SUBSCRIPTION

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 RABI ALTHANI 20, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net New university Prince Charles ‘Commandos’ Blind leaves to be built tours Syrian helping Indian it late to with traditional, refugee camp couples escape rescue point modern5 features in Jordan7 prejudice40 for20 United Assembly discusses Kuwait Min 12º Max 24º economy with World Bank High Tide 02:27 & 15:16 MPs want KAC to remain national carrier Low Tide 09:03 & 21:29 40 PAGES NO: 16428 150 FILS By B Izzak

Panel calls to KUWAIT: The National Assembly yesterday discussed with a World Bank delegation a study prepared by the reject airport bank offering solutions to deal with economic imbal- ances in Kuwait, speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem said. The expansion bids meeting, attended by around 20 lawmakers, discussed issues like governance, corruption, economic diversifi- KUWAIT: A committee in the public works ministry cation and reducing reliance on oil as the only source of has recommended that all bids to build a new termi- income, besides the concentration of national manpow- nal at the country’s international airport be rejected, er in government jobs, Ghanem told reporters after the state news agency KUNA reported yesterday. In meeting. November, the tender committee for the project said The speaker called on the Assembly to debate the a consortium of Kuwait’s Kharafi National and World Bank recommendations before its scheduled Turkey’s Limak Holding had submitted the lowest bid debate of the five-year development plan, to make MPs for the contract, worth KD 1.386 billion ($4.78 billion). realize the imbalances in the national economy. He But KUNA quoted Minister for Electricity, Water added that the World Bank agreed to make a presenta- and Public Works Abdulaziz Al-Ibrahim as saying yes- tion during the session about its study. Ghanem said terday that a technical committee in the ministry had that the Assembly is prepared to issue all necessary leg- recommended all bids be rejected. Ibrahim did not islation to tackle economic problems, adding that the give a reason for the recommendation, but said the World Bank provided solutions for the imbalances, committee had studied all aspects of the bidding. including those for employment. The speaker said that On Thursday, Al-Watan newspaper quoted min- MPs Youssef Al-Zalzalah and Faisal Al-Shaye have been istry sources as saying the lowest bid exceeded the assigned to coordinate with the World Bank. estimated cost of the project by 39 percent, and did Meanwhile, the financial affairs committee yesterday not meet technical specifications. Other bidders for the contract included China State Construction postponed until next week a proposal to amend the Engineering Corp and Dubai-based Arabtec. KUNA Kuwait Airways privatization law calling to increase the did not say yesterday whether the technical commit- KUWAIT: Cars drive in reduced visibility conditions during a dust storm yesterday. Kuwait Ports Authority government’s stake in the national carrier to 75 percent tee’s recommendation to reject all bids would be announced a halt of maritime traffic in the three ports of Shuwaikh, Shuaiba and Doha yesterday due to the from just 25 percent in the law. MPs want KAC to remain adopted, or whether a new round of bidding might bad weather conditions. But the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that air traffic in the the national carrier, especially after the two huge con- be arranged. Kuwait has planned tens of billions of country was not affected. — KUNA tracts it signed with Airbus and Boeing to buy a total of dollars worth of infrastructure projects in the last 35 planes and lease 12 others at an estimated cost of several years but has struggled to implement many PAGE PAGE over $7 billion. The legal and legislative committee of them because of bureaucratic delays, political Jordan hits ‘Birdman’ gets meanwhile rejected a request to lift the immunity of tensions, and allegations of corruption and ineffi- MPs Nabeel Al-Fadhl and Abdulhameed Dashti and also ciency. -— Reuters IS positions Oscars boost rejected a proposal to set up a special agency to follow up the implementation of mega projects. Egypt trials place security first

Reporter may be left languishing Retrial on Feb 12 CAIRO: With Australian Peter Greste freed and a Canadian colleague close to release, the other Al- Jazeera journalist arrested in Cairo faces languishing in jail for an indefinite period because he has only Egyptian nationality. Under global pressure to release the prisoners, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi issued a decree tailored for Greste and colleague Mohamed Fahmy, allowing the deportation of foreigners but overlooking Baher Mohamed in RIYADH: Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz greets UN Secretary General Ban Ki- the process. Greste, an Moon yesterday. —AFP acclaimed reporter for Al- Jazeera English, was deported last week. Ban: Reinstate Hadi Fahmy, a dual national, had to renounce his Egyptian citi- ALEXANDRIA: In this May 19, 2014 file photo, supporters of the Muslim zenship and his release and Brotherhood and other Islamists gesture from the defendants’ cage as they deportation to Canada is immi- receive sentences in a mass trial. — AP as Yemen president nent, a government official said. But in the face of delays, promi- Jihan Rashid CAIRO: If you’re branded an enemy of week - of 183 suspected Islamist radicals nent lawyer Amal Clooney, who the state in Egypt, you may never get the sentenced to death and 230 secular anti- UN chief meets Saudi king married Hollywood star George Clooney last year, has chance to defend yourself in a justice sys- government activists sentenced to life in requested a meeting with Sisi to press Fahmy’s case, a RIYADH: UN Secretary General Ban Ki- Houthis and... former president Saleh have tem racking up convictions in lopsided prison - featured an openly pro-govern- letter obtained by AFP on Saturday showed, leaving moon called yesterday for the restoration to been undermining the transition process,” mass trials. That’s the united view of legal ment judge defending his blanket Mohamed in the cold. Yesterday, a judicial official said power in Yemen of Western-backed said Ban, who arrived in the kingdom to observers and human rights groups, who approach to convictions, and defense a court will retry the two journalists from Feb 12. President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after pay his respects after the Jan 23 death of look with dismay on the growing use of lawyers complaining that individual “We’re paying the price for being Egyptian,” his Houthi militia seized power. “The situation King Salman’s predecessor, Abdullah. Ban mass sentencing of opponents of the clients had never received a fair hearing. embittered wife Jihan Rashid told AFP. “It’s the peak of is very, very seriously deteriorating, with the also met other officials including Oil military-backed government of President Critics of the crisis-driven measures injustice for my husband to remain in prison and be Houthis taking power and making this gov- Minister Ali Al-Naimi and GCC Secretary Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi. The former army accuse the government of undermining tried while his foreign colleagues are freed,” Rashid ernment vacuum,” Ban said, referring to the General Abdullatif Al-Zayani. chief is unrepentant, arguing that human faith in the rule of law and radicalizing its said. The three, all employees of the Qatari-owned Al- Shiite militia which dissolved the Sanaa “This situation in Yemen has been the rights sometimes must come second to citizens against the state, exactly the fate Jazeera English broadcaster, were arrested in Dec government and parliament on Friday. major topic which we addressed,” Ban said, economic and security needs in a coun- el-Sissi is striving to avoid. 2013 and tried for allegedly supporting the blacklist- “There must be restoration of legitimacy of adding that it must be dealt with through try where many thousands face prosecu- Egypt’s government “always repeats ed Muslim Brotherhood in their coverage. President Hadi,” the UN chief told reporters UN Security Council and GCC initiatives. tion after years of unrest. how important it is to maintain state Continued on Page 13 after talks with King Salman in neighboring Ban said UN envoy Jamal Benomar has Two mass convictions in the past Continued on Page 13 Saudi Arabia. been “working very hard in Yemen, facilitat- The Houthi militia on Friday created a ing a way out of the current political crisis “presidential council” in a move it said was and a return to the path of the peaceful designed to fill a power vacuum and would political transition”. Security Council presi- Jenner involved in fatal LA car crash head off the threat from Al-Qaeda, which dent Liu Jieyi has said its 15 members were has a strong presence in east and south ready to “take further steps” if UN-brokered Yemen. The six-nation Gulf Cooperation negotiations to resolve Yemen’s political cri- LOS ANGELES: Reality TV star and now, there is no indication that Bruce then swerved into oncoming traffic, TMZ Council (GCC), led by Sunni-dominated sis were not resumed “immediately”. Kardashian family patriarch Bruce Jenner Jenner was being chased by paparazzi at reported. The driver of the visibly damaged Saudi Arabia, on Saturday described the The Houthis said they would set up a was involved in a car crash on Saturday that the time of the crash,” LA County Sheriff’s white car died. Jenner was pictured at the Houthi action as a coup. The militia overran national council of 551 members to replace killed one woman, but police said there was Department Lieutenant John Lecrivain told scene in sunglasses and a baseball cap Sanaa in September, then seized the presi- parliament in the violence-wracked nation, no evidence he was being chased by CNN. “There was a possibility that paparazzi standing upright with no obvious injuries dential palace and key government build- a key US ally in the fight against Al-Qaeda. paparazzi when the accident occurred. The was following him at the time of the crash, and was driven away in a police cruiser fol- ings last month, prompting Hadi and Prime They also announced that Hadi’s defence Olympic decathlon champion was but that is a very regular occurrence, and lowing the accident. The former stepfather Minister Khalid Bahah to resign. minister, General Mahmud Al-Subaihi, unharmed after the collision involving four (there is) no indication at this time it was a to Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian has Yemen has been riven by instability would chair a newly formed “security com- cars on the Pacific Coast Highway in the Los contributing factor of the crash.” been seen on their reality television pro- since the Arab Spring-inspired uprising that mission” which will include the outgoing Angeles metro area, though several people Jenner was driving a large SUV when gram angrily confronting photographers in forced strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh from interior minister. were injured, TMZ reported. “As of right he collided with a smaller white car that the past. — Agencies power in 2012. “I’m concerned that all these Continued on Page 13 LOCAL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Seif Palace yesterday (clockwise from top left) His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. — KUNA Cabinet welcomes Prince Charles’ visit Prince Charles

KUWAIT: The cabinet welcomed an expect- Foreign minister’s tour ed official visit by Prince Charles of Wales to During the regular cabinet meeting, First the State of Kuwait today, accompanied by a Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in Kuwait today delegation of senior officials. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah This came in a statement by Minister of kept the ministers posted on the outcomes of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad his recent tour of Senegal, Morocco, Spain and KUWAIT/LONDON: Britain’s Crown Prince that his tour to the Middle East aims to build Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah following a Germany. The tour mainly aimed to promote Charles is due in Kuwait today, and is to be bridges among different faiths and religions. weekly cabinet meeting held at Seif Palace cooperative relations between Kuwait and accompanied by a delegation of ranking offi- In an interview with a BBC program broad- yesterday under chairmanship of His these countries, and to sign cooperative deals cials. casted yesterday, Prince Charles voiced his con- Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber and memos of understanding in various fields. Prince Charles would hold talks during his cern over the rise of extremism among youth, Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The cabinet Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled also briefed them on two-day official visit with His Highness the Amir describing the extent to which young people are wished Prince Charles and his accompany- the outcomes of the Munich Security Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and becoming radicalized as “alarming” and one of ing delegation a pleasant stay in Kuwait, Conference, which focused on key internation- His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- the “greatest worries”. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah said. al security issues and relevant impacts on the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, related to bilateral Prince Charles believed that part of the rea- The ministers were then briefed on a let- world. Afterwards, the cabinet approved a ties between the two friendly countries and son some young people are radicalized is a ter sent to His Highness the Amir Sheikh draft decree appointing Barrak Al-Sheshtan means of cementing these relations for service “search for adventure and excitement at a partic- Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah by director-general of the Public Authority for Jordanian King Abdullah II, in which he Minor Affairs. The ministers also discussed of common interests. ular age.” According to a British estimation, up to hailed deep historical relations between issues on the agenda of the National Assembly, Prince Charles’s visit to Kuwait comes as part 600 British people joined the armed groups in Kuwait and Jordan and invited His Highness together with reports on the current Arab and of a regional tour that started Saturday in Iraq and Syria and thus security apparatuses are the Amir to visit Jordan. international developments. — KUNA Jordan, and also includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar facing a major challenge in repelling these peo- and the UAE. On Saturday, Prince Charles said ple. — KUNA Prince Charles of Wales

SPECIAL REPORT Guidance for Exporting to Kuwait

1. Overview stantial, and the Kuwait stock market’s recent per- • Enhancing control tower facilities of a commercial representative the UK and Kuwait. Kuwait has a predominantly oil based economy, formance has been good. • Building new cargo facilities • A joint venture The Kuwait tax Authority (KTA) has responsibility accounting for 6 percent of the world’s proven oil The government’s new 5 year National • Upgrading other airport infrastructure • Establishing a Kuwaiti company for taxation in Kuwait. reserves. It’s a founding member of the Organization Development Plan (2015 to 2020) focuses on eco- Kuwait’s Metro system will expand to 160 kilometers The Companies Law allows a range of company Contact the UKTI team in Kuwait for a list of local of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). nomic reform and the implementation of several and 69 stations over 5 phases. structures. You can find more details of business taxation experts. Kuwait is the fifth richest country in the world long-stalled mega strategic projects. There are opportunities for UK companies structure on the Kuwait Government Online web- 9.1 Sales tax: There is currently no Value Added measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per Privatization remains an important priority of the throughout the supply chain for these transport site. Tax (VAT) or sales tax in Kuwait. head. It’s one of UK’s largest and most important Kuwaiti government. PPPs are expected to become projects. Foreign ownership in the State of Kuwait is 9.2 Corporate tax: Income Tax Law No.2 of 2008 trading partners. Bilateral trade has doubled from £2 the state’s model for infrastructure development. 5.2 Healthcare: Healthcare in Kuwait represents restricted to a maximum of 49 percent. However, to sets tax liability at a 15 percent flat rate on net tax- billion to £4 billion in the last 2 years. Over 100 UK 3.2 Free trade agreements: Kuwait is a member of a significant opportunity for UK companies. encourage FDI the Kuwait Direct Investment able income. companies, franchises and companies with agents the World Trade Organization (WTO). A European A program is underway to increase hospital beds Promotion Authority (KDIPA) was setup and a new Zakat (poor relief) at 1 percent of annual net are already operating in Kuwait. Examples include Union (EU)-GCC cooperation agreement was signed to 11,000 by 2016. It is designed to cope with the law passed. This Foreign Direct Investment Law profits is levied on Kuwait public and closed Joint Shell, BP, PWC, Harvey Nichols, Boots, Amec, Atkins, in 1988. However, negotiations for a free trade health needs of a growing, ageing and wealthy allows 100 percent ownership in some designated Stock Companies, and similar GCC entities with Coffee Republic, Mulberry, Grant Thornton, Dundee agreement between the EU and the 6 countries of national population as well as a growing expatriate economic activities and projects. operations in Kuwait. University, Pitman Training, and Waitrose. the GCC were suspended by the GCC in 2008. population. Healthcare is free for Kuwaitis. 6.1 Free Trade Zone (FTZ): Licenses for opera- 9.3 Income tax: There is no personal income tax Benefits for UK businesses exporting to Kuwait Informal contacts have failed to restart negotiations. There are opportunities for UK companies supply: tions in the FTZ near Shuwaikh port are issued in Kuwait. include: A UK-Kuwait Memorandum of Understanding • Medical equipment through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 9.4 Customs: The Kuwaiti General • No taxation on personal income (MoU) on cooperation in healthcare was signed in • Information Technology (IT) Businesses operating in the FTZ are: Administration of Customs has responsibility for • Growing diversification within the Kuwaiti econo- 2014. An MoU was also signed in 2010 to enhance • Training • Exempt from all corporate and personal taxation Kuwaiti customs procedures. my cooperation and coordination in the field of security. • Maintenance on operations conducted within the zone The import of alcohol and pork products into • earmarked government investment of £71 billion • Facilities management • Exempt from custom duties Kuwait is prohibited. Certain meats from the UK are on infrastructure projects 4. Trade between UK and Kuwait • Hospital management • Able to freely transfer capital and profits and are also banned. The Kuwaiti Customs site provides full • Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach for infra- The UK exported £562 million of goods to Kuwait 5.3 Infrastructure - Port development: A mas- not subject to exchange controls details of restricted items. structure projects in 2013. In January 2014 the UK exported £45.9 mil- sive new port and logistics facility will be developed • Permitted to operate with 100 percent foreign 9.5 Documentation: The documents required to • English widely spoken lion of goods, an increase of 41 percent compared to over the next 20 years at Boubyan Island in the ownership export to Kuwait are: Strengths of the Kuwaiti market include: the same period in 2013. The figures exclude signifi- north west of Kuwait. This will be financed by the • Invoices - initiated by supplier • Free trade zone cant imports of UK retail goods, virtually all of which government of Kuwait in conjunction with the pri- 7. Legal considerations • Certificate of origin • Stable regime are transshipped via Jebel Ali. They are, therefore, vate sector. The facility will be linked to the GCC rail- Islam is one source of legislation in Kuwait, but • Bills of lading / airway bill • Strategic location in close proximity to other Gulf recorded as exports to Dubai. way enabling the port to serve as a major deep-sea not the main source. The legal system is based on • Packing list markets The UK’s exports in services to Kuwait totaled staging area for regional shipping and transporta- Latin Civil Law, which is mainly derived from French • Import license and quality test certificates as appli- • Kuwaiti dinar is highest-valued currency unit in the £536 million in 2012. tion. The wider aspects of the development will Law. cable world Main UK goods exports to Kuwait include: include: 7.1 Standards and technical regulations: No • Original Islamic Compliant Slaughter (Halal) meat • Friendly living environment for foreigners • Vehicles • Housing one ministry has responsibility for standards and products • More than half of Kuwait nationals under 25 • Boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances • A free trade zone technical regulations. • Customs duty payment receipt • Moderate business costs • Electrical machinery • Industrial area All goods imported into Kuwait must be clearly The accompanying documents must be legalized • Pharmaceutical products The port is currently under construction. marked with the country of origin. by the Kuwaiti Embassy and also certified by the 2. Challenges • Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measur- Opportunities for UK companies include consultan- Some imports have additional labeling require- Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon arrival of the Challenges include: ing, checking, precision, medical or surgical instru- cy, design and planning for the next phase. ments. Foodstuffs, for example, must include com- shipment. • Physical presence needed as long term relation- ments and apparatus Housing position (ingredients and additives), production and A licensed customs clearing agent is required in ships need to be formed • Clothing The shortage of housing and long waiting times expiration dates as well as other indicators. order to facilitate the customs clearance process and • Restrictions on company ownership by non-Gulf • Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-pre- for land allocation has resulted in housing being a for practical considerations. Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals cious stones, precious metals government priority. There are plans to build 3 new 8. Intellectual Property (IP) • identifying suitable sponsors for initial entry into • Books, newspapers, pictures cities by 2020. Trademarks, designs, patents and copyright are 10. Business behavior the market • Plastics and plastic products The waiting list for government subsidized hous- the principal forms of IP protection available to com- The weekend is Friday and Saturday in Kuwait. • finding an appropriate Kuwaiti partner for joint • Cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastry cooks’ products ing has grown to over 100,000. More than 170,000 panies and individuals. The official language of Kuwait is Arabic, but ventures The export of services is a growing area, particu- homes will be needed by 2020. Kuwait is a member of the WT) and a signatory to English is widely spoken. However, all official corre- • Bureaucracy larly in consultancy and financial services transac- There are a total of 11 planned projects to build the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of spondence with government ministries and bodies • Slow speed of decision making tions. over 175,000 new houses. These projects will all Intellectual Property Rights. must be in Arabic. • tendering process can be difficult to navigate Kuwait is one of the single largest investors in the need supporting transport and service infrastruc- Patent must be registered with the Patents Office All contracts are written in Arabic. If there is both • Extremely hot weather in summer season slows UK with around £100 billion of official funds invest- ture. at the Trademark Control Department of the an English and Arabic version, the Arabic will be the down outdoor activity ed through the City of London. There will be significant new opportunities for Ministry of Commerce and Industry. one followed. • Kuwait is mid table ranked in the World Bank’s ‘Ease UK companies in: Industrial designs must be registered in the Initial contacts with a Kuwaiti firm may be con- of Doing Business’ 5. Opportunities for UK businesses in Kuwait • Project management Industrial Designs and Models Register. An applica- ducted with an expatriate or a non-Kuwaiti Arab, or UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) publish over • Design tion for registration must then be submitted to the a trusted Indian or Pakistani office manager. In most 3. Growth potential 1,000 business opportunities per month across all • Construction Trademark Control Department. The registration is Kuwaiti companies, you’ll have to work your way up 3.1 Economic growth: Kuwait’s GDP growth in 2014 sectors and over 100 markets. • The supply chain valid for 5 years and can be renewed for 2 additional before meeting a decision-maker. Displays of impa- remained steady at around 3 percent. Expansion is 5.1 Transport: Infrastructure development at 5.4 Defense and security: Kuwait has some sig- consecutive terms. tience will reach senior management. expected to be driven by oil production, strong Kuwait International Airport (KIA) is a USD 6 billion nificant opportunities in the defence and security Kuwaiti Commercial Code, Law No. 68/1980 gov- Aggressive, hard sell methods do not appeal to investment in infrastructure projects and new legis- project. It aims to expand capacity to handle 20 mil- sectors over the medium to long term. Healthcare, erns trademark registration and the penalties for Kuwaitis. Patience, small talk, low-key presentation lation aimed at boosting Foreign Direct investment lion passengers per year and become a major pas- oil, infrastructure and transport projects will also all infringement. You can apply to register your trade- with video, product samples and attractive company (FDI). senger and cargo hub for the region. The new pas- have security elements. mark at the Trademark Control Department. When brochures are an essential part of business behavior. Oil accounts for nearly half of Kuwait’s GDP, 95 senger terminal was designed by a team led by the approved protection is granted for 10 years and can percent of export revenues and government UK’s Foster and Partners. 6. Start-up considerations be renewed for another 10. 11. Entry requirements income. Kuwaiti officials have committed to increas- An estimated USD 3 billion will be spent on: You can carry out business in Kuwait in any of the Article (17) of Law No. 64/1999 defines period of You need a visa to enter Kuwait. You can get a ing oil production to 4 million barrels per day by • Reconstruction and extension of the existing run- following forms: copyright protection. free 30 day tourist visa on arrival at the airport, or a 2020. ways • Commercial Agent, under the sponsor ship of a 90 day business visa for a fee. Your local hotel can Kuwait regularly achieves a large budget surplus. • Construction of primary and secondary access registered Kuwaiti agent 9. Tax and customs considerations also help arrange a visa. Foreign reserves and investment income are sub- roads and taxiways, aircraft stands • Commercial Representative, under the sponsorship There is a double taxation agreement between — UK Trade and Investment MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 LOCAL

Professors from Dundee University Dr Kazim Behbehani (right) among the professors. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Dasman Diabetes Institute holds post-graduation ceremony Disease is leading cause of death, disability

By Abdellatif Sharaa Postgraduate Masters program in Diabetes Care, Education and Management has been KUWAIT: The University of Dundee and created with a mission to prevent, control Dasman Diabetes Institute celebrated the and mitigate the impact of diabetes in graduation of the first batch of doctors who Kuwait. The program is available to a wide post-graduated in diabetes education in range of Kuwait based working profession- Kuwait. The ceremony was attended by Dr als who can take up a part time course. Hilal Al-Sayer, former health minister, Through face-to-face and innovative Mathew Lodge, British Ambassador to blended, interactive teaching, the program Kuwait, Dr Kazim Behbehani, Dasman enables healthcare professionals to provide Diabetes Institute Director General, more effective care for their patients. They University of Dundee professors and other gain specialized knowledge of diabetes dignitaries. along with the educational and manage- Lord Patel, Dundee University Chancellor, ment training that supports them in effec- delivered a video-taped speech in which he tive communication with colleagues and said that “today is an important day because patients. it is the first batch of students graduating in KUWAIT: Dr Hilal Al-Sayer speaks at the diabetic care and education from the ceremony. Flexible program University of Dundee and DDI.” Sayer said, adding that there are over 660 The program is flexible, allowing stu- Patel congratulated the graduates for students in work place projects. Dr Sayer dents to choose modules from a range of Dr Hilal Al-Sayer (second from left), British Ambassador Matthew Lodge (third from their achievements. “Your efforts are well thanked the Kuwait Foundation for the clinical, management or education based left) and other dignitaries lead the audience. recognized, and I know how difficult it is to Advancement of Science (KFAS) for its con- topics that are most relevant to their profes- be working and studying at the same time,” tinued support of DDI and congratulated sional requirements. Throughout their stud- he said. Diabetes is rapidly becoming one of the graduates for their achievement and ies students undertake multiple work-based the leading causes of death and disability, future contribution to the health care sys- development projects as assignments with and we all have to learn how to take care of tem of Kuwait. the aim of immediately improving and diabetic patients, and prevent more Mathew Lodge, British Ambassador to developing diabetes healthcare provision patients getting diabetes. Kuwait, said “it is a privilege to be present at and reflective practice throughout health- the graduation, and it is very happy day, care practices in Kuwait. So far, over 210 stu- Unique opportunity because Al-Sayer has set out a very close dents have enrolled on the program and Meanwhile, Dr Sayer, who is also cooperation between DDI and the collectively they have achieved over 650 Chairman of the DDI, said the partnership University of Dundee.” work-based projects, directly impacting dia- between DDI and Dundee University has betes care in Kuwait. created a unique opportunity for students Significant problem The Graduation Ceremony on Sunday to study the most contemporary knowledge Diabetes is a significant problem in February 8, 2015 marked the successful and practices in modern diabetes education Kuwait where it has been estimated that up achievements of over 50 post-graduate stu- and management. He told graduates that to 1 in 4 of the adult population suffers from dents, including the first Masters level grad- “the program has enabled you to gain the disease. Since 2011 the University of uates. For them the graduation at the sound evidence based knowledge of clinical Dundee, a world leader in clinical diabetes Dasman Diabetes Institute is the pinnacle of educational and organization components care and diabetes research, is in partnership three years of hard work and dedication. of modern diabetes care.” with the Dasman Diabetes Institute which Sunday’s celebration brought together dig- Since the program launched in 2011, nitaries from across Kuwait and Scotland to was established by Kuwait Foundation for Some of the Graduates with Dr Alfred Naseef (second row, first from right) look on. there were 110 students enrolled in 2014, the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). The celebrate their considerable achievements. Zain holds first digital, Health insurance company holds constituent assembly innovation forum in Jordan KUWAIT: A company that will build medical services covered through a hospitals to provide healthcare to government-sponsored medical expatriates under insurance held its insurance program in which insur- constituent assembly yesterday, four ance companies will handle pay- Strategies, opportunities in driving digital frontier discussed months after the government fin- ments for medical services at the ished its establishment procedures. hospital. The hospitals would pro- and brainstorming by all key management is KUWAIT/AMMAN: Zain Group, a leading opportunities and to consider the priority The company was established vide full medical services to both innovator of mobile communications in eight areas that will drive the future growth of Zain. essential to successfully take Zain into a digi- October 2014 as a public sharehold- Kuwaitis and expatriates covered by markets across the Middle East and Africa, Topics of discussion also centered on the tal future.” ing company with KD 230 million the government’s insurance pro- announces the successful conclusion of its need, challenges and specific actions and tar- Attendees at the Forum were also afforded gram. However, the hospitals are set first ever Digital Innovation Forum, which was gets for greater cooperation within the com- an insight into Group-level Digital Frontier capital, including KD 115 million predominantly held at Zain Jordan’s pany’s various business units and with the and Innovation initiatives, which included paid-up capital. Twenty four percent to serve as exclusive medical outlets Innovation Campus (ZINC) in Amman last telecom eco-system at large. new investment opportunities and partner- of the shares are owned by the gov- for the country’s expatriate commu- week. The Forum saw participants from Zain The two-day Forum was led by Zain Group ships ranging from corporate ventures to ernment, represented by the Kuwait nity as the state looks to reduce Group and all operating company’s strategy, Chief Strategy and Business Development smart city opportunities. International case Investment Authority (KIA), while 26 pressure on currently overcrowded commercial and technical departments dis- Officer, Emre Gurkan, who reiterated Zain studies and key learnings were also presented percent belong to Arabi Group public medical facilities. cussing future strategies and opportunities in Group’s vision of driving the digital frontier and discussed, with many sessions of the which won the strategic investor’s the global digital space. and innovation. “Technology and innovation Forum taking place at ZINC where start-ups stake last year. Insurance money The Forum builds on the establishment of is not important to us for innovation’s sake. and entrepreneurs bring their innovative An initial public offering for the Putting the project into effect the Zain Digital Frontier and Innovation (ZDFI) We are focused on producing and delivering ideas and projects to life. The inspirational 50 percent of the shares, estimated would ultimately require increasing business unit in 2014, which is charged with better and more choice of digital products Zain Innovation Campus is the first of its kind at 1.15 billion shares, was held the annual health insurance fees launching Zain into the digital space with the and services to our customers, and satisfying in Jordan being fully equipped with cutting through the Public Institution for that expatriates pay, up to KD 150 view of growing the company through new them better than any other provider does lies edge technologies providing startups with Social Security (PIFSS). The govern- according to early estimations. innovative business streams that add to Zain’s at the heart of this vision.” the opportunity to connect with international ment paid the IPO’s expenses on cit- Currently, a foreigner is required to financial viability and market capitalization. experts in the entrepreneurship field hence izens’ behalf, and the shares were pay KD 50 health insurance fee for ZDFI focuses on the areas of innovation; digi- Informative forum saving them the effort, cost and time. distributed to Kuwaitis registered in every year of residency. Foreigners tal services; corporate venturing; and smart Gurkan continued, “We had a very educa- Additionally, ZINC provides working spaces, PIFSS as of December 31, 2014. The also pay entrance fees at hospitals cities, with the ultimate aim of Zain becoming tional and informative Forum, where individu- high speed internet, multipurpose meeting government will reclaim the pay- and polyclinics and some additional a regional innovation trendsetter. als from across the Group were able to come room, 3D printers, scanners, Robotics corner, ments through a mechanism to be fees depending on services in the A series of panel discussions and work- together and exchange ideas and insights. Simulation lab, virtual reality lab, smart announced later this year. public health sector. shops were conducted, which focused on The complexity of the telecom sector is screens, tele-presence room that bridges The next step following the The state has promised that the how to scale current activities across the increasing rapidly, and in order to remain rele- startups with 500 other startups in the USA meeting is for the company to project will improve the quality of Group; identify and commercialize new digital vant and successful, a regular strategic review and Coventry University in London. receive the capital money, and then medical services offered to foreign- the government will designate the ers in Kuwait. But the plan has met lands where the project will be with concern regarding its discrimi- implemented, before construction natory nature, and whether the gov- begins. ernment would be able to guaran- tee sustainability in terms of servic- Integrated services es’ quality. The company was announced in In 2011, Alshall Consulting 2011 as a developmental project to Company warned in its weekly provide integrated health services report that the project’s articles through hospitals and clinics that it suggest ‘apartheid’ measures by builds and operates, in addition to forcing low-income expatriates to providing home medical services, buy the government’s insurance and sells health insurance docu- plan and seek health services only ments inside and outside Kuwait. at hospitals that the plan covers. The company will build three Furthermore, it is still unclear 50,000 square meter hospitals in dif- whether the insurance would cover ferent places around Kuwait to pro- expensive treatment operations vide healthcare for expatriates cov- such as cancer treatments. ered by a government health insur- The health insurance project is ance program. The hospitals, each one of mega projects that come as with a capacity of 200 beds, are part of the government’s develop- scheduled to be finished approxi- ment plan to gradually shift respon- mately by 2018. sibility over public services to the The hospitals will offer integrated private sector. LOCAL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015

