JAMADA ALTHANI 3, 1439 AH MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2018

Max 24º 32 Pages Min 08º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 17461 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

In a market controlled by Blockchain revolution comes Spanish cheesemakers defend Hirscher rules slopes as 5 finances, humanity is lost 22to world of humanitarian aid 29 Manchego from Mexico ‘copy’ 16 doping specter returns

Amir orders paying debts of Kuwaiti, expat inmates Cassation court frees opposition activists, MPs

By B Izzak and Agencies

KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah ordered the payment of debts of imprisoned citizens and expatriates, the Amiri Diwan said in a statement yesterday. The Amir’s generous step came in celebration of Kuwait’s 57th National Day and 27th Liberation Day anniversaries, the statement added. National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem praised the Amir’s initiative. HH the Amir’s desire to pay debts of these prisoners from his personal funds and enable them to reunite with their families during the national days is the latest in his record of such good and humanitarian ini- tiatives, the speaker said in a statement. HH the Amir’s humanitarian act presents anew an example of how the ruler is aware HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad of citizens’ and residents’ hardships and Al-Jaber Al-Sabah preoccupations. Moreover, he has repre- sented Kuwait as a humanitarian center and Separately, the court of cassation yes- a home of social and humanitarian solidarity terday freed around 67 opposition by relieving the underprivileged. Echoing activists including three MPs and several identical thoughts, Deputy Speaker Essa former lawmakers after three months in jail Al-Kandari said the latest initiative was reg- for storming the National Assembly build- KUWAIT: A man walks during a sandstorm yesterday in Kuwait City. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat (See Page 2) istered in his record of humanitarian deeds, ing over six years ago. wishing the Amir lasting wellbeing. Continued on Page 11 Netanyahu warns 65 ‘killed’ in Iran Iran; Zarif mocks plane crash; Amir ‘cartoonish circus’ sends condolences DUBAI: All 65 passengers and crew were feared dead MUNICH: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a plane crash in central Iran yesterday after the warned Tehran yesterday over aggressions by Iran and domestic flight came down in bad weather in a moun- its “proxies” in Syria, saying he would not allow them to tainous region. A spokesman for Iranian carrier Aseman “put a noose of terror around our neck”. Calling it “a Airlines had told state television everyone was killed, message to the tyrants of Tehran”, he warned in a MUNICH: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds but the airline then issued a statement saying it could TEHRAN: Relatives of Iranian passengers onboard Aseman speech at the Munich Security Conference: “Do not up what he claims is a piece of an Iranian drone shot not reach the crash site and could not “accurately and Airlines flight EP3704 react as they gather in front of a test Israel’s resolve.” Iran mocked Netanyahu’s tough down in Israeli airspace as he gives a speech during the definitely confirm” everyone died. mosque near Mehrabad airport yesterday. — AFP words, saying Israel’s reputation for “invincibility” had Munich Security Conference yesterday. — AFP The airline had also initially said 60 passengers and crumbled after one of its jets was shot down following a six crew were on board the twin-engined turboprop Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday sent a cable of condolences bombing run in Syria. after we shot it down,” he said. Referring to Iran’s ATR 72 that was flying to the southwestern city of to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani over the victims of Netanyahu’s fiery comments came as tensions Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who spoke Yasuj. But it later said there were a total of 65 people the plane crash. In the cable, the Amir prayed to between the archenemies have mounted after clashes later in Munich, he said: “No doubt Mr Zarif will on board, as one passenger had missed the flight. The Almighty Allah to have mercy upon the victims and to involving Syrian forces this month, sparked by Israel’s brazenly deny Iran’s involvement in Syria.” “Mr Zarif, Aseman-operated plane crashed near the town of bestow solace on their families. HH the Crown Prince downing of what it called an Iranian drone sent from do you recognize this? You should, it’s yours,” Semirom after taking off from Tehran’s Mehrabad air- Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Syria. With a theatrical flourish, Netanyahu brandished Netanyahu said, adding that the Iranian official “lies port, emergency services spokesman Mojtaba Khaledi Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- a rectangular piece of dark green metal at the podium. with eloquence”. told ISNA news agency. Sabah sent similar cables. “Here’s a piece of that Iranian drone, or what’s left of it, Continued on Page 11 HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Continued on Page 11

“The mother of my boss, she would Saudi women can Many Filipino hurt me, she would hit me with a shoe with a thick sole. My body was bruised but I would not (go home),” said start own business; returnees still Marissa Dalot, 40, who labored for almost five years in the state. “I did not cabinet approves eye jobs abroad want to go home. I wanted to continue working because my kids were still in MANILA: After the murder of a school,” said Dalot, who finally decid- bankruptcy law Philippine maid in Kuwait, domestic ed to fly home over the weekend. helpers are streaming back to Manila In all, some 10 million Filipinos work RIYADH: Women in Saudi Arabia can now with tales of abusive employers - but overseas in a wide variety of jobs and open their own businesses without the con- many are still prepared to take their their cash remittances, which the cen- sent of a husband or male relative, as the king- chances overseas again. For them, the tral bank says totaled over $28 billion dom pushes to expand a fast-growing private sometimes brutal conditions and the last year, are a major contributor to the sector. The policy change, announced by the hide-and-seek with Kuwaiti police are Philippine economy. But the issue of Saudi government on Thursday, also marks a outweighed by the need to provide for domestic helpers in Kuwait came into major step away from the strict guardianship their families at home. Continued on Page 11 system that has ruled the country for decades. “Women can now launch their own businesses and benefit from (governmental) e-services without having to prove consent from a RIYADH: A Saudi artist paints a mural of King Salman bin Abdulaziz (right) and his son Crown guardian,” the ministry of commerce and Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday during the 32nd Janadriyah Culture and Heritage investment said on its website. Festival held on the outskirts of the capital. — AFP Under Saudi Arabia’s guardianship system, women are required to present proof of per- kingdom has also opened 140 positions for catering to foreign investors and Saudi youth. mission from a male “guardian” - normally the women at airports and border crossings, a Prince Mohammed is widely seen as the chief husband, father or brother - to do any gov- historic first that the government said drew architect behind Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” ernment paperwork, travel or enroll in classes. 107,000 female applicants. Crown Prince reform program, which seeks to elevate the Long dependent on crude production for Mohammed bin Salman, the powerful heir to percentage of women in the workforce from economic revenue, Saudi Arabia is pushing to the Saudi throne, has been leading the drive 22 percent to nearly one-third. expand the country’s private sector, including to expand the role of women in the workforce Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s cabinet has an expansion of female employment under a in recent months. approved a bankruptcy law, sources familiar reform plan for a post-oil era. His father, King Salman, in September with the matter said yesterday, giving a boost While women still face a host of restric- approved the end of a decades-long ban on to efforts to make the kingdom more enticing tions in the ultraconservative Muslim king- driving, which goes into effect in June. The to investors. Modern bankruptcy legislation MANILA: Filipina workers returning home from Kuwait arrive at Manila dom, Saudi Arabia’s public prosecutor’s office 32-year-old prince pledged a “moderate, does not currently exist in Saudi Arabia, cre- International Airport yesterday. — AFP this month said it would begin recruiting open” Saudi Arabia in October, breaking with ating difficulties for struggling companies women investigators for the first time. The ultraconservative clerics in favor of an image Continued on Page 11 2 Established 1961 Local Monday, February 19, 2018 Heavy dust storm hits Kuwait; schools, air traffic not affected Low horizontal visibility dropped to 1,000 meters in some areas

KUWAIT: Several photos taken from different areas around Kuwait, showing the effect of a heavy dust storm that hit the country yesterday. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat, Joseph Shagra and Fouad Al-Shaikh

KUWAIT: Kuwait was affected by a heavy dust storm Undersecretary Dr Haitham Al-Athari said that outdoor yesterday caused by strong south and northwestern activities at schools were suspended. winds with speeds ranging between 20 and 55 kilome- “Though the country is experiencing a dust storm, ters per hour, lead meteorologist at the Directorate the current weather condition did not necessitate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) Meteorological schools’ closure,” said the official, adding that schools Department Abdulaziz headmasters and educa- Al-Qarawi said. The tional areas throughout dust storm caused low the country have the horizontal visibility authority to assess the reaching 1,000 meters situation and take a deci- in some areas. Road users sion to end the school Air traffic at Kuwait advised to day if necessary. International Airport In the meantime, the was normal despite the take extra Interior Ministry advised dust storm, as flights to road users to take extra and from the airport precaution precaution during the were not affected, dust storm. The min- Assistant Director of istry’s public relations DGCA Khaled Al- department said that low Shuaibi said. He pointed visibility might result in out that visibility level permitted takeoffs and landings traffic accidents, indicating that drivers should take in compliancy with the airport standards. care and help protect themselves and others while on Meanwhile, schools continued to operate while only the road. Furthermore, Kuwait Fire Service Directorate students and schools staff with medical conditions (KFSD) warned against the unstable weather condi- exempted from completing the day, said an official at tions in the country, urging sea-goers and desert the Ministry of Education. Education Ministry’s campers to take extra precaution. —KUNA

ing revenues and expenses as well as the measures to be international consultant won the tender. He also expected Education ministry followed to cut expenses. the project to commence in 2020 to be concluded within 24 months. Roads authority Roumi said that the Ministry of Public Works had con- Kuwaiti pharmacists told to terminate Meanwhile, the road and land transport authority is sidered developing the Fourth Ring Road into a motorway waiting for CSC’s approval of its new functional structure, with a 120 kph speed limit in 2005, but this was rejected needed to run 73 expats by July well informed sources said. CSC is currently studying all by the municipality because of a lack of space and the legal and technical aspects so that the new structure can many entrances and exits to various areas surrounding it. match the authority’s nature of work in the coming period. He added that a further meeting held in 2009 ended by co-op drugstores By A Saleh The authority is expected to have 1,700 employees, the adapting the development plan to change the road into an sources added. ‘arterial urban highway’ with an 80 kph speed limit. By Meshaal Al-Enezi KUWAIT: The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has giv- Israel’s boycott Fourth Ring Road Kuwait Customs Director Jamal Al-Jallawi said the cus- KUWAIT: Head of Kuwait Pharmacists Society (KPS) en the Ministry of Education (MoE) until the beginning Waleed Al-Shemmari announced that 70 Kuwaiti phar- of July to terminate the contracts of non-Kuwaiti Separately, Minister of Public Works and Minister of toms directorate is an official government body concerned macists were needed to run 73 drugstores in various co- employees included in the 2018-2019 replacement plan, State for Municipal Affairs Hossam Al-Roumi said the with implementing law number 21/1994 pertaining boy- operative societies. Speaking at a seminar organized by noting that it would cancel their payrolls in the next roads and land transport authority has prioritized improv- cotting Israel. Jallawi added that the directorate and all its KPS to discuss the developments of law number 30/2016, financial year’s budget. ing all road networks and infrastructure, including the departments, including the Israel Boycott Bureau, are fully Shemmari stressed the significance of the law in investing Fourth Ring Road (Hussein bin Ali Al-Roumi Road) with active in monitoring all Israeli products, those of Israeli ori- in co-op pharmacies and mandating various co-ops to Expenses cuts the aim of increasing their capacity, reduce traffic acci- gin or those carrying Israeli flags, and banning their import restrict such investments to Kuwaitis. He added that the In its recent meeting, the Cabinet stressed that minis- dents, improve safety and security, public transport effi- in all GCC states. Separately, Minister of Social Affairs and law also mandates exempted pharmacies to hire at least 3 ters should take all needed measures to activate rationali- ciency and environmental quality, besides solving the cur- Labor and Minister of State for Economic Development percent citizens. MPs Saleh Ashour and Osama Al- zation plans and cut expenses. The resolution limited rent traffic congestion problem. Hind Al-Sabeeh stressed that implementing national legis- Shaheen attended the seminar, in addition to former MP ministries’ maximum spending over the next three years Roumi added that the 17-km long project was offered lations against the Zionist occupation of the Palestinian ter- and former minister Ahmed Baqer and a number of phar- to KD 20 billion in the fiscal years 2018-2019 and 2019- for international consultancy bureaus to study, design and ritories was one of MSAL’s priorities, and stressed that macists working in the public and the private sector. 2020, and KD 21 billion for the fiscal year 2020-2021. The supervise its construction and maintenance. Roumi said the MSAL has full control over various co-ops, clubs and Ashour called for combining efforts to implement the Cabinet also listened to detailed explanations presented latest traffic models at Kuwait Municipality were taken into NGOs as per article number 6 of law 24/1962 and law law and set strict penalties for violating it. He also urged by the finance minister and his undersecretary on assess- consideration and that all offers made were studied and an number 21/1964 pertaining boycotting Israel. the health and labor ministers to put the law into practice, as dozens of pharmacists are waiting for real job oppor- tunities. He urged fellow lawmakers to amend the law and not give in to the demands of influential companies. Shaheen stressed that calls to amend the law were ini- tial attempts. He added that thanks to KPS, the law has Stereotype linking topped the parliamentary health affairs committee’s pri- orities. “Each pharmacy’s licensee should be Kuwait and every pharmacy should hire a Kuwaiti pharmacist,” he Kuwait charity to underlined, noting that the situation was dangerous and needs a serious stance. terrorism void: Official Baqer said various five-year development plans had failed because laws were not enforced. “I witnessed the KUWAIT: Stereotypes linking Kuwait’s charity works five-year plans during my governmental and parliamen- with terrorism no longer exist in shadow of tight regula- tary career calling on citizens to join the private sector. tions and planned new legislations, according to senior They all failed,” he underlined, noting that recent statis- officials. Banal claim about involvement of the Kuwaiti tics showed that 2.4 million licenses had been issued, with philanthropic work as to supporting or funding terror- only 4.3 percent of them for Kuwaitis. ism is no longer attestable, stated Dr Abdullah Al- KPS Secretary General Ali Hadi stressed that the Maatouq, Chairman of the International Islamic number of Kuwaiti pharmacists had grown remarkably in Charitable Organization (IICO). Dr Maatouq was recent years to reach 1,066, compared to only 53 in 1966. KPS Treasurer Ahmed Shasuddin said that the law aims speaking during a ceremony with Minister of Social at regulating licensing new pharmacies to protect the Affairs and Labor Hind Al-Sabeeh, inking an agreement profession and encourage Kuwaiti pharmacists. Finally, between her department and the association for training MoH’s official spokesperson Dr Ahmed Al-Shatti prom- volunteers and personnel in welfare societies, called ised to brief Sheikh Basel about the topics discussed in ‘Tamkeen.’ the symposium so that he could make proper decisions “Good intentions are not sufficient to safeguard concerning the law. charitable work thus regulating laws have been enact- ed to place terms and restrictions,” Dr Maatouq said, Meetings as Minister Sabeeh disclosed that a bill regulating the KUWAIT: Chairman of the IICO Dr Abdullah Al-Maatouq (center right) and Minister of Social Affairs and Meanwhile, Health Minister Sheikh Dr Bassel Al- sector further had reached the National Assembly, not- Labor Hind Al-Sabeeh (center left) pose for a picture after signing the agreement yesterday. —KUNA Sabah allocated Mondays for his undersecretary and ing that representatives of charities and welfare soci- assistant undersecretaries to receive citizens’ sugges- eties would be invited to the parliament headquarters The legislation was amended and the modified copy years due to good regulations and organization, she tions and complaints, and Tuesdays for health zone direc- to closely partake in examining the draft law. The law had reached the parliament. This modified law has spe- re-stressed. In turn, Dr Maatouq praised the minister tors to do the same from 9:00 am till 1:00 pm. Sheikh Dr regulating charitable activities has been enacted, upon cial merits, the minister said, revealing that representa- for shouldering the responsibility of developing and Bassel explained that this decision was made to avoid an initiative by the philanthropic associations, with tives of the associations would be called to the parlia- protecting the charitable actions through the enact- centralization in decision making. intention “of sparing ourselves international problems,” ment to take part in deliberating the document. ment of a new law designed to preserve workers’ Minister Sabeeh said. Charitable work in Kuwait has developed in recent rights and the sector image. —KUNA Established 1961 3 Local Monday, February 19, 2018 Kuwait played crucial role in Yemen crisis: Sheikh Ahmed Amir receives outgoing UN Special Envoy for Yemen

KUWAIT: Kuwait played a pivotal role in enabling Yemeni parties reach ‘strategic framework’ for a settle- ment in the war-torn nation, said the visiting UN Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Sheikh Ahmed yesterday. Sheikh Ahmed, whose mission in Kuwait marked end of his tenure, made the assertion after he was received by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Seif Palace in an audience attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. “I was deeply honored with the meeting with His Highness the Amir,” the resigning envoy said. “In fact, this is a grand occasion because I have come at the end of my mandate to express to him in person my appreciation and sentiments of endearment. As you know the references we had been talking about for a solution in Yemen dated KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah back to the period we had spent in Kuwait.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets with UN Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Sheikh Ahmed at Seif meets with the visiting UN envoy Ismail Ould Sheikh Ahmed. Marathon negotiations Palace yesterday. —KUNA He was alluding to the summer of 2016 when Kuwait hosted marathon negotiations among the Yemeni parties His Highness the Amir in person, as well as the State Yemeni factions in Kuwait in summer of 2016. Sheikh and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad under the UN aegis. Although there was concord on of Kuwait.” Ahmed expressed gratitude to Kuwait’s support for his Al-Sabah. some issues, the warring factions failed to reach a funda- mission, also lauding its Meanwhile, His Highness the Crown Prince received mental and viable settlement to the crisis. “Kuwait had 100 days backing for the Yemeni Ghanem, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, Sheikh played a very significant role in proposing ideas and Meanwhile, Sheikh people. Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, working out a strategic framework (for a settlement) .. We Sabah Al-Khaled dis- Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh had actually approached a solution however as you might cussed with Sheikh Amir meets officials Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister have known, some Yemeni parties stood in our way while Ahmed latest efforts for Kuwait hosted Earlier yesterday, His and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh. seeking a final solution. Nevertheless, this visit is a per- resolving the Yemeni cri- Highness the Amir sonal credit for His Highness the Amir for his role.” sis. A Foreign Ministry marathon received at Seif Palace Condolences Various quarters, namely the UN, have affirmed His statement quoted Sheikh His Highness Sheikh In other news, His Highness the Amir sent a cable of Highness’ good-will role and has designated him as Sabah Al-Khaled as negotiations Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- condolences to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Humanitarian Leader. His Highness the Amir has played praising, during the Jaber Al-Sabah. His Al Nahyan over the martyrdom of a UAE soldier while mediation role for settling various conflicts across the meeting, Sheikh Ahmed’s in 2016 Highness the Amir also carrying out his duty as part of the Saudi-led Arab world in general and the region in particular. bids over the past three received Speaker of the Coalition’s operations in Yemen. In the cable, His Sheikh Ahmed revealed that he would address the years to restore security National Assembly Highness the Amir prayed to Almighty Allah to have mer- Security Council for the last time on February 27. “I and stability to Yemen. Marzouq Al-Ghanem, His cy upon him. Two cables of similar sentiments were sent came to meet His Highness and listen to his advices,” He also underscored work of the resigning UN envoy Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak to the UAE president by His Highness the Crown Prince he said. “Again I re-affirm my deep admiration toward during more than 100 days of deliberations among the Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and First Deputy Prime Minister and His Highness the Prime Minister. —KUNA Foreign Minister heads to New York for UNSC sessions

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah heads to New York to attend the UNSC sessions. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Sabah Al-Khaled has an accompanying Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh delegation that comprises a number of Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah senior officials of the Ministry of has left for New York yesterday to head Foreign Affairs. UN Security Council (UNSC) sessions Earlier yesterday, Sheikh Sabah Al- as Kuwait holds rotating UNSC presi- Khaled met with former Canadian for- dency for February. The UNSC will hold eign minister John Baird. The meeting a session tomorrow under chairmanship was attended by Deputy Foreign of the Kuwaiti minister on the current Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah, Assistant Middle East situation, with Palestinian Foreign Minister for the Deputy Foreign President Mahmoud Abbas attending. Minister’s Office Affairs Ambassador Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled will also pre- Ayham Al-Omar, Deputy Assistant side over a high-level UNSC session on Foreign Minister for the Deputy Prime the UN Charter on February 21, con- Minister and Foreign Minister’s Office vened by Kuwait. He will further head a Affairs Ambassador Saleh Al-Lughani UNSC meeting on the latest Palestinian and several other senior officials of the developments on February 22. Sheikh Foreign Ministry. —KUNA Info Minister inaugurates digital radio stations

KUWAIT: Minister of Information Mohammad Al-Jabri (right) is seen after he inaugurated the new generation of digital DAB+ audio broadcasting stations in Al-Metlaa. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Information ration from Kuwait Vision 2035 develop- Mohammad Al-Jabri inaugurated yester- ment strategy, he added. Fahem Al- day the new generation of digital DAB+ Shemmari, a broadcasting engineer at audio broadcasting stations in Al-Metlaa the ministry, affirmed that listeners north of Kuwait City. The minister indi- would enjoy very clear sound. The digital cated in a statement that the launch of broadcasting is less costly as compared the digital broadcasting service was part to the analogue audio service. A listener of a plan that began two years ago. The can tune in the station by searching for Ministry of Information acts with inspi- its name, instead of frequency. —KUNA 4 Established 1961 Monday, February 19, 2018 Local Alghanim Industries celebrates National and Liberation Days At its company headquarters in Al-Hamra Tower

A picture taken from the celebrations in Al-Hamra Tower. KUWAIT: A group photo of Alghanim Industries employees with Omar Alghanim.

KUWAIT: Alghanim Industries, one of the ple. Every person, in every team of our busi- Liberation Days spirit, Alghanim Industries largest private companies in the region, cele- ness helped to make 2017 a year of exciting decorated its headquarters with a large 3- brated Kuwait’s National and Liberation days announcements, new partnerships and con- storey Kuwaiti flag hung in the head office’s with its employees at the company headquar- tinued growth for Alghanim Industries. We atrium. Kuwaiti flag pins and themed items ters in Al-Hamra Tower recently. are going from strength to strength because were also distributed to employees as part of The employee event was attended by the of their commitment and excellence.” the event. Every year, as part of the National CEO of Alghanim Industries, Omar Kutayba and Liberation Days employee Alghanim, as well as the company’s senior event, the company also hosts an management. As part of the festivities, the annual photography competition, event featured local singer Emad Al-Khalifa open to all colleagues, which who played traditional national music for the involves sharing patriotic images attendees. Costa Coffee, an Alghanim Kuwait is that visually represent Kuwait, Industries partner company, served national Alghanim Industries and its day themed food and beverages, and a photo made great brands. booth studio was installed to enable col- Alghanim Industries holds leagues to capture memorable moments by its people engaging employee activities on a together. regular basis, including blood Speaking on the occasion, Omar K drives which the company organ- Alghanim, said: “When we celebrate our izes in collaboration with the National Day we take the time to celebrate Kuwait Central Blood Bank Kuwait’s rich culture, history and heritage. He went on to say, “So today, I’m celebrat- (KCBB), Breast Cancer Awareness cam- We ask ourselves, ‘what makes our country ing all my colleagues, in every team, in every paigns, and charity runs and marathons in great?’ I believe the answer to that is simple. branch of our business. I want them to know which the company pays the registration fees Its people. And that is why, for me, these cel- that it is clear - the success of our business is for its employees who are interested in join- ebrations are an opportunity to celebrate absolutely and indisputably because of their ing, in addition to celebrating national holi- what makes our company great too. Our peo- hard work.” In the Kuwaiti National and days in the company. Omar Alghanim greets employees.

Gulf Bank, Zain participates Scientific Center in responsibility present special forum national celebration

KUWAIT: Zain, a pioneer in mobile KUWAIT: Gulf Bank is proud to be partnering telecommunications in Kuwait, participat- with the Scientific Center, Kuwait’s premier sci- Dr Yacoub Al Haji, Dhow Historian and ed in the ‘responsibility and accountabili- ence and educational organization, as part of its Specialist, speaks during the opening ty’ forum, which was organized recently National and Liberation day celebrations to ceremony. The Scientific Center honors Gulf Bank. by the National Assembly in presence of deliver an exciting educational show which hon- the assembly’s Secretary General Allam ors Kuwait’s seafaring history. Al-Kandari. The show entitled ‘Besharat Fateh El-Khair’ Zain was represented at the forum by takes place at the Dhow Harbor of the Scientfic Corporate Communications and Relations Center. The show tells the tale of Fateh El-Khair, Executive Director Waleed Al-Khashti, KUWAIT: National Assembly’s which is the only surviving Kuwaiti sailing ship who participated in several discussions Secretary General Allam Al- from the pre-oil era. alongside a group of leaders, experts, and Kandari (left) honors Zain’s The show opened on Monday, 12 February, specialists from both public and private Corporate Communications and and the seven- minute show will run on daily sectors that focused on the principle of Relations Executive Director basis, between 6 and 9 pm, and 6 and 10pm on job responsibility and its relation to the Waleed Al-Khashti. Fridays, from now until 13 March 2018. development of the establishment, as well The special opening night event included live as the effects of administrative accounta- ticipated in the event in order to music, speeches, and dinner, in addition to the bility on the job performance. exchange expertise and develop their lev- actual show. The event was attended by repre- Khashti presented Zain’s pioneering el of performance. Discussions focused on sentatives of both Gulf Bank and Scientific experience in providing distinguished the role of higher administration in boost- Center senior management, VIPs, and govern- work environment besides exhibiting high ing human capabilities, in addition to the ment officials. efficiency. Furthermore, Khashti high- importance of implementing the principle Commenting on the collaboration with lighted the importance of vision, mission of job responsibility and comparing its Scientific Center, Laila Al-Qatami, Assistant and values in developing the establish- methods in the public and private sectors. General Manager of Corporate Communications ment. Zain’s participation reflects the spir- Zain considers itself a major partner of at Gulf Bank, said: “We are glad to be working it of cooperation between public and pri- the society especially in developmental with the Scientific Center to hold the Dhow vate sectors, which is realized through initiatives that add to national resources, Harbor show ‘Besharat Fateh El-Khair’ during participating in the development of com- as it believes in the capabilities of young the month of February, when Kuwait is celebrat- petent manpower in various establish- national manpower, and offers job oppor- ing its National and Liberation days. Gulf Bank has been hosting Fateh El-Khair ship for many Pearl Diving, for eight consecutive years. The ments and state departments. In this tunities to them out of its belief in invest- places great importance on education and cul- years to give visitors an insight into Kuwaiti her- journey is organized each year by the regard, Khashti reiterated that Zain ing in the development of national man- tural initiatives as part of its corporate social itage. We wanted to bring its story to life during Committee of the Marine Heritage of the Kuwait appreciates the state’s efforts in concen- power. It also gives priority for national responsibility program and this show highlights the national celebrations, by hosting these daily Sea Sport Club, under the Patronage of His trating on the importance of national labor in its future plans, and adheres to its Fateh El-Khair and tells the story of Kuwait’s shows for the public. It is a deep sailing ship Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- labor’s role in all sectors. social mission and the responsibility it has seafaring traditions, a vital part of our country’s that took 60 days to build with 18 carpenters Jaber Al-Sabah to ensure the younger genera- The forum was directed towards offi- in this regard, which is why it is keen on history. We thank the Scientific Center and the working around the clock at a cost of 17,000 tions understand the hardships face by our cials and supervisors of the National performing its social role parallel to its Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of rupees. Thank you to Gulf Bank for partnering ancestors. Additionally, last year the Bank devel- Assembly’s secretariat general, who par- commercial activity. Sciences for the work they do on behalf of our with us to make this educational and fun show oped educational workshops with Al-Sadu country.” happen.” Society entitled ‘Fun with Textiles’ that teaches Explaining the objective behind this initiative, Gulf Bank proudly supports education and children skills in crafts and textile art techniques Rana Al-Nibari, General Manager of the cultural initiatives, as such the Bank has been while also preserving Kuwait’s Sadu traditions Interior Ministry Scientific Center, said: “The Scientific Center sponsoring to the 29th Memorial Journey for and heritage. launches elite tournament

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry launched yesterday activities of the annual elite tournament under the patronage and pres- KUWAIT: Interior Ministry ence of Undersecretary Lt Gen Mahmoud Undersecretary Lt Gen Mahmoud Al-Dousary at the special security forces Al-Dousary speaks during the inau- ranges. The Kuwait Army and National guration of the annual elite tourna- Guard are also participating in the event, ment yesterday. which will conclude on Feb 22, 2018. Dousary conveyed greetings of Deputy said the Interior Ministry continues to develop its personnel’s performance and Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh KUWAIT: Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager of Human Resources and Laila Al-Qatami, Assistant General Manager of Corporate enhances their skills to carry out the mis- Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, and lauded the Communications at Gulf Bank, are pictured among the Scientific Center’s representatives and VIPs. efforts exerted by special forces men. He sions they are asked to do. Established 1961 5 Local Monday, February 19, 2018 Special Commentary Domestic helpers’ woes: In a market controlled by finances, humanity is lost

By Ahmad Jabr approaches one of those privately-owned offices to request hiring a housemaid for example. The person is received by uwait’s Minister of Commerce Khaled Al-Roudhan an employee in the agency, who briefs them about the serv- announced during a National Assembly session last ices they provide, such as hiring maids from several labor- Kweek that his government seeks measures to recruit exporting countries. They often proceed to give more domestic helpers from alternative countries in response to details about how long it would take for a domestic helper the Philippines’ decision to ban its workers from coming to to arrive to Kuwait after being recruited from abroad, the Kuwait. Roudhan reassured lawmakers that Kuwait plans to duration of the helper’s contract, the required recruitment send delegations to countries such as Indonesia, fees, and the maid’s salary, among other things (the duration Bangladesh, Vietnam and Nepal with hopes of signing and fees vary depending on several factors, including the agreements to send domestic helpers to Kuwait and prevent country from which the maid is hired). an expected increase in recruitment fees as a result of the After weighing his or her options, the client makes their Philippine’s decision. choice (often times, the selection would be made on a print- Officials in the Philippines have repeatedly stated that ed or online catalogue showing images of maids for hire), signing an agreement which guarantees protection for its and the two sides proceed to agree on the financial and oth- workers in Kuwait would be enough to lift the ban on er terms of the agreement. Important note: The maid is left Kuwait-bound Filipino workers. Indonesia banned domestic out of those discussions, especially when she is hired from labor from working in Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation abroad, and has no choice in who employs her. After making MANILA: Filipina workers returning home from Kuwait arrive at Manila International Council (GCC) states in 2009. Jakrta has also refused to lift the payment, the client leaves and waits to be notified via a this ban until Kuwait inks a deal to protect workers’ rights. phone call to return to the office and receive the domestic Airport yesterday. — AFP It is unclear why Kuwait refuses to sign such protection helper that they have hired. Long story short, the client goes agreements. Despite Kuwait being a signatory to several to the recruitment office, ‘orders’ a helper, pays a certain beings currently working in domestic service in Kuwait, protection for any helper. international labor protection agreements including the fee, then returns later once the worker arrives to pick them according to the latest official statistics. Continuing to turn a Constitution of the International Labor Organization and up and take them home. blind eye to the facts on the ground prevents us from identi- Complete overhaul the Forced Labor Convention, there is a clear systemic Arrive. Order. Pay. Pick up. Leave. fying the root causes of the problem, and hinders our ability A complete overhaul of the entire recruitment system is problem regarding the abuse and mistreatment of domestic For the sake of comparison, let us go through the to come up with sustainable, fair and just solutions. needed. Discussions in this regard should focus on creating labor here, as repeatedly documented by human rights process of purchasing a valuable commodity - such as a a mechanism through which domestic workers are hired and organizations. brand new car in Kuwait. In this case, a client approaches a ‘High cost’ protected equally as those in the private sector. “Protections in the domestic workers’ law are still weaker car dealer’s showroom, where he is received by an employ- Among the myriad of reactions to the Philippines’ recent The government attempted to solve the problem by than those in the labor law, which provides for an eight-hour ee who briefs them about the services they provide, and decision, a sizable portion of discussions focused on the rel- establishing a public recruitment company; Al-Durra, with work day with one hour of rest after every five hours of then takes them on a tour around the showroom where they atively ‘high cost’ that employers in Kuwait have to pay in hopes of offering modern, respectable services at reason- work and detailed provisions for sick leave,” Human Rights can examine the available options. After the client makes his order to hire a domestic helper. Employers feel that they do able costs. But in the public’s eye that is eager to see Watch wrote in its World Report 2017. “The domestic or her choice, the two sides proceed to sign the contract, not have enough protection to guarantee that they receive a remarkable drops in hiring costs, the project failed to live up worker law also falls short by failing to set out enforcement after which the client usually pays a certain fee, then leaves service equivalent in quality and length to the large amount to the hype, and the company ended up being yet another mechanisms, such as labor inspections of working condi- and waits to be notified to return and collect the vehicle that of money they pay up front. recruitment agency after officials set KD 960 as the cost to tions in households, which can be done with due regard to they have purchased. Meanwhile, recruitment offices argue that the rising hire a domestic helper from Sri Lanka. privacy.” At the core of the issue is a failure to address the To put it simple, the client arrives to the showroom, costs are barely enough to cover the required fees to bring problem from a holistic standpoint. Throughout the years, choses and orders a vehicle, pays a certain fee, then later a domestic helper from his or her home country into Kuwait. Another solution? Kuwait has dealt with the matter of imported domestic labor comes to pick up the car. An employer who pays KD 1,000 or more to hire a helper Another possible solution is to legalize part-time work. from a financial and political point of view and failed to Arrive. Order. Pay. Pick up. Leave. would often set similarly high - sometimes unrealistic - Part-time domestic help is increasingly popular and agen- weigh the human side. If you feel offended by this comparison, you should be. standards for the services that they expect from the domes- cies can be set up to provide such services. Already the few Domestic labor are treated, in essence, like any other Because the system as it stands now is abusive, unjust and tic helper. cleaning services that exist are doing a thriving business in imported commodity. There are traders and importers, and unfair. It equates a human being to a commodity. There is also a thriving black market in second transfer Kuwait. In these, customers pay for domestic help on a per- costs are affected by supply and demand. The market up Don’t get me wrong. There are a lot of reasons why this maids. In these cases, a maid will finish her contract with the day or per-hour basis. until recently was the sole regulator for this area of labor system exists. It was not originally aimed at devaluing the first employer and the employer, hoping to regain the Furthermore, this concept - which can mostly be com- and the government only implemented a domestic labor law humanity of domestic helpers, but rather to control the investment will ‘sell’ the maid to a second employer. This can pared to home care services - helps integrate domestic - still largely unforced - in 2016. influx of a foreign population and protect citizens. The go on for years. helpers into the private sector, eventually classifying them intent is understandable. But the effect has gotten out of Meanwhile, maids are subject to a variety of abuses under the labor law and gradually phasing out the ‘article Hiring maids control. including mistreatment, physical and sexual assault, unpaid 20’ visa under which laborers remain largely unprotected. Kuwait has hundreds of recruitment offices or ‘agencies’ From this comes the need to completely reexamine the wages, no day off, lack of adequate food or rest, etc. While And the more this idea becomes acceptable in society, the that provide the only legal way for individuals to hire employment circumstances of those who make up a signifi- those facing abuse may be only a small percentage of the bigger the steps Kuwait takes towards moving the society domestic helpers. The process starts when a client cant part of our society. There are nearly 678,000 human larger whole, the system effectively provides no recourse or away from the overdependence on domestic help. InternationalEstablished 1961 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2018 18 killed as explosion rocks Indian wedding Britain wants degree fees to reflect choice of subject Page 8 Page 10

GAZA: Palestinian relatives mourn over the bodies of Salam Sabah (left) and Abdullah Abu Sheikha, both 17, during their funeral, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday. Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire, Gaza medical sources said, after four soldiers were wounded in an apparent bomb attack on the border with the Palestinian enclave. —AFP Israel kills 2 Palestinians; soldiers hurt Israel forces attack 18 ‘terror targets’

