pro-democracy Cuban Democratic Directorate. He told reporters that on Sunday more than 100 people were arrested on the Caribbean island, while violence Rand Paul in new book: against opponents of the regime and their families had been stepped up. “There is a direct link between the policy of normalizing ties with the Castro regime and an increase GOP willing to change in repression. Why? Because the regime feels it has impuni- ty,” he said. The United States has so far announced it plans to remove Cuba from a blacklist of state sponsors of Bond with minorities almost beyond repair terror, which should happen around May 29. Meanwhile, Havana has also found a bank willing to handle its financial WASHINGTON: Republican presidential nently on the book’s back cover. In the Obama. Paul specifically notes that he affairs on US soil, something which had been a major stick- candidate Rand Paul reaches out in his book, Paul writes that such surveillance doesn’t “ascribe bad motives to the ing point in restoring ties. — AFP most direct way yet to African programs allowed the government to president,” but that such broad surveil- Americans in a new book that highlights spy on prominent civil rights leaders in lance powers have the capacity to cor- his libertarian policies on government the past, most notably Martin Luther rupt. surveillance, the economy and criminal King Jr He said he raised such concerns Canada holds justice reform. “My party has let the during a private meeting with then- Power to target bond it once enjoyed with minorities Attorney General Eric Holder last “Power needs to be reined in, conference over fray to the point that it is near beyond February. because we never know when a leader repair,” the Kentucky senator writes in “Surveillance was used to try to crip- will arise who will use the power to tar- jihadist youth fears “Taking a Stand: Moving Beyond ple the civil rights movement. You get Jews, or blacks, or evangelical Partisan Politics to Unite America,” set to would think this president above all oth- Christians, or the tea party, or any other MONTREAL: Canada is to hold a national conference be released later this month. He contin- ers would be mindful of the potential for minority,” he wrote. Paul won praise next month to discuss ways of preventing young people ued, “My Republican Party, the abuse in allowing so much power to from black leaders as one of the only from pursuing jihadism following the arrest of 10 youths Republican Party I hope to lead to the gravitate to the NSA,” he wrote, refer- members of Congress to visit Ferguson, White House, is willing to change.” ring to President Barack Obama, the Missouri, after an unarmed black man attempting to join the Islamic State group, officials said Paul, 52, has made reaching out to nation’s first black president. “Holder was shot to death by police last year. But Wednesday. A spokesman for Minister of Public Safety racial minorities a centerpiece of his nodded his understanding but was non- he was widely criticized for his com- Steven Blaney said the conference would be held in June political brand as he embarks on his committal.” He said he later challenged ments after racial violence erupted more and would bring together officials from all Canadian 2016 campaign for president. More than Holder more directly. “How could our recently in Baltimore, when he said in a provinces to discuss prevention strategies. a decade has passed since the first African American president con- television interview he was “glad the On Tuesday Canadian police said they had arrested 10 Republican Party last won a presidential done pervasive spying on Americans?” train didn’t stop” as he passed through young people as they allegedly tried to leave the country contest, due in part to the GOP’s strug- Paul asked, to which he said Holder the city. to join the Islamic State group. The federal police arrest- gle with minority voters, a growing seg- responded, “Let’s just say the adminis- Paul writes at length about his sup- ed the group, all residents of the Montreal area, last ment of the population that has over- tration’s position on the NSA is not port for criminal justice reform, which weekend at the city’s international airport and their pass- whelmingly favored Democrats in monolithic.” includes ending mandatory minimum recent years. “He left it at that, which only left me sentences for non-violent offenders and ports have been withdrawn. The Islamic State group is The new book, a copy of which was with more questions,” Paul wrote. “Did restoring voting rights to nonviolent known for its brutality in the swathes of territory it con- obtained by The Associated Press, the attorney general mean he was felons. He also opposes the use of mili- trols in Syria and Iraq. The group’s radical ideology has comes as Paul plays a starring role in the against the spying? If so, why was his tary weapons by local police depart- inspired thousands of people to join it or try to send sup- debate over government surveillance. voice falling on deaf ears?” Holder, who ments and supports the creation of eco- port. Canada in particular has been concerned over the He spent hours on the Senate floor yes- recently left his position as the nation’s nomic freedom zones with low tax rates number of youths from the country who have tried to terday protesting the planned extension top law enforcement officer, did not in depressed urban areas. join the group. of the Patriot Act, which includes a pro- respond to a request for comment “Although I was born into the University of Ottawa student John Maguire was report- vision allowing the National Security about Paul’s description of the meeting. America that experiences and believes edly killed in December in Syria, while six teenagers from Agency to collect bulk records of phone Paul also criticizes former President in opportunity, my trips to Ferguson and the Montreal area left the country and apparently joined calls made by Americans. George W. Bush for adopting the Patriot Detroit and Atlanta and Chicago have Act in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist revealed to me an undercurrent of IS several months ago. Another teen was arrested in ‘Wacko bird’ attacks, charging that “because of unease,” he wrote. “I want to be part of a March for aiming to join the IS jihadists. Lawmakers Many Republicans support the sur- President Bush’s overreach, the Bill of united America in which every child, rich recently endorsed a new anti-terror law that boosts pow- veillance program, including Arizona Rights protection of our privacy began or poor, black or white, truly believes ers of Canada’s spy agency amid concerns of attacks Sen John McCain, whose description of to fall apart.” He adds that such protec- that they have a chance at the American within the country. —AFP Paul as a “wacko bird” is featured promi- tions have been further shredded by Dream.” —AP International FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 15

Clinton: Childcare needs to be a national priority CHICAGO: Improving child care needs to become a national priority, Hillary Rodham Clinton said Wednesday, and she urged Republicans in Congress to provide more federal money to help working families care for their children. The Democratic presidential front-runner said at a community center on Chicago’s South Side that federal and state funding for child care has failed to keep up with the needs of families, many of whom have seen their costs soar during the past decade. Clinton said budget plans in Congress would pare back funding for child care even more. “I am going to be putting forth plans to fix this,” Clinton said, adding Republicans should either “get on board or get out of the way.” Clinton spoke for about 10 minutes at the start of a round table discussion on child care sponsored by the Service Employees International Union. Reporters were escorted from the event after her remarks. The former secretary of state addressed issues close- ly watched by labor unions, telling the group that peo- ple must stand firm behind the right to organize and bargain collectively. She made her comments as union officials and fast food workers were holding demon- strations at McDonald’s headquarters in suburban Chicago demanding increased hourly wages. Clinton, DETROIT: Photo shows music producer Mike Seger works in his studio in a rented two-story house. Seger, who grew up in the nearby suburb of Park Ridge, 27, pays $750 per month in rent, and said he wouldn’t have been able to find anything comparable in the Illinois, attended two private fundraisers later in the suburbs for that price. —AP day, appearing at media executive Fred Eychaner’s home and at the home of billionaire entrepreneur JB Pritzker and his wife, MK. Eychaner has been one of Clinton’s most loyal finan- Whites moving cial supporters and has been among the biggest donors to Priorities USA Action, the Democratic super PAC backing Clinton. Pritzker is a longtime Clinton donor and the brother of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, who served as President Barack Obama’s back to Detroit national finance chairwoman in 2008. Clinton made her first visit to Chicago, also Obama’s hometown, as a presidential candidate after two days of campaigning in Iowa, which holds the nation’s lead- Dwindling city seeing a major influx of Whites off presidential caucuses. The former first lady has been attending small events in early voting states like Iowa DETROIT: Whites are moving back to the Census, though, Detroit’s white popula- workers to live closer to their jobs, which and New Hampshire to meet with local officials, cam- American city that came to epitomize tion grew from just under 76,000 resi- can benefit employers and employees. paign volunteers and voters as she begins her second white flight, even as blacks continue to dents to more than 88,000, according to presidential campaign. Clinton returns to New leave for the suburbs and the city’s over- a census estimate. The cheap cost of liv- Incentive programs Hampshire on Friday with small business events all population shrinks. Detroit is the lat- ing, opportunities for young entrepre- Live Downtown is a similar incentive planned in state’s Seacoast region. —AP est major city to see an influx of whites neurs and push by city-based companies program offered by employers located in who may not find the suburbs as alluring to persuade workers to live nearby have downtown Detroit, which is home to as their parents and grandparents did in made a big difference, experts say. General Motors, Quicken Loans and Blue the last half of the 20th century. Unlike Simple math convinced music pro- Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Three New York, San Francisco and many other ducer Mike Seger to move from adjacent professional sports teams and stadiums, cities that have seen the demographic Oakland County into a rented two-story three casinos, restaurants and bars are shift, though, it’s cheap housing and house on Detroit’s east side that also entertainment anchors. Blacks appear to incentive programs that are partly fuel- houses his Get Fresh Studio. Seger, 27, be weary of waiting for Detroit to turn ing the re-growth of the Motor City’s pays $750 per month in rent, and said he things around and have been migrating white population. wouldn’t have been able to find any- to nearby suburbs in search of comfort, thing comparable in the suburbs for that better schools and lower crime. The city’s Young entrepreneurs price. Indeed, the average monthly black population was nearly 776,000 in “For any individual who wants to rental rate of a three-bedroom single- 1990. By 2013 it had dipped to an esti- build a company or contribute to the family home in Detroit is about $800, as mated 554,000. Elizabeth St Clair, 27, and city, Detroit is the perfect place to be,” opposed to $1,100 to $1,400 in the sub- her family may count themselves among said Bruce Katz, co-director of the Global urbs, according to RentRange.com, black former Detroiters. St Clair and her Cities Initiative at the Washington-based which collects rental market information. boyfriend are searching for rental homes Brookings Institution. “You can come to “A young person can move here with in Detroit and several inner-ring suburbs. Detroit and you can really make a differ- $10,000 and start up a small flex space She has two school-aged children. ence.” No other city may be as synony- for artists or artists’ studios,” Seger said. She acknowledges things are getting mous as Detroit with white flight, the “It’s the uprising of the youth being able better - pointing out Detroit’s current exodus of whites from large cities that to have the opportunities to make a campaign to tear down vacant houses began in the middle of the last century. future for themselves.” and eradicate blight. But the high cost of Detroit went from a thriving hub of Eugene Gualtieri, a 41-year-old lab car insurance, underperforming schools industry with a population of 1.8 million technician at the Detroit Medical Center, and the condition of many neighbor- in 1950 to a city of roughly 690,000 in took advantage of an incentive program. hoods are obstacles. “As I see a resur- 2013 that recently went through the Live Midtown, offered by his employer gence of Detroit, I really want to stay CHICAGO: Democratic presidential candidate largest municipal bankruptcy in US his- and several others in the Midtown here,” St Clair said. “I feel there are two Hillary Rodham Clinton arrives to speak to child tory. In that time, the city’s population neighborhood, allowed him to take out a Detroits. There’s a Detroit where you are care workers during a visit to the Center For New has gone from nearly 84 percent white $20,000 home loan that he won’t have to able to go downtown and enjoy, and Horizons. —AP to a little less than 13 percent white. repay if he stays in his condo for five then in our neighborhoods there’s not In the three years after the 2010 US years. The program is aimed at getting much change.” —AP International FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 16 Greenpeace India vows to win funding battle

NEW DELHI: Greenpeace India vowed yesterday to overcome any attempt to silence its voice, with staff ready to work for free if funds run out, as it accused the government of waging a “malicious” campaign against it. Executive director Samit Aich said the environmental pressure group was “hopeful” the Delhi High Court would uphold its petition challeng- ing the government’s move to freeze its accounts at a hearing next Tuesday. But Aich warned that the group would not be silenced in its criticism of the right-wing government’s record on the environment and that staff were even prepared to work for free if the case went against them. “Today my staff sent me a very moving letter in which they promised to work without pay for one month,” Aich said at a press conference. “I hope it will not come to this and my staff and their families avoid this hardship. But if necessary, we are able to keep the basic functions of Greenpeace India run- ning until the end of June.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government last month withdrew Greenpeace’s foreign funding license, citing violations of rules governing interna- tional financial transactions. Following the ban Greenpeace said many donors in India were unable SRINAGAR: Supporters of Jammu Kashmiri Awami Action committee hold a banner as they shout slogans during a to deposit money into the group’s local accounts, protest after their leader and Chairman of All parties of Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was put under house leading it to warn that it could go under within detention. — AP weeks. Greenpeace has been at loggerheads with the government over claims about the environmental damage caused by India’s heavy reliance on coal and Govt tries to stop the impact of deforestation and nuclear projects. According to Indian media, a secret report by the main intelligence agency recently warned that delays to keynote developmental projects being separatist march sought by Greenpeace and other such organizations could knock up to three percentage points off the annual growth rate. Army patrols streets to subdue anniversary rally “We are being targeted by the home ministry in the most malicious manner,” said Aich. “It doesn’t SRINAGAR: Hundreds of government their stance on the issue. Shops, schools chief cleric, was killed by assailants 25 matter if you love us or hate us but you can’t shut us forces with automatic weapons patrolled and businesses closed and public trans- years ago, and Abdul Gani Lone, another down.” Speaking at the same press conference, the streets of Indian Kashmir’s main city port stayed off the roads yesterday in separatist leader, was gunned down in Greenpeace campaigner Priya Pillai said Modi’s gov- to stop a rally by separatists to mark the Srinagar in response to a general strike 2002 at a public rally observing Farooq’s ernment had been systematically dismantling regu- anniversaries of the assassinations of two call by separatists. death anniversary. lations aimed at protecting the environment since it Kashmiri leaders. The two, Mirwaiz Tight security measures have become stormed to power last May. Pillai, who was recently Mohammed Farooq and Abdul Gani Lockdown State common in Kashmir since 1989, when a prevented from leaving India to address an confer- Lone, had supported Kashmir’s right to Authorities ordered residents in the violent separatist insurgency and ensu- ence in Britain, cited moves to overhaul laws on vote on whether it should be independ- old quarters of Srinagar to stay indoors ing crackdown by Indian forces left an land acquisition and rights of tribal people as detri- ent or governed either by India or and put Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who was estimated 68,000 people dead in the mental to the environment. “Every progressive, Pakistan, nuclear-armed nations that scheduled to lead the rally later yester- region. While the armed rebellion has strong law is being diluted, be it forest rights act or have fought two wars since 1947 over its day, and some other separatist leaders largely been suppressed, the region land acquisition laws,” Pillai said. The funding freeze control. The Himalayan territory is cur- under house arrest. Farooq was to have remains heavily militarized amid frequent on Greenpeace came shortly before the US Ford rently split by a heavily militarized line of led a march to a cemetery where his street protests, with checkpoints along control between India and Pakistan. No father and hundreds of other Kashmiri main roads, while the deployment of Foundation was hit with similar restrictions, prompt- one has been convicted of the killings, separatists and civilians killed during the hundreds of thousands of troops and ing the American ambassador to New Delhi to warn but they were believed to have been last 25 years are buried. His father, harsh emergency laws create more fric- of a “chilling effect” on democracy. — AFP assassinated by militants for softening Mirwaiz Mohammed Farooq, Kashmir’s tion with the population.—AP 17 Bangladeshis thrown off boat

DHAKA: Seventeen Bangladeshis finally ties were alerted, Border Guard the past 10 days after a Thai crackdown on coastal district of Cox’s Bazar where he is returned home yesterday after being Bangladesh commander Abujar Al-Jahid human-trafficking threw the illicit trade now in police custody, Nabi said the smug- thrown off a boat bound for Malaysia and said. “All 17 of the returnees are into chaos, with some of the syndicates glers gave him and around 200 others on forced to swim two hours to shore, after Bangladeshi nationals. They looked emaci- involved abandoning their helpless human board one cup of rice a day each and dried attempting to join a migrant exodus, offi- ated. They said they were thrown from a cargo at sea. chilies during their two-month ordeal. cials said. The Bangladeshis had spent two Malaysia-bound Thai human smuggling One of the Bangladeshis, Mohammad “They (the smugglers) used to tell us months aboard the boat in the Bay of ship,” he told AFP. Nabi, said smugglers had forced him to call that things have heated up in Thailand and Bengal packed with migrants fleeing Malaysia and Indonesia had until home and ask relatives to give 70,000 taka it was not possible for the ship to make a poverty to Southeast Asia, before they Wednesday refused to take in boats over- ($900) to intermediaries. “Some 37 of us journey to Malaysia,” he said by phone were thrown overboard in the early hours loaded with persecuted Muslim Rohingya who paid them the money were pushed from a police station. Coast Guard officer of yesterday. from Myanmar and Bangladeshi economic off the ship before dawn. We then swam Shahidul Islam said Bangladesh has After two hours in the water, they finally migrants, but relented on that policy after for about two hours,” Nabi said, adding stepped up patrols of its waters in a bid to reached shore in neighboring Mynamar, strong international criticism. Nearly 3,000 that only 27 of them made it to shore. rescue whose stranded on boats off the seeking refuge in a village before authori- have swum to shore or been rescued over Speaking from the southern Bangladesh coast. —AFP International17 FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 Malaysia orders sea rescue for migrants Search for refugees in desperate need of help

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s prime minister said yesterday he has ordered the navy and coast guard to comb the sea to look for stranded migrants, the first country to announce it will search for the refugees in desperate need of help instead of waiting for them to wash up on Southeast Asia’s shores. In a positive sign, Myanmar - the country which many of the refugees, ethnic Rohingya, are fleeing - said it will attend a regional meeting in Bangkok next Friday, creating a chance for the nations most affected by the crisis to discuss long-term solutions. Earlier, it hinted it would skip the meeting, which will bring together more than a dozen governments from the region and beyond. The decision came as Malaysia’s foreign minister was scheduled to visit Myanmar. The ministry issued a delicately worded statement saying the two sides would “exchange views on irregular movements of people ... in Southeast Asia,” using politically correct language so as not to offend Myanmar, which refuses to shoulder any blame for the crisis or discuss the matter if the word “Rohingya” is mentioned.

Escape poverty In the past three weeks, more than 3,000 people - Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in Myanmar and Bangladeshis trying to escape poverty - have landed in over- crowded boats on the shores of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. After initially pushing many boats back, Malaysia and Indonesia announced on Wednesday that they will offer temporary shelter to incoming migrants. Although the announcement was seen as a major break- through, rights groups said the proposal addressed only part of the problem, and urged countries to start actively search- ACEH PROVINCE: School children hand out food to a Rohingya young girl from outside the fence of a temporary shelter ing for those stranded at sea. The UN refugee agency believes in Bayeun. —AP that more than 3,000 could still be at sea, although some activists put the number at 6,000. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak addressed the con- cern via Twitter, saying he had ordered the navy and coast Migrant crisis eases, guard “to conduct search and rescue efforts (for) Rohingya boats. We have to prevent loss of life.” Malaysian navy chief Abdul Aziz Jaafar said the navy has deployed four vessels and will render assistance if they see any migrant boats. Three hel- but questions linger icopters and three other naval boats are on standby and will be deployed if necessary, he said. Aid groups estimate that thousands are adrift on vessels BANGKOK: The decision by Indonesia more migrants were abandoned on “There should be international coopera- without food and water, following a crackdown on human and Malaysia to give temporary shelter boats after a regional crackdown on tion.” Malaysia has set the same time lim- traffickers that prompted captains and smugglers to abandon to thousands of migrants stranded at sea human trafficking prompted smugglers it, saying in a joint statement that the their boats. The UN says the Rohingya are one of the most appears to have defused a potential to flee. Since then more than 3,000 eth- international community must take persecuted groups in the world. Neither Myanmar nor Southeast Asian humanitarian catastro- nic Rohingya Muslims and Bangladeshis responsibility for repatriating or reset- Bangladesh recognizes them as citizens. In Buddhist-majority phe, but the root causes of the crisis have landed in Indonesia, Malaysia and tling the migrants in third countries Myanmar, even the name Rohingya is taboo. Myanmar offi- remain. Here’s a look at still-unanswered Thailand. within that period. cials refer to the group as “Bengalis” and insist they are illegal questions surrounding the Rohingya immigrants from Bangladesh, even though most have lived in Muslim migrants who are persecuted at How many boats are at sea? The R-word the country for generations. home in Myanmar and have found scant This is another mystery. Malaysian Southeast Asian governments say the welcome anywhere else. Prime Minister Najib Razak tweeted yes- key to solving the migrant crisis is Sanctioned discrimination terday that he had ordered the navy and addressing the “the root cause” - which Over the past few years, Myanmar’s Rohingya have faced A first step, but what’s next? coast guard to comb the sea to look for is code for Myanmar. The Rohingya increasing state-sanctioned discrimination. They have been The Indonesian-Malaysian offer to stranded migrants, becoming the first Muslim minority has been boarding rick- targeted by violent mobs of Buddhist extremists and confined shelter migrants for up to a year was country to announce it will actively ety boats to escape Myanmar for years to camps. At least 120,000 have fled to sea, and an unknown hailed as a breakthrough, and marks a search for refugees instead of waiting for due to state-sanctioned discrimination in number have died along the way. While Indonesia and major reversal after navies from the two them to wash up on the region’s shores. the predominantly Buddhist country Malaysia said Wednesday they would temporarily take in countries and Thailand pushed boat- But he offered no details, and it was where they are openly despised. They are some refugees for up to one year, they also appealed for inter- loads of desperate migrants away. But it unclear when the search would begin denied citizenship, have limited access to national help, saying the crisis is a global, not a regional, prob- is just the first of many steps needed to and how many boats would be involved. education and medical care and cannot solve the crisis. Groups such as the Thailand and Indonesia have not practice their religion freely. The Rohingya lem. International Organization of Migration announced any similar operations to have faced repeated outbreaks of vio- So far there have been two offers from the international say time is running out for vessels still at search their sections of the Andaman lence, the latest of which have been occur- community. In Washington, the State Department said sea and call for countries to urgently Sea. The countries have also expressed ring since 2012, with hundreds killed and Wednesday the United States was willing to take in Rohingya launch operations to find and rescue concerns that offering temporary shelter 140,000 displaced. So they try to flee refugees as part of international efforts to cope with the crisis. drifting boats believed to be crammed could encourage an exodus of even abroad, most hoping to reach Muslim- Spokeswoman Marie Harf said the US is prepared to take a with people in need of food, water and more refugees. majority Malaysia in search of jobs and leading role in any multi-country effort, organized by the medical treatment. security. Myanmar has said it does not United Nations refugee agency, to resettle the most vulnera- What happens in a year? want to be blamed for the problem but ble refugees. How many migrants are there? Malaysia and Indonesia have made agreed yesterday to join regional talks on The tiny African country of Gambia has also said it was will- Nobody knows, but the UN refugee clear that their offer to house migrants is the crisis to be held in Bangkok next week. ing to take in Rohingya refugees. “As human beings, more so agency UNHCR estimated as of yester- temporary. Both said their hospitality Observers are eager to see how the coun- fellow Muslims, it is (our) sacred duty to help,” the presidency day that more than 3,000 could still be at expires in one year. It is unclear what tries will discuss the issue, given the said in a statement. The No 2 US diplomat, currently visiting sea. “Having said that, there could be happens after that. Indonesian Vice Myanmar government’s distaste for the Southeast Asia, said he would raise the humanitarian crisis of more that we don’t know about,” President Jusuf Kalla said his govern- word “Rohingya,” which is taboo in the Rohingya when he meets with senior Myanmar govern- Bangkok-based UNHCR spokeswoman ment is ready to shelter Rohingya Myanmar, where they are referred to as ment leaders on yesterday. “The only sustainable solution to Vivian Tan said. When the crisis first refugees who fled Myanmar, while Bengalis - migrants from neighboring the problem is changing the conditions that let them put their came to international attention early this Bangladeshis would be sent back home. Bangladesh - even though many have lives at risk at the first place,” — AP month, aid agencies estimated 6,000 or “A year is (the) maximum,” he said. lived in Myanmar for generations. —AP International FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