Crime Assault on Kuwaiti diplomat Local Spotlight Report in Pakistan condemned Visa fees up again Five-year-old kills By A Saleh to be beyond MoE control and that each of them follows its relative accidentally own rules and regulations. He explained that one of the pri- KUWAIT: MP Hamad Al-Harshani, Chairman of the Parliamentary vate schools gave zero marks to all students in Physical By Hanan Al-Saadoun Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned the terrorist attack on a Education, merely because the school lacked any PE teacher. By Muna Al-Fuzai Kuwaiti diplomat’s vehicle in Pakistan and urged Pakistani securi- “The minister will have to either hold such school legally KUWAIT: A 5-year-old boy was sent to the juvenile prose- ty to act on identifying and arresting the culprits. Harshani added accountable or quit his position”, he said. cution center after an involuntary manslaughter charge that coordination was in progress with Kuwait’s foreign ministry was filed against the child. The accident took place when a and the Kuwaiti ambassador in Pakistan. Privatization to experimentally start in co-op Syrian child who was in his father’s car stepped on the Ali Hassan, Chairman of Kuwait Union of Cooperative accelerator, making the car hurtle towards his relative, Al-Khaled invited to NA meeting on bedoons Consumer Societies Union (KUCCS), stressed that privatizing killing her. MP Abdullah Ma’youf, Chairman of the Parliamentary co-ops would not be put into practice until the proposal was [email protected] Defense and Interior Affairs Committee, said that the commit- completely studied and evaluated. He also noted that privati- tee would soon open the bedoons file pending a solution. He zation would experimentally start in a co-op to evaluate the he Ministry of Social Affairs is considering increasing Drug dealer caught added that Sheikh Mohammed Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, Deputy process before generalizing it. Hassan also assured all share- all fees related to issuance of work permits, visa Drugs Control General Department (DGCA) officers Prime Minister and Interior Minister, would be invited to a holders that once the privatization is approved, companies renewal and visa transfers for expatriates. arrested an Asian man with possession of 300 grams of meeting to discuss the matter without delay. running co-ops would be monitored by MSAL and MCI. T heroin, and KD 2000 he collected from sales. The man Formalities are being finalized with the Fatwa and Legislation Department, and the decision can be imple- was arrested inside his residence, and was sent to con- Al-Ibrahim accused of procrastination NCCAL denies paying singer KD 40,000 mented without prior approval by the National Assembly. cerned authorities for further action. The parliamentary public utilities committee said after Ali Al-Youha, National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters The daily census by PACI authorities confirmed the studying the results of the grilling motion filed against (NCCAL) Secretary General, denied social media rumors about total population in Kuwait yesterday was 4,132,195, of Minister of Public Works Abdul Aziz Al-Ibrahim that the minis- paying the Egyptian singer Angham KD 40,000 for singing in whom a 1,278,963 are citizens and 2,853,232 are expatri- ter stands accused. The grilling was filed by MP Adel Al-Kharafi Al-Qurain festival concluding concert. ates. It is clear that Kuwait suffers from a defect in its in March 2014. The report also accused Ibrahim of delaying “This sum was the total cost of the final concert including demographic structure, where the number of expats the committee’s work, as well as failure to provide it with the paying 35 musicians, their accommodation, transport, flight exceeds the number of citizens. needed information and documents. tickets, stage decorations and illumination”, Youha explained. This increase often means a large presence of marginal He pointed out that Angham was only paid KD 8,000 and that workers that does not benefit the country’s economy. We Duwaisan threatens minister over private schools despite the 55 activities it included, the recent festival only in Kuwait have a large number of maids and house work- MP Faisal Al-Duwaisan pointed that private schools seem cost KD 37,0000. ers in general that we don’t actually need. It will never be possible to let go of professional expats such as engineers, teachers and doctors, but the problem Ministry copes with latest is with those who are non-professionals. Indeed, it is the right of any state to determine the appropriate laws and regulations for foreign workers, but healthcare developments at the same time, it must develop a clear-cut employment policy on the numbers of workers and experiences KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health is keen on conducting required. researches and drawing upon the world’s best practices in It is the obligation of every government to ensure that countering diseases and providing high-quality healthcare there is no imbalance in the demographics of the country, services, said Assistant Undersecretary for Dentistry Dr which affects the services provided to residents, whether Yusuf Al-Dewari. they are citizens or expats. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 1st Kuwait We are a small country in need of foreign workers, but Thyroid and Salivary Glands Disease conference, Dewari we must ensure there is no prejudice against expats, bear- added that the Ministry is working to keep abreast of the ing in mind the high cost of living in Kuwait now. latest developments in the healthcare domain. He pointed We must consider the fact that a potential increase in out that the three-day conference aims to help in reducing transaction fees for expats may be a trivial matter for us, Bribery attempt the number of patients suffering from thyroid and salivary but not for many of them, especially for families with chil- glands disorders. Two Indians were arrested after attempting to bribe a lance dren. Oil prices now are unstable, and the government is It also seeks to keep the Kuwaiti medical teams updated corporal at Jahra police station to free a detained person. trying to figure out solutions to overcome the possible about the latest approaches in diagnosing and treating The corporal was told by his superior to accept their offer. deficit. Dealing with the financial situation should not nec- these diseases, he said. He noted that the conference will The two were arrested as they handed over the bribe of KD KUWAIT: Assistant Undersecretary for Dentistry at the essarily be at the expense of foreigners, but through long- bring together scores of renowned medical experts from 600. They are being deported from the country. Ministry of Health Dr Yusuf Al-Dewari. — KUNA term national policies based on the diversification of the US, UK, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Germany, and the Gulf income sources and refurbishment and looking at the Cooperation Council (GCC) states, mainly Kuwait. About 47 lectures and interactive workshops, the participating causes of financial waste, either by the government or lack research papers, including 10 from Kuwait, would be pre- experts will tackle a wide array of key issues relative to thy- Bootlegger in custody of awareness by individuals. sented and discussed during the conference. Through both roid and salivary glands disorders, he said.— KUNA Security campaigns in Ahmadi resulted in the arrest of an Indian expat with 57 liquor bottles, who was selling them in Mahboula across from Alia Hospital. He was sent to the concerned authorities. Minister praises KRCS efforts

Robbery KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister part of the humanitarian imperative that expressed the Refugees’ aid A citizen accused an unidentified gang of robbing his of State for Development and Planning Affairs Hind Al- official position of Kuwait’s leadership, government and Separately, KRCS volunteers distributed humanitarian Indian driver after a collision with his car in Abdullah Subaih yesterday praised efforts of Kuwait Red Crescent people. aid yesterday to about 600 Syrian refugee families living in Mubarak. Society (KRCS) in field of relief at the national and interna- For his part, KRCS President Board of Directors Dr Hilal northern Jordanian town of Turra, Director General Abdul tional levels. Al-Sayer said that the association is making every possible Rahman Al-Oun said. He added that the humanitarian aid In a press statement following her visit to the KRCS effort in this regard to meet the humanitarian appeals and delivered included clothes, blankets and food. Work mishap headquarters, Subaih expressed appreciation for the extend a helping hand to those affected countries. This aid is part of the KRCS’s campaign tasked with An Egyptian construction worker was pronounced Society’s humanitarian activities in countries stricken with Sayer boasted of the Kuwaiti aid provided to stricken handing out aid of 80 tons to Syrian refugees living in dead after he fell from a building under construction in natural disasters. The society has become a milestone in people around the world, stressing that the KRCS will con- some Jordanian areas. On Saturday, the KRCS offered aid to Mahboula. the arena of human giving due to its quick humanitarian tinue efforts to alleviate suffering of those suffering from about 600 Syrian families who are living in the Jordanian initiatives, she said, noting that its efforts in this regard are catastrophes or crises in various parts of the world. northern governorate of Irbid. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Development and Planning Affairs Hind Al- Subaih during her tour at KRCS’ headquarters yesterday. — KUNA Amiri Diwan hosts luncheon for humanitarian campaign members

KUWAIT: Minister of Amiri Diwan in the Gulf University for Science and cial needs who is about to snatch a Affairs Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al- Technology (GUST) Dr Sabah Guinness record in the free para- Ahmad Al-Sabah hosted a luncheon Qaddoumi, students and those in chute jump, in the Middle East and yesterday in honor of members of charge of the campaign who pre- the Arab world level. the humanitarian people campaign sented Sheikh Nasser a memorial The banquet was also attended by at the Sulaibiya farm. shield. The attendees also celebrated Head of Kuwait’s Fine Arts Society The luncheon was attended by Kuwaiti player Osama Ali Najaf Abdulrasul Salman and the Society’s Vice President of Academic Services Kamshad as the first player with spe- board members. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Amiri Diwan Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al- Amiri Diwan Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Ahmad Al-Sabah in a group photo with the honored Al-Sabah with Kuwaiti disabled athlete Osama Ali Najaf members and GUST students. — KUNA photos Kamshad. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 LOCAL Impact of social media on Kuwaiti women Experts speak at AUK seminar

By Ben Garcia posting personal pictures is somewhat grati- customers. This is one effective option to commu- fying,” she added. nicate with our customers. Social media makes us KUWAIT: A seminar on the impact of social more friendly and emotional. To communicate, An artist’s rendition of the faculty of arts. media on Kuwaiti women was organized yes- Good tool we still use the formal way, like writing letters and terday at the American University of Kuwait Humaidhi admitted that social media has been calling by phone. But now we have the option of (AUK), initiated by AUK’s International Relations a good tool to interact with customers. “We’ve social media at hand and everybody is utilizing Club. Al-Rai TV newscaster Mohammed been using social media as a tool to reach out to this communication method,” she said. Moamen served as the moderator for the two- hour discussion participated by Zaina Al- Humaidhi, PR officer, National Bank of Kuwait, Fouz Al-Fahd, beauty expert and Dana Al- Tuwairish. Fahd said social media for women was good, but advised them to be mature and responsible when engaging with the public. “Some people are against social media, but you have to accept it - after all, you control everything. Add values and culture to your dai- ly routine and it will also reflect in your daily interaction with people around you. The more followers you’ve got, the more responsible you’ll be,” she said.

Responsibility Tuwairish argued that if people are not An artist’s rendition of the faculty of engineering and petroleum capable of handling social media, they should not stick their head out. “Social media is fun, but it always goes with responsibility. If you New university built with are fond of updating your status every minute, go for it; but if you are the kind of modern, traditional features person who doesn’t really care, don’t use it, because at the end of the day, you’ll end up criticizing others who are using it,” she said. KUWAIT: (From left) Mohammed Moamen, Zaina Al-Humaidhi, Fouz Al-Fahad, and KUWAIT: Designers of the major Sabah Al- Students will be able to move freely Dana Al-Tuwairish. —Photo by Joseph Shagra Salem University City project have devoted into and out of the two buildings, of vast “Social media is fun and entertaining, and particular attention to the architectural lobbies and lounges. Classes and research schemes for the incorporated planned fac- sections will be adjacent to outer parking ulties of sociology, law and Sharia, with lots. Academic and administrative staff will keenness on ensuring that structural and occupy upper floors that also overlook the Media promotes loyalty, decorative features be a mixture of mod- nearby greeneries. ern and traditional Kuwaiti adornments. The aluminum-glass facade of the tolerance: Official The constructional program team buildings is heat-proof. Students will be signed a contract on January 26, 2014 to able to spend free time at the “galleria,” to KUWAIT: The Acting Undersecretary of the “Going ahead with the success march, the build the buildings, at a projected cost of be situated in the heart of the complex. It Ministry of Information Faisal Al-Mutlqem GCCJPPI needs to focus more on visual or KD 150 million with a four-year duration. is to be particularly attractive for the stu- said that the Gulf Cooperation Council Joint audio products that target all age groups, This venture will be executed by the dents from the diverse neighboring facul- Program Production Institution (GCCJPPI) is especially children and young people due to Mumbai-based conglomerate, Shapoorji ties to group and interact, with surround- pioneering in media production that serves their important role in society building,” he Pallonji Group (SP Group), in cooperation ing water-gushing shapes. The “galleria” is the cultural and educational purposes. said. with the Kuwaiti Al-Saqr trade and con- to be roofed with a transparent, heat-proof Speaking at the 29th meeting of the He expressed hopes that the conferees tracting company. ceiling, thus providing protection for peo- directors of member states’ official TV sta- would come up with effective recommenda- The faculty of sociology will occupy two ple and plants. tions which kicked off yesterday, Mutlqem tions that live up to expectations to help buildings, one for female students and the Adding to the genuine Kuwaiti decora- said the GCCJPPI and other Gulf media insti- immunize society, especially young people, other for the males. They will be situated tive touch, the complex will be adorned tutions have a significant role to play to pro- from the extremist ideas and to preserve Gulf on a 23,082-square-meter plot of land, with palm trees. Designers are planning mote great values such as loyalty to home- countries’ security and stability. both connected to the teachers’ club that to ensure that the complex will be envi- land, religious tolerance and rejection of Among the issues to be tackled during will be located in a central small garden, ronmentally friendly; the buildings will extremism. He stressed that the GCCJPPI’s the two-day meeting are the GCCJPPI report overlooked by bay windows decorating be provided with solar energy heaters, products have educated many generations on the performance of the institution in 2014 the two buildings-a design rooted in and no harmful materials will be in the Gulf States. and its plan of action for 2015. —KUNA Islamic and genuine Kuwaiti architecture. employed. —KUNA

Lu&Lu Hypermarket announces new Salmiya outlet

KUWAIT: Lu&Lu Hypermarket, Kuwait’s lead- ing hypermarket chain, is stepping up its presence with the slated launch of its 4th outlet in the country on 12 February 2015. The new outlet is located at the Al Salam Mall on Salem Al- Mubarak Street, Salmiya, in the old souk area. The new Lu&Lu hyper- market will incorporate modern retail shopping concepts in a large and spa- cious setting. Shoppers can avail of the widest selection of quality products at the most competitive rates in the new hypermarket. Moreover, the easy accessi- bility and stylish interior of the new branch will appeal to customers seeking quali- ty, affordability and variety in a modern shopping envi- ronment. Lu&Lu Hypermarket is delighted to be opening yet another of its widely recognized outlets that pro- vide value and convenience to its customers. The new outlet is being opened in line with the company’s strategy of bringing the sensational shopping expe- rience of Lu&Lu Hypermarket closer to their customers. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 From the Arabic press Crime ‘Major’ light crude News Report in brief

Egyptian plumber discovery in Kuwait Kuwait-Iran prisoner molests Filipina KNPC ‘carefully watches’ Zour refinery tenders exchange treaty activated KUWAIT: Ali Reza Enayati, Iranian Ambassador to KUWAIT: A Filipina expat accused an Egyptian of sexually Kuwait, said that Kuwait and Iran recently agreed to assaulting her after she called him to repair the pipes in her KUWAIT: Kuwait Oil Company discov- Zour Refinery ground, As’ousy explained that KNPC activate a treaty signed by both countries years ago to kitchen. The Filipina hysterically told Salmiya police that ered two reservoirs of light crude oil In other news, Kuwait National signed a contract with Van Oord to exchange prisoners. Enayati added that as part of the when the Egyptian plumber fixed the pipe, he began flirt- and associated petroleum gas in the Petroleum Corporation (KNPC) said carry out dredging and land reclama- treaty, Iranian officials would meet Iranian prisoners in ing with her, only to be asked by the woman to leave. He western part of Kuwait. The discovery, that it is ‘carefully’ watching prices of tion works. He added that the land Kuwait and ask if any of them would like to complete instead sexually assaulted her before fleeing. Detectives made north east of Kra’a Al-Maru last tenders offered for the fourth and reclamation process, considered the their term in Iranian prisons. “There are 192 Iranian pris- are looking for him. month, could be the largest in years, fifth packages for the Zour Refinery largest in Kuwait’s history with an oners in Kuwait and 162 of them have already according to initial indicators. “Tests at project. The Zour Refinery is one of estimated total of 60 million sq m of expressed their wish to be transferred to Iranian pris- the first reservoir showed large the oil sector’s main projects with a sand, includes dredging sand from ons,” he underlined. On the other hand, he noted, there Women fighters amounts of light crude oil,” said official refinement capacity of 615,000 bar- specific locations underground in was only one female Kuwaiti prisoner in Iranian prisons. Two women in their 50s had a fight in Souq sources quoted by Al-Rai. They added rels a day. The KD 4 billion project is coordination with the Environment Enayati explained that the second phase of the treaty, that the new discovery could lead to expected to be completed in Dec Public Authority. The project has an Mubarakiya over a seat in a restaurant. The brawl currently in progress, was to review prisoners’ files and resulted in a gash on the head of one of them, who 2018. estimated area of 16 sq km. The date for closing the main ten- cases, which would be sent to Iran. The third phase is had to be taken to Amiri Hospital. Police are investi- transferring the prisoners themselves. Responding to a gating. der, which covers the first, second and third packages, was extended to question about bringing the Kuwaiti female prisoner March 8, 2015, KNPC official back to Kuwait to complete her term here, Enayati said spokesman Khaled Al-As’ousy said. He that the prisoner had not made any request to be trans- Mall brawl added that the drop in oil prices is ferred to Kuwait. —Al-Anbaa A security source said a citizen was stabbed in his shoulder expected to reflect positively on the at a Salmiya mall. The citizen, passing by a person with tenders’ prices. As for KNPC’s prepara- tions to receive the tenders next whom he had an earlier dispute, became involved in an Citizens’ loans to be month, As’ousy said that several argument. The other person, onlookers said, pulled a knife rescheduled soon and stabbed the citizen before escaping. The victim was teams were formed to study the main taken to hospital for treatment. Detectives are looking for tender, as well as the tenders for the KUWAIT: Well-informed official sources said that a pro- the suspect. fourth and fifth packages which posal to reschedule citizens’ consumer loans would be closed in Dec 2014 and Dec 2015 in effect soon after receiving approval from all local respectively. banks. An application of consent has recently been Italy’s Saipem offered the lowest sent to the Central Bank of Kuwait, the sources added. Fake detectives caught price of KD 407 million for the fourth The Zour refinery is one of mega The proposal, which had been made earlier, was Ahmadi detectives arrested a citizen, bedoon and an the discovery of similarly large quali- package, which covers establishing projects the KNPC said it plans to shelved during the world economic crisis. The Central expat for committing 12 robberies while posing as ties of associated gas in the same area. the refinery’s tanks. Meanwhile, South invest $35 billion to build as part of its Bank board, the sources said, would meet and discuss detectives. The investigators said that after arresting The tests at the first reservoir are Korea’s Hyundai offered the lowest 2030 long-term plan. It aims at pro- the new conditions to implement the proposal. “The the citizen in Abu Halifa, his confession led them to the expected to finish this week, followed price of KD 454.2 million for the fifth ducing high quality, low sulfur refin- basic condition will include that applicants must not capture of his two partners, a bedoon and a Syrian by tests at the second reservoir that package, which covers building mar- ing products, and increase Kuwait’s be blacklisted on K-Net and that the rescheduling who have several robbery records. are expected to end within a month, itime facilities. refining capacity to 1.4 billion barrels should be made by the same bank in addition to ban- before drilling starts, the sources said. As for preparing the project’s a day. —Al-Rai and Al-Anbaa ning loans from other banks to pay off the original ones,” explained the sources. Verbal abuses Further, the sources highlighted that the new deci- A policeman at the Dignitaries’ Protection Department was North roads Expats banned from sion would help fight the loan black market that costs insulted by a citizen who attempted to overtake the motor- both citizen and expats considerable losses. —Al-Anbaa cycle of an ambassador in Bayan. The incident took place project completed fish auctions? when the citizen attempted to overtake but the policeman in 3 years KUWAIT: In an attempt to reduce fish prices, local authorities prevented him from doing it. The citizen, according to the Labor inspection are studying a proposal to ban expatriates from participating in reports, began shouting and verbally abusing the police- teams in Farwaniya KUWAIT: Minister of Public Works and Minister of public auctions for fish and shrimps held daily in Mubarakiya, man. Police are investigating. Electricity and Water Abdul Aziz Al-Ibrahim said that the Fahaheel and Sharq markets. The proposal would allow Meanwhile, a citizen insulted a Hawally police officer KUWAIT: Jamal Al-Dousary, General Director of the road project to the north of Kuwait would be concluded Kuwaitis to enter the auction exclusively. “This proposal comes when he issued her a traffic ticket. The woman who was Manpower Public Authority, said that special inspection between 2016 and 2018. Ibrahim added that Jahra Road out of our keenness to supply fish and shrimps to the Kuwaiti pulled over at a checkpoint gave her driver’s license, but teams were formed to follow up expat labor issues in and its completion project would be concluded by mid- market at reasonable prices,” said Faisal Al-Hasawi, Deputy the policeman issued her a ticket after finding that she did Farwaniya and help regulate labor market. The step comes 2016, Jamal Abdul Nasser Road would be concluded by Director General for Fish Resources at the Public Authority for not have her car title. The woman, according to the charge, the beginning of 2017 while Jaber Bridge and Doha Spur Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR). He added that following an invitation made by Sheikh Faisal Al-Humod, verbally insulted the officer. The woman is being sum- would be concluded by 2018. allowing the public, including restaurants and companies, to Governor of Farwaniya to Hind Al-Subaih, the Minister of moned for questioning. Ibrahim stressed that once completed, the major bid for fish has rose fish prices to high levels, effectively ‘depriv- Social Affairs and Labor minister, Dousary said. The inspec- roads would help facilitate traffic in the northern region ing’ Kuwaitis from “getting their (fair) shares.” tion would be in coordination with the governorate, he starting from Kuwait City all the way to Mutlaa and One proposal requires customers to show their civil IDs added. Stolen uniform Subbiya cities that are expected to attract citizens to as a way to make sure that only Kuwaitis enter the bidding Special inspection teams would be dispatched in vari- Three suspects stole the military uniform of a citizen inhabit them. An urban expansion would revive those process, while expatriates would be required to buy directly ous places and malls within Farwaniya jurisdiction to pre- from his car which was parked in front of his home. areas and help realize HH the Amir’s vision of turning from vendors. Other proposal calls for allocating a weekly vent violators such as peddlers and those working for oth- Police are investigating. —Al-Rai Kuwait into an international economic and financial hub, share for Kuwaitis to take by showing their civil ID at the Ibrahim added. —Al-Jarida auction. —Al-Rai ers than their sponsors, Dousary indicated. —Al-Anbaa

Al-Anbaa Al-Qabas One step forward Political massage

Modernity By Abdellatif Al-Duaij By Nermin Al-Hoti t seems that Ahmad Al-Saadoun is not the only hat we know is that a massage is a process of one among the “opponents” who started to recon- rubbing the body by applying pressure and Isider his previous stands, because along with him a Wmoving muscles and veins in a way that vital- group of youth calling themselves the “United Youth izes them and improves circulation in them. This is the Alliance” issued a statement about this reconsidera- basis of this process and many ways have developed tion. from it, and some countries became distinguished in The statement of the United Youth Alliance leaders the art of massage as far as performance and tools are had many positive points that were absent for a long concerned. Then with development and creativity, we time. Maybe the most important thing in the state- find that there are many types of massages, a sports ment is the call to unite all Kuwaitis without excep- science as well psychology and other medical sciences. tion, including officials and the ruling family. This is a So, it is no longer limited to the body but the mind too. positive stand that we are not used to in many politi- We find ourselves in need of a political massage too, cal experiences here, and even in other parts of the and some people may ask - how? Others may be aston- world, where hatred, isolation of others and their con- ished and ask what is the way? Out of our optimism, we demnation of others is supreme. present our idea which emanates from political humor. Despite this, I believe the leadership of the youth alliance is still captive to the previous political situa-