GAZA: Israeli forces shot dead two Palestinian teenagers in forces had fired “warning shots” at a number of Palestinians of the city of Khan Yunis. recognised Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state in the Gaza Strip, medical sources said yesterday, as tensions approaching the border fence “in a suspicious manner”. In response Israeli forces said a tank promptly opened December. Netanyahu will visit the White House next rose after an apparent bomb attack that wounded several fire at an “observation post” in southern Gaza, causing no month, a senior US administration official told AFP on Israeli soldiers on the enclave’s border. The Saturday explo- ‘Rogue group’ injuries on the Palestinian side. A projectile launched from Friday. The March 5 visit comes as Netanyahu faces a sion and ensuing Israeli air strikes marked one of the most Four Israeli soldiers were wounded, two severely, when the Gaza Strip hit near a home in a southern Israeli com- scandal that has seen police recommend he be indicted serious escalations in the Hamas-ruled territory since the an improvised explosive device blew up along the Gaza munity, damaging a building but causing no injuries, Israeli for graft. Islamist movement and Israel fought a war in 2014. Israel’s border fence, but none of their lives were in danger, the authorities said. Israel holds the Islamist Palestinian move- army said it attacked “18 terror targets belonging to the army said. A hospital ment Hamas responsible Planning attack Hamas terror organisation” in two waves of air strikes. spokeswoman later said for any fire from the Meanwhile, Israel arrested six Palestinians suspected of “Eight targets were attacked in a military compound near that the condition of one blockaded coastal enclave. planning attacks targeting Defence Minister Avigdor Deir el Balah, which belongs to the Hamas terror organisa- of those seriously wound- The Israeli army responds Lieberman and other Israelis in the occupied West Bank, tion, including weapon-manufacturing and training infra- ed had improved. automatically to any security agency Shin Bet said yesterday. Shin Bet said the structures,” it said in a statement. Earlier the army said fighter Spokesman Lieutenant strikes on its territory, six were affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group and jets had targeted “six military targets in Gaza belonging to Colonel Jonathan Conricus Israel arrests generally targeting Hamas were active in the Bethlehem area where they sought to Hamas, including: a terror tunnel in the Zaytun area and mili- said a “rogue group” had 6 Palestinians facilities. Hamas’s armed carry out shootings against Israeli civilians and security tary compounds near Deir el-Balah and Khan Yunis”. Two claimed responsibility for wing, the Ezzedine Al- forces. In addition, some of the group had been planning to Palestinians were injured in air strikes which hit three bases the bomb blast, likely indi- plotting attack Qassam Brigades, said it target Lieberman’s vehicle when he travelled to his home in belonging to Hamas in the east of the blockaded Gaza cating one of the more had fired at Israeli jets a West Bank settlement. enclave, Palestinian sources said. radical Islamist groups overhead. Conricus denied According to a Shin Bet statement, the suspects had Speaking at a security conference in Munich late who are present in Gaza. the claim. been “trying to obtain explosives to make a bomb, and Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had But he insisted that Hamas and Israel have even reached out to terror elements in (Gaza) for funding.” called the border blast “very serious” and pledged to “from our point of view fought three wars since “Upon failing to acquire the materials, they decided to cre- “respond appropriately”. According to witnesses, the two Hamas is responsible” and said the explosive had been 2008, and the last conflict in 2014 was waged in part over ate a fake device to receive recognition for their action and dead Palestinians were shot by Israeli forces near the border planted during a protest arranged by the group on Friday. tunnels from Gaza that were used to launch attacks. Israel enable further attacks,” the statement read. The six will be on Saturday. They were identified by the Gaza health min- According to Conricus, Israeli soldiers saw a flag on a pole hit Hamas targets in the southern Gaza Strip repeatedly in charged in an Israeli military court later. In 2014, Shin Bet istry as Salam Sabah and Abdullah Abu Sheikha, both 17, on the Gazan side of the border fence, with the device early February, saying Palestinians there had fired a rock- said it had apprehended a Hamas group planning to assas- who were killed east of Rafah in the south of the enclave. exploding when one of them grabbed it. According to et into its territory. Tensions between the Palestinians and sinate then-foreign minister Lieberman by firing a rocket- They were to be buried later. The Israeli army said that its Palestinian security sources, the explosion took place east Israel have been high since US President Donald Trump propelled grenade at his convoy. —Agencies Deadliest plane Nigeria frees another 475 crashes in Iran Boko Haram suspects since 2003 ABUJA: Nigeria has freed another 475 Boko Haram suspects following a series of mass TEHRAN: An Iranian passenger plane on a trials in which most cases were dropped for lack of evidence, the justice ministry said domestic flight crashed yesterday into the yesterday. Over the course of the week, hundreds of suspected Boko Haram extremists country’s Zagros mountains, with all 66 peo- have appeared before a court at the Kainji military base in central Niger state. The release ple on board feared dead. Here is a recap of order was issued on Friday, with the 475 suspects to be returned to their home states for the deadliest plane crashes in Iran since “proper rehabilitation” before being sent back to their families, ministry spokesman Salihu 2003. Othman Isah said. He said they had been arrested on grounds they either belonged to Boko Haram, or 2014 had concealed information about the group’s plans or its members’ whereabouts. “However, the Prosecution Counsel could not charge them with any offence due to lack of On August 10, an Antonov An-140 run by DUBAI: In this file photo, a French-made ATR-72 owned by Iran’s Aseman Airlines sits on the tarmac sufficient evidence against them. Therefore, the suspects were released.” Among those Sepahan Airlines carrying 40 passengers and at Dubai airport. All 66 people on board an Iranian passenger plane were killed yesterday after it released was a young girl with a three-month-old baby from Borno State who was taken eight crew crashed moments after it took off crashed into the country’s Zagros mountains, with emergency services struggling to locate the to a Boko Haram enclave by her brother and married off to his friend when she was 11. from Tehran. Thirty-nine people were killed wreckage in blizzard conditions. —AFP She was arrested in 2014 while trying to escape. and nine others severely injured. The pilot Also freed were two mechanics, identical twins who were arrested in Bauchi State in narrowly missed buildings and a busy market passengers on board including 15 crew. 2005 2010 after servicing a vehicle at their workshop which belonged to a Boko Haram mem- before crashing into a concrete wall. Iranian Authorities said a technical problem was the On December 6, a military transport craft ber. Also Friday, the court imposed a second 15-year sentence on Haruna Yahaya, 35, who authorities said the cause of the accident was cause of the crash. Lockheed C130 crashed at the foot of a 10- was involved in the 2014 kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok. Earlier in engine failure and faulty alarm signal. storey apartment building in a residential the week, he had been jailed for 15 years but the court handed him an additional 15-year 2006 area of southern Tehran, killing 108 people term, with the judge saying the two sentences would run consecutively. 2011 On November 26, an Iranian military plane including 68 journalists and photographers, On January 9, an Iran Air Boeing 727 shat- crashed in Tehran, killing 39 people of which and injuring more than 90. Among the vic- Years without trial tered on impact while attempting an emer- In total, some 1,669 people have been processed in a string of mass hearings which 30 were members of the Revolutionary tims, 14 people were killed on the ground. gency landing in a snowstorm in the coun- Guard-the Islamic regime’s ideological army. The plane had experienced engine trouble began in October at four specially-constituted civilian courts inside the facility. Most try’s northwest, killing 77 people and injuring were men, but their number also included some women and children, with Nigeria widely The plane had been destined for Shiraz in the just after takeoff from Mehrabad. 27. The aircraft had taken off from Tehran south but crashed on takeoff at Tehran’s criticised for holding them and thousands of others for years without trial or even contact with more than an hour’s delay due to bad with a lawyer. Before Friday’s release of 475 suspects, 468 had been freed after it was Mehrabad airport. In January the same year 2003 weather and two previous flights had already eight senior officers of the ground forces of On February 19, an Ilyushin Il-76 belong- found they had no case to answer; 45 were jailed for between two and 15 years and 28 been cancelled. had their cases transferred to other jurisdictions. the Revolutionary Guard and three crew ing to the air army of the elite Revolutionary A further 82 pleaded guilty in exchange for a lesser sentence or release, taking into members were killed when a military plane Guard crashed near Kerman in the southeast, account time served in custody. And others were freed after spending years behind bars. 2009 crashed in the northwest of the country. On killing all 275 people on board. The craft had The remaining cases have been delayed for another hearing. Boko Haram’s bloody quest On July 15, a Tupolev 154 jetliner operat- September 1, 29 people were killed when a disappeared from radar monitors an hour since 2009 to establish a hardline Islamic state in remote northeast Nigeria has left at ed by Caspian Airlines en route from Tehran Tupolev 154 crashed and burst into flames in after takeoff from Zahedan Airport and fol- least 20,000 dead and forced more than 2.6 million others out of their homes. The vio- to Yerevan in Armenia caught fire shortly Mashhad in the northeast after a tire blew lowing contact from the pilot to airport con- lence has also spilt over into neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger. —AFP after takeoff and crashed into a field in the up.The aircraft run by Iran Airtours skidded trol in Kerman to warn them he wanted to northern region of Qazvin, killing all 168 off the runway and crashed into fencing. land due to bad weather.—AFP Established 1961 7 International Monday, February 19, 2018 Braving shelling, students back to Damascus schools ‘The walk to school has become so dangerous’

DAMASCUS: Hanan anxiously waved goodbye as killed at least 20 people including three children, her 11-year-old daughter headed into class in Syria’s according to the Syrian Observatory for Human capital after more than a week at home under esca- Rights. The rain of shells has traumatised lating rebel shellfire. “I can’t describe my anxiety Damascenes including Fadia, who teaches English to from the moment Lina leaves for school, until she eighth graders at a private school in the Bab Sharqi returns. It’s like she’s coming back from some adven- district. “We’d hear the sound of shells, we were so ture or battle, not from class,” the 44-year-old moth- scared. Then one of our students, 15-year-old Rita er said. Hanan lives with her husband and three al-Eid, was killed by a mortar,” Fadia told AFP. “The daughters in Al-Amin, a neighbourhood at the heart next day, most of the classrooms were empty.” She of Damascus’s Old City which has been bombarded breathed a sigh of relief last week when her school by rebels entrenched outside the capital. sent out text messages saying classes were cancelled Fighting between for three days. “The government troops sound of ambu- and rebels escalated lances didn’t stop at during the second all. Sometimes we week of February, had to close the forcing nearly a Rain of shells windows just so we dozen schools in the could hear the stu- Old City to shut for traumatises dents,” said the 36- several days and year-old. prompting terrified Damascenes “Then we’d open parents to keep chil- them again, scared dren at home. Hanan the glass would kept her daughters shatter if a shell hit DAMASCUS: Syrian students head to school following days of calm in Damascus’s Old City that has been out of school for nearby.” Now that bombarded by rebels entrenched on the capital’s outskirts. —AFP eight days. On shelling has sub- Sunday, she woke up and checked a Facebook page sided, Fadia’s school will reopen on Monday. “I think called “Daily Mortar Strikes-Damascus” to see residents will feel safe when they see that schools where shelling had hit overnight. Nervously, she sent have opened again,” she told AFP, but admitted she’s Jubeir said in an interview during the annual Munich Security her daughters off to class, personally accompanying still nervous. “Shells aren’t a game. It’s a matter of Conference. “Iran must be held accountable.” He said Iranian missiles were regularly used by Houthis “to Lina on the 10-minute walk to Josephine’s Girls life or death-and life in the Old City is directly tied to Saudi welcomes push target civilians in Yemen as well as inside Saudi Arabia.” Al- School. the situation in Eastern Ghouta.” Jubeir also called for changes to two aspects of the 2015 “Today was better. We woke up to our alarms for action against Tehran nuclear accord with Iran - cancellation of a so-called sunset instead of explosions,” she said. The walk to school ‘Death can ride buses’ provision, and expanded inspections to include non-declared has become so dangerous that Hanan said she would A few blocks away in Bab Touma, a handful of MUNICH: Saudi Arabia yesterday welcomed a draft United and military sites. The draft UN resolution, which needs to be rather keep Lina at home. “It’s better that my daugh- public buses stood waiting for passengers to head to Nations resolution offered by Britain, the United States and adopted by Feb 26, is likely to face resistance from Russia. A ter loses a year of school than lose her life, or that I the outskirts of the capital. Driver Abu Mohammad France that would condemn Iran for failing to stop its ballistic resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by Russia, lose her,” she said. Although it has been relatively cleaned the glass of his white bus, pausing briefly to missiles from falling into the hands of Yemen’s Houthi group. China, the United States, France or Britain to pass. insulated from the mass destruction wreaked on oth- point out a crater punched in the pavement by a dead- Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir told Reuters the meas- Al-Jubeir said he hoped Russia could be persuaded to er Syrian cities, Damascus is regularly bombarded by ly mortar strike last week. “We all went home then, but ure, if passed, would help hold Iran accountable for what he support the measure. The draft text to renew UN sanctions armed opposition factions based in nearby Eastern we came back the next day-we have to live, and we described as its “exports of ballistic missiles” to the Iran- on Yemen for another year would also allow the 15-member Ghouta. have no other choice,” he said. The unpredictability of backed Houthi rebels, and “radical and aggressive” behaviour council to impose targeted sanctions for “any activity related the rocket and mortar fire has made Damascus resi- in the region, including support for terrorist groups. to the use of ballistic missiles in Yemen.” Britain drafted the Wailing sirens dents afraid to leave their homes, making business A proxy war is playing out in Yemen between Iran and US resolution in consultation with the United States and France Syrian troops have recaptured most rebel posi- slow for bus drivers, said Abu Mohammad, in his ally Saudi Arabia. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen before giving it to the full council on Friday, diplomats said. tions around the capital in recent years, and are fifties. “Usually on days like this, there are tons of peo- in 2015, backing government forces fighting Iran-allied Houthi US President Donald Trump’s administration has been lobby- determined to clear the final pocket in Eastern ple from early in the morning until late at night. But rebels. Iran has denied supplying the Houthis with weapons. ing for months for Iran to be held accountable at the United Ghouta. Government forces intensely bombarded the there are so few people today,” he said. “No one’s “In order to ensure than Iran comports itself with internation- Nations, while at the same time threatening to quit a 2015 enclave for five days earlier this month, killing leaving their homes except when absolutely neces- al law, we must have firmer positions with regards to ballistic deal among world powers to curb Iran’s nuclear program if missiles and with regards to Iran’s support for terrorism,” al- “disastrous flaws” are not fixed. —Reuters dozens, as rebel rockets and mortars on Damascus sary. Death can ride buses, too.”— AFP 8 Established 1961 International Monday, February 19, 2018 ‘Painful’: Britons, Europeans count Brexit’s personal cost Some Europeans frustrated, afraid of the future

LONDON: Frustrated by Brexit negotiations, angry at metres downstream to the Republic of Ireland-across Brussels or simply afraid of the future, ordinary Britons a currently invisible boundary-if customs tariffs come and other Europeans are already taking life-changing in after Brexit. “I can’t really leave it till the last minute decisions a year before Britain leaves the EU. Office to do that,” the 63-year-old ex-fireman said. The oys- workers, farmers and radio hosts are taking on new ters he lays down this year, largely for export to nationalities, relocating their businesses or looking for- France, will not be harvested until after the UK has left ward to lucrative alternative trade deals, as politicians the EU. “I can’t work with uncertainty,” he said. struggle to come up with a plan. “Other people my age, they are starting settling down, they make more long- Britain ‘tearing itself apart’ term plans with their lives,” said 32-year-old Matt Brexit-backing sheep farmer Pip Simpson said he Davies, a British expat in Madrid. felt Brussels was making the negotiations “as awkward “It’s very difficult for me to plan anything beyond as possible” to deter other countries from leaving the March 2019 because you just have no idea what is bloc. The 51-year-old voted to leave the European going to happen,” the call centre worker said. British Union in the June 2016 referendum but now faces the and EU diplomats resumed negotiations in Brussels prospect of losing the EU subsidies his farm relies on. last week and are hop- Polls in recent months ing to agree next month have shown a slight on a post-Brexit transi- increase in the number of tion period. But the people who, in hindsight, shape of future relations think Britain was wrong between Britain and the Politicians to vote to leave the EU, EU is far from certain but experts say the dif- and the British govern- struggle to ference from the referen- ment is deeply divided come up with dum is negligible. “The over how to proceed. country was divided That uncertainty is a Brexit plan down the middle 18 even more pressing for months ago and not a This combination of pictures shows (from up left to bottom right) British citizens leaving abroad David Rooney, the three million EU great deal has changed,” owner of the My Woodie rock bar in Paris; Barnaby Harward, a law firm language editor living in Warsaw; nationals living in the political scientist John Andrew Ketley, a business intelligence consultant who moved to Munich, and Emily Macintosh, a communica- UK, many of whom are Curtice told a conference tions officer at the European Environmental Bureau in Brussels. AFP spoke to 15 people across Europe whose now questioning their future there. Brexit affects “every this month. The discord has left some Britons living in careers are already deeply impacted by Brexit more than a year before Britain’s departure date. —AFP part of our lives”, radio presenter Gosia Prochal, one of the EU feeling alienated. Business intelligence consult- nearly a million Polish citizens living in Britain, told AFP. ant Andrew Ketley, 41, who moved to Munich in cations. “England is my home now,” the salad-farm Stone’s business, all done in sterling, has been unruffled. The 25-year-old is based in Peterborough, a city in February last year, is putting down roots. bookkeeper said. But French wine importer Laurent Faure, 50, who eastern England that has seen a sharp rise in immigra- “We don’t want to live in a country which is tearing owns Le Vieux Comptoir bistrot in central London, tion in recent years and voted 61 percent in favour of itself apart,” he said. Barnaby Harward, 44, an editor ‘A painful process’ said the plunge of the pound due to the Brexit vote has leaving the EU in the 2016 referendum. who has lived in Warsaw with his Polish wife since For people in business, clarity cannot come soon wiped out his profit margin. “You have to envisage 2005, is applying for Polish citizenship and ending enough. Richard Stone, 44, the chief executive of doing something else-if necessary, leaving England,” ‘Can’t work with uncertainty’ thoughts of moving back home. “The whole Brexit London retail stockbrokers Share, wants Britain to sign the former lawyer said. “It would be the last resort.” AFP spoke to five EU nationals and five Britons in thing has put me off. It kind of made me feel that my trade agreements with the growth markets of China and Dimitri Scarlato, 40, an Italian composer who lectures the UK, as well as five British citizens living in conti- country is not what I thought it was,” he said. EU citi- India. “It is important that we do a deal, and relatively at the Royal College of Music in London, said Brexit nental Europe about their hopes and fears ahead of the zens in Britain are taking similar decisions. Gabriela quickly in terms of clarifying and giving business cer- had changed his perception of Britain-and of himself. expected Brexit date of March 29, 2019. William Szomoru, 32, a Romanian who has lived all her adult tainty,” said the Leave voter, speaking in a personal “The only positive outcome of Brexit-that made me Lynch, from Northern Ireland, farms oysters in Lough life in Kent, southeast England, is now applying for capacity. “I am reasonably optimistic we will get there, feel really European. I really gained my sense of being Foyle. He faces having to move his business two kilo- British nationality, as well as UK accountancy qualifi- but it will be a painful process.” Since the Brexit vote, European,” he said. —AFP

firearm despite a history of troubling and violent behavior. Trump turns on “The question on whether or not people should be allowed to own an automatic weapon is not a political one. It is question of life or death and it needs to stop being a ques- FBI over shooting tion of politics,” Gonzalez told AFP following her speech. Britain wants In Washington, the political response has made clear after criticisms that the powerful NRA pro-gun lobby remains formidable, degree fees to while Trump himself suggested the root cause of mass FORT LAUDERDALE: US President Donald Trump said shootings was a crisis of mental health-making no mention Saturday the FBI was so caught up in the Russia probe of gun control. “If the president wants to come up to me reflect choice that it failed to heed signs which could have prevented the and tell me to my face that it was a terrible tragedy and... Parkland school shooting. His comments came as he faces how nothing is going to be done about it, I’m going to of subject criticism from survivors of the attack over his ties to the happily ask him how much money he received from the powerful National Rifle Association, and after several National Rifle Association,” Gonzalez said in her impas- thousand rallied in Florida to demand urgent action on gun sioned address. LONDON: Students at British universities could “It doesn’t matter because I already know. Thirty mil- WASHINGTON: FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies on world- be charged variable tuition rates that reflect the control. “Very sad that the FBI missed all of the many sig- nals sent out by the Florida school shooter. This is not lion,” she said, citing the sum spent by the NRA to support wide threats during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on economic value of their degrees, Minister for acceptable,” he wrote on Twitter. Trump’s election bid and defeat Hillary Clinton. She then Capitol Hill. —AFP Education Damian Hinds said yesterday, before “They are spending too much time trying to prove ran through a list of the pro-gun lobby’s talking points-for the launch of a review of higher education fund- Russian collusion with the Trump campaign - there is no example, that “a good guy with a gun stops a bad guy with ing. University tuition fees in England are high collusion. Get back to the basics and make us all proud!” a gun,” that no law could ever stop a madman intent on ground check, allowing him in February 2017 to buy the US authorities have come under mounting scrutiny for fail- killing-answering each argument with “We call BS.” The AR-15 rifle used in the massacre. compared with elsewhere in Europe at around young woman’s powerful address immediately went viral, 9,000 pounds ($12,640) a year, and the opposi- ing to act on a series of warning signs ahead of the mas- with her name a top trending topic on Twitter. Russia probe tion Labour Party gained support from students sacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in which Trump spoke by phone Saturday with the Parkland in last year’s election with a pledge to abolish 17 people were killed. The FBI admitted Friday it received a chilling warning in January from a tipster who said the Missed warnings mayor, the county commissioner and the principal of fees in the future. Hinds defended tuition fees in gunman Nikolas Cruz could be planning a mass shooting, In addition to the FBI’s missteps, Cruz was also known Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to express his principle yesterday, saying they divided the cost but that agents failed to follow up. to local police after his mother repeatedly reported him for condolences and offer his support. He then pivoted to pol- of university education between the taxpayer But the attack, the 18th school shooting this year alone, violent outbursts, while records obtained by the South itics late Saturday with his allegations against the FBI- and the student, but he wanted to see more has also renewed calls for greater gun control with several Florida Sun Sentinel show authorities investigated Cruz in though the federal government’s investigation into allega- variety in the way higher education is funded. survivors leading the charge. One of them, 18-year-old 2016 after he cut his arms on messaging app Snapchat and tions of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential race Emma Gonzalez delivered a fiery address to a crowd of threatened to buy a gun. The newspaper, citing and collusion with the Trump campaign has been led by “What we need to look at is the different Department of Children and Family Services documents, aspects of pricing, so the cost to put on the students, parents and residents in Ft Lauderdale. “To every special prosecutor Robert Mueller since last May. There said the investigation came four days after Cruz turned 18 was no immediate response from the FBI to Trump’s latest course, the value it is to the student and also politician taking donations from the NRA, shame on you!” she thundered, assailing Trump over the multi-million-dol- - legally an adult, and thus able to buy a firearm. allegation. Mueller’s investigation has so far swept up four the value to our society as a whole and to our lar support his campaign received from the gun lobby. The Investigators said there were “some implications” for the members of Trump’s campaign, with two agreeing to work economy for the future,” he told BBC’s Andrew crowd chanted in turn: “Shame on you!” teen’s safety, but concluded that his “final level of risk is for the probe under a plea deal. On Thursday Mueller Marr show. The Sunday Times said the govern- “We are going to be the last mass shooting... We are low as (he) resides with his mother, attends school and indicted 13 Russians for allegedly running a secret cam- ment expected to see cuts in the fees for social going to change the law,” she vowed-slamming the fact 19- receives counseling” as an outpatient at a mental health paign to tilt the vote, but did not accuse any Americans of science and arts courses which are cheaper for year-old Cruz was able to legally buy a semi-automatic center, the Sun Sentinel said. Cruz later passed a back- knowingly participating in that effort. —AFP universities to provide. Hinds told the newspa- per that almost all institutions were charging the same maximum amount for almost all ing a common argument among pro-gun advocates. “I own courses and indicated he wanted to see more US gun lovers guns, I choose to own guns, I choose to carry guns. That’s choice on price. my choice. It’s not for everyone, I absolutely agree with that. “Some have higher returns to the student Everybody needs a background check, I’m having a back- defend rights ground check right now,” he said, pointing at the gun ven- than others,” he said. “It’s right that we now dor who was looking at a laptop. In the US, adults with a ask questions about how the system operates. I clean criminal record can generally buy a gun, as was the would like to see options available which have amid debate case with Nikolas Cruz in Parkland. Regulatory loopholes different costs.” He said the review, due to be MIAMI: Pistols, rifles and ammunition are on display at a also allow for certain gun sales without background checks. launched on Monday, would also look at the gun show in Miami, where Mike Vallone is buying an AR-15, The issue is deeply political-on one side, the powerful interest rate charged on student loans, used to a firearm at the center of debate on gun control as the National Rifle Association (NRA) aggressively lobbies law- fund tuition fees and living costs for students. weapon of choice of several mass shooters. Why would the makers to maintain the status quo. On the other side, advo- Earlier yesterday, a parliamentary committee 55-year-old, who already owns about 50 guns, want anoth- cates for stricter gun controls say a criminal record check is not sufficiently thorough and often misses red flags that said the government should cut the interest er one? “Because I choose to own them. I have the consti- tutional right to own them and I choose to exercise that don’t rise to the level of criminal charges, such a mental rate it charges on loans to English students, health problems. The FBI admitted Friday it received a chill- and statisticians should review why the cost of right,” he said on Saturday. Vallone was visiting the gun show three days after a 19-year-old massacred 17 people at ing warning in January from a tipster who said Cruz could be hefty write-offs barely figures in official bor- his former high school with an AR-15 in Parkland, about an planning a mass shooting, but that agents failed to follow up. rowing data. hour north of Miami. Student loans taken out since 2012 charge a The semi-automatic rifle was also used to carry out mass Popular show variable interest rate that is 3 percentage points shootings in Las Vegas (58 dead), Sutherland Springs, Texas Florida Gun Shows, which holds events in major cities higher than the prevailing rate of retail price (26 dead) and Newtown, Connecticut (26 dead). The media throughout the state every week, opened its Miami show on inflation, taking the current interest rate to 6.1 “makes it look like it’s evil,” Vallone said, holding the $600 Saturday. “Legislation is great to talk about, as long as it percent. The British parliament’s Treasury gun he is about to buy. “This does nothing by itself. This doesn’t infringe upon your rights,” said George Fernandez, a takes a human being to take the rifle, point it and shoot spokesman for the gun show, defending the Second Committee said the use of RPI as a benchmark Amendment. Some 140 exhibitors had their wares on dis- was unfair, and the 3 percentage point premium someone.” Every mass shooting reveals the deep fissures in American society between those who favor fewer restric- play in booths, many decorated with alligator heads. One introduced in 2012, was hard to justify. “The tions on guns and gun ownership, and those who demand vendor displayed knives made from giraffe bones. Another FLORIDA: Protesters hold signs at a rally for gun control at the government must reconsider the use of high greater controls. The “right of the people to keep and bear seller highlighted the advantages of tasers and stun guns: Broward County Federal Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. interest rates on student loans,” Nicky Morgan, arms” is guaranteed under the US Constitution’s Second “You don’t need to go through the paperwork to carry it, Seventeen perished and more than a dozen were wounded in the Conservative chair of the cross-party com- Amendment, which was adopted in 1791. you can just take it.”The line to enter the exhibition hall was the hail of bullets at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in mittee, said. —Reuters “The focus on gun control is an error and it won’t stop long and made up mostly of men, with some holding small Parkland, Florida- the latest mass shooting to devastate a small US community and renew calls for gun control. _ AFP someone determined to commit crimes,” said Vallone, rais- children by the hand. —AFP

10 Established 1961 International Monday, February 19, 2018 18 killed as massive explosion rocks Indian wedding; 5 hurt Gas cylinder explodes at hotel in the city of Beawar AJMER: Rescuers discovered nine more bodies yesterday “Five seriously injured people, with severe burn injuries, beneath the ruins of a Indian hotel, bringing the known death are being treated in hospital,” he told AFP. Recovery teams toll from an explosion which tore through a wedding party to were sifting through mangled heaps of concrete and steel, 18, an official said. A gas cylinder exploded late Friday at the removing victims on stretchers covered with white sheets. hotel in the city of Beawar, in the western state of Rajasthan, The blast all but levelled the three-storey hotel where a wed- reducing the venue to ding was underway. ruins and sparking a Eyewitnesses told local broad- huge fire. caster NDTV the explosion By Saturday Rescure teams occurred as a chef tried to refill evening officials said a cooking canister. nine bodies had been sift through Rajasthan Chief Minister found. But the figure Vasundhara Raje visited sur- rose sharply yesterday mangled vivors in hospital late Saturday as rescue teams, aided and announced compensation of by the army, found nine heaps of 200,000 rupees ($3,106) each more victims including for the families of the dead. “The women and children concrete cylinder blast at the wedding under rubble. “So far ceremony at Beawar is nothing 18 bodies have been less than a nightmare,” she said recovered,” said on Twitter. Domestic gas cylin- Gaurav Goyal, a senior administrative official in Ajmer, the der explosions are common in India, where safety standards district where the blast occurred, about 200 kilometres from are relatively poor. Reports of fatal accidents from cylinder BEAWAR: Indian Army, NDRF and SDRF personnel carry out rescue work after a building collapsed due to a gas cylinder the state capital Jaipur. blasts are frequent but mass casualties are unusual.—AFP blast during wedding party in Beawar, in the Indian state of Rajasthan yesterday. —AFP

Canadian leader Zimbabwe tours Taj Mahal opposition AGRA: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday toured the Taj Mahal with his wife and children as he risks split began a week-long visit to promote trade and investment with India. Trudeau, his wife Sophie Gregoire and their three children posed for a family portrait before marvelling HARARE: Zimbabwe’s main opposition party is facing at the legendary marble monument frequently visited by the threat of damaging splits just months before a his- foreign leaders during roadshows to India. toric election, as feuding erupts after the death on It was Trudeau’s first visit to India since taking office in Wednesday of its leader Morgan Tsvangirai. 2015. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Tsvangirai’s final months were accompanied by efforts to expand trade will dominate an agenda also cov- increasingly public quarrelling between his three ering energy, education and infrastructure. “Wheels up for deputies over who would succeed him as head of the India and a busy visit, focused on creating good jobs and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The party- strengthening the deep connection between the people of which has a history of splintering-had been trying our two countries,” Trudeau tweeted before embarking on reunite to fight the coming election, but the death of its the trip. Trade between Canada and India has doubled in widely-admired founder triggered renewed rivalry. the last decade to just over $8 billion in 2016, a figure Fresh divisions could mean that President Emmerson which India’s foreign ministry says “does not reflect true Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU-PF face little oppo- potential”. sition at the election, which is expected by July. Voters Canada is home to more than 1.2 million Indians-more will go to the polls for the first time since Robert than three percent of its population-and Trudeau is joined Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe with an iron fist since by Sikh members of his cabinet for the visit. The delega- 1980, was ousted in November after a military inter- tion will walk a diplomatic tightrope in Punjab where vention. “We are going to see a major split in the MDC Trudeau will visit the Golden Temple-the holiest site in now that Tsvangirai, who was the glue that held the Sikhism, and the scene of a bloody massacre of religious party together, is gone,” Harare-based political analyst separatists in 1984. For decades Sikh separatists have been AGRA: Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Gregoire and his children pose for a photograph during their Alexander Rusero told AFP. agitating for an independent state, and last year Punjab’s visit to Taj Mahal in Agra yesterday. —AFP chief minister accused Canadian defence minister Harjit Competing claims Sajjan-who joins Trudeau on this trip-of being sympathet- memorials. Trudeau is scheduled to visit Modi’s home Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi following a welcome at the The latest bickering came to a head when one of the ic to their cause. state of Gujarat today before jetting off to India’s financial presidential palace and a wreath-laying at Mahatma deputy leaders, Nelson Chamisa, called a meeting at The Canadian premier will meet Indian political lead- capital of Mumbai for talks with CEOs and business lead- Gandhi’s memorial. Modi visited Canada in 2015 and MDC headquarters in Harare the day after Tsvangirai’s death. Chamisa had supposedly been named as the ers, civil society figures and corporate executives ers the next day. After visiting Amritsar in Punjab on addressed a crowd of 10,000 from the Indian diaspora in interim MDC leader by Tsvangirai as he underwent between ceremonial visits to religious sites and national Wednesday, Trudeau will meet Modi and Foreign Minister Toronto.— AFP cancer treatment in South Africa. Hundreds of party activists gathered outside the building to honour Tsvangirai-but without the party’s other deputies, Thokozani Khupe and Elias Mudzuri. A furious Khupe Fire hits Jokhang lashed out at Chamisa. “Tsvangirai dies and you go on Prominent Islamic with a meeting to appoint yourself as leader. How shameful!” she told the local press. “You are power- scholar facing rape monastery, one of hungry. You can’t even wait for two days to have Tsvangirai buried.” Tibet most sacred Shortly before Tsvangirai’s death, Mudzuri visited charges hospitalised him in hospital in Johannesburg to establish his own BEIJING: A fire broke out Saturday at one of the most claim to be the rightful heir. “It is myself and no one PARIS: Prominent Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan, who was sacred sites for Tibetan Buddhism, Lhasa’s revered else,” Mudzuri told South African television. “People remanded in custody in France on rape charges earlier in the Jokhang temple, state media said, but no casualties were must respect authority as given by my president and reported and the extent of the damage remained unclear. month, has been hospitalised due to multiple sclerosis, his sup- make sure they work towards... winning the 2018 elec- The official Xinhua news agency said the fire began at port group said yesterday. The 55-year-old Oxford University tions.” In turn, Chamisa has called for the party to unite 6:40pm but was soon put out at UNESCO World Heritage professor, who will now undergo an independent medical eval- and be disciplined. Chamisa is thought to have the Site, which has more than 1,300 years of history and lies at largest number of supporters. Many analysts tip him to uation to determine if he is to remain in jail before trial, was the heart of old Lhasa. emerge as the MDC’s next leader and say he could sent to hospital on Friday night, a source close the case con- “The fire was quickly extinguished, there were no casu- manage to head off a permanent split. firmed. “His state of health is getting worse, particularly since Swiss Islamologist Tariq Ramadan alties and order is normal in the area,” said the state-run the judges refused to issue a visit permit to his wife and chil- Tibet Daily, adding that Tibet’s top Communist party offi- Opposing Mugabe dren yesterday,” a source close to Ramadan said on Saturday. cial Wu Yingjie had rushed to the scene. Images posted on The MDC once posed a formidable challenge to Another source close to the case said he would remain in founded Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood movement, of rape. social media of the blaze showed the eaved roof of a sec- ZANU-PF, even winning the first round of a presiden- hospital at least until today. Ramadan’s lawyers said that their They went public with the allegations late last year when tion of the building lit with roaring yellow flames and emit- tial election in 2008 vote. Tsvangirai then pulled out of client’s condition was “not compatible with detention”, based women began sharing accounts of sexual harassment and ting a haze of smoke. But on Twitter, which is blocked in the run-off after a wave of deadly violence unleashed on an initial medical examination on Tuesday. Charged with assault as part of the “Me Too” and “Balance Ton Porc” China, Tibetans abroad noted that photos and posts about by Mugabe supporters, and the MDC entered into a rape and rape of a vulnerable person, Ramadan had been held (Expose your pig) campaign triggered by the revelations the fire were quickly being censored. Robert Barnett, a troubled coalition government. Under relentless pres- at the Fleury-Merogis prison near Paris since February 2. A against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. Ramadan, who London-based Tibetologist, tweeted that sources in Lhasa sure from Mugabe’s regime-and the threat of intimida- court ordered Ramadan be detained ahead of his trial, saying took leave of absence from Oxford in November after the “claim police have threatened anyone distributing pictures tion and violence-the MDC have suffered major splits he was a possible flight risk and fearing potential pressure on allegations surfaced, is the most high-profile figure to be held or unofficial news about the fire.” The blaze comes as since Tsvangirai founded the party in 1999. But women who testified anonymously. A Paris appeals court in France since the campaign began. Henda Ayari, a 41-year- Tibetans across the country are celebrating Losar, the tra- Tsvangirai last year reunited with his former allies ordered the medical evaluation on Thursday and postponed old feminist activist who previously practised an ultra-conser- ditional Tibetan New Year that began Friday, the same day Tendai Biti and Welshman Ncube, who both left vative brand of Islam, claims Ramadan raped her in Paris in as the Chinese lunar new year. The temple, an important Tsvangirai’s wing of the party, to run together in the its ruling on his detention until February 22 after Ramadan went to the hearing in an ambulance. 2012. Another woman, a 40-year-old disabled Muslim con- pilgrimage site, had been closed to the public on Saturday, 2018 elections. Now the party could struggle to launch vert going by the alias “Christelle”, claimed he raped and beat a credible election challenge to ZANU-PF, which is The arrest of the influential academic-a regular on TV Xinhua reported, citing a schedule from local authorities her in the southeastern city of Lyon in 2009.The married often accused of decades of brutal repression and over- debates with more than two million Facebook followers-has from before the holiday began. seeing the collapse of Zimbabwe’s economy. —AFP rocked the French Muslim community. Two Muslim women father of four has rejected the accusations saying he is the Jokhang houses one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most vener- have accused Ramadan, a Swiss citizen whose grandfather victim of a smear campaign. —AFP ated icons-the Jowo Shakyamuni, a statue believed to be one of just three crafted during the Buddha’s actual life- time, depicting him at age 12. It is also home to numerous other priceless cultural artifacts, including over 3,000 Petersburg, Russia, and financed by Yevgeniy Viktorovich state Republican Party. It issued false information about an images of Buddhas, deities and historical figures as well as Russia propaganda Prigozhin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin. Russian inquiry into electoral fraud during the Democratic primaries treasures and manuscripts, according to UNESCO. China media had previously reported on the company and said it in North Carolina. There were election-related hashtags has ruled Tibet since the 1950s, and has been accused of was believed to have ties to Russian intelligence.The including #Trump2016 and #Hillary4Prison. Several days trying to eradicate its Buddhist-based culture through tools in US election Agency aimed, in part, to carry out “information warfare before the ballot, the Blacktivist Instagram account called on political and religious repression. against the United States of America” through fake US voters to back Jill Stein of the Green Party. At about the WASHINGTON: Fake social media accounts, rallies for Beijing insists that Tibetans enjoy extensive freedoms identities on internet-based media and social media. same time, United Muslims of America posted a message and argues that it has brought economic growth to the and against Donald Trump, paid protesters: Russia man- Propagandists were told to create “political intensity which said “most of the American Muslim voters refuse to region. Its officially atheist ruling Communist party views aged a vast propaganda operation to support the Trump through supporting radical groups, users dissatisfied with vote for Hillary Clinton.” campaign in the 2016 presidential election, according to a (the) social and economic situation and opposition social the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama as a dangerous “separatist” campaigning for independence. He says he court indictment. Special Counsel Robert Mueller, investi- movements.” Starting from the Republican and Democratic Ad purchases seeks only greater autonomy. Foreign journalists are gating possible collusion between the campaign and primaries, the Agency worked to favor Trump and denigrate The Agency and its staff, concealing their Russian Russia along with other potential wrongdoing, on Friday his Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton, with a budget that identities, “began to produce, purchase, and post adver- banned from visiting Tibet except on state-sponsored charged 13 Russians for an alleged conspiracy to defraud by September 2016 exceeded $1.2 million a month. tisements” on social media and elsewhere online “advo- tours, as Beijing seeks to strictly control the narrative the United States. The indictment details a wide-ranging cating for the election of then-candidate Trump or about the region, ranked the second least free territory in multi-million-dollar enterprise to interfere with and “sow Fake accounts expressly opposing Clinton.”To pay for the ads, they the world after Syria by US think tank Freedom House. discord” in the American political system using social The Agency created pages, which sometimes rivaled each fraudulently opened US bank accounts with fake identity In 2008, demonstrations by Tibetan monks in Lhasa media. Here are facts about the alleged operation, as out- other, on Facebook and Instagram about immigration, race papers, and used PayPal and cryptocurrencies. US law degenerated into deadly violence targeting Han and the lined in the indictment: relations and religion. Among the page names were: Secured forbids foreigners from buying political ads. They also Hui, China’s Muslim minority. Later that year, dozens of Borders, Blacktivist, United Muslims of America and Army of “organized and coordinated political rallies,” promoted monks burst into Jokhang temple to interrupt a state-run The instigators Jesus. The company also controlled “numerous” Twitter through their fake social media accounts but also by foreign media press tour intended to showcase the The campaign began in 2014. It was managed by accounts designed to appear as if they were operated by reaching out to large social media groups focused on US region’s harmony and stability in wake of the protests, Internet Research Agency LLC, a company based in Saint Americans. One even purported to belong to the Tennessee politics. —AFP accusing the government of lying. —AFP Established 1961 11 News Monday, February 19, 2018