Indonesia sinks boats to deter illegal fishing

JAKARTA: Indonesia has sunk 41 foreign boats illegal fishing boats, a hardline approach that costs Southeast Asia’s biggest economy billions across the archipelago, reports said yesterday, as risks attracting regional anger. of dollars in lost revenues every year. part of an ongoing push to stop illegal fishing in “Without the continued fight against illegal Indonesia had already destroyed boats from its waters. Authorities sank the vessels in public fishing, we won’t be able to improve the welfare Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea displays at several sites Wednesday, local media of our fishermen,” Fisheries Minister Susi and the Philippines in highly publicized displays. reported. The boats included one from China Pudjiastuti told The Jakarta Post newspaper. The Authorities also say foreigners illegally fishing in and others from Vietnam, Thailand and the Chinese vessel sunk was reportedly a large ship Indonesia are partly responsible for massive Philippines. detained in 2009 for fishing in Indonesia’s exclu- damage to the environment due to the wide- Some of the boats were blown up with dyna- sive economic zone in the South China Sea. spread use of explosives and cyanide. Widodo mite and pictures showed the vessels engulfed President Joko Widodo has taken a hardline hopes that increased revenues from fishing can in flames as they went down. Indonesia has approach to illegal fishing since taking office in help boost economic growth, which has sunk to defended its policy of seizing and destroying October, vowing to stamp out a practice he says a five-year low. — AFP

Religions must free itself of foreign influence: Xi War of words between China and Vatican

BEIJING: China’s president warned in a key policy speech that religions must be independent from foreign influence, as the government asks domestic religious groups to pledge loyalty to the state. Hours later, Pope Francis urged Catholics in China to be “united to the rock” of the church in Rome, although it was unclear whether his comments were linked to the speech earlier Wednesday by Chinese President Xi Jinping. China is ruled by the officially atheist Communist Party, and Beijing attempts to control a variety of religions and their spread. “We must manage religious affairs in TAIJI: In this photo Aug 15, 2010 file photo, Shiro, a Risso’s dolphin, jumps in front of holi- accordance with the law and adhere to daymakers in a small ocean cove. — AP the principle of independence to run religious groups on our own accord,” Xi BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping Japan aquariums say said at a high-level party meeting that addresses a high-level party meeting that sought to unite non-Communist Party sought to unite non-Communist Party groups and individuals. His comments groups and individuals. — AP dolphin hunts to end were widely reported in state media. “Active efforts should be made to incor- porate religions into socialist society,” feast day May 24 for Chinese Catholics TOKYO: Japan’s aquariums have promised talks with the Japanese group for more Xi said, adding that the party’s religious at the shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai. In to stop acquiring dolphins captured in a than a decade over the dolphin hunt. The work should be about winning over the the western Chinese regions of Xinjiang bloody hunt that was depicted in the campaign against the Taiji hunt has drawn hearts and minds of the public for the and Tibet, the government says foreign Oscar-winning documentary “The Cove” Hollywood stars as well as the anti-whaling party. forces are using Islam and Tibetan and caused global outrage. The move by group Sea Shepherd. Buddhism to incite local people to defy the Japanese Association of Zoos and The latest move was welcomed by ani- Hostile forces Chinese rule. Aquariums follows a decision last month by mal welfare groups. “This momentous deci- As part of its religious policy since Still, religions have spread quickly in sion marks the beginning of the end for the Swiss-based umbrella group World the 1990s, the government believes the country, which is suffering a crisis in Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or dolphin hunting in Japan,” said Sarah that hostile foreign forces can use reli- beliefs as people largely abandon com- WAZA, to suspend the Japanese organiza- Lucas, the CEO of Australia for Dolphins. gions to infiltrate Chinese society by munist values. Since early 2014, the tion’s membership. Officials in Taiji, a small fishing village in winning over the population and sub- eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang WAZA characterized the Taiji hunt as central Japan, and fishermen have defend- verting party rule. It has banned foreign has forcibly removed crosses from more “cruel,” and decided that none of its mem- ed the hunt as tradition, saying that eating missionary work, refused to acknowl- than 400 Christian churches in an bers should acquire dolphins in such a way. dolphin meat is no different from eating apparent effort to reduce the rapidly In that hunt, dolphins are scared with beef or chicken. edge any appointment by foreign reli- gious entities such as the Vatican, and growing religion’s visibility. However, banging, herded into a cove and speared Eating dolphins is a delicacy most the government has been vague about by fishermen for their meat. The best-look- Japanese never experience. Many Japanese declared any unregistered religious what constitutes foreign forces and ing ones are sold to aquariums. are horrified by the dolphin killing, and groups illegal. whether the term refers to foreign indi- In a letter to WAZA, the Japanese group, have joined the campaign against the Taiji Formal relations with the Vatican viduals, foreign non-governmental which comprises 89 zoos and 63 aquari- hunt. “The Cove,” which won an Academy already were severed back in 1951, and groups, foreign cultural traditions or ums, said it would abide by WAZA’s deci- Award in 2009, focuses on veteran dolphin worship by Catholics is officially allowed sion. “It is our wish at JAZA to remain as a activist Ric O’Barry, who trained dolphins only in state-authorized churches out- foreign governments, said Yang member of WAZA,” chair Kazutoshi Arai for the 1960s “Flipper” TV series before side the pope’s authority. In 2007, Pope Fenggang, a scholar of Chinese reli- said in a letter addressed to WAZA deciding to devote his life to protecting the Benedict XVI sent a letter to Chinese gions at Purdue University. Such a poli- President Lee Ehmke. WAZA praised the mammals and keeping them in nature. faithful urging them to unite under his cy can also be difficult to carry out in an decision, but stopped short of assuring the Groups such as Australia for Dolphins argue authority. age of globalization and at a time when group’s membership, saying it wanted that dolphin meat does not provide On Wednesday in Rome, Francis China wants to promote its own culture more details “to fully appreciate the impli- enough monetary incentive to keep the urged Catholics in China “to live spiritu- outside China, he said. “How can you cations of today’s decision.”WAZA, which hunts going, but dolphins are sold to ally united to the rock of Peter upon influence the foreign but not be influ- groups more than 1,000 zoos and aquari- aquariums and marine shows for thou- whom the Church is built” during his enced by the foreign?” Yang wrote in an ums around the world, said it has been in sands of dollars. — AP general audience ahead of an important email. — AP Beirut, Lebanon.—AP fashion weekatSaintGeorgeYachtClubin flags ofArabnationsduringthesummer Summer 2015fashionshowassheholds designer MonaAl-MansouriofherSpring- A modeldisplaysacreationbytheEmirati Eurovision, astagefor

geopolitical conflicts? FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 www.kuwaittimes.net Page 21 Lifestyle FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 Iranian film explores divorce, female style

riter-director Ida Panahandeh has was very young and she had to bring up me and made a splash with her film debut, my brother on her own, and struggling to earn Wlanding in competition at the Cannes her life with two young kids,” she said. Film Festival for “Nahid,” fraught portrait of the The movie has gotten a positive response in byzantine legal complications and social stig- her native Iran. Panahandeh said she was grati- mas concerning divorce and remarriage in Iran. fied by that appreciation, and particularly that Panahandeh said she was in shock when she got from women. “I felt that women really connect- word that “Nahid” was selected for Un Certain ed to it, in a very special way. And this is some- Regard, a sidebar competition at the festival. “It thing that was even more striking over here in (From left) Sri Lankan actress Kalieaswari Srinivasan, French director Jacques Audiard, Sri was early in the morning, I was sleeping and our Cannes, many women after the film had tears in Lankan actress Claudine Vinasithamby and Sri Lankan actor Jesuthasan Antonythasan pose international distributor called me and waked their eyes and men too,” she said. “Probably during a photocall for the film “Dheepan”. — AFP me up,” she said. “And I just could not believe it. because in Iran this kind of situation is more ran- I could not believe it was true.” dom, people know that’s how some women live Sareh Bayat stars in the title role as a small- and here the reaction has been even more emo- town divorcee who finds herself navigating a tional.”— AP Tamil thriller takes peculiar minefield known as “temporary mar- riage.” It’s also personal for Panahandeh, who saw the life of a single woman through her refugee crisis to Cannes mother. “My mother lost her husband when she former Tamil Tiger fighter fleeing the warmly applauded press preview of the film that mayhem of his native Sri Lanka must do the character was about “50 percent” autobio- Abattle on the mean streets of a French graphical. “Officially in 2009 the civil war had housing estate in a movie shown yesterday at come to an end. However even today there are Cannes spotlighting Europe’s refugee crisis. still armed attacks against minorities in Sri “Dheepan” by one of France’s most acclaimed Lanka,” he said. “Even today, we don’t know film directors, Jacques Audiard, tells the story of how many prisoners of war were captured by the war-scarred title character meeting a young the government, we have no real information.” woman and a nine-year-old girl in a refugee camp. In order to win passage to France, they Broken people assume the identities of a dead family to use Audiard, a Cannes favorite, specializes in their travel papers. films on broken people looking for a fresh start, They arrive, still strangers to each other and as in critical triumphs such as “A Prophet”, “Rust speaking no French, in social housing in a rough and Bone” and “The Beat That My Heart Paris suburbs, where drug gangs are waging Skipped”. He said he “couldn’t have placed Sri their own war in the dilapidated tower blocks. Lanka on a map” when he started working on Still haunted by their country’s brutal civil war, the screenplay and had rather sought “to Dheepan finds work as a caretaker at the estate approach a love story from a completely differ- while his purported wife Yalini accepts a job as a ent angle”. “The intention was not to produce a cook and a maid for the disabled uncle of one of documentary on the civil war in Sri Lanka or the drug lords. But as the trio grows closer, they housing estates. That violence is the backdrop. come under attack by the gangsters and We wanted the characters to embody this whole Dheepan must revive the soldier inside him to story,” he said. Audiard, who spoke to his actors protect his “family”. The lead actor, novelist through an interpreter on set, said his approach Anthonythasan Jesuthasan making his screen was not “overtly political” as Europe debates debut, was himself forced to fight as a child how to grapple with an influx of asylum seekers solider in Sri Lanka from the age of 16. from the world’s crisis zones.—AP After three terrifying years, he managed to escape to Thailand before making it to France on a fake passport in 1993, where he was grant- (From left) Director Ida Panahandeh, actors Navid Mohammadzadeh, Sareh Bayat and Pejman ed political asylum. He told reporters after a Bazeghi pose for photographers during a photo call for the film Nahid. — AP Review: ‘Poltergeist’ solid remake of haunted house classic t’s infrequent and particularly satisfying when the remake of an Chronic anxiety original are in place and in part this satisfying continuity is attributable especially memorable film equals or exceeds the experience of the Teenage Kendra (Saxon Sharbino) displays visible disaffection with to a screen story again written by Spielberg. In scripting the remake, Ioriginal. In 1982, “Poltergeist” saw the brilliant pairing of “The Texas her new situation, preferring to remain in touch with her old life and David Lindsay-Abaire hews closely to the earlier template, replicating Chainsaw Massacre’s” low-budget horror director Tobe Hooper with friends via phone, text and video chat. On the first night in their new some key scenes with more contemporary flair while ratcheting up far more mainstream screenwriter and producer Steven Spielberg for home while everyone else is asleep, Griffin discovers Maddy talking to the pacing by cutting 20 minutes off the running time. Although an effects-laden event movie that earned its place as a contemporary the big-screen living room TV as it flashes and emits strange noises. Rockwell appears capable of holding the Bowens together in the face benchmark among supernatural thrillers. Leaving behind the youth- “They’re here,” she says, referring to her friends, “the lost people.” Now of financial and personal peril, it’s a rather under-written part that skewing perspectives of “Monster House” and “City of Ember,” direc- Griffin has some solid reasons to feel worried, especially after noticing lacks the frequent character tics he’s exploited more memorably in tor Gil Kenan not only delivers on the promise of Hooper’s objects moving around the house of their own accord and discover- smaller-scale films. “Poltergeist,” but significantly raises the stakes for similar PG-13 fare. ing a box full of scary clown dolls stashed in a storage space. His par- DeWitt is the predictably supportive emotional core of the family, In setting the scene, Kenan and the filmmakers take their cue from ents just attribute these trepidations to his chronic anxiety and it isn’t eventually driven to extremes by her daughter’s predicament. Kenan’s the first film in the trilogy, as Eric (Sam Rockwell) and Amy (Rosemarie until the next night when they’re out to dinner at a neighbor’s house overall improvements to the movie’s visual style aren’t only attributa- DeWitt) Bowen, crippled by the financial impacts of the Great that they discover some disturbing information regarding their new ble to advances in technology and a 3D update. While Hooper Recession, look to downsize so that they can continue adequately home that sends them rushing back to check on the kids. favored shock value and jump scares, Kenan and cinematographer providing for their three kids. They find what they’re looking for in a By the time they arrive, Griffin and Kendra have suffered supernat- Javier Aguirresarobe construct far more fluid sequences as the camera distressed but affordable home for sale that’s located in a nondescript ural attacks and Maddy has vanished completely. At their wit’s end, glides and hovers over its subjects, reserving the most impactful shots development full of vacant properties on the outskirts of an Illinois Amy and Eric decide to seek guidance from Dr. Claire Powell (Jane for the climactic scenes, particularly a concluding sequence that’s par- town where Amy attended university. Youngest daughter Maddy Adams) from the Department of Paranormal Research at Amy’s for- ticularly thrilling. “Poltergeist,” a 20th Century Fox release, is rated PG- (Kennedi Clements) is excited to move in following the initial tour mer university. Powell agrees to assist, bringing in her staff to wire the 13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for “intense frighten- after conversing with some new invisible friends who speak to her Bowen’s home with video cameras and monitoring equipment in ing sequences, brief suggestive material, and some language.” from a mysterious bedroom closet. Anxiety-prone middle child Griffin their search for the missing child. Running time: 93 minutes. — AP (Kyle Catlett) isn’t thrilled to be settling into an attic bedroom, howev- er, where an ominous willow tree looms over the house through a Impactful shots rooftop skylight. As the film reaches its midpoint, all of the essential elements of the Lifestyle FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

Noted jazz musician Bob Belden dies in NYC at 58 ob Belden, a Grammy-winning jazz musi- our dream come true,” Belden told a Tehran cian, composer, arranger and producer audience, according to a New York Times Bwho was the first American musician to report. “Visiting Iran has been such a human perform in Iran since its 1979 revolution when experience.” he toured there earlier this year, died Belden was known for conceiving and pro- Wednesday. He was 58. Belden died at Lenox ducing multi-artist thematic albums, including Hill Hospital in Manhattan after suffering a “Miles From India,” on which Indian and heart attack in his apartment, his sister American musicians performed Miles Davis Elizabeth Belden Harmstone said. She tunes, that received a Grammy nomination for described her brother as a pioneer and a “jazz Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 2009. He fol- musician true and true.” lowed that up with “Miles Espanol” which In February, Belden and his group, matched alumni of Davis’ band such as Chick Animation, went on a four-day tour of Iran, Corea and Ron Carter with Spanish musicians. performing tunes by Miles Davis, Herbie Considered one of the leading experts on Hancock and Belden’s own compositions. The Davis, Belden won three Grammys (Best visit, which came as Tehran and Washington Historical Album, Best Album Notes) for his engaged in nuclear talks, was arranged by work in the 1990s on boxed sets of the trum- Melanie Rene from Switzerland performs during the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final Search for Common Ground, a US nonprofit peter’s work for SONY/Columbia.—AP of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Vienna. — AFP photos organization that aims to promote better ties between the long-time rivals. “You have made Eurovision, a stage for geopolitical conflicts?

ehind the kitsch, glitz and smoke ‘We Don’t Wanna Put In’ machines of the Eurovision Song Contest- In more recent times, tensions between the Bhosted Saturday by Vienna-hide more West and Russia have flared up again, notably serious international geopolitical tensions, says over Ukraine, and this too is being played out on the creator of the world’s first university course the Eurovision stage. At the 2014 competition in on the popular music competition. Historian Copenhagen, just two months after Russia Dean Vuletic leads an EU-funded research proj- annexed Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula in March, ect at the University of Vienna, focusing on the Russia’s Tolmachevy Sisters were booed by the annual Eurovision sing-off as a vehicle for diplo- audience in the final. In contrast, Austria’s macy and socio-political messages. bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst was wildly “It is an effective tool to approach history cheered and went on to win the contest. Jazz musician, composer and producer Bob Belden, center, Jair-Ruhm Parker Wells, left, and because it prompts people to talk about politi- Conchita “profited from the tensions between drummer Matt Young play in a performance of the Animation ensemble from the US. — AP cal issues through cultural references,” Vuletic Russia and the West by presenting herself as a said in an interview. For instance, it served as “a symbol of Western liberal values”-especially in great mirror” for the complex relationship light of Russia’s strong anti-gay stance-said between the West and Soviet states during the Vuletic. Cold War. Communist Yugoslavia’s entry into Russia appears to fare better this year with Rolling Stones announce Eurovision in 1961 — barely six years after the singer Polina Gagarina, whose peace song “A contest was first launched-helped demonstrate Million Voices” was voted into Saturday’s final in secret pre-tour LA gig that it was the Eastern European nation most Vienna to loud applause. While the EBU wel- open to Western cultural influences back then, comes entries dealing with positive political he Rolling Stones announced a surprise last- every song from their “Sticky Fingers” album, which Vuletic argued. themes, overtly critical or nationalist content is minute gig at a small Hollywood concert ven- is being re-released in a deluxe edition including “It was the only communist country that par- strictly forbidden. Lyrics often tread a fine line Tue Wednesday night, as they warm up for an bonus tracks, their website said. Tickets cost just $5, ticipated in it throughout the Cold War,” he said. here, such as the 2015 entry by finalist Armenia. upcoming North American tour. “Sticky Fingers Los a fraction of the notoriously inflated prices charged Meanwhile, Austria sent a “highly symbolic mes- Many perceived the song, originally called Angeles Club Show Tonight!” tweeted the veteran for Rolling Stones stadium shows. The 15-city North sage” in 1968, when Soviet tanks crushed the “Don’t Deny,” to be a direct reference to the rockers only hours before the show, posting a link America tour kicks off in San Diego on May 24. Prague Spring, by sending Czech singer Karel 100th anniversary of the mass killing of to a ticket sale page which rapidly announced that Many were unlucky, even if they saw the Twitter Gott as its representative. “From the Austrian Armenians by Ottoman forces, which Turkey the gig was sold out. The location of the top-secret announcement. “I waited on 4 different devices to perspective, it was an expression of support for refuses to recognize as genocide. show was not officially revealed, but social-media get tickets to the Fonda & failed,” wrote one fan. the reforms that were taking place and desire In the end, Armenia changed the title to chatter quickly indicated it would be at the Fonda “I’m SO terribly sad.” “Hoped for Satisfaction, but for closer ties with its eastern neighbors,” said “Face the Shadow” to remove any suggestion of Theater, a 1,200-capacity venue known for hosting I’m Shattered,” added another. — AFP Vuletic. The following year Austria boycotted political intent. Other nations have tried to find rock and indie concerts. the contest because it was being held in Spain, more creative ways of getting around the “no The famous British rockers were set to play then under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. politics” rule. Georgia attempted to join the After the fall of the Iron Curtain, Eurovision 2009 edition in Moscow with the song “We gained even greater political significance as Don’t Wanna Put In”. The EBU rejected the entry countries of the former Eastern bloc began join- on the basis it was an obvious wordplay on ing the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Putin. For Vuletic, the ideal Eurovision song car- which organizes the song contest. ries a “strong universal message at the right his- Accession was easy because the group had torical time”. “Nationalist messages don’t do no political or economic entry requirements-all well because they’re not something that other a country needed was a public television serv- Europeans can necessarily relate to.” — AFP ice. “From the early 1990s, it was really the first Western European organization that former communist nations could enter,” said Vuletic. “They used it as a forum, in which they could express and affirm their aspirations for European integration.” Once these countries became members of NATO and eventually the European Union, however, Eurovision lost its lustre: “You can see that many of them stopped A file picture taken on May 3, 2013, Musician Keith Richards , Ronnie Wood and Mick Jagger putting so much effort into the contest after of The Rolling Stones perform at Staples Center launching of their ‘50 & Counting’ tour in Los their political aims were accomplished.” Angeles, California. — AFP Lifestyle FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 Lebanon summer fashion week Emirati designer Mona Al-Mansouri

Emirati designer Mona Al-Mansouri, left, holds a bouquet of flowers as she stands next to a model holding small flags of Arab nations.