Our humor gets laughs from the massaging process Al-Jarida that takes place between two parties, but our political Tradition tion, and it did not dislodge itself, which is what is massage is different as far as characters and the way required, from the general framework that was made that leads to it are concerned. by the recent opposition groups lately, because there What we mentioned earlier is that the massage remains the same general address, and the youth process is done between both the giver and the visions remain the same as of those who preceded receiver, and out of that we got our joke of having the them of the elders who led the opposition without giver being those who lead the political affairs in our political experience and without - most importantly - Al-Anbaa clear visions, as was announced lately by Saadoun. The word “corruption” was mentioned four times in We find ourselves in need of a his statement, yet there was not a single mention of Kuwait’s democracy development, or even advancement. Rather what is political massage too, and some regretful is that the youth limited or reduced their role By Adel Abdallah Al-Matairi or that of the entire nation in confronting corruption people may ask - how? Others “as we are considered the source of all authorities, may be astonished and ask what emocracy in Kuwait is particularly different from sees the struggle over authorities between the parlia- then we have the right to confront corruption.” those in the West and East. When the constitu- ment and authority. Most people push for more author- It is regretful to have this as the ambition and hope is the way? Out of our optimism, Dtion was written more than 50 years ago, Kuwait ity for the parliament, but at the same time, monitor of the youth leaderships and limit the nation’s authori- society was not then ready to demand major authori- political gatherings and their performance and fear ty to face corruption! While what is required is for the we present our idea which ties for the parliament, so it was satisfied with the mini- from partisanship and its bitter Arab experience. nation to unite to decide its fate and capabilities and mum limit of legislation and supervision duties. Maybe time will clarify the democratic experience in draw the future of its coming generations and not lim- emanates from political humor. Kuwait’s constitution relied on the principle of coop- any country, but do Kuwaitis have this luxury, as they it this initiative and all national struggle to confront a eration between the two authorities to form a political see the series of financial corruption, the latest of which simple part of the civilization crises that we face. Arab societies, and the receiver being the domestic regime that barely guarantees the minimum limit of is the social security issue. We are a country that has Another negative point that was mentioned in the and foreign issues of the Arab world. As for the way, it democracy. The democratic experience in the ‘60s of abundant wealth in the form of liquid and semi-liquid statement was “we have a right to what was taken last century existed out of having the interests of the funds that we fear for from bad management, so we is the inevitability of the current time that we have from us”, and this is an indication to the one-vote regime agree with those of the people, and it was not hope to reach solutions that enhance our political situa- innovative and creative political performers in the decree that divided people and some political powers political massage art, analyzing and dismantling the the birth of a popular movement that pressured the tion and push for more authority for parliament, espe- authority. cially after the failure of the one-vote system and its into proponents and opponents. The alliance’s stand society’s issues to vitalize the receiver, which are Due to the relative modernity of the Kuwaiti experi- Assembly in supervising and legislating. Finally, every- here is in favor of those who boycotted the elections, issues accumulated for a long time, and through pres- ence and because of its suspension every now and one in Kuwait is searching for solutions to our constitu- and distancing of those who decided the shape of the sure and moving the receiver with decisive and deep- then, it could be said that from 1992 until now is the tional and political crises. elections and all those who participated in it. This rooted tools and finding solutions for them, gives us true age of our democratic experience, as the continua- The government attempted through various prac- stand contradicts the call for dialogue and forgiveness the society’s refreshment and moving the Arab tion of parliamentary action without interruption tices such as dissolving the parliament and face that was expressed by the alliance’s leadership world’s circulation, and a clear mind for the citizen. strengthened democracy and activated most articles of grillings in order to change the election law. The oppo- towards those it differs with. This is the positive political massage that the the constitution, and exposed both positives and nega- sition also relied on various policies including gradually In general this is a good initiative and omen, but Arab world lacks. What we have is the primitive tives. grilling from the minister to the premier and from being there remains the foundation, the positive address, negative massage, to a point that the Arab body The opposition was praising the constitution and strict in opposing the government to being allied with which is to present solutions or at least diagnose the became a corpse waiting for someone who revives calling for adhering to it, but as time went by, and as it, ending with the popular movement, boycotting the problems, and not be satisfied with condemnations it and improves circulation, because we have experiences and its differences with the authority over election and proposing constitutional amendments. of negatives and flex muscles in criticizing the become countries with idle bodies waiting for a its interpretations increased, it began talking about The question: Were any of these political treat- authority for mistakes that we caused and are still changing the constitution. ments successful or not? Who bears the side effects of political massage. causing. Kuwait’s society reacts to political developments and this? MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 US delivers arms Malfunction forces AirAsia X to abort flight, turn back to Lebanon, says fighting ‘same enemy’ Page 12 Page 8 Prince Charles tours Syrian refugee camp Prince of Wales fears for Christians in Middle East

AMMAN: Prince Charles has toured a sprawling camp departed and broadcast on Sunday, Charles spoke of his for Syrian refugees in Jordan, chatting with residents alarm at the number of young British Muslims being rad- and sampling tea and bread on a walk down the main icalised, suggesting they should respect British values. road. “This is one of the greatest worries ... I think the fact The prince was accompanied by Britain’s internation- it’s the extent which this is happening is the alarming al development minister. Minister Justine Greening said part,” he told BBC Radio 2’s The Sunday Hour. in a statement her country will pay an additional $150 “And particularly in a country like ours where, you million to help displaced Syrians and their host commu- know, the values we hold dear. You’d think that the peo- nities in Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq. ple who have come here, (were) born here, go to school More than 3 million Syrians have fled their war-torn here would abide by those values and outlooks.” country since 2011. About 80,000 live in the Zaatari refugee camp Charles visited yesterday. Later, Charles Christians persecuted also met with Jordan’s king. British authorities say around 600 Britons have trav- The heir to the British throne is on a six-day Middle elled to Syria or Iraq, where Islamic State militants have East trip. He told the BBC that the plight of Middle seized swathes of territory, and that about half of them Eastern Christians being persecuted by Islamic extrem- have returned home, raising fears of a possible attack on ists is “a most agonizing situation.” British soil Meanwhile, Prince Charles will intervene in the case Prince Charles also said he fears there will be “very, of a jailed Saudi blogger sentenced to 1,000 lashes and very few” Christians left in the Middle East after the tur- urge Saudi Arabia’s new king to halt the punishment, moil wracking the region. the Mail yesterday newspaper reported. The heir to the British throne, who is on a trip to the region, told the BBC that the plight of Christians perse- Frank discussion cuted by Islamic extremists was “a most agonizing situa- Charles embarked on a six-day tour of the Middle tion,” though it was important to remember they were East this weekend beginning in Jordan and is expected just one persecuted minority among many around the to also visit Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the United world. Arab Emirates. His office is not commenting on his exact “But at the same time I fear that the problems in the agenda and the content of any meetings until they are Middle East are not going to go away immediately,” the underway. prince said in the “The Sunday Hour” radio program. But the Mail yesterday, without citing sources, said “And so there is a danger that there is going to be very, the heir to the British throne would intervene in the case very few left.” of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, who was arrested in June He appealed for more work to build bridges between 2012 for offences including insulting Islam, cyber crime religions. and disobeying his father, which is a crime in Saudi If he succeeds his mother Queen Elizabeth II as Arabia. It cited unnamed British diplomatic sources as monarch, Charles will become temporal head of the saying the intervention might carry more clout given his Church of England and take the title “Defender of the royal status. Faith.” He said that although the title refers to the Badawi was sentenced last year to 10 years in jail, a Anglican faith, he believed the role involved protecting fine, and the flogging. Before he set off, Amnesty others’ freedom to worship. International urged Charles to seize the opportunity of “It always seems to me that while at the same time his visit for “a frank discussion of human rights.” being Defender of the Faith you can also be protector of AMMAN: Jordan’s King Abdullah II (C-R) greets Britain’s Prince Charles (L), Prince of Wales, upon his arrival at the Separately, in an interview recorded before he faiths,” he said. — Agencies Royal Palace in Amman before a meeting yesterday. — AFP Jordan conducted 56 air raids in 3 days against IS

AMMAN: Jordan’s air force chief said yesterday his been killed in the last few weeks of coalition bombing, country’s jet fighters had conducted 56 bombing raids he said. in three days against Islamic State militants in northeast Jordan’s King Abdullah has vowed to avenge the Syria, targeting key bases and arms depots. killing of pilot Mouath al-Kasaesbeh and has ordered his Jordan stepped up its bombing of the jihadist group commanders to prepare for a bigger military role in the on Thursday in response to the brutal killing by Islamic international coalition fighting Islamic State. State of a captured Jordanian pilot, and continued until Many Jordanians fear greater involvement could trig- Saturday. ger a backlash by hardline militants inside the kingdom. No new strikes were announced for today. “We Jordanian military experts say the kingdom could achieved what we aimed for. We destroyed logistics soon struggle to sustain the intensity of the past few centres, arms depots and targeted hideouts of their days of air strikes, given the air force only has 40 mid- fighters,” General Mansour al-Jbour, head of the life F16 jets at its disposal. Jordanian airforce, told a news conference. A squadron of F16 jet fighters from the United Arab Jordan has carried out nearly a fifth of the sorties of Emirates was expected in Jordan in the coming days. It the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State in Syria to will conduct joint air strikes with Jordanian colleagues date, Jbour said. U.S. aircraft joined the mission to pro- against the Islamic militants, Jordanian officials said on vide intelligence, surveillance, a U.S. official told Reuters Saturday. earlier yesterday. Jbour said the frequency of future sorties would vary. The raids had “degraded” nearly 20 percent of the “This does not mean in any way that we will continue militants’ capabilities, he said. at the same momentum with the same number of Jbour said the main aims of the bombing would con- flights but will increase one day and drop one day tinue to be to try to hit IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, according to the nature of the operations,” he said to stop the group’s illicit oil trade, and to destroy their Jordan’s monarch has been lobbying Washington, training bases, garrisons and command centres. the kingdom’s main backer, to provide it with more “We are determined to wipe them from the face of spare parts, night vision equipment and other weapons the Earth,” the general said. At least 7,000 militants had to help it expand its operations. — Reuters

LONDON: A nationalist protest group make a counter demonstration opposite Muslim demonstrators near Downing Street in central London yesterday. Thousands of demonstrators denounced the depictions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) printed in the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, on a day when, in an inter- view to be broadcast today. — AFP p8_Layout 1 2/8/15 9:49 PM Page 1

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Iraqis fete curfew end with flags, horns and tyre smoke

BAGHDAD: Iraqis roared through cen- home, some chose to mark the occasion the manoeuvre on the other side of the owner of the cafe. “We were restricted.” cancelled but later reinstated. The cur- tral Baghdad in dozens of cars flying in a more lively fashion. street. Dozens of drivers parked in a “We would have to leave by 11:30 few did little to prevent the deadly flags, honking horns and filling the Young men made up the majority of long line on one side of Jadriyah bridge, pm... to reach the house by twelve,” he bombings that plague Baghdad, which street with smoke from their screeching the revellers, many of them driving with some young men dancing to music said. Now, “we will be free to stay.” Down militants carry out during the day or in tyres to celebrate the end of a years-old American muscle cars with big engines blaring from speakers in their cars. the street, a group of young men stood the early evening to maximise casual- nightly curfew. and loud exhausts, but some families The gathering was organised over smoking cigarettes in front of a clothing ties. Bombings killed at least 32 people “Long live Iraq!”, one young man also turned out to celebrate by driving Facebook to celebrate the end of the store. and wounded more than 70 in the capi- shouted while hanging out the window when they previously could not. curfew, said Ali Majid Mohsen, a student “We were waiting for this decision for tal on Saturday, just hours before the of a passing car early yesterday morn- Security forces members who once driving a silver Dodge Charger with an years,” shopowner Marwan Hashem said lifting of the curfew. ing. stopped drivers out past curfew instead Iraqi flag flying from one side. of ending the curfew. But now, Iraqis are at least able to It was the first night in years that stood by and watched the show, On Karrada Dakhil, a main shopping Before, “when it was midnight, we move more freely. Baghdad residents could stay out as late though one young man fell afoul of the street in central Baghdad, a group of would never stay out in the street,” he Walid al-Tayyib walked down Karrada as they wished, after Iraqi premier authorities for performing a burnout men sat smoking water pipes in front of said. Doing away with the curfew ends a Dakhil after midnight with his young Haider al-Abadi ordered an end to the outside a hotel in his Dodge Challenger, a cafe after midnight. longstanding policy aimed at curbing nephew, which he could not have done long-running curfew that had most the tyres shrieking and spilling smoke violence in the capital by limiting move- just a night before. “What do we feel recently lasted from midnight to 5:00 as they spun around. Like being in prison ment at night. today? We feel all the difference,” he am (1800 to 0200 GMT). After being chastised, he sped away, “Before, we felt like we were in The hours it was in force varied over said. “Now, thank God, we are going out And while most residents stayed at turned around and proceeded to repeat prison,” said Faez Adbulillah Ahmed, the the years and it has previously been with the kids enjoying ourselves.”—AFP

Arab leaders bemoan lack of strategy against jihadists

MUNICH: Arab leaders bemoaned what Sunnis have felt disenfranchised by the they called a lack of strategy and weapons Shi’ite-dominated leadership in Baghdad. in the fight against jihadists like Islamic “If we want those people (Sunnis) to State (IS) at a security conference attended fight for themselves, to clean Iraq from any by Western leaders in Munich yesterday. terrorists, we have to not only issue a pro- IS fighters have brought large areas in gramme but to implement this programme Syria and Iraq under their control, using tangibly,” Qatar’s Foreign Minister Khaled extreme violence against civilians, journal- al-Attiyah said in Munich. ists and Arab and Kurdish soldiers. “We still need to have a strategy in Iraq U.S.-led air strikes and arms deliveries from our allies. There is no strategy, I’ll be from Western countries to Kurdish fighters very frank on this.” Saudi Arabia and Jordan have helped contain IS expansion into have taken part in air strikes against IS. Kurdish territory in northern Iraq. But on Other countries like Egypt say the interna- the ground, IS - known as Daesh in Arabic - tional community is not helping enough in uses heavy weapons captured from a weak- their fight against other jihadist groups ened Iraqi army, leaving local fighters such as Ansar Beyt al-Maqdis in the Sinai painfully exposed. peninsula, bordering Israel. “I don’t see that there is a clear strategy “We need more weapons, the quality, how to deal with (IS),” Palestinian Foreign the sophistication of the weapons, the Minister Riad al-Malki said. “How to face it, technology so that we can track and be how to contain it, control it, defeat it and able to infiltrate these organizations,” eliminate it. I don’t see it... Unless the air Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry strikes is a strategy. That’s not a strategy.” told Reuters on the sidelines of the Last month, the head of NATO said air Munich conference. Echoing Egypt’s calls strikes alone would not be enough to for a more comprehensive strategy, defeat IS and greater Western help in build- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani urged ing up Iraqi security forces could also play a leaders in Munich to act on militants oper- role. ating from his country, adding that this Qatar also criticised current efforts threat should not be treated in isolation against IS, especially in Iraq where many from IS and other groups.—Reuters Seeking unity, Egypt flies BEIRUT: US Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale, right, inspects US weapons that were unloaded from a ship at Beirut’s port in Lebanon yester- flag in symbolic Tahrir day. Hale said $25 million worth of military assistance has arrived in Beirut in the latest American aid to Lebanon’s army and that Lebanon has become the 5th largest recipient of US foreign military assistance. — AP CAIRO: A circular patch of land in Cairo’s nence in the 2011 uprising have also been central Tahrir Square poses a dilemma for jailed on charges of violating a law that the government: how to honour the epi- effectively bans demonstrations. US delivers arms to Lebanon, centre of the 2011 popular uprising while pressing ahead with one of the fiercest Treading cautiously crackdowns on dissent in Egypt’s history? The government faces the challenge of After weeks of digging, workers put up a persuading Egyptians that it respects the says fighting ‘same enemy’ 20-metre pole carrying the national flag in spirit of Tahrir despite widespread condem- the space, something officials said they nation by human rights groups which sug- hoped would help to unify a country torn gests otherwise. Workers recently trans- French to deliver first batch of Saudi financed arms by political turmoil since the revolt that ported the white pole into the square on ousted Hosni Mubarak. horsecart and hoisted Egypt’s national flag. BEIRUT: The United States delivered more than killed. Hale said Lebanon was the fifth biggest Saudi-funded deal in early November to provide It was the latest attempt by authorities So far it has not generated much contro- $25 million worth of military aid including heavy recipient of US military aid. It received more French weapons and military equipment, includ- to define the narrative in a square where versy, or inspiration, reflecting the coun- artillery to the Lebanese army yesterday to help than $100 million last year. Lebanese officials ing helicopters, to the Lebanese army. hundreds of thousands of Egyptians staged try’s stale politics ahead of a parliamentary it fight jihadist groups which have repeatedly have warned of plans by radical Islamist groups A Lebanese government statement said protests that ended three decades of iron- election that starts in March. battled with security forces near the Syrian bor- fighting in the Syria war to seize territory in French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told fisted rule. Some Egyptians view the government’s der. Lebanon. Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam on the “I have not heard any complaints about choice with suspicion. The US ambassador to Beirut, David Hale, said While the US-backed Lebanese army has sidelines of a Munich security conference they the flag up to this moment, in spite of the “I think the reason they put up an in a statement the weapons would be used to been battling hard-line Islamists on the would get the first batch of weapons under the state of uproar in Egypt and the differences Egyptian flag is so that if anyone else who “defeat the terrorist and extremist threat from Lebanese side of the frontier, the Iranian-backed deal in April. of opinions and all the issues. This is good,” wants to protest they’ll think twice about Syria”. “We are fighting the same enemy, so our Lebanese Shi’ite group Hezbollah has been The United States has accelerated the deliv- Cairo Governor Galal Mostafa Saeed told pulling down the flag,” said Mohamed support for you has been swift and continuous,” fighting the same groups on the Syrian side of ery of military aid to Lebanon since last August, Reuters in an interview. Nagy, who works at a travel agency over- Hale said at an event marking the delivery of the the border- part of its role fighting alongside when Islamist militants staged a major attack in “It was appropriate for us to put a flag in looking the square. “This is obviously a weapons in Beirut. Damascus in the Syrian war. the border town of Arsal, said Nabil Haitham, a this place because ... it is unifying and message to people not to protest.” The Lebanese army has fought regular battles The Lebanese army, rebuilt after the country’s columnist in the Lebanese newspaper As-Safir. makes people feel nationalistic.” Tahrir, “liberation”, has a history of politi- with armed groups including militants linked to 1975-90 civil war, is one of the strongest institu- “Despite the importance of these weapons, History suggests authorities must pro- cal struggle dating back to the 1919 Islamic State and the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra tions in the country, but it has been hamstrung they cannot make up for the big shortfall from ceed cautiously in Tahrir. The former head- against British occupation, giving the Front in areas near the Syrian border, most by outdated weapons. which the army is suffering,” he told Reuters, quarters of Mubarak’s ruling party, burned square a special status among Egyptians. recently late last month when six soldiers were France and Lebanon signed a $3 billion adding that helicopters were vital. —Reuters and gutted during the revolt, is nearby on Young journalist Mohamad Adam called the River Nile, a reminder of the power of the flag a “huge joke” and a failed attempt the street just four years ago. by the government to win over citizens In November of 2013, Egyptian activists, tired of poverty and repression. Khamenei suggests would back who had been keeping a low profile after Sisi’s government wants to revive the the army seized power, returned to Tahrir confidence of foreign investors and create and destroyed a state memorial dedicated jobs, with mega-projects such as the build- nuclear compromise with West to protesters killed by security forces. ing of a second Suez Canal. They accused the government of trying But maintaining stability in the most to paper over past bloodshed and re-write populous Arab state requires more than DUBAI: Iran’s paramount leader suggested yes- powers - the United States, Britain, France, Khamenei, who holds the highest office in history with a token statue. This time, offi- economic reforms. Discontent emerged in terday he would back a nuclear accord with Germany, Russia and China - have a deadline of the Islamic Republic with powers to overrule cials hope the flag will be a source of pride the streets around the anniversary of the world powers in which neither side got every- June 30 for a final agreement that would curb laws, has taken a sceptical stand on the nuclear as the government tries to rebuild an econ- 2011 uprising last month. More than 25 thing it wanted, boosting Iranian negotiators Iran’s disputed nuclear activity in return for a talks. But he has also repeatedly endorsed omy hit by political upheaval and Islamist people were killed when security forces under fire from hardliners at home opposed to phased lifting of sanctions imposed on Tehran. Rouhani’s course on ending the economically militant violence. quelled protesters angered by what many rapprochement with the West. Major sticking points continue to be the pace crippling nuclear stand-off against harsh criti- Critics accuse the state of crushing dis- perceive as a police state. One day before “I would go along with any agreement that at which sanctions would be removed, the size cism from hardliners in parliament, the Shi’ite sent since then-army-chief Abdel Fattah al- the anniversary, female protester Shaimaa could be made. Of course, I am not for a bad of Iran’s nuclear fuel-producing capacity - a key clergy and the powerful Revolutionary Guards. Sisi toppled Islamist President Mohamed Sabbagh was shot dead not far from Tahrir. deal. No agreement is better than an agreement consideration in preventing any output of bomb Tehran and Washington severed diplomatic Mursi in mid-2013 after mass protests Her colleagues said-and photographs and which runs contrary to our nation’s interests,” material - and the length of any agreement. relations after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, but against him. video footage showed-she was shot by clerical Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “Our (nuclear) negotiators are trying to take later restored tentative direct contact on specific Security forces killed hundreds of Mursi police. The Interior Ministry has said they said in a statement issued by his office carried by the weapon of sanctions away from the enemy. issues such as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq supporters and imprisoned thousands of would investigate the death, which was ISNA news agency. If they can, so much the better. If they fail, and more recently as part of bilateral consulta- others. Liberal activists who gained promi- condemned on social media.—Reuters In a direct gesture of support for moderate everyone should know there are many ways at tions to help settle the 12-year nuclear dis- President Hassan Rouhani, who revived diplo- our disposal to dull this weapon,” said Khamenei. pute.—Reuters macy with Western powers soon after his land- slide election in 2013, Khamenei said: “The respected president mentioned something good, which is, ‘Negotiations are all about trying to reach a common stand’. “This means that one side would not end up getting all it wants,” said Khamenei, in office since 1989 and long known for his rejectionist stances against detente with the West until he cleared Rouhani to try to end the long-running nuclear dispute with the West, which has cost Iran international isolation. The West suspects Iran of covertly seeking a nuclear weapons capability instead of, as the major oil producer maintains, an alternative civil- ian energy source through its enrichment of ura- nium. Iran denies having any nuclear arms agen- da. A comprehensive nuclear deal is seen as cru- cial to reducing the risk of a wider Middle East war, at a time when Iran is deeply involved in conflicts in Syria and Iraq. After nearly a year of CAIRO: Jihan Rashid (L), the wife of al-Jazeera’s Egyptian producer Baher talks, negotiators failed for the second time in Mohamed, and their daughter Fairouz look at a picture of him on February 5, 2015 November to meet a self-imposed deadline for in the capital Cairo. With Australian Peter Greste freed and his Canadian colleague an agreement. TEHRAN: A handout picture released yesterday by the official website of the Centre for Mohamed Fahmy close to release, the other Al-Jazeera journalist Baher Mohamed Preserving and Publishing the Works of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, shows arrested in Cairo faces a period of languishing in jail because he only has Egyptian June 30 deadline him (top R) on stage during a meeting with Iranian air force commanders in Tehran. — AFP nationality. —AFP The negotiations between Iran and the six MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Five dead, including gunman, in Georgia shooting: Police

DOUGLASVILLE: A man shot six people Teresa Carter, 59, said she heard the Saturday afternoon, killing four of them, gunfire from inside her home but did including his ex-wife and several chil- not see what happened. Police said vic- dren before turning the gun on himself tims were shot inside and outside the on a quiet, suburban street outside home. Atlanta, police and neighbors said. Carter said she often saw the children Horrified neighbors called 911 and playing in the driveway and around the tended to the severely injured victims as neighborhood. They enjoyed petting best they could before rescuers arrived. her dog. The shooting happened around 3 “I heard shots, and I heard the girl p.m. in a subdivision about 20 miles west scream,” Carter said. “And then I heard of Atlanta, Douglas County Sheriff’s Lt. four more shots.” Glenn Daniel said. Brandon Hallman was working on a The shooter, whose name was not car a few houses down when the shoot- immediately released, appeared to have ing started. targeted his ex “I heard a couple quick shots, you wife and her household, including know, back to back to back. Went out several children who tried to flee, Daniel there and, you know, said. Authorities did not release the looked and it was already over,” names of the victims because they were Hallman said. “We just grabbed some still trying to contact the next of kin towels and kind of went down there to Saturday. Investigators believe the gun- try and help before the paramedics got NEW YORK: A woman waits to cross the street during a snow storm in New York. — AFP man killed himself at the end of the here.” shooting spree. Another neighbor, Angela Ansah, Investigators were still trying to struggled to explain to her own children determine the shooter’s motive and what happened to their slain friends a piece together what happened. few houses down. Ansah said some of Another big storm bears “I’ve been in law enforcement out the children targeted Saturday often here 20 years and this is the worst I’ve came over to her house to play with her ever seen,” Daniel said. He did not know own children. “These are children I see when the couple divorced or if they had every day, every blessed day,” Ansah down on New England prior contact with police. said.— AP Forecasters predict several days of heavy snowfall

BOSTON: Southern New England is bracing for ing up to 18 inches of fresh snow that may fall on flooding, a problem during last month’s winter another strong snowstorm today. her home. “I have to laugh because otherwise I may blasts. Boston’s transit system, the nation’s oldest, The region, which has been battered by a series cry,” said Michelle Currie of Dracut, Massachusetts, a has been particularly hard hit. The buildup of snow of major storms in recent days, saw a few added mother of five whose kids have already missed sev- and ice on trolley tracks combined with aging inches of snow fall overnight and some more light eral days of school. equipment has stalled trains in recent days, delaying flurries Sunday morning, but weather is expected to Light snow began falling Saturday in Dracut, less and angering commuters. Massachusetts Bay worsen as the day wears on. than an hour’s drive north of Boston, and what fore- Transportation Authority general manager Beverly The storm is expected to last through early casters are calling a “long duration” storm is expect- Scott said Saturday that crews were doing every- Tuesday morning and bring one to four inches on ed to intensify on Sunday night. The National thing they could, including deploying massive jet- Cape Cod and has much as 1.5 to 2 feet in eastern Weather Service issued winter storm warnings on powered snow blowers, to clear tracks before the and northeastern Massachusetts, including greater Saturday night for central New York, the western next storm. Boston. The Massachusetts Emergency Catskills and much of New England through early Gov. Charlie Baker acknowledged on Friday that Management Agency says periods of relatively light tomorrow. the MBTA was handed an extraordinary situation snow will give way to heavier and steadier snows with old equipment but said the system’s overall Sunday night into Monday and perhaps into early Problems for commuters performance was unacceptable. Tuesday morning. By tonight, 12 to 18 additional inches of snow In many New England communities, the obvious The prolonged storm is expected to hamper the could fall on a large swath of southern New England, problem is where to put the next batch of snow. morning and evening commutes today and perhaps which is still coping with the aftereffects of storms David Lombari, public works director for West the morning commute on Tuesday. Boston Mayor that hit over the last couple of weeks and dumped Warwick, Rhode Island, told the Providence Journal Marty Walsh said he’ll give an update the city’s storm record-high snowfall totals in some places. his town was already clogged with snow piles sever- response Sunday afternoon at City Hall. The snow is likely to cause problems for com- al feet high and school buses were parked in the WESTMINSTER: Laura Hernandez, third, from left, is consoled by unidentified family As more flakes fell on winter-weary New England muters today, though it’s not expected to accumu- usual snow storage lot. “I don’t know what we’re members after a funeral Mass for her daughter, Jessica, at a Catholic Church in and forecasters predicted several days of heavy late as rapidly as in some of the earlier storms, going to do yet,” Lombari said. “It’s tough trying to Westminster, Colo. on Saturday. Police say Hernandez, 17, was shot Jan 26 after she snowfall, all Michelle Currie could do was post on including a record-busting late January blizzard. find a place that meets all the proper (environmen- drove a stolen car toward an officer in a residential alley in Denver. — AP her Facebook page a photo of a weather map show- There also is little risk seen of significant coastal tal) criteria.” — AP p10 2_Layout 1 2/8/15 9:26 PM Page 1