into the National Assembly building in Nov 2011 follow- Amir orders paying ing a protest against corruption and against a former prime minister, who resigned two weeks later. The crimi- nal court acquitted all the defendants, saying they all had debts of Kuwaiti... no criminal intention and that they were protesting against corruption. But the court of appeals - in a sur- Continued from Page 1 prising ruling - convicted all the men of entering a public property and handed them harsh jail terms ranging from After lengthy deliberations and hearings defense one to nine years. lawyers’ arguments, the court decided to suspend a ruling Barrak yesterday described the ruling as “oppressive”, by the appeals court sending the activists to jail pending because it did not hear the defense of the accused. The the final verdict of the court. The court also set March 4 as public prosecution told the court of cassation earlier this the date for the next hearing in the case that has attracted month that the appeals court ruling was incorrect. a lot of attention. Meanwhile, former MP Kamel Al-Awadhi yesterday Prisoners, their relatives and supporters celebrated the lashed out at Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte for his decision in jubilant scenes in the jam-packed courtroom at inflammatory statements against Kuwait regarding the the Palace of Justice. The large crowd sang the national treatment of Filipino workers in the country. Awadhi, who anthem outside the courtroom as policemen tried peace- served for years as the director general of the immigration Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif gives a speech during the Munich Security Conference fully to calm the crowds. Among those released were MPs department before becoming a lawmaker, said that the yesterday. — AFP Jamaan Al-Harbash and Waleed Al-Tabtabaei, who spent whole affair should have been resolved through diplomat- three months in jail, and MP Mohammad Al-Mutair, who ic channels and not in public, especially since the alleged arrived in Kuwait two days ago and gave himself up. They mistreatment concerns a number of individual cases only. was shot down, believed to be the first loss of an Israeli also included former MP and opposition leader Musallam He said Duterte should have visited Kuwait and person- Netanyahu warns plane in combat since 1982. Tensions between the two Al-Barrak and leading former MPs Faisal Al-Muslim, ally seen the situation of Filipino workers before he countries had already been building in recent months, Mubarak Al-Waalan, Salem Al-Namlan and Fahd Al- issued strong statements to the media. Awadhi added Iran; Zarif mocks... with Israel fearing that Tehran is trying to establish a Khannah, among others. statements about the abuse of a handful of workers are permanent presence in Syria as part of an effort to In all, 70 opposition activists were tried for breaking highly exaggerated. become a greater regional power in the Middle East. Continued from Page 1 The clashes this month have stoked fears of an escalat- ed conflict between the two countries, even though Zarif responded by calling Netanyahu’s speech a gation into the crash. Families of the passengers also both sides appear to want to avoid an open war for gathered at a mosque near Mehrabad airport. “I can’t “cartoonish circus” which “does not even deserve the 65 ‘killed’ in Iran now, analysts say. bring myself to believe it,” said a woman whose husband dignity of a response”. “What has happened in the past Lebanon’s Defense Minister, Yacoub Riad Sarraf, was on board. The man who missed the doomed flight told several days is the so-called invincibility (of Israel) has who spoke after Netanyahu, warned against any inter- plane crash; Amir... reporters of his mixed emotions. “God has been really crumbled,” Zarif, who addressed the conference hours vention: “Watch out, we will defend ourselves ... we kind to me but I am so sad from the bottom of my heart after Netanyahu, said, referring to the downing of the also have friends.” Russian senator Alexei Pushkov, Continued from Page 1 for all those dear ones who lost their lives,” the unnamed Israeli F-16, which crashed in northern Israel after a also addressing the Munich conference shortly after man told the Tabnak news website, which showed a pic- strike on Syrian air defenses. “Once the Syrians have Netanyahu spoke, said: “OK, you bomb Iran, and then As night approached, bad weather prevented helicop- ture of his unused ticket. the guts to down one of its planes it’s as if a disaster you do what, what happens next?” while saying the ters searching the probable crash site but emergency Iran has suffered several plane crashes in the past few has happened,” Zarif said, accusing Israel of using Iranian issue requires acting with “responsibility”. It workers were scouring the mountainous area by land, the decades. Tehran says U.S. sanctions have long prevented “aggression as a policy against its neighbors” by regu- was not the first time Netanyahu, who is under pres- television said. “It is getting colder and darker and still no it from buying new aircraft or spare parts from the West. larly carrying out incursions into Syria and Lebanon. sure at home over a corruption inquiry, has made a sign of the plane,” said a television reporter accompany- The crashed ATR was 25 years old, officials said. A deal The clash came as Netanyahu again slammed the dramatic show. In 2012, speaking at the UN, he notably ing rescue teams searching snow-covered areas in Mount with world powers on Iran’s nuclear program has lifted 2015 nuclear deal signed by Iran and world powers, showed a simplistic drawing of a bomb with a lit fuse, Dena which has more than 40 peaks higher than 4,000 m. some of those sanctions, opening the way for Iranian air- which is under threat by opposition from the adminis- supposedly indicating how close Tehran was to Media reports said the plane disappeared from radar lines to update their creaking fleets. Aseman signed a deal tration of US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu com- becoming a nuclear threat. screens 50 minutes after taking off from Mehrabad air- last year to buy at least 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets. pared the deal to the “appeasement” of the 1938 The Israeli military has claimed the drone was a port in the southwest of the capital. It mainly handles National carrier IranAir has ordered 80 planes from Munich Agreement that only emboldened Hitler, and copy of a US model captured by Iran in 2011, based on domestic flights. Worried relatives of passengers gathered Boeing and 100 from Airbus. said it allowed Iran to hide its continued efforts to build an analysis of the drone’s debris. Netanyahu reiterated at Yasuj airport. “I kept telephoning all morning but they Based in the southern French city of Toulouse, ATR is an atomic bomb. “The sanctions relief that the deal pro- yesterday that Israel would not let Iran obtain a perma- (the relative) wouldn’t answer. So I called my brother and a joint venture between Airbus and Italy’s Leonardo. vided has not moderated Iran... In fact it has unleashed nent foothold in its northern neighbor. “Through its he said they will get here, it (the plane) is not behind Earlier air disasters include the crash of a Boeing 727 passenger plane in 2011 which killed 78 people in the a dangerous Iranian tiger in our region and beyond. proxies - Shiite militias in Iraq, the Houthis in Yemen, schedule yet,” a young woman told a reporter for state Once armed with nuclear weapons, Iran’s aggression television. “I told him it is raining here. He said no (mean- northwest of Iran, and the 2009 crash of a Caspian Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza - Iran is devour- Airlines Tupolev aircraft bound for Armenia which killed will be unchecked, and it will encompass the entire ing huge swathes of the Middle East,” he said. “Israel ing, don’t worry). He called later and said the plane had crashed.” all 168 people on board. One of Iran’s worst air acci- world,” Netanyahu claimed. will not allow Iran’s regime to put a noose of terror Those accusations were dismissed by Zarif. “We will Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President dents happened in Feb 2003 when an Iranian Ilyushin- around our neck,” he added. “We will act without hesi- 76 troop carrier crashed in southeast Iran, killing all 276 not be the first ones to violate an agreement which all Hassan Rouhani issued messages of condolences. The tation to defend ourselves. And we will act if necessary president asked the transport minister to lead an investi- Revolutionary Guard soldiers and crew. — Agencies of us tried, in spite of Netanyahu’s attempts, to not just against Iran’s proxies that are attacking us, but achieve,” he said. Israel has said it downed the drone on against Iran itself.” Feb 10 after it entered the country from Syria, and But he stressed that Israel was not the enemy of the responded with a raid on what it said was the Iranian Iranian people, and offered his condolences to the not in Kuwait, someplace else.” control systems for the craft in Syria. It marked the first families of the people killed in an Iranian plane crash Many Filipino About 1,700 workers have come home under Duterte’s time Israel publicly acknowledged hitting Iranian tar- yesterday. “We have no quarrel with the people of repatriation program so far, the government said. Some gets in Syria since the 2011 start of the civil war there. Iran, only with the regime that torments them,” have been persuaded to leave by a Kuwaiti government returnees still... amnesty for illegal workers, which allows them to depart During the strikes, one of Israel’s F-16 fighter jets Netanyahu said. — Agencies without penalty until Feb 22. But those headed home may Continued from Page 1 have little to show for their labor. Many of the returning King Salman endorsed the bankruptcy law after the women who spoke to AFP over the weekend in Manila said Saudi women can cabinet approved it, the sources said, citing a document sharp focus with the death of Joanna Demafelis, whose they had no personal savings. dated last week. The ministry of commerce and invest- body was found stuffed in a freezer. A visibly angry The money they earned over the years had already ment did not immediately respond to a request for President Rodrigo Duterte has alleged that employers rou- been sent back home. Some said they had only been get- start own business... comment, and it was not clear when the law would be tinely rape their Filipina workers, force them to work 21 ting about KD 80 ($267) a month, which went to pay promulgated and take effect. Saudi Arabia’s Shura hours a day and feed them scraps. household expenses and school tuition in the Philippines. Continued from Page 1 Council, a top advisory body to the government, in Some 252,000 Filipinos work in Kuwait, many as maids, Filipino workers are attracted overseas by salaries unavail- with reports of widespread abuse and exploitation. “When December approved a draft of the law which consisted able at home, where even skilled workers like computer will this inhuman treatment of these Filipino workers end?” engineers earn only about 49,300 pesos ($960) a month, seeking to restructure debt with creditors since the of 231 articles in 17 chapters. It regulated bankruptcy Duterte said this month. He has banned the deployment of 2009 global financial crisis and, more recently, the dip procedures such as settlements and liquidation, for according to government figures. new workers to Kuwait as his cabinet members seek addi- Overseas workers are widely hailed as national heroes in oil prices. individuals as well as local and foreign companies, tional legal protection for those already there. The kingdom is embarking on an intensive drive to according to a government statement at the time. for their contribution to the economy, and reports of their Domestic helpers who want to leave are being flown mistreatment abroad often become a political issue overhaul its economy - including updating outdated No details of the framework of the law have yet been home for free. One of them returning over the weekend domestically. Loreza Tagle, 37, said she had been over- released but an earlier draft version created a provision laws - as it seeks to create an investor-friendly climate was Michelle Obedencio, 34, who said she also suffered at worked and underfed by her employer. She labored illegal- to push through a multibillion dollar pipeline of asset whereby approval of a debt restructuring deal could be the hands of her employer. After two years she ran away ly in a restaurant for five years to support her four children sales such as the initial public offering of Saudi Aramco, achieved if at least two-thirds of creditors approved the and worked illegally in a beauty salon, where she was and her poorly-paid husband back home. But as she pon- expected to be the world’s largest public share sale. plan. That might help to resolve existing distressed debt treated better - even if she had to dodge the police. dered an uncertain fate after leaving Kuwait, tears welled “The timing is excellent,” said Bader Al-Busaies, man- disputes such as one faced by Ahmad Hamad Algosaibi Despite the hardships and risks overseas, she is willing to up in her eyes. aging partner at Al Suwaiket and Al Busaies law firm. and Brothers (AHAB), a local conglomerate which cur- give it another chance. “It is frightening to come back to the Philippines with “Lots of companies are facing financial difficulties. rently has two-thirds of creditors’ support for its debt “If there is no stable job here (in the Philippines), and if no guarantee of finding a job,” she said through sobs. Before it was either liquidation or stakeholders had to proposal. AHAB and another company, Saad Group, there is someone who will take me, I would go back. I have “Over there, no matter what, even if you are in fear of get- inject money. The new law is an alternative solution - defaulted in 2009 in Saudi Arabia’s biggest financial three kids in school, the oldest in college,” Obedencio told ting caught by the police, somehow you can find a job... the international practice has proven that insolvency meltdown, leaving international and regional banks and AFP after six years abroad. “My husband has no job so I over here, you may not be afraid but you won’t have a job.” law offers a good solution for companies.” other creditors owed about $22 billion. — Agencies really must make an effort to go out (of the Philippines): if — AFP 12 Established 1961

Analysis Monday, February 19, 2018

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How democracy’s spread dashed liberalism dreams outh Africa’s Zuma is out” was the Washington Post’s headline on Thursday morning. “Will Sthings actually get better?” The question sig- nifies more than journalistic skepticism. It points to a shift in the liberal worldview. Over more than a quarter of a century, that view - triumphant as, in 1991, both Soviet communism and South African apartheid were swept away - has been knocked hard. Interventions in Iraq and Libya, undertaken in part on the liberal grounds of a “responsibility to protect” a population from its murderous leaders, are now viewed as having pro- Can resurgent Romney take on Trump? duced more chaos than liberation. The struggle to keep the Taleban at bay in Afghanistan is increas- By Finn McHugh Senator Lindsay Graham and Speaker of the House transition. He will need to re-establish himself in com- ingly regarded through a similar prism; the American Paul Ryan, amongst others, lambasted the president dur- plete contrast to Trump to stand any chance in a presi- journalist Steve Coll wrote last month that US war itt Romney’s long-anticipated announcement ing the primaries, going so far as labelling him a racist, dential challenge. It is a risky move in a party that, for aims are “riddled with contradictions and illusions.” that he will contest Utah’s vacant Senate seat only to tone down their rhetoric once he assumed office. now at least, remains in the grip of the president. How There was no larger figure in the optimistic contained a veiled swipe at President Donald Their recent criticisms of the president have been tar- firm that grip will remain long-term may become clear canon than Nelson Mandela. After 27 years of M Trump’s rhetoric on immigration, confirming his inten- geted at specific incidents, rather than critiquing his fit- after this year’s midterm elections, where Republicans imprisonment, he emerged to both broker the end of tion to offer a conservative contrast to the White House. ness for office more broadly. Republicans have been fear a voter backlash after a chaotic beginning to the institutionalized servile status for South Africa’s But his broader ambitions will be constrained by a hesitant to criticize Trump, even in the fallout from Trump administration. black majority and to make the case for his country’s Republican base that remains fiercely loyal to the presi- Charlottesville, fearing retribution from his supporters. Romney’s best move may be a push to replace central role in a larger liberation. In a speech to the dent. In a two-minute announcement video, Romney Many of Trump’s most ardent Republican critics, Mitch McConnell as Senate majority leader, teaming Organization of African Unity in June 1994, he attempted to establish himself as a respectable conser- including John McCain, are not contesting future elec- up with former running-mate Ryan to form an estab- claimed that “Africa cries out for a new birth.” vative option, rejecting Washington’s “message of exclu- tions. As senator for Utah, Romney will be protected lishment bloc seeking to reign in Trump’s impulsive- But in South Africa, the material conditions for sion” to immigrants and promising an administration ness. But how willing Ryan, a man with possible freedom were stillborn. Mandela’s successor to the which “treats one another with respect”. presidential ambitions himself, would be to anger the presidency, Thabo Mbeki, ended his term in office Speculation is rife that Romney will use the Senate base remains unclear. Of course, this is a crisis of the having done little to raise the living standards of the as a launchpad for a tilt at the Republican nomination in Romney will need establishment’s own making. Republicans were con- majority. Corruption became more evident in his 2020, entrenching a civil war that has raged since tent to stoke conspiracy theories about Barack time; under Jacob Zuma, who followed him, it Donald Trump seized the nomination and the White to re-establish Obama’s birth, fears on border security and terror- became the governing principle of one whom the House. What’s clear is that Romney, former ism, to ride a Tea Party wave that wiped out the country’s Daily Maverick has called “the most disas- Massachusetts governor, presidential nominee and eld- himself in Democrat majority in 2010. trous of post-apartheid presidents.” er statesman in the Republican Party, has no intention The problem with stoking such anger is that eventu- The harsh fact of a brutalized society was that of being merely a junior senator. He will re-enter complete contrast ally it needs to be matched with action. It is one thing the overwhelming majority saw democracy not as a American politics with more clout than his role sug- to imply that the man in the White House is a potential- vehicle for the exercise of considered choice but as gests and wield significant influence within the party. to Trump ly Muslim, anti-American socialist allowing Muslims one of exclusion and oppression. It has meant that a Utah is a deeply red state, having last voted for a and Hispanics to take American jobs and attack newly enfranchised electorate was wooed more by Democratic nominee in 1964. In 2012, Romney carried American civilians. But to use that sentiment to push the spectacle of power and - especially in Zuma’s the state with 72.8 percent of the vote. While in line tax cuts for the top earners was never a long-term case - the ties of tribalism. These have proved, till with much of the president’s platform, many Utahans from the threat Trump’s base poses to establishment strategy to placate the base. now, more persuasive than considerations of the held their nose as they voted for Trump, a man starkly at Republicans, but would not be so immune should he They had delivered a terminal diagnosis, but offered increasing evidence of Zuma’s looting of state odds with the state’s religious conservatism. A brash, move against the incumbent in 2020. The challenge he an insipid remedy. When Trump arrived on the scene, resources. Whether Cyril Ramaphosa, who had been thrice-married admitted adulterer and recent convert to faces on a national level will be translating the security Republican voters were primed for drastic solutions. Mandela’s choice as his successor, can bring many conservative principles, Trump bled votes to of Utah into votes in areas where adoration for the Taking the Tea Party template, he offered sweeping, clean(er) government to the people and a culture of third-party candidate Evan McMullin to finish with just president remains strong. Indeed, many of the factors simple ones: A border wall and a ban Muslims entering accountability to the ruling African National 45.5 percent in 2016. that make him a fit for Utah - his religious credentials, the country. Establishment Republicans watched in hor- Congress is the reason for the Washington Post’s Romney, by contrast, is tailor-made for politics in the executive experience, and temperament - may hinder ror as Trump hijacked their base and drove off with their question mark. majority-Mormon state. The first of the faith to secure a him in areas disillusioned with business-as-usual party. Now Romney, so long the embodiment of the Everywhere, below the over-facile assumptions major party nomination, he boasts executive experience Washington politics. Republican insider, will re-enter the party as an out- of radical, even revolutionary, change in the eighties and is credited with saving the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics sider, chipping away at its leader. Utah’s unique make- and nineties lay harsh facts. One is that the exercise after a corruption scandal, a point emphasized during Inconsistent relationship up will offer him a safe haven for the role, but the threat of democracy is a hard-won, long-haul phenome- his announcement. Even should Trump plump for anoth- Romney himself has had an inconsistent relationship of Trump’s base lurks beyond its borders. non. A central tenet - that those in power are them- er primary candidate, a Romney victory looks a forgone with Trump, labelling him a “fraud” during the primaries selves subject to the greater power of laws - is conclusion. before flirting with the secretary of state role during the NOTE: McHugh is an Australian journalist and writer hardest won of all, and hardest to police, since pow- er will usually seek to grow. In Europe, the collapse of the Communist bloc meant a joyously-celebrated “return to Europe” of beyond China’s borders. the Central European and Baltic states which had China’s next Beijing’s renewed commitment to ideo- been part of the Soviet world. The European Union logical control also manifests itself in new China’s Hui Muslims saw itself as the medium through which these coun- ideological front rules for foreign universities operating in tries would ease themselves into the exercise of China: Institutions like New York democratic norms. In part, that has happened: the fearful education ban ack in 2014, in statements by its University and Duke that were enticed to EU insisted on institutional and legal change which China with promises of academic free- reflected norms of equality, minority rights and free- leadership and in government media outlets, Beijing began to dom have now been forced to establish sign of curbs to come doms of speech and the press. B Communist party units on their campuses express its desire for a “new type of and to give high-level decision-making or some in China’s ethnic Hui Residents in the city of Linxia, the Jingoism Great Power relations” with Washington. powers to party officials. Last month, Muslim minority here, a recent ban capital of Gansu’s so-called But change, supported and carried out by the lib- This bold, if vaguely-defined, ambition on young people engaging in reli- “autonomous” prefecture for the Hui was among the first indications that China Beijing demanded a public apology from F eral parties which were often the first beneficiaries Marriott after the company listed Taiwan gious education in mosques is an unwel- people, about 50 km to the west of of the post-communist era, did not capture the sup- was beginning to re-conceive its global as an independent country on one of its come interference in how they lead their Guanghe, told Reuters that similar port of the majority. Institutional reform was not role. The phrase was clunky, and China customer surveys; Beijing’s reaction was lives. Their big fear is the Chinese gov- restrictions were in place there. “We feel popular acceptance. In Poland and in Hungary, finally dropped it with little fanfare. volcanic. Marriott said it was sorry. ernment may be bringing in measures in it is ridiculous and were astonished,” authoritarian rulers promote policies hostile to ideas Nevertheless, a new kind of US-China Though Beijing’s efforts to project ide- this northwestern province of Gansu that said Li Haiyang, a Hui imam from the of liberal morality and multicultural mixing. relationship has indeed begun to emerge. ology overseas aren’t confined to the are similar to some of those used in the eastern province of Henan who in a Culture is now decreed to be patriotic. Poland’s A relationship that has, in recent United States, the American response has crackdown on Uighur Muslims in the widely circulated online article ruling Law and Justice Party has forced a patriotic decades, been organized around the pur- grown more forceful. In late January, giant Xinjiang region further to the west. denounced the policy as violating agenda on a new museum, in the port city of suit of shared interests appears to be Trump announced substantially increased Well-integrated into society and China’s constitution. Gdansk, which has commemorated the savage Nazi reverting to one increasingly defined by tariffs on Chinese solar panels and wash- accustomed to decades of smooth rela- Such bans had been conveyed ver- wartime occupation of the country by relating it to differences in worldview. Beijing is tight- ing machines in response to Beijing’s tions with the government, many Hui bally in recent years, Li told Reuters, but the experiences elsewhere, in Central Europe and in ening the screws on internal political dis- “unfair” trade practices. The tariffs might have watched with detachment as implementation was uneven and often the Soviet Union. For the governing party this lacks, sent, and Americans are growing more or might not achieve their objectives, but authorities have subjected Xinjiang to ignored. The more forceful rollout this as the Law and Justice MP Jan Zaryn said, “features uneasy about the nature of Chinese influ- their symbolic value is great. They signal near-martial law, with armed police year shows authorities are serious about characteristic of Poles” such as “loving freedom, ence abroad. Ideology once again defines that the United States is no longer as will- checkpoints, reeducation centres, and enforcement, he said. The Linxia prefec- Catholicism, patriotism and especially being proud the terms of the US-China relationship. ing to bear the costs of its openness to mass DNA collection. ture government, which oversees Linxia of their history.” The museum will undergo changes It has become fashionable to point to support a global trading system. But in January, education officials city and Guanghe, did not provide in the direction of more evident patriotism. Trump’s election win as the inflection The last few months have seen from the local government in Guanghe details of the policy, but said China’s In Hungary, the cultural battle focuses on the point for any number of global trends. increasing hostility to Chinese projects county, which is a heavily-Muslim constitution required separation of reli- Central European University, funded by the liberal But, in this case, the shift owes more to and influence in the United States. area, banned children from attending gion and education. “Religious affairs philanthropist George Soros and seen by the ruling Chinese than to American leadership. Surveying the CCP’s growing ideological religious education during the Lunar management ... adheres to the direction Fidesz Party as a cosmopolitan institution at odds Since his accession to the Party Secretary control of university education at home, New Year break. That lasts for several of the Sinofication of religion, and firmly with Hungarian national values. Prime Minister Viktor position in 2012, Xi Jinping has consis- many American universities are raising weeks around the week-long public resists and guards against the spread Orban argues that the university must conform to tently taken an ideological line stronger public doubts about the viability of holiday period that started on and infiltration of extremist religious rules regulating other universities: the European than any party leader since Mao. Beijing’s network of “Confucius Thursday. It is unclear if the ban, simi- ideology,” the Linxia government’s pub- Union sees the application of the rules as an attempt Under pressure from the Chinese Institutes” across US campuses. And lar to those used by the authorities in licity department said in a fax in to shut down the university. Both Poland and Hungary, Communist Party (CCP), WeChat, the chat American political scientists who until the Uighur communities, will continue response to questions from Reuters. along with other Central European states as Slovakia and social networking app, has agreed to recently touted the benefits of incorpo- after the holiday, but it appears to “Maintaining legal management is the and the Czech Republic, have refused to take an EU- censor “distorted” versions of Chinese rating China into the global system are conform to new national regulations greatest concept in the protection of mandated quota of refugees; all reject the right of history that appear in private conversa- criticizing Beijing’s behavior and its that took effect on Feb. 1 aiming to religion,” it said in a statement that Brussels to dictate their policies. — Reuters tions on its service. Given the app’s global increase oversight over religion. stressed stability. — Reuters reach, this decision has implications far motives and values. — Reuters Established 1961 13 Sports Monday, February 19, 2018 Georges Groves defends WBA super-middleweight title ‘Groves suffered a shoulder injury in the last round’ MANCHESTER: George Groves’ place in the World you can train very quickly again-if it’s a case of it just Boxing Super Series (WBSS) final is in doubt after his popping out. No one knows until it has been scanned.” unanimous points win over Chris Eubank Jr on Sauerland said that despite losing to Groves, Eubank Saturday. Groves earned scores of 117-112, 116-112 and could find himself in the WBSS final if Groves is ruled 115-113 over his English rival at the Manchester Arena, out through injury. but went straight from the ring to hospital after suffer- “He will definitely be on the list,” said Sauerland. ing a suspected dislocated left shoulder in the last “It’s a decision that’s taken by the (WBSS) board. I will round. make my recommendations.” Victory over Eubank in a second defence of his World Boxing Association (WBA) super-middleweight LOADING UP title also secured Groves a place in the final of the Eubank Jr, 28, said he was hampered by a cut above eight-man tournament. The WBSS final had been set to his right eye suffered in the third round. “This is the take place at the O2 first time I’ve been cut in Arena in London on June my career,” he told 2, but Groves’ trainer reporters. “I couldn’t see Shane McGuigan said out of my right eye for there are now concerns pretty much most of the over whether the cham- Eubank could fight and that affected pion will be fit by then. find himself in my style. I had to resort “He suffered a shoul- to loading up. Every der injury in the last the WBSS final time he moved to my round, we don’t know right, I couldn’t see him. what that it is at the “In the later rounds I moment but hopefully he was hurting him with a can box again soon,” lot of shots. I thought I McGuigan told a press did enough in the later conference. “After a performance like that he’s the best rounds to nick it, but George had a good game plan.” super-middleweight on the planet. We fulfilled the Groves smothered Eubank when he tried to get close George Groves’ (right) punches Chris Eubank Jr in WBSS final match. game plan to the T and executed it perfectly. We beat to him and was more accurate with his jab. them on many different levels. Eubank, who could not land enough clean shots or “It’s a massive concern for the tournament. George put the champion under sustained pressure, said he felt was world middleweight and super-middleweight power, but that’s okay, he will live and learn. Groves’ health is paramount.” Kalle Sauerland, pro- Groves should have been penalised for what was champion in the 1990s, admitted Groves deserved the “George fought the right fight, staying off, feinting, moter and co-founder of the WBSS, said the tourna- judged an accidental clash of heads in the third round. decision. and when he came in, he held. It was perfect tactics.” ment’s duration is finite. “We have scope of when the “George headbutted me a lot in that fight and I “He [Junior] didn’t perform,” said Eubank Sr. “He’s a England’s Callum Smith and Germany’s Juergen tournament must be completed,” he said. didn’t know how he didn’t have a point taken away lot better than what you saw because he was loading Braehmer meet on February 24 in the other WBSS “We will wait until today. With those sort of injuries from him,” said Eubank. Eubank’s father Chris Sr, who up. He didn’t close him down. No combinations, just semi-final. — AFP

Rio de Janeiro

champion in world boxing, said he Games legacy Benavidez had sought to exploit Gavril’s aggres- sive tactics. “I knew he was going to incomplete: IOC come in aggressive-like I said before crushes Gavril he’s a one-trick pony, he don’t know anything else but pressure,” PYEONGCHANG: Some venues for the Rio to retain Benavidez said. de Janeiro 2016 Olympic are decaying as “So I used that to my advantage- Brazil has so far fallen short of its own legacy WBC crown jabbed, boxed him all day and when I plans for sports facilities, the International saw an opening I took it. I didn’t knock Olympic Committee (IOC) said yesterday. him out but he’s a tough son of a gun.” In a surprisingly frank comment, the LOS ANGELES: David Benavidez Benavidez said he was unfazed by the Olympic Games Executive Director outclassed Ronald Gavril to easily bad blood that had simmered between Christophe Dubi admitted plans for the post- retain his WBC super-middleweight the two fighters before the bout. Games use for several venues, including the crown with a unanimous points victo- “I don’t really care,” he said. “I had aquatics centre in the Olympic park, had ry on Saturday. The 21-year-old the better of him. Look at his face and largely remained on paper. champion from Phoenix dominated look at mine,” he added. Benavidez’s “A very well planned legacy that did not materialise in full,” Dubi told reporters. He Romania’s Gavril to claim a deserved best moment came in the fourth One of the venue of the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic. — File photo win at the Mandalay Bay Events round, when he rocked Gavril with said while the city had benefitted from the Center in Las Vegas. with an uppercut followed by a left post-Games use of what he said was an cal uncertainty. Crime has also spiked with bid to host the Games. Nuzman, who faces Benavidez had beaten Gavril, 31, hook that sent the Romanian reeling improved transportation and telecommuni- deadly violence in Rio up in recent years, racketeering and money laundering charges last September by a split decision to into the ropes. cation systems, some sports venues were with an eight percent increase in killings last among other, has denied wrongdoing. claim the vacant crown in one of the Gavril managed to dig himself out standing idle. year over 2016 and a 26 percent jump since Police raided his home and seized gold best fights of 2017. An ill-tempered of that hole however, clinching suc- “Dismantle the venues,” Dubi said of tem- 2015, according to statistics from the Rio bars, computers as well as a Russian passport build-up to the rematch had seen cessfully until the bell to survive. It porary structures that were supposed to be state government. among other items. The iconic Maracana Gavril vowing to right a wrong, claim- was only a fleeting respite though as moved away from the park in Barra de Tijuca “The legacy is still not perfect,” Dubi said. football stadium has been looted after the ing he had robbed of victory in the Benavidez continued to pick him off at after the 16-day competition in 2016. “It has “They (venues) need to be dismantled. These Games, with seats ripped out, while the entire first fight. will with a superb exhibition of preci- not happened because of the political land- are not venues designed and built to last. I Olympic park remains shut for much of the 18 But on Saturday there was only one sion punching. scape, because of the social and economic hope the city and government will do the months since the Games. The velodrome has winner, with Benavidez using his Benavidez would not be drawn on situation.” right thing and dismantle those venues that been damaged by two fires, the most recent stinging jab and superior movement to possible future opponents, declining to Brazil was experiencing near double-digit were not built to last.” one in November last year. toy with Gavril on his way to a say whether he fancied a possible bout annual growth when it was awarded the first To add to Rio’s woes, Games chief Carlos In August 2017 IOC President Thomas resounding victory. One judge scored against Britain’s George Groves, who Olympics in South America back in 2009. Nuzman, a long-time former IOC member, is Bach had urged to give Brazil more time to it 119-109 while the two other cards won a bruising fight with Chris Eubank But when the Games came round in 2016 the to stand trial for his role in a corruption case implement legacy plans due to the country’s had it 120-108 in favour of Benavidez, Jr in Manchester earlier Saturday. country was in its worst recession in involving alleged bribery in Rio’s successful political and economic woes. — Reuters who improved to 20-0 with 17 knock- “I want to be the best, so whoever decades and locked in a maelstrom of politi- outs after the win. they put in front of me, that’s what I’m Benavidez, the youngest active going to do,” Benavidez said. —AFP national meet.” World outdoor champi- Houston stuns onships silver medallist Coleman cruised through qualifying in the 60 metres in S Korea’s Ko Kendricks 6.46 seconds despite slowing as he Audsley after relentless USA pressure advanced to today’s semi-finals and leads to win US rout Chile but the Eagles 10-0 up in the 21st minute. finals. The top two finishers in each Chile reduced the deficit to seven points for US pole event qualify for the March 1-4 world when fullback Tomas Ianiszewski stroked indoor championships in Birmingham, Australian Open to maintain over a penalty on 28 minutes and it England, provided they have the qualify- remained 10-3 at half-time. vault title ing standard. unbeaten The Eagles however cut loose with a Coleman’s time was just 0.01 seconds ADELAIDE: South Korea’s Ko Jin-young led all blistering start to the second half, Matyas faster than Ronnie Baker, who won the the way to win the Australian Women’s Open by ALBUQUERGUE: Scott Houston upset heat prior to Coleman’s. “I put out a three shots at Adelaide’s Kooyonga golf course again proving instrumental in helping set world pole vault champion Sam start to ARC up a converted try by Audsley to make it good race. Now I’ve got two rounds to yesterday. Kendricks while Christian Coleman fill it out,” said the confident Coleman, Ko, 22, rolled in a short par putt at the last 17-3. Audsley turned provider moments stayed on course in the 60 metres at the later with a break down the left before who hopes to use the rarefied air at hole to clinch a wire-to-wire victory at 14-under LOS ANGELES: Former Chicago Bears US indoor championships in high-altitude in Albuquerque to eclipse to beat compatriot Choi Hye-jin on 11-under with feeding inside to Bryce Campbell who Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday. NFL player Paul Lasike scored a try on crossed to make it 24-3. Maurice Greene’s 20-year world record Australia’s Hannah Green on 10-under in third his debut as the United States maintained Houston, who ranked only fifth among of 6.39 seconds. place. Ko’s victory allows her to take up full Chile scored their opening try in the U.S. pole vaulters last year, cleared a their 100 percent start to the Americas 46th minute when hooker Tomas Coleman ran 6.37 seconds last month LPGA Tour membership for 2018. The Korean Rugby Championship with a 45-13 win lifetime best 5.83 metres to beat in South Carolina, but the performance was ranked 20th in the world before the tourna- Dussaillant went charging over after a Kendricks, who failed three times at the over Chile. cleverly worked lineout move, but the US will not be ratified because electronic ment and will likely be close to the top 10 in this Lasike, who was released by the Bears height after not missing an attempt starting blocks were not in use. America’s week’s new rankings. “My goal is to be rookie of hit back with a converted score from Teo through 5.78 metres. last year after failing to establish himself which made it 31-8. hurdlers also are expected to be major the year,” Ko said. Ko began the tournament with as a starter, crashed over for a late try at A big loss in Europe last month factors at the world championships with a blistering seven-under 65 and was never head- Replacement Malon Al-Jiboori played a role, Houston said. “Three the University of California at Fullerton extended the US lead with a try under Christina Manning clocking 7.84 seconds ed nor seriously threatened. ground as the Eagles made it three wins weeks ago I had a great opportunity to in 60 metres hurdles qualifying.World Choi was the closest, jumping out of the pack the posts which sent the home team into go compete in Germany and compete out of three. a 38-8 lead. Chile grabbed a consolation outdoor record holder Kendra Harrison to move within two shots at the turn in the final The reigning ARC champions followed against the best in the world - the last six won her heat in 7.87 seconds with round, and still two shots back when they came through left wing Italo Zunino but the world champions, indoors and out, the up impressive opening wins against New Zealand-born Lasike rumbled over Sharika Nelvis (7.91) also a heat winner. down the stretch. Ko hit a beautiful seven-iron Argentina and Canada by outscoring the last two Olympic medalists, gold medal- Jarret Eaton led the men’s preliminaries, shot to the 17th green, where the pond on the late on to seal a deserved win. ists, and I got beat really bad,” he said. Chileans by seven tries to two. Scrum- The US now travel to South America running 7.53 seconds with Devon Allen right represented potentially her only way of los- half Nate Augspurger launched the rout “You can’t take a loss and just tuck 0.05 seconds slower in another heat. ing the Open. Then she rolled the putt down the for away games at Brazil and Uruguay your tail down and run home so I came in the fourth minute, dotting down near knowing that two wins will see them Aries Merritt, the outdoor record holder, hill and into the cup from five metres. She fired a the posts after a superb break from full- back and got off the plane and drove up was fifth fastest at 7.66. Olympic silver closing three-under par 69, starting out with two retain their crown. In other games on to a meet the next day and competed. back Mike Teo released flying wing Ryan Saturday, Canada defeated Brazil 45-5 in medallist Paul Chelimo outkicked birdies that stretched her initial lead of four Matyas down the left flank. “(I) set a new indoor personal best, and Shadrack Kipchirchir for the 3,000 shots to six. — AFP Langford while Argentina’s XV defeated kind of started this path on to the indoor An opportunistic try by centre Dylan Uruguay 34-17 in Punta del Este. — AFP metres win in 7:57.88. — Reuters 14 Established 1961 Sports Monday, February 19, 2018 England win battle, but Munro ensures N Zealand win the war NZ face unbeaten Australia in Wednesday’s final