A model, foreground, holds small flags of Arab nations as she and other models display creations by the Emirati designer Mona Al-Mansouri of her Spring-Summer 2015 fashion show during the summer fashion week at Saint George Yacht Club < in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday. — AP photos

Emirati designer Mona Al-Mansouri (second right) poses for a photo with Emirati singer Roueida Al-Mahrouqi (left) Egyptian actresses Mervet Ameen (second left) and Elham Shahine and Egyptian singer Ghada Ragab following her fashion show during the Summer Fashion Week in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. — AFP Lifestyle FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

Models display creations by the Emirati designer Mona Al-Mansouri. Cannes film pays homage to late designer Oscar de la Renta he spirit of Oscar de la Renta lives on every day at the “He had this connection with young people, he mentored Cannes Film Festival. Though the Dominican Republic- and fostered young people into the fashion industry and Tborn fashion designer passed away last year aged 82 brought in interns from SCAD,” he added, The film shows the after battling cancer, his landmark fashion designs continue to creation of the exhibit through the eyes of a bright-eyed dominate the red carpet - from Emma Stone’s black sheer tulle young student, who looks in wonder at the myriad designs - gown at the “The Irrational Man” photocall to Aishwarya Rai’s including Hillary Clinton’s famous red dress that graced the maroon silk number and Karlie Kloss’ incredible blue fishtail cover of Vogue in 1998. Each dress that he created, the film gown at the De Grisogono soiree. Now a documentary film notes, captures the unique essence of each woman it was tai- has been screened at Cannes, called “Ovation for Oscar,” pay- lored for. “He’s one of the last old masters. He loved each indi- ing homage to his work. vidual woman, and that’s his genius,” Curtis said. — AP Featuring US Vogue Editor Anna Wintour and his window, Annette de la Renta, the 20-minute film, directed by Ryan Curtis, is a behind-the-scenes look at the first posthumous exhibit of the designer’s work at the SCAD college of art and In this July 8, 2013 file photo, Fashion design, with which the late designer was closely involved. designer Oscar de la Renta addresses “When Oscar de la Renta passed there was an outpouring of a crowd gathered in his honor at the love,” said Curtis, adding that he relished the chance to pay Clinton Presidential Library in Little homage to the designer via the prism of the college. Rock, Ark. — AP FRIDAY 22 MAY, 2015

This weekend, try your hand at a full course Turkish meal that doesn’t require much preparation or cooking experience. Turkish Coffee

To make really authentic ‘Turkish’ coffee you need a narrow-topped pot that can be heated on a stove. Pots like this are used to make coffee in the most expensive restaurants and on desert camp-fires. You can use any heat-proof pot, but be careful.

Ingredients Preparation 2 -3 tablespoons strong rich coffee (very finely ground) Fill the pot with about 1/2 liter of water and place it on the heat. As the water 4 teaspoons sugar (or to taste) begins to heat up, add the sugar, stir, and then top up with the coffee. When the 3 cardamom seeds (optional) or water boils, let it begin to foam, but quickly reduce the heat before the coffee 1 sprig fresh coriander (optional) or boils over. Repeat this three times. Remove from the heat and add any optional 2 teaspoons rose water (optional) flavoring. Allow the coffee to cool for a minute, then pour it into small cups. Turkish coffee should be sipped slowly, and enjoyed with friends. Turkish Salad his delicious fresh vegetable salad is found on dining tables through- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice Tout Turkey and served prior to the main course. 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon olive oil Ingredients 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 1 cup diced green bell pepper Preparation 1 cup diced peeled cucumber Combine all ingredients in a bowl and chill for at least 1 hour before serv- 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley ing. 1/3 cup green onion

Kofta (Turkish Meatballs)

hese are the well-known Turkish Kofta, delicious little Preparation Tmeat balls or patties. You can make them with beef, but Make the bread crumbs by breaking up 2 slices of stale but lamb is traditional and makes them very special. not dried out whole wheat bread into the bowl of a food 1 cup fine fresh breadcrumb processor. Whizz until finely crumbed. Add the ground lamb 1 lb lean ground lamb and the egg, and process until blended. Add the spices, garlic 1?2 teaspoon salt and parsley. Process the meat well to achieve a fine texture. 1?2 teaspoon pepper Roll the mixture into small meatballs or finger shaped patties 1 teaspoon ground cumin using dampened hands. You may cook them at once, or 1?2 teaspoon allspice refrigerate the mixture for several hours. (If your meat is very 1 teaspoon dried mint fresh, you can divide it in half and wrap part well in plastic for 2 cloves garlic the next day’s meal.) Heat the oil in a heavy skillet, and fry 2 tablespoons parsley the balls or patties until cooked through and evenly 1 egg browned. The meatballs should be stirred several times, the 1 tablespoon olive oil patties turned once. Remove them with a slotted spoon to drain. Serve the meatballs hot or at room temperature as an appetizer. Lovely with a yogurt or tahini sauce, on a bed of rice or in a pita.

Lokum

eautifully colored, scented and flavored candy Bto cap off your Turkish meal. (Turkish delight) Ingredients 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin 2 cups sugar 1?8 teaspoon salt 1 cup water (add some rose water to make up cup) 1 tablespoon lemons or 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 teaspoon lemons or 1 teaspoon orange rind, grat- ed Food coloring Powdered sugar

Preparation Mix gelatin, sugar and salt in a heavy pot. Add water. Bring to slow boil and simmer without stir- ring for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in juice and rind. Add a few drops of food coloring. Taste for flavor; may add more juice. Pour into 8 inch square pan which has been rinsed in cold water but not dried. Chill overnight. Cut into squares and roll each in powdered sugar. FRIDAY 22 MAY, 2015

The must-watch films of Anime master Hayao Miyazaki

ver the last three decades, Miyazaki, and his company Studio Ghibli, have been behind some of the greatest masterpieces that animated film have ever seen, strange wonderful pictures that couldn’t Ohave come from anywhere or anyone else, and have broken out of love from just the hardcore anime fans to enchant audiences and cinephiles the world over. Take a look at some of his must-watch films and take a journey through the filmography of Japan’s most loved movie-maker. Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind (1984)

his is Miyazaki at his most sprawling and imaginative, set in a post-apocalyptic landscape where a toxic gas and creep- Ting jungle (not to mention giant, carnivorous bugs that make the worms of “Dune” seem like a minor inconvenience) threaten to wipe out what little of humanity is left behind. Nausicaa is a young girl who is able to quell the angry insects and lives in a land protected by a natural wind barrier who finds her- self caught in between warring factions as they struggle for sur- vival. Although only his second feature as a director, “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” represents a number of the themes and ideas that would grow to define his later work-an emphasis on pacifism as opposed to combat, an environmental message, a strong young female protagonist, and prolonged flight sequences.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

his might be Miyazaki’s most iconic work to date, partial- ly because the character of Totoro, a giant, magical rab- Tbit/cat creature, has become the de facto mascot for Studio Ghibli, appearing on its logo and spawning countless merchandising opportunities. But this is also the film that established Miyazaki as the animation world’s version of Terrence Malick-more concerned with contemplative, spiritual moments of extreme quiet than with how much cluttered nonsense can fill the screen. “My Neighbor Totoro” is set in post-war Japan, in a rural village where a man and his two daughters move into a small house so they can be closer to their ailing mother. It’s here that the girls discover the magic of the natural world that is all around them; tiny dust balls in the empty house are actually creatures, and the woods are filled with pointy-eared spirits, the most cuddly of which one of the girls dubs Totoro. There are a number of moments in ‘Totoro’ where Miyazaki just allows the wind to rustle the grass and the sunlight to drape over the girls, emphasizing the magic of everyday life and the importance of slowing down long enough to recognize it. FRIDAY 22 MAY, 2015

Princess Mononoke (1997)

iyazaki’s first major crossover hit, the film’s US release was es you in a universe at once relatable and beyond imagination, in his unparalleled storytelling. Immersive, transportative and actually somewhat bungled, considering its record-break- which otherworldly creatures and visuals are used to comment breathtakingly beautiful, it is everything that is Miyazaki and it Bing Japanese run and it was only after international eloquently on very real-world issues, in a manner that is clearly reminds us how, at his very best, Miyazaki can be everything. response was strong and the DVD sales immense, that delivering a message, but is never less than thrilling. “Princess ‘Mononoke’ really established Miyazaki’s and Studio Ghibli’s inter- Mononoke” is perhaps the finest expression of Miyazaki’s visual national box office credentials. But in what style! The film immers- inventiveness uniting seamlessly with his thematic concerns and Porco Spirited Away (2001) few of Miyazaki’s movies can be read as riffs on classic fairy tales, and “Spirited Away” is one that takes the basic premise of “Alice in Wonderland” and mutates it, wonderfully, into something alto- Agether unique and at times unsettling, accurately embodying the jaunty uncanniness of Lewis Rosso (1992) Carroll’s trip in a way that many straight-up adaptations have failed. Hauntingly beautiful and really very odd, “Spirited Away” served as something of a second breakthrough for the director, winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. It’s a testament to Miyazaki’s considerable prowess as a storyteller.

requently cited as one of the director’s weirdest films, mainly because it’s hardly weird at all, “Porco Rosso” could almost be a straight-up Tintin-style historical fiction of derring-do, were it Fnot for the fact that its hero is an aviation ace who, under an only-vaguely-explained curse, is an anthropomorphized pig. In fact, the whole being-a-pig element is one of the least striking things about Porco/Marco, as the film works wonderfully well as a portrait of a kind of Bogart or Mitchum- esque cynical hero, who likes to believe he’s only out for himself, but who comes slowly into his heroism via a series of adventures, an exposure to the innocence of a talented young female engi- neer, and, of course, the steadfast love of a good woman. “Porco Rosso” is one the Japanese master’s most straightforward stories, and just as compelling and imaginative for it.

The Wind Rises (2013)

iyazaki’s last film is also one of his most quietly affect- ing. While peppered with fantasy sequences, “The MWind Rises” eschews the magical inclinations of many of Miyazaki’s most iconic films, instead presenting a rel- atively straightforward biography of Jiro Horikoshi, a real-life Japanese airplane designer who was responsible for the Japanese Zero Fighter in World War II. This subject matter has lent the film an undue amount of controversy, with many claiming that the movie sweetens and makes sympathetic a deadly warmonger who knowingly built killing machines. But this discussion misses the point entirely, since the movie is mostly about the limitless power of imagination and the way that designs can transcend their purpose, which, frankly, has been a recurring theme of Miyazaki’s for decades with less than a murmur of protest. (www.indiewire.com)

Travel FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 29

ou might get more roti for your ringgit in Kuala Visit KL’s most underrated museum Lumpur than in many other big Asian capitals, but While the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum & Art Gallery Ywho doesn’t love a freebie? There are plenty of worth- may not sound enthralling, prepare to be pleasantly sur- while attractions in Malaysia’s buzzing capital that won’t prised. Situated within the Central Bank of Malaysia’s Centre cost travelers a single sen. of Learning Excellence, the interactive displays and exhibi- tions charting the nation’s role in the global economy, along Join a walking tour with the Central Bank’s striking art collection, are well worth Slip on some comfortable shoes and take in Kuala perusing. Lumpur’s essential sights on foot. Potential trails include the KL Forest Eco Park - also known as Bukit Nanas Forest colonial heart of the capital, Merdeka Square; Kampung Reserve - is a patch of partly indigenous rainforest in an Baru, a green Malay village within the metropolis; and unlikely location at the bottom of the Menara KL tower. Brickfields, KL’s vibrant Indian district. Free walking tours are Visitors can explore its nine hectares of jungle via trails, and available for each of these parts of the city (usually run by KL the 200m-high canopy walk is an exciting way to remove City Hall) - just remember to tip your guide. yourself from the bustle of the city. Another peaceful spot is Lake Perdana at Perdana Botanical Garden. The man-made lake amid a 92-hectare nature haven is an idyllic place to relax, surrounded by immaculate gardens where tropical and medicinal plants thrive. Free guided walks of the gardens take place from 8am-10am on weekdays. Finally, KLCC Park is the perfect setting to chill at sunset and gaze upwards as the majestic Petronas Towers begin to glow. The 20-hectare park in the heart of the capital is home to 1900 species of plant life, as well as a jogging track, a pad- dling pool and Lake Symphony - a series of musical waterfalls that come to life twice daily.

Learn about crime-busting through the ages The fascinating Royal Malaysian Police Museum chronicles the evolution of policing in Malaysia. More than 8000 arti- facts are on display here, including historic uniforms, police boats, patrol vehicles and myriad weaponry - from knuckle- dusters to rifles. Gallery C presents some curious items that were recovered from police operations to bust organised crime outfits and secret societies.

Enjoy serenity in KL’s places of worship Masjid Jamek is a visually striking mosque, admired for its distinctive Indo-Saracenic design features. Surrounded by palm trees, it’s a magnificent edifice to explore and an impor- tant icon of KL, where around 46% of the population is Muslim. Remember to dress modestly and remove your Travel FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 30

shoes when entering the building. The temples of KL’s Chinatown may appear understated compared to those in Penang, but they’re impressive nonetheless. There’s Guandi (or Kuan Ti), a busy yet beautiful red-columned temple dedicated to the Taoist god of war; Guan Yin, a colourful fusion of European baroque and orien- tal styles; and Chan She Shu Yuen, with elaborate terracotta friezes depicting Chinese mythology. Finally, travel 13km north of the capital to reach awe- inspiring Batu Caves, a series of iconic limestone landforms that have come to house Hindu shrines. The main cave is free to visit, and the psychedelic Ramayana Cave is only RM2, and well worth forking out for. The 272-step climb at the cave’s entrance - past the gigantic golden statue of Hindu deity Lord Murugan - offers a sensational vista across the city.

Admire eclectic Malaysian architecture, old and new Merdeka Square (or Independence Square) is surrounded by attractive colonial buildings that tell tales of Malaysia’s past. The stunning Sultan Abdul Samad Building dominates the square, and exemplifies British Raj era architecture with its arched balconies and domed turrets. Look out for the 100m-high flag pole that proudly marks the spot where the Malay flag was first raised in 1885 to signify the nation’s independence from British rule. Also located on Merdeka Square is KL City Gallery. Its exhi- bitions give an overview of KL’s history, its attractions, as well as its diverse architecture - a miniature model of the Petronas Towers lights up, glittering just like the real cityscape does at night. To see a slightly more humble colonial remnant, pay a vis- it to the headquarters of national heritage society, Badan Warisan Malaysia. Here you’ll find a 1920s stilt bungalow that formerly housed British officers - its carved teak walls and wooden shutters are a stark contrast to the neighboring steel skyscrapers.

Peruse national artwork and traditional crafts Housed in a grandiose Mughal-style building off Merdeka Square, the National Textiles Museum is worth popping in to. The rich embroidery and tapestries present motifs from a cross-section of Malaysian regions as well as beautiful exam- ples of traditional clothing from headdresses to chastity belts. Visitors can also learn about the origins of batik, tie- dye and block printing in Malaysia, and how these methods have developed over centuries. Finally, the tiny Art House Gallery Museum of Ethnic Arts in KL’s Central Market Annexe has the feeling of an attic full of treasures. Claiming to be the first privately-owned ‘mini- museum’ for Malaysian artwork, it is a great place to educate yourself on the rich and varied artistic styles of the nation. There are also pieces sourced from the Indonesian archipela- go, some of which share similarities with artwork from Borneo. The gallery is full of dream-like water colors, tribal print tapestries and other curious crafts, making it a delight- fully colorful finale to your budget tour of KL. (www.lonely- planet.com) Leisure FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

WORD SEARCH PUZZLE 75. A descendent or heir. CROSSWORD 910 79. In a murderous frenzy as if possessed by a demon. 80. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling). 82. A self-funded retirement plan that allows you to contribute a limit- ed yearly sum toward your retirement. 83. Something causes misery or death. 84. A bitter yellow powder used to treat skin diseases. 85. A doctor's degree in dental surgery.