MON DAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Kenya under pressure over security after MP killing

NAIROBI: The Kenyan government was Nkaissery, vowed in a statement that escaped arrest.” ment agencies in the management of recent weeks and had “expressed fears back under pressure yesterday over its “no effort will be spared to bring to “These unresolved deaths are a blot security for all Kenyans,” the paper also for his life and had accordingly made alleged failure to deal with worsening book those responsible” and said he on the nation. They breed a culture of wrote in an editorial. statements to the police”. He was also insecurity following the execution-style had “issued firm instructions to security violence where people act outside the It lamented a society where “vigi- reported to have survived an apparent killing of a prominent MP in the city agencies to move with maximum law to settle their disputes,” it said. lantes thrive” and “mob justice takes assassination attempt in 2011. centre. speed” to apprehend the killers. “If an MP can be gunned down at root”. Police sources said on Sunday There has been speculation over George Muchai, a member of But Kenyan newspapers said the the CBD (Central Business District, that they were still trying to establish a whether the death was linked to a Kenya’s governing Jubilee coalition and killing was merely representative of a Nairobi’s city centre) in the presence of motive for the attack. Kenya has suf- tense power struggle within Kenya’s well-known trade unionist, was return- wider, disturbing phenomenon in the his bodyguards, CCTV and police, then fered a wave of violence linked to Central Organisation of Trade Unions ing home in the early hours of Saturday increasingly violent nation. An editorial how safe is the ordinary Kenyan?” MP Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab mili- (COTU) — in which Muchai has been after a night out in a restaurant when in the Sunday Nation newspaper said Mary Wambui also told the Standard on tants, but mafia-style attacks linked to praised in equal measure for fighting he was shot dead along with his driver the murder “fits into a worrying trend Sunday newspaper. business and politics also occur in the corruption and at the same time criti- and two bodyguards by masked men where people described as ‘unknown “The Muchai shooting and other east African nation. cised for being corrupt himself-or over with assault rifles. gunmen’, sometimes suspected to be similar violent attacks raise questions Kenyan media reports said Muchai, a challenges to Muchai’s parliamentary Kenya’s interior minister, Joseph hitmen or rogue police officers have about the capacity of our law enforce- father of seven, had been “uneasy” in seat. — AFP

French by-election tests Hollande’s post-attacks popularity surge

BESAN«ON: French President Francois Doubs, residents streamed to the council to Hollande’s new-found popularity after the cast their vote, waiting in line under a grey Paris attacks faced its first major test yester- sky, in bitter cold. day as a member of his ruling Socialist par- The result, which is expected to be ty battled against a far-right National Front known early Sunday evening, will be a test candidate in a tense by-election. for Hollande’s party and for the president The first round of the poll last Sunday in himself. the eastern Doubs district-called after Since he came to power in May 2012, Socialist lawmaker Pierre Moscovici left for there have been 13 by-elections and the Brussels to take office as Economic Affairs ruling Socialist party has won none of them Commissioner-saw FN candidate Sophie as the French become steadily more exas- Montel come first with close to a third of perated with record high unemployment the vote. and near zero economic growth. The Socialist Frederic Barbier, 54, came Until the deadly Paris attacks last month, second and the main opposition UMP can- Hollande was rated so low in opinion polls didate was knocked out of the race. If she that he became the most unpopular presi- wins the decisive second round, Montel, 45, dent in modern French history. will be the third far-right lawmaker to sit in But his widely-praised handling of the France’s lower house National Assembly. January 7-9 Islamist killings that left 17 UMP leader and former president people dead boosted his image and he has Nicolas Sarkozy warned this week there now shot back up in the ratings. was a real risk of the National Front taking An opinion poll carried out by the Ifop power at a national level in the future. polling company 10 days after the attacks His party nevertheless called on its sup- showed Hollande’s ratings had doubled to porters to abstain from voting for either 40 percent. candidate on Sunday, and all eyes will be But official figures published late last on whether the 60.5 percent of voters who month showed unemployment hit a new abstained last weekend will turn out this record in December, casting a cloud on this time round. new-found popularity that the Doubs by- In Pont-de-Roide, a small town in election will further challenge. —AFP

DIFFA: This file picture dated October 29, 2006 shows a motorcyclist heading toward the main gate of the town of Diffa in Niger. Boko Haram fighters waged a new attack yesterday in Diffa, a southeastern border town in Niger, where a blast killed at least one person and left 10 injured, witnesses and hospital sources said. — AFP Nigeria vote postponement decision comes under fire ‘A major setback for democracy’

ABUJA: Criticism mounted yesterday over thought to have locked up a majority in the from voter card distribution made a delay neces- Nigeria’s decision to postpone national elections mainly Muslim north, his home region, while sary, specifically mentioning the fact that the by six weeks because of Boko Haram violence, building support among southerners fed up military “may not be able to provide the tradi- with some insisting President Goodluck with graft. tional support they render,” during elections. Jonathan’s political woes were the true cause of The APC called the postponement “highly There had long been security concerns about ISTANBUL: Members of Turkey’s Alawite community stage a protest in the Kadikoy the delay. provocative” and “a major setback for democra- voting in Boko Haram’s northeast stronghold, district of Istanbul yesterday. Thousands of Alawites, members of a subsect of the Election body chairman Attahiru Jega cy” but appealed for calm. where hundreds of thousands of people dis- Twelver branch of Shia Islam, gathered in Istanbul to protest for greater rights and a announced the postponement for presidential The United States said it was “deeply disap- placed by fighting faced disenfranchisement. more equal position in the education system. — AFP and parliamentary polls from February 14 to pointed” by the delay, with US Secretary of State But Jega had previously told AFP that the cri- March 28 late Saturday, citing guidance from the John Kerry warning the Nigerian government sis in the northeast would likely not undermine national security advisor (NSA). against using “security concerns as a pretext for the national poll results. Suicide bomber hits Niger town Gubernatorial and state assembly elections impeding the democratic process.” The PDP said The unavailability of soldiers to secure polling will be held on April 11. The NSA, Sambo Dasuki, it welcomed the postponement because “it was stations nationwide had not been widely dis- after army repels Boko Haram had written to Jega last week explaining that in the best interest of democracy.” cussed and election day security has previously security could not be guaranteed on February Analysts have said the PDP could use the been led by police and a civil defence body. 14 because all available military resources had extra time to rebuild lost support, noting that its A coalition of more than 20 civil society DIFFA: Niger’s army repelled an attack by “It was a young boy who was carrying been committed to an intensified operation superior financial resources put the ruling party groups late Saturday said the military’s inability Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram on the the explosives in a plastic cover,” said one against Islamist rebels in the northeast. in a far better position to run an extended cam- to deploy for the election amounted to “an abdi- border town of Diffa yesterday but a sui- resident who gave his name as Aboubakar. “The security agencies forced (Jega) into paign. cation of its constitutional duties.” cide bomber struck in the town’s market, “I saw 10 people injured and at least one postponing on an issue that is frivolous,” said The postponement “appeared contrived to killing at least one person and injuring sev- dead.” Jibrin Ibrahim, a political analyst with the Centre ‘Other variables’ truncate the democratic process in Nigeria,” the eral more, residents said. Chadian forces already crossed into on Democracy and Development. National security chief Dasuki first mentioned coalition said. It was the second attack by Boko Haram Nigeria last week to the south of Lake Chad “They say they need six weeks to defeat Boko the prospect of a postponement last month in three days on the border region of Niger, to attack Boko Haram in the town of Haram. Boko Haram has been growing for six when he noted struggles in distributing voter New offensive where some 2,500 Chadian troops have Gambaru, bordering Cameroon. years... If in six weeks Boko Haram has not been identity cards. Neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger gathered ahead of a planned military offen- On Saturday, the governments of defeated, they could call for another delay and Jega on Thursday said his Independent have in the past two weeks stepped up their sive by a coalition of regional powers Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria and Benin ultimately destroy Nigerian democracy,” he National Electoral Commission (INEC) was ready joint efforts with Nigeria against Boko Haram. against the Islamist group. agreed to establish an 8,700 strong region- added. for February 14 - more prepared than INEC was The multinational offensive has claimed Niger’s parliament is due to vote today al force. The vote was expected to see the ruling for 2011 polls - and that 66.5 percent of Nigeria’s major successes this month, including the recap- on a proposal by the government to send Chad has deployed some 2,500 soldiers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) face its first seri- 68.8 million registered voters had collected their ture of several key towns previously under its troops into Nigeria to help fight Boko to neighbouring Cameroon and Niger as ous electoral challenge since the end of military cards. Islamist control. Haram. part of this effort. rule in 1999. A meeting of the powerful Council of States Experts say further gains are possible over Residents said fighting was heard Boko Haram has seized territory in Many observers believed that the opposition which includes Jonathan, past presidents and the next six weeks but note that Boko Haram has between around 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. (0600 northeastern Nigeria as part of a five-year All Progressives Congress (APC), led by ex-mili- state governors ended on Thursday with the proved resilient throughout the six-year conflict. to 10000 GMT) on the outskirts of the insurgency to carve out an Islamist state on tary ruler Muhammadu Buhari, had seized the council telling Jega to move ahead with the “To dislodge Boko Haram from all these areas town. the territory of Africa’s top oil producer and momentum in the campaign against Jonathan. February 14 date if he legitimately believed INEC in a period of six weeks would be an unprece- “There was fighting between security biggest economy. Around 10,000 people Buhari, who has positioned himself as was prepared. dented feat,” said Ryan Cummings, chief Africa forces and elements of Boko Haram who were killed last year. Nigeria’s top anti-corruption crusader, was On Saturday Jega said “other variables” aside analyst at Red24 risk consultants. —AFP tried to enter the town,” said a military Nigeria’s electoral commission on source. “Fighting is taking place around the Saturday postponed a presidential election bridge at Doutchi. There are many dead.” that had been scheduled for next weekend Local residents said a suicide bomber until March 28 due to security concerns then struck Diffa’s market. over Boko Haram’s insurgency. — Reuters Leaders aim to hold Ukraine summit in Minsk Wednesday

MUNICH: The leaders of Germany, France, Barack Obama in Washington Monday on a pre- has said the introduction of U.S.-supplied Russia and Ukraine aim to hold a summit in viously scheduled trip. weaponry will have grave consequences. Minsk this week as they try to stem fighting in German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter eastern Ukraine, officials in Germany and France United in diplomacy Steinmeier, speaking alongside Kerry, reiterated said yesterday. At an international security conference in that he considers delivering weapons “not just The plan for a meeting Wednesday in the Munich, US Secretary of State John Kerry said highly risky but counterproductive.” Belarusian capital emerged from a phone call the US and its European allies are “united in our Kerry said the United States agrees that there between German Chancellor Angela Merkel, diplomacy” on Ukraine. He said the US supports is no military solution to the Ukraine crisis that French President Francois Hollande, Russian efforts by France and Germany to produce a new has now killed more than 5,300 people, President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President plan to end the conflict that is now raging in according to the United Nations. At the same Petro Poroshenko. Merkel’s spokesman, Steffen east Ukraine. Kerry denied that there is a US- time, US officials say Obama is rethinking his Seibert, described the call as “intensive.” Europe rift over how to respond to the crisis and previous opposition to sending arms to Ukraine The aim is to draw up a package of measures how to deal with Russia’s role in it despite a despite fears it could lead to a proxy war that breathes new life into a much-violated debate over whether to arm the government in between Washington and Moscow. The officials September peace plan. Seibert and the French Kiev. “There is no division, there is no split,” Kerry have, however, suggested that any such government said preparations for the summit said. “I keep hearing people trying to create one. weaponry would be intended to help Kiev will take place Monday in Berlin, without elabo- We are united, we are working closely together.” defend itself once a peace agreement is reached. rating. There will also be a meeting in Minsk by His comments came amid reports of a deep Kerry likened the US-European debate over Wednesday of the signatories to last trans-Atlantic rift over the Obama administra- arms to previous consultations over the breadth September’s accord, including Russia, Ukraine tion’s consideration of providing defensive and strength of sanctions against Russia. and representatives of separatists in eastern weaponry to Kiev. Germany and France oppose “The discussion taking place today is PARIS: People stick a poster by French street artist Combo yesterday on the Quai de Ukraine, they said. such a move, saying it could lead to an escala- absolutely no different - it’s tactical, it is not la Tournelle, near the Arab World Institute (IMA) in Paris, displaying Combo’s mes- Before the summit Merkel, who met Friday tion and that they do not believe the conflict can strategic,” Kerry said. “On the fundamental goal sage on the coexistence of religions, using intertwined symbols of the Muslim, night in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir be resolved militarily. Russia, which is accused of with respect to Ukraine, we are absolutely unit- Jewish and Catholic religions to write the word “Coexist”. — AFP Putin, is scheduled to meet with President supporting separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, ed ... we want a diplomatic solution.” — AP

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Sydney siege survivors tell of terror at hands of gunman

SYDNEY: Survivors of a 16-hour siege in “I literally thought he was going to phone, he said Tony Abbott will have all Dawson was killed after six fragments end,” the 43-year-old told Channel a Sydney cafe yesterday told of their ter- shoot us so that everybody can see your blood on his hands when I kill you of a police bullet, or bullets, ricocheted Seven, struggling to hold back tears. ror during the deadly standoff, as a through the window,” survivor Harriette all, one by one,” O’Brien told Channel from hard surfaces and struck her body. Mikhael said she was beside Dawson jihadist gunman threatened to kill peo- Denny told commercial broadcaster Seven. Louisa Hope, 52, who suffers from as police charged into the cafe, shortly ple “one by one”. Channel Nine. multiple sclerosis and needs a walking after Johnson was killed. Iranian-born, self-styled cleric Man “You lose hope, thinking about your ‘So many shots’ stick to move around, was one of the “There were just so many shots. I Haron Monis, 50, held 17 people family outside, thinking there’s nothing The interviews, for which channels hostages that failed to get away and could smell the gunpower, I could feel hostage at the Lindt chocolate cafe in you can do to get yourself out and it’s Seven and Nine reportedly paid hun- described to Channel Nine how she saw the heat... It was so bright, everyone was the heart of the city’s financial district very hard,” said the 30-year-old, who was dreds of thousands of dollars, came just Johnson die. just lit up as if it was New Year’s Eve,” she on the morning of December 15 pregnant at the time of the hostage cri- over a week after an inquest opened “When the noise of the gun, and then said. “And then all of a sudden it before being killed when police sis. The siege horrified Australia and into the siege. Tori fell forward... He hasn’t just died, his stopped... and I could see police officers stormed the building in the early prompted a mass outpouring of grief Cafe manager Tori Johnson, 34, and life has been taken,” she said. wearing the black uniform,” Mikhael hours of the next day. In emotional that saw thousands of flowers laid near barrister and mother-of-three Katrina Hostage Marcia Mikhael said Monis, added. “She wasn’t moving. She was just interviews, some of the surviving the cafe in the city’s Martin Place. Dawson, 38, were killed during the who had a history of violence and lying down with her head facing me, hostages told Channels Seven and Survivor John O’Brien, 82, said Monis standoff, and the New South Wales coro- extremism, told her he had a “plan” to looking at me.” A separate report into Nine of how Monis forced them to call was “ranting and raving” about Prime ner had been told in graphic detail how die in the standoff. the siege commissioned by the federal emergency services to tell them his Minister Tony Abbott and threatened to Johnson was made to kneel down and “I knew he didn’t want to get out of and NSW state governments has been demands, and how the gunman kill everyone in the cafe. shot in the back of the head after a there alive and because of that, I was completed and is expected to be pub- became more frustrated as night fell. “Tony Abbott wouldn’t come to the group of hostages escaped. very scared about how it was going to lished this month. —AFP

India, Pakistan suspend trade on Kashmir border

MUZAFFARABAD: India and Pakistan have truck carrying oranges and were taking an suspended trade across their de facto bor- action against the driver. After the inci- der in the disputed territory of Kashmir dent, we also held 50 Indian trucks on after Indian authorities detained a truck Pakistani Kashmir side, because traffic driver accused of drug trafficking, Pakistan crosses the border simultaneously,” said officials said yesterday. Iqbal. Kashmir has been divided between Imtiaz Wayen, director-general of India and Pakistan since the two countries Pakistani Kashmir’s trade and travel author- won independence from Britain in 1947. ity, said India was not entitled to stop Both claim the scenic Himalayan territory in Pakistani drivers on grounds of smuggling. full. “According to our agreement, if they Barter trade across the de facto border find any banned item in our trucks they are began in 2008 as part of peace efforts but it bound to hand over that item and the rele- is frequently disrupted over disputes. vant truck driver to us for further action,” he “We were informed by the Indian said. authorities on Friday evening that they “We have informed the officials of the have stopped 22 Pakistani trucks which ministry of foreign affairs about this matter crossed the Line of Control (LOC) earlier and have asked them to take up this issue,” that day,” Basharat Iqbal, trade facilitation he added. officer on the Pakistani side of the border, In addition to barter trade, families sep- told AFP. arated by the de facto border may apply for “They told us that they had discovered special passes to visit their relatives on bus- 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of opium from a es that operate two days a week. —AFP Widodo in Philippines as fate of death row Filipina lingers NEW DELHI: An Indian woman waits for bus as she sits near an election advertisement with a photograph of Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal at a bus stop in New Delhi, India, yesterday. A slew of exit polls Saturday predicted an outright victory for Aam Aadmi Party, an upstart MANILA: New Indonesian President Joko on protecting migrant workers and anti-corruption party in elections to install a state government in India’s capital, a potentially huge blow for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Widodo arrived on his first state visit to the “research and training in the field of Hindu nationalist party. Hindi reads, “five years Kejriwal”. — AP Philippines yesterday, as the fate of a defence studies”. Filipina facing execution for drug smug- This could include the issue of China, gling in his country hovers over planned which regards Indonesia as having a poten- talks. tially pivotal role in calming rising tensions India ruling party rejects Dressed in traditional batik shirt, between Manila and Beijing over territorial Widodo was met at a Manila airbase by disputes in the South China Sea, according Philippine officials before being whisked to analysts. election defeat in Delhi away without making any statement. In August, then-president-elect Widodo Widodo, who is on the last stop of a told Japan’s Asahi newspaper that three-nation trip after visiting Malaysia and Indonesia, which has better bilateral ties Brunei, will meet with Philippine President with China than the Philippines, stood Stunning comeback for anti-graft champion Benigno Aquino today with the pair ready to act as an intermediary. expected to sign several agreements, the “Indonesia has the gravitas to be the NEW DELHI: Narendra Modi’s party staunchly as BJP will emerge victorious and will definitely eve of the poll to try to win over last-minute vot- presidential palace in Manila said. champion of peace in the ASEAN denied yesterday that India’s prime minister was form the next government,” Ramesh Bidhuri, ers. BJP heavyweights including Finance However, his visit comes as the (Association of South East Asian Nations). facing his first election defeat since storming to general secretary of the BJP’s Delhi party, told Minister Arun Jaitley were also ordered to cam- Philippines tries to prevent the execution Widodo can also be our partner in our power last year, even though exit polls tipped an AFP. paign in the final days. of a female national facing death by firing efforts to improve relations with China,” anti-corruption campaigner to win New Delhi’s squad in Indonesia after being convicted of Wilfrido Villacorta, a former Philippine state polls. Reforms Kejriwal a star smuggling heroin. ambassador to ASEAN, said. Six exit polls released hours after voting end- “(But) if BJP does lose the elections, we can- AAP senior leader Yogendra Yadav said his A spokesman for Aquino, Edwin “Even if Indonesia is not a claimant ed on Saturday indicated the Aam Aadmi Party not say Narendra Modi’s popularity has dwin- party was headed for a majority of more than 50 Lacierda, said the leaders would discuss country (in the South China Sea dispute), it (AAP) of former Delhi chief minister Arvind dled or the Modi wave is over,” he added. India’s seats in the 70-seat assembly following drug trafficking but did not say if they has always been playing the role of a con- Kejriwal had comfortably beaten Modi’s Hindu Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was less Saturday’s record voter turnout. would address the case of the woman, who venor of important discussions on the issue nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). confident, saying in a statement only that “we “My own sense is that the numbers should be has not been publicly named. since the 1980s,” said Villacorta, now an Although the polls have been inaccurate in are hopeful that we will win”. much, much bigger (than the exit poll numbers “We are in discussions to further work international relations specialist at De la the past, a loss for Modi would set back his plans Observers say a defeat will be a significant of around 43),” he told NDTV late on Saturday. out cooperation in various areas of mutual Salle University in Manila. to consolidate power in the national parliament setback for a prime minister who has enjoyed an Most pundits had written off Kejriwal after he interest and concerns, such as migrant The Philippines signed a maritime bor- to push through promised economic reforms. extended honeymoon with voters since his land- resigned as chief minister, in part over failed workers, technical-vocational skills upgrad- der accord with neighbouring Indonesia in Victory for Kejriwal would mark a stunning slide general election victory. Modi needs to win attempts to get an anti-corruption bill passed in ing, the combatting of trafficking of nar- May 2014 that has been hailed as a model comeback for the anti-graft champion who state elections in coming years to gain control of the assembly. But after apologising for leaving cotics, and (for) educational visits,” Lacierda for peacefully settling territorial disputes. resigned following a chaotic 49-day spell in both houses of the national parliament, where voters without an elected government for a year, said. Last month, Widodo, who has disap- charge of the Delhi state government a year ago. he is attempting to push through reforms on Kejriwal was the star of the campaign, outshin- Another Aquino spokesman, Herminio pointed rights activists by voicing support A win would also be particularly sweet for for- land acquisition, tax and other issues to revive ing former policewoman Kiran Bedi who was the Coloma, later said in an interview on gov- for capital punishment, angered several mer tax official Kejriwal, who was trounced by the economy. BJP’s pick for chief minister. Kejriwal’s campaign ernment radio that the two leaders would countries by allowing the execution of six Modi when they battled for the same seat in His efforts are being frustrated in the upper has been based around promises of lower utility also take up “maritime cooperation, offenders on drug charges last month, May’s general election. The AAP won only four house where the BJP lacks a majority. States are bills and free wi-fi for Delhi’s 17 million residents, defence, trade and investment”. including five foreigners. seats nationally. allocated seats in the nation’s upper house. as well as pledges to counter corruption. The Catholic-majority Philippines does A BJP leader refused to throw in the towel Modi headlined several major rallies during Kejriwal famously declared himself an anar- Territorial disputes not have the death penalty, and the fate of Sunday, saying official results released on the Delhi campaign, portraying his rival as a chist during his brief tenure last year and staged The Department of Foreign Affairs said Filipinos abroad is a political hot potato in a Tuesday would show a different story. “backstabber” for quitting so early. He appeared several street protests outside government that the accords would cover education, country where 10 percent of the popula- “The results will defy the exit poll predictions in front-page newspaper advertisements on the offices. —AFP narcotics cooperation, a joint declaration tion is forced to seek work overseas.— AFP Malfunction forces AirAsia X to abort flight, turn back: CEO

KUALA LUMPUR: A system malfunction forced was to depart in the evening. deadly accident, it followed two deadly Malaysia the pilots of an AirAsia X flight from Kuala “As a safety precaution, and in full compli- Airlines incidents last year that killed over 500 Lumpur to Jeddah to abort the flight and return ance with all international security and safety people and raised concerns among many trav- to Malaysia yesterday, the AirAsia Group’s CEO standards, the aircraft made a turn back and ellers about the safety of the country’s carriers. said. safely landed at ... 1740 hours (0940 GMT),” it said “What is happening with Malaysia and air- The incident sparked fresh questions on in a statement. planes? This is really, really scary,” posted one social media about the Malaysian airline group’s Although QZ8501 was the AirAsia group’s first Twitter user. —AFP safety record as it struggles with the aftermath of the loss of Flight QZ8501 in late December with 162 people on board. “One auto-thrust not functioning properly. Actually okay to fly but we just returning it to base,” Tony Fernandes told AFP in a text mes- sage, calling it a “minor issue”. Auto-thrusters are systems that are used to ensure a plane continues to travel at a steady speed. Fernandes confirmed the Airbus A330 — operated by the long-haul arm of the AirAsia Group of carriers, AirAsia X-landed safely at Kuala Lumpur’s international airport late on Sunday afternoon. Flight-tracking websites indicated AirAsia X Flight D7172 flew several wide circles over the Strait of Malacca to burn off fuel. Fernandes called the manoeuvre a “routine” precaution as the plane was heavily laden with fuel that normally would have been used up during the several-hour flight to the Saudi Arabian city. MANILA: Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo (C) walks with Philippine Lt. General CENTRAL KALIMANTAN: Indonesian search and rescue personnel unload recovered bodies Jeffrey Delgado (centre R) upon his arrival at the airport for a state visit in Manila Safety precaution from the underwater wreckage of AirAsia flight QZ8501 at Kumai sea port, in Central yesterday. Widodo arrived on his first state visit to the Philippines as the fate of a “Just burning off fuel as has lots of fuel as was Kalimantan, yesterday in preparation for DNA forensic identification. Indonesian divers on Filipina facing execution for drug smuggling in his country hovers over planned going to Jeddah,” he said. AirAsia later said the February 6 found a body believed to belong to the French co-pilot of the AirAsia plane that talks. — AFP passengers were put on another plane which crashed late December with 162 people on board, an official said. — AFP NEWS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015

An elderly Afghan refugee collects grass from a field on the outskirts of Islamabad yesterday. — AP