HAMILTON: An aggressive Colin Munro belted New SCOREBOARD Zealand into the Twenty20 tri-series final against Australia despite England claiming their final round- HAMILTON, New Zealand: Completed scoreboard in the tri-series robin match by two runs in Hamilton yesterday. Munro Twenty20 match between New Zealand and England yesterday: plundered the England attack at the top of the New Zealand innings, equalling the sixth-fastest half-century England of all time in cricket’s shortest form as he raced past 50 J. Roy c Williamson b Boult 21 in just 18 deliveries. A. Hales c Williamson b Southee 1 England, on the back of an unbeaten 80 by returning D. Malan c Chapman b de Grandhomme 53 captain Eoin Morgan, posted 194 for seven after being E. Morgan not out 80 J. Buttler st Seifert b Sodhi 2 S. Billings b Boult 6 D. Willey c Guptill b Southee 10 L. Dawson c Guptill b Boult 10 C. Jordan not out 6 We played Extras: (w 4, nb 1) 5 Total: (for seven wickets, 20 overs) 194 our best Did not bat: A. Rashid, T. Curran Fall: 1-22 (Hales), 2-24 (Roy), 3-117 (Malan), 4-123 (Buttler), 5-165 game today (Billings), 6-176 (Willey), 7-187 (Dawson) Bowling: Boult 4-0-50-3, Santner 2-0-32-0 (3w), Southee 4-0-22- 2 (1w), de Grandhomme 4-0-32-1, Williamson 1-0-16-0, Sodhi 4-0- 31-1 (1nb), Munro 1-0-11-0. sent into bat. New Zealand, with Martin Guptill adding New Zealand 62 and Hong Kong-born Mark Chapman unbeaten on M. Guptill b Malan 62 37, made 192 for four in reply. HAMILTON: New Zealand’s Martin Guptill (R) is bowled out as England’s wicketkeeper Jos Buttler (L) looks C. Munro c Willey b Rashid 57 The narrow two-run winning margin was a bitter- on during the Twenty20 Tri Series international cricket match between New Zealand and England at Seddon K. Williamson b Dawson 8 sweet result for Morgan. It provided a confidence- Park in Hamilton yesterday. —- AFP M. Chapman not out 37 boosting first win in the series but England needed to R. Taylor c Morgan b Curran 7 win by 20 runs to overtake New Zealand on overall C. de Grandhomme not out 7 run-rate to face unbeaten Australia in Wednesday’s final. We just haven’t been good enough throughout this played by Guptill, a century-maker against Australia Extras: (b2, lb8, w2, nb2) 14 final. New Zealand passed that target at the start of the T20 campaign.” After New Zealand’s rollicking start, two days ago. “Martin played so well through that mid- Total: (for 4 wickets; 20 overs) 192 18th over but the groundwork had been laid by opener England spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson qui- dle period to suck it up after whacking it to all parts a Fall of wickets: 1-78 (Munro, 2-100 (Williamson), 3-164 (Guptill), 4- Munro’s whirlwind 57 in a big-hitting innings that etened the pace through the middle of the innings. few days ago, to do what the team required to get as 173 (Taylor) included seven sixes and three fours. New Zealand were 77 without loss after six overs close as we could to that total.” Did not bat: T. Seifert, M. Santner, T. Southee, I. Sodhi, T. Boult “Not that good,” Morgan said when asked how he when Rashid came on and quickly claimed Munro’s Dawson missed a caught-and-bowled chance from Bowling: Willey 3-0-33-0 (1w), Curran 3-0-32-1, Jordan 4-0-42-0 felt. “Given the start they got off to, with Colin Munro wicket. Seven overs later, when Rashid was bowled out Guptill on 25, who then lashed out to reach 62 off 47 (1w, 2nb), Rashid 4-0-22-1, Dawson 4-0-27-1, Malan 2-0-27-1. and Martin Guptill in that sort of form, there’s a bit of and Dawson had claimed the prized wicket of Kane balls before he was dismissed in the 17th over. England dew around, the ball skidding on, it was quite difficult Williamson, New Zealand were 108 for two with Guptill skipper Morgan, who missed their last two matches Result: England won by two runs for our attack,” he added. and Chapman primed to finish the innings off. because of a groin strain, hit six sixes and four fours in Series: New Zealand v Australia in final on Wednesday “We played our best game today. Good enough to “At the top of the order, Colin Munro was brilliant,” a crucial innings that ensured his side posted a compet- win the game but not good enough to go through to the said Williamson, who also played tribute to the role itive score. — AFP

Kumar rips SCOREBOARD

side and, although replays showed it was JOHANNESBURG Scores in the first Twenty20 international between South Africa and India at the Napoli, the right decision, the incident raised through S Africa Wanderers Stadium yesterday. more questions about the use of the video technology being trialled in Serie Juventus A, among others, this season. to lead India to India J. Duminy c Raina b Kumar 3 Napoli’s stadium announcer, known R. Sharma c Klaasen b Dala 21 D. Miller c Dhawan b Pandya 9 as “Decibel Bellini” had gone through his S. Dhawan c Klaasen b Phehlukwayo 72 F. Behardien c Pandey b Chahal 39 continue entire ear-splitting celebratory routine T20 victory S. Raina c and b Dala 15 H. Klaasen c Raina b Kumar 16 and SPAL were ready to kick off before see-saw battle the referee signalled that he was review- V. Kohli lbw b Shamsi 26 A. Phehlukwayo c Chahal b Unadkat 13 ing the goal. JOHANNESBURG: Seamer Bhuvneshwar M. Pandey not out 29 C. Morris c Raina b Kumar 0 Kumar took career-best figures of 5-24 to As replays showed that Hamsik was M. Dhoni b Morris 16 D. Paterson run out (Pandya) 1 MILAN: Napoli stayed one point ahead fractionally offside, the Slovak was seen help India ease to a 28-run victory over H. Pandya not out 13 J. Dala not out 2 of Juventus at the top of Serie A yester- to gesture to the linesman asking why he South Africa in the opening Twenty20 day after both teams won their ninth had not raised his flag. Juventus over- International of their three-game series at the Extras (lb2, w9) 11 T. Shamsi not out 0 league games in a row, this time beating came an early injury to striker Gonzalo Wanderers yesterday. Total (5 wkts, 20 overs) 203 Extras (b1, lb1, nb1, w5) 8 Higuain as they edged their less glam- Having been sent in to bat, India plundered SPAL and Torino 1-0 respectively. Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Sharma), 2-49 (Raina), 3-108 Total (9 wkts, 20 overs) 175 Napoli captain Marek Hamsik thought orous neighbours in the Derby della 203 for five from their 20 overs on a flat bat- he had scored a second, was booked for Mole. ting wicket as opener Shikhar Dhawan hit a (Kohli), 4-155 (Dhawan), 5-183 (Dhoni) Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Smuts), 2-38 (Duminy), 3-48 smashing into the corner flag and, to add Higuain appeared to twist his ankle superb 72 from 39 balls. It is India’s highest Bowling: Paterson 4-0-48-0 (1w), Dala 4-0-47-2 (Miller), 4-129 (Behardien), 5-154 (Hendricks), 6-158 and soldiered on for another 10 minutes insult to injury, saw the goal chalked off innings total against South Africa in the (3w), Morris 4-0-39-1 (3w), Shamsi 4-0-37-1 (1w), (Klaasen), 7-158 (Morris), 8-159 (Paterson), 9-175 by the video assistant referee (VAR) before being replaced by Federico shortest format of the game, with debutant after a two-minute delay. Bernadeschi, who set up the goal when seamer Junior Dala (2-47 in four overs) the Smuts 2-0-14-0, Phehlukwayo 2-0-16-1 (1w) (Phehlukwayo) The pattern was the same as the pre- he pulled the ball back for Alex Sandro most successful home bowler. Did not bat: B. Kumar, J. Unadkat, J. Bumrah, Y. Bowling: Kumar 4-0-24-5, Unadkat 4-0-33-1 (1w), vious three weekends when Juventus, to tap in just after the half hour. South Africa were in the game until Chahal Bumrah 4-0-32-0 (1nb), Pandya 4-0-45-1 (3w), chasing a seventh successive title, played Torino, who missed an early chance Kumar’s final over when he picked up the key Chahal 4-0-39-1 (1w). first, won and briefly went top only to be when Andrea Belotti failed to control wicket of Reeza Hendricks (70 from 50 balls), South Africa pulled back by their rivals. Juventus will Joel Obi’s pass with the goal at his and then dismissed Heinrich Klaasen (16) and mercy, lost confidence after falling also play first for the next three rounds Chris Morris (0) in successive balls, before J. Smuts c Dhawan b Kumar 14 Result: India won by 28 runs of matches, a situation which has drawn behind and never looked like turning around the game. Juventus have won Dane Paterson (1) was the fourth wicket to fall R. Hendricks c Dhoni b Kumar 70 Series: India lead the three-match series 1-0 complaints from Napoli coach Maurizio as he was run out. Sarri. Brazilian midfielder Allan finished seven and drawn one of their last eight The home side ended their innings on 175 off a typically incisive Napoli move to matches against Torino. Napoli have score the only goal in the sixth minute at 66 points from 25 games with Juventus for nine, continuing their struggles against the rain-soaked San Paolo stadium. Hamsik’s on 65 and AS Roma a huge 15 behind tourists in the limited overs matches on the South Africa were dealt a blow before the injury. The second Twenty20 clash will be second-half goal was ruled out for off- in third place. — Reuters tour having been thrashed 5-1 in the one-day start of the match as their best batsman AB de played in Pretoria on Wednesday, with the final international series. Villiers was ruled out of the series with a knee game on Saturday in Cape Town. — Reuters

Mendis drives SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka to SYLHET, Bangladesh: Scoreboard of the second and final Twenty20 international between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Sylhet yesterday: Sri Lanka Mushfiqur Rahim c T. Perera b Madushanka 6 T20 series sweep D. Gunathilaka c Tamim b Soumya 42 Mohammad Mithun c J Mendis b Madushanka 5 K. Mendis c Mahedi b Mustafizur 70 Mahmudullah Riyad run out (Mendis/Udana) 41 T. Perera c Soumya b Jayed 31 Ariful Haque lbw b Mendis 2 SYLHET: Opener Kusal Mendis hit a blazing half-century U. Tharanga c Soumya b Saifuddin 25 Mohammad Saifuddin c sub b Udana 20 as Sri Lanka thrashed Bangladesh by 75 runs in the second D. Shanaka not out 30 Mahedi Hasan c Udana b Shanaka 11 Twenty20 international to complete a 2-0 series sweep D. Chandimal not out 2 Mustafizur Rahman b Gunathilaka 8 Extras (lb2, w7, nb1) 10 yesterday. Sri Lanka rode on Mendis’ 70 off 42 deliveries Abu Jayed st Chandimal b Gunathilaka 2 Total (4 wickets; 20 overs) 210 to post 210-4 and then bowled out the hosts for 135 in Nazmul Islam not out 1 Fall of wickets: 1-98 (Gunathilaka), 2-149 (T. Perera), 3-160 (K. Sylhet. Extras (w10) 10 Skipper Mahmudullah Riyad top-scored for Mendis), 4-205 (Tharanga) Total (all out; 18.4 overs) 135 Bangladesh with 41 before being run out, with opener Did not bat: J. Mendis, A. Aponso, A. Dananjaya, S. Madushanka, I. Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Soumya), 2-14 (Mushfiqur), 3-22 (Mithun), 4-59 Tamim Iqbal making the only other meaningful contribu- Udana tion with 29. Sri Lanka paceman Shehan Madushanka, who Bowling: Jayed 4-0-45-1 (w3), Nazmul 4-0-28-0 (w1), Mahedi 2-0- (Tamim), 5-68 (Ariful), 6-110 (Mahmudullah), 7-113 (Saifuddin) 8- left the field with an injured hamstring after bowling just 25-0, Mustafizur 4-0-39-1 (nb1), Saifuddin 4-0-46-1 (w2), Soumya 132 (Mahedi), 9-132 (Mustafizur), 10-135 (Jayed) 2.1 overs, and off-spinner Danushka Gunathilaka claimed 2-0-25-1 (w1). Bowling: Madushanka 2.1-0-23-2 (w3), Dananjaya 4-1-20-1, Shanaka two wickets each to wrap up a comprehensive victory. 1.5-0-5-1 (w1), T. Perera 3-0-33-0 (w2), Aponso 4-0-31-1, J. Mendis “We had a really bad couple of years. I think now players Bangladesh (target 211) 1-0-8-1 (w1), Udana 2-0-12-1 (w3), Gunathilaka 0.4-0-3-2. are getting some confidence. That’s the main thing,” Sri Tamim Iqbal c Dananjaya b Aponso 29 Result: Sri Lanka win by 75 runs Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal said after the win. Soumya Sarkar c J. Mendis b Dananjaya 0 Series: Sri Lanka win the two-match series 2-0 “Hope the boys do their best moving forward-we have a really good combination of youngsters and seniors.” Mendis once again stood out for the visitors with his sec- their first success in the game. other batsmen to manage double figures for the hosts, ond successive fifty of the series, as his 98-run stand with Number three Thisara Perera chipped in with a quick- who were all out after 18.4 overs. “You need to have fellow opener Gunathilaka gave Sri Lanka a solid start fire 31. Upul Tharanga then hit 25, and Dasun Shanaka partnerships when you are chasing 200-plus,” said after being put into bat first. Mendis, who was named both smashed an unbeaten 30 off 11 balls, to lift the score past Mahmudullah. “You must have at least 60 to 75 runs in SYLHET: Sri Lanka cricketer Kusal Mendis poses for a man of the match and series, hit six fours and three sixes in the 200-run mark. the powerplay. But today we succumbed to scoreboard reaching his T20 international career-best score, taking In reply, Bangladesh lost three early wickets for just 22 pressure. I am feeling quite disappointed.” Sri Lanka also photo with the Man of The Match and the Man of the the attack to the opposition while Gunathilaka at the other runs and never caught up with the ever-increasing won the preceding tri-nation one-day international tour- Series trophies following the presentation ceremony end made a brisk 42. Bangladesh dropped Gunathilaka required run-rate. Apart from Tamim and Mahmudullah, nament and a two-Test series by 1-0 in their successful during the end the second Twenty20 (T20) cricket twice on 15 and 28 and had to wait until the 11th over for Mohammad Saifuddin and Mahedi Hasan were the only month-long tour. —AFP match. — AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Monday, February 19, 2018 Japan’s Nao Kodaira wins gold in women’s 500 metres Defending champion Lee Sang-hwa takes silver

GANGNEUNG: Nao Kodaira stormed to gold in the tance at the last two Olympics, suffered a chronic knee women’s 500 metres in an Olympic record time of injury last year and though Kodaira won the day, it was 36.94 seconds at the Gangneung Oval yesterday, the Korean who drew the loudest cheers from the becoming the first female speed skater from Japan to packed Oval. “It doesn’t matter, I still have two gold win an Olympic title in an individual event. medals and I still have the world record,” said Lee, who Defending champion Lee Sang-hwa of South Korea was in tears after her lap. “I was between nervous and settled for silver, while excited before racing and Karolina Erbanova of the when I finished everything, I Czech Republic won the was really happy. bronze medal. Kodaira, the “It was the first time my reigning world champion mother saw me competing in who has dominated the dis- the Olympics, I think she tance over the past seasons, I was the captain cried too. I had a goal of shaved 0.34 seconds off the coming in at 36.8 seconds, previous record set by Lee of the Japanese that didn’t happen... well it’s at the Sochi Games four over, I still achieved every- years ago and is the first delegation thing I could as a skater.” woman to finish the race in Kodaira, who also won sil- under 37 seconds at sea lev- ver in the women’s 1,000m el. The Japanese spoke to on Wednesday, joins Tomomi Lee after the race and the two skaters raised the Okazaki, who won bronze at the Nagano Games in Korean and Japanese flags together. “Sports can make 1998, as the only Japanese skaters to win a medal in the the world one together. It’s simple,” Kodaira told event. She got off to a lightning quick start over the first reporters, speaking through an interpreter. “She was 100 metres and flew around the track and although Lee under big pressure. She fought well. I told her, ‘I started quicker than her rival, she could not maintain respect you still and a lot’.” her momentum on the back straight. The 31-year-old came into the race with huge The 28-year-old crowd favourite still managed to expectations of herself due to her sheer domination of finish 0.01 seconds ahead of Erbanova for her first the distance in recent seasons-she has won in each of medal of the Games. The race was the first speed- her last 15 World Cup appearances stretching back to skating event at the Oval in which no Dutch skaters 2016. “I was the captain of the whole Japanese delega- finished on the podium. The United States endured tion this time. I know a lot of attention comes from the another day of disappointment, with Brittany Bowe Japanese people. I knew that,” she added. “All I had to ending in fifth place, ahead of the highest-placed PYEONGCHANG: Japan’s Nao Kodaira competes in the women’s 500m speed skating event during the do is skate as I am supposed to skate.” Lee, who won Dutch skater, Jorien ter Mors, who beat Kodaira to Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Oval in Gangneung yesterday.— AFP back-to-back titles in the shortest speed-skating dis- gold in the 1,000m. —Reuters

Russian Olympic athlete involved Klaebo’s nerves in meldonium of steel fetch doping case Norway’s relay gold

PYEONGCHANG: A Russian athlete at the PYEONGCHANG: Norway’s 4x10km cross-country Pyeongchang Winter Olympics has been implicated in a relay team did not just have to contend with the other doping case involving the banned substance meldo- 13 teams in the field in yesterday’s race - they also nium, a source close to the situation told AFP yester- had to ski with their nation demanding an Olympic day. It comes after a spokesman for the Olympic gold medal that they had not won since 2002. Athletes from Russia said one of its competitors com- They delivered that gold in a thrilling race, with the mitted a “possible violation of anti-doping rules”, last leg anchored by the callow, confident Johannes according to Russian media. If the case is confirmed, it Hoesflot Klaebo, who held his nerves before a spurt will come before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, that will immediately go down in Norwegian sporting which is handling doping matters at the Olympics and history. has an ad hoc division in Pyeongchang. “I didn’t sleep well last night and I haven’t eaten Russia are banned from the Olympics over systemic much either, but at the end it’s just a normal ski race doping, but 168 Russian athletes deemed clean are and you have to just take it down to the simple competing in Pyeongchang under the neutral banner of things,” the ice-cool Klaebo told Reuters. “I felt a lit- Olympic Athletes from Russia. A fresh doping case tle bit of pressure, but I think it’s good if you are a lit- would be deeply embarrassing and could affect deliber- tle bit nervous-then you are a little bit more sharp. I ations on whether to lift Russia’s ban in time for the PYEONGCHANG: In this file photo taken on February 9, 2018, the Olympic Athletes from Russia delegation think that’s great and I think we all did a very good Pyeongchang closing ceremony. parades during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games. A Russian job,” he explained. “Today the headquarters of our delegation received Olympic curler has been implicated in a doping case. — AFP “At the end, to win an Olympic gold medal with an official notice from the IOC regarding a possible our team, it’s unbelievable.” Cross-country skiing is violation of anti-doping rules,” Konstantin Vybornov, not so much a national sport as an obsession in spokesman for the Russian team, was quoted as saying lines governing their participation, including not waving Richard Budgett, medical director for the International Norway, and millions will have risen early to watch a by Russian media. “We are not naming the athlete or the Russian flag or wearing its colours. Olympic Committee, said it seemed that Elistratov took race that started just after 7 a.m. 0600 GMT) back the discipline until the B-sample results, which are An IOC implementation panel is due to consider how the drug before it was banned. “Because of the way it’s home. expected within approximately 24 hours.” The well the Russian team has observed the guidelines metabolised, it can stay in the system for many, many Lead-off man Didrik Toenseth was 10-year-old the International Olympic Committee suspended Russia in before making a recommendation on whether to lift the months, even nine months after it had been taken,” last time Norway won this race, and he was well December after revelations of a widespread and highly ban. Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Budgett told journalists last week. aware of how important winning it would be for the orchestrated doping conspiracy, which first emerged Agency’s list of banned substances in 2016. Russian He added: “We have to be realistic-meldonium was Norwegian people. “It’s not that they want it (gold) - before the Rio 2016 Summer Games. Investigations tennis player Maria Sharapova, a former world number used in a widespread way throughout Eastern Europe they expect it from us. Then the pressure is on, this is found that the doping plot, straddling several years, one, served a 15-month ban after testing positive for and Russia and was considered to be a tonic, a type of a day that you have to succeed, nothing can go wrong,” he said. culminated when Russia hosted the Sochi 2014 Winter meldonium early that year. cardiac stimulant that was not prohibited. For Martin Johnsrud Sundby, who won silver in Olympics, where they topped the medals table. Russian short track speed skater Semen Elistratov, “But of course, quite rightly it was then prohibited Vancouver as part of the only relay team to medal who won bronze in the men’s 1,500m in Pyeongchang, and because it was such widespread use there were a Russian athletes in Pyeongchang are under strict since that 2002 victory, the relief was palpable, espe- instructions to honour the “letter and spirit” of guide- served a brief ban for the same substance in 2016. large number of cases.” — AFP cially since bitter rivals Sweden won gold in 2010 and 2014.—Reuters Abramenko wins Medals Table Czechs beat

Olympic Games complete medals table on day nine in aerials gold Pyeongchang: Swiss 4-1 Matches on TV (Local Timings) after tense final Rank Country G SB Total to win group Norway 9 9 7 25 ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PYEONGCHANG: Oleksandr Abramenko pulled off one of Germany 9 4 4 17 the best jumps of his life to win the aerials competition in Netherlands 6 5 2 13 GANGNEUNG: The Czech Republic scored three Zob Ahan Isfahan v Lokomotiv Tashkent 15:30 the freestyle skiing yesterday and become the first Canada 5 5 6 16 third-period goals to beat Switzerland yesterday and beIN SPORTS HD 4 U.S. 5 3 2 10 Ukrainian man to collect a Winter Olympic gold medal. win their group in the preliminary round of the men’s Al Wahda SCC v Al Duhail 17:50 Sweden 4 3 0 7 China’s Jia Zongyang took home the silver medal, while Olympic ice hockey tournament, earning a spot in the Austria 4 2 4 10 beIN SPORTS HD 3 Olympic Athlete from Russia Ilia Burov secured the quarter-finals. France 3 2 4 9 AlGarrafa v Tractor Sazi Tabriz 18:00 bronze. Abramenko said he had tried his winning jump, a Forward Michal Repik scored twice, including an South Korea 3 0 2 5 back full-full-double full, only 15 times, adding: “This was empty netter inside the last minute of the game, and beIN SPORTS HD 2 Switzerland 2 4 1 7 one of the best jumps of my life.” goalkeeper Pavel Francouz stopped 28 shots. Dominik Alahli v AlJazira 20:10 Italy 2 1 3 6 Kubalik and Roman Cervenka each scored for the The final consisted of three rounds, with the three low- Japan 1 5 3 9 Czechs. “It is the toughest game of the Olympics,” beIN SPORTS HD 2 est-scoring athletes being eliminated at each stage. The Czech Republic 1 2 2 5 Kubalik said of the coming quarter-finals round. “But highest score from the final round won gold. Slovakia 1 2 0 3 we are very happy we have a day off and that is huge. SPANISH LEAGUE Once the field was reduced to the final six, the tension Belarus 1 1 0 2 We can relax and be ready for the quarters.” Thomas Getafe v Celta de Vigo 23:00 was palpable as each athlete took their final jump. Britain 1 0 3 4 Rufenacht scored for the Swiss. The win gave the beIN SPORTS HD 3 Abramenko raised the bar, scoring 128.51 to lead going Poland 1 0 0 1 Czechs the top seeding coming out of Group A with into the final three jumps. China 0 4 1 5 eight points. Canada, who play South Korea later on He still led as Jia took to the hill on the last jump of the Olympic Athlete from Russia 0 3 7 10 Sunday, are currently second but with only four points ITALIAN CALCIO LEAGUE final. The Sochi bronze medallist landed his jump but could Australia 0 2 1 3 cannot overtake the Czechs. Lazio v Hellas Verona 22:45 not usurp the Ukrainian, scoring 128.05 to take silver. The Slovenia 0 1 0 1 The winners of each of the three groups in the men’s beIN SPORTS HD 4 result meant Belarus did not have a man on the aerials Finland 0 0 3 3 tournament are awarded a bye directly to the quarter- podium for the first time since its Olympic debut in 1994. Spain 0 0 2 2 finals. A fourth bye is awarded to the best second-place The Belarusian gold medallist from Sochi, Anton Kusnir, Liechtenstein 0 0 1 1 team among the three groups. The remaining eight GERMAN BUNDESLIGA failed to progress from qualification, while Australia’s Kazakhstan 0 0 1 1 teams play in a qualifying playoff on Tuesday for the Eintracht Frankfurt v RB Leipzig 22:30 Total 58 58 59 175 David Morris, the silver medallist from four years ago, right to advance to the quarter-finals. Final group-stage beIN SPORTS HD 5 went out in the first round of the final.—Reuters G = Gold, S = Silver, B = Bronze rankings will be determined later. — Reuters Established 1961 Sport

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19، 2018

Georges Groves defends WBA England win battle, but Munro Japan’s Nao Kodaira wins 13super-middleweight title 14 ensures N Zealand win the war 15 gold in women’s 500 metres

PYEONGCHANG: (L-R) Norway’s silver medallist Henrik Kristoffersen, Austria’s gold medallist Marcel Hirscher and France’s bronze medallist Alexis Pinturault pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the alpine skiing men’s giant slalom at the Pyeongchang Medals Plaza during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. — AFP Nerveless Hirscher grabs Olympic double

Event’s most successful skier so far

PYEONGCHANG: Marcel Hirscher mastered the jit- Norway also won the 4x10km men’s cross country first and second runs, but the years of experience Saturday’s super-G, also said she was “hurt” by ters that have afflicted Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey relay to reach nine gold medals and draw level with helped me,” the 28-year-old Hirscher said. accusations online that she was anti-American, fol- Vonn when he powered to his second Pyeongchang Germany at the top of medals table. His coach Michael Pircher said simply: “Right now lowing her criticism of US President Donald Trump. Winter Olympics title yesterday, becoming the It has been a long wait for Games gold for he’s the best.” While Hirscher savoured his second “That’s so far from the truth. I’m the most event’s most successful skier so far. Hirscher, who is the dominant figure of World Cup victory, Shiffrin was processing her defeat in the American person you will ever find,” said Vonn, who While America’s Shiffrin and Vonn look to racing but whose best previous Olympic result was women’s slalom, her pet event, after vomiting with was fastest in official training for Wednesday’s recover from defeats, Hirscher hit his groove in slalom silver in 2014. However, the Austrian has flour- nerves at the start gate. women’s downhill. A torrid Games for Russia, banned the men’s giant slalom, winning by an impressive ished in South Korea. He said his years of success on “It’s not necessarily the medallists who get the over doping but with 168 athletes competing as neu- 1.27sec-five days after his debut Olympic victory the World Cup circuit proved vital as he beat most out of the Olympics,” the American wrote in a trals, improved as they won their third Pyeongchang in the combined. Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen and France’s Alexis soul-searching statement posted on social media. silver, in the cross-country relay. Norway’s Oystein Braaten proved untouchable in Pinturault into second and third place. “It’s those who are willing to strip down to nothing They were denied gold by the masterful the men’s freestyle skiing slopestyle as the 16-day “After the first run I thought to myself that the and bare their soul for their love of the game. That is Norwegian skiers, who seized the lead through Games hit the halfway point, with medals in biathlon, confidence is here and speed is here and I can win so much greater than Gold, Silver, or Bronze.” Simen Hegstad Krueger in the third leg before aerials and speed skating still to come on Sunday. the race. There’s always a mind game between the Vonn, who finished a disappointing sixth in Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo sealed victory. — AFP

their seats. However, they livened up after Atletico keep the restart, and in particular after Gameiro this year and won both-the other was sent on for Koke just before the hour Federer wins being January’s Australian Open. He is mark. It was Atletico’s French connection three years older than American up Barcelona that led to the opening goal midway Andre Agassi was when previously through the second half, with Antoine Rotterdam holding the record for oldest No.1 chase Griezmann setting up Gameiro, who took back in 2003. a touch before firing low past Kepa for 97th title This was his third title in Rotterdam Arrizabalaga and into the far corner for following successes in 2005 and 2012 MADRID: Kevin Gameiro came off the his fifth league goal of the season. ROTTERDAM: Roger Federer cele- and he now stands 12-0 for the season. bench to score one goal and make anoth- Gameiro then turned provider with a brated his return to the top of the The iconic Swiss star needed just 55 er for Diego Costa as Atletico Madrid fine through ball for Costa, who fired home world rankings by winning the minutes to dispatch Dimitrov who beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in La Liga yes- to secure the points with 10 minutes Rotterdam Open yesterday, his 97th looked to be under-cooked in the terday. It was another clinical perform- remaining, the goal his second in La Liga career title. The 36-year-old, the old- quickfire final. ance from Diego Simeone’s side, who since returning to Spain. “We are not stop- est No.1 in history, thrashed Bulgarian Federer now stands a perfect 7-0 have now recorded four consecutive ping, we are playing well at the moment, Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2 in a one- over the Bulgarian in their head-to- league victories, all without their mean and we are enjoying ourselves,” said sided final. head series. Two breaks per set were Gameiro when asked about his team’s pur- defence conceding a goal. In the Open era, only American enough for Federer to advance to the suit of Barcelona at the top of the table. They remain second, seven points Jimmy Connors has won more titles trophy. Federer will now decide within behind unbeaten league leaders Atletico, who have conceded a paltry a few days whether or not to travel to nine goals in 24 La Liga games this sea- with 109. “What a fantastic week,” the Barcelona, who won 2-0 at Eibar on top seed said. “The goal at start of Dubai for the ATP event starting a Saturday ahead of their Champions son, will hope to stay within striking dis- week from today. tance of Barcelona before going to the week was to make it to the semi-finals. League last 16, first leg away to Chelsea. Federer has a home and training Camp Nou in a fortnight. Simeone’s side This is absolutely amazing, I’m really Former Chelsea striker Costa returned for base in the UAE and has won the hard- are also nine points clear of third-placed pleased.” Federer, the record 20-time Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano after court tournament seven times. His Valencia, who came from behind to win 2- MADRID: Atletico Madrid’s Spanish forward Grand Slam winner, will reclaim the injury prevented him from taking part in effort in Rotterdam appeared to take 1 at bottom club Malaga on Saturday. Real Diego Costa shoots to score a goal during the number one ranking he last held in their 4-1 Europa League win over FC little out of him physically, with his Madrid, in fourth, are at Betis. Earlier yes- Spanish league football match between Club October 2012 when the new ATP rank- Copenhagen in Denmark on Thursday. only loss of a set coming in the quar- Atletico created little in the first half to terday, Real Sociedad beat struggling Atletico de Madrid vs Athletic Club Bilbao at the ings will be published today. ter-final against Robin Haase. — AFP get the crowd of just over 60,000 out of Levante 3-0 at Anoeta. — AFP Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid. — AFP He has played two tournaments Established 1961

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2018

E.ON workers to stage strikes Dollar tumbles as Businessdemand Myanmar farmers going against 18from today in pay dispute 20 for safe havens intensifies 22 grain with life-changing apps

HONG KONG: A Filipino woman laborer looks at her phone as she relax on her day off in Hong Kong yesterday. Every Sunday thousands of female workers from Indonesia and the Philippines gather in the downtown area to visit with friends, and relax on the one day off many of them get. —AFP EU seeks to plug holes in post-Brexit budget