DOWN 1. Any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent. 2. A Loloish language. 3. Cry plaintively. 4. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light. 5. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in India for writing paper. 6. A Bantu language spoken by the Chaga people in northern Tanzania. 7. Large mackerel with long pointed snout. 8. A benevolent aspect of Devi. 9. 16 ounces. 10. Goddess of fate. 11. Being the one previously mentioned or spoken of. 12. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples. 13. (prefix) In front of or before in space. 14. (Greek mythology) Goddess of the earth and mother of Cronus and ACROSS the Titans in ancient mythology. A white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves. 19. A salesman who travels to call on customers. 4. Climbing plants or shrubs. 22. 1 species. 12. A flexible container with a single opening. 24. The cry made by sheep. 15. United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters. 25. A unit of magnetomotive force equal to 0.7958 ampere-turns. 16. A palace and fortress built in Granada by the Moslems in the Middle 29. A soft white precious univalent metallic element having the high- Ages. est electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal. 17. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. 31. Relating to or marked by qualities associated with the north wind. 18. According to the Old Testament he was a pagan king of Israel and 32. Of a leaf shape. husband of Jezebel (9th century BC). 33. Any of a number of fishes of the family Carangidae. Yesterday’s Solution 20. Rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos. 35. The sixth month of the civil year. 21. Become wider. 36. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey). 23. The large yellow root of a rutabaga plant used as food. 37. Tall and thin and having long slender limbs. 26. Indigo bush. 38. A member of the Iroquoian people formerly living east of Lake 27. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic element. Ontario. 28. Fleshy spore-bearing inner mass of e.g. a puffball or stinkhorn. 43. An official prosecutor for a judicial district. 30. Relating to the abomasum (the fourth compartment of the stom- 44. (Irish) Chief god of the Tuatha De Danann. ach of ruminants). 45. Israeli statesman (born in Russia) (1898-1978). 34. Agile long-tailed nocturnal African lemur with dense woolly fur and 46. African tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resem- large eyes and ears. bles a gourd and has an edible pulp called monkey bread. 39. A star that ejects some of its material in the form of a cloud and 49. An uproarious party. become more luminous in the process. 53. Corn bread wrapped in cabbage leaves and baked in hot ashes 40. The branch of computer science that deal with writing computer (Southern). programs that can solve problems creatively. 55. A lady's bedroom or private sitting room. 41. (Mesopotamia) God of agriculture and earth. 56. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of the Old World. 42. The father of your father or mother. 57. An organization of independent states to promote international 47. A serve that strikes the net before falling into the receiver's court. peace and security. 48. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. 60. The longer of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code. 50. The sense organ for hearing and equilibrium. 62. Being nine more than forty. 51. Of or relating to the stomach and intestines. 63. (Phoenician and Philistine) God of agriculture and the earth. 52. The United Nations agency concerned with atomic energy. 64. Type genus of the Vespidae. 54. True gudgeons. 67. A member of the North American Indian people living in southern 58. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite. Arizona and northern Mexico. 59. A state in north central United States. 69. Beyond what is natural. 61. Palms of southern Mexico to northern South America. 71. Lacking sufficient water or rainfall. 65. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism. 72. United States film maker (1896-1973). 66. Any member of Athapaskan tribes that migrated to the southwest- 73. Type genus of the Anatidae. ern desert (from Arizona to Texas and south into Mexico). 76. An emotional response that has been acquired by conditioning. 68. Give a nickname to. 77. An agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank. 70. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad. 78. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth. 74. Port city that is the capital and largest city of Latvia. 81. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution Yesterday’s Solution TV listings FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 03:00 Lords Of War 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 06:00 Raising Helen 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 03:30 Lords Of War Wilmore 08:00 Despicable Me 2 15:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 04:00 The Border 01:30 Family Guy 10:00 Life 15:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 05:00 80s Greatest 02:00 Brickleberry 12:00 Anywhere But Here 16:00 Chopped 06:00 Traveler’s Guide To The 02:30 Curb Your Enthusiasm 14:00 Imogene 17:00 The Pioneer Woman Planets 03:00 Hot In Cleveland 16:00 Despicable Me 2 17:30 The Pioneer Woman 07:00 Great Migrations 00:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:00 13 Going On 30 03:30 The Goldbergs 18:00 Barefoot Contessa 08:00 Helicopter Wars 01:00 Good Morning America 20:00 A Valentine’s Date 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 18:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 09:00 Situation Critical 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 03:00 Legends 22:00 Fired Up! 01:10 Treehouse Masters 19:00 Chopped 10:00 Is It Real? Jimmy Fallon 04:00 Defiance 02:00 The Pool Master 20:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 11:00 Family Guns 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 05:00 Good Morning America 02:50 Tanked 21:00 Girl Eats World 12:00 80s Greatest 09:00 Hot In Cleveland 07:00 Emmerdale 03:40 Storage Hunters 21:30 Girl Eats World 13:00 Shark Men 09:30 Black-Ish 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 04:05 Backroad Bounty 09:00 Switched At Birth 22:00 Bite This With Nadia G 14:00 Banged Up Abroad 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 01:00 Step Up Revolution-PG15 05:00 How It’s Made 22:30 Bite This With Nadia G 15:00 Naked Science 2.5 10:00 Emmerdale Jimmy Fallon 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 03:00 Five Thirteen-PG15 05:30 How Do They Do It? 23:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 16:00 Mystery Files 14:00 The Goldbergs 06:00 Alaska: The Last Frontier 12:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 05:00 Heaven’s Door-PG 23:30 Chopped 16:30 Mystery Files 14:30 Black-Ish 06:50 Idris Elba: King Of Speed 13:00 Crisis 07:00 The Good Witch’s Wedding 17:00 Somewhere In China 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 09:00 Grace Of Monaco-PG15 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 18:00 Untamed Americas 14:00 Live Good Morning America 08:30 Storage Hunters Stewart 16:00 Switched At Birth 11:00 Heaven’s Door-PG 19:00 Naked Science 2.5 13:00 Playing For Keeps-PG15 08:55 Backroad Bounty 20:00 Mystery Files 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 17:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 09:45 How It’s Made Wilmore 18:00 Crisis 15:00 Philomena-PG15 20:30 Mystery Files 17:00 Grace Of Monaco-PG15 10:10 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Somewhere In China 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 19:00 Switched At Birth 10:35 Treehouse Masters 18:00 Last Man Standing 20:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 19:00 Beasts Of The Southern Wild 00:10 The Jonathan Ross Show 22:00 Untamed Americas 21:00 Disconnect-PG15 11:25 The Pool Master 23:00 Family Guns 18:30 New Girl 21:00 C.S.I. 01:05 Please Marry My Boy Australia 22:00 Legends 23:00 Killing Season-18 12:15 Tanked 02:00 Emmerdale 19:00 Black-Ish 13:05 Storage Hunters 02:25 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of 19:30 Fresh Off The Boat 13:30 Backroad Bounty Dogs 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 14:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier 02:55 Coronation Street Jimmy Fallon 15:10 Idris Elba: King Of Speed 03:25 Murdoch Mysteries 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 04:20 Murdoch Mysteries 00:20 Big Cat Wars Stewart 00:00 Shooter 01:15 Hope And Glory 16:50 How It’s Made 05:15 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 01:10 Fatal Attraction 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry 02:15 Double Jeopardy 03:15 Promised Land 17:15 How Do They Do It? 06:10 Please Marry My Boy Australia 02:00 Attack Of The Big Cats Wilmore 04:00 R.I.P.D. 05:15 Scents And Sensibility 17:40 American Muscle 07:05 Coronation Street 02:50 Hunter Hunted 06:00 Breakout 07:00 Yellow Rock 18:30 Fast N’ Loud 07:30 Murdoch Mysteries 22:00 Girls 03:45 Planet Carnivore 08:00 Police Story 09:00 Maladies 19:20 Misfit Garage 08:25 Murdoch Mysteries 22:30 Girls 04:40 Secret Life Of Predators 10:00 Stash House 10:45 Annie 20:10 Backroad Bounty 09:20 Big Star’s Little Star 05:35 Attack Of The Big Cats 12:00 Alien Origin 13:00 Promised Land 21:00 Fast N’ Loud 10:15 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of 06:30 Hunter Hunted 14:00 Thor: The Dark World 15:00 The Insider 21:50 Misfit Garage Dogs 07:25 Planet Carnivore 16:00 Police Story 17:45 Maladies 22:40 Wheeler Dealers 10:40 The Jonathan Ross Show 08:20 Wild Sri Lanka 18:00 Shadow Conspiracy 19:30 The Green Mile 23:30 Fast N’ Loud: Demolition 11:35 Please Marry My Boy Australia 20:00 Stash House Theater 09:15 World’s Deadliest 23:00 Kon-Tiki 12:30 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 10:10 Wild Colombia 22:00 The Legend Of Hercules 13:25 Emmerdale 00:30 Empire 11:05 Anaconda: Silent Killer 02:00 The Strain 13:50 Emmerdale 12:00 Like A Sea Serpent 03:00 The Strain 14:15 Coronation Street 12:55 World’s Deadliest: Jaws & Sins 14:40 The Jonathan Ross Show 13:50 Hunter Hunted 04:00 White Collar 15:35 Home Fires 14:45 Kingdom Of The Oceans 05:00 The Flash 01:00 Shiver-PG15 00:00 Fashion Bloggers 16:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes 15:40 Secret Garden 06:00 Parenthood 00:15 Double Jeopardy-18 03:00 Cuban Fury-PG15 00:30 Christina Milian Turned Up 17:25 Big Star’s Little Star 16:35 Madagascar’s Legendary 07:00 The Assets 02:00 R.I.P.D.-PG15 05:00 Playing For Keeps-PG15 18:20 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 07:00 The Trouble With Bliss-PG15 00:55 Extreme Close-Up Lemurs 08:00 Perception 04:00 Breakout-PG15 19:05 Coronation Street 09:00 The Way Way Back-PG15 01:25 Keeping Up With The 17:30 Wild Colombia 09:00 White Collar 06:00 Police Story-PG15 Kardashians 19:35 Home Fires 11:00 Tad, The Lost Explorer-PG 18:25 Fatal Attraction 10:00 The Flash 08:00 Stash House-PG15 02:20 E! News 20:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes 19:20 Kingdom Of The Oceans 10:00 Alien Origin-PG15 13:00 So Undercover-PG15 12:00 Emmerdale 03:15 Giuliana & Bill 21:25 Big Star’s Little Star 20:10 Secret Garden 12:00 Thor: The Dark World-PG15 15:00 Admission-PG15 04:10 E!ES 22:20 Coronation Street 21:00 Madagascar’s Legendary 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 14:00 Police Story-PG15 16:45 The Way Way Back-PG15 05:05 Ryan Seacrest With The 22:50 Emmerdale Lemurs 14:00 Perception 16:00 Shadow Conspiracy-PG15 18:30 The Hunger Games: Catching Kardashians: An E!... 23:15 Emmerdale 21:50 Wild Colombia 15:00 Parenthood 18:00 Stash House-PG15 Fire-PG15 06:00 Keeping Up With The 23:45 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 22:40 Fatal Attraction 16:00 Emmerdale 20:00 The Legend Of Hercules-PG15 21:00 The Giver-PG15 23:00 The Expendables 3-PG15 Kardashians 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 22:00 The Terminator-18 06:55 Keeping Up With The 18:00 Perception Kardashians 19:00 Once Upon A Time 07:50 Style Star 08:20 E! News 20:00 Survivor: Worlds Apart 22:00 Empire 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 00:00 Helicopter Wars 00:00 Life 10:15 THS 01:00 Situation Critical 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 22:50 Empire Stewart 02:00 Syrup 01:00 Krazzy Planet 11:10 E!ES 02:00 Is It Real? 23:40 Empire 04:00 Vamps 12:05 E! News 02:45 The Ugly Duckling And Me 13:05 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 04:30 Ploddy Police Car 13:35 Richkids Of Beverly Hills 06:00 The Swan Princess: A Royal 14:05 Fashion Bloggers Family Tale 14:30 Fashion Bloggers 08:00 Garfield’s Fun Fest 15:00 House Of DVF 10:00 Hiroku: Defenders Of Gaia 16:00 Keeping Up With The 11:30 Eleanor’s Secret Kardashians 13:00 The Ugly Duckling And Me 17:00 Keeping Up With The 14:30 Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Kardashians Of The Were-Rabbit 18:00 E! News 16:00 Astro Boy 19:00 E!ES 18:00 Hiroku: Defenders Of Gaia 20:00 Giuliana & Bill 20:00 Ernest & Celestine 21:00 Fashion Bloggers 22:00 Garfield’s Fun Fest 21:30 Fashion Bloggers 23:30 Astro Boy 22:00 E! News

00:00 Isa-PG15 02:00 The Sapphires-PG15 04:00 The Pretty One-PG15 06:00 Marvel’s Ultimate Avengers II 08:00 Foodfight!-PG 00:30 Guy’s Big Bite 10:00 The Croods-PG 01:00 Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers 12:00 Getaway-PG15 01:30 Siba’s Table 14:00 Europa Report-PG15 02:00 Farm Kings 16:00 Foodfight!-PG 03:00 Guy’s Big Bite 17:45 Captain Phillips-PG15 03:30 Guy’s Big Bite 20:00 Delivery Man-PG15 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:00 Seven Psychopaths-18 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 05:00 Chopped 06:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 07:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 00:00 Live MSNBC The Ed Show 08:00 Chopped 01:00 Live MSNBC Politicsnation 09:00 Barefoot Contessa 02:00 Live NBC Nightly News 09:30 Amazing Wedding Cakes 02:30 ABC World News With David 10:30 The Pioneer Woman Muir 11:00 The Pioneer Woman 03:00 Live MSNBC All In With Chris 11:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin Hayes 12:00 Chopped 04:00 Live MSNBC The Rachel 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite Maddow Show 13:30 Guy’s Big Bite THOR- THE DARK WORLD ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 05:00 Live MSNBC The Last Word TV listings FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

W/ Lawrence O’Donnell 06:00 NBC Nightly News 06:30 ABC World News With David Muir 06:57 NBC Nightly News 07:18 ABC World News With David Muir 07:39 Live ABC Nightline 08:06 MSNBC The Rachel Maddow Show 09:00 MSNBC The Last Word W/ Lawrence O’Donnell 10:00 Live ABC World News Now 10:30 Live ABC World News Now 11:00 Live NBC Early Today 11:30 Live ABC America This Morning 12:00 Live ABC America This Morning 12:30 Live ABC America This Morning 13:00 Live ABC America This Morning 13:30 MSNBC First Look 14:00 Live NBC Today Show 17:57 MSNBC Hardball W/ Chris Matthews 18:38 MSNBC The Rachel Maddow Show 19:19 MSNBC The Last Word W/ Lawrence O’Donnell 20:00 Live MSNBC Live With Thomas Roberts 22:00 Live MSNBC The Cycle 23:00 Live MSNBC Now With Alex Wagner

00:00 Golfing World 03:00 PGA Tour 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 World Rugby 08:30 ICC Cricket 360 09:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 11:00 Golfing World 12:00 Live PGA European Tour 22:30 Inside The PGA Tour 23:00 Live PGA Tour The Expendables 3 ON OSN MOVIES HD

Behavior 15:00 American Pickers 17:40 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 00:30 Most Evil Bears 09:00 Golfing World 07:00 Happy Endings 16:00 American Restoration 18:05 The Next Great Baker 01:20 Evil, I 17:00 Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers 10:00 Super Rugby Highlights 07:30 Happy Endings 16:30 American Restoration 18:55 Cake Boss 01:45 Evil, I 17:25 Ducktales 10:30 Live Super Rugby 08:00 Lost 17:00 Storage Wars 19:20 19 Kids And Counting 02:10 Killer Truckers 18:00 Art Attack 12:30 Live Super Rugby 09:00 Masterchef: The Professionals 17:30 Storage Wars 19:45 19 Kids And Counting 18:30 Sofia The First 14:30 Live AFL Premiership 10:00 The Simpsons 18:00 Pawn Stars 20:10 Little People, Big World: Amy’s 18:55 Cars Toons 17:30 World Rugby 10:30 The Simpsons 18:30 Pawn Stars 50th 19:00 The Adventures Of Disney 18:00 Super Rugby Highlights 11:00 Private Practice 19:00 Ultimate Wheels 21:00 19 Kids And Counting Fairies 18:30 Super Rugby Highlights 12:00 The Block 20:00 American Restoration 21:25 19 Kids And Counting 19:30 Jake And The Neverland 19:00 WWE Bottomline 13:00 Da Vinci’s Demons 20:30 American Restoration 21:50 Little People, Big World: Down Pirates 20:00 WWE Superstars 14:00 Happy Endings 21:00 Storage Wars Under 19:45 Doc McStuffins 21:00 WWE Main Event 14:30 Happy Endings 21:30 Storage Wars 22:40 Long Island Medium 03:00 Art Attack 20:00 Adventures Of The Gummi 22:00 Live Super League 15:00 Melissa & Joey 22:00 American Pickers 23:05 Last Chance Salon 03:25 Julius Jr. Bears 15:30 Melissa & Joey 23:00 Storage Wars 23:55 Last Chance Salon 03:35 Calimero 20:30 Sofia The First: The Curse Of 16:00 Lost 23:30 Storage Wars 03:50 Henry Hugglemonster Princess 17:00 Cougar Town 04:00 Zou 21:25 Cars Toons 17:30 Criminal Minds: Suspect 04:15 Mouk 21:30 Ducktales Behavior 04:25 Jungle Junction 22:00 Lilo & Stitch 16:30 Indian Premier League H/L : 18:30 Criminal Minds: Suspect 04:35 Art Attack 22:25 Art Attack Eliminator Behavior 05:00 Julius Jr. 22:55 Limon And Oli 17:30 Live Indian Premier League : 19:30 Lone Star Legend 05:10 Calimero 23:05 Zou Qualifier 2 20:30 The Bridge 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 23:20 Mouk 21:00 Live Natwest T20 Blast : 21:30 How I Met Your Mother 00:45 Oprah Presents: Master Class 03:00 Blood Relatives 05:35 Zou 23:35 Jungle Junction Hampshire v Kent 22:00 How I Met Your Mother 01:35 Long Island Medium 03:45 Couples Who Kill 05:50 Mouk 23:50 Art Attack 22:30 Cougar Town 02:00 Last Chance Salon 04:30 Extreme Forensics 06:00 Jungle Junction 23:00 Cougar Town 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress 05:20 Nightmare Next Door 06:10 Art Attack 23:30 According To Jim 03:15 Something Borrowed, 06:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 06:35 Julius Jr. Something New Jones 06:45 Calimero 03:40 Soul Food Family 07:00 Nightmare Next Door 07:00 Jungle Junction 04:30 Cake Boss 07:50 Fatal Encounters 00:45 John Rabe: Part 2 07:15 Zou 05:00 Little People, Big World 08:40 I Almost Got Away With It 02:00 Wreckers 07:30 Calimero 03:00 Art Attack 05:30 Extreme Couponing 09:30 I Was Murdered 03:30 Inferno 07:45 Loopdidoo 03:25 Julius Jr. 06:00 17 Kids And Counting 09:55 Stalked: Someone’s 05:15 Welcome To The Sticks 08:00 Limon And Oli 03:35 Calimero 06:25 Cake Boss Watching 07:00 Frankenweenie 08:10 Jake And The Never Land 03:50 Henry Hugglemonster 00:00 Pawn Stars 06:50 Cake Boss 10:20 Forensic Detectives 08:30 From Paris With Love Pirates 04:00 Zou 00:30 Pawn Stars 07:15 Cake Boss 11:10 On The Case With Paula 10:00 John Rabe: Part 1 08:35 Doc McStuffins 04:15 Mouk 01:00 Ultimate Wheels 07:40 Cake Boss Zahn 11:30 John Rabe: Part 2 09:05 Art Attack 04:25 Jungle Junction 02:00 American Restoration 08:05 The Next Great Baker 12:00 Blood Relatives 13:00 Thorne: Sleepyhead 09:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 04:35 Art Attack 02:30 American Restoration 08:55 The Next Great Baker 12:50 True Crime With Aphrodite 15:15 A Heartbeat Away 10:00 Sofia The First: The Curse Of 05:00 Julius Jr. 03:00 American Pickers 09:45 Toddlers & Tiaras Jones 17:00 From Paris With Love Princess 05:10 Calimero 04:00 Ice Road Truckers 10:35 Toddlers & Tiaras 13:40 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 18:30 Wreckers 10:55 Calimero 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 05:00 Counting Cars 11:25 Something Borrowed, 14:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 11:10 Jake And The Neverland 20:00 33 Postcards 05:30 Counting Cars 05:35 Zou Something New 14:30 On The Case With Paula Pirates 05:50 Mouk 21:45 The Incredibles 06:00 American Restoration 11:50 Something Borrowed, Zahn 11:35 Limon And Oli 06:00 Jungle Junction 23:45 The Station Agent 06:30 American Restoration Something New 15:20 I Was Murdered 11:45 Loopdidoo 06:10 Art Attack 07:00 Counting Cars 12:15 Something Borrowed, 15:45 Stalked: Someone’s 12:00 Handy Manny 06:35 Julius Jr. 07:30 Counting Cars Something New Watching 12:15 Sofia The First 06:45 Calimero 08:00 American Restoration 12:40 Something Borrowed, 16:10 Fatal Encounters 12:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 07:00 Jungle Junction 08:30 American Restoration Something New 17:00 Blood Relatives 13:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 07:15 Zou 09:00 Ultimate Wheels 13:05 Something Borrowed, 17:50 I Almost Got Away With It 13:35 Zou 07:30 Calimero 10:00 American Pickers Something New 18:40 Forensic Detectives 13:50 Jake And The Never Land 07:45 Loopdidoo 00:00 Lost 11:00 Pawn Stars 01:00 Masterchef: The Professionals 13:30 Oprah: Where Are They Now? 19:30 True Crime With Aphrodite Pirates 08:00 Limon And Oli 11:30 Pawn Stars 14:20 Oprah Presents: Master Class Jones 14:15 Doc McStuffins 08:10 Jake And The Never Land 02:00 Private Practice 12:00 Storage Wars 03:00 The Block 15:10 Little People, Big World 20:20 The Will 14:45 Henry Hugglemonster Pirates 12:30 Storage Wars 15:35 Little People, Big World 21:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 15:10 Sofia The First 08:35 Doc McStuffins 04:00 Da Vinci’s Demons 13:00 Counting Cars 05:00 The Simpsons 16:00 Little People, Big World 21:35 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 15:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 09:05 Art Attack 13:30 Counting Cars 16:25 Little People, Big World 22:00 Killer Truckers 16:00 Cars Toons 09:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 05:30 The Simpsons 14:00 Shipping Wars 06:00 Criminal Minds: Suspect 16:50 Little People, Big World 22:50 Serial Killers 16:05 Lilo & Stitch 10:00 Sofia The First: The Curse Of 14:30 Shipping Wars 17:15 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 23:40 Couples Who Kill 16:30 Adventures Of The Gummi Princess Stars FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