Egypt trials place security first Ban: Reinstate Hadi as Yemen president Continued from Page 1 national security cases have issued blatantly unjust rul- Continued from Page 1 The jihadists, as well as the Western-backed Free Syrian ings, including mass death sentences,” Whitson said. Army, are also fighting the forces of Syrian President institutions, otherwise Egypt could face the chaos rag- “These conditions ensure that Egypt’s judges will feel free But Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours said the Houthi Bashar Al-Assad. “I am also profoundly concerned about ing in Syria or Iraq. But for some time it has been pushing to rule only one way.” actions “totally undermine” international and regional the appalling crimes that continue to be committed in the country in that direction,” said Bahy Eddin Hassan, Strong dissent is voiced by the lawyers union, which efforts to help resolve Yemen’s crisis, marking “a grave and Syria by all sides,” Ban said. He said he hopes Riyadh’s plan director of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies. has urged its members not to participate in Shehata’s unacceptable escalation”. to reopen an embassy in Baghdad, after nearly 25 years Hassan said Egypt’s security apparatus “has taken hold mass trials. The union argues that his verdicts appear pre- Ban said that he and King Salman agreed “everything and a history of strained ties, will deepen their cooperation with a heavy hand in all affairs of the country, and they are ordained and will inevitably be reversed on appeal. On possible must be done to reduce terrorism, both from “including on countering terrorism”. Ban said he did not now fully in control of the judiciary.” Thursday, 17 human rights groups appealed to Egypt’s Yemen and from Daesh,” an Arabic term to describe the discuss specific human rights cases during his talks in the Both judgments were handed down by the same Cairo Supreme Judicial Council to intervene directly to quash Islamic State (IS) jihadist group. IS has seized parts of Syria kingdom, which has faced constant global criticism over judge, Mohammed Nagi Shehata, who has developed a Shehata’s latest judgment against 230 people found and Iraq where it has been accused of atrocities including its rights record. But he expects that under King Salman’s reputation for harsh sentences against perceived govern- guilty of involvement in Dec 2011 street clashes in Cairo. beheading foreign hostages and burning alive a captured leadership the kingdom “will also show an example in pro- ment critics. Last year he sentenced three journalists from Security forces killed about 40 protesters in the confronta- Al-Jazeera English to jail terms ranging from seven to 10 tions, during which arsonists wrecked part of a library Jordanian fighter pilot. Both Jordan and Saudi Arabia are moting human rights, particularly women and young peo- years, a verdict that exposed Egypt to global complaints housing rare manuscripts and books. part of a United States-led coalition conducting air strikes ple and marginalised groups of people and foreign of suppressing media freedom. One of the three journal- The human rights groups said in a joint letter that the against IS. migrant workers”. — AFP ists was deported last week. case illustrated “serious flaws in the Egyptian justice sys- Sisi, who led the 2013 overthrow of the Islamist presi- tem” because not a single soldier or police officer had dent, Mohamed Morsi, told the nation in a televised been indicted over their role in that violence. The 183 sen- Reporter may be left languishing address last month that Egypt faced a long war against tenced to death Monday all were suspected of involve- homegrown extremists, including militants in the north- ment in a 2013 attack on a police station outside Cairo in Continued from Page 1 fade once Fahmy is also deported. “I am seriously working ern Sinai Peninsula responsible for a string of ambushes which 15 officers, including the local chief, were killed. on getting him another nationality,” she said, watching and bomb attacks that killed more than 30 soldiers in a Mohamed Lotfy, who directs an advocacy group Fahmy’s family said in a statement yesterday that a her three children play in the garden of their Cairo suburb single night on Jan. 29. He said Egypt’s emergency situa- called the Egyptian Commission for Rights and tion meant that some violations of human rights were Freedoms, said judges’ use of mass sentencing reflects retrial would be “our worst nightmare, to have to go villa. inevitable, if regrettable. their biased sense of patriotism and a desire to get anti- through another circus of a retrial”. They said they were Greste’s release was welcomed by the Western govern- His position enjoys strong popular backing from pro- government activists punished as quickly, and as harshly, disappointed with what they called the Canadian govern- ments that pushed for his release and Al-Jazeera, which government media outlets, which demand acts of swift as possible. “They feel they need to make examples and ment’s “conservative approach” in lobbying for his release continues to insist all its reporters be freed. In Egypt, how- justice, and prosecutors who increasingly frame their cas- send a message to anyone challenging the government,” and called on Prime Minister Stephan Harper to intervene. ever, where anti-Qatar and Islamist sentiment runs high, es as part of Egypt’s wider “war on terror”. While Sisi point- Lotfy said. But he suggested that Shehata and other The trial came against the backdrop of a cold war Mohamed is scarcely on the radar. “The Egyptian media edly refuses to discuss judicial affairs, his government judges passing judgment without considering individual between Egypt and Qatar, which supported the Islamist doesn’t mention him and is unconcerned about his fate,” sometimes directly appoints judges to handle specific circumstances must know that higher courts won’t allow movement of president Mohamed Morsi, whom Sisi Rashid said. Media advocacy groups say at least 10 jour- cases, and some courts have been moved from court their verdicts to stand. deposed in July 2013. The three were sentenced to seven nalists are imprisoned in Egypt, where reporters increas- buildings to security facilities, Hassan said. Judges who He cited as precedent last year’s death sentences years in prison, and the court handed Mohamed an addi- ingly censor themselves for fear of angering the govern- oppose the use of mass sentencing express these views imposed simultaneously on more than 1,000 people. Not tional three years because police who searched his home ment or being tainted as Islamists. only off the record. one has been executed. Many have had their death sen- found a spent bullet casing he had picked up at a protest. “Baher’s crisis is part of the suffering of Egyptian jour- Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of Human tences commuted to fixed terms of imprisonment, while “Their deportation means in effect their innocence,” the nalists in general,” said his father Mohamed Hazem. In her Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa division, said appellate courts have ordered others to receive a retrial. 32-year-old producer’s wife said of Greste and Fahmy. last visit to Mohamed in prison, he flatly turned down the the political environment since Morsi’s ouster from power “There is some recklessness in how they deal with these “Why should my husband remain in prison?” idea of obtaining another citizenship, Rashed said. “I did cases,” Lotfy said of judges who try hundreds of defen- has “made it virtually impossible for judges to rule with His only options are an acquittal or a presidential par- nothing wrong to have to drop my citizenship,” she quot- the independence they asserted in years past”. “Dozens of dants at once. “They think that in the worst case it will go don, which Sisi’s office has said could only come after the ed him as saying. But she remains defiant: “I’m looking for judges perceived to oppose the new order have found to appeal anyway, so they give defendants the harshest themselves targeted for investigation or forced to retire, possible sentence knowing that later a retrial can be retrial, his lawyer Mostafa Nagy told AFP. Rashid, who with another nationality for him and my children to protect and those hand-picked to handle high-profile political or ordered.” — AP Mohamed has three children, one a boy born while his their rights in the future, to find a foreign embassy to father was in jail, said she fears that interest in his case will defend us in courts.” — Agencies MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 ANALYSIS

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

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

Focus Indonesia police chief row sparks crisis for Widodo

By Nick Perry

feud between Indonesia’s law enforcement and its cor- ruption watchdog over the nomination of a police Achief has escalated into a full-blown crisis for Joko Widodo, testing the new president’s pledge to usher in clean- er governance. Barely 100 days into his term, Widodo sparked an outcry last month when he nominated Budi Gunawan, a politically-connected figure with a murky financial record, to be head of the national police. The situation snowballed sev- eral days later when the anti-corruption agency, known as the KPK, named Gunawan as the subject of a bribery investi- gation, prompting Widodo to postpone - but not cancel - his Coffee coup saves beans, spares sink appointment as police chief. The notoriously corrupt police - who have in the past clashed with the hugely popular KPK -retaliated by arresting By Luc Cohen Still, Americans are drinking more coffee, and spending significantly increased consumption efficiency, even as single- the agency’s deputy chairman on years-old perjury allega- hundreds of millions more dollars on it, every year. Americans serve has expanded coffee’s reach. tions, triggering angry protests. The deputy chairman has tephen Shapiro says he “couldn’t survive” without his spent a total of $11.9 billion on coffee in 2014, up 6 percent resigned, and police are now threatening to bring charges Keurig single-serve coffee machine. “I wake up, before I from $11.2 billion in 2013 and up almost 60 percent from $7.6 Fewer Leftovers against the KPK’s entire leadership, a move that the agency Seven go to the bathroom I turn my Keurig on,” said the billion in 2009, Mintel data show. The rise comes as single- Using Nespresso’s “portioned coffee system” can reduce warns could paralyse it. Activists rallying day after day outside 75-year-old retired health food store owner, who splits his serve sales have exploded, as roasters often charge a hefty the amount of leftover coffee depending on consumer behav- KPK headquarters are urging Widodo, who comes from a time between New York and Boca Raton, Florida. Before he premium for single-serve over the same type of coffee in a tra- ior, spokeswoman Diane Duperret said. Nestle has been mak- humble background and is Indonesia’s first leader from out- bought the machine more than six years ago, he used a tradi- ditional ground or whole bean format. ing single-serve espresso capsules and machines since 1986. side the political and military elites, to intervene. tional drip brewer, and would pour between a third and a half Americans drank 2.01 cups a day in 2014, up from 1.97 However, Nespresso doesn’t see bean demand declining, not- But so far the president has taken a cautious approach of the coffee he brewed each morning into the sink. With the cups in 2013 and the highest level since 1980, National Coffee ing that the growth in the single-serve coffee segment has to a scandal that is proving the first real test of his leader- Keurig machine, that’s no longer the case. “There’s no waste at Association data show. The group changed its methodology in boosted overall coffee purchases, Duperret said. ship. “If he blunders in this KPK case, his image of running a all,” Shapiro said. “You brew what you drink and that’s it.” 2012 to better represent African-Americans and Hispanic- Indeed, the Nielsen data is just one measure of coffee clean government, he can kiss it goodbye,” Yohanes Sales of coffee pods for the slick single-serve machines like Americans. The data suggest that even as Americans drink demand. US imports reached 24 million 60-kg bags in the first Sulaiman, a political expert at the Indonesian Defense Keurig Green Mountain’s Keurig, Nestle’s Nespresso, and more coffee, the switch to single-serve and the reduction in 11 months of last year, 3 percent more than the same period University, told AFP. Starbucks’ Verismo soared to $3.8 billion in 2014 from $234 coffee waste has increased the efficiency of consumption, lim- of 2013, International Trade Commission data show. Full-year million in 2009, Mintel market research data shows. Keurig, iting the overall amount of beans roasters will need to buy per data has not been released yet. The data also refer only to Political Pressure the maker of the most popular machine, has seen its shares consumer. sales at retail outlets, for consumption at home, excluding the Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, is under immense rise to about $118.90 on Friday from about $9 in Feb 2009. It’s not just what coffee drinkers aren’t throwing away that swathe of coffee consumed at work or coffee shops. pressure to make a decision about Gunawan’s future, but is Stealing market share from traditional roasted coffee, the is eroding demand. Each single-serving cup contains just over Data from market research firm Mintel including out-of- backed into a corner. Pressing ahead and installing a known phenomenon is transforming the coffee industry in less obvi- 6 beans per liquid ounce, compared to 10 beans in traditional home coffee shows that purchases by weight rose steadily criminal suspect as police chief would shatter his clean cre- ous ways too: the single-cup pods are increasing efficiency, coffee brewed to Specialty Coffee Association of America between 2010 and 2013, and is forecast to rise further. Still, dentials, but Widodo risks revolt from political allies if he denting demand for beans as Americans, like Shapiro, throw standards, estimated Nate Hrobak, a buyer at Caribou Coffee the NCA says that home remained the dominant place for dumps Gunawan. Parliament, which must endorse new less leftover java down the drain. Traders often quip that in Minneapolis, one of the nation’s largest specialty chains. consumption in 2014, with 81 percent of coffee drinkers con- police chiefs, has already backed Gunawan, and many parties before single serve coffee pods gained prominence, the sink The transformation of how Americans buy and consume cof- suming at home and 35 percent consuming elsewhere, both - including from Widodo’s own coalition - want to see him was the world’s largest coffee consumer. fee comes as farmers grapple with severe droughts in Brazil, up from the prior year. The percentages show that many peo- inaugurated. Now, Nielsen data seen by Reuters but not publicly avail- the world’s biggest coffee grower, and a devastating leaf rust ple drink coffee both at home and on the go. Gunawan used to be a close aide of Megawati able shows Americans bought 967 million pounds of coffee disease in Central America. The growing popularity of the And while single-serve coffee is more efficient and conven- Sukarnoputri, the head of Widodo’s political party who from retail outlets in the 52 weeks ended Dec. 20, 2014, a 1.2 more efficient new machines has blunted the effect of supply ient, some consumers said it’s simply not as tasty as a tradi- backed him for the presidency, and many suspect she is the percent decline from the prior year. Nielsen spokeswoman crises on prices, traders and roasters said. tionally-brewed cup. “There definitely are things you miss - the one who is continuing to push the officer’s nomination. Meg Chari confirmed the figures but declined to provide the “At the rate that Keurig is growing and selling, that has really fresh smell, the sound, and the taste,” said Cindy Widodo is seeking to buy time as he mulls a way out of the original report or the figures from prior years, which are avail- some material impact on the overall coffee world,” Hrobak of Glickert, an antiques dealer living in Kirkland, Washington. crisis. He asked a team of hand-picked advisers to recom- able only to customers. Caribou said, noting that the reduction in coffee waste has “But you give that up for the convenience.” —Reuters mend a course of action, and they said he should not press ahead with the nomination. While he now seems likely to reject the nomination in the coming days, Widodo is facing accusations of dithering like Different delivery, one message to Greece his predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who was fre- quently criticised for his indecision. Former KPK deputy chair- By Alessandra Galloni any bridge funding and insisted that Athens conference brimmed with mutual compli- undermine their efforts. “If Tsipras manages to man Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, one of the special advisers and Ingrid Melander implement existing bailout agreements. The ments and references to cultural similarities. push his programs against privileges, pressure assisting the president, said Widodo wanted to please but news conference was marked by the Renzi referred to his high school ancient on Renzi to pivot to the left may grow, shifting was more firm than his predecessor. “I think there is a strong n Paris and Rome, it was sugarcoated; in absence of cordial chit chat or eye contact Greek classes and gifted Tsipras a tie. The the focus to Italy’s wealthier households and will to solve this problem as soon as possible,” he said, adding Berlin and Frankfurt unequivocal. But the between the 73-year-old brown-suited two joked that the Greek leader would start leaving his labour reforms in limbo,” Francesco he did not think Widodo would go ahead with Gunawan’s message from European capitals to German and his 53-year-old open-shirted wearing one once Greek’s debt woes are Galietti, chief executive of public policy analy- inauguration. I Greece’s new leaders was the same at every Greek guest. over. sis firm Policy Sonar, said in a research note. stop on last week’s tour - stick to your com- In Paris and Rome, the message was more Both men are 40. They have taken their The risks explain why Hollande and Renzi Corruption Fighters Under Fire mitments. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will nuanced. Within southern Europe, France countries’ political establishment by storm. were guarded in their support for Tsipras. “We But activists fear every day that passes puts the KPK in head to his first European summit on and Italy would appear to be Greece’s natu- They govern countries that have Europe’s want to give Greece a hand, which doesn’t greater jeopardy. If police level accusations against the Thursday duly warned that it will be near ral allies. They are run by centre-left govern- biggest and second-biggest debt as a per- mean we’ll always agree with them,” Renzi remaining commissioners they will be forced by law to stand impossible, as Athens wants, to rip up ments and that have been pushing their centage of output. Crucially, both see them- said. aside, hollowing out the agency’s leadership. While the cur- pledges made during the country’s four-year rent showdown has triggered an immediate crisis for Widodo, international bailout. Tsipras and his aides Education it has also prompted broader questions about how to stop were also advised to learn the ways of diplo- Ahead of Thursday’s EU summit, Greece’s the cycle of conflict that has seen the police and KPK lock matic custom. “Friendship requires telling new leaders also got no shortage of diplomat- horns over the years. The KPK has made many enemies since things as they are,” French Finance Minister ic education. Several officials who attended it was established in 2002 to improve Indonesia’s poor record Michel Sapin told Reuters after meeting his the meetings commented on the lack of expe- on fighting graft. Bribery is pervasive in Southeast Asia’s Greek counterpart Yanis Varoufakis last rience of international affairs exhibited by largest economy, which was ranked 107th out of 175 nations Sunday. “We must avoid misunderstandings Greece’s new ministers, and their entourages. and territories in Transparency International’s latest corrup- and make sure all, and especially the Greek Two said they were struck by the lack of tion index. A number one ranking means the least corrupt. side, understand how things are.” knowledge of EU institutions and recent deci- The KPK has exposed graft at the highest levels, leading to The positions taken this past week raise sions. “You have the impression that [the convictions for high-profile figures such as the former top pressure on Tsipras to abandon the rhetoric Greek delegations] are on quite a steep learn- judge of the constitutional court, who was jailed for life for that got him elected. Other European capi- ing curve,” said one top European official. bribery last year. But the agency’s near perfect conviction rate tals must decide how much they are willing Tsipras and other Greek officials say they has attracted many enemies, none more than the police, who to compromise to keep Greece in the euro. carry the democratic legitimacy of a resound- loath its extensive powers to pursue cases and seek prosecu- France and Italy, widely perceived as ing electoral victory. A government official tions in a special corruption court. The force has baulked at Greece’s natural allies, will have to think how said sometimes it was an advantage to be KPK attempts to tackle police corruption, with Indonesia’s far they want to go to facilitate a deal. “I inexperienced. Several European policymak- chief detective in 2009 famously mocking it as a “gecko ver- hope that this European tour has helped ers told the Greeks it was important to under- sus a crocodile”. them see what others are prepared to do - stand the views of populations in other Some are calling on Widodo to grant KPK commissioners and not do,” said one European official in European countries. immunity from prosecution during their tenures. However, Brussels. Tsipras and Varoufakis declined to In Rome on Tuesday, Economy Minister others see tensions as inevitable until the graft-ridden police comment for this article. Padoan lunched with Varoufakis. Over a meal undertake drastic reform. “I think it will be a long battle, a There isn’t much time. Greece’s bailout of marinated anchovies and ring pasta with long war,” said Hardjapamekas. —AFP ends on Feb 28. Athens says it doesn’t want Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (right) is welcomed by Italian Prime clams, the 65-year-old minister engaged his an extension, rather a bridge loan from Minister Matteo Renzi before their meeting on Feb 3, 2015 at the Palazzo tablemate over the concept of trust and how Europe while it comes up with a new plan Chigi in Rome. —AFP trust can be gained, in part by communica- for the country. So far, the answer has been tion, according to a person familiar with the All articles appearing on these no. Yet without new aid, the Greek state will European partners to adopt a more growth- selves as champions of a lost generation. meeting. “We talked less about technical solu- be starved of funds. Nine billion euros were oriented policy for the region. Both have Italians born in 1970 will pay 50 percent tions and more about language and common pages are the personal opinion of slated to arrive this year, largely from the applauded Tsipras’ victory as a triumph of more in taxes as a percentage of their life- values, and how to use European institutions the writers. Kuwait Times takes no International Monetary Fund. Tax revenues the people’s will over suffocating austerity. time income than those born in 1952, to find a common solution,” Padoan said in the responsibility for views expressed are shrinking, and privatizations have been French President Francois Hollande’s according to Bank of Italy research. They will interview with Italian daily L’Avvenire on therein. Kuwait Times invites read- halted. Analysts at Unicredit say the state administration has taken on the role of early receive half the pension benefits that cur- Friday. could run out of money by March. facilitator for Tsipras: In Paris last Sunday, rent 60-somethings do now. “We are the In Brussels, European Commission ers to voice their opinions. Please Finance Minister Michel Sapin, after meeting same age, and our generation has been the President Jean-Claude Juncker was affection- send submissions via email to: opin- Diplomatic Balancing-Act Varoufakis, sent a text message to Schaeuble buffer of bad political choices,” Tsipras said. ate towards Tsipras, kissing him on the cheek [email protected] or via snail The clearest message to Greece this past asking him to meet the Greek finance minis- Yet for Italy and France, Syriza also poses a and taking the new Greek leader by hand. week came, as expected, from Germany. ter, according to a French official. During a risk. Hollande and Renzi are centre-left leaders Behind the cameras, the 60-year-old Juncker mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. During a news conference with Greek lengthy news conference after they met in who, under pressure from Europe and eco- offered the younger Tsipras a tutorial on the The editor reserves the right to edit Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis in Berlin, Rome on Tuesday, Italian Premier Matteo nomic downturns, are trying to embark on ins and outs of the European Union, according any submission as necessary. German Finance Minister Wolfgang Renzi hailed Tsipras for bringing a “message market-friendly reforms. The success of Syriza, to one European official. “Tsipras was very Schaeuble dismissed Greece’s request for of hope, not just fear” to Europe. The news with its far-left, anti-market rhetoric, could receptive,” the official said. —Reuters MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 SPORTS

Hafeez out of World Cup Pearson plays down clash Bolasie eager for Palace action KARACHI: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been ruled out of LONDON: Under-pressure Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has MALABO: Yannick Bolasie is raring to get back to Premier League action with resur- the World Cup with a calf muscle injury, an official of the country’s cricket attempted to play down a clash with Crystal Palace’s midfielder gent Crystal Palace after helping Democratic Republic of Congo to third place in the board told Reuters yesterday. James McArthur during the south London club’s 1-0 win in the African Nations Cup. DR Congo defeated hosts Equatorial Guinea 4-2 on penalties “He has been advised two to three weeks rest by the doctors so he is Premier League on Saturday. after a 0-0 draw at the Estadio de Malabo on Saturday, with the 25-year-old forward out of the World Cup,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman Raza Two months after receiving a one-match touchline ban and fine playing the whole match. Bolasie has kept a close eye on his club side’s results whilst he has been away on international duty and says he is looking forward to tak- Kitchlew said. He said the tour selection committee has sought to replace for arguing with one of his team’s supporters, Pearson has come under scrutiny again after appearing to grab the visiting player by ing his momentum from the tournament back to England. “Have I missed the Hafeez with 25-year-old opener Nasir Jamshed who has played 45 ODIs. “A Premier League? You could say that,” he told reporters. “I’ve missed it for sure, but request with medical reports has been sent to the ICC technical committee the throat during Leicester’s home defeat. I’ve enjoyed my time here. “Crystal Palace have been on the fly at the moment. for inducting Jamshed into the squad,” Kitchlew said. McArthur, who nearly signed for the league’s bottom club in the We’ve won five games and lost one (of the last six), so the mood is much higher. Hafeez, 34, has been one of Pakistan’s key player, having close season before moving to Palace from Wigan Athletic, acciden- “Hopefully, I can come back and restore even more confidence as well. That’s my scored 4542 runs and taken 122 wickets in 155 One-day inter- tally knocked Pearson over as he slid off the pitch into the technical aim.” Bolasie will return to the 13th placed south London club after an nationals. He became the second Pakistan player to miss area. The manager reacted my putting his hand around the player’s encouraging showing at the tournament. He helped DR Congo reach the the World Cup through injury after left-arm paceman neck as both lay on the ground and then tugging the Scotland inter- semi-finals for the first time since 1998 and also scored the team’s open- Junaid Khan pulled out with a hamstring injury and was national’s shirt when he tried to get back onto the pitch. er against Zambia to secure a point. replaced by Rahat Ali. Hafeez, who is not allowed to bowl The pair were both pictured smiling during the incident and “I think my own personal performance has been pretty good. because of his illegal action, was due to undergo an official Pearson, whose team suffered their third straight league defeat after I’ve got three fair play awards, two Man of the Match awards Joe Ledley struck in the second half for Palace, said it wasn’t a big and a bronze medal, so I think it’s gone well,” he said. bowling assessment on Feb 16 in Brisbane but another PCB “I don’t know if I can say that it’s one of the greatest official said it was unlikely that the player would deal. “I didn’t see that one coming if I am honest,” Pearson told Sky moments of my career because we have only come third undergo the test on that day. Pakistan begin their Sports. “But there you are. I was pushed to the floor and held my but it’s been a great achievement for us personally and as World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India own.” Asked why he held back McArthur back, the Leicester boss a nation. I’m really happy because it’s been a good tour- next Sunday at Adelaide. — Reuters replied: “Because he said something to me. —Reuters nament to be honest. —Reuters India’s Lahiri clinches European Tour title

KUALA LUMPUR: Indian Anirban Lahiri It lasted only one hole before secured his breakthrough European Tour Wiesberger made a mess of his approach title by overhauling Austrian Bernd shot at the 17th to hand the advantage Wiesberger in a dramatic final round of back to Lahiri. Lahiri said Saturday’s the Malaysian Open yesterday. round had been crucial to his becoming Just three months after coming only the fourth Indian to win a European through qualifying school, Lahiri made Tour title and was already calculating his up five shots on overnight leader chances of a U.S. Masters debut next Wiesberger before holding his nerve year. “In hindsight that was one of the over the last few holes to emerge a win- most crucial rounds of my career and it’s ner by a single stroke after carding a fantastic when you play well at the right four-under-par 68. times,” he added. “I don’t think it’s sunk in just yet,” said “The Masters is definitely one of my the 27-year-old after finishing 16-under targets. I don’t know how far I’ll move up for the tournament. “But I’m pretty sure (in rankings), but I’m pretty confident when it hits home it’s going to be a really now with this win I should have a pretty happy moment for me. good chance.” “I think I’ve got a bad habit of making Wiesberger’s fourth successive top-10 it hard for myself, but I’m happy I got finish put him in the top five on The Race over the line, as ugly as it was towards to Dubai, but the 29-year old was left to the end.” Lahiri, who soared into con- ruing his closing 74. tention with a third round 62 on “It hasn’t quite finished the way I Saturday, got off to a blistering start at intended to,” said Wiesberger. “After the the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club by hiccup on five, I didn’t hit it anywhere birdying four of his first five holes. near as good as the last 15 rounds. It’s Wiesberger also picked up shots at his tough to say, but it is what it is and first two holes and it was only when the unfortunately I beat myself out of it Austrian double bogeyed the par-five today.” BOSTON: Ryan Strome No. 18 of the New York Islanders and Torey Krug No. 47 of the Boston Bruins exchange punches during the first period at seventh that the duel was on. Englishman Paul Waring (73) and TD Garden. — AFP Lahiri sank a 40-foot putt at the 17th Spaniard Alejandro Canizares (74) fin- to grab the outright lead for the first time ished tied for third on 13 under, while but Wiesberger birdied the 16th to tie defending champion Lee Westwood Kings stop Lightning the contest up again. returned 75 for a share of fifth. —Reuters

TAMPA: Justin Williams had two goals and the Islanders, who have lost four of five. Former BLUE JACKETS 4, SENATORS 1 Los Angeles Kings got a rare road win, beating Bruin Chad Johnson made 34 saves. Curtis McElhinney stopped 34 shots and the Lightning 4-2 on Saturday and snapping the Columbus Blue Jackets scored four goals Tampa Bay’s franchise-record 10-game home SABRES 3, STARS 2 in the third period to beat the Ottawa winning streak. Jhonas Enroth made 38 saves and Chris Senators. Cam Atkinson, Nick Foligno, Scott Tyler Toffoli and Drew Doughty also scored Stewart assisted on all three goals for the Hartnell and Mark Letestu had the goals to for the Kings, who had lost four in a row on the Buffalo Sabres in their first victory at home in help the Blue Jackets win for the second time road and are 6-12-6 overall away from home. more than a month. Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis in two nights. Erik Condra had the only goal Robyn Regehr ended an eight-game point and Zemgus Girgensons scored for the Sabres, for the Senators, also in the third period. drought with two assists. Tampa Bay got goals who won at First Niagara Center for the first Robin Lehner stopped 29 shots as Ottawa lost from Nikita Kucherov and Victor Hedman. It time since Dec. 27. Tyler Seguin and Cody its third straight. was the Lightning’s first loss at home since los- Eakin had goals for the Dallas Stars, who start- ing 5-3 to Washington on Dec. 9. ed a three-game road trip by spotting the last- CANUCKS 5, PENGUINS 0 place Sabres a 3-0 lead. Ryan Miller made 31 saves for his sixth PREDATORS 3, RANGERS 2 shutout of the season and 35th of his career, Mike Ribeiro scored with 7:14 left in the MAPLE LEAFS 5, OILERS 1 leading the Vancouver Canucks to a 5-0 victo- third period and the Nashville Predators Interim coach Peter Horachek scratched ry over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday bounced back from a rare home loss to beat David Clarkson and started James Reimer and night. the New York Rangers. The Predators, coming the Toronto Maple Leafs snapped an 11-game Alexandre Burrows had a goal and an off their third regulation loss at home this sea- winless streak, beating the Edmonton Oilers. assist, and Bo Horvat, Shawn Matthias, Zack son against Anaheim on Thursday night, Richard Panik scored in Clarkson’s spot on Kassian and Daniel Sedin each also scored for improved to 11-0-1 after a regulation loss this the power play and Reimer, starting with Vancouver. Radim Vrbata added two assists. season. Pekka Rinne made 30 saves in his sec- Jonathan Bernier out sick, made 31 saves to Thomas Greiss stopped 22 shots for ond game back from a knee injury. help Toronto win for the first time since Jan. 9 Pittsburgh. Down 2-0 after the first, the Ribeiro’s goal was his 700th career point. and just the second time since Horachek took Penguins thought they had gotten back in the Roman Josi and captain Shea Weber also over for Randy Carlyle. Luke Gadzic’s goal with game early in the second, but Derrick Pouliot’s scored. Rick Nash scored his league-leading 2.3 seconds left ended Reimer’s shutout bid. shot that hit the post and then Miller was dis- 33rd goal, and Ryan McDonagh also scored for Phil Kessel, Mike Santorelli, Morgan Rielly and allowed after it was ruled the net was off the Rangers. They had won three straight. Peter Holland also scored for Toronto. before the puck crossed the line.