Britain’s exit could leave a hole of $15-19 billion in budget

BRUSSELS: EU leaders face difficult talks this week on the expected to lay out options at the summit, including Spitzenkandidat system was “completely logical”. He also to increase the budget, decrease it or keep it the same, thorny issues of how to plug holes in the post-Brexit whether to continue with the Spitzenkandidat system. called for the commission chief’s job to be merged with sources said. EU Budget Commissioner Guenther budget and choose a successor for European Commission Leaders are expected to say it is their own “right and obli- Tusk’s. The row has become particularly fierce after the Oettinger has said that Britain’s exit could leave a hole of chief Jean-Claude Juncker. A special one-day summit in gation” to choose the commission chief, while “taking into European Parliament earlier this month dealt Macron a as much as between 12 and 15 billion euros ($15-19 billion) Brussels on Friday of the 27 leaders without Britain is account” the views of par- slap by voting against and suggested that contributions be increased to between meant to be a key step in the roadmap to a leaner and liament, as the EU treaties “transnational lists” which 1.1 percent and 1.2 percent of GDP from the current level more unified bloc after Britain leaves in just over a year. state, an EU source said. would allow 30 of the 73 of one percent of GDP in the 2014-2020 budget. But cracks have already appeared between French Many national leaders seats vacated by Britain to The Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Sweden and President Emmanuel Macron, leading the charge for a are bitterly opposed to the be elected on pan- Finland, all net contributors, are said to be against that reformed Europe, and Juncker with his federalist vision of Spitzenkandidat process, Leaders eye European tickets, instead idea. Warnings by Oettinger of cuts on agriculture-a how top EU officials should be chosen in future. saying it sidelines demo- of directly to constituen- bugbear for France-and “cohesion funds” that benefit The row means the EU’s attempts to overcome the shock cratically elected heads of a successor cies. “Why should we poorer eastern European states are also likely to go of losing a major member are running into the classic prob- government in favor of a have Spitzenkandidaten if down badly. But there is little appetite for suggestions lems that have bedevilled it for its six decades of existence: backroom deal by to Juncker we have no transnational that the EU could try to bring countries like Poland and money and sovereignty. Juncker was picked after European Brussels-based political list for elections?!” Hungary into line on issues including the rule of law and elections in 2014 by a controversial “Spitzenkandidat” sys- parties, and also makes the Luxembourg Prime migration by making cohesion funds “conditional” on tem-German for “lead candidate”-under which the political job of commission chief Minister Xavier Bettel good behaviour. With these tensions in the background group with the most votes gets to nominate its candidate for too political. Macron this tweeted. it is no surprise that the EU has been stressing the need the job. Both the European Parliament and Juncker back a week slammed the for unity in Brexit talks with Britain. Tusk is expected to repeat after the May 2019 European election, saying it gives Brussels establishment as Fixing a hole ask leaders on Friday if they want to push ahead next the public a direct say in who heads the commission, the ideologically incoherent and called for a “political revamp” Filling the hole that Brexit leaves in the EU’s multi-year month with issuing negotiating red lines on a post-Brexit EU’s powerful executive arm. to give the commission a clear mandate, defined by the budget from 2020 threatens to open up even deeper divi- future relationship with Britain. Uncertainty over Britain’s European Council President Donald Tusk-who coordi- national leaders. sions-but this time between member states themselves. wishes, and difficulties in negotiations on a post-Brexit nates summits and represents the EU member states-is Juncker however said earlier this week that the Tusk will ask the leaders at the summit whether they want transition period, could push that back.—AFP

the Baltic country’s reputation. Latvia CB head “Given that the governor of the central bank is a symbol for every country, I think that it would be sensible at this moment that Mr. the remaining 20 percent will be award- urged to Rimsevics, at least during the investigation, UAE awards ed to another company, the statement steps down,” Reizniece-Ozola told a news con- said. Cepsa, a global oil and gas compa- quit during ference. “Under the current circumstances... ny, is wholly-owned by Abu Dhabi’s every day that Mr. Rimsevics remains in the Spanish firm Mubadala Investment Company which post of governor of the central bank, the situa- has assets worth over $125 billion. “This graft probe tion (for the reputation of Latvia’s financial sys- stake in oil long-term agreement is a milestone in tem) substantially worsens,” she said. Rimsevics’ the development of Abu Dhabi’s inte- lawyer told local media that the detention was Ilmars Rimsevics grated oil and gas sector and in the RIGA: Latvia’s anti-corruption agency has unlawful. concession delivery of ADNOC’s 2030 smart detained central bank governor Ilmars “A complaint is being prepared at the growth strategy,” CEO of ADNOC Rimsevics, prompting calls for him to step aside moment,” the lawyer, Saulvedis Varpins, told were searched on Friday, the state broadcaster ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi National Oil Sultan Al-Jaber said. while he is under investigation. In a statement to news agency LETA without elaborating. The said on Saturday. Co (ADNOC) said yesterday it has Last week, ADNOC awarded a 10 Reuters, Latvia’s Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis Latvian central bank is an independent institu- It is a another setback for Latvia’s banking awarded Spanish Cepsa firm a 20 per- percent stake in the offshore conces- did not say why Rimsevics, a member of the tion and Rimsevics has been its head since 2001. sector, which has also been hit by allegations by cent share in a concession of two off- sion of Lower Zakum to an Indian con- European Central Bank’s Governing Council, He has been a member of the ECB’s Governing the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes shore oil fields in a deal worth $1.5 bil- sortium led by ONGC Videsh company had been detained or what he was being investi- Council since January 2014, when Latvia adopt- Enforcement Network that its third largest lion. The 40-year deal aims to double for $600 million. ADNOC Offshore gated for. However, he attempted to reassure ed the euro. spokesperson for the European financial institution by assets, ABLV Bank, has production at the emirate’s offshore also retained a 60 percent stake in that people that the economy was stable. Central Bank declined to comment on institutionalized money laundering. FinCen said fields of SARB and Umm Lulu to concession, with plans to award the “There are no indications that would suggest Rimsevics’ detention. last week that it was seeking to impose sanc- 215,000 barrels per day, state-owned remaining 30 percent to a third com- threats to the financial system of Latvia,” Latvia’s Economics Minister Arvils tions on ABLV. ABLV said in a statement in ADNOC said in a statement. Its sub- pany. The aim is to more than double Kucinskis said in an emailed statement. Finance Aseradens, speaking on Radio Latvia, also said response on Tuesday that FinCen had referred sidiary, ADNOC Offshore, will retain a production at Lower Zakum to Minister Dana Reizniece-Ozola said Rimsevics the governor should consider resigning. The to unfounded and misleading information about 60 percent stake in the project while 450,000 bpd. —AFP should step aside for the time being to protect home and office of the central bank’s governor the bank. — Reuters 18 Established 1961

Monday, February 19, 2018 Business Gulf Insurance Group announces KD 10.3m in net profit for 2017 Gross written premiums up 42.9 percent to KD 304.8 million

KUWAIT: Farqad Abdullah Al-Sane, Chairman of Gulf ($1 billion) at the end of 2017. an increase of KD 16.9 million ($56.1 million) or 15.9 Insurance Group (GIG) announced yesterday that the Net investment and other income for GIG reached per cent compared to KD 106.4 million ($352.6 mil- Group achieved a net profit of KD 10.3 million ($34.1 KD 10.5 million ($34.66 million) at the closing of lion) as at December 31, 2016. million), or 57.48 fils per share for the financial year Total assets increased by KD 118.2 million ($391.7 ended December 31, 2017, compared to KD 12 million million) to reach KD 494.1 million ($1.64 billion) at ($39.8 million) in 2016 with decrease of 14.3 per cent. year-end, a growth of 31.5 percent compared to the The Board of Directors has recommended the same period in 2016. distribution of 30 percent cash dividend (30 fils Board of Farqad Al-Sane, GIG’s Chairman, said: “Our results per share) for the financial year ended December for the year 2017 reflect the strength of GIG as a 31, 2017, subject to the approval of GIG’s General directors group, its ability to take risks through diversifying Assembly and other concerned regulatory revenue sources and our ability to preserve stake- authorities. recommends holders’ benefits and protect their rights. This is also GIG’s book value per share reached 472 fils as on in line with our constant endeavor to provide the best 31 December 2017, compared to 460 fils as on 30% cash insurance services to our valued customers in all mar- December 32, 2016. GIG’s shareholder equity dividend kets we operate in, supported by our proven strategy increased during 2017 by KD 2.2 million ($7.4 million) which aims at expanding our distribution networks, to reach KD 84.5 million ($280.2 million), represent- and our regional expansion plan to acquire greater Farqad Abdullah Al-Sane ing a 2.7 per cent increase from the KD 82.3 million market share locally and regionally.” ($272.7 million) at 2016-end. 2017, with an increase of KD 0.4 ($1.2 million), or 3.7 He added: “We thank our clients for these achieve- The Group’s gross written premiums grew 42.9 per per cent, compared to 2016. ments, as well as the unlimited support from our would also like to express my sincere appreciation to cent compared to last year, with an increase of KD GIG’s net technical reserves reached KD 123.4 mil- shareholders, especially KIPCO - Kuwait Projects our dedicated employees for their efforts and all the 91.6 million ($303.4 million) to reach KD 304.8 million lion ($408.74 million) as at December 31, 2017 with Company (Holding) - and Fairfax Middle East Ltd. I concerned regulatory authorities in Kuwait.”

salaries by 2.1 percent over 18 months at the latest E.ON workers to round of talks last month, but chief negotiator Holger Nieden said that did not take the good eco- Brexit deal should nomic situation into account. “The offer is com- stage strikes from pletely insufficient. It’s time to increase the pres- sure,” he said. strike ‘fair balance’, today in pay dispute Trade union Verdi, which is also negotiating for energy workers, is calling for a 6 percent wage says Merkel FRANKFURT/DUESSELDORF: Around 10,000 increase. It said the next round of talks was sched- workers at German energy group E.ON have been uled for Feb. 27. BERLIN: A Brexit deal should strike a balance to called out on strike from today, trade union IG BCE A spokesman for E.ON said the group was confi- ensure Britain clearly diverges from the European said, after a second round of wage talks ended with- dent a fair and balanced wage deal could be reached Union’s single market but keeps close economic out an agreement. Chemicals and mining workers that would adequately reflect employee interests, ties with the bloc, German Chancellor Angela union IG BCE is demanding a 5.5 percent pay rise the company’s economic situation as well the com- Merkel said after meeting British Prime Minister for energy employees, including those at E.ON’s petitive environment. Earlier this month, industrial Theresa May on Friday. units PreussenElektra and Avacon as well as power workers in southwestern Germany struck a hard- With little more than a year to go before Britain network operator Tennet. fought deal with employers on pay and working leaves the EU, Merkel struck an upbeat tone after Workers at grid operator Avacon will stage a hours, setting a benchmark for millions of workers the talks, which she described as “a very construc- strike all day today and staff at nuclear unit across Europe’s largest economy. tive, friendly meeting”. She said Germany had not PreussenElektra will follow a week later with strikes That agreement, between labor union IG Metall fundamentally changed its position on Brexit. “We and demonstrations at the Grohnde nuclear plant, in and the Suedwestmetall employers’ federation, fore- regret (Brexit), but we want to lead the negotia- Lower Saxony, IG BCE said. sees a 4.3 percent raise from April and other pay- tions such that we have as constructive and close a The union said employers had offered to raise ments spread over 27 months. —Reuters partnership with Britain as is possible after the exit, both economically and politically,” Merkel told a joint news conference with May. May also said she wanted close economic ties after Brexit, but there has been little agreement so Tunisia phosphate far on what will happen after March 2019. Britain is CBK announces hoping to negotiate a Brexit trade deal with the EU that maintains high levels of access to the bloc’s exports halted single market. The EU says Britain will lose access winners of if it sticks to its plan to end the free movement of by job protests workers from the bloc and no longer follow judg- Al-Najma draw ments of the European Court of Justice. UMM AL-ARAIS, Tunisia: Young men block the Earlier on Friday, British government officials entrance of a Tunisian phosphate mine, halting exports KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held the said London was gearing up to push for the kind of as they demand jobs in a conflict that is exacerbating daily draw on “Al Najma Account” yesterday at Brexit plan on financial services that the City of an economic crisis in the North African country. the Bank’s Head Office to select five winners to London has long favored, but which has already Hundreds have occupied the mines of state-run win a cash prize of KD 7,000 for each. The draw run into opposition in Brussels. “In the end, there Gafsa Phosphate (CPG), the main employer in the was held in the presence of Abdulaziz Ashkanani, needs to be a fair balance of divergence, from the country’s poor southern region, depriving Tunisia of representative of the Ministry of Commerce & single market for example, and on the other hand a badly needed hard currency and drawing a warning partnership that is not too close,” Merkel said. Industry. The following names were announced as from a local MP that continued protests would hit the winners of the prizes: “This can be achieved and the (EU)27 will ensure company. that the relationship is as close as possible but that 1. Fatima Hamad Al-Qattan The conflict symbolizes the struggle the govern- there is a difference to (EU) membership,” she 2. Diana Mustafa Abdul Karim Abu Sara ment faces as it tries to cut a public wage bill that is added. 3. Saeed Abdulghani Ahmad Gul May said she wanted a Brexit deal that was among the world’s highest at almost 15 percent of 4. Hamda Mohammed Al Othaina good for companies in Britain and the rest of the GDP, and its deficit as agreed with foreign donors, all 5. Dalal Abdulaziz Al-Ghaith European Union. “I want to ensure that UK com- while trying to tame dissent. Al-Najma Account allows its customers to win and a credit card against the customer’s account panies have the maximum freedom to trade and Protests broke out across the country in January, a daily prize of KD 7,000 which is the highest along with enjoying all other banking services. operate within German markets, and for German with many angry at being worse off than before a 2011 daily prize in Kuwait. In addition, the Account The Bank congratulates all the lucky winners businesses to do the same in the UK,” she told the uprising toppled autocrat Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali. The offers quarterly draws that provide customers and draws their attention that the cash prizes will news conference in Berlin. subsequent turmoil has scared off tourists and with opportunity to get their dreams turned to be credited into their accounts with the Bank. Merkel said she was not frustrated with the investors while fuelling unemployment and inflation as reality by winning great prizes starting from KD Further, the Bank appreciates the Ministry of Brexit negotiations but that they needed to the dinar’s value slid by 40 percent. 100,000 for the first quarter escalating thereafter Commerce and Industry’s significant role and its progress. “We want to adhere to the timetable, that Those demonstrations have stopped, but youths by KD 50 thousand for each quarter to reach KD continuous cooperation and effective supervision means we are under time pressure,” she said. “But have switched tactics to blocking all the phosphate 250,000 in the last quarter. Customers can enjoy on the draw that was smoothly and transparently mines and hitting the state where it hurts most. While we also want to do things thoroughly and that additional benefits including obtaining ATM card organized. means we must have regular exchanges.”—Reuters there have been protests before, this is the first time all mines are shut. —Retuers

EXCHANGE RATES

Euro 374.910 Japanese Yen 3.810 Asia Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Sterling Pound 421.960 Syrian Pound 1.585 Bangladesh Taka 0.003222 0.003806 Canadian dollar 241.290 Nepalese Rupees 2.936 Chinese Yuan 0.046048 0.049548 ASIAN COUNTRIES Turkish lira 80.500 Malaysian Ringgit 77.970 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036503 0.039253 Japanese Yen 2.752 Swiss Franc 324.500 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.650 Indian Rupee 0.004227 0.004868 Indian Rupees 4.695 Australian Dollar 239.620 Thai Bhat 10.565 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Pakistani Rupees 2.720 US Dollar Buying 299.450 Turkish Lira 79.710 Japanese Yen 0.002759 0.002939 Srilankan Rupees 1.946 Korean Won 0.000272 0.000287 Nepali Rupees 2.957 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.073604 0.079604 Singapore Dollar 228.630 20 Gram 260.52 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Nepalese Rupee 0.002995 0.003165 Hongkong Dollar 38.448 10 Gram 133.18 Pakistan Rupee 0.002518 0.002808 Bangladesh Taka 3.604 5 Gram 67.43 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 0.005754 0.006054 Philippine Peso 5.842 Europe Singapore Dollar 0.224505 0.234505 Thai Baht 9.524 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd British Pound 0.416167 0.423667 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001640 0.002220 Czech Korune 0.006852 0.016152 Taiwan 0.010301 0.010481 GCC COUNTRIES Danish Krone 0.046494 0.051494 Thai Baht 0.009253 0.009803 Saudi Riyal 80.227 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Euro 0. 367490 0.374990 Qatari Riyal 82.630 US Dollar 299.800 Georgian Lari 0.133728 0.133728 Arab Omani Riyal 781.315 Canadian Dollar 240.760 Hungarian 0.001130 0.001320 Bahraini Dinar 0.789852 0.798352 Bahraini Dinar 798.860 Sterling Pound 421.450 Norwegian Krone 0.034828 0.040028 Egyptian Pound 0.014055 0.019773 UAE Dirham 81.932 Euro 374.990 Romanian Leu 0.064109 0.080959 Iranian Riyal 0.000083 0.000084 Swiss Frank 279.880 Russian ruble 0.005330 0.005330 Iraqi Dinar 0.000202 0.000262 ARAB COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 797.280 Slovakia 0.008907 0.018907 Jordanian Dinar 0.418863 0.427863 Egyptian Pound - Cash 19.700 UAE Dirhams 82.025 Swedish Krona 0.033938 0.038938 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 16.985 Qatari Riyals 83.255 Swiss Franc 0.317663 0.328663 Lebanese Pound 0.000154 0.000254 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.207 Saudi Riyals 80.840 Moroccan Dirhams 0.022630 0.046630 Tunisian Dinar 126.860 Jordanian Dinar 424.120 Australasia Omani Riyal 0.773552 0.779232 Jordanian Dinar 424.050 Egyptian Pound 17.046 Australian Dollar 0.229693 0.241693 Qatar Riyal 0.078181 0.083121 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.004 Sri Lankan Rupees 1.929 New Zealand Dollar 0.215967 0.225467 Saudi Riyal 0.078980 0.080280 Syrian Lira 0.000 Indian Rupees 4.693 Syrian Pound 0.001272 0.001492 Morocco Dirham 33.406 Pakistani Rupees 2.712 America Tunisian Dinar 0.122468 0.130468 Bangladesh Taka 3.636 Canadian Dollar 0.234257 0.243257 Turkish Lira 0.074833 0.085133 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Philippines Pesso 5.771 US Dollars 0.296150 0.300570 UAE Dirhams 0.080321 0.082021 US Dollar Transfer 300.650 Cyprus pound 17.850 US Dollars Mint 0.296650 0.300570 Yemeni Riyal 0.000975 0.001055

20 Established 1961 Business Monday, February 19, 2018

NBK Money Market Report Dollar tumbles as demand for safe havens intensifies Markets still grappling with dollar weakness

KUWAIT: Markets are struggling to comprehend the Some of the gains were lost after UK retail sales came recent feebleness of the dollar in a period of rising below expectations. The GBP/USD ended last week’s ses- Treasury yields and a massive fiscal stimulus injected in sion at 1.4040. the American economy. Inflation expectations have risen Safe haven assets (JPY, CHF and gold) have been in across the board and the Fed’s tone indicates no hesitation demand lately as investors sought shelter after the recent in tightening its monetary stance. So what could the fac- spike in markets volatility and uncertainty about US poli- tors driving the US dollar into continuous negative territo- tics. The yen soared to a 15 month high, while the CHF ry be? The logical answers would be the US budget appreciated to the highest level since June 2015 versus the deficit, trade protectionism, politics in Washington, and Dollar. The yellow metal was elevated near one month high hawkish central banks around the globe. and closed at $1,347.77 on Friday. Looking at the national debt, which hovers around $20.6 trillion and accounts to 105 percent of GDP, it is Inflation points to higher rates estimated to grow to 150 percent of GDP by 2047 accord- Inflation in America surprised markets to the upside last ing to a study done by the Congressional Budget Office. month as the headline and core figures surpassed esti- The latest tax cuts and the budget plan that elevated mates. Headline CPI rose 0.5 percent while the core index spending limits by $300 billion over the next two years. rose 0.3 percent. On a yearly basis headline CPI was Coupled with rising interest rates, this poses a great risk to steady at 2.1 percent as the core rate persisted at 1.8 per- the US, especially if the economy takes a downturn in the cent. Energy prices surged 3.0 percent in January, with a EU GDP at 10 years high dependent on the exchange rate. Lately, policy mak- future as we have witnessed in the years 2000 and 2008. 5.7 percent increase in gasoline prices while clothing The 28 members of the EU experienced the strongest ers at the BoE have adjusted their dovish tone thanks As for Trump’s approval rating, there has been a rise prices rose by 1.7 percent. Even after the strong rise in expansion in a decade last year. The single economy to a worldwide economic recovery and indications of from 38 percent calculated two months ago to nearly 43.5 wages seen in January, the increase in CPI has come a lot grew 2.5 percent annually and 0.6 percent in Q4 2017. As a pick-up in Britain’s wage growth. British citizens percent last week. The rise is mainly attributed to the pas- earlier than many had anticipated even before fiscal stimu- for Europe’s core economy, Germany recorded a full- behavior was another factor for the hawkish outlook sage of the tax cut. These lus measures and year growth of 2.2 percent, the highest since 2011 on interest rates as their willingness to borrow numbers will convey to increased government according to the country’s Federal Statistics Office. demonstrated that the economy is ready for some- the President that if you spending have had any Growth was motivated by solid investment and exports, what higher borrowing costs. Former dovish member follow through on elec- meaningful impact on the although private consumption eased a little from previ- Vlieghe stated that the willingness of UK residents to tion campaign promises it economy. This sets the ous quarters. Looking at internal factors, domestic borrow implies that at current interest rates they no benefits your approval Rate hike hopes stage for an interest rate demand was horizontal in Germany during the last quar- longer want to ease debt burdens. Numerous mem- rating. Trade protection- hike by the Federal ter. Even with the low unemployment rate, tight labor bers of the MPC have said they expect rates to rise ism was one of the main high for Japan Reserve in March. The Fed market and signs of upward wages momentum, hopes again after the Bank maintained its monetary stance themes during Trump’s Funds market indicates were high for German consumers to finally start to do the at their last meeting. The question has now moved campaigning, so it is like- and eurozone that investors now widely heavy lifting in terms euro-area growth. In regards to from when it will hike to the pace of further tighten- ly that this will now be expect the US central bank monetary policy, QE seems to be coming to an end this ing. Even with all the recent optimism emerging late- the focus of policy direc- to raise interest rates at year and the recent appreciation of the euro poses a bit ly, uncertainty looms over the UK about the correct tion in the coming months least three times this year. of a headache for the ECB. equilibrium level for interest rates, and that would as the mid-term election The latest data supports depend on the economic impact of Britain’s depar- takes place this year. the theme that a new era of High inflation ture from the EU in March 2019. BoE policy makers have tuned their interest rate expec- reflation has emerged after years of subdued price growth. The persistence of high CPI in Britain supports the case tations upward. The ECB is anticipated to end its bond On the producer front, price growth also found support that inflation is unlikely to fall back quickly and may take Japan’s GDP buying program this year and hike interest rates in early from the energy sector. The headline and core PPI both several years before the BoE feels comfortable with the The Japanese economy continued its expansion in the 2019. However, the BoJ seems dovish about changing its rose 0.4 percent from the previous month. Compared to a inflation levels. The latest readings on consumer and wage last quarter of 2017, but the rate of growth has slowed monetary stance especially with the reappointment of year ago, producer prices were up by 2.7 percent in inflation reinforce the case for borrowing rates to head north down significantly. The preliminary GDP reading came Governor Kurodo. Interestingly, the Japanese yen and January, reflecting a slight increase from the 2.6 percent in in order to tame the overshooting price growth. Markets in at 0.5 percent annually, lower than the forecasted 0.9 Swiss franc have been the top two performers among G10 December, while core data declined slightly last month to expect a 70 percent probability of a quarter-point rise in percent. Quarter on quarter GDP rose 0.1 percent, slow- currencies on YTD basis. The reason is that demand for 2.2 percent from 2.3 percent. Whole sale inflation may find interest rates by May, and a roughly 50 percent chance of a ing from the 0.3 percent increase in the third quarter. safe haven assets are on the rise due to market volatility. further upward assistance moving forward due to Dollar further increase in rates to 1 percent by year end. Nevertheless, the economy still performed strongly last Higher Treasury yields caused a sell-off in the equity and weakness and President Trump’s trade agenda. Last week’s print presented little news to the MPC, who year as whole when it expanded by 1.6 percent which bond markets. It seems investors are waiting for yields to predicted January inflation of 3 percent on an annual basis. was the fastest calendar year of growth since 2010. The climb further before they reinvest in the above markets. Retail sales disappoint The BoE’s strategy depends on the expectation that contin- perseverance in Japan’s growth is due to strong global On the currency front, last week the US dollar index Consumers in the US cut back purchases on motor uous strength in the labor market could create excess demand that assisted Japanese manufacturers, and kept declined substantially to the lowest level since December vehicles, furniture and other products in January, which demand in the economy, which in turn should push up the jobless rate below 3 percent. However, on the wages 2014. Rising US Treasury yields were overshadowed by pressured retail sales into negative territory of -0.3 domestically-generated inflation. For that reason, the MPC side no upward momentum was witnessed. The leisureli- negative sentiment. The DXY began its weekly session at percent m/m. The recent softness in the last two read- appeared to broadly endorse market expectations for est economic growth in nearly two years (0.1 percent) 90.129 and closed at 89.100. The index lost 1.14 percent of ings was larger than expected and could trim overall around three further rate increases over the next three years. and an appreciated yen that stands at 15 months high, its value last week. growth forecasts for the current quarter. Looking back- In details, consumer price growth remained con- highlights the ongoing struggle to revive inflation even It was a light week in terms of economic data for the wards, spending in 2017 was robust, enhanced by a stant at 3 percent versus an expectation of a dip to as prices elsewhere in the developed world begin to inch single currency and the euro didn’t hesitate to take advan- drop in the average savings rate. The fresh dip in retail 2.9 percent by markets, while the core data increased higher. The decline in momentum suggests that the tage of the Dollar’s weakness. The EUR/USD appreciated spending could be the start of a cutback on the part of by 0.2 percent to 2.7 percent. The core CPI was economy is still some way from being self-sustaining, to 1.2555, the highest level witnessed since December 2014. consumers as they attempt to bring the average rate of enhanced as the price for services rose to 2.8 per- and will likely mean that monetary policy will remain on The euro gained 1.24 percent versus the dollar last week. saving back up. Overall consumer spending has decent cent, compared with the previous reading of 2.5 per- hold for a considerable period longer. In regards to the pound sterling, the GBP/USD found support looking forward, especially since tax cuts will cent. With wages gaining momentum, we could support at the start of the week after BoE policy makers lift disposable income. However, after the speedy rise in expect higher core figures because the cost of serv- Kuwait sounded hawkish on interest rates. The sterling rose to expenditure during the second half of 2017, the first half ices are thought to be more sensitive to changes in Kuwaiti dinar at 0.29940 1.4144 versus the greenback on Friday, an 11-day high. of 2018 may witness a more moderate pace of spending. the cost of labor, while the prices of goods are more The USDKWD opened at 0.29940 yesterday morning.

$1.8bn PNB fraud ripples through Russian lawmaker Kerimov India’s banks strikes deal to buy Vozrozhdenie bank NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: Close on the heels of the arrest of two employees of Punjab National Bank, the MOSCOW: Russian businessman and lawmaker Suleiman state-run lender that has been the victim of a $1.77 bil- Kerimov has reached an agreement to buy Vozrozhdenie bank lion fraud, India’s Income Tax department warned in an from its majority owners, brothers Dmitry and Alexei Ananyev, internal note seen by Reuters that domestic banks three sources close to the deal told Reuters. The sale forms part could take a hit of more than $3 billion from loans and of the fallout from a sweeping clean-up of the Russian banking corporate guarantees provided to Modi and Choksi. sector last year, which saw the central bank rescue three major The two employees —Gokulnath Shetty and Manoj lenders, including Promsvyazbank, also owned by the Ananyev Kharat- are suspected of steering fraudulent loans to brothers. companies linked to billionaire jeweler Nirav Modi and Under the terms of that bailout, the central bank gave the entities tied to jewelry retailer Gitanjali, which is led by brothers 90 days to reduce their stake in Vozrozhdenie down to Modi’s uncle, Mehul Choksi. 10 percent, from the approximately 80 percent they currently The arrests, late on Friday, came two days after hold. Earlier this month two sources told Reuters that Kerimov, India’s second-largest state-run lender said it had been whose family controls Russia’s top gold producer Polyus , had hit by massive fraud, sending its share price tumbling. entered the race to buy Vozrozhdenie. The accusations against the two relatively junior PNB Kerimov is ranked by Forbes magazine as Russia’s 21st officials were detailed in the lender’s disclosure, and wealthiest businessman, with a net worth of $6.3 billion. He is also contained in a preliminary police report. currently under investigation in France for tax evasion, but was granted permission by French authorities to travel to Russia in The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also NEW DELHI: An Indian supporter of the Congress Party keeps his hand on the face of a cut out of January. The three-day business trip was aimed at finalizing the arrested a third person, Hemant Bhat, whom a source billionaire jeweler Nirav Modi during a protest in New Delhi on Friday.—AFP described as the “authorized signatory” of the compa- Vozrozhdenie deal, one source said. He is now back in France nies tied to Nirav Modi. and denies the prosecutors’ allegations, Russian media have All three appeared before a hot, packed courtroom have so far commented on the allegations. Gitanjali has rumbles through India’s financial system, raising fears reported. in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon, where they were previously denied Choksi’s involvement in the fraud about the scale of problems in the banking sector that Kerimov family investment firm Bonum Capital subsequently ordered to remain under police custody until March 3 and said he would take “necessary legal action” to get is already saddled with $147 billion of soured debt. submitted a list of contenders to join the bank’s board, the lender his name removed from the police case. TV station PNB said on Friday it was running an audit of its to allow the CBI to continue its investigation. No and a Bonum Capital representative said last week. NDTV on Friday reported Modi was at a suite in a systems to prevent a recurrence of such a fraud, but charges have yet been laid. “CBI must get fair chance The bid was successful, three sources told Reuters. They did New York hotel, citing household staff who answered did not see a long-term hit to its operations. The bank, to investigate this very serious offence, which has con- not know the terms of the deal. Representatives from Bonum the door. which has $120 billion in total assets, has lost more than sequences for the country’s economy,” said judge S R Capital and representatives of the Ananyev brothers both On Saturday, a police source said that the CBI had a fifth of its market value since it disclosed the fraud. Tamboli, as PNB employee Shetty shifted nervously declined to comment. The terms may see no money change sent a notice through Interpol in a bid to help locate The Hindu newspaper reported on Saturday that the hands at all, two sources close to the bank’s leadership told and blinked frequently. The other two stood passively. Modi. Meanwhile the Enforcement Directorate, India’s Central Vigilance Commission, which investigates cor- Family members of the accused present at the court Reuters, on account of the current owners’ existing obligations financial crime agency, said on Saturday it conducted ruption in the government, has summoned senior offi- to structures owned by Kerimov. defended them, saying they were innocent. additional searches at 21 locations of companies tied to cials of the Reserve Bank of India and the Finance Kharat’s uncle told Reuters the PNB employee was Representatives of the Ananyev brothers did not reply to Modi, seizing 250 million rupees ($3.89 million) in pre- Ministry to assess how all internal checks and balances requests for comment on whether, after Vozrozhdenie’s sale, they “just following orders of superiors” and added “he cious stones, metals and jewellery. failed to detect the fraud. wasn’t aware of what he is doing”. would retain the 10 percent stake which they are permitted. Both authorities have conducted dozens of raids PNB officials were also summoned, the report said, In securing the deal to buy Vozrozhdenie, Kerimov has outrun since PNB disclosed the fraud, targeting PNB, Modi citing an official aware of the development. another major contender. Probe widens and Choksi, with the Enforcement Directorate now The RBI did not reply to an emailed request for A police source said six more PNB employees were Russian pension fund Blagosostoyanie, owned by state rail- having seized diamonds, gold and jewellery worth 56.7 comment. A Finance Ministry spokesman was not way operator Russian Railways, had previously offered the “being examined” after the CBI conducted additional billion rupees. immediately reachable. Scrutiny of banks’ technical searches at the PNB’s branch in southern Mumbai Ananyev brothers a deal which would see Vozrozhdenie merge A tax department spokeswoman told Reuters offi- systems will intensify even further after India’s City with the pension fund’s Absolut Bank. The merger, which also where the alleged fraud took place. cials had seized 29 properties and 105 bank accounts Union Bank Ltd on Saturday said it had suffered three Police sources say Modi, whose high-end jewelry would not have seen any money change hands, had been under linked to Modi. “fraudulent remittances” of nearly $2 million that had discussion ever since the death of Vozrozhdenie founder Dmitry has been worn by Hollywood stars including Kate been pushed through the SWIFT financial platform. Winslet, and Choksi left India last month and their Orlov in 2015. Russia’s No.2 bank, the state-controlled VTB, had Financial impact The case was reminiscent of the $81 million cyber heist also been floated as a contender. —Reuters whereabouts are unknown. Neither Modi nor Choksi The biggest bank fraud in India’s history has sent that hit Bangladesh’s central bank in 2016. —Reuters Established 1961 21 Business Monday, February 19, 2018 KFH signs partnership agreement with KRCS as part of social role Al-Sayer hails bank’s efforts in social responsibility

KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has of Kuwait and the human role which HH the signed a partnership and cooperation agree- Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- ment with Kuwait Red Crescent Society Sabah has played to position Kuwait as an (KRCS) as part of its social role in supporting International Humanitarian Center, while the activities to serve societies and uphold strengthening and enhancing all means of humanity. This First-of-its-kind agreement at cooperation and understanding among all the level of banking sector in Kuwait affirms nations and civilizations. the bank’s leadership position in achieving the He added that the partnership supports the comprehensive social responsibility. KRCS to assume its role in the social and KFH-Group CEO Mazin Al-Nahedh and humanitarian aid. the Chairman of Kuwait Red Crescent Society It is worth noting that KFH had lately (KRCS) Dr Hilal Al-Sayer signed the agree- signed with the United Nations High ment at the KRCS headquarters in the pres- Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) an agree- ence of Group Chief Strategy Officer, Fahad ment of $540,000 to aid 3,794 families of the Khaled Al-Mukhaizeem and Executive Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Manager Group Public Relations and Media, Meanwhile, Al-Sayer expressed pride in Yousef Abdullah Al-Ruwaieh, in addition to a KFH initiative, hailing the bank’s efforts in the number of officials from both sides. social responsibility and its keenness to sup- On the sidelines of inking the agreement, port the humanitarian programs in collabora- Al-Nahedh said that KFH is expanding its tion with the KRCS. social role by adopting various projects and He voiced hope that all other entities would Al-Nahedh, Al-Sayer, Fahad Al-Mukhaizeem, Yousef Al-Ruwaieh and offi- activities to serve all nations and uphold follow KFH track and participate in the honor- Al-Nahedh and Al-Sayer signing the agreement cials from both sides. humanity, thus highlighting the cultural aspect able humanitarian work. Revving up festive mood with latest Doha Bank launches Renault Al-Babtain Doha Miles loyalty February offers program in Kuwait KUWAIT: In lieu of the most celebrated month in Kuwait the National and Liberations Days’ celebration, Abdulmohsen KUWAIT: In an effort to enhance customer value proposi- Abdulaziz Al-Babtain Co, the authorized agent of Renault in tion by way of providing more convenient and rewarding the State of Kuwait is celebrating this February with special banking experience, Doha Bank, one of the largest private offers on its newest line up. Now you can enjoy an amazing commercial banks in Qatar, has announced the launch of deal by booking the charismatic Renault Koleos and benefit- its loyalty program, Doha Miles, in Kuwait. ing from 10 years warranty or 500,000 km, three years’ serv- Following its success in Qatar, the region’s leading ice or 80,000 km or Window Tinting and body protection, as loyalty program for customer value was recently well as free registration and 3rd party insurance. unveiled in Kuwait City to offer exclusive privileges and Enthusiastic fans can benefit from this offer also on world-class benefits to Doha Bank credit cardholders. Renault Megane and Renault Talisman the beautiful icons in Dr R Seetharaman, Doha Bank group CEO said: “We are the sedan segment. thrilled to introduce our widely-acclaimed loyalty program exchange their Doha Miles rewards points with popular Internationally reputed models that speaks volumes to the to our customers in Kuwait. With an impressive range of frequent flyer programs, such as Qatar Airways’ Qmiles, Kuwaiti market - the Renault Koleos comes with an athletic value-added benefits, Doha Miles is truly the best loyalty and Jet Airways’ JetPrivilege among many others. The exterior design that is equipped with four wheel drive tech- program in the country. It not only offers unmatched privi- members of the program will get an airline mile against nology, all-terrain ability, engine and transmission line-up. leges to our credit cardholders but also provides them every Doha Miles reward point at the bank’s airline part- The 2.5-litre petrol engine is also an atmospheric, four-cylin- convenience and flexibility. With this launch, we have reaf- ners. In addition, they can use loyalty points for partial der, power is 170hp (126kW) at 6,000rpm, with peak torque firmed our commitment to enhancing our loyal customers’ redemption towards free flights while paying the remaining of 233Nm at 4,000rpm. Passengers are amply accommodated banking experience and making their transactions more balance with their Doha Bank credit card. with comfortable seating and class-leading cabin space, rewarding.” Additionally, the customers can convert their Doha including 289mm of rear knee room, 8.7” touchscreen tablet The program will allow the bank’s customers to earn Miles points, which can be redeemed online or from with R-LINK 2 multimedia, navigation system, blind spot rewards points for all their credit card transactions made mobile phones, to Shukran Rewards to enable them to warning , panoramic sunroof, 6 airbags and much more. East. For more than 60 years Al-Babtain Group has experi- locally and internationally, and redeem accumulated points enjoy free shopping at brands including Splash, Baby While the Renault MEGANE is equipped with generous enced continued success, and large measure of this success towards free flights at more than 300 airlines or for Shop, and Home Centre. Furthermore, international spend space for its occupants owing to its dynamic styling and came from the Group’s advanced flexible management style accommodation at 300,000 hotels around the world. will fetch more points for cardholders and there will be advanced features, the new MEGANE represents the next and long term vision. These astounding results were achieved The one-of-a-kind program also enables customers to earnings caps. level in the compact saloon category. Renault MEGANE due to a versatile strategic formula focusing on growth comes with a 1.6-litre engine, 115hp designed to enhance amongst its sphere of activities; including automotive, tech- driving enjoyment and reduce fuel consumption. nology, investment, information, industrial and Finance. The Renault Al-Babtain wishes the people of Kuwait a Happy automotive sector is the main structure of the Al-Babtain 57th Independence and 27th Liberation Day and encourages Group’s business, which owns some of the best-selling and its fans to benefit from the new exciting offers. demanded brands in Kuwait, in addition to heavy equipment. ABK celebrates Al-Babtain Group was founded in 1948 to present a model The Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain Co and Trading and of honesty, integrity and total dedication and to gain bright Contracting Company is proud to be the authorized agent reputation in Kuwait and the Middle East area. Today Al- and distributor of many Japanese, Chinese, and European Retail Banking Babtain Group has licensing rights for some of the world’s (French) vehicles in Kuwait such as Nissan, Infiniti, Renault leading brands stretching the globe from the USA to the Far and Citroen. engagement day with staff KUWAIT: To ensure constant engagement with its employ- ees, Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) recently hosted its Retail Banking engagement day for staff. Held at the Salwa Al- Sabah Ballroom, the event brought ABK’s retail banking staff together under one roof and provided an insight into the dif- fering areas of Retail Banking. Following an internal engagement survey that was con- ducted to gain staff feedback, ABK management held this We chose to create a less formal and relaxed environment event to allow employees to exchange their opinions freely to allow employees to be more forth coming. We did not and learn through fun activities. Designed in the form of an want to make it seem like a normal business meeting, hence exhibition representing the various areas of Retail, ABK we chose the exhibition format. We are proud of our employees had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with employee’s level of engagement, dedication and enthusiasm. the objectives and practices. In addition, senior employees It is always a pleasure to see that ABK has successfully from other business units were present and shared their pro- integrated its employees to the extent that they are striving fessional experiences with attendees. to give the job all that they have”. Commenting on the activity, Stewart Lockie, GM Retail In addition, ABK staff had the opportunity to bring their Banking at ABK said: “Employee engagement is essential to children to the event, who participated in games and other ensure staff are given the platform to provide feedback. fun activities.