Aries (March 21-April 19) COUNTRY CODES Libra (September 23-October 22) Any kind of work that requires precise thinking and concentration Afghanistan 0093 Lithuania 00370 Albania 00355 Luxembourg 00352 will have your attention for this Wednesday. Do not let all this concentration iso- Your success in solving problems today is like magic. You may be requested to solve problems in a special situation. Your ability to navigate Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 late you from others, however, or make you feel lonely. Take care to include your- Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 self in some activity that is full of pleasant communication. A conflict at work difficulties is quite good. Whatever you start now will have beneficial results. Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 could be resolved this Thursday. This Friday is a time when your powers of cre- This is a great time to begin a new and positive habit. Perhaps a more nutri- Anguilla 001264 Majorca 0034 tional way of feeding your body would be acceptable. Communicating and ativity are great, making your problem solving abilities above others. This, how- Antiga 001268 Malawi 00265 getting your message across to others is also at a high. Your timing is perfect ever, is not a good time to make any concrete decisions about a business deal. Argentina 0054 Malaysia 0060 and those around you should find you most spontaneous. Taxes may prove Armenia 00374 Maldives 00960 Positive energies are coming-patience and logic prevails. Although some of your less taxing than usual this month; you have a better understanding of how to energy needs direction, you seem confident and optimistic this Saturday. Feeling Australia 0061 Mali 00223 manage your financial affairs this year. You will help to give someone emotion- Austria 0043 Malta 00356 good about yourself does wonders for your overall attitude. Budgeting, caution al support this evening. Tonight you help with a special dinner or party. Bahamas 001242 Marshall Islands 00692 and discrimination with money are wise choices now. Bahrain 00973 Martinique 00596 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritania 00222 Barbados 001246 Mauritius 00230 Belarus 00375 Mayotte 00269 Belgium 0032 Mexico 0052 Belize 00501 Micronesia 00691 Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Benin 00229 Moldova 00373 Bermuda 001441 Monaco 00377 Your confidence is high, making this a super day to deal with others. Bhutan 00975 Mongolia 00976 This Wednesday is also a good time to lead the way on a project-for your originality In-depth discussions and probing conversations find you at Bolivia 00591 Montserrat 001664 your mental best. You can open up discussions into new and helpful direc- is finely tuned. If you should get a group together, everyone will feel a mutual bene- Bosnia 00387 Morocco 00212 tions. You may need to use your persuasive talents in getting people to per- fit. A lunchtime ending in a bit of exercise will help to keep your energies in balance Botswana 00267 Mozambique 00258 form and accomplish outside the norm but you will be successful. Projects that this Thursday. You return to work this afternoon to handle matters in a quick and Brazil 0055 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 need finishing can be handled efficiently. If you have been considering a new Brunei 00673 Namibia 00264 efficient manner. There are constructive conversations with friends and co-workers business venture, today is an exceptional day to begin. It is also a good day for Bulgaria 00359 Nepal 00977 after work-giving you ideas to ponder. The lack of work in the office this Friday could travel. You have a clear-minded insight into your own plans and methods. This Burkina 00226 Netherlands 0031 be a test to see who will create new business. Look for ways to increase business- is a good time for decisions. Loved ones, children and other people or things Burundi 00257 Netherlands Antilles 00599 even if you have to ask. Feeling good about yourself does wonders for your attitude dear to your heart might help you decide on the travel destination-if you are Cambodia 00855 New Caledonia 00687 this Saturday. People that have showed little or no support for you in the past will considering a leisure trip. You love being with your family. Cameroon 00237 New Zealand 0064 now give you help. Your support system is more secure. Canada 001 Nicaragua 00505 Cape Verde 00238 Nigar 00227 Cayman Islands 001345 Nigeria 00234 Central African 00236 Niue 00683 Chad 00235 Norfolk Island 00672 Chile 0056 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) China 0086 North Korea 00850 Colombia 0057 Norway 0047 This is an easy, relaxed sort of day-particularly if you avoid Your attitude for today is that everything’s coming up roses and Comoros 00269 Oman 00968 excesses. You are inclined to expect that the world will come to you-do not optimism rules the day. Life is for living and you cannot wait to partake of all Congo 00242 Pakistan 0092 those new and rewarding experiences that are waiting to enthrall you! Do not Cook Islands 00682 Palau 00680 expect too much. There is a line between relaxation and laziness. Life can be Costa Rica 00506 Panama 00507 beautiful when you feel you have contributed your own talents. If you give go overboard, but have fun! Any doubts about your capabilities fade into the background-you are encouraged to be expressive. Maternal instincts that Croatia 00385 Papua New Guinea 00675 your best effort now, success will be sure to follow. You should experience all Cuba 0053 Paraguay 00595 the benefits of this most powerful planet. There is enough energy available come to the forefront now may encourage you to make every effort to appease Cyprus 00357 Peru 0051 for you to successfully tackle any problem involved with your profession or any discordance in the home. This is a time in which you may desire beauty Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Philippines 0063 and clean spaces in the family setting. You might slip on a pair of earphones your personal life. This evening, friendships will be most pleasant. Your ener- Czech Republic 00420 Poland 0048 and use a little time later this afternoon to clear away a few things you no gy level is good and it’s best to apply it in practical pursuits. You may want to Denmark 0045 Portugal 00351 longer need. There is an opportunity to convene with nature this evening. show up at a community meeting-pay attention. Diego Garcia 00246 Puerto Rico 001787 Djibouti 00253 Qatar 00974 Dominica 001767 Romania 0040 Dominican Republic 001809 Russian Federation 007 Ecuador 00593 Rwanda 00250 Egypt 0020 Saint Helena 00290 El Salvador 00503 Saint Kitts 001869 Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) England (UK) 0044 Saint Lucia 001758 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Pierre 00508 This Wednesday is a great day for achievement and a most ener- You know how to gain the support you need for the work you Eritrea 00291 Saint Vincent 001784 Estonia 00372 Samoa US 00684 getic period-filling you with a great desire to succeed in all spheres of your life. are trying to accomplish this Wednesday. Do not be afraid to talk about what you want to accomplish in front of the people that you know will support you. Ethiopia 00251 Samoa West 00685 Working with partners in an open, honest environment can only bring good for- Falkland Islands 00500 San Marino 00378 tune to you now. This Thursday a period of intellectual creativity has dawned in Gathering information will help you make decisions for later this Thursday. This is an outstanding day to take on a mentally difficult project. Create a balance of Faroe Islands 00298 Sao Tone 00239 your life; expressing yourself with an expressive flair comes to mean more to you. Fiji 00679 Saudi Arabia 00966 You may be contemplating the additional education you will need to move into a work, play, rest and relaxation. Sometime this Friday you will remember what Finland 00358 Scotland (UK) 0044 better-paying job. Good for you . . . The result of this hard work is rewarding. This you already know. A little rest will bring about a fresh mind. There is a common France 0033 Senegal 00221 Friday is a time to sit down and get many things accomplished. Your workday interest in spiritual and mystical values among family members at this time. A French Guiana 00594 Seychelles 00284 moves smoothly. Believe it or not, you may unconsciously help a close friend love relationship is enjoyed today-there is a desire for closeness. You appreciate French Polynesia 00689 Sierra Leone 00232 through your efforts at this time. Communicating feelings becomes important this your particular situation and enjoy support from those around you this Gabon 00241 Singapore 0065 Saturday. You work mentally and physically to become more refined emotionally. Saturday. This is a powerful time of recognizing and using your intuition and Gambia 00220 Slovakia 00421 insights. Ownership matters can be under pressure. Georgia 00995 Slovenia 00386 Germany 0049 Solomon Islands 00677 Ghana 00233 Somalia 00252 Gibraltar 00350 South Africa 0027 Greece 0030 South Korea 0082 Leo (July 23-August 22) Greenland 00299 Spain 0034 Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Grenada 001473 Sri Lanka 0094 Guadeloupe 00590 Sudan 00249 You are captivating. People want to know your secrets and Your emotions are very close to the surface this Wednesday. Guam 001671 Suriname 00597 many would like your energy. You have creative ideas and can present these Your sensitivity about the needs of others and your desire to help is strong. This Guatemala 00502 Swaziland 00268 ideas to higher-ups with great success. This may be as advertisement ideas, should be one great day to work with people. If you are a salesperson, you Guinea 00224 Sweden 0046 short cuts, proofing techniques or perhaps a motivating contest for the should sell twice your quota! Words of reassurance can work wonders this Guyana 00592 Switzerland 0041 employees. Whatever the case, you are determined to make a positive differ- Thursday. You are compassionate and giving to all around you. Your devotion Haiti 00509 Syria 00963 ence and would be wise to keep up the pace of your good work. You find your- and selflessness will reap unexpected rewards. This evening is a great time to Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Serbia 00381 self enjoying a long conversation, writing a letter, or making a special phone plan new goals. Mental motivation from others is key for you this Friday. It is a Honduras 00504 Taiwan 00886 call this afternoon. A friend may seek you out for your advice regarding a very good idea to make every effort to cooperate and compromise with others. Any Hong Kong 00852 Tanzania 00255 personal issue. Helping someone else will help you to understand your own life professional project should be a great success. Marriage and other close rela- Hungary 0036 Thailand 0066 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Toga 00228 progress. If something puzzles you, an older, wiser head may give guidance. tionships give rise to great expectations this Saturday. This is a time to appreci- Tonga 00676 ate your ties to others, to promote harmony in the interaction between people. Iceland 00354 India 0091 Tokelau 00690 Emotional security is strong at this time. Trinidad 001868 Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 This is a time when you can expect a little boost, some sort of Stimulation from others is motivating this Wednesday. You are Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 extra support or recognition from those around you. You may feel that you are especially hardworking and ambitious on the professional level. You are readily Japan 0081 USA 001 in touch and in harmony with others-the lines of communication are open. receptive to all thoughts that impinge upon you. Any ongoing project should Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Though you may prefer to be around old friends, you certainly will not close the be a great success. Career strivings will meet with success this Thursday. You Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 door on making new ones just now. However you interact with people today- could be most persuasive with others and eloquent in speech and communica- Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 communicating one-on-one, leading a group toward a common goal, convinc- tion. The situation is a natural for self-expression, lending itself to your particu- Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 ing others in a sales or public relations effort-you will be a winner; all will feel lar ideas. Energy, excitement and the opportunity for new discoveries rule the Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 the warmth of your compassion. It will be genuine and it will be appreciated. day. You will appreciate an opportunity to partake in working partnerships or Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 You seem relaxed more than usual and are, perhaps, more in tune with your group activities this Friday. Mental encouragement from others is important to Yemen 00967 you. The day is good for compromises. Any past tensions will clear up now. Latvia 00371 own needs. You may value a loved one’s company this evening. Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Relax at night. Consider your next vacation. Consciously work on seeing the Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 positive in your work situations this Saturday. Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 HEALTH FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 Dogs that sniff out seizures improve kids’ lives Service pets alert families and provide freedom LOS ANGELES: When Alyssa Howes was 4, founder of 4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit she lost her sight and started having that breeds and trains service dogs. Other seizures - up to 20 a day. For years, her agencies train dogs specifically to help peo- grandmother stayed in the girl’s room at ple with seizures, but Ohio-based 4 Paws is night, watching for an attack. That ended one of just a few that does not exclude three years ago when Alyssa got a rare gift young children. for a young child: a service dog named Most require a minor to be 16 so they Flint. When the golden retriever moved in, can handle the dog alone in public. life changed for Alyssa’s Los Angeles-area Because a younger child cannot do that, 4 family. He gives the 11-year-old a more nor- Paws trains at least two adult caregivers, mal life by alerting her family to seizures, such as parents, teachers and baby-sitters. guiding her so she doesn’t fall and allowing Service dogs allow children to feel comfort- her to have a bit more freedom. able at the park, school and restaurants. In “It gives her a companion to enjoy the Alyssa’s case, it means no one has to stand moments when she is doing things she guard at night in case of seizures. likes to do,” said her mother, Juliette Palomaki. “And if she is having a bad day, Opening up a world she will call him and they will just be “Once we got Flint, she said she wanted together.” But not enough dogs are being to start sleeping on her own with him,” trained for children with epilepsy, autism Palomaki said. Animal behaviorist Brandon and other disabilities, said Karen Shirk, McMillan, the star of “Lucky Dog” on CBS, says it’s very easy for a child with disabilities to become a recluse. “Life shouldn’t be so complicated at 5,” said McMillan, a spokesman for Magnolia Paws for Compassion, which raises awareness that LAKEWOOD: Alyssa Howes, 11, walks down the steps at her family’s home with her kids can get service dogs. “Take a child who grandmother Cindy May and her service dog, Flint.— AP photos has a condition. Give them a dog. The dog opens up a world for this child. It’s impor- the child medicine. For Shirk, who has a “When we hear him bark, we know tant for a child’s life.” service dog, Piper, to help her with her something is up because he doesn’t bark Seizure dogs are costly - taking 4 Paws muscular dystrophy, getting that warning for any other reason,” Palomaki said. Alyssa $22,000 to breed and train, with each fami- allows her to take medicine that keeps her also has leukemia that’s in remission and ly asked to raise $15,000 - but they can alert breathing. “Messages don’t get through lacks full use of her right hand. Doctors their companions to seizures before they from the brain to the muscles,” Shirk said of won’t give a prognosis because they “don’t strike. Scientists say pooches smell a chemi- a seizure. “Without Piper, I barely have time want to put expectations or limitations on cal change when a person is about to seize to call 911 before everything shuts down.” her,” Palomaki said. “She walks, talks and - they just don’t agree how dogs do it, Shirk In Alyssa’s case, if Flint detects a seizure, he can read the whole Braille alphabet with said. At her training center, dogs learn to will lick her, become very attentive, lie on one good hand. She’s a true joy, and they bark to signal a seizure so an adult can give her and bark, the girl’s mother said. are a dynamic duo,” Palomaki said. —AP Alyssa Howes and Flint, pose for a photo. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

Kuwait

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (21/05/2015 TO 27/05/2015)

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FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 Hangzhou shows the way to China’s new economy GCC trade ministers meet in Doha Page 38 Page 41

KITTEH: Jordanian women sew jeans for the US market in a garment factory in the village of Kitteh in northern Jordan. The factory opened last year and created employment in an area where options had largely been limited to men joining the army and women staying home. —AP Mideast youth unemployment rises Post-Arab Spring chaos throws hundreds out of jobs

KITTEH, Jordan: Fawziyeh Sharif and dozens of other unemployed “don’t find a decent living, they look for struggle to find a job, Murad said. “It should be the One of those looking for a job, 20-year-old young women who make jeans for the US market in a the alternatives, and the alternative is the so-called opposite,” he said. “The pyramid is totally inverted.” Sajeda Sandouka, said she had hoped to become a factory in this village in northern Jordan consider Islamic State,” he said. The economically diverse Hussam Shgairat, 24, has an undergraduate degree in kindergarten teacher, but could not find a job. She themselves lucky - even though they spend 48 hours a region, which spans from Morocco in the west to Iraq accounting and has been looking for a job for the past wants to work, even if it does not involve teaching, week bent over sewing machines for minimum wage. in the east, includes wealthy oil exporting states in the two years, to no avail. “I’ve gotten to the point where but is worried her mother will not let her join a large Sharif, 24, landed her first-ever job when the Ivory Gulf, struggling energy importers like Jordan and eco- it’s unacceptable to ask for money from my family,” company where she might possibly have male co- Garments Factory opened last year and created nomically devastated countries engulfed in violence, said Shgairat, after emerging from a coffee shop in workers. Jordan has one of the region’s lowest rates employment in an area where options had largely such as Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen. There is a myriad downtown Amman on a recent afternoon. of women in the work force because of constraints been limited to men joining the army and women of reasons why the young are unemployed. A “youth Hisham Al-Halawani, 24, worked as a salesman in a imposed by a largely traditional society. To get staying home. Sharif said the job boosted her confi- bulge” has created a rising demand for jobs that can- downtown shop for 400 dinars a month, but said he around the cultural sensitivities, the garment factory dence and that she hopes to work her way up to sec- not be met at a time of tepid economic growth was recently replaced by a Syrian who was willing to in the northern village of Kitteh employs 82 women, tion supervisor. blamed on low oil prices and prolonged conflict. work for less. There are no simple remedies, though including 14 trained by EFE, but no local men. The Yet for millions of young people in the Middle East Outdated education systems with emphasis on learn- some have tried to make a dent in the problem. factory looked like a classroom - except that sewing and North Africa, jobs remain out of reach and the ing by rote are creating graduates who often lack skills Ronald Bruder, a US real estate developer and panelist machines are placed on desks - as the women, all problem has only worsened in the post-Arab Spring sought by the private sector. Old social contracts in at this week’s World Economic Forum, is focusing on dressed in long robes and headscarves, sewed black turmoil. Regional youth unemployment stands at 29.5 which autocratic governments serve as the largest narrowing the skills gap. A decade ago, he founded jeans for a US company. The women work eight percent, the world’s highest rate, an increase of two employers and buy acquiescence with large-scale sub- Education for Employment (EFE), an organization that hours a day, six days a week for minimum wage - percentage points in more than a decade, said the sidies of food and fuel have been breaking down. offers short-term training in technical skills, job search 190 Jordanian dinars ($270) a month. For many, it’s International Labor Organization. and how to set up a small business. The group said it the first time they earn money. Sharif said she has Starting yesterday, hundreds of political and busi- WEF agenda has trained 28,000 young people in Jordan, Egypt, been working for the past eight months and now ness leaders from 58 countries are coming together Cultural factors also play a role in labor market mis- Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen and Palestine. Of those, contributes as much to the family budget as her for a regional conference of the World Economic matches, including in Jordan, for example. Jordanians 7,800 have landed jobs, more than 14,500 were placed father, a retired soldier, and two brothers who serve Forum and Mideast youth unemployment will be on traditionally shun socially stigmatized blue collar jobs in internships and about 2,700 graduated from the in the army. She said she gets more respect in the the agenda. in construction and agriculture, leaving those to be entrepreneurship program. In Jordan, the organiza- family and loves being independent. “I used to have The problem has been debated by regional deci- filled by hundreds of thousands of migrant workers tion has trained about 5,000 people, with a job place- to ask my father for money, but now I can support sion-makers for years, but has taken on even greater and Syrian refugees despite a national unemployment ment rate of 85 percent, said Ghadeer Al-Kuffash, the myself,” she said. Bruder said he believes short-term, urgency with the growing appeal of militant ideas rate of 13 percent and youth unemployment of more head of the local EFE branch. On Wednesday, 20 com- targeted training could be a big part of the solution. among desperate young people and the extremist than 30 percent. Only about 30,000 young Jordanians munity college graduates attended a training session He said that if he could spend four or five times his Islamic State group’s land grab in Syria and Iraq. are currently enrolled in vocational schools that pro- at EFE’s Jordan office, practicing job interview skills. current budget of $12 million, “we could be 30 to 40 Widespread joblessness creates fertile ground for duce badly needed plumbers and carpenters, while Some of the women already have prospective jobs as percent of the problem solved.” Associated Press recruitment by militants, said Samir Murad, a former more than 10 times as many study at universities. cashiers and data entry workers, with their EFE men- writer Omar Akour in Amman, Jordan, contributed Jordanian labor minister. There is a risk that if the Once they graduate, many of the more educated tors connecting between them and employers. to this report. —AP Business FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 GCC trade ministers meet in Doha

DOHA: The 51st meeting of the Gulf Ahmad stressed the significance of $22 billion, and 290,000 shareholders. GCC trade ministries undersecretaries Cooperation Council (GCC) Trade boosting pan-GCC economic and trade By virtue of these positive signals and who held a preparatory meeting earlier Cooperation Committee constitutes a ties as a “guarantee for consolidating the other achievements of integration, the this month. These are topped with new step toward reactivating the bloc’s GCC joint action, boosting development GCC is going through a new economic obstacles of pan-GCC trade, GCC Trade joint action, Qatar’s Minister of Economy efforts and overcoming challenges.” reality embodied in decisions of GCC Mark Law, a Secretariat memorandum and Commerce Sheikh Ahmad bin Jassim For his part, GCC Secretary General economic citizenship and common mar- on the 16th GCC fair, the executive rule Al-Thani has said. Abdullatif Al-Zayani pointed to the stren- ket that embraces 47 million people and of the bloc’s trade mark law, and a Sheikh Ahmad told the opening ses- uous efforts by the specialized commit- GDP of about $1.6 trillion, besides for- guidebook on measures and models of sion that the meeting which started in tees that increased gains of the GCC citi- eign trade worth $1.4 trillion, Al-Zayani economic activities. Qatar yesterday would seek to give zens from the bloc’s common market. told the session. The Ministers will also address a impetus to development efforts in a bid He said that the GCC citizens moving He stressed directives by the GCC memorandum by the GCC Secretariat to fulfil expectations of the GCC people among the member states through the leaders on providing a favorable com- on the Accounting and Auditing through further integration and synergy, period 1995-2013 jumped from 4.5 mil- prehensive legislative environment for Organization (GCCAAO), and recom- also for the good of the entire region. lion to about 18 million. By the same realizing economic integration among mendations by the Intellectual Presiding over the meeting that token, companies whose shares are the member states. The ministerial Property Committee and the GCC brings together ministers of commerce accessible to all GCC peoples exceeded meeting discusses a host of topics and World Organizations Committee from the GCC member states, Sheikh 600 joint stock ones with a capital worth recommendations submitted by the (WTOs). — KUNA

News in brief

OPEC daily basket price up to $60.91pb VIENNA: The OPEC daily basket price yesterday stood at $60.91 a barrel Wednesday, compared with USD 61.11 the previous day, the cartel said here yesterday. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venez). In their annual meeting, OPEC oil ministers had agreed to leave production at a level of 30 million barrels a day.