WILD 1, AVALANCHE 0 CANADIENS 6, DEVILS 2 HURRICANES 5, SHARKS 4, Charlie Coyle scored and Devan Dubnyk Tomas Plekanec and Dale Weise each Andrej Sekera and Victor Rask scored 3:41 stopped 18 shots for his fourth shutout in nine scored twice and P.K. Subban assisted on apart late in the third period and the Carolina starts with Minnesota, leading the Wild to a 1- three power-play goals as the Montreal Hurricanes beat the San Jose Sharks 5-4 on 0 win over the Colorado Avalanche for their Canadiens beat the New Jersey Devils. Saturday night. fifth straight win. Andrei Markov and Lars Eller also scored for Eric Staal, Andrej Nestasil and Elias With just over 5 minutes left in the third the Canadiens, who topped two goals for the Lindholm also scored for the Hurricanes, who period, Dubnyk turned away five Colorado first time in five games. Markov, Eller and are 9-3-3 since Jan. 1 and have won four shots on a power play to preserve the lead as Plekanec scored in the second period to put straight in San Jose. Cam Ward stopped 23 Wild fans chanted “Dooooob” for their recently Montreal ahead 3-1. Plekanec and Weise shots to improve to 4-1 against the Sharks. acquired goalie. One of those five shots was a scored 30 seconds apart with about 7 1/2 min- Tomas Hertl scored twice and Logan Couture wrister by Matt Duchene that sneaked KUALA LUMPUR: Anirban Lahiri of India poses with his trophy for photographers utes remaining in the third, and Weise scored and Patrick Marleau also scored goal for San after winning the Malaysian Open golf tournament. —AP between Dubnyk’s legs, but Wild defenseman again with 4:42 left. Michael Cammalleri and Jose. Antti Niemi finished with 26 saves. Jonas Brodin swiped it out before it crossed Jacob Josefson scored for the Devils, who Sekera put the Hurricanes ahead with less the line. Minnesota has won five straight in snapped a three-game winning streak. New than 5 minutes remaining and Rask’s empty- Holmes and English share lead regulation for the first time since March 25, Jersey also ended a run of six consecutive netter made it 5-3 with 1:10 to go. Marleau 2013. games with at least one point. closed the scoring 15 seconds later. — AP LA JOLLA: Brain surgery survivor J.B. ble-bogey on his fourth hole created a Holmes joined overnight leader Harris tight leaderboard. RED WINGS 3, COYOTES 1 English atop the Farmers Insurance Open After driving the ball in the fairway Petr Mrazek stopped 22 shots, including a leaderboard following the third round at bunker of the picturesque par four that third-period penalty shot, and the Detroit Red NHL results/standings Torrey Pines on Saturday. hugs the Pacific Ocean coastline, English Wings moved into a first-place tie in the Eastern Conference with a victory over the Holmes put together a four-under 68 sent his approach into the left rough Nashville 3, NY Rangers 2; Los Angeles 4, Tampa Bay 2; Boston 2, NY Islanders 1; Buffalo 3, Dallas on the tough South course to move to short of the green. Arizona Coyotes. With Detroit ahead 1-0, 2; Toronto 5, Edmonton 1; Montreal 6, New Jersey 2; Columbus 4, Ottawa 1; Minnesota 1, nine-under 207 for the tournament while His chip shot flew over the putting Mrazek made a blocker save of Martin Erat’s Colorado 0; Detroit 3, Arizona 1; Vancouver 5, Pittsburgh 0; Carolina 5, San Jose 4. English finished with a 73. surface and his par save attempt from penalty shot with 8:22 left after Erat was Former U.S. Open winner Lucas Glover the fringe rolled six feet by the hole. hauled down on a short-handed breakaway. Western Conference Eastern Conference (70), recent Sony Open winner Jimmy When he missed the bogey putt the 25- Riley Sheahan, Tomas Tatar and Darren Pacific Division Atlantic Division Walker (70) and fellow Americans year-old dropped back to nine under and Helm scored for Detroit in its third straight WL OTLGFGAPTS Detroit 31 12 9 155 130 71 Spencer Levin (70), Chad Campbell (70) while he was back in double digits under win. The Red Wings’ third straight win gave Anaheim 34 12 7 159 143 75 Tampa Bay 33 16 5 174 142 71 Montreal 33 15 3 138 116 69 and Nick Watney (72) shared third at par through 13 holes an bogey on 16 them 71 points and moved them even with San Jose 28 19 7 153 149 63 eight-under. Holmes, who underwent dropped him back into a share of the Boston 28 17 7 138 128 63 Tampa Bay. Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s career-high Vancouver 29 19 3 140 131 61 Florida 23 17 10 125 142 56 brain surgery for Chiari malformations in lead. Campbell made a silky hole-in-one 16th goal with under 2 minutes left ended Calgary 29 21 3 152 136 61 Toronto 23 27 4 153 165 50 2011, managed seven birdies with three on the postcard third hole on the way to Mrazek’s bid for a second straight shutout. Los Angeles 22 18 12 140 141 56 Ottawa 20 22 9 139 144 49 bogeys leaving him in great shape to his 70. Buffalo 16 34 3 100 186 35 Arizona 19 27 7 122 176 45 chase down a fourth win on tour. Five players are just two shots off the BRUINS 2, ISLANDERS 1 Metropolitan Division Edmonton 14 30 9 121 177 37 “I hit it really well all day and putted lead including Australian world number Loui Eriksson scored the go-ahead goal Pittsburgh 30 15 8 151 134 68 Central Division NY Islanders 33 18 1 164 147 67 well, so it was nice to get out there on eight Jason Day, who holed out for an with 7:34 left in the third period and Tuukka Nashville 34 12 6 158 125 74 Washington 28 15 10 156 132 66 this beautiful golf course and make some eagle on the 17th from 147 yards just Rask stopped 39 shots to lift the surging NY Rangers 30 16 4 150 120 64 putts,” Holmes said. two holes after felling a young boy with Boston Bruins over the New York Islanders for St. Louis 34 14 4 166 128 72 Philadelphia 22 22 8 142 154 52 “Started out pretty good and was able an errant tee shot. “I felt awful and I will their ninth win in 12 games. Chicago 32 18 2 157 119 66 New Jersey 21 23 9 121 146 51 to chip one in on four to kind of get me make sure he is okay and gets some nice Winnipeg 26 18 10 147 142 62 Columbus 23 25 3 132 157 49 Patrice Bergeron added a first-period, pow- Carolina 19 26 7 116 139 45 going.” English began the day with a two- stuff,” Day said. “After that I just thought I er-play goal for the Bruins, who have collected Minnesota 25 20 6 139 140 56 shot lead and extended it to three with have to play good for him, not quit on Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one points in 14 of their last 16 games (10-2-4). Colorado 22 20 11 134 147 55 point in the standings and are not included in an opening-hole birdie but a costly dou- the round.” — Reuters John Tavares had a power-play goal for the Dallas 23 21 8 164 170 54 the loss column (L). MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 SPORTS Afghanistan look to repeat Ireland shock factor

KARACHI: Afghanistan hope to follow the World Cup giant-killing blueprint drawn up by fellow out- siders Ireland when they make their debut at the game’s showpiece tournament. Ireland defeated mighty Pakistan to reach the Super Eights stage at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean before defeating England in a high-scor- ing match in the 2011 tournament in India. “My wish would be to emulate what Ireland have done in the last couple of World Cups. They have caused shocks by playing positive, entertaining cricket,” said Andy Moles, who replaced former Pakistan paceman Kabir Khan as Afghanistan coach in September last year. It was Kabir who lifted the nascent cricket nation from division five in 2008 to narrowly missing out on a berth in the 2011 World Cup. Another former Pakistani international, Rashid Latif, then helped Afghanistan reach the the 2010 World Twenty20 and take the silver medal at the 2010 Asian Games in China. Latif believes Afghanistan should not worry about results in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand where they will face both co-hosts as well as Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Scotland in the group stages. “I have faith in them. The way they are investing money, the Afghanistan team will beat top teams in the next five years,” said Latif. But he also cautioned: “I don’t want them to go down like Kenya.” The African nation reached the semi-finals of the 2003 World Cup but their fall from grace led them to losing their one-day international credentials. “For me they should gain more and more experi- ence and with that learn to play better after the World Cup. “I want them to play in a manner that if the kids are watching on television back home they will feel proud of them.” With two channels pledging live coverage, Afghanistan will begin their maiden World Cup campaign against Bangladesh in Canberra on February 18. Afghanistan will take heart from their shock win over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup in Dhaka last year. It was their first win in 10 one-day internationals against a Test-playing nation. But like most of the Asian and Associates teams, batting on bouncy Australian pitches and coping with swing in New Zealand will be the main chal- lenge. SRI LANKA: In this file photo taken Monday, March 3, 2014, Afghanistan’s Afghanistan’s batsmen know one way of batting- Nawroz Mangal plays a shot during the Asia Cup one-day international cricket to attack. “The biggest challenge is going to be how tournament. — AP the batsmen handle the quicker bowlers. Playing in Australia is going to be quite brutal for some of these guys who aren’t used to those conditions,” Warner, Maxwell tons said Moles. “I will work hard to get them as much confi- expose India’s bowling dence as possible, to play without fear of failure and, if they see an opportunity at any stage in a ADELAIDE: David Warner and Glenn had a scare when Mohammad Shami (3- game, to take it. Maxwell struck blistering centuries as 83) left the field with a split webbing but “I’d like them to enjoy the challenge that lies Australia flexed their batting muscles to returned soon after to resume bowling. ahead of them.” With experienced players like expose defending champion India’s Their batting on a good track could Nowroz Mangal, Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah Shinwari, Najibullah Zadran, Shapoor Zadran and bowling limitations in a World Cup not offer much relief, however, with only Hamid Hasan, Afghanistan will hope they can show ADELAIDE: India’s Ravichandran Ashwin (right) plays a shot from the Australian bowling warmup match in Adelaide yesterday. Shikhar Dhawan (59), Ajinkya Rahane their talent in the big league. — AFP during the one-day international warm-up cricket match. — AFP Opting to bat first, Australia piled up (66) and Ambati Rayudu (53) managing 371 in 48.2 overs and bowled out India to impress. for 265 in a dominant display to explain Batting mainstay Virat Kohli dragged a Ireland target more shocks, Test status why they are considered favourites for Mitchell Starc delivery onto his stumps the World Cup beginning on Saturday. and the Australian nonchalantly took a LONDON: It is a measure of Ireland’s success their quest for Test status, with the West ruled out through injury. They dominated India in all three one-handed blinder on the edge of the at the last two World Cups that it will no Indies, South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, “We’ve produced some wonderful per- departments even though the tourna- boundary to dismiss India captain longer count as a stunning shock if they Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates in their formances over the years in World Cups, and ment co-hosts did not last a full 50 overs Mahendra Singh Dhoni for a golden defeat a Test nation in Australia and New sights. Experienced campaigners William there’s no reason why we can’t claim further in what was possibly the only blemish in duck. Zealand. Porterfield and brothers Kevin and Niall successes in Australia and New Zealand,” said their 106-run win. Left-handed Warner “It was a very good performance,” said Whether it was knocking Pakistan out of O’Brien are at the heart of an experienced captain Porterfield, one of several players in (104) played his natural game, racing to Australia stand-in skipper George Bailey the 2007 edition in the Caribbean or seeing squad coached by former West Indies bats- the squad who earns his living in the English his century in 80 balls. Maxwell (122) did before pointing out areas his team could Kevin O’Brien produce the fastest-ever World man Phil Simmons. county championship. even better, needing 53 balls to reach still improve. Cup century in a memorable victory over The trio, along with Ed Joyce and John “While we may have lost the surprise factor the 100-mark, his second 50 coming in “Early wickets tonight would have England in Bangalore four years ago, the Mooney, will be playing at their third World over the years, we’ve certainly gained a lot of just 19 balls. There was momentary dis- been nice, just to blow the game out of game’s elite have learnt to respect the men in Cup while the 15-man squad also includes respect for our brand of cricket which has comfort for Maxwell, whose attempted the water. As great as our batting was, green. “The Irish have got a good structure several tournament debutants in Andrew been pretty pleasing.” hook off Umesh Yadav resulted in an we were probably one wicket down too and good facilities,” former England all- Balbirnie, Peter Chase, Andrew McBrine, Ireland have also recruited retired inside edge that crashed onto his helmet many and you’d like to see Mitchell Starc rounder Paul Collingwood, now a member of Stuart Thompson, and Craig Young, although Australian pace ace Brett Lee to work as a and he also needed medical attention on catch with both hands,” he quipped. Scotland’s backroom staff, told the ICC web- Middlesex paceman Tim Murtagh has been bowling consultant at the World Cup. — AFP his lower back after reaching 50. Maxwell Dhoni said he was still looking for the site. “They’re always a well-drilled unit and a retired to allow his team mates to get final 11 players for next Sunday’s tourna- lot of their players have got county experi- some batting practice but not before ment opener against Pakistan. “It’s a very ence so you know they’re going to cause plundering 27 runs from a Yadav over long tournament and what we have seen teams problems. and hitting three sixes in a row. is the team that does well is the one that “The win against England in 2011 was India, having lost paceman Ishant comes from the bottom and slowly picks huge. It will be their goal to have an Irish Test Sharma to a knee injury earlier in the day, up momentum,” he added. — Reuters team to keep hold of the players that have come over to England to do that,” he added. And therein lies the problem for Ireland. India paceman Ishant Their plight is summed-up by the fact the best Irish batsman of his generation, Eoin Morgan, won’t be playing for his native country at the ruled out of World Cup World Cup but will, in fact, be captaining England instead. SYDNEY: India fast bowler Ishant Sharma ing England. He has played 12 ODIs and So long as Ireland don’t have Test status, was ruled out of the World Cup with a taken 10 wickets at an average of 40.50 there is always the chance the very best Irish knee injury yesterday and will be with his right-arm medium pace since his players will follow in Morgan’s footsteps. replaced by Mohit Sharma in the defend- debut against Zimbabwe in 2013. Ireland have done everything that could ing champions’ inexperienced pace India’s lack of a strong pace attack to reasonably be asked of them in making a case attack. Ishant missed the final test in the make the most of the Australasian wick- to become a Test nation and former Australia series against Australia in early January ets is expected to be a major hindrance fast bowler turned Yorkshire coach Jason because of the knee injury he had sus- to their quest to retain the title they won Gillespie was in no doubt, saying the ICC tained during the Boxing Day test and in spin-friendly conditions on home soil “should be making it a priority”. has not played since. in 2011. There was better news for India’s Unfortunately for Ireland, they lack the “The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 has other injury concerns with batsman political clout that saw Bangladesh become a approved Mohit Sharma as a replacement Rohit Sharma (hamstring), seamer Test country and the rest of the world game, player for Ishant Sharma in India’s squad Bhuvneshwar Kumar (ankle) and all having seen how the Tigers have struggled for the tournament,” the International rounder Ravindra Jadeja (shoulder) all since, are in no hurry to make the Irish a per- Cricket Council said in a statement yester- passing fitness tests. India open their manent member of the elite. day. Mohit, also 26, had arrived in defence of the trophy against Pakistan in Meanwhile the Irish players soldier on in Australia only for the tri-series also involv- Adelaide next Sunday. — Reuters the hope another World Cup scalp will aid Kevin O’Brien of Ireland celebrates in this file photo. Pakistan hard pressed to repeat 1992 triumph KARACHI: If there is one team among the top eight Australia some 23 years ago. pended in November last year also over an illegal be important too as a batsman in the slog overs as at the World Cup which could either crash out “Desite the problems this team has the spirit of bowling action-needs to clear a reassessment test will be Umar Akmal, Misbah and Sohaib Maqsood. embarrassingly in the first round or romp to the cornered tigers,” said chief selector and former cap- to allow the right combination to Misbah. Pakistan’s top-order problem persists as Hafeez title, it’s Pakistan. tain Moin Khan, a key member of 1992 winning “It will be important that Hafeez clears the test opening the innings with Ahmed Shehzad doesn’t The talented yet unpredictable side are haunted team. “If they play to their potential this team can because he is two-in-one and his bowling gives us always guarantee a trouble-free start. by injuries to their fast bowlers, the suspension of surprise the world.” Captain Misbah, who has recov- the right combination,” said the captain. They will hope experienced the Younis Khan and match-winning spinner Saeed Ajmal and a tussle for ered from a hamstring injury, is also confident of Lanky paceman Mohammad Irfan-the tallest Misbah provide stability to the batting, for which the captaincy between Misbah-ul Haq and Shahid the best results. “The format of this World Cup is man to ever play international cricket at 7 feet, one the main problem lies in playing too many dot balls. Afridi. Frontline paceman Umar Gul was not sel- such that teams have a lot of opportunities,” said inch-is expected to be the X-factor in an otherwise Pakistan has the worst run-rate among the top ceted in the 15-man squad after failing to recover Misbah, who will retire from one-day cricket after inexperienced pace attack. ten teams in playing dot balls from over 11 to 40. from a knee injury while another new-ball bowler the World Cup. “It would be the icing on the cake if I “To me the X-factor in our team is Irfan. With his Pakistan must win one of their first two matches- Junaid Khan had to withdraw. end my one-day career with the trophy.” But Misbah height I think he can be dangerous,” said coach against arch-rivals India and the West Indies-in Twin defeats in the warm-up matches to sec- knows his bowling will miss Ajmal, who has single- Waqar Younis, who missed Pakistan’s World Cup win order to have an easier passage into the last eight.If ond string sides followed by two one-day interna- handedly won matches for Pakistan before being in 1992 with a back problem. In Ajmal’s absence, not, their qualification will rely on their last group B tionals routs by New Zealand multiplied the enor- suspended for an illegal bowling action last leg-spinner Yasir Shah, along with all-rounder Afridi, match against a dangerous Ireland team, the same mity of the task for Misbah’s men to match Imran September. will handle the spin department. Afridi, who will opponents who ousted them in the first round of Khan’s World Cup triumph-Pakistan’s only win in Spinning all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez-sus- also quit one-day cricket after the World Cup, will the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean. —AFP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 SPORTS Chinese boat Dongfeng sets pace for Ocean Race SANYA: China’s Team Dongfeng led the fleet out of its Dongfeng and their French skipper Charles Caudrelier. Sanya Bay before setting out for the open seas in Higby was determined to make the most of his home port of Sanya yesterday for leg four of the Volvo The boat made history in the 41-year-old race, for- winds of up to 15 knots yesterday. unexpected opportunity. “I know Adil is devastated to Ocean Race, a 5,264-nautical mile trip to Auckland that merly the Whitbread Round the World Race, last It is likely to be a baptism of fire for Abu Dhabi’s have to miss the fourth leg and I have wished him a promises particularly treacherous conditions in the month when it became the first from China to win a trimmer, Alex Higby, a 29-year-old Briton who until speedy recovery,” he said. “I haven’t had much time to first two days. Once the six-strong fleet has emerged leg. It edged out Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing in the third Sunday had been working as a hand in the sail loft of think about the significance of getting the call-up from from the protection of Sanya Bay, it is likely to be hit by stage from Abu Dhabi to Sanya and took the overall the team’s shore crew. Ian, but I’m of course very excited to get the chance to strong winds of up to 30 knots and a strong current race lead from the Emirati boat by just one point. He was awakened at 7am local time by Abu Dhabi’s sail in my first Volvo Ocean Race leg.” The fleet is running in the opposite direction. The crew then followed up on Saturday (Feb. 7) by skipper Ian Walker and was told to get his sailing kit expected to arrive in Auckland in about three-and-a- That is likely to result in waves that in the last edi- winning the Sanya in-port race, again a first for China out of storage. The team’s first choice in his role, Adil half weeks. In all, it will sail 38,739 nautical miles over tion in 2011-12 measured up to 15 metres in height. in an event that is being staged for the 12th time. Khalid, had been struck down by a vomiting bug and the nine months of the race before the conclusion in Very little, however, appears to be bothering The fleet raced around the relatively protected pulled out of the stage to New Zealand. Gothenburg, Sweden, on June 27. —AP Aussies peaking at right time

SYDNEY: Australia are peaking at the right on February 28. time for a crack at their fifth World Cup tri- Much will depend on Australia’s ability to umph and will go into this month’s tourna- get quick runs at the top of the innings and ment at home on top of the rankings. they have the right ammunition with Under the attacking coaching of Darren adventurous opening pair of Aaron Finch Lehmann, the Australians have registered and Warner. Warner has three ODI centuries, some impressive results and have only lost including a recent 127 off 115 balls against one of their last 12 ODIs. England in the tri-series, while Finch has five Australia accounted for the third-ranked tons, four of them last year. South Africans 4-1 in a series at home last Throw in Smith, the experienced Shane November and comfortably beat England Watson, possibly George Bailey depending and India in a tri-series in the final weeks on Clarke’s availability, batting all-rounders before the World Cup. Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner and Lehmann and fellow selectors have Mitchell Marsh and Australia have plenty of assembled a strong playing group around a runs in their ranks. core of key players-David Warner, Steve Mitchell Johnson, the ICC Cricketer of Smith, Mitchell Johnson and possibly skip- 2014, leads the attack with fellow left-armer per Michael Clarke, fitness issues depend- Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat ing. Clarke has been troubled by hamstring Cummins offering pace and venom. and back problems throughout the south- While the Australians are well stocked ern summer and he is already a doubt for with fast bowlers, there is some concern the opening game against England on over the selection of Xavier Doherty as the February 14. Given stand-in skipper Smith’s specialist attacking spinner. phenomenal form with the bat this season- The Australians relish playing aggressive three ODI centuries since October-there are cricket under Lehmann and Warner has those who say Australia may not even miss already been told by Cricket Australia to Clarke’s leadership and batting. “stop looking for trouble” after his recent Australia’s biggest challenge will be how clash with Indian batsman Rohit Sharma. the team handles the external pressures as The explosive opener was fined half his the host nation that will decide its winning one-day match fee by the ICC for con- chances. The Australians didn’t cope in 1992 fronting Sharma and demanding he “speak when they last hosted the sport’s show- English” during Australia’s four-wicket win in piece and they missed out on the semi- Melbourne this month. finals. The home team have traditional New Zealand cricket great Martin Crowe PERTH: In this Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, file photo, Englandís Stuart Broad(center) is congratulated by team mates. — AP rivals England first up on February 14 at the called Warner’s behavior “thuggish” and Melbourne Cricket Ground, the venue for slammed him as being the most juvenile the March 29 final. cricketer he had ever seen. But it’s like water England face tough start The Australians also have Sri Lanka, New off a duck’s back for coach Lehmann, who Zealand Bangladesh and associate teams said: “David’s an aggressive character and Afghanistan and Scotland in their pool and we support that. It’s just making sure he LONDON: England will look to launch their bid ourselves. If we do that we’ll be a very danger- axed England batsman-playing in Australia’s will have home advantage for all but their does the right thing on the ground. We’ll to win a maiden World Cup title when they face ous side regardless of who we’re playing.” domestic Big Bash Twenty20 tournament-said pool game with the Black Caps in Auckland work with him with that.” — AFP co-hosts Australia on February 14, having been But his protestations that England were not Morgan would “love to have me in the England thrashed by their arch-rivals just last week. under pressure were met with a withering team”. But if Pietersen’s comments were pre- The recent tri-series saw England lose three response from Johnson. “I think they are dream- dictable, revelations that Morgan had been the times to Australia, with the final in Perth ending ing if they think they are not under pressure,” subject of a blackmail attempt by the current in a crushing 112-run defeat for Eoin Morgan’s Johnson said. “Every team is going to be under partner of his former girlfriend were bizarre. men. Significantly, Australia fast bowler Mitchell pressure.”It has not all been doom and gloom for The England and Wales Cricket Board follow- Johnson marked his first appearance of 2015 England, the last of whose three losing World ing talks with British police, contacted the with a decisive spell of three top-order wickets Cup finals was in Australia in 1992, on this latest potential blackmailer, who they said had “apolo- in just 10 balls that included the left-armer bowl- trip ‘Down Under’. gised”, with ECB managing director Paul ing Morgan first ball. Experienced batsman Ian Bell made scores of Downton insisting the issue had been “brought The way in which the World Cup is structured 88 not out against defending champions India to a swift conclusion”. means England should still qualify for the quar- and 141 against the Aussies in Hobart earlier in On the field, it appears England are content ter-finals regardless of the outcome of their the tri-series. to keep the big-hitting Alex Hales in reserve for Valentine’s Day opener. And in ditching Test captain Alastair Cook, the time being. The way in which fast bowler However, the Australia match was sympto- who had scored just one fifty in his last 22 one- Steven Finn showed signs of a return to form matic of some longstanding England failings in day innings, from the World Cup squad before with five wickets in the recent win over India was one-day cricket with a promising performance they left England, the selectors lanced an espe- an encouraging sign. in the field falling away towards the end of the cially nasty boil, with an opening partnership But whether England have the match-win- innings before ‘extreme’ bowling, in this case between Bell and left-hander Moeen Ali offering ners-the batsmen and bowlers who can trans- sheer pace rather than sharp spin, proved their grounds for some optimism. form a one-day contest in a matter of overs- undoing. After the Perth fixture, a defiant Meanwhile the new skipper neatly evaded a when the pressure is really on remains to be Morgan said: “We strive to get the best out of verbal bouncer from Kevin Pietersen when the seen. — AFP Disaster plants seeds for Black Caps dream