3. Basma Sabri Abdelwahed Burgan Bank 4. Safya Mohsen Mohammed Mahdi 5. Munwer Hussain Muneer Hussain In addition to the daily draw, Burgan Bank also offers a announces quarterly draw with more chances to win higher rewards, offering the chance to one lucky customer to win KD 125,000 every three months. The Yawmi Account offers winners of Yawmi daily and quarterly draws, wherein the quarterly draw requires customers to maintain a minimum amount of KD account draw 500 in their account for two months prior to the draw date. Additionally, every KD 10 in the account will entitle KUWAIT: Burgan Bank, the second largest in terms of customers to one chance of winning. If the account bal- assets, announced yesterday the names of the daily draw ance is KD 500 and above, the account holder will be winners of its Yawmi account draw, each taking home a qualified for both the quarterly and daily draws. cash-prize of KD 5,000. Burgan Bank encourages everyone to open a Yawmi The lucky winners are: account and/or increase their deposit to maximize their 1. Humoud Ayed Reshedan Al-Sulaimani chances of becoming a winner. The higher the level of the 2. Salem Mohammed Salem Aldousari deposit, the higher the likelihood to win. 22 Established 1961 Technology Monday, February 19, 2018 Myanmar farmers going against the grain with life-changing apps

Information on everything from weather, climate change to crop prices

AYE YWAR: A free app on farmer San San are on hand to answer queries. The “Green cent in 2012. By the end of 2017, smart- Hla’s smartphone is her new weapon in the Way” app is the brainchild of two former phone penetration had rocketed to 80 per- war against the dreaded stem borer moth agricultural students, who in 2011 set up a cent. A nascent tech hub followed and out- that blighted her rice paddy in southern website for farmers, often working through side of agriculture, apps were created for Myanmar for the last two years. As she the night to keep it updated. But at the time everything from healthcare to Myanmar’s watches her workers haul in this year’s har- few farmers had internet access, recalls Yin parliament. vest, the 35-year-old is in a triumphant Yin Phyu, 28, explaining the “idea just didn’t Farmers, many among the country’s mood, ascribing her victory over the sea- take off.” Then smartphones arrived and poorest, today find themselves with a sonal scourge to advice received via the everything changed. mobile computer in their hands-a game- app about effective pesticide use. changer for the entrepreneurs “We used to just farm the way behind ‘Green Way,’ who launched our parents showed us,” she told their app in 2016 and now employ 18 AFP, in her village of Aye Ywar west full-time staff. “‘Green way’ is my of Yangon. “But after getting the Smartphones dream to link farmers and experts,” app, I now see how we should be Yin Yin Phyu told AFP. “The farmers doing it... it’s better to use proper arrived and can get help whenever they need.” techniques rather than just working Some 70,000 farmers have already blindly.” San San Hla is among a everything downloaded the app although she growing cohort of farmers who are hears far more are accessing it turning to tech to address the changed through phone-to-phone sharing. knowledge gap in a country where two thirds of the workforce are Field work employed in agriculture. Greater productivity at This photo taken on December 27, 2017 shows farmers working in a rice field on the out- The sector accounts for some 28 Myanmar’s farms could reshape skirts of Yangon. — AFP percent of the country’s GDP, but yields are As Myanmar opened its doors, telecoms both its economy and society, says 71-year- low with farmers cut-off from modern tech- companies rushed in to grab market share, old agricultural expert Myo Myint. “Many Vietnam, and 547kg in Thailand. The India and parts of Africa - are still reliant nology under decades of isolationist junta thrusting Myanmar beyond the era of desk- workers migrate to other countries because founder of the “Golden Paddy” app says the on old-style phones and information by rule. For people like San San Hla apps could top computers and old-style mobile they can’t make enough money to live from new tech is not best suited to struggling SMS. Myanmar now has the chance to be the answer. They are providing farmers phones. The cost of sim cards, once the agriculture in Myanmar,” he says. “Farmers farmers at the bottom of the ladder. leapfrog that era to become an agricultur- with up-to-date information on everything tightly-controlled reserve of the well-con- need technology and investment.” They do not have the time or resources al trailblazer. But that also means the from weather, climate change, crop prices nected, or special branch spies, plummeted A 2017 World Bank study found farmers to implement advice on changing seeds or country is in uncharted territory. “We to advice on pesticides and fertilizers. from an unattainable $3,000 in 2005 to in some areas of the country still earn as lit- fertilizer. Instead, the apps are aimed at have a lot of first-mover disadvantages,” $1.50 in 2013. Competitors practically gave tle as $2 per day. Productivity is also rela- smallholder farmers to allow them to Erwin Sikma says. “It’s a start-up in a ‘Green Way’ away smartphone handsets as they fell over tively low with only 23kg of rice paddy “become a little more commercial,” completely new model in a completely Chat forums are connecting farmers, themselves to build up brand loyalty. generated in one day of work in Myanmar Dutchman Erwin Sikma explains. Similar new market or economy so we need all the allowing them to swap tips while experts Mobile penetration stood at just seven per- compared to 62kg in Cambodia, 429kg in projects in other developing countries - in help we can get.” — AFP

Amazon: From online book workers had been scanned but the roll Thailand to out was still in the early stages. “The ministry has done optical scanning to seller to market 70,000 people who work on fishing scan eyes of boats so that we can track their identi- shaker ty,” he said. “Also we’re in the middle workers of creating a software to read the col- lected data from the scans.” SAN FRANCISCO: Amazon has grown from The program, which captures data a humble beginning as an online bookseller to BANGKOK: Thailand is using optical from the iris, started in October and is a colossus of the internet. It recently scanning technology to keep track of part of an overarching plan to register devoured Whole Foods Market, and is now who is working on its fishing boats, workers. The government is also biting into health care. Here are some key officials said Thursday, as the kingdom adopting measures for facial and fin- facts about Amazon: tries to curb slave labor and human gerprint scanning. Petcharat Sinauy, Incorporated in 1994 in Seattle, trafficking that has riddled the low- deputy permanent secretary at the Washington, Amazon sold its first book in July paid industry. The lucrative fishing Ministry of Labor, said the purpose of 1995, with founder Jeff Bezos personally mail- business is the fourth largest in the the stepped up tech was to make sure ing packages to customers in the early days. world and is heavily dependant on workers were on the boat they were In 1999, Amazon went beyond books into migrant labor from Cambodia, registered with and not farmed out to gadgets, toys, electronics, software, home SARAN, France: In this file photo taken on October 10, 2016 shows the Amazon distribution Myanmar and Laos, but documented another vessel. improvement and video games. A year later, it center. — AFP abuses and forced labor have put the “It is to find out whether the fish- launched “Marketplace,” allowing third par- trade under pressure to clean up its erman is truly in the list of this ship ties to sell over the Amazon platform and has act or face consequences. and has not been sold and rotated to added new categories of merchandise and Music, games, food US grocery chain Whole Foods in a $13.7 bil- Thailand’s junta, which took power work for many ships all the time,” she services over the years. Amazon Web In 2007, Amazon Music launched as a plat- lion deal announced in June of last year. in 2014, led the push to overhaul the said. A report released by Human Services, launched in 2002 to be the online form for streaming songs, and later evolved industry in response to a European Rights Watch last month said forced hosting platform for Amazon and its partners, into a cloud-based service. Amazon made its Hardware, drones, video Union threat in 2015 to ban all Thai labor and other rights abuses has grown into one of the world’s biggest first move into grocery delivery in 2007 with Amazon started making Kindle e-readers in seafood products unless issues were remained “widespread” and that little cloud computing operators. Amazon Fresh. It is now beginning deliveries 2007 and expanded its hardware to tablets with addressed. But rights groups say had been done to rein in worker In 2005, the company launched Amazon through Whole Foods. A rival to Netflix in the Kindle Fire in 2011. A Fire smartphone abuses have continued despite widely exploitation. Thai police say a crack- Prime, a subscription service offering free video, Amazon offered both DVD rentals and launched in 2014 flopped, but Amazon contin- publicized reforms while the US State down has led to the prosecution of delivery on many items and other benefits, streaming for several years before rebranding ued in hardware with its voice-activated Echo Department’s 2017 Trafficking in some 100 trafficking suspects and the representing an important element in the its service as Instant Video and later as Prime speakers, igniting a market for voice-command- Persons report kept Thailand on its rescue of 160 victims since May 2015, Amazon business model. No official figures are Video. It now has its own studios producing ed home assistants powered by artificial intelli- Tier 2 Watchlist for a second consecu- when the EU issued its “yellow card” available, but some analysts say Prime has original programs and films, and won an gence. Amazon also produces Fire TV devices. tive year. warning about seafood products. The some 90 million subscribers in the US. Amazon Academy Award last year for “Manchester by The first Amazon physical retail store opened in At a briefing on Thursday in government has also reduced the has expanded internationally, and operates as the Sea.” Amazon waded into the booming Seattle in 2015. A cashierless “Amazon Go” Bangkok to trumpet reforms in the number of fishing fleets and created a a retailer in Canada, Mexico, Britain, France, world of video game play as spectator sport shop opened in its home city early this year industry, Labor Minister Adul hotline that resulted in the prosecu- Germany, Japan, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, with the billion-dollar buy of eSports stream- uses technology to automatically bill customers Sangsingkeo said tens of thousands of tion of 53 cases. — AFP Ireland, China, India and Australia. ing platform Twitch in 2014. Amazon bought for items they pick from shelves. — AFP

payments, if certain conditions were met. only by the WFP, making it more of a Blockchain “It totally failed, but we learned a lot database project than a real blockchain. from that and will do the same challenge But Sloan said it could serve as a “tool to this year in Mexico,” Fabian admitted, bring different partners and organizations comes to world adding that he could envision a host of together to collaborate and make the future projects using blockchain for the industry much more effective.” of humanitarian “social good”-even if most of them will fail. But the agency is thirsty for innova- ‘Scary implications’ tion. Its French office has also launched The expansion of blockchain is not aid an operation dubbed Game Chaingers (for without risk. Besides the technical con- blockchain), which challenges tech geeks straints, such as the need for an internet and gaming enthusiasts to install on their connection, blockchain poses some basic NEW YORK: Blockchain, the technology computers software aimed at creating questions about governance and data behind the cryptocurrency bitcoin, is tak- Ethereum, a virtual currency, to help protection. How to ensure, for example, ing root in a sector far from finance: the Syrian children. that key information about refugees is not world of humanitarian aid. By offering hacked by dictatorial regimes? Who refugees a virtual identity, reassuring Syrian refugees authenticates the data? Which countries donors that their money is being well Blockchain allows users to create and accept virtual portfolios? spent, or rushing funds where they are VILNIUS, Lithuania: Giant letters, reading the word “blockchain” are displayed at the spread information across a large network blockchain centre, which aims at boosting start-ups. — AFP “It’s hard to navigate the regulatory needed most, aid charities are experi- of computers, which its proponents say environment or the lack of it,” said Rosa menting with the technology in the hopes lends it both transparency and security. Akbari, technology advisor at the US that it can improve their work. “We are at And the applications for the technology making everything transparent, and allow start-ups and others to help fight hunger. charity Mercy Corps. Her group recently the very beginning. There is a lot of hype,” are multiplying quickly. For aid and devel- a better record of where food aid is “Now, we are moving toward distributing teamed up with tech giants Microsoft and said Christopher Fabian, leader of opment groups, blockchain can come in all directed, or make sure that medicines are cash to our beneficiaries, in the form of Accenture for the ID2020 Alliance, work- UNICEF’s Ventures Fund, which invests in shapes and sizes. Aid donors could, for not counterfeited. Those in charge of pro- actual cash, through vouchers, e-cards, et ing on a virtual identity model to help open source technology solutions. example, trace their contributions as they grams that directly send money to people cetera.” refugees. “We need to have more under- At the end of 2017, UNICEF-the UN spread across an organization. The plat- in need also see it as a way of more easily Sloan’s organization has already field- standing of what is going on and we want agency dedicated to protecting children- form Disberse, supported by a network of controlling the disbursement of funds or tested a pilot project in Jordan’s Azraq to have a seat at the table,” said Akbari. brought together Russian-speaking 42 humanitarian groups, already road- avoiding use of financial intermediaries refugee camp, where Syrian refugees can Blockchain has enormous potential but blockchain experts in a meeting in tested this application by tracking money such as banks, which might also take a cut. use iris-identification technology at a cash still has a long way to go, she said. In Kazakhstan. The goal? To develop a sent by a British association to four “In the old days, we were delivering aid register to buy food and supplies. The fragile states, and dealing with people “smart contract” that would facilitate schools in Swaziland. at the back of the truck,” said Alex Sloan, amount of money is then passed on via a facing great hardship, “there could be transactions between the organization and In theory, the technique can reduce a consultant at the World Food Program’s blockchain-based computing platform. some scary implications if we don’t do it its numerous partners for deliveries and transaction costs, fight corruption by Innovation Accelerator, which works with The program is currently private and used responsibly,” she said. — AFP Established 1961 23 Health Monday, February 19, 2018 Pioneering diabetes device gives new solution for diabetic Kuwaiti children Pioneering device helps deliver insulin by bypassing the skin

KUWAIT: Great Ormond Street Hospital for so upsetting because nothing we were trying Children in London (GOSH) have successfully to do was helping to take the pain away. These treated a British diabetic boy with a skin aller- welts eventually turned into permanent areas of gy to insulin thanks to a pioneering device abnormally sunken skin, into which no insulin which helps deliver insulin by bypassing the could be given.” His symptoms worsened until skin. Taylor Banks, nine, from the UK is the fifth the youngster was in constant pain and his par- child in the world to be fitted with a device ents had to check his sugar levels throughout with delivers insulin directly to his abdomen so the day and night to make sure he did not slip it does not come into contact with his skin. into unconsciousness. Type 1 diabetes affects around 35 million peo- ple in the Middle East region, including around Potential option 61,000 children. When he was seven, doctors discovered his Allergies to insulin is rare, with an estimated allergy to insulin was only skin deep, and he was incidence of <1% to 2.4% in insulin-treated referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital for diabetic patients, however the severity of skin children in London (GOSH), which treats over reactions to insulin in this case were very 1,500 children from the Middle East every year. unique. The youngster was first diagnosed with Dr Rakesh Amin, pediatric consultant in type 1 diabetes - where the body’s immune endocrinology at GOSH said, “Taylor’s quality of system attacks and destroys the cells that pro- life was so poor and his prognosis so bleak that duce insulin - when he was two. He was rushed to not find a solution to this allergy was not an to hospital unconscious and treated with option.” After a number of ideas were explored, insulin which treated his diabetes but prompt- earlier this year Dr Amin identified a device that Taylor, aged 9 ed a severe allergic reaction to the drug. connects an insulin pump device to the abdomi- Speaking on Taylor’s experience having an nal cavity, so the drug bypasses the skin, as a forms of diabetes or rare diabetes related com- still early days but we’ve already noticed the We’re so grateful to Dr Amin and GOSH and to insulin allergy, Taylor’s mother Gema Westwell potential option to treat Taylor’s condition. plications. Our multidisciplinary team has changes. Most importantly Taylor’s blood sugar all of the nurses and doctors who have helped said, “Straight after taking the injections he Last month, Taylor became the first child in unique skills sets and we try hard to find solu- levels are significantly lower and much more Taylor. I just hope now that this will help him to would go into a trance-like state, he was like a the UK, and the fifth in the world, to be fitted tions using the latest technologies. We balanced. He isn’t in any pain, he hasn’t had any have a chance at being a normal little boy, back zombie, unable to communicate and function. with the device, GOSH said. ‘’This case nicely approach each child and young person as indi- reaction in his skin and he’s sleeping better. For in school and playing with his friends. He’s We switched Taylor to an insulin pump hoping illustrates, that although we help manage chil- viduals, and aim to improve how each family is the first time Taylor identified on his own when missed out on so much because he’s been so ill it would help, but then he started breaking out dren with common diabetes, the GOSH able to live with diabetes,’’ Dr Amin explains. he was having a hypo, which is just brilliant. for so long, I hope this Dia Port will help Taylor with painful red welts all over his body. It was Diabetes Service particularly specializes in rare Taylor’s father Scott Banks concluded, “It’s This progression means everything to us. get his childhood back.”

describes a 30-year-old transgender woman who was peridone from Canada that is used off-label to boost milk transgender approach is safe and nutritious for infants, Transgender women born male and had been taking feminizing hormone ther- production. Domperidone is not approved in the United said Madeline Deutsch, clinical director of the University apy for six years. She had not undergone any genital or States, due to the US Food and Drug Administration’s of California, San Francisco Center of Excellence for breast surgeries. concern that it may lead to cardiac arrest-and its Transgender Health. can breastfeed, She sought medical advice because her partner was unknown risks to breastfeeding infants. “Three and a half “I wouldn’t do it,” said Deutsch, herself a transgender pregnant but was not interested in breastfeeding “and months after she started the regimen, the baby was woman and parent to a six-month old baby who is study shows she hoped to take on the role of being the primary food born,” said the report. “The patient breastfed exclusively breastfed by Deutsch’s wife, who was also the gestational source for her infant,” said the report, led by researchers for six weeks,” then began to supplement feedings with carrier. “The number one concern for me would be the MIAMI: The first scientific case study has been pub- at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine in New York. formula due to “concerns about insufficient milk volume.” nutritional quality,” she told AFP. Also, the hormones lished describing how a US transgender woman was able The patient followed a regimen previously shown to The baby’s growth and feeding habits were all normal, involved in inducing lactation can lead to mood swings to breastfeed her adopted infant by taking hormones that induce lactation in women, including increased estradiol said the report. Experts say infants should be breastfed and weight gain, which can be a deterrent for some peo- induce lactation. But experts say more research is need- and progesterone, and was told to use a breast pump for exclusively for the first year of life and longer if possible, ple, she said. A bit more research could easily shed light ed to determine if the milk is nutritious and safe for five minutes per breast three times a day. due to the health benefits of mother’s milk which far on the nutritional quality of the breast milk, and the safe- babies. The report in the journal Transgender Health She also obtained an anti-nausea drug called dom- exceed formula. But it’s too early to say whether the ty of the hormones needed to produce it. —AFP 24 Established 1961 What’s On Monday, February 19, 2018 Ahmadi governorate celebrates Kuwait’s national anniversaries

ithin its programs to celebrate the national anniversaries, Ahmadi governorate organ- Wized the ‘Um Al-Khair’ Festival 2018. The event was attended by a large number of sheikhs, mayors, dignitaries, governorate and KOC officials. Speaking on the occasion, Ahmadi governor, Sheikh Fawwaz Khaled Al-Hamad thanked all the festival sponsors including the Ministry of Information, KOC, Mustafa Karam Co, CBK, Al-Seyassah, Annahar, Al- Kuwaitia newspapers, the Sarmad media network and the festival’s supreme committee for their efforts. Al-Hamad also organized a concert on Friday, February 16 for Kuwaiti and Saudi singers in addition to special ceremonies to be held on February 25 and 26 when volunteers are expected to distribute can- dies to all celebrators at the Chalets areas. Al-Hamad also called for avoiding negative phenomena such as foam and water spraying during the festivities and settle for the exchange of roses and candy.

GUST examines developments LOYAC concert of media usage in ‘To Kuwait Middle East With love’ ulf University for Science and Technology’s (GUST) Global Studies he Arabic Heritage Choral of GCenter (GSC) hosted a lecture last LOYAC’s Academy for week on the views and perceptions of the Performance Arts (LAPA) is media’s influence on regional and global T preparing a concert titled ‘To Kuwait change. The session was led by Dr Nele With Love’ to celebrate the upcoming Lenze, visiting assistant professor from the national anniversaries. The concert is National University of Singapore, and current due to be held tomorrow (Tuesday, faculty member in the Department of Mass 20th Feburary) in collaboration with Communication and Media (MCM) at GUST, on campus. It is a leading center in research NCCAL art Abdul Hussein Abudl LAPA is keen on training youth on tra- to introduce her newly published book on global studies, and a vehicle for engaging Redha theatre where the 40 singer ditional singing and music all year long “Media in the Middle East - Activism, Politics, both internal and external communities choral headed maestros Yousif Para giving them chances to develop their and Culture.”The lecture was attended by HE through events and lectures on relevant and Nisreen Nasser are set to perform talents. Nasser also said that LAPA German Ambassador to Kuwait, Karlfried issues. several national and traditional was currently preparing to launch a Bergner, faculty members, university students, Head of the Global Studies Center at Kuwaiti songs. Speaking on the occa- busy singing season within the three and the general public. GUST, Dr Martin Rosenstock, said “We con- sion, Nisreen Nasser stressed that coming months. The talk also introduced the main themes tinually try to find new ways of enhancing the of the edited volume, which illustrates how GUST academic experience by organizing the increase in Internet connections and events that bring together great minds and mobile applications have resulted in an emer- present unique viewpoints to learn from. The gence of indispensable tools for information GSC provides the university with another acquisition, dissemination, and activism. It outlet to showcase its prowess in contribut- uncovered the views and perceptions of lead- ing to academic research.” The center was ing scholars with expertise in Middle Eastern established with the mission to conduct cut- studies with regards to the media’s influence ting-edge research on cross-national politi- on regional and global change. Dr Lenze also cal, economic, social, cultural, and environ- touched on the media aspect of a variety of mental issues of critical importance, and subjects including economy, digital news, share research output and information online businesses, gender-related issues, regionally and globally. The GSC seeks to social media, and film. foster public understanding of global issues Visiting Professor at GUST’s MCM and support the policy-making processes of Department, Dr Nele Lenze, said “What I find concerned states. most interesting in Middle Eastern media is the variety of outlets that are available online and offline. The rapid developments in media accessibility and connectivity in the region has encouraged a high number of young media users and producers in distributing plots of the hypocrites to undermine cultural content. The subject is of high inter- Islam, how Allah (SWT) shamed them est to the public since the majority of the TIES and how the believers will mock them on young generation are engaged with the com- Judgment Day. We will also note the dif- mercial, political, and cultural media outlets.” announcement ferent threats that Allah (SWT) issued Dr Nele focused on aspects of economy, against the disbelievers, the motives digital news, online businesses, gender-relat- behind them, and the polytheists’ reac- ed issues, social media, and film. She also ou are cordially invited to our tion to them. Finally, we will discuss the looked into the details of media’s role in polit- Tafseer class (Divine Wisdom importance of repentance, Allah’s ical movements throughout the Middle East. from the Last Testament) today at Y (SWT) happiness when someone The GSC continuously hosts discussions that 7:00 pm. In this class, we will focus on repents, and why Prophet Muhammad stimulate research, and aid in the develop- Surat At-Tahreem (The Prohibition), (PBUH) would repent more than 70 ment of our students and faculty’s experience verses 7- 8. We will examine the various times a day although he was sinless. Established 1961 25 TV Monday, February 19, 2018