Egyptian pound steady at official auction CAIRO: Egypt’s central bank kept the pound steady at 7.53 to the dollar at a foreign exchange auction yesterday, while the currency strengthened on the black market. The central bank has held the official LISBON: Demonstrators hold a banner reading “No to the national economy destruction; Privatize TAP is crime” as they exchange rate steady for more than three months march during a protest called by Movement of Public Service, FECTRANS (Federation of Transport and Communications since letting the pound weaken at the beginning of Trade Union), CGTP-IN and other trade unions, workers councils and other committees of users, against transport priva- 2015. This weakening and other measures have tization in Lisbon yesterday. — AFP helped reduce black market trading significantly. In Thursday’s auction, the bank said it had offered $40 million and sold $37.8 million at a cut-off price of Euro-zone growth weaker, 7.5301 pounds per dollar, unchanged from Tuesday’s rate. On the black market, the pound was trading at 7.65 pounds to the dollar yesterday, a Asia economy wobbles trader said, stronger than the 7.68/7.675 pounds quoted on Tuesday. Black market traders say vol- Emerging economy pins hopes on US for global bounce umes have fallen sharply since the central bank’s drive to stamp out their transactions, including the introduction of a cap in February on the amount of LONDON/SYDNEY: Euro-zone business up until September 2016. China is just flat year-on-year in April, ending four dollars that can be deposited in banks. growth was weaker than expected this starting the amount of additional liquidity months of falls, inflation data showed this month and factory activity in Asia’s top two and stimulus that will be needed to safely week. economies remained stuck in low gear, rebalance the economy.” World shares hovered near all-time putting the onus squarely on the United Markit’s Composite Flash PMI for the highs on Thursday after downbeat Chinese Egypt’s Juhayna to form States to drive a pick-up in global growth. euro zone, based on surveys of thousands data but European markets opened largely JV with Arla Foods An absence of inflation pressures sug- of companies and seen as a good growth subdued after the disappointing European CAIRO: Juhayna Food Industries, one of Egypt’s largest gested Asian authorities could inject more indicator, fell to 53.4 from 53.9, missing the numbers. dairy product and juice makers, will form a joint venture stimulus if needed, while growth in the 53.8 predicted in a Reuters poll. The US flash PMI, due later on Thursday, with Denmark’s Arla Foods that will be 51 percent troubled currency union weakened just May marks the 23rd month above the is expected to show a rise to 54.5 from owned by Juhayna and managed by Arla, Juhayna said two months after the European Central 50 level that separates growth from con- 54.1, according to a Reuters poll. yesterday. The venture, ArJu Food Industries, will add Bank launched a 1-trillion-euro stimulus traction and Markit said the PMI pointed to cheese, butter and infant formula to Juhayna’s existing program. Meanwhile, the US Federal 0.4 percent economic growth in the cur- CRACKS IN CHINA product lines, the statement said. The companies did not Reserve has all but put to bed speculation rent quarter, matching the prediction in a Annabel Fiddes, an economist at Markit, disclose the value of the deal or any financial details. It it would tighten policy in June as the Reuters poll this week. Demand from said relatively strong deflationary pres- aims to start sales in Egypt in October. Safwan Thabet, world’s biggest economy barely grew at abroad for the bloc’s goods soared to a 13- sures in China should leave plenty of scope Juhayna’s chief executive, said the deal would help the the start of the year. month high as customers took advantage for authorities there to implement further “The May (Purchasing Managers’ Index) of a weaker euro making the products stimulus measures. Beijing has already cut company expand into other regional markets. “Arla surveys were broadly disappointing cheaper, prompting firms to recruit at the interest rates three times in six months and already has a strong presence in the Gulf, especially although nothing terribly bad,” said fastest rate in four years. economists believe it will have to ease fur- Saudi Arabia, and is looking to enter North Africa and we Richard Kelly, head of global strategy at TD However, as in every month since late ther as economic growth threatens to slow at Juhayna will benefit from entering those markets with Securities. “There is no question the ECB is 2011, service firms cut their prices again, below the 7-percent pace of the first quar- them,” he told Reuters by telephone. going to continue with quantitative easing albeit only slightly. Euro-zone prices were ter.— Reuters Business FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 Access to EU energy market vital for UK Record gap between LONDON: A place in Europe’s energy market is vital for Britain, the rich and poor: OECD head of National Grid said yesterday, joining an increasing chorus of business leaders speaking out on the impact of a European Union referendum. Glaring differences between men, women The operator of gas pipelines and power cables, one of the top 20 UK companies by market capitalization, is investing heavily in PARIS: The gap between the rich and poor in most of the An increase in part-time and temporary work contracts as building new power lines to the continent and manages Britain’s world’s advanced economies is at record levels, according to well as self-employment was seen as an important driver of gas and power exchanges with its neighbors on a daily basis. “We an OECD study that also found glaring differences between increased inequality, with half of all jobs created in OECD cannot afford to lose the access to (European) energy supplies and men and women. countries between 1995 and 2013 falling into these cate- interconnection, whatever the framework is eventually,” Chief In most of the 34 countries in the Organization for gories. Executive Steve Holliday told Reuters. Economic Cooperation and Development the income gap is The report also found that as inequality rose, there were “Being part of the European energy market is unquestionably at its highest level in three decades, with the richest 10 per- significant falls in educational attainment and skills among essential for the UK.” National Grid is investigating the benefits of cent of the population earning 9.6 times the income of the families in lower income groups, thus implying large amounts European Union membership for Britain’s energy security to show poorest 10 percent. In the 1980s this ratio stood at 7 to 1, the of wasted potential and lower social mobility. As wages for the government Britain should remain part of the energy market OECD said in a report. The wealth gap is even larger, with the women are 15 percent less than for men, ensuring gender union. top 1 percent owning 18 percent and the 40 percent only 3 equality in employment is one way to reduce inequality. Britain’s new Conservative government has promised to hold a percent of household wealth in 2012. Redistributive taxes and transfers is another effective referendum on European Union membership by the end of 2017. “We have reached a tipping point. Inequality in OECD option, said the OECD as it noted that existing mechanisms The company has started analyzing how much value its countries is at its highest since records began,” said OECD have been weakened in many countries. “To address this, exchanges with EU countries are adding to Britain and will publish Secretary-General Angel Gurria. policies need to ensure that wealthier individuals, but also its findings in a couple of months, Holliday said. As high inequality harms growth prospects, there are eco- multinational firms, pay their share of the tax burden,” said “When we’ve completed that piece of work we’ll be using that nomic as well as social arguments for governments to try to the OECD, which has been playing a key role in an interna- to talk to government about those benefits,” he added. Many busi- address the issue, he said. “By not addressing inequality, tional effort to crack down on tax avoidance. ness leaders in Britain have said the country should remain a mem- governments are cutting into the social fabric of their coun- It also encouraged countries to broaden access to better ber of the EU. National Grid reported an 11 percent rise in annual tries and hurting their long-term economic growth,” said jobs and encourage greater investment in education and pretax profit yesterday, allowing the company to pay shareholders Gurria. skills throughout working life. a full-year dividend of 42.87 pence, up 2 percent year on year. The study found that the rise in inequality between 1985 The report found inequality to be highest in Chile, Mexico, The utility made 2.9 billion pounds ($4.5 billion) in pretax profit, and 2005 in 19 OECD countries knocked an estimated 4.7 Turkey, the United States and Israel among OECD countries. It ahead of a company-provided consensus forecast, and saw earn- percentage points off cumulative growth between 1990 and was lowest in Denmark, Slovenia, Slovak Republic and ings per share rise 9 percent to 58.1 pence. Its core British business 2010. Norway. — AFP performed better than its US unit, where return on equity fell to 8.4 percent from 9 percent last year due to additional costs occurred due to cold weather.— Reuters

Malaysia PM aims to shore up support with new growth plan

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak laid out his government’s growth strategy for the next five years yesterday, mixing spending on infrastructure with populist pledges on jobs and housing as he looks to shore up support amid growing criti- cism. Presenting the plan to parliament, Najib forecast gross national income per capita (GNI) would rise 7.9 percent per annum - enough to hit the goal set two decades ago of joining the ranks of high- income nations by 2020. Najib, who leads a government under fire over allegations of state corruption and mismanagement, said Malaysia’s real GDP would grow at a steady 5 to 6 percent annually until 2020, despite the impact of falling energy prices on the oil and gas producer. “We foresee greater volatility and uncertainty in the global econ- omy as a result of the decline in oil prices, realignment of exchange rates, as well as geopolitical risks,” Najib said in a foreword to the five-year blueprint. “In order to sustain our growth momentum and ensure that the ATHENS: A man puts a shopping bag in his bicycle basket in central Athens, yesterday. Greece will not be able to repay a rakyat (people) continue to prosper, we need to forge ahead with loan to the International Monetary Fund early next month unless a deal is reached with its creditors to unblock bailout greater resolve and introduce bold measures for the long-term ben- funds, the governing party’s parliament spokesman said Wednesday. —AP efit of all Malaysians.” The target of becoming a fully developed economy by 2020 was first laid out by long-serving former Prime Minister Mahathir ECB raises Greek banks’ Mohamad, now a scathing critic of Najib over alleged corruption in debt-ridden state investment fund 1MDB. The 11th Malaysian Economic Plan pledged 260 billion ringgit emergency funding cap ($72.18 billion) to achieving its development goals over the next five years, and included promises of more jobs and affordable hous- ATHENS: The European Central Bank source added. Greek banks are depend- Greek banks have a desperate need ing as the government seeks to rebuild popular support. yesterday raised the maximum emer- ent on the ECB for financing, but the for cash. Individual account holders and The plan comes as Malaysia navigates a tricky economic envi- gency funding that Greek banks can euro-zone’s central bank no longer business account holders withdrew ronment of slumping energy prices that threaten oil and gas rev- obtain by 200 million euros ($220 mil- accepts Greek sovereign bonds as collat- more than 26 billion euros between ear- enues. The country’s currency, the ringgit, has dropped to six-year lion), a Greek banking source said. eral for loans. ly December and late March, according lows against the dollar. “The plan was drafted for an ideal environ- The move lifts the ceiling on It had done so previously under a to figures from the Bank of Greece, amid ment,” said Kenanga Investment Bank economist Wan Suhaimie Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) to special waiver mechanism, but rescind- fears of the country defaulting under Wan Saidie. “It’s hard to judge if the plan would be successful after 5 80.2 billion euros, but it marks one of ed that waiver in February until Athens’ Tsipras’ radical government. years when anything can happen politically and economically.” the smallest increases yet in a series of new anti-austerity government under Wednesday’s ECB decision comes as ECB moves in recent months to step up Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras agrees a the Greek government is locked in FEEL-GOOD MEASURES the amount of cash available to banks in new debt deal with its creditors. tough talks with international creditors In the blueprint, Najib said GNI per capita would reach 54,100 debt-mired Greece. Without the waiver, Greek banks now who are demanding stringent reforms ringgit ($15,690) in 2020 - just above the 2020 target of $15,000 - Taking into account other unused rely solely on ELA, which is more expen- in return for the final 7.2 billion euros with average monthly household income increasing to 10,540 ring- amounts, the banks now have around sive than normal central bank refinanc- in bailout funds Athens urgently git from 6,141 ringgit in 2014.— Reuters 3.0 billion euros in funding available, the ing operations. needs. — AFP Business FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 40

Shares subdued by mixed China, euro-zone PMI data

LONDON: World shares hovered near mier Alexis Tsipras hoping to secure a turn of the year. tion in Chinese factory activity bolstered record highs yesterday after downbeat broad outline of a cash-for-reforms deal to The European Central Bank, which stimulus bets. “Under the current environ- Chinese manufacturing data kept pressure stave off a default. recently started a 1 trillion-euro stimulus ment, any excuse seems good enough to on Beijing for more stimulus and the But German Finance Minister Wolfgang program, released the minutes of its most cause a rally,” wrote Gerry Alfonso, director Federal Reserve signalled higher US inter- Schaeuble told Reuters in an interview the recent meeting, but they provided little of Shenwan Hongyuan Securities Co in est rates are still some way off. Greek government’s optimism about fresh insight. They showed the bank’s poli- Shanghai. European markets were largely sub- clinching a deal in the coming days was cymakers were pleased with the progress The recent surge in euro zone bond dued in morning trading, however, as not justified and that he could not rule out of its bond buying, but the minutes were yields has stalled this week, partly in weaker-than-expected German purchas- it becoming insolvent. from its April meeting, before the recent response to ECB policymakers saying the ing manager data (PMI) offset firmer fig- “It is coming to a head,” said Alvin Tan, sell-off in bond markets started. central bank would ramp up its bond buy- ures in France. Equivalent US figures are a currency strategist at Societe Generale in ing for the next two months. due at 1345 GMT. Wall Street, which will London. “It looks like it will be difficult for FRAGILE CHINA German 10-year yields, the benchmark also have a rise in jobless claims to digest, Greece to make it through June without a MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific for euro zone borrowing costs, nudged was expected to start the day weaker as new cash disbursement, so I think we are shares outside Japan ended little changed back higher on Thursday though, to 0.65 Europe’s main bourses pushed down as coming to the point where a deal is need- in Asian trading. South Korean, Hong Kong percent. Italian, Spanish and Portuguese much as 0.6 percent and investors also ed very soon, probably within the next two and Malaysian shares slipped, while 10-year yields were flat, though the nervy offloaded bonds. weeks.”The dollar drop was its first follow- Australian stocks jumped on bargain hunt- mood around Greece hit its bonds. . The euro gained though, hitting ing a three-day mini-revival and came after ing and emerging Asian currencies took US crude pushed up 60 cents to $59.58 $1.1160 as the dollar retreated after minutes from the Federal Reserve’s April advantage of the softer dollar. a barrel and Brent to $65.70 on fighting in Wednesday’s signals the Federal Reserve is meeting showed policymakers had all but Tokyo’s Nikkei ended almost flat after Iraq and signs the global supply glut may not yet confident enough to deliver a ruled out a rate hike in June. touching a 15-year high. High-flying be easing. China stimulus hopes helped lift long-awaited rate rise. Euro-zone leaders Traders took that as a cue to push back Chinese shares climbed another 1.2 per- copper off a three-week low. Gold held in a will meet later in Latvia, with Greek pre- their bets on the timing of the move to the cent as the third straight monthly contrac- range near $1,200 an ounce. —Reuters Japan unveils $110bn plan to fund Asia infrastructure Abe plan represents 30% rise over past funding

TOKYO: Japan unveiled a plan yesterday to funds in order to spread high-quality and But worried that Japan may look less pro- provide $110 billion in aid for Asian infra- innovative infrastructure throughout Asia, active than Beijing, Tokyo also wants to structure projects, as China prepares to taking a long-term view,” Abe said in a showcase its support for the region. launch a new institutional lender that is seen speech announcing the plan. “We had thought it was better not to as encroaching on the regional financial About half the funds will be extended by speak up much, but that doesn’t get clout of Tokyo and its ally Washington. The state affiliated agencies in charge of aid and through,” Koichi Hagiuda, a special aide to amount of Japanese funds, to be invested loans and the rest in collaboration with the Abe in his Liberal Democratic Party, told over 5 years, tops the expected $100 billion Asian Development Bank (ADB). Reuters. capitalisation of the Asian Infrastructure Japan hopes the aid will help draw pri- “So some demonstration seems to be Investment Bank (AIIB), the Beijing-spon- vate funds to help meet the vast demand for needed.” sored lender scheduled to begin operations infrastructure in Asia. The United States and Japanese and Chinese finance officials will meet in Beijing on June 6 and may dis- MANILA: World Trade Organization secretary gener- cuss the AIIB, but Tokyo looks unlikely to al Roberto Azavedo speaks during the Asian make a decision on joining any time soon. Development Bank (ADB) forum in Manila yester- LDP lawmakers looking into the matter day. Azevedo is on a one-day visit to attend the ADB will put together a report later this month or forum and a meeting with Philippine President in early June, but will only state the pros and Benigno Aquino. — AFP cons of joining or staying out, said Masahiko Shimayama, a member of the party panel. “I think it’s unlikely that the government Renault could would make a decision on when to join based on our report,” he told Reuters. reconsider Tokyo, which given the size of its econo- my could become the No. 2 donor if it Turkey investment decides to join the AIIB, may well keep its powder dry for some time to come. ISTANBUL: Renault could reconsider investment in “If it (AIIB) becomes a proper financial Turkey after a labor dispute stopped production at its institution for the sake of Asia, there is no Turkish joint venture Oyak Renault, the French car reason to be embarrassed about joining lat- er,” Hagiuda said. The United States and maker’s head of Eurasia said yesterday. Tofas and Ford unit Ford Otosan as well as Oyak TOKYO: A man looks at an electronic stock indicator of a securities firm Japan agreed last month that the World Bank and ADB should team up with the AIIB Renault have all halted output because of the dispute, in Tokyo yesterday. Asian stock markets were lackluster yesterday after which comes weeks ahead of a June 7 parliamentary China’s economy showed new signs of weakness and Fed minutes shed in syndicated loans as a way to help the new lender establish strong standards. election. Renault’s Jean Christophe Kugler told little light on the timing of a US interest rate hike. —AP The AIIB is holding a meeting of founder reporters Turkey was a high-potential market which next year. Japan were caught off guard when a total of members in Singapore this week to decide Renault had bet on for the long term and the dispute Japanese officials said the plan, 57 countries, including Group of Seven mem- on the articles of association and operational was a threat not only to Turkey, a major automotive announced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at bers Britain, Germany and France jumped on details. A delegate to the conference, speak- parts producer, but also to the global industry. a symposium of Asian officials and experts, board the AIIB bandwagon by March. ing on condition of anonymity, said it was Earlier, Industry Minister Fikri Isik said he wanted to represents a 30 percent increase over Tokyo’s The two allies have stayed out of the unlikely the new bank could start lending at see an immediate resumption of output, saying work- past infrastructure funding. China-led institution, seen as a rival to the the start of 2016 as predicted, given the ers’ demands could be discussed while production Japan said it wants to focus on “high US-dominated World Bank and Japan-led need for member countries to get approvals quality” aid, for example, by helping recipi- Asian Development Bank, citing concerns from their legislatures. continues. Speaking to reporters at a car show in ents tap its expertise in reducing pollution about transparency and governance - “China hopes that members get such Istanbul, Isik said the dispute was harming Turkish while building roads and railways. That’s an although Tokyo for one is keeping its approvals by year-end and the operations exports but production losses so far could be recov- implicit contrast with the AIIB, whose proj- options open. Finance officials said Japan’s start from the next year, said the Asian dele- ered. The action over working conditions and pay has ects Washington has said may not adequate- aid plan had long been in the works as part gate. “But I wonder if it is possible, given spread to a number of parts suppliers clustered ly safeguard the environment. of a Group of 20 pledge to meet global domestic political situations in each coun- around the northwestern city of Bursa, the Turkish “We intend to actively make use of such needs. try.” —Reuters auto industry hub. —Reuters Business FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 41 Hangzhou shows the way to China’s new economy Services sector to take up slack as factories slow

HANGZHOU, China: Signs that China’s reforms may be paying off have sprung up in the eastern coastal city of Hangzhou, where a booming high-tech and software sector has fired up the local economy in defiance of a nationwide slowdown. From venture capital funds to big data firms, hundreds of technology-linked companies have set up shop in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, to create a thriving services centre that is picking up the slack from wilting factory growth. Once home to thousands of makers of household wares, Zhejiang’s transformation is an exemplar of Chinese leaders’ vision of an economy powered less by exports and investment and more by services and advanced industry, as embodied in the country’s “Made in China 2025” strategy published on Tuesday. The province, which accounted for 6.3 percent of China’s economy last year, is benefiting from reforms being rolled out across China, such as tax breaks for high-tech firms, more funding for internet start-ups, and a better logistics network to aid e-com- merce. A case in point, Kuaidi Dache, part of China’s biggest taxi- hailing app, employs close to 2,000 workers today, compared with fewer than 10 just three years ago. “Kuaidi was founded in Hangzhou, which has a very open economy and is very receptive to new technologies,” said Zhao Dong, Kuaidi’s co-founder and chief operating officer. At the Internet Finance Building in west Hangzhou, which houses technology start-ups, Silicon Valley cul- ture is taking root. Young workers stroll about in tee-shirts, jeans and sneakers, and offices are lined with treadmills, ping-pong tables and spaces for Friday night parties. Growth in Zhejiang accelerated to 8.2 percent in the first quar- ter of this year, up from 7 percent a year earlier, while growth in the rest of China slipped to 7 percent, a quarterly low not seen since the depths of the 2008/09 global financial crisis. In Hangzhou, a city of 7 million people just an hour’s train ride from Shanghai, local authorities have long allowed private enter- prise to flourish. It is the birthplace of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group , which earned annual revenues of 76.2 billion yuan ($12.3 billion) in its last financial year, and hired nearly 13,000 employ- BEIJING: Two men play Chinese chess on old office chairs outside a recycling center in Beijing yesterday. Chinese ees in the year since March 2014. authorities have taken a series of steps to stimulate the economy, including three interest rate cuts since November “There’s a whole ecosystem that has developed around and two reductions in the amount of cash banks must keep in reserve, in a bid to boost lending. — AFP Alibaba,” said Jin Zhongkun, co-founder of Loafer’s Weekend, a Hangzhou events app that promotes activities to subscribers. “It used to be that Zhejiang was supported by small and medi- um-sized enterprises that focused on exports, but now you see a New Zealand misses lot of really good venture capital firms.” THE MARRYING KIND budget surplus target Hangzhou is not unique. The services sector in the southern city of Shenzhen is also expanding rapidly, and growth in other local economies in eastern China has only slowed a shade this WELLINGTON: New Zealand con- Updated Treasury forecasts indicat- tax cuts in 2017, an election year, if year. Countrywide, the services sector is employing an increasing firmed yesterday it had failed to meet a ed just a few months after last year’s economic conditions allowed. share of the working population, up to 38.5 percent in 2013, leav- pledge to deliver a budget surplus this budget that a surplus was unlikely, Opposition Labor Party finance ing manufacturing behind on 30 percent. year, although Finance Minister Bill although Key maintained until this spokesman Grant Robertson scoffed at Kevin Lai, an economist at Daiwa in Hong Kong, said this English insisted the government’s month that the goal was “challenging” English’s prediction of a narrow surplus would put a floor beneath China’s economic slowdown, though books were on the right track. but still possible. next year, saying the National Party-led it could only temper the drag on growth from headwinds such as The annual budget showed a deficit English said that even though the government had already shown it China’s massive local government debt. Eastern provinces such of NZ$684 million ($500 million) for long-awaited surplus was yet to be could not be trusted to meet its eco- as Jiangsu and Zhejiang are among China’s most indebted local 2014-15, more than a billion dollars off realised, striving for it had forced the nomic goals. “Not reaching surplus at governments. For Liu Yang, a deputy manager at Hangzhou the NZ$372 million surplus English pre- government to impose fiscal discipline, the peak of the economic cycle is a Efuton Tea Co Ltd, one of China’s top online tea sellers, dicted last year. reducing debt and reining in expendi- huge failure and makes a mockery of Hangzhou’s pro-business environment is a model for the rest of Blaming a fall in dairy prices for the ture. “The overall fiscal trajectory has National’s claims to be good economic China. Companies here receive “enormous” state support, Liu budget miss, English said he now not changed,” he said. “The surplus tar- managers,” he said. said. Entrepreneurs get housing subsidies, and companies are expected to end a seven-year run of get has helped turn around the gov- But ratings agencies Standard & invited to networking and industrial design events run by the deficits slightly later than originally ernment’s books. We’ve come from an Poor’s and Moody’s both shrugged off government. Liu had just returned from a local-government-led expected, forecasting a razor-thin sur- NZ$18.4 billion deficit four years ago to the missed surplus, saying the budget tour of Haier Group, China’s biggest household appliance maker, plus of NZ$176 million in 2015-16. He seeing steadily rising surpluses into the would not affect New Zealand’s credit in Qingdao, eastern China. “This is a government that helps com- said the surplus would then surge to future.” rating. S&P declared budget projec- panies,” Liu said. Official figures reflect the reshaping of NZ$3.6 billion by 2018-19 “subject to He said New Zealand’s farm-reliant tions “broadly in line with our expecta- Zhejiang’s economy. the usual economic variabilities”. economy, which generates an annual tions”, while Moody’s said they showed Investment in its services sector jumped 33.3 percent in the English added that the government gross domestic product of about “a continuing positive trend in the gov- first three months of the year, far outstripping a 5.8 percent rise was on track to reduce debt, while also NZ$230 billion, was among the ernment’s finances, reflecting the rela- in factory investment. Investment in the communications, soft- assisting society’s most vulnerable, strongest in the developed world. tively good underlying economic fun- ware and IT industries was particularly buoyant, soaring 138.5 including a new NZ$790 million pack- damentals”. percent, compared with spending cuts in some factories. age for needy families. ‘Big picture’ impressive TD Securities strategist Annette Investment in ferrous metal smelting fell 23.6 percent. That is “We’re making good progress on Budget papers forecast economic Beacher said the budget “hit the right altering perceptions among young Hangzhou residents, said Cai the government’s fiscal priorities and growth averaging a touch more than notes” for the market, contrasting the Jingyan, a spokeswoman at Kuaidi. Many now aspire to work for the outlook is positive,” he said. 2.8 percent in the next four years, with figures with last week’s Australian Chinese internet firms instead of multinational corporations and Prime Minister John Key’s conserva- subdued inflation averaging less than budget, where the deficit is expected state-owned giants such as Hangzhou Iron and Steel Group, tive government first promised to 2.0 percent. English said the govern- to hit US$28 billion in 2015-16. “The known as Hanggang. deliver a 2014-15 surplus four years ment was still on target to meet its ‘big picture’ remains impressive, with “There’s a popular saying in Hangzhou - back in the day, girls ago, making it a cornerstone economic long-term goal of reducing net debt to improving debt and deficit metrics, wanted to marry boys who worked at Hanggang. But now they policy in campaigning for general elec- below 20 percent of gross domestic especially compared with Australia,” want to marry boys who work at Alibaba,” Cai said. —Reuters tions in 2011 and 2014. product by 2020. He flagged possible she said. —AFP Sports FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 42 Astros overpower Oakland Athletics 6-1