WELLINGTON: When South Africa rolled New Zealand for 45 in a Test innings two years ago little did they know they had also sown the seeds for the Black Caps to become strong contenders for the 2015 World Cup. Notables such as South African skipper AB de Villiers and India’s Rahul Dravid head a worldwide chorus of predic- SYDNEY: In this Jan. 16, 2015 file photo, Australia’s James Faulkner drives the ball tions that New Zealand, playing on home wickets through to the against England during their one-day International cricket match. — AP semi-finals, will be in the final four at least. Such sound support reflects the depth of talent building within a squad producing consistent performances far removed from the innings in South Africa which ignited deep soul searching by the Scotland desperate New Zealanders. It may have been a Test match but it brought an across the board shake up of player attitudes with New Zealand’s to end losing streak one-day unit developing into a fiercely competitive unit. The pat- tern of a top-order failure leading to an innings collapse has been LONDON: Scotland arrive at what will be Yorkshire seamer Iain Wardlaw to be includ- replaced by a culture where they believe they can beat any team; their third World Cup desperate for a maid- ed in the 15-man party. The backroom staff the image of a side filled with individual agendas has been turned en tournament victory after eight defeats is even more cosmopolitan with head into a “team effort” ethos. combined at the 1999 and 2007 editions. coach Grant Bradburn, a former New “You can’t have a team-first mentality if only a few people are For a non-Test nation, the Scots’ World Zealand Test cricketer, assisted by ex- buying into it. When you have players sacrificing their own personal Cup record may not seem that surprising England all-rounder Paul Collingwood. records for what the team needs, that’s what it’s all about,” says but the fact they bowed out of the 2007 Both Bradburn and Collingwood will be coach Mike Hesson. As a result captain Brendon McCullum takes his World Cup in the Caribbean with a crushing looking to defeat their native countries, side into the World Cup off the back of a series wins against Sri eight-wicket defeat by fellow associate with New Zealand, the tournament co- Lanka and Pakistan in the past month, and a reputation as team country the Netherlands tells its own story. hosts, and England the Scots’ opening two that fights to the end. In 2012, the year prior to the frank self-analy- For many years Scotland were regarded pool opponents. sis, New Zealand had a disappointing 4-10 ODI win-loss record. as one of the premier non-Test nations, sup- Collingwood, still playing county cricket After the South Africa debacle, it improved to 7-10 in 2013 and pro- plying an England captain in the late Mike for Durham, has forged a reputation as a gressed to the right side of the ledger at 9-5 last year. They have Denness during the 1970s and county stal- tough, competitive professional and has won four of their past five series and three times in the past two warts such as Essex’s Brian Hardie. However, been helping Scotland with the mental side years New Zealand have successfully chased down a target of more recently they’ve had to look on enviously as of their game in particular. “I always felt in than 250 beating India, Pakistan and England-as they worked on Ireland, the Netherlands and Afghanistan the past that if you got on top of Scotland, have all shone on the world stage, with then there was no fight,” said Collingwood. their World Cup strategy. Bangladesh making the transition from “I was just being honest and allowing them “It’s nice to win games when you’re under the pump and that’s associate to Test status. to come up with a brand of cricket that they something we pride ourselves on,” says Hesson. “Chasing under “We’ve underachieved over the last five wanted to play. Grasping that has been an pressure is important. We’re going to have a lot of chases in the next to ten years,” Scotland all-rounder Calum important step forward for them.” few months and we’re going to be in pressure situations.” New MacLeod told the CricInfo website. “We Collingwood, renowned for his fielding Zealand are opening their innings with McCullum, a renowned big- need to beat some Full Members (Test skills, added: “Scotland’s fielding is world- hitter, tasked with setting a commanding run-a-ball rate from the nations). If we manage to do that then the class and it’s an area where we should shine start. “If Brendon doesn’t come off it’s someone else’s opportunity,” exposure of the game will increase,” he in Australia and New Zealand.” But there is says Hesson, stressing his philosophy that the loss of key wickets added, conscious of how such victories only so much coaches can do and the way does not have to have a negative impact. have been a catalyst for the growth of Irish Scotland suffered an eight-wicket defeat by Recent performances show New Zealand are capable of pacing cricket. Scotland’s squad for the World Cup Afghanistan in the opening match of the themselves with proven run-scorers Kane Williamson and Ross features seasoned Northamptonshire bats- recent associate warm-up series in the UAE Taylor following McCullum to steer them deep into the innings. The man Kyle Coetzer while a change in qualifi- would have been a concern. Scotland reliable Grant Elliott is there should the top order fail and destruc- cation regulations, which allows British though later beat their fellow minnows by tive big-hitters Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi are capable of fin- passport holders with Scottish parentage to 150 runs in Abu Dhabi, a heartening result ishing off. Kyle Mills, Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Mitchell play for them, has paved the way for the for skipper Preston Mommsen’s side ahead McClenaghan will vie for the strike bowler positions with the squad likes of Leicestershire all-rounder Rob of the countries’ World Cup pool clash in also including quality spinners Daniel Vettori and Nathan McCullum AUSTRALIA: In this Jan. 30, 2007, file photo, New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum cele- Taylor, Sussex batsman Matt Machan and Dunedin. — AFP with Elliott and Anderson proven all rounders. — AFP brates during their one-day international cricket match against England. — AP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 SPORTS Kueng wins downhill gold

BEAVER CREEK: Sometimes, even a down- Lucky No. 13 turned into No. 1 on race day. hiller needs to be reminded to go fast. “I know everything is possible. I was really Patrick Kueng of Switzerland was told by a charging,” Kueng said. “In the past years, teammate before the race to just fly. He lis- when I took part in medal events, I had no tened and won. good events. I thought, ‘Why not today?’ American Travis Ganong was instructed My season has been pretty disappointing. I to “trust himself” on the hill. So he did and was feeling really confident and knew I earned a breakthrough silver medal, lifting could achieve a smooth and confident run the U.S. spirits after Bode Miller wasn’t able down the slope. “I love this mountain. I’m to race due to injury. lucky to sit here.” Kueng ruled the downhill at the world Ganong was motivated by teammate championships Saturday, winning the race Steven Nyman’s course report. Nyman with a consistent and concise run that was called up to the start house after his blister- just enough to hold off Ganong. Kueng ing run and told Ganong the hill was ripe earned his first world title by completing for the carving. Ganong didn’t hold any- the demanding course in 1 minute, 43.18 thing back and attacked the course. He seconds. Ganong finished 0.24 seconds pumped his ski poles after seeing his time behind Kueng, while Beat Feuz of on the scoreboard. Only, he knocked Switzerland picked up bronze. Nyman off the podium. Sure, Nyman was “I just turned my brain off, put a smile pleased for Ganong, but disappointed he on my face and had some fun,” Ganong said finished in fourth. as he raced in front of a packed venue on “He laid it down,” Nyman said. “I’m hap- home snow and with the sun shining. py with my run.” Ganong also got some This was a banner day for the Swiss and prerace advice from Rahlves, who’s well- the Americans, each placing three racers in versed in the nuances of this course. The NEW ORLEANS: Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (right) goes to the basket against Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol in the first half of an NBA the top 10. A forgetful one for the Austrians other night, Rahlves even showed Ganong basketball game. — AP as the first country of skiing didn’t have the video of his 2003 World Cup win at anyone finish better than 12th (Sochi Beaver Creek, when Rahlves flew down the Olympics downhill gold medalist Matthias course. Rahlves pointed out places where Bulls, Mavs forge ahead Mayer). What’s more, Austria hasn’t had a Ganong could gain speed. Ganong careful- men’s downhiller on the podium at worlds ly listened. since Michael Walchhofer earned a bronze “What Daron always teaches me is to ATLANTA: After Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis in 2005. Coincidentally, that’s the last time look for aerodynamics in specific places so hurt his right shoulder on a hard, awkward fall NBA results/standings the American men had a skier on the you can take the turn deep to get into that on an alley-oop dunk, Pau Gasol and the downhill podium at worlds, when Miller aerodynamic position,” said the 26-year-old Chicago Bulls pulled away for a 107-72 victory and Daron Rahlves finished 1-2. Miller Ganong, who’s from Squaw Valley, over New Orleans on Saturday night. Gasol had Chicago 107, New Orleans 72; Washington 114, Brooklyn 77; Golden State 106, NY Knicks 92; didn’t race Saturday after having surgery to California. “You can’t stay aerodynamic if 20 points and 15 rebounds for Chicago, which Philadelphia 89, Charlotte 81; Dallas 111, Portland 101 (OT); Milwaukee 96, Boston 93; Utah 102, fix a severed right hamstring tendon fol- you get tossed around sometimes. snapped a three-game skid. Derrick Rose added Sacramento 90. lowing a bad crash in the super-G. “I pushed hard today and it worked out.” 20 points for the Bulls, who went on a 40-11 run “The great champion that everybody Nyman had the fastest early run before Eastern Conference Western Conference after Davis went out. Atlantic Division Northwest Division expected to do something unfortunately being knocked out of the lead by Feuz. The dunk that drove Davis from the game W L PCT GB Portland 34 17 .667 - had a bad accident,” U.S. men’s coach Sasha Andrew Weibrecht, racing back in the pack was a two-handed jam of Tyreke Evans’ lob. Toronto 34 17 .667 - Oklahoma City 25 25 .500 8.5 Rearick said of Miller. “But the rest of the at No. 35, had an electric run going before Davis’ body swung like a pendulum as he held guys stepped up. They skied relaxed, free slowing near the finish. He wound up tied Brooklyn 21 29 .420 12.5 Denver 19 32 .373 15 the rim, then the 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward Boston 19 31 .380 14.5 and sent it.” It was actually Feuz who pro- for ninth. fell horizontally as he lost his grip. Davis stayed Utah 18 33 .353 16 vided some inspiration to Kueng, remind- Ganong is loaded with confidence these Philadelphia 12 40 .231 22.5 Minnesota 10 40 .200 23.5 in briefly before taking himself out with 4:16 left NY Knicks 10 41 .196 24 ing him not to play it safe. “I said, ‘Why not days after winning his first World Cup race in the first half and the game tied at 35. Pacific Division try your best today?’” Feuz said. “Maybe I on Dec. 28 in Italy. And now this, his first Central Division Golden State 40 9 .816 - On Friday night in Oklahoma City, Davis Chicago 31 20 .608 - shouldn’t tell him this in the future. But we medal at world championships. “All day LA Clippers 33 18 .647 8 scored 41 points and hit a 3-pointer as time Cleveland 31 21 .596 0.5 share our joy as a team.” long I was super relaxed and just having a Phoenix 29 23 .558 12.5 expired to give the Pelicans a 116-113 victory. Milwaukee 28 23 .549 3 To think, Kueng almost didn’t race. He good time,” Ganong said. “It was unbeliev- Tony Snell scored 19 points and Jimmy Butler 18 Sacramento 17 32 .347 23 had to qualify in a downhill training session able - skiing is the most fun thing you can Detroit 20 31 .392 11 for Chicago. Evans had 15 points for New Indiana 19 32 .373 12 LA Lakers 13 37 .260 27.5 the day before just to make the Swiss do. When it works out well at a venue, on a Orleans. squad. He finished 13th to secure his spot. stage like this, it’s just so special.” — AP Southeast Division Southwest Division Atlanta 42 9 .824 - Memphis 37 13 .740 - MAVERICKS 111, BLAZERS 101 Washington 32 20 .615 10.5 Houston 35 15 .700 2 Dirk Nowitzki capped a late rally with a 3- Charlotte 22 28 .440 19.5 Dallas 35 18 .660 3.5 pointer that forced overtime and finished with Miami 21 29 .420 20.5 San Antonio 32 18 .640 5 25 points, and Chandler Parsons scored 10 of his Orlando 16 37 .302 27 New Orleans 27 24 .529 10.5 20 in the extra period for Dallas. The Trail Blazers lost their seventh straight road game by blowing an 11-point lead in the Thompson had 16 on a night neither shot well. 17 points and 13 rebounds. last 2 minutes of regulation. Nowitzki’s high- Golden State improved to 40-9, tops in the The Jazz had lost five of six and were playing arching swish from the top of the key with 20 Western Conference, while the Knicks fell to 10- their fourth game in five days. DeMarcus Cousins seconds left finished a 7-0 run for a 96-all tie. The 41. Langston Galloway scored 15 points for the led the Kings with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Mavericks scored the first nine points of over- Knicks, who gave Carmelo Anthony a night off time as part of a 22-2 run. Parsons started over- and lost their third straight. BUCKS 96, CELTICS 93 time with two free throws and pumped his fist Brandon Knight scored 26 points and Giannis after a fadeaway jumper that put Dallas ahead WIZARDS 114, NETS 77 Antetokounmpo added 14 points and 11 by 10. Damian Lillard scored 26 points and John Wall scored 17 points, Rasual Butler had rebounds to help Milwaukee beat Boston for its LaMarcus Aldridge had 25 for the Blazers. 15 and Washington beat Brooklyn to break a sixth win in seven games. Jared Sullinger had 17 five-game skid. Playing without starting guard points and Marcus Smart added 13 for Boston. WARRIORS 106, KNICKS 92 Bradley Beal, who sat out with an injured right Draymond Green had 20 points and 13 big toe, Washington led throughout. The 37- 76ERS 89, HORNETS 81 rebounds, and Golden State beat New York to point margin of victory was its largest of the sea- Robert Covington scored 11 of his 22 points give Steve Kerr a win in his first game coaching son. Brook Lopez led the Nets with 19 points. in a pivotal third quarter, leading Philadelphia in the arena he nearly called home. past Charlotte. It was Philadelphia’s fourth Kerr picked the Warriors over the Knicks dur- JAZZ 102, KINGS 90 straight home victory after opening the season ing the offseason, and the difference is 30 victo- Gordon Hayward scored 30 points in Utah’s 3-18 on its home floor. Hollis Thompson added BEAVER CREEK: Switzerland’s Patrick Kueng celebrates after his run during the men’s ries as the teams near the All-Star break. victory over Sacramento. Derrick Favors finished 18 points for Philadelphia. Al Jefferson had 18 downhill competition at the alpine skiing world championships. — AP Stephen Curry scored 22 points and Klay with 20 points for the Jazz and Enes Kanter had points for Charlotte. — AP Willis shatters indoor mile mark

BOSTON: New Zealand Olympian Nick Willis ran the year’s fastest mile to shatter John Walker’s long-standing national record at the Boston Indoor Grand Prix on Saturday. Willis powered home in a personal best of three minutes, 51.61 seconds to take down 1976 Olympic champion Walker’s national indoor record of 3:52.8. Walker, the first person to run the outdoor mile in under 3:50, set his indoor mark at San Diego in 1981 and equalled it a year later. “I knew my speed was there and I could finish strongly,” said Willis, the 2008 Olympic silver medallist at 1,500 metres. Six other season bests for 2015 were set in the meeting, including for- mer world 1,500m champion Jenny Simpson’s national record 9:18.35 in the two mile run. American Simpson had heartbreakingly lost Kuwait hosts bicycle race the same race last year when she miscounted the laps for the event and stopped before even- tually finishing. KUWAIT: Kuwait Bicycle Society organized two races “I just ran lap 16 so I don’t get fined,” Simpson over the past two days, with the participation of joked on Twitter. World indoor champion Ryan Kuwait and Bahrain national teams in addition to Whiting became the first to heave the shot more Kuwait project team for professionals. than 21 metres this year when he turned back The race was held as Kuwait national team pre- former outdoor world titlist Christian Cantwell pares for the Gulf championship to be held in with a toss of 21.43 metres. Bahrain, and they mark the start of the 2014/2015 There were also fastest times of the year in season. the infrequently run 1,000 metres set by The final race was held Saturday covering 70 km, Americans Matthew Centrowitz (2:17.00) and as Kuwait’s Salman Al-Saffar and Jaafar Al-Musawi Treniere Moser (2:37.86). Ethiopian Dawit won first and second places while Abdelrazaq Al- Seyaum, the world junior champion at 1,500 Khaldi from Kuwait Project took third place. metres, added another yearly best when she ran Secretary of the Bicycles Society Abdallah Al- the 2,000 metres in 5:35.46. Shimmari lauded the continued support from the A U.S. team of Sarah Brown, Mahagony Jones, Public Authority for Youth and Sports headed by Megan Krumpoch and Brenda Martinez pro- Chairman Sheikh Ahman Al-Mansour and other offi- duced the fastest time ever in the infrequently cials. He said the race came as required, especially held indoor women’s distance medley relay, with the participation of the Bahraini team that has clocking 10:42.57 to break the previous mark by good numbers. Al-Shimmari said the race witnessed more than eight seconds. the participation of women for the first time, from US Olympian Trell Kimmons edged Jamaica’s Kuwait women bicycle team which was formed former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell recently and joined Kuwait’s national team at various by 0.01 second as he won the men’s 60 metres in levels. He called for more attention to the sport of 6.51 seconds. bicycles adding that the committee is working on World indoor record holder Jenn Suhr fin- spreading the game in various sectors. ished third on misses in the women’s pole vault, Al-Shimmari said the committee is planning for won by fellow American Mary Saxer at 4.50 mountain bicycle race and invited all to participate metres. — Reuters both hobbyists and professionals. He thanked Mubarak Al-Kabeer police for securing the race. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 SPORTS Sharapova powers Russia into Fed Cup semi-finals

KRAKOW: Former world number one Maria Sharapova sent Russia into the semi-finals of the Fed Cup yesterday as she defeated Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 7-5 to give her coun- try an unassailable 3-0 lead. Following Sharapova’s victory over sister Urszula Radwanska in straight sets on Saturday, com- bined with a three set win for veteran Svetlana Kuznetsova over Agnieszka, Russia are safely into the last four. In front of a partisan home crowd of some 15,000, Sharapova, who recently lost the Australian Open final against Serena Williams, improved her record against the world number eight to 12 wins against just two defeats. Agnieszka saved two match points at 2-5 down in the second set to draw level at 5-5 but ran out of steam as five-time Grand Slam winner Sharapova closed out the match in 1hr 46mins. On Saturday, Sharapova beat Urszula Radwanska 6-0, 6-3 as Russia took a 2-0 lead over Poland in the Fed Cup World Group with the superstar taking a first step towards the Rio Olympics. Svetlana Kuznetsova earlier saw off Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 in the tie at Krakow. French Open champion Sharapova is playing just her fourth Fed Cup tie since her 2008 debut but in order to make the Olympics next year all players have to make themselves available for the annual women’s team tournament. The world number two’s win was also a perfect tonic, coming a week after her defeat to Serena Williams in the Australian Open final. Kuznetsova, a two-time Grand Slam champi- on, had already beaten the elder Radwanska sis- ter in 10 of their 14 meetings. Playing her 17th Fed Cup tie, Kuznetsova took victory with an ace on her first match point after two hours and 17 minutes. “It was important to start strong. I had a little bit of a letdown in the second set and she got a bit steadier,” said Sharapova after hitting 30 winners in her 80-minute win. “I’m happy to get through in straight sets.” ITALY: Cagliari’s midfielder Mpoku controls the ball in front of Roma’s midfielder In Genoa, 2013 champions Italy lead France from Mali Seydou Keita (back) during the Italian Serie A football match. — AFP 2-0. Sara Errani defeated Caroline Garcia 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 to give Italy the lead. Camila Giorgi, the Roma end run of draws world number 31, then made it 2-0 with a 6-4, 6- 2 win over Alize Cornet, ranked 19th. KRAKOW: Maria Sharapova of Russia returns a ball to Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during With their four Fed Cup crowns (2006, 2009, the Fed Cup World Group first round tennis match. — AP ROME: A late strike by Leandro Paredes that has enjoyed a minor resurgence under 2010, 2013), Italy, who are unbeaten at home ended Roma’s run of four successive league the guidance of Gianfranco Zola. since 2008, are firm favorites to make the semi- tions. Fifty percent of the time I had goose- Eugenie Bouchard opted not to play. draws to reduce the gap on leaders Captain Francesco Totti shook off ‘flu finals. In Stuttgart, Australia got off to a good bumps because of the atmosphere.” Smitkova, ranked 62nd, downed Canada’s Juventus to seven points and keep Rudi symptoms to spearhead a three-pronged start against Germany as world number 54 The winners of the tie will face either Russia 185th-ranked Gabriela Dabrowski 6-1, 6-2 in Garcia’s men in the Serie A title hunt yester- attack with 18-year-old Daniele Verde to his Jarmila Gajdosova beat 10th-ranked Angelique or Poland for a place in the final. Italy or France only 59 minutes. day. Elsewhere, Napoli tightened their grip right and Adem Ljajic out on the left. Kerber 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. will face either the champions Czech Republic or In World Group II, meanwhile, the United on third place with a dominant 3-1 home Cagliari had the brighter start and Roma But the hosts levelled when Andrea Petkovic Canada, who are meeting in Quebec. States, a record 17-time champions, eased to a 2- win over Udinese at the San Paolo where ‘keeper Morgan De Sanctis had to use his triumphed in a three-hour marathon with Despite missing Wimbledon champion Petra 0 lead over Argentina in Buenos Aires thanks to Dries Mertens opened the scoring and legs to save from Duje Cop at the near post. Samantha Stosur, winning 6-4, 3-6, 12-10. Kvitova, the Czechs went 2-0 up when Karolina the Williams sisters. prompted an own goal by Frenchman Verde, however, made the most of his “That is definitely one of the highlights of my Pliskova and Tereza Smitkova won their openers. Venus got things underway with a 6-3, 6-2 Cryril Thereau in the second half. Serie A debut for the Giallorossi and was career which I will keep in my mind,” said Pliskova, the world number 22, eased past win over Paula Ormaechea before world number Samuel Eto’o came off the bench for Roma’s most dangerous player in the open- Petkovic, a 2014 French Open semi-finalist. “I 230th-ranked Francoise Abanda 6-2, 6-4 who one Serena defeated Maria Irigoyen, a lowly 197 Sampdoria in Genoa but failed to make the ing half. spent half of the time trying to control my emo- was drafted into the squad when top 10 star in the rankings, 7-5, 6-0. — AFP difference as Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men saw He first hit the side-netting from a their push for a Champions League place Seydou Keita assist before sending a lob stall after being held 1-1 by Sassuolo. into the path of Ljajic for the Bosnian to Juventus sit top on 53 points, with Roma beat Zeljko Brkic in the 18th minute. Bremen shock Bayer second on 46. Napoli are a further four Roma survived a second-half onslaught points adrfit in third and Fiorentina, who by Cagliari before virtually sealing the dominated a five-goal thriller with Atalanta points when Paredes fired a superb first- BERLIN: Werder Bremen’s meteoric rise up the matches having been thrashed 4-1 at Wolfsburg their 2-0 win at ten-man Mainz 05. earlier, moved up to fourth on 35 points. timer from the edge of the area to beat Bundesliga table continued yesterday as their 2- just over a week ago. Arjen Robben scored his With Hungary national team coach Pal Sampdoria are fifth, also on 35 points, Zeljko at the keeper’s far post. 1 win over Bayer Leverkusen means they have second goal in as many games just before half- Dardai now at the helm, the visitors took the while Lazio, in sixth, can move up to fourth Cagliari reduced arrears in the fifth gone from 18th to eighth in just four games. time break before David Alaba then drilled lead when Jens Hegler converted a 35th-minute if they account for Genoa today. minute of injury time when Paul-Jose Leverkusen, who face last year’s beaten final- home a superb free-kick with 50 minutes gone. penalty on 43 minutes before Roy Beerens slot- Juventus had taken their lead over M’Poku rose to send a looping header over ists Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the Bayern stay eight points clear of second- ted their second. Hamburg continued their Roma to 10 points on Saturday with a com- De Sanctis. Champions League, found themselves 2-0 down placed Wolfsburg, who gave Germany winger march up the table to go 11th after their second manding 3-1 win over Milan in Turin, where However the Sardinians’ 11th reverse of with half an hour gone as hosts Bremen pro- Andre Schuerrle his debut after his move from consecutive victory with a 2-1 win at home to Carlos Tevez took his league-leading goals the campaign means they remain just one duced some dazzling first-half football. Chelsea in a 3-0 win at home to Hoffenheim. Hanover 96, who are winless in their last four tally to 14 for the season. place and one point above the drop zone. A superb lofted cross from attacking mid- Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne claimed games. Paderborn dropped to just above the Roma’s title push stalled due to four Inter Milan, who are 13th on 27 points fielder Fin Bartels allowed 20-year-old striker two goals in an impressive display. Hertha Berlin relegation spots after their goalless draw at consecutive league draws and with several off the pace, host in-form Palermo in Davie Selke to put Bremen ahead with 17 min- bounced back from the sacking of coach Jos Cologne while Schalke 04 went third on Friday key players missing, their trip to Sardinia Sunday’s late game looking to rescue their utes gone. Bremen’s Austrian midfielder Zlatko Luhukay on Thursday with a slick performance with a 1-0 home win against Borussia was set to be anything but plain sailing. disastrous season. Junuzovic then drilled home a stunning free kick which lifted them out of the bottom three after Moenchengladbach. — AFP Alessandro Florenzi, Kostas Manolas, Parma’s match with fellow-strugglers just inside the near post to double Werder’s lead Daniele De Rossi, Kevin Strootman, Juan Chievo was postponed until Wednesday after 29 minutes. Iturbe, Gervinho and Seydou Doumbia after heavy snowfall in recent days had left Bayer pulled a goal back when Hakan were all unavailable against a Cagliari team Parma’s pitch unplayable. — AFP Calhanoglu headed home after Gonzalo Castro had hit the post just before half time. But Leverkusen boss Roger Schmidt lost his Italian Serie A results/standings cool with tough-tackling Bremen and was ban- ished to the stands by referee Peter Sippel on 65 minutes for using offensive language to the Fiorentina 3 (Basanta 18, Diamanti 76, Pasqual 89) Atalanta 2 (Zappacosta 9, Boakye fourth official. 83); Cagliari 1 (M’Poku 90+5) Roma 2 (Ljajic 18, Paredes 85); Empoli 2 (Maccarone 29, Having been bottom of the table just before Signorelli 57) Cesena 0; Napoli 3 (Mertens 8, Gabbiadini 21, Thereau 59-og) Udinese 1 their last game of 2014, Bremen have shot up (Thereau 27); Sampdoria 1 (Eder 9) Sassuolo 1 (Acerbi 2). the table to eighth under caretaker coach Viktor Playing later Played Saturday Skripnik while Leverkusen stay sixth. Inter v Palermo Verona 1 (Toni 83) Torino 3 (Martinez 32, On Saturday, Borussia Dortmund climbed off Quagliarella 50-pen, El Kaddouri 90+2); the bottom with a 3-0 win at Freiburg while Playing today Juventus 3 (Tevez 14, Bonucci 31, Morata leaders Bayern Munich picked up their first win Lazio v Genoa 65) AC Milan 1 (Antonelli 28). of 2015. German star Marco Reus gave Dortmund an Italian Serie A table after yesterday’s early games (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, early lead before Gabon winger Pierre-Emerick goals against, points): Aubemayang added two second-half goalsr. Dortmund now face mid-table Mainz and Juventus 22 16 5 1 47 10 53 Udinese 22 7 7 8 26 30 28 strugglers Stuttgart in the league before Italian Roma 22 13 7 2 36 17 46 Inter Milan 21 6 8 7 30 29 26 league leaders Juventus away in the last 16 of Napoli 22 12 6 4 41 27 42 Verona 22 6 6 10 24 37 24 the Champions League on February 24. Fiorentina 22 9 8 5 32 22 35 Empoli 22 4 11 7 21 26 23 The result lifted Dortmund to 16th, while Sampdoria 22 8 11 3 28 24 35 Atalanta 22 5 8 9 19 29 23 Freiburg slip to 17th, still leaving both teams in Lazio 21 10 4 7 37 25 34 Cagliari 22 4 7 11 29 42 19 the drop zone with Borrusia out to avoid their Torino 22 8 7 7 25 23 31 Chievo 21 4 6 11 15 26 18 first relegation since 1972. Palermo 21 7 9 5 34 33 30 Cesena 22 3 6 13 21 43 15 Bayern continued their march to a third Genoa 21 7 8 6 29 26 29 Parma 21 3 1 17 20 46 9 straight title with a 2-0 win at VfB Stuttgart, GERMANY: Leverkusen’s midfielder Lars Bender, Leverkusen’s Turkish defender Oemer Toprak, AC Milan 22 7 8 7 32 29 29 Note: Parma deducted one point for fail- which saw Huub Stevens’ side drop to bottom of Sassuolo 22 6 11 5 28 30 29 ing to pay player salaries. Bremen’s striker Davie Selke and Bremen’s defender Jannik Vestergaard vie for the ball during the table. Bayern’s win was their first in three the German First Division Bundesliga football match against Werder Bremen. — AFP Barcelona scout blames power games for sacking