19:50 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 23:05 Rolling With The Ronks 04:35 Botched 14:55 Ariana’s Persian Kitchen 02:18 Blaze And The Monster 20:12 Friends 23:20 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 05:30 Celebrity Style Story 15:25 John Torode’s Malaysian Machines 20:35 Friends And Cat Noir 06:00 Hollywood Medium With Adventure 02:41 Paw Patrol 21:00 The Daily Show With Trevor 23:45 Lolirock Tyler Henry 15:50 John Torode’s Asia 02:52 Kid-E-Cats Noah 06:55 E! News Middle East 16:20 John Torode’s Asia 02:57 Kid-E-Cats 01:25 Bone Tomahawk 01:10 Avengers Grimm 21:30 Teachers 07:25 Hollywood Medium With 16:45 The Shelbourne 03:03 Shimmer And Shine 03:45 East Side Sushi 02:40 The Last Rescue 22:00 Martha And Snoop Potluck Tyler Henry 17:15 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 03:25 Nella The Princess Knight 05:45 Not Without My Daughter 04:30 Tremors 5: Bloodlines Dinner Party 08:20 Hollywood Medium With 17:40 One Man & His Campervan 03:37 Paw Patrol 07:55 East Side Sushi 06:10 Beyond Redemption 22:25 Comedy Central Presents Tyler Henry 18:10 Places We Go 04:00 The Day Henry Met 09:55 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 07:45 American Ninja Comedy 3alwagef 09:15 Hollywood Medium With 18:35 Places We Go 04:06 Max & Ruby 12:15 Not Without My Daughter 09:20 American Ninja II: The 22:55 Detroiters 00:00 PJ Masks Tyler Henry 19:05 Restoration Man 04:28 Dora The Explorer 14:10 Coming Through The Rye Confrontation 23:20 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 00:30 Vampirina 10:10 E! News Middle East 20:00 Ariana’s Persian Kitchen 04:51 Sunny Day 15:55 It Boy 10:50 Nick Of Time 23:40 The Daily Show With Trevor 01:00 Vampirina 10:40 Celebrity Style Story 20:30 Ariana’s Persian Kitchen 05:13 Nella The Princess Knight 17:35 Operation Avalanche 12:25 San Andreas Quake Noah 01:30 Art Attack 11:10 Model Squad 21:00 John Torode’s Malaysian 05:36 Shimmer And Shine 19:15 99 Homes 14:00 Beyond Redemption 01:55 Henry Hugglemonster 12:05 Revenge Body With Khloe Adventure 05:58 Wallykazam! 21:10 Lila & Eve 15:35 Larceny 02:05 Loopdidoo Kardashian 21:30 John Torode’s Asia 06:20 Zack & Quack 23:00 Akeelah And The Bee 17:05 The Reckoning 02:20 Henry Hugglemonster 13:00 Revenge Body With Khloe 22:00 John Torode’s Asia 06:31 The Day Henry Met 18:35 The Net 02:35 Calimero Kardashian 22:25 The Shelbourne 06:38 Blaze And The Monster 20:35 Striking Distance 02:50 Henry Hugglemonster 14:00 Revenge Body With Khloe 22:55 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita Machines 22:20 Entrapment 03:05 Art Attack Kardashian 23:20 One Man & His Campervan 07:00 Rusty Rivets 00:30 Ultimate Survival 03:30 The Hive 15:00 E! News Middle East 23:50 Places We Go 07:13 Paw Patrol 00:25 Legend Of The Sea 01:20 How We Invented The World 03:40 Loopdidoo 15:30 Celebrity Style Story 07:25 Paw Patrol 01:50 Dinofroz - An Island In The 02:10 Out Of Egypt 03:55 Henry Hugglemonster 16:00 Keeping Up With The 07:37 Dora The Explorer Sky 03:00 How We Invented The World 04:10 Art Attack Kardashians 08:00 Nella The Princess Knight 03:10 Felix The Toy Rabbit And The 03:50 Destroyed In Seconds 04:35 Loopdidoo 17:00 Keeping Up With The 08:12 Kid-E-Cats Time Machine 00:50 Lone Star Law 04:15 Destroyed In Seconds 04:50 Calimero Kardashians 08:16 Kid-E-Cats 04:40 Twigson Ties The Knot 01:45 Wild Africa: Rivers Of Life 04:40 Destroyed In Seconds 05:05 Art Attack 18:00 Keeping Up With The 00:10 Wicked Tuna: North vs South 08:22 Bubble Guppies 06:05 Ploddy Police Car 02:40 Treehouse Masters 05:05 Destroyed In Seconds 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster Kardashians 01:00 The Story Of Us With Morgan 08:45 Blaze And The Monster 07:30 Scooby-Doo! And WWE: 03:35 Treehouse Masters 05:30 Destroyed In Seconds 05:45 Henry Hugglemonster 19:00 Model Squad Freeman Machines Curse Of Speed Demon 04:25 Treehouse Masters 05:55 Destroyed In Seconds 06:00 Art Attack 20:00 WAGs Atlanta 02:00 India’s Mega Kitchens 09:07 Paw Patrol 09:00 Catcher: Cat City 2 06:02 Cats 101 06:20 How It’s Made 06:30 Henry Hugglemonster 21:00 WAGs Atlanta 03:00 Yukon Gold 09:18 Paw Patrol 10:40 The Wish Fish 06:49 Cats 101 06:40 How It’s Made 06:45 Loopdidoo 22:00 The Platinum Life 04:00 Wicked Tuna: North vs South 09:29 Shimmer And Shine 12:05 Moomin And Midsummer 07:36 Meet The Sloths 07:00 Ultimate Survival 07:00 Henry Hugglemonster 23:00 E! News Middle East 05:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 09:52 Nella The Princess Knight Madness 08:00 Meet The Sloths 07:50 How It’s Made 07:15 Calimero 23:15 Hollywood Medium With 05:30 Don’t Tell My Mother 10:14 The Day Henry Met 13:30 Felix The Toy Rabbit And The 08:25 Going Ape 08:15 How It’s Made 07:30 PJ Masks Tyler Henry 06:00 Money Meltdown 10:20 Paw Patrol Time Machine 08:50 Dark Days In Monkey City 08:40 Destroyed In Seconds 08:00 P-King Duckling 06:30 Money Meltdown 10:43 Rusty Rivets 15:00 Twigson Ties The Knot 09:15 Treehouse Masters 09:05 Destroyed In Seconds 08:25 Jungle Junction 07:00 The Story Of Us With Morgan 11:07 Wallykazam! 16:25 Dinofroz The Origin 10:10 Cats 101 09:30 Tanked 08:40 Special Agent Oso Freeman 11:30 Bubble Guppies 18:00 The Wish Fish 11:05 Wildest India 10:20 Out Of Egypt 09:00 Handy Manny 08:00 Abandoned 11:53 Team Umizoomi 19:25 Last Wizard 12:00 Going Ape 11:10 Finding Bigfoot 09:15 PJ Masks 08:30 Abandoned 12:15 Kid-E-Cats 20:50 Quest For A Heart 12:28 Dark Days In Monkey City 12:00 Atlas 4D 09:30 Puppy Dog Pals 00:10 The Chase 09:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 12:21 Shimmer And Shine 22:20 Dinofroz The Origin 12:55 The Bronx Zoo 12:50 How It’s Made 10:00 Mickey And The Roadster 01:00 Emmerdale 09:30 Don’t Tell My Mother 12:44 Sunny Day 23:55 Catcher: Cat City 2 13:50 Life On Earth: A New 13:15 How It’s Made Racers 01:30 Emmerdale 10:00 Somewhere In China 13:05 Max & Ruby Prehistory 13:40 Destroyed In Seconds 10:25 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 02:00 Coronation Street 11:00 India’s Mega Kitchens 13:29 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 14:45 Cats 101 14:05 Destroyed In Seconds 10:55 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 02:30 Couples Come Dine With Me 12:00 Nazi Megastructures 13:39 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 15:40 Wildest India 14:30 Tanked 11:20 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 03:25 Dancing On Ice Compilations 13:49 The Day Henry Met 16:35 Lone Star Law 15:20 Ultimate Survival 11:50 The Lion Guard 05:15 Don’t Tell The Bride 13:00 Money Meltdown 13:55 Blaze And The Monster 01:00 Shanghai Noon 17:30 Treehouse Masters 16:10 Out Of Egypt 12:15 The Lion Guard 06:15 The Chase 13:30 Money Meltdown Machines 02:50 An Inconvenient Truth 18:25 Into The Shark Bite 17:00 Finding Bigfoot 12:45 Sofia The First 07:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 14:00 Abandoned 14:18 Blaze And The Monster 04:30 Dirty Dancing 19:20 Intruders 17:50 Atlas 4D 13:10 Sofia The First 08:05 Dancing On Ice 14:30 Abandoned Machines 06:40 Oleanna 20:15 Cats 101 18:40 Destroyed In Seconds 13:35 PJ Masks 09:55 Don’t Tell The Bride 15:00 The Story Of Us With Morgan 14:41 Paw Patrol 08:10 Seven Years In Tibet 21:10 Dark Days In Monkey City 19:05 Destroyed In Seconds 14:00 PJ Masks 11:00 The Chase Freeman 14:53 Kid-E-Cats 10:25 An Inconvenient Truth 21:38 Dark Days In Monkey City 19:30 How It’s Made 14:30 Doc McStuffins 11:50 Couples Come Dine With Me 16:00 Jeju: Island Of A Thousand 14:57 Kid-E-Cats 12:05 Shanghai Noon 22:05 Into The Shark Bite 19:55 How It’s Made 14:55 P-King Duckling 12:45 Emmerdale Faces 15:03 Shimmer And Shine 13:55 Last Chance Harvey 23:00 Intruders 20:20 Tanked 15:20 Vampirina 13:15 Coronation Street 17:00 India’s Mega Kitchens 15:25 Nella The Princess Knight 15:30 Everest 23:55 Wildest India 21:10 Finding Bigfoot 15:45 Sofia The First 13:45 Coronation Street 18:00 Nazi Megastructures 15:37 Paw Patrol 17:35 Cinderella Man 22:00 Atlas 4D 16:10 Puppy Dog Pals 14:15 The Chase Compilations 16:00 The Day Henry Met 20:00 The Salesman 22:50 Out Of Egypt 16:40 Mickey And The Roadster 15:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 19:00 Supercar Megabuild 16:06 Max & Ruby 22:05 The Kite Runner 23:40 Ultimate Survival Racers 16:00 The Voice UK 2018 20:00 Jeju: Island Of A Thousand 16:29 Dora The Explorer 17:10 PJ Masks 17:25 Royal Stories Faces 16:51 Sunny Day 17:35 Miles From Tomorrow 17:50 Don’t Tell The Bride 20:50 India’s Mega Kitchens 17:13 Nella The Princess Knight 00:00 Call The Midwife 18:00 The Lion Guard 18:50 Emmerdale 21:40 Nazi Megastructures 17:35 Shimmer And Shine 01:00 Liar 18:30 Puppy Dog Pals 19:15 Coronation Street Compilations 17:58 Wallykazam! 01:50 Line Of Duty 19:00 Sofia The First 19:45 Coronation Street 22:30 Supercar Megabuild 18:21 Zack & Quack 00:40 Alien Encounters 02:45 The Moonstone 19:30 Mickey And The Roadster 20:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 23:20 Abandoned 18:32 The Day Henry Met 04:00 Mythbusters 03:35 Liar 00:50 Murder Online Racers 21:00 The Voice UK 2018 23:45 Abandoned 18:38 Blaze And The Monster 08:00 How Do They Do It? 04:25 Eastenders 01:45 Kindred Spirits 20:00 The Lion Guard 22:25 Royal Stories Machines 08:26 Superhuman Showdown 05:00 Call The Midwife 02:40 A Haunting 20:30 P-King Duckling 22:50 Emmerdale 19:00 Rusty Rivets 09:14 Mythbusters 06:00 Doctors 03:35 Murder At Sea: People 21:00 Vampirina 23:15 Coronation Street 19:13 Paw Patrol 10:02 Alien Encounters 06:30 The Moonstone Magazine Investigates 21:30 PJ Masks 23:40 Coronation Street 19:24 Paw Patrol 10:50 How Do They Do It? 07:20 Father Brown 04:30 Murder Online 22:00 PJ Masks 19:37 Dora The Explorer 11:14 Food Factory 08:05 Call The Midwife 05:25 The Perfect Suspect 22:30 Sofia The First 20:00 Nella The Princess Knight 11:38 Strip The Cosmos 09:05 Father Brown 06:20 Murder Book 23:00 P-King Duckling 20:11 Kid-E-Cats 12:26 Superhuman Showdown 09:55 Doctors 07:10 Disappeared 23:30 Puppy Dog Pals 00:20 Extreme Animal Babies 20:16 Kid-E-Cats 13:14 Mythbusters 10:25 Eastenders 08:00 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 01:10 Savage Kingdom: Uprising 20:21 Bubble Guppies 14:02 How Do They Do It? 10:55 The Coroner 08:25 True Crime With Aphrodite 02:00 Hyena Queen 20:44 Blaze And The Monster 14:26 Food Factory 11:45 Father Brown Jones 01:00 The Lost Evidence 02:50 World’s Deadliest Machines 14:50 Alien Encounters 12:30 The Moonstone 09:15 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 02:00 Missing In Alaska 03:45 Ultimate Animal Countdown 21:06 Paw Patrol 15:38 Superhuman Showdown 13:20 Call The Midwife 09:40 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 03:00 The Universe: Ancient 04:40 Gardeners Of Eden 21:18 Paw Patrol 16:26 Strip The Cosmos 14:20 Doctors 10:10 Heartbreakers 00:15 Yukon Men Mysteries Solved 05:35 Hyena Queen 21:29 Shimmer And Shine 17:14 Mythbusters 14:50 Eastenders 11:05 Suspicion 01:05 Heavy Rescue 03:50 The Universe: Ancient 06:30 World’s Deadliest 21:52 Nella The Princess Knight 18:02 Alien Encounters 15:20 The Coroner 12:00 Reasonable Doubt 01:50 Railroad Australia Mysteries Solved 07:25 Ultimate Animal Countdown 22:14 The Day Henry Met 18:50 Superhuman Showdown 16:10 The Moonstone 12:55 True Crime With Aphrodite 02:35 Abandoned Engineering 04:40 D-Day: The Lost Films 08:20 Gardeners Of Eden 22:20 Paw Patrol 19:40 Mythbusters 17:00 Casualty Jones 03:20 Street Outlaws 06:20 Modern Marvels 09:15 World’s Weirdest 22:43 Rusty Rivets 21:20 How Do They Do It? 17:55 Casualty 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 04:05 Alaska: Battle On The Bay 07:10 Missing In Alaska 10:10 The Invaders 23:07 Wallykazam! 21:45 Food Factory 18:45 The Coroner 14:45 Heartbreakers 04:50 Dirty Jobs 08:00 The Universe: Ancient 11:05 Savage Kingdom: Uprising 23:30 Bubble Guppies 22:10 Uncovering Aliens 19:40 Call The Midwife 15:40 Suspicion 05:35 How Do They Do It? Mysteries Solved 12:00 River Jaws: Monster Catfish 23:53 Team Umizoomi 23:00 Mythbusters 20:40 Silent Witness 16:35 Grave Secrets 06:00 Backroad Bounty 09:00 The Universe: Ancient 12:55 Crocs Of Katuma 23:50 Superhuman Showdown 21:35 The Coroner 17:30 True Crime With Aphrodite 06:45 Backroad Bounty Mysteries Solved 13:50 Ultimate Predators GPU 22:25 Casualty Jones 07:35 Alaska: Battle On The Bay 10:00 Modern Marvels 14:45 Ultimate Animal Countdown 23:20 Call The Midwife 18:25 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 08:20 Backroad Bounty 11:00 Engineering Disasters 15:40 Dino Bird 18:50 Momsters: When Moms Go 09:10 Dirty Jobs 12:00 United Stuff Of America 16:35 World’s Weirdest 00:15 The Drew Carey Show Bad 09:55 Heavy Rescue 13:00 The Universe: Ancient 17:30 The Invaders 00:40 The Drew Carey Show 19:20 I Almost Got Away With It 10:45 Railroad Australia Mysteries Solved 18:25 Savage Kingdom: Uprising 01:05 The Middle 00:15 Akira 20:15 Evil Online 11:30 Abandoned Engineering 14:00 The Universe: Ancient 19:20 Ultimate Animal Countdown 01:30 The Middle 02:40 Traffic 21:10 Suspicion 12:20 Backroad Bounty Mysteries Solved 20:10 Dino Bird 01:55 Saturday Night Live 04:30 The Front ROW 22:05 Fatal Encounters 13:05 Backroad Bounty 15:00 Missing In Alaska 21:00 World’s Weirdest 03:10 Late Night With Seth Meyers 05:00 Khichdi: The Movie 00:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos 23:00 He Lied About Everything 13:55 Dirty Jobs 16:00 Engineering Disasters 21:50 The Invaders 04:00 American Housewife 07:10 Aatish 01:00 The Menendez Murders: Erik 14:40 Yukon Men 17:00 Modern Marvels 22:40 Savage Kingdom: Uprising 04:25 The Mick 10:00 Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee Tells All 15:30 Heavy Rescue 18:00 United Stuff Of America 23:30 River Jaws: Monster Catfish 04:50 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:45 Gang Of Ghosts 02:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 16:15 Railroad Australia 19:00 Cities Of The Underworld 05:40 Malcolm In The Middle 15:00 Hera Pheri 03:00 Jo Frost On Britain’s Killer 17:05 Abandoned Engineering 20:00 In Search Of Aliens 06:05 Gary Unmarried 17:30 Heyy Babyy Kids 17:50 Alaska: Battle On The Bay 21:00 America’s Book Of Secrets 06:30 Making History 20:00 Ready 04:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos 18:40 Dirty Jobs 22:00 Ancient Aliens 06:55 Baby Daddy 22:30 The Hero - Love Story Of A 05:00 The Menendez Murders: Erik 00:10 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 19:25 Yukon Men 23:00 10 Things You Don’t Know 07:20 Late Night With Seth Meyers Spy Tells All Witch 20:15 Street Outlaws About... 00:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 08:10 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 00:35 Binny And The Ghost 21:00 Gold Rush 00:36 Rabbids Invasion 09:00 American Housewife 07:00 It Takes A Killer 01:00 Hank Zipzer 21:50 Gold Rush: White Water 01:00 Rabbids Invasion 09:25 The Mick 07:30 It Takes A Killer 01:25 Alex & Co. 22:40 Junkyard Empire 01:24 Sanjay And Craig 09:50 The Mindy Project 08:00 The First 48 01:45 Disney Mickey Mouse 23:30 Alaska: Battle On The Bay 01:48 Sanjay And Craig 10:15 The Good Place 09:00 Escaping Polygamy 01:50 Evermoor Chronicles 02:12 Winx Club 10:40 Malcolm In The Middle 00:30 Grace Of Monaco 10:00 Leah Remini: Scientology And 02:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 02:36 Winx Club 11:05 Gary Unmarried 02:15 Boys And Girls The Aftermath Witch 00:20 Swamp People 03:00 Harvey Beaks 11:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 03:45 Deception 11:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 02:40 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 01:10 Swamp People 03:24 Harvey Beaks 12:20 Making History 05:30 Tadpole 12:00 Nightmare In Suburbia Witch 02:00 American Pickers 03:48 The Loud House 12:45 Baby Daddy 06:45 Committed 13:00 The First 48 03:05 Binny And The Ghost 06:00 Marvel’s Spider-Man 02:50 Pawn Stars 04:12 The Loud House 13:10 The Drew Carey Show 08:15 She’s The Man 14:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 03:30 Binny And The Ghost 06:25 Milo Murphy’s Law 03:15 Storage Wars 04:36 Breadwinners 13:35 The Drew Carey Show 10:15 Feast Of Love 15:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 03:55 Hank Zipzer 06:50 Right Now Kapow 03:40 American Pickers 05:00 Breadwinners 14:00 The Middle 12:00 Cloud Atlas 16:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 04:15 Disney Mickey Mouse 07:15 Mech-X4 04:30 Swamp People 05:24 Get Blake 14:25 The Middle 14:45 Terminus 17:00 Homicide Hunter 04:20 Hank Zipzer 07:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 05:15 Swamp People 05:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 14:50 Malcolm In The Middle 16:30 Boys And Girls 18:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 04:45 Alex & Co. 07:45 Walk The Prank 06:00 Mountain Men 06:12 SpongeBob SquarePants 15:15 The Mindy Project 18:15 Grace Of Monaco 19:00 It Takes A Killer 05:10 Alex & Co. 08:10 Walk The Prank 06:50 Forged In Fire 06:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 15:40 The Good Place 20:00 The Hundred-Foot Journey 19:30 It Takes A Killer 05:35 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 08:35 Right Now Kapow 07:40 Pawn Stars 07:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 16:05 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 22:00 Venom 20:00 Homicide: Hours To Kill Witch 09:00 Right Now Kapow 08:05 Storage Wars 07:24 Rabbids Invasion 17:00 Making History 23:30 Code 46 21:00 Homicide: Hours To Kill 06:00 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 09:25 Mighty Med 08:30 American Pickers 07:48 Get Blake 17:30 Baby Daddy 22:00 Homicide: Hours To Kill Witch 09:50 Mighty Med 09:20 American Pickers 08:12 Harvey Beaks 18:00 The Drew Carey Show 23:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos 06:25 Binny And The Ghost 10:20 Star Wars: The Freemaker 10:10 Ax Men 08:36 Sanjay And Craig 18:30 The Drew Carey Show 06:45 Disney Mickey Mouse Adventures 11:00 Forged In Fire 09:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 19:00 The Middle 06:50 Rolling With The Ronks 10:45 Star Wars: The Freemaker 11:50 Pawn Stars 09:24 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 19:30 The Middle 07:00 Jessie Adventures 12:15 Storage Wars 09:48 Henry Danger 20:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 07:25 Tangled: The Series 11:10 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty 12:40 American Pickers 10:12 Game Shakers 20:30 Marlon 00:00 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 00:05 Josh Widdicombe: And 07:50 Tsum Tsum Shorts Much Everything 13:30 Duck Dynasty 10:36 Regal Academy 21:00 Alone Together 02:00 Mistresses Another Thing... 07:55 Hotel Transylvania: The Series 11:35 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty 13:55 Duck Dynasty 11:00 Winx Club 21:30 LA To Vegas 03:00 House Of DVF 00:55 Another Period 08:20 Elena Of Avalor Much Everything 14:20 American Pickers 11:24 SpongeBob SquarePants 22:00 Hit The Road 04:00 Three 01:20 Another Period 08:45 Bunk’d 12:00 Kid vs. Kat 15:10 Mountain Men 11:48 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 22:30 Hit The Road 05:00 Style By Jury 01:45 Tosh.0 09:10 Stuck In The Middle 12:25 Two More Eggs 16:00 Forged In Fire 12:12 The Loud House 23:00 The Detour 06:00 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 02:10 Chappelle’s Show 09:35 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 12:30 Kid vs. Kat 16:50 Pawn Stars 12:36 Rabbids Invasion 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 08:00 Mistresses 02:35 Real Husbands Of Hollywood And Cat Noir 12:55 Kirby Buckets Warped 17:15 Storage Wars 13:00 Breadwinners 09:00 House Of DVF 03:00 The Daily Show With Trevor 10:00 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 13:20 Kirby Buckets 17:40 American Pickers 13:24 Massive Monster Mayhem 10:00 Three Noah And Cat Noir 13:45 Supa Strikas 18:30 Mountain Men 13:48 Hunter Street 11:00 Style By Jury 03:25 Tosh.0 10:25 Lolirock 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 19:20 Forged In Fire 14:12 I Am Frankie 12:00 Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta 03:50 Chappelle’s Show 10:50 Lolirock 14:15 Supa Strikas 20:10 American Pickers 14:36 The Thundermans 14:00 Mistresses 04:15 Kroll Show 11:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 14:40 Right Now Kapow 21:00 Hunting Hitler 15:00 Rabbids Invasion 00:15 Coat Of Many Colors 15:00 House Of DVF 04:40 Key And Peele Witch 15:30 Milo Murphy’s Law 21:50 Barbarians Rising 15:24 School Of Rock 01:45 Lego DC: Justice League 16:00 Three 05:05 I Live With Models 11:40 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 15:55 Two More Eggs 22:50 Forged In Fire 15:48 SpongeBob SquarePants Gotham City Breakout 17:00 Style By Jury 05:30 Impractical Jokers Witch 16:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & 23:30 Mountain Men 16:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 03:10 All She Wishes 18:00 Devious Maids 05:55 Disaster Date 12:05 Hank Zipzer Cody 16:36 The Loud House 04:45 A Royal Christmas 20:00 Making Mr. Right 06:20 Ridiculousness Arabia 12:30 Alex & Co. 16:25 Lab Rats Elite Force 17:00 Massive Monster Mayhem 06:20 Coat Of Many Colors 21:00 House Of DVF 06:50 Disorderly Conduct: Video On 12:55 Alex & Co. 16:50 Lab Rats Elite Force 17:24 I Am Frankie 07:50 Lego DC: Justice League 22:00 Three Patrol 13:20 Lolirock 17:15 Mech-X4 17:48 Hunter Street Gotham City Breakout 23:00 Style By Jury 07:40 The Jim Gaffigan Show 13:45 Lolirock 17:40 Marvel’s Spider-Man 18:12 Henry Danger 09:15 Capture The Flag 08:05 Impractical Jokers 14:10 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 18:05 Supa Strikas 00:45 Ariana’s Persian Kitchen 18:36 Rabbids Invasion 10:55 All She Wishes And Cat Noir 08:30 Disaster Date 18:30 Marvel’s Ant-Man 01:10 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour 19:00 School Of Rock 12:30 Alone For Christmas 14:35 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 08:55 Workaholics 18:35 Walk The Prank 01:40 Places We Go 19:24 Game Shakers 14:00 Bonta And Cat Noir 09:20 Kroll Show 19:00 Gravity Falls 02:05 Places We Go 19:48 The Thundermans 15:25 The Sound Of Music Live! 15:00 The Zhuzhus 09:45 Key And Peele 19:25 Milo Murphy’s Law 02:35 Restoration Man 20:12 Regal Academy 17:45 A Sunday Horse 00:20 Cake Boss 15:15 Jessie 10:10 I Live With Models 01:05 Separated At Birth 15:40 Bunk’d 19:50 Marvel’s Rocket And Groot 03:30 Fearless Chef 20:36 SpongeBob SquarePants 19:35 The Great Gilly Hopkins 10:35 The Jim Gaffigan Show 01:50 Katie Price: My Crazy Life 16:05 Tangled: Short Cuts 19:55 Mech-X4 04:25 John Torode’s Malaysian 21:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 21:15 Alone For Christmas 11:00 Impractical Jokers 20:20 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero Adventure 21:24 Sanjay And Craig 22:45 Bonta 02:35 Say Yes To The Dress 11:25 Disaster Date 16:10 Elena Of Avalor 16:35 Bizaardvark 20:45 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty 04:50 John Torode’s Asia 21:48 Rabbids Invasion 03:20 Sister Wives 11:50 Ridiculousness Arabia 05:20 John Torode’s Asia 17:00 Tangled: The Series Much Everything 22:12 Breadwinners 04:05 Toddlers & Tiaras: Coach 12:15 Impractical Jokers 05:45 The Shelbourne 17:25 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 21:10 Kid vs. Kat 22:36 Harvey Beaks Wars 12:40 Framework 06:15 My Restaurant In India And Cat Noir 21:35 Marvel’s Rocket And Groot 23:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 04:50 Outdaughtered: Busby Quints 13:30 I Live With Models 06:40 One Man & His Campervan 17:50 Stuck In The Middle 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 23:24 SpongeBob SquarePants 05:35 Say Yes To The Dress 13:55 Friends 21:45 Lab Rats Elite Force 07:10 Places We Go 23:48 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 01:30 Pitch Perfect 2 06:00 Say Yes To The Dress UK 14:20 Friends 18:15 K.C. Undercover 07:35 Places We Go 18:40 Hotel Transylvania: The Series 22:10 Lab Rats Elite Force 03:25 Bill 06:45 Cake Boss 14:45 Workaholics 22:35 Phineas And Ferb 08:05 Restoration Man 05:00 The Discoverers 07:07 Cake Boss 15:10 Key And Peele 19:05 Bunk’d 09:00 Fearless Chef 19:30 Austin & Ally 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am 06:45 Love The Coopers 07:30 Hodges Half Dozen 15:35 Kroll Show 09:55 John Torode’s Malaysian 08:35 Christmas Eve 08:15 Sister Wives 16:00 Comedy Central Presents 19:55 Descendants Wicked World Adventure 20:00 Liv And Maddie 10:15 Fan Girl 09:00 Cake Boss Comedy 3alwagef 10:20 John Torode’s Asia 00:15 Kid-E-Cats 20:25 Jessie 11:50 The Discoverers 09:25 Toddlers & Tiaras: Coach 16:30 Ridiculousness Arabia 10:50 John Torode’s Asia 00:21 Shimmer And Shine 20:50 Tangled: The Series 13:40 Love The Coopers Wars 16:55 Friends 11:15 The Shelbourne 00:43 Sunny Day 21:15 Disney Mickey Mouse 15:30 The Guilt Trip 10:10 Say Yes To The Dress UK 17:20 Friends 00:00 WAGs Atlanta 11:45 My Restaurant In India 01:05 Max & Ruby 17:10 Spy Hard 10:55 Outdaughtered: Busby Quints 17:45 Disaster Date 21:20 K.C. Undercover 00:55 Hollywood Medium With 12:10 One Man & His Campervan 01:28 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 21:45 Hotel Transylvania: The Series 18:40 Murder Of A Cat 11:40 Cake Boss 18:10 Ridiculousness Arabia Tyler Henry 12:40 Places We Go 01:39 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 20:25 Lies & Alibis 12:02 Cake Boss 18:35 Punk’d (Bet) 22:10 Bizaardvark 01:50 E! News 13:05 Places We Go 01:49 The Day Henry Met 22:35 Girl Meets World 22:00 The Bronze 12:25 Hodges Half Dozen 19:00 Punk’d (Bet) 02:50 Botched 13:35 Restoration Man 01:55 Blaze And The Monster 23:45 Screwed 13:10 Little People, Big World 19:25 Impractical Jokers 23:00 Star Wars Forces Of Destiny 03:40 Botched 14:30 Ariana’s Persian Kitchen Machines 26 Established 1961 Stars Monday, February 19, 2018

CROSSWORD 1839 STAR TRACK

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

Aries, you’re overwhelmed with desire for change; be careful here as all Libra, you make no secret of your feelings and could lash out at someone of your well-laid plans could fall apart if you don t gain control of this wish. Cosmic for no reason. Your tendency is to be impulsive and hot headed just now. Your emotions and earthly timing on this clash and could disrupt your career path or current job. A are running high and you can t seem to slow down long enough to see what the problem new phase affects your emotional side; you find yourself longing for a stable home and is; you could be in the process of forming new habits so make sure they re good ones, family life. New fun things to occupy your off time bring rewards; make sure your new they could be around for a while. The mood to forgive is strongly indicated and you habits are good ones as they could be with you awhile. You feel stunted when trying to accept this in silence; you’ll figure out more at a later date. You could experience joy on explain something to a new coworker; tread softly here to avoid saying something your road to discovery of deep spiritual enlightenment, just remember to hold judge- offensive. A window of opportunity to make changes around the home opens soon; be ments until you have a chance to consider things. Your progress toward your goals is patient! Take time to figure out what you want to do and the best way to do it, Aries. firmly in place, now you just have to keep doing your part to reach the end, Libra.

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

Taurus, visiting new areas and meeting new people contribute to your Scorpio, a new acquaintance puts you off when you get a shady vibe learning experience. These activities create positive energy. Spending time with like- from them; you later investigate and learn you re exactly right to mistrust this person. minded people is instrumental in bringing good results. Entering a new phase brings An old coworker shows up looking for employment; this person is known for being a your own good qualities to the fore; remember that appreciating yourself is one of the great asset. You may turn down an opportunity to make extra money for reasons only most important gifts you can give to yourself. Fondness of an elder person or some- you know. You re not shy about letting your feelings be known. During the new cycle one in authority grows. Your emotions run high as you work to create new beginnings you’ve entered you’ll find support and encouragement regarding the changes you re and habits. Important discussions with family or friends could unfold later. You have making in your life. You re-examine all aspects of your life all the way from beginning an urge to make impulse choices and decisions; slow down and consider what s right. to end; pay attention to what you see and learn for future decisions. Tonight, the oppo- Your time is your own this evening as you settle in for a good book or movie, Taurus. site sex is drawn to you, as though through a positive chemical reaction, Scorpio.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius, an ongoing problem with someone younger explodes in an Gemini, you’re able to look at the whole big picture, not just the immediate unpleasant clash. Someone who normally supports you disagrees. Your situation but from the beginning to eternity. Petty issues or disagreements entering a period that creates spur of the moment choices and actions; while spontaneity ACROSS 2. The United Nations agency concerned seem so unimportant you barely notice what would have gotten on your last nerve before. can be exhilarating, jumping the gun on important matters can be devastating, so be 1. A speech defect that involves pronounc- with civil aviation. Spiritual enlightenment and expansion are prominent; this cycle creates loving energy that careful. You sense your habits shifting, moving more to the center with nothing overdone ing s like voiceless th and z like voiced 3. Any of various plants of the genus seems to grow! Remember to keep your beliefs intact and not permit yourself to fall into or overindulged in. Someone complains about your methods and tries hard to make a th. Sedum. new ones too quickly. Someone who knows of your questions helps you with a few certain point! You could choose to go even further away from tradition just to prove that 5. Relating to the condition of immunity. 4. The quality of being secluded from the answers you re happy to receive. You’re reminded that solutions must be learned through you can. Don t let what someone else thinks about your lifestyle mean too much; after all, 11. The quantity a cask will hold. presence or view of others. trial and error. You sense someone you know is in trouble but you can’t put your finger on you absolutely know you re a far stronger person than that, don t you, Sagittarius. 15. Type genus of the Aceraceae. 5. A theocratic republic in the Middle East exactly who this is. Tonight, you consider your hopes and dreams, Gemini. 16. A craftsman who lays or repairs roofs. in western Asia. 6. Someone who makes and sells hats. 17. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising Capricorn (December 22-January 19) solely the razorbill. 7. The 3 goddesses of fate or destiny. Cancer (June 21-July 22) 18. Gully or streambed in North Africa and 8. An (apparently) flying object whose capricorn, intuition is stronger than usual and you don t like what it s telling the Middle East that remains dry nature is unknown. Cancer, you’re on the side of the underdog, the one less believed in and it you; relax, things are not as bad as you think. You change your appearance except during rainy season. 9. Bandicoot rats. pays. A general good, positive feeling penetrates any dark clouds or obsta- by trying a new hairstyle or color or possibly a new wardrobe. Poetry, art, the finer 19. A farewell remark. 10. A trivalent metallic element of the rare cles that come your way. Someone shocks you by coming to your defense; wonders hap- things in life bring joy to your day. You re beginning to see yourself in a new light; give 20. Realistic Norwegian author who wrote earth group. pen every day, you know! You stumble upon some information that brings something to yourself a pat on the back for effecting change. You’re known for your looks and untra- plays on social and political themes 11. Someone who drives a taxi for a living. your attention; think before you act. Your emotions flare and become difficult to reign in ditional beliefs and ideas. People who know you like you. You make no secret of how you (1828-1906). 12. In addition. when confronted with a sticky topic. Remember, not everyone means to offend you! You feel about a certain issue and are quick to jump into a situation without thinking; you 21. Something of sentimental value. 13. The universal time coordinated time on could feel that you can t do anything right; someone doesn’t like your beliefs or ethics. need to work on reigning this in before you get into big trouble! All facets of spiritual 23. United States feminist and suffragist board the spacecraft. You appear to be out of touch but are by no means out of the loop; you re in a prime existence grasp your interest as you indulge in a new, very telling book, Capricorn. (1793-1880). 14. Influential German idealist philosopher position to teach someone that it s not at all wise to judge a book by its cover, Cancer. 24. (British) A waterproof raincoat made of (1724-1804). rubberized fabric. 22. (computer science) A coding system that incorporates extra parity bits in 25. A town in northern Egypt. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 28. A complete metric system of units of order to detect errors. measurement for scientists. 26. The capital and largest city of Rwanda. Leo, your temper joins with impulsive vibrations surrounding you now. Not Aquarius, all areas of mystic mysteries occupy your thoughts and actions 30. Being ten more than one hundred 27. A public promotion of some product or the time to buy spontaneously; emotional spending is strongly indicated now. Be careful not to collapse yourself into any beliefs until you get deep understand- ninety. service. but you can prevent this with forethought if you choose. New starts, clean slates, all man- ing of all the aspects they contain. Let your intuition be your guide as your become still 31. Tropical New World lizard with a long 29. Of or relating to Iraq or its people or ner of fresh beginnings are indicated within the newest cycle you have entered. There’s a and listen. There seems to be easy answers as you begin your studies; you have the tail and large rectangular scales on the culture. spring in your step as you progress toward growth and evolution in your life and soul. You energy to move forward with an open mind. Your sense of forgiveness dominates and belly and a long tail. 33. A rapid bustling commotion. could feel stubborn energy noticeably lessening; you come to understand the process of you completely let something painful pass away. You could encounter challenges from 32. Plant with an elongated head of broad 34. An archaic name for Easter or advancing your journey. Your heart is with the underdog when you learn of a new situa- those you don t agree with your journey; we re all entitled to our own opinions, aren’t stalked leaves resembling celery. Passover. tion at work. As you read and review material remember not to collapse yourself into new we you have the ability to step back from confrontations. You receive an invitation for 36. A system of weights used for precious 35. Surveying instrument consisting of the views too quickly. Take a thoughtful look at the night skies this evening, Leo. an outing this evening from a person you would be wise to avoid, Aquarius. metals and gemstones. upper movable part of a theodolite 39. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic including the telescope and its attach- ments. element. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 41. A metric unit of volume or capacity 37. A port city in northwestern Algeria and equal to 10 liters. the country's 2nd largest city. Pisces, your need for sexual attention is prominent; your emotions are lift- 38. A small pellet fired from an air rifle or Virgo, there could be objection to your beliefs or practices; let your spirit 42. The sense organ for hearing and equi- be calm as you control a tendency to say whatever you think. Being offended by back- ed by this type of attention. You want to be in the driver s seat and guide librium. BB gun. the situation; you don t get to make the choices you want. You have specific ideas about 40. An actor's line that immediately pre- ward thinking people is a waste of your energy. Communicating isn’t easy for you at this 47. Jordan's port. time and it could be that this could save an ugly confrontation. Several you spend time some investment opportunities; go in, research then act accordingly. Intuition is strong 51. Being one hundred more than three cedes and serves as a reminder for and very clear; listen to this gift of the spirit when making up your mind about something some action or speech. with agree with you and lend their support. You may find yourself attending a large lunch hundred. personal. You long to know more about the mysteries of life; the cosmos holds many 43. The world's largest desert (3,500,000 or dinner like a pot luck affair. Your passions run high but beware jumping into a negative 52. Tropical Asian starlings. intriguing lessons and paths for you now. When you call on your unseen gifts they re square miles) in North Africa. situation out of pride; refusal to adjust your attitude could break something that can t be 53. A Greek epic poem (attributed to repaired. You enjoy a clear sense of direction, timing and efforts; the harder you work and available, ready and willing, just ask. You could remember a forgotten bill or appointment 44. A boneless steak cut from the tender- as you relax and let your mind clear with a loved one later this evening, Pisces. Homer) describing the siege of Troy. loin of beef. plan the better your circumstances for now and far into the future, Virgo. 54. A Loloish language. 45. Evergreen shrubs of north temperate 56. A boy or man. regions. 58. The 13th letter of the Greek alphabet. 46. United States evangelical preacher Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution 59. (of persons) Highest in rank or authori- famous as a mass evangelist (born in ty or office. 1918). 60. Have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal. 48. Shrubby tree widely distributed along 63. A four-wheeled wagon that runs on tropical shores. tracks in a mine. 49. (Sumerian) Goddess personifying 66. African tree having an exceedingly earth. thick trunk and fruit that resembles a 50. Small family of usually tropical butter- gourd and has an edible pulp called flies. monkey bread. 55. Preaching the gospel of Christ in the 67. The branch of computer science that manner of the early church. deal with writing computer programs 57. A discussion in which reasons are that can solve problems creatively. advanced for and against some 68. A doctor's degree in musical arts. proposition or proposal. 71. Type genus of the Amiidae. 61. Large ornamental tropical American 72. Of or relating an apse. tree with bipinnate leaves and globose 76. Aircraft landing in bad weather in clusters of flowers with crimson sta- which the pilot is talked down by mens and sweet-pulp seed pods eaten ground control using precision by cattle. approach radar. 62. A geometric element that has position 77. North American woodland herb similar but no extension. to and used as substitute for the 64. (of weather) Wet by periods of rain. Chinese ginseng. 65. South African plant widely cultivated 78. The nail at the end of a toe. for its showy pure white spathe and 79. (informal) Roused to anger. yellow spadix. 80. (prefix) Within. 69. Someone who works (or provides 81. A collection of pus in a body cavity workers) during a strike. (especially in the lung cavity). 70. An informal term for a father. 82. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 73. (Australian and New Zealand) A dis- from aba cloth. paraging term for English immigrants to Australia or New Zealand. DOWN 74. The month following August and pre- 1. The first of three divisions of the Hebrew ceding October. Scriptures comprising the first five 75. An anticipated outcome that is intend- books of the Old Testament consid- ed or that guides your planned ered as a unit. actions.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution Classifieds Monday, February 19, 2018

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.8::$$,7 $,5325577  ƒ&  ƒ& American Airlines 22087425 Kaizen center 25716707 $%'$//<<  ƒ&  ƒ& 22087426 %8%<<$$$11 ƒ& ƒ& Rawda 22517733 Kuwait Airways 171 -$+55$$  ƒ&  ƒ& Adaliya 22517144 Jazeera Airways 177 Jet Airways 22924455 ))$$,/$.$ ,6/$$11'  ƒ&  ƒ& Khaldiya 24848075 FlyDubai 22414400 6$/0,<<$$+  ƒ&  ƒ& Kaifan 24849807 Qatar Airways 22423888 $+0$',  ƒ&  ƒ& KLM 22425747 Shamiya 24848913 18::$$,6,%  ƒ&  ƒ& Royal Jordanian 22418064/5/6 Shuwaikh 24814507 ::$$)5$  ƒ&  ƒ& British Airways 22425635 6$/0<  ƒ&  ƒ& Abdullah Salem 22549134 Air France 22430224 Emirates 22921555 Nuzha 22526804 4 DAAYYS FORECAST Air India 22438184 Temperatures Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Sri Lanka Airlines 22424444 DAAYY DAATTE WEAATTHER Wind Direction Wind Speed MAX. MIN. Qadsiya 22515088 Egypt Air 22421578 0RQGD\  )DLU  ƒ&  ƒ&1:      NPK Swiss Air 22421516 Dasmah 22532265 7XHVGD\  &ORXGV ZLOO LQFUHDVH  JUDGXDOO\ ƒ&   ƒ& 95%1:      NPK Saudia 22426306 ::HHGQHVGD\  &ORXGG\\ZLWK D FKDQFH IIRRUVFDDWWWHUHG  OLJKW UDLQ  ƒ&  ƒ& 95%6(      NPK Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Middle East Airlines 22423073 3DUUWWO\FORXGG\\ WR FORXG\ ZLWK DFKDQFH IIRRU Lufthansa 22422493 7KXXUUVGD\  VFDWWHUHGUDLQ  ƒ&  ƒ& 6(      NPK Shaab 22518752 PIA 22421044 Qibla 22459381 PRAAYYER TIMES RECORDED YESTERDAAYY AATT KUWWAAIT AIRPORT Bangladesh Airlines 22452977/8 Fajr MAX. Temp. °C   Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Indian Airlines 22456700 Sunrise  MIN. Temp.  °C Oman Air 22958787 Zuhr  MAX. RH  % Mirqab 22456536 Asr MIN. RH % Turkish Airlines 22453820/1   Sharq 22465401 Sunset  MAX. WWiind 6(  km/h Aeroflot 22404838/9 Isha TOTTAALL RAINFFAALLL IN 24 HR.  mm Salmiya 25746401