HOUSTON: Evan Gattis hit a two-run homer to help Dallas Keuchel runs in 12 1-3 innings for a 15.33 ERA. Wada drew a leadoff walk and scored on Dexter Fowler’s triple to earn his eighth straight win, and the Houston Astros kept rolling right, just beating the relay throw by Jedd Gyorko. Fowler came with a 6-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. The PHILLIES 4, ROCKIES 2 in on Bryant’s sac fly to left. Astros improved to an American League-best 27-14, giving them Rookie Severino Gonzalez pitched five solid innings, Ryan the best start through 41 games in franchise history. Sitting atop Howard homered and Philadelphia Phillies beat Colorado for its ANGELS 4, BLUE JAYS 3 the AL West, this is the latest the Astros have led their division since seventh win in eight games. Gonzalez (2-1), recalled prior to the Marc Krauss hit a go-ahead two-run double in the seventh May 22, 2004. Keuchel (6-0) allowed six hits and no earned runs in game from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, allowed a run on five hits in his inning and Los Angeles rallied to beat Toronto for its seventh win seven innings to lower his ERA to 1.67. He’s won eight straight deci- third big league start. Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect ninth in nine games. Mike Trout hit a solo homer and Jered Weaver sions dating back to last year, which is the longest streak by a for his 11th save in 11 chances. The Phillies took a 2-0 lead at the pitched seven innings to win his third straight start. The Angels starter in the majors. And his 6-0 mark this year is the best by an outset against Eddie Butler (2-5), who labored to get through a 43- have rallied to win in five of their past six victories. Krauss’s key Astro since Roger Clemens opened the 2004 season at 9-0. pitch first inning. He had a chance to escape unscathed but with hit came one inning after he replaced Albert Pujols, who left after two on and two outs, he short-hopped a throw to first on Maikel being hit on the left hand by a pitch from Toronto’s Drew NATIONALS 3, YANKEES 2 Franco’s comebacker for an error, allowing Howard to score from Hutchison. The Angels said Pujols suffered a contusion. Weaver Cleanup hitter Bryce Harper and manager Matt Williams were third. Jeff Francouer followed with an RBI single. (3-4) allowed three runs and four hits. Joe Smith worked the both ejected in the third inning, but Washington came back to beat eighth and Huston Street finished for his 14th save. Toronto lost New York on Denard Span’s tiebreaking RBI single in the seventh. RANGERS 2, RED SOX 1 for the ninth time in 11 games. Harper, the NL Player of the Week twice in a row, entered with 10 Phil Klein allowed one run in his first major league start, homers in his previous 12 games. In his second at-bat, he got into BRAVES 2, RAYS 1 an argument with plate umpire Marvin Hudson after a first-pitch Williams Perez gave up one run over five innings in his first strike call and was tossed. Williams then came out of the dugout to major league start and fellow rookie Todd Cunningham drove in move Harper out of the way and get in Hudson’s face, leading to the tiebreaking run with a groundout as Atlanta beat Tampa Bay. the second ejection. After getting kicked out, Williams went over The Braves bullpen threw four scoreless innings to close out the and kicked dirt on home plate - with one swipe by each foot. Span win for Brandon Cunniff (2-0). Jason Grilli picked up his 12th save drove in an unearned, go-ahead run with a bases-loaded single off to ensure a split of the two-game series. Freddie Freeman scored reliever Justin Wilson. the go-ahead run after reaching on a ground-rule double in the sixth inning. He advanced to third on Nick Markakis’ single and GIANTS 4, DODGERS 0 scored on Cunningham’s grounder. Rays right-hander Jake Buster Posey hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning through Odorizzi (3-4) allowed two runs and four hits over six innings. It a thick mist hovering above the field, Tim Lincecum won his third was the eighth time this season the Rays have scored two runs or straight decision and San Francisco beat Los Angeles for its fifth less in one of his starts. straight victory. Brandon Crawford had an RBI single among his three hits and Angel Pagan backed Lincecum with his glove by TWINS 4, PIRATES 3, 13 INNINGS stealing an extra-base hit from Yasmani Grandal with a great catch Joe Mauer hit his first home run of the season, a solo shot off at the wall in center field in the seventh. San Francisco matched its Antonio Bastardo in the 13th inning to help Minnesota to a victo- season-high winning streak and pulled within 21/2 games of NL ry over Pittsburgh. Mauer’s fly ball to right reached the first row West-leading Los Angeles. Lincecum (4-2) won a fourth straight of seats, his first home run since Aug. 17, 2014. Torii Hunter went home start for the first time since July 4-Aug. 1, 2009. He struck out 3 for 5 with three RBIs for the Twins, who improved to an AL-best four over seven innings to pass Hall of Famer Carl Hubbell for 13-5 in May. Brian Duensing (2-0) picked up the win. Glen Perkins fourth place on the franchise all-time list with 1,680 Ks. worked the last inning for his major league-leading 15th save. Josh Harrison went 3 for 6 for the Pirates. Andrew McCutchen had INDIANS 4, WHITE SOX 3 three hits, including a solo home run off Blaine Boyer in the Shaun Marcum won his first start in almost two years, Michael eighth but the Pirates fell to 0-6 in extra-inning games when Brantley had a two-run double in the seventh inning, and Bastardo (0-1) let Mauer go deep. Pittsburgh has lost six of seven Cleveland beat Chicago. Recalled earlier Wednesday from Triple-A and moved a season-worst four games under .500. Columbus, Marcum went 6 2-3 innings and gave up two runs and four hits and struck out six for the Indians, who have won four of DIAMONDBACKS 6, MARLINS 1 six. Jose Ramirez had two hits and two runs and reached base four Chase Anderson allowed four hits in a career-high eight times in a game that began after a 31-minute rain delay. Marcum innings and Arizona dealt Miami its sixth straight loss. David (1-0) hadn’t started a game in the major leagues since July 6, 2013, Peralta drove in three runs and AJ Pollock had three of the for the New York Mets. He was later diagnosed with thoracic outlet Diamondbacks’ six stolen bases. He had three hits and scored syndrome, which involves nerves near the neck and caused tingling four times. Anderson (1-1) picked up his first win of the season in and numbness in Marcum’s right hand, eventually leading to shoul- eight starts. He walked one while striking out two. Anderson der surgery. He’s made one appearance in relief this season, throw- pitched into the ninth and left the bases loaded with nobody ing five innings and allowing one run against Detroit on April 12. DENVER: Center fielder Odubel Herrera #37 of the out, but Brad Ziegler was able to finish off the Marlins allowing Philadelphia Phillies makes a leaping catch for the first just one run to score. The Marlins have lost nine of 10 overall CARDINALS 9, METS 0 out of the fifth inning and went on the throw to first base and all three games under new manager Dan Jennings. David Matt Adams hit a long three-run homer, Jason Heyward also to double up Ben Paulsen of the Colorado Rockies for the Phelps (2-1) allowed four runs, five hits, and three walks in five connected and St Louis enjoyed a second consecutive offensive second out at Coors Field on May 20, 2015 in Denver, innings. outburst, roughing up Bartolo Colon in a rout of New York. Matt Colorado.—AFP Holliday and Kolten Wong both had three hits to back Carlos MARINERS 4, ORIOLES 2 Martinez (4-2), who pitched 6 1-3 innings of four-hit ball in ending Roenis Elias took a four-hitter into the eighth inning, Justin his two-game skid. Following a 10-2 victory Tuesday night, the Robinson Chirinos hit a solo homer and Texas beat Boston. The Ruggiano homered and Seattle beat Wei-Yin Chen and Baltimore. Cardinals improved the best record in the majors to 27-13. Pitching Rangers took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a sacrifice fly by Elias (1-1) allowed one run, six hits and no walks in 7 2-3 innings. four days before his 42nd birthday, Colon (6-3) finally began to Elvis Andrus after singles by Adrian Beltre and Mitch Moreland. The left-hander did not permit a runner past first base until the show his age. Trying again to become baseball’s first seven-game They made it 2-0 in the third when Chirinos hit his fourth homer of seventh inning and at one point retired 10 in a row. Although winner, he was hit hard all game and even walked two batters - one the season. Klein, called up Wednesday from Triple-A Round Rock, Elias didn’t give up more than three runs in any of his previous more than he had all season. And coupled with Washington’s vic- allowed four hits through four scoreless innings before giving up a four starts this season, the Mariners scored only six runs while he tory over the New York Yankees, the Mets’ loss dropped them out leadoff homer to Xander Bogaerts, his second of the year, in the was in the game. Ruggiano turned things around this time, scor- of first place in the NL East for the first time since April 14. fifth. Texas won for only the second time in six games and split the ing twice and driving in two runs. He came in batting .213 with first two games of the three-game series. Klein (1-0), who has 23 one homer and one RBI in 26 games. Carson Smith got the last ROYALS 7, REDS 1 relief appearances in his career, left with runners at first and second out in the eighth and Fernando Rodney got his 10th save. Jeremy Guthrie pitched six shutout innings and Kansas City beat and one out in the sixth. Cincinnati. The Royals tied a club record with 24 consecutive score- TIGERS 5, BREWERS 2 less innings, which was set June 9-12, 1976. That streak ended in CUBS 3, PADRES 2 Nick Castellanos hit a bases-loaded triple with two out in the the seventh when Brandon Phillips’ two-out double off reliever Left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada struck out nine in 4 2-3 innings in eighth inning to lift Detroit to a victory. The Tigers avoided a Ryan Madson scored Zack Cozart. The Royals, who won for the fifth his season debut and Kris Bryant drove in the go-ahead run with sweep in the three-game series thanks to a rally in their final at- time in six games, improved to 26-14, the franchise’s best record a sacrifice fly in the fifth to lead Chicago to a victory against San bat. With two out, nobody on and the score tied at 2, Jonathan after 40 games. Guthrie (4-2) pitched out of a bases-loaded, one- Diego. Wada opened the season on the disabled list with a left Broxton (1-1) allowed consecutive singles by JD Martinez and out predicament in the first inning and won his third straight start. groin strain and made six rehab starts. He struck out seven of the Yoenis Cespedes and a walk to Tyler Collins. Castellanos’ line He gave up five hits, walked two and struck out three. Guthrie first nine Padres batters. His only mistake was allowing a two-run drive down the line dropped in, then skipped past right fielder retired 13 on fly balls and two on grounders. Reds right-hander homer to Justin Upton to straightaway center field to give the Gerardo Parra to clear the bases. Blaine Hardy (2-0) struck out the Jason Marquis (3-4) was pulled after 3 2-3 innings, yielding four Padres a 2-1 lead with two outs in the fourth. It was his team- only batter he faced for the win, and Joakim Soria pitched the runs, four hits, two sacrifice flies, two walks and a wild pitch. In los- leading 11th, and Derek Norris was aboard on a one-out single. ninth for his 13th save in 13 chances. Ryan Braun homered for ing his past three starts, Marquis has surrendered 21 hits and 15 The Cubs retook the lead in the fifth against Tyson Ross (2-4). the Brewers.—AP Sports FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 43 Kuwait’s shooters grab gold, bronze

By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: Kuwait shooters participating in the Grand Prix being held in Gabala, Azerbaijan have increased their cache of medals. Shooter Hamad Al-Afasi won the gold medal in the Double Trap event; Ahmad Al-Afasi won the bronze medal during the third day of competi- tion. Sarah Al-Hawal grabbed the bronze medal during the first day of competi- tion, while shooter Abdelrahman Al- Faihan won the bronze in the Trap Eng Duaij Al-Otaibi event. Meanwhile the president of Prime Minister and Information Minister, Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations State Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Eng Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi praised their Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al- achievements which he dedicated to HH Sabah. Al-Otaibi lauded the high spirits the Amir, HH the Crown Prince, HH the shown by the national team shooters. Equestrian, curling, tennis join SportAccord’s exodus LONDON: The international federations of equestrian, curling and table tennis cut ties with SportAccord yester- day, the latest round of walkouts after its president sharply criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Some 17 Olympic federations have already with- drawn their membership of the umbrella organization, which represents about 100 Olympic and non-Olympic sports bodies, after its president Marius Vizer criticized the IOC last month. “The FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports), alongside many other international sports feder- ations... will seek full clarity regarding SportAccord’s role and mission, including a review of SportAccord’s gover- nance and management,” FEI president Ingmar De Vos said in a statement yesterday. The World Curling Federation (WCF) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) also suspended their membership yes- terday, with curling officials saying Vizer’s comments did not represent their federation. Vizer told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday he had proposed a meeting with IOC president Thomas Bach to clear the air and said membership withdrawals from ATLANTA: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) and Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) SportAccord were the result of pressure from the IOC on chase a loose ball during the first half in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball play- the federations. “I had expected more solidarity from offs on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. —AP international federations, specifically from summer Olympics federations, because I spoke out in the favor of the sport,” Vizer said. “I did not attack Bach or the IOC. But it is up to the federations to decide what they consid- Cleveland top Atlanta er the best for their situation and their sports communi- ty.” Bach, however, said in a written response seen by ATLANTA: LeBron James and the he defended and that he got eight Brotherhood Reuters that he would first have to consult his executive Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the top-seed- rebounds.” Jeff Teague scored 27 points to lead board as well as other stakeholders before committing to ed Atlanta Hawks 97-89 on Wednesday to Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player Atlanta, but the Hawks lost starting forward a meeting with Vizer. The executive board next meets in open the NBA Eastern Conference finals. James scored 31 points, pulled down eight DeMarre Carroll to a left leg injury in the Lausanne in June. With a berth in the NBA championship rebounds and handed out six assists for fourth quarter. Carroll, who appeared to finals on the line in the best-of-seven the Cavaliers. He said defense was the key hyperextend his left knee when he planted Pressure mounts series, JR Smith set a Cavaliers club record to the victory. “We’re the number one his foot to take a shot, crumpled to the floor However, time is of the essence for Vizer as the mem- for three-pointers, draining eight from defensive team in the playoffs. In order for in pain. Rival James gave him some encour- bership suspensions mount and pressure on the interna- beyond the arc. His 28 points accounted us to win, ultimately we have to defend,” aging pats as Hawks personnel helped him tional judo president grows exponentially. On for all of the scoring by Cleveland reserves. said James, who is playing in his fifth from the court. “At the end of the day, we’re “I was just trying, if anything, to take good straight Eastern Conference finals after all a brotherhood,” James said. “You never Wednesday, the international rowing federation as well shots,” Smith said. “I got in a rhythm early four appearances with Miami. “Tonight want anyone to get injured, even in com- as modern pentathlon and volleyball pulled out of and just stayed aggressive.” we shot 44 percent from the field, but we bat.” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said SportAccord. Since Vizer’s scathing attack on the IOC, in Smith’s long-range bombs came in defended. We gave ourselves a chance. Carroll would have an MRI exam on which he claimed the Olympic body was dated, not trans- bunches, including three in the first two When you defend at a high level you’re Thursday to assess the severity of the injury. parent enough and blocking new initiatives, a string of minutes of the fourth quarter as he helped going to give yourself a chance to win “At this point, I think the doctors are saying federations have pulled out of his organization. The Cleveland build an 18-point lead. He broke every night.”James has won two titles with it’s a knee sprain,” Budenholzer said. “We’ll departures already include athletics, boxing, archery, James’s prior Cavaliers record for three- the Heat and returned to his home state know tomorrow.”The Cavaliers will try to triathlon, taekwondo, wrestling, shooting, canoeing, pointers in a playoff game by one. James and first NBA team the Cavaliers, vowing strengthen their grip on the series in game hockey, bobsleigh and weightlifting. Several sports have made three against Washington in game to bring Cleveland a championship. He two on Friday. The winners of the series will four of the 2006 Eastern conference quar- sealed Wednesday’s victory with a thun- take on the Western Conference champions also pulled out of the 2017 World Combat Games organ- ter-finals. “Those who know J R know dering dunk in the final minute. Tristan in the NBA Finals. Golden State, the best ised by SportAccord, leaving the event with just two of when he gets hot, he gets smoking hot,” Thompson added 14 points and 10 team in the regular season, leads Houston 1- the initial six Olympic sports along with 10 other non- said Cavaliers coach David Blatt. “He was rebounds in the win and Kyrie Irving had 0 in the Western Conference champi- Olympic sports. —Reuters terrific. Probably overlooked is how well 10 points and six assists in 27 minutes. onships.—AFP Sports44 FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 Wary Djokovic on the brink of history

PARIS: Novak Djokovic can become just the eighth man to complete the career Grand Slam with a maiden French Open victory, but the world number one steps into Roland Garros badly bruised by his Paris history. Djokovic, who turns 28 today, two days before the start of the season’s sec- ond major, is the overwhelming favorite to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires and claim his ninth career Grand Slam title. Victory would take him alongside Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as a winner of all four majors. It would also take him halfway to a calendar Grand Slam, a challenge so daunting that only Budge (1938) and Laver (1962 and 1969) have managed to pull it off. Djokovic comes into Paris riding a 22-match winning streak, a season which has already seem him capture a fifth Australian Open as well as Masters titles in Indian Wells, Miami and on clay at Monte Carlo and Rome. However, the Serb has been in this situation before. In 2011, he entered the French Open as hot favorite but saw a 43-match win- ning sequence ended by Federer in the semi-finals. A year later, Djokovic was defeated by Nadal in a four-set final which was completed on the third Monday because of rain. In 2013, it was the Spaniard who again came out on top, this time in the semi-finals despite Djokovic having led 4-2 in the fifth set. Twelve months ago, Nadal claimed his ninth title as Djokovic wilted once more in the championship match. No surprise then to see Djokovic, whose overall 2015 record reads 35 wins and just two losses, trying to contain the hype PARIS: In this file photo, Serena Williams makes a return against Alize Lim, of France, during a first round match at the ahead of his 11th French Open. “I don’t think that I need to French Open tennis tournament in Paris, France. Serena Williams will be competing in the 2015 French Open tennis tour- gear up or do anything special in order to be successful at nament.—AP Roland Garros. I have been very close to that title before, played several finals,” he said after beating Federer 6-4, 6-3 to win a fourth Rome title last weekend. “I just need to con- tinue preparing myself for that event as I prepare for any Serena, Sharapova set other, try to keep the routine going and hope it will take me where I want to be.”