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Monday 19/2/2018 QTR 1078 Doha 14:20 Departure Flights on Monday 19/2/2018 JZR 124 Bahrain 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 672 Dubai 14:25 Airlines Flt Route Time KNE 382 Taif 15:00 MSC 501 Alexandria 00:01 KAC 412 Bangkok 14:35 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Chennai 00:05 KAC 673 Dubai 15:05 JZR 185 Dubai 00:05 KAC 286 Dhaka 14:35 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 JAI 572 Mumbai 00:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 FDB 072 Dubai 00:35 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 JZR 607 Kochi 00:10 KAC 364 Colombo 14:40 PIA 206 Lahore 01:00 KAC 785 Jeddah 15:25 KAC 504 Beirut 00:30 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:45 MSC 502 Alexandria 01:00 QTR 1079 Doha 15:30 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 14:55 JAI 571 Mumbai 01:05 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 JZR 539 Cairo 00:50 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:30 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:45 KAC 102 London 00:50 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 JZR 502 Luxor 01:30 KAC 775 Riyadh 15:50 PGT 858 Istanbul 00:55 KAC 304 Mumbai 15:10 JZR 142 Doha 01:45 THY 772 Istanbul 00:55 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 KAC 677 Dubai 01:50 KAC 283 Dhaka 15:50 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 KAC 502 Beirut 15:30 KAC 285 Dhaka 01:55 KAC 743 Dammam 16:05 DLH 625 Bahrain 01:45 JZR 787 Riyadh 15:30 KAC 363 Colombo 02:00 KAC 563 Amman 16:10 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 KAC 417 Manila 02:00 KAC 619 Doha 16:10 JZR 555 Alexandria 02:15 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:30 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:15 QTR 1072 Doha 15:55 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:30 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 QTR 1086 Doha 02:20 SAW 705 Damascus 16:00 DLH 625 Frankfurt 02:45 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:40 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 16:00 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 KAC 615 Bahrain 16:40 KLM 446 Bahrain 02:30 KAC 118 New York 16:00 QTR 1087 Doha 03:40 SAW 706 Damascus 16:55 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:25 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:55 QTR 1073 Doha 17:15 KKK 1268 Istanbul 02:55 TRQ 230 KRT 16:30 KKK 1269 Istanbul 03:55 JZR 240 Amman 17:15 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 FDB 051 Dubai 16:40 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 TRQ 231 KRT 17:30 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 THY 765 Istanbul 04:00 WAN 135 Doha 17:30 QTR 1076 Doha 03:50 KAC 542 Cairo 17:05 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:40 KAC 382 Delhi 04:15 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KAC 1544 Cairo 04:25 WAN 954 Baku 17:15 QTR 1077 Doha 05:30 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 418 Manila 04:25 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 KAC 303 Mumbai 05:30 KAC 331 Trivandrum 18:00 UAE 873 Dubai 04:25 JZR 125 Bahrain 17:35 FDB 070 Dubai 05:45 KAC 784 Jeddah 04:35 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:40 UAE 874 Dubai 06:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 284 Dhaka 04:50 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JZR 560 Sohag 06:25 JZR 538 Cairo 18:15 FDB 069 Dubai 04:55 FDB 063 Dubai 18:10 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 JZR 609 Hyderabad 05:10 JZR 177 Dubai 18:15 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 184 Dubai 18:30 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:20 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 608 Hyderabad 18:40 JZR 143 Doha 05:25 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 WAN 115 Bahrain 18:50 THY 770 Istanbul 05:25 KAC 744 Dammam 19:10 KAC 413 Bangkok 07:20 KAC 381 Delhi 18:50 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 05:30 KAC 776 Riyadh 19:20 KAC 167 Paris 07:35 JZR 266 Beirut 19:05 KAC 344 Chennai 05:50 ABY 123 Sharjah 9:25 KAC 501 Beirut 08:00 FDB 064 Dubai 19:10 KAC 302 Mumbai 06:10 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 KAC 161 Geneva 08:20 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 KAC 362 Colombo 06:25 KAC 156 Istanbul 19:30 FDB 054 Dubai 08:35 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 KAC 678 Dubai 06:30 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 KAC 787 Jeddah 08:40 QTR 1081 Doha 20:00 WAN 338 Alexandria 06:40 BAW 156 London 08:50 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 BAW 157 London 07:10 KAC 691 Muscat 08:50 KAC 616 Bahrain 19:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 332 Trivandrum 07:25 KAC 117 New York 09:00 KNE 381 Taif 20:00 KAC 357 Kochi 20:30 KAC 354 Bengaluru 07:35 KAC 620 Doha 20:15 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 FDB 053 Dubai 07:35 KAC 671 Dubai 09:45 FDB 058 Dubai 20:35 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 JZR 503 Luxor 07:45 KAC 101 London 09:45 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 20:40 QTR 1088 Doha 20:45 KAC 384 Delhi 08:00 UAE 856 Dubai 10:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 20:50 DLH 624 Frankfurt 20:45 KAC 358 Kochi 08:05 KAC 541 Cairo 10:00 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:50 KAC 162 Geneva 21:00 UAE 855 Dubai 08:35 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:10 KAC 353 Bengaluru 20:55 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 RSB 1071 Baku 09:00 KAC 773 Riyadh 10:10 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 KAC 617 Doha 10:15 KAC 1543 Cairo 21:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 QTR 1071 Doha 10:20 DLH 624 Bahrain 21:30 KAC 168 Paris 21:20 QTR 1070 Doha 09:10 KAC 155 Istanbul 10:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 786 Jeddah 21:25 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 10:30 QTR 1089 Doha 22:00 UAE 859 Dubai 21:35 IRA 667 Esfahan 10:00 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:05 WAN 342 Sohag 10:15 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:40 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:50 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ZAV 4101 IQA 11:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 AXB 890 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:10 WAN 116 Bahrain 21:50 IRA 666 Esfahan 11:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 QTR 1074 Doha 11:20 KAC 564 Amman 22:00 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 QTR 1082 Doha 22:05 JZR 786 Riyadh 11:55 KAC 783 Jeddah 22:35 WAN 134 Doha 11:55 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 RSB 1071 IQA 12:00 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:00 KAC 383 Delhi 22:40 RBG 553 Alexandria 12:15 SVA 514 Riyadh 22:30 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:10 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:50 JZR 561 Sohag 12:45 JZR 241 Amman 22:40 QTR 1075 Doha 12:30 UAE 860 Dubai 23:00 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 SVA 502 Jeddah 22:45 JZR 606 Kochi 12:45 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 KAC 774 Riyadh 13:40 JZR 1851 Dubai 23:10 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:15 RBG 554 Alexandria 13:00 SVA 515 Riyadh 23:30 KAC 692 Muscat 14:15 MSC 405 Sohag 23:30 ZAV 4101 IQA 13:00 WAN 337 Alexandria 23:45 KAC 618 Doha 14:15 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 JZR 176 Dubai 13:40 SVA 503 Jeddah 23:45 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 MSC 411 Asyut 23:55 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 1285 Dhaka 23:55 28 Established 1961 Monday, February 19, 2018 Lifestyle Gossip Naughty Boy wants to pen song for Spice Girls

aughty Boy has been penning a song for the she has with boyfriend Liam Payne - in March. As for the from a new range of merchandise. Victoria, 43, played N Spice Girls on his bucket list. The 33-year-old ‘Viva Forever’ hitmakers, they’ve signed contracts for a down the rumors surrounding the Spice Girls’ recent get producer has worked with the likes of Sam number of reunion shows. The quintet recently confirmed together at her fashion show in New York, when she said: Smith, Emeli Sande and Beyonce, but he’s set they were back together to work on unspecified projects, “I’m not going on tour. The girls aren’t going on tour. It his sights on working with the 90s girl group - com- and though Victoria insisted they are not going out on was so great to see the girls... “There’s something so prised of Emma Bunton, Geri Horner, Mel B, Victoria tour, it has now been revealed they have agreed legal strong in the message of what the Spice Girls stood for. Beckham and Melanie C - who recently reunited. The documents to perform live again. According to TMZ, Mel What is that in the future? What does that look like? We music-maker - whose real name is Shahid Khan - told B signed the contract on February 9, and other members were just bouncing ideas around. Brainstorming. But this Metro.co.uk: “There’s one more I’m waiting for, the Spice have too, and the documents give specific details for UK [fashion] is what I do.” Girls. I’ve asked the question. So we’ll see.” The ‘Runnin’ and US concerts, including the number and location of hitmaker has been busy with former Girls Aloud star shows, and compensation details. Sources told the web- Cheryl Tweedy on a track for her new record, which will site the ‘Stop’ hitmakers will perform a “limited number” be her first since the arrival of her little boy Bear - whom of shows but are set to make a huge amount of money Anne-Marie: Ed Liam Gallagher: Sheeran makes Rita Ora is not everybody’s day good enough to better

nne-Marie says Ed Sheeran brings positive work with me A vibes to the studio no matter what. The 26- year-old pop star toured with the ‘Shape of iam Gallagher thinks Rita Ora is “amazing” You’ hitmaker last year, and they’ve even col- - but not good enough to work with him. L laborated on a song together, and the ‘Alarm’ hitmaker The former Oasis frontman was comment- says she loves being around the 26-year-old flame- ing on the ‘Body On Me’ singer performing haired singer because he’s always happy. The ‘Heavy’ at the BRIT Awards on Wednesday and while he was singer exclusively told BANG Showbiz: “Him just as a full of praise for the busty blonde beauty, he doesn’t person brings everyone a bit better in their day. “He’s just think she has what it takes to collaborate with him. very inspiring. “I knew he was a great songwriter and The 45-year-old rocker told The Sun newspaper: performer, but when you actually spend time with him in “They’ve [BRITs] got Rita Ora, haven’t they? I love the studio, it’s a bit like, woah, you are actually brilliant her. She’s amazing. “But I wouldn’t like to work with and great to be around.” Anne-Marie recently admitted her. She’s not that good.” The ‘Wall of Glass’ hitmaker Ed loves to dress up in her clothes when they are on the - who released his debut solo LP ‘As You Were’ last road together. After learning firsthand that the ‘Castle on year - says the same goes for any modern pop stars the Hill’ hitmaker enjoys nabbing her outfits and putting as he doesn’t want to make music with “the trendy them on himself, she’ll be keeping a tighter grasp on her lot”. He said: “Current artists have to be really good wardrobe when she joins him on tour again this summer. for me to be interested. On the last album I worked She said: “He always dresses up in my clothes - it’s a run- with a few people but none of the trendy lot.” It ning joke. He always takes the mick out of what I’m wear- comes after Liam accused organizers of the BRITs of been nominated for Best Male Solo Artist, where he ing and puts it on.” However, the blonde beauty does being “too scared” to let him to perform at the cere- will go up against Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Loyle Carner admit that Ed’s cheeky sense of humor helped to reduce mony. The ‘Songbird’ songwriter revealed he’d been and Rag’n’Bone Man for the coveted crown. However, her nerves before she faced the 80,000 people waiting offered the opportunity to host the annual bash in the controversial singer has not been afforded the in the audience each night. She added: “It’s quite daunt- London, but his real ambition is to perform for his opportunity to perform at the event, with that honour join the touring party on the weekends. Ed said recently: ing when you think of the numbers. But Ed’s so chill, he’s fans. Liam wrote on Twitter: “So the Brit awards have instead being handed to Rita, Foo Fighters, Ed “It’s actually really easy for Cherry to come. She works everywhere before and after the gig. He’s not like ballooned it again as you were LG x “All I wanted to Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Sam Smith, Stormzy, Rag N’ Bone and can’t give up her job. But it’s gonna be easy because wrapped away somewhere not conversing with people. I do was play LIVE but there too scared too cosy the Man and Jorja Smith. it’s weekends and two months of it is in Europe so she see him before gigs, we have a chat and we hang out cheeky ***** asked me if I wanted to host it are they can just pop out.” afterwards.” Meanwhile, Anne-Marie will be able to having a laugh LG x (sic)” The rock ‘n’ roll star has bond with Ed’s fiancÈe Cherry Seaborn during her upcoming shows with the ‘Perfect’ singer, as she’s set to Christopher Nolan won’t be directing next James Bond hristopher Nolan has put to bed rumors he’s ‘Casino Royale’ star’s comments, a number of actors C directing the next James Bond movie. The have been rumored to take over the role of the Secret ‘Dunkirk’ filmmaker had previously spoken Service agent including Tom Hiddleston, Aidan Turner, to producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Tom Hardy, Damian Lewis and Idris Elba. Hardy - who G Wilson about his love for the spy movies, but insists starred in Nolan’s ‘Dunkirk’ - previously said he’d love he won’t be helming the next installment starring Daniel to see the director helm a Bond movie. And he said he Craig as the suave MI6 agent, though he’d love to take “couldn’t possibly” comment on the rumors he himself on the job one day. Nolan told BBC Radio 4’s Desert is being lined up to replace Craig, who is set to bow out Island Discs: “I won’t be the man (to direct the next after the next installment, which is slated for release in Bond). No, categorically. “I think every time they hire a November 2019. He said: “Oh, wow, Chris would be new director I’m rumored to be doing it. “I’d love to amazing! Wow, that would be cool. That would be so make a Bond film at some point and I think those pro- cool.” Quizzed on whether he’d be up for the iconic ducers - Barbara and Michael [Broccoli and G Wilson] part, he replied: “You know, there’s a saying amongst us - they do a tremendous job and Sam Mendes has done in the fraternity of acting, and in the fellowship of my a terrific job the last couple of films, so they don’t par- peer group, that if you talk about it, you’re automatical- ticularly need me. “But I’ve always been inspired by the ly out of the race. So I can’t possibly comment on that films and would love to do one someday.” In 2015, Craig one! If I mention it, it’s gone.” was asked if he’d be back again after finishing a difficult ‘Spectre’ shoot, but he replied he would rather “slash his wrists”. He also said he doesn’t about who should take over the role, which stars such as Pierce Brosnan Martin Freeman’s and Sean Connery have played in the past. Since the MCU alter-ego back for more? Andy Serkis loves Susan Sarandon blasts artin Freeman has teased his Marvel Cinematic corporate Hollywood M Universe character Everett Ross will be back. The 46-year-old actor - who is best known for being in intelligent films his role as Bilbo Baggins in ‘The Hobbit’ fran- usan Sarandon blames the “cor- Helen, who comforted a death row chise - reprised his role as the Deputy Task Force ndy Serkis thinks it’s great to be Snoke will return in ‘Episode IX’, the actor S porate takeover” of Hollywood inmate, in 1995’s ‘Dead Man Walking’ and Commander of the Joint Counterterrorism Center for A part of “intelligent films”. The teased that anything is possible in ‘Star for its discrimination issues. The said she was worried about the nun’s ‘Black Panther’, but says the MCU has more in store for 52-year-old actor is best known Wars’. Asked about the possibility, he 71-year-old actress believes reaction to the movie. She said: “I was so him. He told Den of Geek: “They introduced me in ‘Civil for his motion capture roles, said: “Not for me to say. But who knows that all of Hollywood’s problems can be nervous that when she saw it she would War’ and said there would be a couple of other films, one such as Caesar in the ‘Planet of the Apes’ anything is possible in a ‘Star Wars’ attributed to it becoming a huge business be emotionally upset. She watched the of which was ‘Black Panther’.” The British star - who movies and Supreme Leader Snoke in the movie.” and thinks it should be run by people who first thing, and I asked, ‘Are you OK?’ appears alongside Andy Serkis, Chadwick Boseman and ‘Star Wars’ franchise, and much to his love movies. Speaking at the Tropfest And she said, ‘Yeah. Doing it myself was Michael B. Jordan in the film - previously admitted his delight, both films have been nominated short film festival, where she is head juror, much harder, actually.’ I thought ... what a character goes through an “enlightening journey” in for awards at this year’s BAFTAs and Susan said: “This is why we have so much jerk I am, of course it’s much harder to ‘Black Panther’. He said in November: “I’m the govern- Oscars. Speaking exclusively to BANG sexism and racism and ageism in actually do it.”— Bang Showbiz ment guy. I’m the CIA guy called Everett Ross, who was Showbiz, Serkis said: “It’s great. I’m really Hollywood. There’s a lot of businessmen a character in the comics as well, who sort of has an excited I mean I just think these films are that are making decisions, not people who uneasy peace with T’Challa, who is the Black Panther. you know ... they are elevated films, they necessarily love movies. This is where you “And my character goes on a strange journey, an enlight- are intelligent films. “It’s great being part get casting by how many followers you ening journey to Wakanda, which is the fictional African of Hollywood films that are intelligently have on Instagram.” Susan also blasted country. It’s really good.” The film follows T’Challla directed and written and have something Hollywood’s trend for reboots as a “lack of (Boseman) who, after the death of his father, the King of to say about the human condition and are imagination”. And the actress blames Wakanda, returns home to take the isolated, technologi- people’s films. “And in term of the visual “incredibly watered down” movies, on cally advanced African nation to succeed to the throne effects, I’m really proud of the work that’s Hollywood executives trying to cater to a and take his rightful place as king. Meanwhile, Freeman been done. “And there are great acco- mass audience. However, Susan had huge recently revealed he was considered for a role in ‘Star lades now for the work that they have praise for streaming services, including Wars’ by George Lucas. He said: “No, not directly. been grafting on for years and years to Netflix, saying that they are opening up an Indirectly, yeah. I had a chat with the folks a few years bring the technology to the point where avenue for filmmakers to be more creative. ago. “But no, it’s been at the right thing. Yeah, there are they can really honour the actor’s per- According to The Hollywood Reporter, she other British actors that they prefer over me.” Although formance with such fidelity and I’m very said: “They don’t need to appeal to every- Freeman - who shot to fame as Watson in BBC’s proud to be a part of them.” During ‘Star body. So you’re seeing braver, sexier, ‘Sherlock’ - wasn’t picked for the desired role, he admit- Wars: The Last Jedi’, Serkis’ character weirder, shocking things ... which is really ted he is still interested in starring in the franchise. He was killed by his apprentice Kylo Ren exciting.” Susan also spoke about her said: “Well of course. Of course, I’d be.” [Adam Driver]. But when asked whether Oscar-winning portrayal of the nun Sister Established 1961 29 Lifestyle Features Monday, February 19, 2018

Manchego cheeses in production at ‘Garcia Baquero’ cheese manufacturer’s factory in Alcazar de San Juan.

CEO of ‘Garcia Baquero’ cheese manufacturer, Miguel Angel Garcia Baquero checks Manchego cheeses in the company’s factory of Alcazar de San Juan. — AFP photos An employee of ‘Garcia Baquero’ cheese manufacturer works at the produc- tion line of the company’s factory in Alcazar de San Juan. Spanish cheesemakers defend Manchego from Mexican ‘copy’

n central Spain, the arid plains of La Mancha are The original and the copy, he stresses, are completely “when the $7 Mexican cheese and Spain’s $14 Manchego famous for their windmills and Manchego, a cheese different. “The Mexican Manchego is made from cow’s hit the American market, the consumer buys the cheap- Imade out of ewe’s milk that is one of the best-known milk within seven days, and the authentic Manchego with est”, says Altares, denouncing “unfair competition”. representatives of the country’s gastronomy. But local the milk of ewes of ‘Manchega’ race, is ripened for at producers there are furious with Mexico which they least a month.” Export to Turkmenistan accuse of “crude plagiarism” of their cheese, an issue so Such is the controversy over the matter that it has In the town of La Solana, round cheese blocs weighing touchy it has become a point of discord in drawn-out been one of the issues in talks aimed at sealing a new one, two or three kilos bathe in vats of salt water belong- talks for a new trade deal between the EU and the Latin version of an 18-year-old trade deal between the EU and ing to the La Caseta family business. “Our Manchego is American country. Mexico. The Europeans want exclusive right to the ‘artisanal’ because it is made from unpasteurized milk” in “We have to defend our Manchego tooth and nail,” “Manchego” name, along with other products. But that is machines, says the owner, Paqui Diaz Pintado Borja, 55. says Francisco Tejado, walking through the factory of a problem for cheese producers in Latin America’s sec- With its 10 employees, La Caseta is a small structure that Spain’s biggest cheese producer, Garcia Baquero, in the ond-largest economy, where Mexican Manchego repre- exports its cheese to Germany, Britain and even small town of Alcazar de San Juan, some 150 kilometers sents nearly 15 percent of total cheese sales. So the Turkmenistan. In the afternoon, seven workers are busy (90 miles) south of Madrid. Tejado, in charge of the National Chamber of Dairy Industries in Mexico has said milking the 1,500 “Manchega” ewes of their farm. ripening stage of the cheese-making process, says he it will continue using Manchego as a name, which it says An employee of ‘Garcia Baquero’ cheese manufacturer works “They have less wool than the others, no horns, but comes to the plant every day to “watch, touch, pamper is “generic”. at the production line of the company’s factory in Alcazar de provide a better quality milk, rich in protein,” says one of these cheeses, these living foods” that are maturing in San Juan. Paqui’s sons, Antonio Araque. In the name of all such pro- air-conditioned rooms. Struggling region ducers, Altares wants a ban on using the name Manchego Under the portrait of his late father Hersilio who ven- Pedro Almodovar, La Mancha is known first and foremost in Mexico. “But it’s going to be complicated because Two different cheeses tured into producing Manchego in 1962, the head of for being the scene of the adventures of Don Quixote, the there are many interests at play in give-and-take negoti- Manchego is an EU Protected Designation of Origin Garcia Baquero tries to be conciliatory, saying the con- delusional wanna-be knight who stars in Miguel de ations” between the EU and Mexico, he says. — AFP (AOC) product, which is respected within the bloc but flict “is one of the small elements of friction that mark the Cervantes’ 1605 novel, in which he eats a lot of cheese. not always further afield. And in Mexico, in particular, globalization process”. “But for us, this protection of The Manchego AOC label even includes the silhouette manufacturers have used the names of several “European Manchego as an AOC product is of utmost importance in of the wandering knight. More than 700 Spanish farmers cheeses, including Manchego, to reap profit from crude a semi-arid, austere, under-populated region,” says and 65 producers depend on the cheese for their liveli- plagiarism”, complains Santiago Altares, head of the Miguel Angel Garcia Baquero. “We can’t lose the little we hood. Every year, more than 15,000 tons of Manchego Watson gives £1m to are produced — 60 percent of which is exported. But group that gives out AOC labels to Manchego producers. have.” The birthplace of Spain’s celebrated film director UK women’s justice A movie a day for 60 years: fund ahead of Baftas Cinema sustains a Berlin love

t’s a love that was born in a cinema in 1950s Cold War promised to show a film that was more humanistic. And “Together no one can beat us because we’re always Berlin and that has been nourished for over six he did, it was terrific.” stronger.” Idecades by taking in at least a movie a day together. At this week’s Berlin film festival, Erika and Ulrich ‘Polish films and vodka’ Eventually, children came too Gregor, now in their 80s, are absolute fixtures. Year after She was immediately taken with Ulrich, who stands The Gregors married in 1960 — a year before the year, they can be spotted gingerly making their way, arm two heads taller than his petite wife. “I thought he was Berlin Wall went up-and soon started a family. But it in arm, from theatre to theatre to catch as many screen- the cleverest of all of them. And I think cleverness is didn’t stop their nearly obsessive moviegoing. ings each day as they can. “We’ve watched thousands something wonderful,” Erika said, adding: “Especially for “It wasn’t easy because we had two children. We were Emma Watson and thousands of films together,” Ulrich, 85, told AFP in men, who in general are not very smart.” She ended up lucky because they could have hated the cinema-it took ctress and activist Emma Watson has donat- an interview at the Arsenal cinema they helped found. joining the film club’s board. Ulrich returned from the their parents away from them. But the kids got used to it ed £1 million to kickstart a new British fund “We’re curious and we want to be on the cutting edge, so Cannes festival one year raving about Polish directors and we raised them that way,” he said. “It was a different Ato help women facing harassment and abuse to speak. So we watch five movies a day (at a festival), such as Andrzej Wajda and Andrzej Munk. Erika suggest- time, when I see how mothers parent today,” Erika said. at work, launched ahead of Sunday’s Baftas and sometimes even six. And when we’re not watching ed they start showcasing cinema from behind the Iron “When I needed to go to the cinema I told them ‘I trust backed by hundreds of female entertainment stars. movies, we’re talking about them.” Curtain a controversial move with capitalist West Berlin you so be good and Mama will be home again in a few The justice and equality fund was announced in an It’s that kind of shared passion that the Gregors say on the front lines of geopolitical tensions. hours’. Eventually we started taking them with us to the open letter supporting the US Time’s Up move- has kept their relationship thriving after nearly 60 years “We hopped on a Vespa and rode to the Polish mili- movies.” That meant bringing the children to film festivals ment, signed by around 200 women, including of marriage. The pair met as students at West Berlin’s tary mission in East Berlin and rang the bell,” she said. as well: Venice, Locarno, Moscow and the biggest of all, actresses Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, Kristin Free University in 1957, when Ulrich was hosting a film “We said ‘hello, we’re students and we’d like to show Cannes, which they still attend every year. Scott Thomas, Keira Knightley and Saoirse Ronan. evening. “It was ‘People on Sunday’,” a 1930 German some Polish films’. They were quite surprised and offered The letter is addressed to “dear sisters”-as was silent film, “and there was one woman who had very us vodka. But they finally agreed and said we could come ‘What’s love?’ a similar missive signed by Hollywood stars last strong views,” he said. “Everybody loved the movie but I back and pick up the films.” Ulrich said that because of The Gregors collaborated on writing about film histo- month-and calls for an international movement to thought it was sexist and said so,” recalled Erika, 83. “strong anti-communist prejudices” they had to fight ry in books and articles, founded an arthouse cinema and stamp out a culture of abuse exposed by the “There was a stormy debate but I wouldn’t back down. hostile administrators to show Eastern European films, ran a section of the Berlin film festival showcasing avant- Harvey Weinstein scandal. The fundraising page for When it was over I walked out and the moderator but Erika’s more impulsive style and his diplomatic skills garde movies that is still going strong. They were early the new fund shows Watson, who won fame in the (Ulrich) ran after me and said ‘Please come next time’ and “complement each other in a really special way”. champions of filmmakers such as Wong Kar-wai, Theo Harry Potter films and is now a UN Women good- Angelopoulos, Aki Kaurismaki and Belgium’s two-time will ambassador, made the opening £1 million (1.13 Cannes winners Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. million euros, $1.4 million) donation. Knightley and “Everything we did ended up being a shared project-you British actor Tom Hiddleston have both given couldn’t draw a dividing line between my work and hers,” £10,000 to the fund, which will be used to set up a Ulrich said. For all their love of cinema-and each other- network of advice, support and advocacy projects both say that it’s a difficult emotion to capture on film. to tackle abuse across all sectors of work. “What’s love? It’s respect, it’s affection, it’s trust. It follows a legal aid fund set up by A-list stars But the love stories we love on screen are all tragic,” in the United States to help both women and men Erika said, citing Michael Haneke’s “Amour”, “The Cry” abused at work. “In the very near past, we lived in a by Michelangelo Antonioni and Yasujiro Ozu’s “Tokyo world where sexual harassment was an uncomfort- Story” among their favorites. Ulrich said as much as they able joke; an unavoidable, awkward part of being a both enjoy a satisfying ending, there’s still nothing quite girl or a woman,” the letter published in The like the promise held in the start of a film. “When the cin- Observer newspaper says. “In 2018, we seem to ema goes dark and an image appears, it’s a primal feeling have woken up in a world ripe for change. If we that never fades. You’re electrified every time.” — AFP truly embrace this moment, a line in the sand will German married couple Erika and Ulrich Gregor pose in the German married couple Erika and Ulrich Gregor pose at a turn to stone.”—AFP lobby of a movie theatre in Berlin. movie theatre in Berlin. — AFP photos 30 Established 1961 Monday, February 19, 2018 Lifestyle Fashion

rom classic check baseball caps to the privilege of coming into my shoes is shell suits, Christopher Bailey raided incredibly lucky and I know they are going Fthe Burberry archive for his final col- to do wonderful things and they will flour- lection at London Fashion Week on ish,” he said. A flash of rainbow colors ran Saturday, while looking to the future with through the collection, a reference to the the rainbow flag. Bailey bowed out after internationally recognized gay pride flag more than 17 years at the British fashion which Bailey incorporated into the signature house with a collection drawing on street check or in bold designs. There was a rain- style and highlighting gay rights, lit only by bow cashmere turtleneck sweater, rainbow spotlights in a dark, club-like venue. The puffa jackets, and the show culminated with once ubiquitous caps in Burberry’s signature a gorgeous rainbow faux fur cape worn by beige, black and red check pattern-so pop- model Cara Delevingne. ular in the 1990s that the brand began to suffer-returned to the catwalk alongside Pioneer 80’s style shell suits made of silk. Bailey became the first openly gay head There were the classic trenches which of a company on London’s benchmark FTSE Bailey has repeatedly reinvented as he 100 index when in 2014 he was named chief turned Burberry into a luxury brand, as well executive, a job he combined for a time with as colorful knits layered under sheer t-shirt his long-running position as creative direc- dresses, and maxi skirts worn with oversized tor. He dedicated the final collection to hoodies and trainers. “I wanted it to be a LGBT groups around the world, saying reflection of Burberry’s past, our present but before the show: “There has never been a also my great excitement to see what the more important time to say that in our diver- future holds for Burberry,” the 46-year-old sity lies our strength and our creativity.” said backstage. Earlier, British designer Jonathan Anderson Bailey will formally step down on March showed a playful collection to mark ten 31 but will work with Burberry on the transi- years of his J.W. Anderson label, that for the tion until the end of this year. His replace- first time brought together men and ment has yet to be announced, but rumors women’s clothes. put Phoebe Philo, who recently left Celine, Fabric donut shapes grew out of sleeves in pole position. “The next person that has at the wrist and arms, while the men wore key rings of toy donuts on their belts, mark- ing what he described as naive optimism. He returned to a paisley pattern from his first collection for a blouse with layered soft ruffs at the neckline, while elsewhere there were loose dresses with dropped waists and fab- ric ties by the knees. “We’ve been going for 10 years, now we have to go forward in an optimistic way, to make it exciting again,” said Anderson, who is also artistic director of luxury leather brand Loewe. — AFP

Models present creations from the Burberry collection during their catwalk show on the second day of London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2018 in London on February 17, 2018. — AFP Established 1961 31

Monday, February 19, 2018 Lifestyle Features

This picture shows a French bulldog named Bao getting a photo taken for its owner after A staff member receiving a spa (center) working at treatment session a pet groomers that at a pet groomers provides spa in Hong Kong. sessions for dogs in — AFP photos Hong Kong. Milk spas and manicures: A Hong Kong dog’s life

This picture shows a dog getting the hair on its face trimmed during a spa treatment A French bulldog (right) named Bao inside a booth that provides oxygen during a spa A picture (center) of a French bulldog named Bao getting printed for its owner by a session at a pet groomers in Hong Kong. treatment session at a pet groomers in Hong Kong. staff member after a spa treatment session at a pet groomers in Hong Kong.

or Hong Kong poodle Cream, grooming cleaning and manicure services, with some treat- goes way beyond a brush and toe-clip-her ments costing well over HK$1,000. Owners can Fdeluxe once-a-month pampering includes buy accessories and clothing, including hoodies, lavender oxygen therapy and a milk bath. As the bowties and even lace panties for their dogs. To city welcomes the Year of the Dog, pet owners celebrate Chinese New Year, all dogs receiving are pushing out the boat more than ever to spa treatments at the shop pose for a bonus ensure their pooches are glossed and spritzed, photo shoot, surrounded by red and gold- with money no object. “I treat her as my daugh- coloured traditional hanging ornaments and ter,” says Cream’s owner, Margaret Lam, 45. “I stuffed dog toys. want her to be beautiful,” she adds, picking out a SexySushi founder Monna Lam says she tiny HK$600 ($76) fur-trimmed jacket off a doesn’t think the treatments are over the top. clothing rack at dog spa SexySushi, where “Pets also deserve better things for their lives,” Cream is having her treatments. insisted Lam, who has 12 dogs herself, while her With a lack of parks and dog-friendly open pomeranian named Cupcake enjoyed an extrava- spaces, pooches in Hong Kong are often gant afternoon. “The dogs are very happy in wheeled around in strollers or carried in their here,” Lam said. “Sometimes they even fall owners’ handbags. Pint-sized breeds like asleep during the grooming service.” Lam, 30, bichons, poodles, teacup yorkies and chihuahuas who set up the store three years ago, said most are particularly popular in the space-starved clients bring their dogs in every two weeks for city. SexySushi, in the fashionable neighborhood upkeep and trimming, and once every few of Sai Ying Pun, sells itself as a “prestige pet months for full grooming. Owen Evans, 39, a web grooming salon” and refers to dog owners as developer who has been in Hong Kong for a year, “parents”. It offers milk and herbal spa treat- had brought his Yorkshire terrier Jackson to the ments, designed to improve fur quality and treat shop for the first time and vowed to return. “We skin problems, and oxygen therapy, which the just wanted to treat Jackson to a really nice cut salon says calms the animals. There are also ear- A French bulldog dog named Bao getting a bath during a spa treatment session at a pet groomers in Hong Kong. and a really nice time,” he said. — AFP

A French bulldog named Bao getting a bath while staff put bath toys into the water A dog (right) getting a brushing and hair cut during a spa treatment session. A French bulldog named Bao getting a blow dry after a bath during a spa treatment during a spa treatment session at a pet groomers in Hong Kong. session at a pet groomers in Hong Kong.

Daddy Yankee gets the world dancing again with viral song t’s another viral dancing sensation. And once again, essence of reggae that inspired reggaeton.” beautiful / I’ll arrest you in my bed and put you in it’s from Daddy Yankee. The Puerto Rican king of Daddy Yankee, whose real name is Ramon Luis handcuffs.” Musically, the song returns to early reg- Ireggaeton who co-wrote “Despacito” has people Ayala, released “Dura” on January 18. The next day, gaeton without the pop melodies that mega-stars such around the world moving their hips with his latest Colombian model Andrea Valdiri posted a video on as Shakira, Enrique Iglesias or “Despacito” co-writer song, “Dura.” Millions of people have clicked on online Instagram, barefoot in sweatpants and a loose white Luis Fonsi deployed to bring the genre to the anglo videos inspired by “Dura” as aspiring dancers around top, as she danced to “Dura” with her hands rubbing pop world. the world-from fresh-faced children to top models to sensually around her body. The video has been viewed In a retro video, Daddy Yankee and his cohorts endearing elderly people-find their groove, with vary- nearly nine million times on her Instagram account and dance around well-trodden streets covered with ing degrees of skill or stiffness. in Daddy Yankee’s repost. It also set off a rush of new vibrant street art. Women, who so often take passive “I’m beyond honored and feel very blessed. You homemade interpretations of the song-posted under roles in highly sexual songs, assume the lead in show- make music for an audience,” Daddy Yankee told AFP. hashtag #DuraChallenge. ing their moves. “And the audience has made this song in their own Daddy Yankee’s original video has been seen nearly “We were inspired by the bright colors of the ‘90s organic, spontaneous way.” Daddy Yankee helped 200 million times on YouTube. More recently, the 25- and a bit of the era’s fashion. I wanted to make this fun bring reggaeton-a Latin dance music, with roots in year-old Valdiri has been eclipsed as the Daddy Yankee (right), pictured in this April 27, 2017 file and to show that the song could empower women,” Jamaican dancehall and the style of hip-hop, that was #DuraChallenge star by a nonagenarian. Rachel photo with Luis Fonsi, attributes the hip-shaking popularity Daddy Yankee said. historically associated with the marginalized Afro- Phillipsen, a 90-year-old New Yorker of Puerto Rican of his latest song “Dura” to “the magic of music”. — AFP The video was directed by Carlos Perez, the Puerto Puerto Rican community-to a global audience starting origin, follows a zumba instructor with impressive Celebrities who have taken the #DuraChallenge Rican who shot “Despacito” and has worked with with his 2004 hit “Gasolina.” But “Dura” marks a fresh rhythm and coordination as Daddy Yankee sings in include Venezuelan model Diosa Canales, Dominican Ricky Martin and Marc Anthony. “Despacito” also turn in the 41-year-old singer and rapper’s career as Spanish, “I like how you move that ram-pam-pam.” reggaeton singer Natti Natasha and the Puerto Rican spawned spoofs and has made history as the most- the song has taken off based largely on how fans The video has generated 5.5 million clicks. “There are former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera, who also watched video on YouTube with more than 4.8 billion appropriate it. no excuses not to dance. The excuse is all in your appeared in the “Despacito” video. views. Helped by a remix featuring Justin Bieber, “Why have so many people-even babies-liked it?” mind,” the zumba instructor, Rina Elena Martinez “Despacito” tied a record by spending 16 weeks on he asked rhetorically. “Well, some things you can’t (@rina_25), told AFP. The Venezuelan appears in the ‘You’re one tough mama’ top of the benchmark Billboard singles chart in the explain. It’s the magic of music, a magic that just hap- video shot in a gym in Miami. “Dura,” which literally means “hard” but could also United States-a major feat in a country where non- pens and that you can’t understand.” He has one theo- Daddy Yankee agreed. “The 90-year-old grand- mean “hot” when it comes to appearance, is an ode to English songs rarely fare well. “Dura” as of Friday was ry. “Dura,” he said, harks back to “the rhythm and nos- mother was phenomenal,” he said, adding: “No doubt a beautiful woman. “You’re one tough mama,” Daddy number 10 on Spotify’s global singles chart and num- talgia for music of the late 1980s and early 1990s, that that video gives encouragement to the whole world.” Yankee sings, with lines such as “If it’s a crime to be so ber one in several Latin American countries. — AFP Established 1961 Lifestyle

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2018

A Filipino couple takes a picture during a sandstorm in the Kuwaiti capital yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Back on track: Trains to return to historic Istanbul station

Pictures show scrap trains decorated with graffitis at the Haydarpasa (pronounced Haydarpasha) train station in Istanbul. — AFP photos

uilt in the first decade of the 20th century weekly demonstrations to salvage its future. In Once the station is reopened, it should be the was a busy station, with commuter trains but also Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a former mayor of as Europe’s gateway to the east, Istanbul 2012, when the number of trains pulling in and terminus for the new high-speed trains from overnight services to towns in eastern Turkey like Istanbul, of trampling on heritage in a drive to BHaydarpasa railway station stands proudly out of the station had already dropped off, Ankara which are currently stopping in Pendik, Kars and Van, as well as a service going as far as modernize the city, but the government insists it on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, its gothic Haydarpasa — pronounced Haydarpasha and well outside the center, as well as again being a Tehran. It was also the starting point of the is merely implementing much-needed infra- towers looming over the waters. The imposing named after the neighbourhood where it is locat- hub for commuter trains. Istanbul-Baghdad train service-the Taurus structure improvements. facade has witnessed and survived more than a ed-was placed on the watch list of endangered Express-which features in the opening chapter of century of turbulent and some- heritage by the World ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient ‘Like back in the old days’ times tragic history; the col- Monuments Fund NGO. Haydarpasa station-designed by two Express” but is now indefinitely suspended. These include a major revamp of Turkey’s lapse of the Ottoman Empire, German architects-was inaugurated in its cur- railway network, which at the start of the mil- World War I, the deportation of ‘Trains to come back’ rent form in 1909, five years before the out- ‘Historic solidarity’ lennium had barely changed from its pre-WW I Armenians, military coups and However, Turkish architec- break of World War I. It was a symbol of the “Haydarpasa is not just a building of archi- layout, meaning most Turks took the bus or a devastating November 2010 The trains ture activists, local officials and friendship between the Ottoman Empire and tectural importance but is at a critical point for plane. But what activists now want is the entire fire that destroyed the roof. “ Turkish State Railways (TCDD) imperial Germany under Kaiser Wilhelm II, who the railways,” said Ishak Kocabiyik, a former area around Haydarpasa to be revitalized and

But this most historic of rail- will begin told AFP that the station’s yearned to expand Berlin’s influence deep into general secretary of Turkey’s United Transport the terminus to become as bustling as any sta- way stations now lacks its most future as a railway terminus the Middle East and had sealed a strong rela- Workers’ Union. “There were attempts to turn tion in Europe. “We want commuter trains and fundamental component-trains. to arrive as “ was now assured after a period tionship with Sultan Abdulhamid II. this land into a trade center and a cruise port. regional trains to stop there, just like back in Since 2013, the celebrated ter- of 2019 of uncertainty. “It will remain in The station was to be the key hub of the We have so far stopped such attempts by using the old days,” said Kocabiyik, indicating a minus has not seen any train public ownership. There were kaiser’s dream of a Berlin to Baghdad railway our right to opposition,” he added. Activists degree of skepticism about the authorities’ traffic after being shut for debates but right now there is passing through Constantinople, Aleppo and insist that it was only due to pressure from civil assurances for the station’s future. restoration work and a major no such danger (of privatizing) Mosul, with a branchline south to Damascus. society that plans to transform the station into a The head of the Istanbul Chamber of upgrade of Turkey’s railway net- the train station,” Aykurt One of the darkest moments in its history came hotel or shopping complex were thwarted. Architects, Sami Yilmazturk, who has been bit- work. With the refurbishment Nuhoglu, the mayor of the on April 24, 1915 when Haydarpasa was used as “Our solidarity was a mission that will go terly critical of the government’s infrastructure stalling, top local officials openly spoke of plans Istanbul district of Kadikoy where the station is the start point for the deportation of the first down in history,” said lawyer Ersin Albuz, a key drive, described the station as a “gate of Istanbul to sell off the station, possibly turning it into a located, told AFP. “The trains will begin to convoy of Armenians rounded up in Istanbul. force in the campaign. “We will keep going until on Europe”. Vowing to keep watch on the gov- hotel, shopping Centre or entertainment complex. arrive as of 2019.” An official from TCDD added, Turkey denies Armenian assertions that the all trains stop here and when that happens, only ernment’s plans, he said: “Today it is being The situation sparked alarm among Turkish asking not to be named: “It is being restored as ensuing mass slaughter amounted to genocide. then will we end our campaign.” Some archi- restored as a train station but I am concerned architecture and heritage activists, who staged a train station, nothing else is being considered.” Until its closure five years ago, Haydarpasa tects accuse the government under President that might change two days later.”— AFP