‘Life goes on’ for Paris showdown Nadal goes into the French Open with his astonishing record of nine titles, 66 wins and just one loss. But the 28- year-old defending champion has slumped to seven in the PARIS: The two biggest names and was physically. I am prepared enough to reach the final, but there are players world, his lowest ranking since 2005, the year of his maiden highest earners in women’s sport will to be ready,” she said after her win in in the draw who could derail them. Roland Garros title. Nadal heads for Paris without a set off on another collision course Rome at the weekend. Romanian Simona Halep made the European claycourt title for the first time in a decade and his when the French Open gets underway “I’ve definitely progressed on clay, final last year and took Sharapova all relatively humble ranking means he could come across the at Roland Garros on Sunday. Serena that’s no secret. It wasn’t an overnight the way, Petra Kvitova is the reigning likes of Djokovic, Federer or in-form Andy Murray as early as Williams is a 19-time Grand Slam win- success for sure. It was a lot of work, Wimbledon champion who is return- the quarter-finals. “I’m going to be ranked lower than ever ner, at 33 still the undisputed queen of physical and mental to get to that ing to form after a bout of exhaustion playing Roland Garros, so that will mean the chance to play tennis and the top seed. Maria stage.” An upset for Williams is not out and Caroline Wozniacki is enjoying a against very tough opponents,” 14-time major winner Nadal Sharapova has won two out of the last of the question as she has been vul- return to form that followed on from said. “At the same time, if I go to Roland Garros and I lose three titles in Paris, including last year, nerable in the past on the Paris clay her run into the US Open final last and I don’t play well, life continues. It’s not the end of the world.” and at 28 is in the prime of her glitter- and, after losing her 27-match unbeat- September. Federer completed the career Grand Slam with his only ing career. Should the seedings hold en run in the semi-finals of the Madrid There is also much interest in the French Open triumph in 2009. A five-time finalist, the 33- firm and the American plays the Open earlier this month, she subse- performances of two former golden year-old has endured steadily diminishing returns in Paris Russian in the final on June 6, howev- quently withdrew from the Italian girls Victoria Azarenka and Eugenie with a 2011 runners-up spot followed by the semi-finals in er, past experience points to there Open with a sore elbow. Asked then if Bouchard. Belarusian Azarenka was 2012, a quarter-final exit in 2013 and a shock fourth round being only one winner. her decision could harm her chances seen as the heir apparent to Williams defeat to Ernests Gulbis 12 months ago, Federer, who won Williams has not lost to Sharapova in Paris, where she crashed out at the in 2013 when she won her second the last of his record 17 majors at Wimbledon in 2012, since 2004 and leads their head-to- first round last year having triumphed Australian Open title and took the believes it would be foolish to write off Nadal. “It’s going to heads by an astounding 17-2, the last in Rome, Williams said: “I don’t think it world number one spot. But all that be best-of-five sets. We know how tough Rafa is physically of these coming in the Australian will. If I continue to play it could get ground to a halt last year when her and mentally. He is the favorite still to me. Novak at this Open final at the start of the year. The worse and I could have a situation on form collapsed due to injury and a point probably has to win, with the results he’s shown this outcome was the same in 2013 when my hands.” bout of depression and she has gradu- year. It feels similar to 2011 when he didn’t lose the whole the pair met for the first, and to date Williams will have motivation in full ally been clawing her way back up the year.” only time, in the French Open final as her win in Melbourne was her 19th world rankings this year. Bouchard World number three Murray has surprisingly emerged as leaving Sharapova no doubt hoping Grand Slam singles title, just three shy was the outstanding newcomer of Djokovic’s greatest threat. After failing to lift a claycourt tro- that someone can do her a huge favor of the Open-era record of 22 set by 2014 reaching the final of Wimbledon phy in 10 years of trying, the Scot suddenly won two in the by downing Williams in the early Steffi Graf. It would also leave her and the semi-finals of the Australian space of six days in Munich and Madrid. The 28-year-old has a rounds as did Spain’s Garbine halfway to becoming just the fourth and French Open at just 20 years old. 10-0 record on clay this year and was the first marquee name Muguruza last year. Still, Sharapova woman to achieve the fabled calen- Grand Slam success looked sure to fol- to practice at Roland Garros on Monday. Murray, who has believes she is hitting form at the right dar-year Grand Slam after Graf (1988), low, but this year she has found it hard twice been a semi-finalist at the French Open, losing in time and fancies her chances on clay, Margaret Court (1970) and Maureen to string two match wins together straight sets to Nadal in 2011 and 2014, withdrew from Rome Williams’ least-favorite surface. “I feel Connolly (1953). Williams and after reaching the quarter-finals in after one match to safeguard his Paris campaign.— AFP I’m in a much better spot to where I Sharapova will start as strong favorites Melbourne.—AFP Sports45 FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

Why is FIFA 45 minutes that could important? change soccer’s world

LONDON: Factbox explaining what FIFA is and why it is so LONDON: When Sepp Blatter is not important ahead of the presidential election on May 29 at comparing FIFA to a boat in calm or the FIFA Congress in Zurich What is FIFA? FIFA, which in choppy waters he often uses football French is the abbreviation for the Federation analogies to illustrate his point so it Internationale de Football Association, is the governing might amuse him to think he faces a body of world soccer. It was founded in Paris on May 21 1904 by representatives from Belgium, Denmark, France, tricky 45 minutes at this month’s the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. England, Congress. That is when he will have to which formulated the laws of the game in 1863, joined the sit back and listen to the three men following year. challenging his right to remain FIFA president, with each being allowed 15 How many countries are members? minutes to score, as it were, a goal FIFA now has 209 member associations, and is a larger that would send him crashing to organization than the United Nations which has 193 mem- defeat. Michael van Praag, 68, the bers. Dutch FA president, Luis Figo, 42, of Portugal, a former World Player of the What does FIFA do? Year, and Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, 39, FIFA regulates the game across the world. Through the the outgoing vice-president of the International Football Association Board, which was estab- Asian Football Confederation, are lin- lished in 1886 before coming under FIFA’s umbrella, it ing up against him. ensures the laws of the game remain universal. It runs the Unless any of them decide to pull World Cup which is held every four years and generates its out beforehand, all three will address principal source of income running into hundreds of mil- delegates from FIFA’s 209 member lions of dollars, and a number of other women’s and age associations when they assemble at group world tournaments. Zurich’s Hallenstadion on May 29, with Blatter then offered the floor to defend Why is FIFA important? his position. Unless the majority of the Organised football is played everywhere and most of traditionally conservative and fiercely its 209 members run their own domestic competitions. loyal Blatter supporters have a totally Most of those competitions are professional, and globally unexpected change of heart, he will be the sport generates hundreds of billions of dollars every presented with the winner’s bouquet year. FIFA estimates that around 500 million people in the world are connected to football in some capacity either once the votes cast in the secret ballot through playing the game, officiating, running clubs or have been counted. However, the 79- merely going to watch a match. By remaining strong and year-old Swiss, who has been presi- unifying the vastly different elements in its membership dent since 1998 and seen off oppo- FIFA ensures the game remains universal without rival nents before, may not get quite the organizations trying to form breakaway leagues and runaway victory he seeks. championships as they have done in other sports. For the first time since 1961, when Stanley Rous of England beat two Where money come from rivals to win the presidency, the FIFA’s accounts show it has around $US1.5 billion in the names of more than two men will be bank. Most of its wealth is accrued by selling the rights to on the ballot paper. While Van Praag, screen World Cup matches to television stations around Figo and Prince Ali are unlikely to the world and from the sponsorship it receives from blue- unseat Blatter, their presence and the chip global corporations. FIFA though, is essentially, a fact they might muster enough votes DOHA: In this file photo, FIFA President Sepp Blatter (right) is welcomed by non-profit making organization with most of the money it to send the contest into a second AFC president Mohammed bin Hammam upon his arrival in Doha, Qatar. FIFA receives directed towards development programs around round, would show that not everyone has been routinely called “scandal-plagued” for much of Sepp Blatter’s 17- the world and by subsidizing its members with annual is happy with FIFA, or the way Blatter year presidential reign. Blatter has never been implicated in personal corrup- grants and regular bonus payments from its World Cup runs an organization with more mem- tion, though FIFA has often seemed relaxed about wrongdoing linked to sen- income. It also uses money so it can run itself from its bers than the United Nations. ior officials. Blatter is bidding for a fifth term on May 29, 2015. — AP modern headquarters in Zurich by paying its staff, its pres- ident and the men who are on the executive and other Same message Portuguese-speaking countries, while gates while Blatter refused the offer to committees that keep it functioning. The campaign for the leadership Prince Ali should gain the support of speak as a “candidate”, only as the began in January last year when for- his own west Asian region, some FIFA president, and did so at every Why reputation so sullied? mer FIFA deputy secretary general north African countries and the congress he attended. So sure is FIFA likes to keep its secrets very close to its chest and Jerome Champagne of France United States, but not the whole of Blatter of another victory that the many books have been written in the last 20 years claim- launched his bid in London. Although Asia where most countries are back- president, unlike the others, has not ing to expose those secrets and level allegations of cor- ing Blatter. issued a manifesto but is prepared to ruption at the men who run FIFA. FIFA president Sepp his challenge subsequently collapsed let his record speak for itself. Blatter, who has been in position for 17 years and is facing a year later when he could not secure an election at the end of this month, has been the target the required letters of support from Backing Blatter The fact his record is blemished by for much of that criticism. A culture of bribery and corrup- five member nations, his basic mes- In fact most of FIFA’s members will a series of crises during the past 17 tion is said to exist in its upper echelons and FIFA did not sage is one shared by the three who support Blatter. This is largely because years-culminating in widespread alle- help itself when it awarded the 2018 World Cup finals to are still standing. “FIFA needs to they feel they can trust him to help gations of corruption in the way FIFA’s Russia and the 2022 World Cup to Qatar on the same day change, it needs to be modernized them run their associations through executive committee voted Russia as after a joint bidding process that was open to abuse with and better reflect the game in the 21st the Goal Program and development hosts of the 2018 World Cup and traded votes. Even Blatter later admitted that was a mis- century and the time has come for fund money which helps subsidize Qatar for 2022, plus the shelving of take. Sepp Blatter to be replaced,” every association whether rich or attorney Michael Garcia’s report into Champagne repeated, and there is poor. Also most of the people who those allegations - is unlikely to count What is the future for FIFA? likely to be some support for that idea. rise to positions of power in football against him. Instead, Blatter will FIFA has the ability to, as Blatter likes to say, and often All three men have the broad back- are very resistant to any change. That speak, as he often does, of a unified does, “steer itself out of the choppy waters into the safe ing of UEFA, the European confedera- is best illustrated by the fact that Figo, FIFA, which now has reserves of harbor.” FIFA, which is 111 years old, is seen by many tion, and will gain votes from Van Praag and Prince Ali were refused $1.5bn in the bank and where respect, around the world as a benevolent organization that sup- European countries while Van Praag is permission to speak to delegates at discipline and reform have helped ports the game from the grass roots level to the top of the likely to be backed by some former the Asian, African, South American steer the ship back into the safe, calm professional pyramid and while it continues to support its Dutch colonies. Figo, hugely admired and CONCACAF Congresses in the waters of a peaceful harbor. Unless of members, its members will never leave.— Reuters as a player but a lightweight in this build-up to the main event. UEFA course, he concedes an own goal with contest, could be backed by some allowed all three to address their dele- a minute to go.— Reuters Sports FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

GERMAN LEAGUE PREVIEW Relegation battle goes down to the wire

BERLIN: A third of the Bundesliga’s 18 clubs will has been raging for weeks. Hamburg are in 17th gation playoff spot (16th) but more likely a points and could be safe with a draw, while a be sweating it out until the last final whistle of place on 32 points, one ahead of basement- guaranteed place in the top flight for next sea- win for either side would confirm Bundesliga the season tomorrow, hoping they will be one dwelling Paderborn and just below Stuttgart, son. “Our focus is only on victory. There just can- football for next season. Hertha are the best of the lucky sides to survive one of the most and could see their top-flight status finally bro- not be any other target for us now,” Stuttgart placed of all the strugglers, needing just one closely contested relegation battles in recent ken even with a win over Schalke 04 as they captain Christian Gentner told reporters. “The point at Hoffenheim to be certain of avoiding history. The sextet comprises former European need other results to go their way. This week, confidence is there but we should not become the drop. “We will not even play for a draw. We champions Hamburg SV, the only club to have coach Bruno Labbadia has taken his squad on a light headed. We are convinced we can stay up want to win,” said Hertha coach Pal Dardai, never been relegated in the league’s 52-year mini-training camp in an effort to prepare his but we must be serious.” Paderborn, in their first whose arrival in February marked a turn- history, former champions VfB Stuttgart, as well players for the vital showdown away from the Bundesliga season, also need to win to have any around for the club, who are now all but safe. as Freiburg, Hanover 96, Paderborn and Hertha unwanted attention of over-zealous fans plac- chance of climbing into the playoff spot. Any Last year’s runners up Borussia Dortmund, Berlin. With Bayern Munich crowned champi- ing added pressure on his men. other result will not be enough for the who face Wolfsburg in the German Cup final ons at the end of April and the top four already Stuttgart, who were champions as recently Westphalian club to avoid a quick return to the next week, can secure a Europa League berth assured, the focus has shifted to the bottom of as 2007, have a simpler task, knowing that a vic- second division. before that encounter with a victory over the table, where a fierce battle to avoid the drop tory at Paderborn would secure a at least a rele- Freiburg and Hanover are both on 34 Werder Bremen. —Reuters Dortmund’s Hummels turns down Man Utd BERLIN: Germany defender Mats Hummels has ended speculation about a possible transfer to Manchester United by confirming he will play for Borussia Dortmund next season, according to a report yesterday. The 26-year- old has turned down an approach from the English league giants and the Dortmund captain has told Borussia he will fulfil his contract which expires in 2017, according to mag- azine Kicker. “It was fair enough that Mats gave it some thought, but I have always pointed out that he is firmly part of our plans,” said Dortmund’s director of sport Michael Zorc. Zorc said he had met with Hummels and his father Hermann, who is also his agent, in which there was a “clear consensus” that he would stay with Dortmund. Hummels fuelled speculation that he was considering a move to United in recent weeks by repeatedly admitting he was weighing up his options. Reports in the UK media suggest- ed Louis van Gaal’s United had offered 40 million euros ($44.6m) for Hummels. But the Germany star will now play a central role in the plans of future Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel, who will replace current boss Jurgen Klopp next season. A bruised foot meant Hummels sat out last Saturday’s 2-1 league defeat at VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, a dress rehearsal for the German Cup final on May 30. He should be fit for Saturday’s final home match against Werder Bremen with Dortmund needing a win, and for other results to go their BARCELONA: Barcelona’s midfielder Xavi Hernandez gestures during a press conference at the Sports Center way, in their bid for a Europa League place next season. FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despi yesterday. —AFP Hummels, a World Cup winner, came to Dortmund in 2008 on loan basis from Bayern Munich before signing a full contract and has made 194 league appearances scoring 17 Xavi quits Barca for Qatar goals. —AFP after 17 glittering seasons

BARCELONA: Barcelona midfielder and captain Xavi con- taught me.” Xavi came to define Barca’s possession-based firmed yesterday he will leave his boyhood club at the end of playing style and has had a crucial role in the success of the the season and has agreed to join Qatari side Al Sadd after a Catalan club and the Spain national team over the past glittering career stretching over 17 seasons. The 35-year-old decade. He is set to receive an emotional send-off in former Spain international, who signed up with Barca’s acade- Barcelona’s final La Liga game of the campaign at home to my in 1991 aged 11 and has won 23 trophies with the first Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, when he will hoist aloft the team, formally announced his departure at a press conference La Liga trophy after the match. after the news had leaked out earlier this week. Al Sadd simul- Last weekend Barca wrapped up the title, Xavi’s eighth, and taneously confirmed on their Twitter feed that an agreement he can win two more trophies in the King’s Cup final against had been sealed on a two-year contract with an option for a Athletic Bilbao on May 30 and the Champions League show- further year. “It’s a definitive decision, it’s not an easy one, it’s piece versus Juventus a week later. Xavi said Barca had offered the right moment to go,” an emotional Xavi, Barcelona’s club to extend his current contract by two years to 2018 but he had captain and appearance record holder after 764 matches, told decided to move on as he no longer commands an automatic reporters. place in the first team. He almost left at the end of last season “I still feel useful here but a change of scene is necessary, after Barcelona failed to win a major trophy for the first time in my head tells me so but not my heart,” he said, adding that his six years but new coach Luis Enrique, a former team mate, per- aim was to return to Barcelona after completing his coaching suaded him to stay. “When you talk about the gala 11 my qualifications. “I am a product of the Barca family. I think my name is no longer there,” he said. “It’s not easy to accept but contribution has been very good, I have done what they the team has always come first.”—Reuters Dortmund’s defender Mats Hummels 47 Sports FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

Resilient Sunderland secure their EPL safety

LONDON: Sunderland produced a gutsy rearguard action to preserve their Premier League status with a tense 0-0 draw against Arsenal on Wednesday. Dick Advocaat’s side knew a point at the Emirates Stadium would be enough to guarantee their survival and they achieved that goal with an obdurate defensive display that kept Arsenal at bay despite a barrage of pressure from the hosts. Superbly marshaled by holding midfielder Lee Cattermole and cen- tral defenders Sebastian Coates and John O’Shea, Sunderland still needed a fine performance from goal- keeper Costel Pantilimon to emerge unscathed. The Black Cats, now four points clear of third bottom Hull, can start planning for next season instead of nervously facing a decisive trip to champions Chelsea in Sunday’s final round of fixtures. “Arsenal were the better side but our organisa- tion was unbelievably good. The emotion was so high,” said Advocaat, who left the pitch crying tears of joy at full-time. “It’s an unbelievable feeling that we did it by ourselves. The players gave every- thing to stay up.” Despite failing to win for the fourth time in their last five matches, Arsenal have likely done enough to secure a third place finish and automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League group stage. Arsene Wenger’s team are three points clear of fourth placed Manchester United with a significantly better goal differ- ence with only one match to play. Sunderland’s point means that the final relegation place from the Premier League will be filled by either Hull or Newcastle. Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere had an early chance to mark his return with a goal when he raced onto Alexis Sanchez’s pass, only to poke his shot tamely at Pantilimon. Wilshere had another sight of goal when Aaron Ramsey teed him up just inside the penalty area, yet once again the midfielder couldn’t find the required accuracy as he blazed high over the crossbar. Unsurprisingly Sunderland seemed intent solely on soaking up the pressure with a view to catching the Gunners on the break. But even when they did launch a rare counter the paucity of their attacking ambition was ROME: Juventus’ players celebrate at the end of the Italian Cup soccer final match between Lazio and Juventus at Rome’s Olympic stadium on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. — AP laid bare when Sunderland left-back Patrick van Aanholt sprinted 50 yards before looking up to discover not a sin- gle team-mate had made a supporting run. Juventus grab Italian Cup, eye treble Massed defense ROME: An extra-time winner by Massimiliano Allegri. “Now we just forcing Buffon to go down low to col- Wenger’s side almost conjured a breathtaking opener Alessandro Matri kept Juventus on have to keep our focus until June 6. lect. Chances were few in a far more when Wilshere floated a delicate chipped pass to Olivier track for the treble as the Serie A “We’ll go to Berlin having won the tense second half and Lazio striker Giroud, who waited for the ball to drop over his shoulder champions ended a 20-year wait for league and the cup, but Barcelona are Miroslav Klose was almost invisible before volleying narrowly past the far post. Jack Rodwell an Italian Cup final victory with a 2-1 in great form, just as we are.” Allegri before being replaced by Felip and Steven Fletcher came on for Sunderland at the interval win over Lazio on Wednesday. was missing midfielder Claudio Djordjevic seven minutes from time. and Advocaat’s changes almost paid immediate dividends. Juventus were stunned after just four Marchisio and striker Alvaro Morata Instead, Antonio Candreva and Adam Johnson slipped in Fletcher down the right channel minutes when Stefan Radu rose to through suspension, and was also Anderson were running the show for and the Sunderland striker’s snap-shot drew a good save beat Marco Storari with a powerful without number one goalkeeper the Biancocelesti, albeit with little from David Ospina. After a complete lack of activity in the header from a free-kick after Paul Gianluigi Buffon, whose absence was reward. Allegri replaced Pogba with first half, Arsenal goalkeeper Ospina was suddenly in the Pogba had given away a needless foul felt almost immediately when Storari Pereyra on 78 minutes and his fresh- thick of the action and he had to save with his feet after on the right flank. struggled to reach Radu’s powerful ness told immediately, the Argentine van Aanholt found space for a low drive. Juve got back on level terms header from a free-kick on the right. tracking back to dispossess Anderson Wenger’s side responded strongly as Giroud met Hector thanks to Giorgio Chiellini’s half-volley Yet Juventus, who beat Lazio 3-0 as the Brazilian held possession in a Bellerin’s cross with a flicked effort that Pantilimon clawed in the 10th minute. The match fin- and 2-0 in their Serie A encounters this dangerous three-on-three. away before Kieran Gibbs’ looping header drew another ished all square after 90 minutes but season, were soon back on level terms. Lazio spurned a great chance to acrobatic stop from the Sunderland keeper. Fletcher Matri, back on loan at Juve after being The fingers of blame had pointed at claim a late winner, however, when almost caught Arsenal off guard when he latched onto sold to Milan in 2013, made the differ- Chiellini after Radu’s opener, but the Djordjevic made a complete mess of a Jermain Defoe’s pass and sprinted clear, however the Scot ence when he latched on to Carlos big Juve defender was in the right one-on-one with Storari. Matri, who Tevez’s lay-off inside the area to bun- place at the right time when Andrea replaced Llorente six minutes from couldn’t get enough height on his chip and Ospina was dle past Etrit Berisha in the Lazio net. Pirlo fired in a free-kick from 25 metres time, had the ball in the net moments able to save. Juve held on to their lead amid a out on 10 minutes. Pirlo’s curling deliv- after his arrival only for the goal to be Theo Walcott came on for his 300th Arsenal appearance tense second period of extra-time to ery was headed into the area by Pogba ruled offside. Lazio spurned another midway through the half, but his arrival was overshad- send the black and white half of the and Chiellini was left enough space to great chance to clinch the cup when owed by Fletcher wasting a glorious chance to put the visi- Stadio Olimpico into raptures as the connect and beat Berisha with a close- Djordjevic turned and fired a drive tors ahead when he sliced van Aanholt’s cross over from champions secured their first league range volley. Fernando Llorente fired a which beat Storari only to come off close-range with only Ospina to beat. Sunderland were and cup double since 1995. “It’s our header just over Berisha’s bar and after the near post and rebound across the straining every sinew to keep Arsenal at bay, with one bril- first cup trophy in 20 years, so it’s Pirlo saw a free-kick blocked and what goalmouth. But Matri, who has played liant block from Coates denying Sanchez, yet Billy Jones obviously special for us,” said Matri. followed displayed Lazio’s threat on for four different clubs since joining almost undermined their efforts when the defender Juve now just have to focus on the the counter. Juventus in 2011, made the most of deflected Ramsey’s cross onto his own woodwork. In a Champions League final against his opportunity. Tevez did well to con- nervous finale, substitute Tomas Rosicky dragged his shot Barcelona in Berlin on June 6 to com- Tense second half trol a long ball and drew two defend- wide and Pantilimon made a fine stop to deny Walcott’s plete their season and emulate the Brazilian Felipe Anderson carried ers before laying off for Matri to fire powerful strike before Sunderland’s ecstatic players and treble feats of Inter Milan, in 2010. “It the ball all the way through the Juve inside Berisha’s near post and send fans could finally celebrate.— AFP was a great final,” said Juve coach midfield to offload for Danilo Cataldi, the Curva Nord into raptures.—AFP FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 www.kuwaittimes.net Page 47 Stadio Olimpico.—AFP and LazioonMay20,2015atthe (Coppa Italia)betweenJuventus the ItalianTimCupfinalmatch with teammatesafterwinning2-1 Marco Storariholdsthetrophy ROME: Juventus’goalkeeper