BARCELONA: Former Barcelona technical secretary anyone. “The problem at Barcelona is that there is always seeking clarity over the price. Valentin arrived at Barcelona, having previously been Alberto Valentin has blamed power games for his dis- a power struggle. “Often the sports director is the one The club said they spent 57.1 million euros ($64.64 technical secretary at Espanyol, along with Zubizarreta at missal and that of sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta who is given the job of putting out fires and he is the first million) on the Brazil forward when he signed ahead of the start of the Rosell presidency in 2010. and is now looking for a new challenge away from the person people look at when there are problems,” he said. last season and former president Sandro Rosell steadfast- He said they had to deal with a particularly turbulent pressure cooker of La Liga. “Zubizarreta was always looking to conciliate but got ly repeated the figure. spell in the club’s history. “I think in time our jobs will be Zubizarreta and assistant Valentin, who oversaw tired of the situation.” Valentin felt Zubizarreta was hung However, when Rosell was asked to give evidence evaluated differently. We had to deal with the decline of a scouting, were both sacked last month in the aftermath of out to dry over the transfer ban. “The error over the sign- after a judge decided to investigate possible tax evasion, team which was possibly the best side ever,” Valentin a FIFA transfer ban for the following two windows over ing of youth players was huge. I would add, though, these he stood down last January but denied wrongdoing. remarked. the breaching of rules on the signing of foreign under-18 mistakes happen when you are dealing with hundreds of Court proceedings are ongoing but now the prosecu- “We had continual changes of coach, there was the ill- players. Fan criticism had also been building over failures kids and it is happening at other clubs as well,” he said. “It tion say Neymar’s real cost was 94.9 million euros. “I did ness for (coach) Tito (Vilanova) and then Tata (Martino) in the transfer market and their perceived involvement in is true that FIFA has thrown a dart at the club which has my report on Neymar after the U-20 South American came in for one year. the scandal over Neymar’s real cost. set the standard for youth development.” championships in Peru, 2011. Neither Zubizarreta nor I There were external problems that had nothing to do “I haven’t given any interviews to the media here (in were involved (in trying to sign the player),” he said. with our job like the Neymar case, Messi’s tax case and the Spain) as I don’t think they have treated us correctly. I EVALUATED DIFFERENTLY “I would discuss players with Zubizarreta, the coach FIFA transfer ban. “I didn’t speak to (former coach Pep) want to now continue my work in a different atmosphere Valentin denied Zubizarreta and those working in the and directors and a decision would be made. “I don’t think Guardiola about why he left but he was aware of the than in Spain,” Valentin told Reuters. “I’ve read the stories technical department were at fault in the Neymar transfer you would have a situation anywhere else where a fan problems that were facing the club and the restructuring about me going to Liverpool but I haven’t spoken with which was first investigated after a fan took legal action takes the club to court in this way.” that was needed.” — Reuters Bulls, Mavs Roma end run forge ahead of draws

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 18 19 Sharapova powers Russia into Fed Cup semi-finals Page 19

LONDON: West Ham United’s James Tomkins (top) challenges with Manchester United’s Radamel Falcao during the English Premier League soccer match. — AP Blind late show rescues United

deficiencies of a United team who have who then worked the United goalkeeper second half to make their dominance count. won only two of their last seven games in twice in the space of a minute. Mark Noble curled a free-kick into the EPL results/standings West Ham 1 all competitions. Blind’s goal prevented The Ecuadorean’s right-foot drive box that struck Wayne Rooney and looped Louis van Gaal’s side from succumbing to a obliged De Gea to plunge to his left and up for Kouyate, who kept the ball airborne Burnley 2 (Barnes 11, Ings 32) West Brom 2 (Brunt 45, Ideye 67); first away defeat since November 2, but it from the resulting corner, a miscued volley with two delicate touches before lashing a Newcastle 1 (Colback 74) Stoke 1 (Crouch 90); West Ham 1 was not enough for them to reclaim third by the West Ham striker forced the Spaniard volley past De Gea via a deflection off Blind. (Kouyate 49) Manchester United 1 (Blind 90). place from Southampton, who they trail by to tip the ball over the bar. Belatedly, United threatened to stir, with English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, Man United 1 a point. Sam Allardyce’s West Ham finished With United’s front two of Radamel Falcao shooting wide and Van Persie work- won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): the weekend seven points below their Falcao and Van Persie starved of possession, ing Adrian at his near post. But as the visi- Chelsea 24 17 5 2 54 21 56 opponents in eighth place, and they had West Ham continued to press, fuelled by a tors pressed, they left gaps at the back, and Man City 24 14 7 3 47 24 49 reason to feel aggrieved after a command- sense of injustice after Van Persie escaped after Cresswell had tested De Gea from long Southampton 24 14 3 7 38 17 45 LONDON: Daley Blind scored a stoppage- ing display. punishment for catching James Tomkins in range, Carl Jenkinson saw a cross drift frac- Man Utd 24 12 8 4 40 23 44 Tottenham 24 13 4 7 37 31 43 time volley as Manchester United belied an Injuries to West Ham defenders James the face with his left arm as he attempted to tionally wide of the left-hand post from Arsenal 24 12 6 6 45 27 42 off-color performance to rescue a 1-1 draw Collins and Winston Reid saw Kouyate shield the ball. wide on the right. Van Gaal turned to his Liverpool 23 11 5 7 33 27 38 at West Ham United in the Premier League pressed into action in central defence and It took a last-ditch sliding challenge from regular Plan B, introducing Marouane West Ham 24 10 7 7 36 28 37 yesterday. he made a crucial early intervention to Antonio Valencia to deny Diafra Sakho a Fellaini in place of Adnan Januzaj, and after Swansea 24 9 7 8 28 31 34 Stoke 24 9 6 9 27 29 33 Auxiliary centre-back Cheikhou thwart Robin van Persie after Alex Song had sight of goal, while De Gea had to save with Falcao had stabbed wide when clean Newcastle 24 8 7 9 30 36 31 Kouyate’s stylish 49th-minute finish looked passed the ball straight to the United striker. his foot when Tomkins met Aaron through, Adrian blocked from Van Persie. Everton 23689313426 to have earned West Ham a deserved first But it was West Ham who set the tempo Cresswell’s deep free-kick with a downward Noble would have extended West Ham’s Crystal Palace 24 6 8 10 26 34 26 win over United in 13 league games, only in the first half, with Enner Valencia’s force- header. Short of a shot from Angel di Maria lead had he not shot straight at De Gea and Sunderland 24 4 12 8 22 34 24 West Brom 24 5 8 11 22 34 23 for Blind to draw the visitors level at the ful running causing problems for a visiting that he caught comfortably, Adrian was a it was an opportunity that took on greater Aston Villa 24 5 7 12 12 32 22 death. defence inadequately shielded by solitary virtual spectator in the home goal. significance in the 92nd minute when Blind Burnley 24 4 9 11 23 40 21 But United left-back Luke Shaw was sent holding midfielder Blind. The half-time whistle gave the visitors a seized on Jenkinson’s misplaced clearance Hull City 24 4 8 12 21 34 20 off moments later after a lunge at Stewart Phil Jones had to clear after David de welcome opportunity to regroup, but West to spear a volley into Adrian’s bottom-right QPR 24 5 4 15 24 43 19 Downing and there was no disguising the Gea drilled a clearance straight to Valencia, Ham needed less than four minutes in the corner. — AFP Leicester 24 4 5 15 21 38 17 Burnley held by Albion Crouch’s header denies Baggies level in the 67th minute, Magpies at the death with this result seeing the Burnley 2 Midlands club remain two points Diouf’s point-blank header being brilliantly in front of their hosts. saved in stoppage time by Dutch interna- However, Burnley’s longstand- Newcastle 1 tional goalkeeper Tim Krul. ing weakness in defending cor- His Stoke counterpart, Croatian interna- West Brom 2 ners once more proved their tional Asmir Begovic, also had one save to undoing, both of the Baggies’ perform, denying French attacking mid- fielder Remy Cabella in the 11th minute. goals coming from the set-piece. Stoke 1 But Burnley at least came away Cabella, a summer signing from Montpellier, looked the most likely BURNLEY: Burnley let slip a two- with a draw, having lost 3-2 to Newcastle player to break the deadlock but goal lead for the second succes- Crystal Palace after going 2-0 up sive home match as they were NEWCASTLE: Former England striker Peter manager John Carver withdrew him in the in their last home match. Crouch’s 90th minute goal saw Stoke grab a 70th minute to be replaced by compatriot held to a 2-2 draw by fellow Nevertheless Barnes told Sky Premier League strugglers West 1-1 draw at Newcastle yesterday in a largely Gabriel Obertan though the fans didn’t Sports News: “It’s a massive feel- underwhelming Premier League clash. take to it as it was greeted with a cacopho- Browmich Albion at Turf Moor TURF MOOR: Burnley’s Danny Ings (right) in close action with West ing like a defeat. We worked so Crouch’s header, his first goal in nine ny of boos. But it proved to be an inspired yesterday. hard to go in front, to go 2-0 Bromwich Albion’s Claudio Yacob, during their British Premier matches, cancelled out a fine strike by Jack change as Obertan, who has been out with This result did see the Clarets goals up. League soccer match. —AP Colback in the 74th minute, although the a thigh injury for over three months, played climb out of the bottom three, “It’s happened in the last three Trafford. Turf Moor faithful when the Newcastle midfielder was fortunate to still a pivotal role in the goal that finally albeit they are now just a point games now (Burnley also squan- But any boost Fletcher’s lead- Clarets doubled their lead, this be on the pitch. Having already been brought some life to the game. He got clear of the relegation zone, but dered a two-goal lead in a 4-2 FA ership might have given the time with a header from Ings in booked, Colback’s crunching tackle in the down the right and his cross was laid off to things could have been so much Cup loss away to Tottenham Baggies was soon cancelled out the 32nd minute. 71st minute went unpunished and he sur- Colback by Moussa Sissoko, with the mid- better for Sean Dyche’s side. Hotspur) and we can’t put a fin- by the fact they fell behind in just Kieran Trippier’s dummy creat- vived to fire the opening goal. fielder firing in a superb shot to beat The draw sees Stoke, who have lost just Begovic. Burnley were 2-0 in front after ger on it. the 11th minute. Ings, reportedly ed space for George Boyd down just over half an hour on Sunday one of their last nine games, stay 10th, one Stoke’s frustrating afternoon continued “It’s just disappointing from the target of interest from the right and his precise cross place and two points better off than the as Stephen Ireland thought he had thanks to goals Ashley Barnes our point of view.” West Brom Liverpool during the transfer win- allowed Ings to nod home from and Danny Ings. But Chris Brunt Magpies. grabbed a quick equaliser with a stunning manager Tony Pulis made former dow, was the creator as his cross close range. effort but it was ruled out for offside. pulled a goal back for West Brom The first half offered little to rouse the Manchester United midfielder from the left saw Barnes beat But just when it seemed 48,000 fans who piled in for the game and Obertan should have wrapped up the in first-half stoppage time with a Darren Fletcher his captain in the Joleon Lescott to head past goal- Burnley would go into the break must have wished they had not bothered three points with five minutes remaining header from a corner before, in a Scotland international’s first keeper Ben Foster from six yards buoyed by a two-goal lead, West to tackle the freezing cold. but instead of shooting he opted to pass it similar scenario, Nigeria striker match for his new club since a out. Brom hit back when Brunt head- Neither side could muster much to test once he had found himself space and with Brown Ideye headed the transfer-window move from Old There was further joy for the ed in from a corner. — AFP the opposing defences apart from Mame just Begovic to beat. — AFP Ethiopia plans grand projects in drive for industrial power Page 22

Kuwait and Qatar in strong Business position to face low prices Page 23 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 Most now approve of MENA Fund Manager recognizes NBK Egypt’s fund ‘Al-Mizan’ Obama’s job on unemployment: Poll Page 26 Page 25

SHANGHAI: A plane from Chinese airline Spring Airlines departs from Hongqiaou Airport in Shanghai in front of the skyline yesterday. — AFP Greek leader to reject EU’s austerity Athens likely to negotiate with EU in coming week

ATHENS: New Greek Prime Minister demanded in exchange for some 240 “He will be very specific.” over the next few months while they Alexis Tsipras was expected to lay out billion euros worth of assistance. renegotiate their debt agreement. They his radical left-wing government’s poli- British finance minister George Seeking different relief will first reject a 7.2 billion euro bailout Gulf markets rise cies in a speech later, firmly rejecting Osborne, speaking from outside the Greeks have been severely hit by the tranche that has been due pending a any more austerity forced on his debt- euro zone, has said the standoff is one austerity imposed on them by the “troi- suspended review. strapped country by its euro-zone part- of the major risks facing the global ka” of European Central Bank, Instead, they want the right to issue after oil’s rally ners. economy. International Monetary Fund and more short-term debt beyond a current In his first major speech to parlia- Greece’s current bailout expires on European Commission lenders. The 15 billion euro threshold. They also ment as premier, Tsipras is expected to Feb. 28 and most lenders want Athens country is only just coming out of years want 1.9 billion euros in profits from say that Greece wants no more bailout to apply for an extension, including the of economic depression, but roughly Greek bonds held by the European MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS money, plans to renegotiate its debt commitment to reforms. Greece has one in four Greeks are unemployed. Central Bank and other euro zone Gulf stock markets rose yesterday after oil made further gains deal and wants a “bridge agreement” to ruled that out. Tsipras will meet EU “It’s not just that this restructuring is authorities, something that was agreed DUBAI: and local companies reported mostly upbeat earnings and other posi- tide the country over until a new pact is leaders at a summit in Brussels on possible, it’s absolutely necessary,” previously. With that as a bridge, Greek tive news. Brent crude jumped 2.2 percent to $57.80 per barrel on sealed. Thursday. Finance Minister Yanis Matthieu Pigasse, whose Paris-based officials would then try to renegotiate Friday, posting its largest two-week gain in 17 years because of falling A second part of the speech will Varoufakis will meet euro zone counter- group at investment bank Lazard is payment of Greek sovereign bond oil rig counts and violence in producer Libya. touch on his government’s social and parts the day before. advising Greece, said on French televi- debt, perhaps by extending payments, Saudi Arabia’s stock index rose 1.8 percent to its highest close since fiscal policy over the longer term and is A Greek official said EU leaders sion last week. “You have a country, only paying interest and getting some Nov 24 in heavy trade. Shares in Saudi Kayan Petrochemicals Co surged likely to repeat pledges for such things should not expect Tsipras, who rode to Greece, that is today facing a totally respite on the budget surplus it is their daily 10 percent limit and its bigger affiliate Saudi Basic Industries as a rise in the minimum wage and free power on a groundswell of anger over untenable situation. It is incapable of expected to run. As for the govern- (SABIC) jumped 3.0 percent. The kingdom’s oil ministry has allocated electricity for poorer Greeks. The EU-imposed austerity that has helped facing its debt. Not just incapable of ment’s policy, some of which is deemed more natural gas to Saudi Kayan for it to expand ethylene production at speech will be closely watched by to impoverish many Greeks, to say one paying it in capital and interest but in European capitals irresponsible or its petrochemical complex in Jubail, the company said yesterday. European Union leaders who to date thing at home and another to them. potentially incapable of facing its cur- too costly, a government official sug- As part of the same deal, SABIC will reduce the marketing fees it have shown scant willingness to meet “What the prime minister will say in rent expenses.” gested that not everything had to hap- charges Saudi Kayan, which will save the company 280 million riyals Tsipras’s demands, fearing a wholesale parliament will be ... the same things Over the past week, Greek officials pen at once. “The pace of the imple- ($74.6 million) this year and 600 million riyals a year once its projects are backtracking on the fiscal and econom- that we will say in Brussels,” said the have laid out what they see as a transi- mentation of our promises is ‘within completed, it said. Saudi Arabian Mining Co (Ma’aden) surged 5.3 per- ic reforms international lenders have official, who asked not to be named. tional plan to keep finances flowing four years’,” the official said. —Reuters cent to 39.50 riyals after AlBilad Capital said it maintained the stock’s fair value at 39.62 riyals. “Profitability indicators are expected to witness a significant improvement starting from this year with the launch of commercial pro- Oil price crash to drag on duction in many facilities,” it said. In a sign that some money is flowing back into Saudi stocks from abroad after pulling out during the oil price plunge in December, the US dollar/Saudi riyal spot rate dropped back to 3.7510 on Sunday, very booming Texas economy close to its peg. The exchange rate had climbed in recent weeks as high as 3.7605 - its highest level since January 2010, when markets were in the grip of the global financial crisis - because of outflows from Saudi NEW YORK: As the saying goes, everything is bigger nomic powerhouse for most of the 2000s due in large ations.” But BBVA’s Nash-Stacey said many parts of stocks. One losing stock yesterday was Saudi Cement, which fell 1.8 per- in Texas. For the past five years, the economy of the part to the surging energy industry. Texas, including big cities Dallas and San Antonio, cent after it proposed a dividend of 2.5 riyals per share for the second Lone Star State has outperformed the rest of the “It’s a question of how bad it’s going to get and for have limited exposure to oil and should benefit from half of 2014, down from 3.5 riyals a year earlier. United States. But the collapse in oil prices has left how long,” said Charles Gordon, a vice chairman of the relief of lower gasoline prices. Texas facing its toughest test since the financial crisis. real estate firm CBRE in Houston. “The shock is how Moreover, since the 1980s, the state has added a UAE, EGYPT A 50 percent tumble in oil prices since June has fast energy prices fell.” major technology center in the Austin area, home to Dubai’s index edged up 0.2 percent and property developer DAMAC prompted companies such as Royal Dutch Shell and Texas has been outpacing US growth for some Dell, and built out the giant Texas Medical Center in was one of the top gainers, surging 5.8 percent. The stock originally list- Chevron to slash billions of dollars in worldwide time. In 2013, the Texas economy grew at an annual Houston, which has significant research programs for ed in London, but it joined the emirate’s bourse last month and its investment. Oil services companies like Schlumberger clip of 3.7 percent compared with 2.2 percent for the cancer and other diseases. Dubai shares subsequently plunged by more than a third. It recovered and Halliburton have announced thousands of job whole economy, and in the prior year its pace was “It’s not a death blow,” Nash-Stacey said. “Texas isn’t those losses last week and its sharp rise may have attracted more cuts. more than double the national rate, according to US what it was in the 1980s.” The Federal Reserve of investors. The firm’s subsidiary DAMAC Real Estate Development Ltd So far, only a handful of petroleum companies Commerce Department data. Dallas also expects positive economic growth in 2015 reported a 46 percent surge in 2014 profit last week and DAMAC, which have filed layoff notices in Texas this year, and the in Texas. “The bottom line is it’s going to cause growth plans to delist from London, was due to review its own results and divi- Texas Workforce Commission actually reported an A repeat of 1986? to slow, but job growth will remain positive,” said dends later yesterday. Abu Dhabi’s bourse edged up 0.3 percent as increase in mining jobs in December. Yet few doubt The throng of activity into older oil centers like the Keith Phillips, a senior economist with the central National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank rose 1.8 what lies ahead for the second-biggest US state, by Permian Basin in West Texas and the newer Eagle Ford bank division in San Antonio. and 2.1 percent respectively. Food and beverage firm Agthia Group economic output and population, after California. shale in southern Texas has been a driver. Economists Ingham, the Amarillo economist, agreed that Texas gained 2.5 percent after it reported a 22 percent increase in 2014 profit. There will be “a major-league contraction in oil and agree that matching that flaming growth level will be will likely lodge some growth in 2015 statewide. Qatar’s benchmark climbed 0.8 percent, with property firms Ezdan gas activity in Texas,” said Karr Ingham, owner of impossible in 2015, but there is debate about just But Ingham predicted about a 10 percent contrac- Holding and Barwa Real Estate, up 3.0 and 4.3 percent respectively, as Ingham Economic Reporting based in Amarillo in oil- how bad things will get. tion in the Midland-Odessa oil region, where some the main supports. rich West Texas. “Over the coming months, the indus- JPMorgan Chase chief US economist Michael Feroli 8,000 oil workers will lose jobs and all businesses are Egypt’s market slipped 0.1 percent as property companies pulled try is going to shed jobs on a regular basis. We’re very suggested in a December report that the outlook for affected by the sector. Ingham said oil companies will back further after gaining strongly in the last few weeks. Developer early in that process.” Boyd Nash-Stacey, senior econo- Texas was comparable to 1986, when a steep drop in be cautious in the short run before hiring back staff, Talaat Moustafa Group dropped 2.4 percent, trimming its gains this year mist at BBVA Research in Houston, predicted oil prices was followed by deep layoffs, big declines in even if oil prices recover. That could result in depar- to 15.8 percent. It is still well ahead of the benchmark, which has gained the downturn would cost some 60,000-80,000 the real-estate market and a banking crisis. tures from oil towns like Midland. “You’re looking at 11.6 percent. mining jobs in Texas, with an additional ripple effect “Texas, will, at the least, have a rough 2015 ahead, least 18 months out into the future before things start Meanwhile, investment firm Pioneers Holding rose 1.8 percent after on other sectors such as retail and hospitality. The oil and is at risk of slipping into a regional recession,” the to look a little bit better out there,” Ingham said. it submitted a fresh bid for Arab Dairy Products at 64.30 pounds per slump already has begun to cool the real estate mar- report said. Given its huge size, “the prospect of a “Who’s in a position to ride that out in terms of not share, topping an offer by Lactalis. — Reuters ket in Houston, the fourth-biggest US city and an eco- recession in Texas could have some broader reverber- having a job and not having income?” —AFP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 BUSINESS Ethiopia plans grand projects News in brief

in drive for industrial power Kuwaiti dinar stable against US dollar KUWAIT: The exchange rate of the US dollar against Govt touts cheap power, reliable transport the Kuwaiti dinar was stable yesterday exchanging at KD 0.295, while the euro dropped to KD 0.334 com- pared to Thursday’s exchange rates, said the daily bul- ADDIS ABABA: Chinese workers mingle with Ethiopians manufacturing hub. Yet it comes at a cost. The IMF said last encouraging local manufacturing, to cut back on imports, letin of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK). The sterling putting the finishing touches to a metro line that cuts year Ethiopia was “on the cusp” of shifting from low to not wanting a consumer culture that could drain foreign pound exchange rate went up to KD 0.450, while the through Addis Ababa, one of a series of grand state infra- moderate risk of debt distress. Total debt at about 50 per- exchange. Central bank foreign reserves barely cover two Swiss franc dropped to KD 0.319, and the Japanese yen structure projects that Ethiopia hopes will help it mimic cent of gross domestic product was still manageable, but months of imports - an inadequate level, according to the remained unchanged at KD 0.002. Asia’s industrial rise. tougher if it rises much more. IMF. Other east African states have at least four months. Brought to its knees by “Red Terror” communist purges “In the next five-year plan, there should be a clear indi- The government says it wants to keep banks in the in the 1970s and famine in the 1980s, Ethiopia has been cation of a change of emphasis and a significant emphasis hands of Ethiopians and telecoms controlled by the state Kayan gets more gas transformed in the last quarter century, becoming one of on the private sector,” said Wajid, referring to the next as the sectors provide funding for national projects such as for making ethylene Africa’s fastest-growing economies. At the heart of the Growth and Transformation Plan starting in July. The gov- infrastructure. Earnings from the state telecoms monopoly KHOBAR: Saudi Arabia’s Oil Ministry has allocated more state’s “Growth and Transformation Plan” are railway, road ernment insists it will not rack up unsustainable debts are helping fund a railway linking Addis Ababa to a port in natural gas to Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co for it to and dam projects to give the landlocked nation cheap because funds are used to finance infrastructure and other Djibouti, for instance. expand ethylene production at its petrochemical complex power and reliable transport, as well as the metro line - the projects such as sugar factories and industrial zones. But that leaves few domestic funds available in the mar- in Jubail, the company said yesterday. The ministry has first urban light railway network in Sub-Saharan Africa. Investors also say Ethiopia benefits from better security ket for businesses that could create jobs in future. “If they allocated the affiliate of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation “This is the future,” said Abate Yaye, 27, from the poor than others in a region blighted by Islamist militant attacks. are looking at achieving their goal of being a middle- (SABIC) an extra 10 million cubic feed a day (scfd) of ethane south as he helped complete the $475 million system And few executives cite corruption as a big hindrance in income country and getting employment, you must from July 1, Kayan said in a bourse statement. The extra being built by China Railway Engineering Corp, much of it business, although it can be elsewhere in Africa. But enable access to financial options,” said James Kanagwa of gas will allow it to raise ethylene production capacity by at on concrete stilts to keep it above the crowded streets of Ethiopia is no model for political and media freedom - pan-African lender Ecobank, one of half a dozen foreign least 93,000 tons a year and ethylene oxide capacity by an expanding capital. there is just one opposition party member in the 547-seat banks with representative offices in Addis Ababa but 61,000 tons a year by the second quarter of 2017, it said. “We will become an example for the whole of Africa.” parliament and international rights groups say the authori- barred from commercial work. The additional ethane supply will also allow the company Hefty state-led investment has kept the economy of ties muzzle critics. The government insists politics is open Ethiopia, with average annual per capita income of to reduce its consumption of butane gas, it said. As part of Africa’s second most populous nation growing at more to all and that it allows free speech. $470, aims to reach middle-income status by 2025, which the same deal, SABIC will also reduce the marketing fees it than 8 percent a year for over a decade, but economists say The current five-year growth program ends in June and the World Bank says starts at $1,046. charges Saudi Kayan, which will save the company 280 mil- Ethiopia’s rulers need to relax their grip and give room for the government has given little away about the next plan. For now, even Ethiopian banks have limited room for lion riyals ($74.6 million) this year and 600 million riyals a more private enterprise to maintain momentum. But it remains clear about its economic goals. manoeuvre. They must invest the equivalent of 27 percent year once its projects are completed, it said. Foreigners cannot invest in banking and telecoms and “Without investing in infrastructure, it is now abundant- of their loan portfolio in the development bonds, hinder- foreign retailers are barred, while Ethiopian banks are ly clear that Africa cannot sustain growth,” Finance Minister ing their ability to lend to the private sector. directed to buy low-yielding government development Sufian Ahmed told Reuters in December. “The lending capacity of banks is growing very slowly,” Khalifa Port 2014 container bonds. “This is a country where, relative to rest of Africa, Sufian’s deputy Abraham Tekeste said this month the said Mulugeta Asmare, president of Bank of Abyssinia, one volumes grow 26% there is pretty good state capacity and a commitment to a new plan would likely continue “most of the priorities” of of 16 private banks in a sector dominated by state-owned ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port, built on a man- development mission,” said S Kal Wajid, the outgoing the last one. The government can point to a list of investors Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. Banks must rely on equity made island, posted 26 percent year-on-year growth in Ethiopia mission chief for the International Monetary Fund. suggesting its formula works. Clothes retailer Hennes and and deposits for funding, in a nation where only one in 10 container volumes after it attracted more shipping But he said private business needed room to grow and Mauritz is starting to source supplies from Ethiopia, con- people have a bank account, because there is no devel- lines, its operator said yesterday. Khalifa port handled generate income so the economy could reap greater bene- sumer goods maker Unilever is building a factory, Diageo oped capital market. 1.13 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit contain- fit from the new projects. “Where you are making a lot of and Heineken have bought breweries. After launching a debut $1 billion Eurobond in ers) in 2014, representing growth of 26 percent, Abu infrastructure investment, there is a risk that the pay-off US private equity giant KKR invested in a flower farm December, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said tap- Dhabi Terminals (ADT) said in a statement. The new may not be as big as you thought,” he added. last year while an Ethiopian winery is among the invest- ping international markets did not herald “liberalising the Khalifa port began operations in late 2012 to take over ments of 8 Miles, an African-focused fund chaired by singer financial sector”. “If you have an efficient effective state container traffic from the existing Mina Zayed Port. ADT Debt limits Bob Geldof who launched Live Aid to help Ethiopian development model, great,” Colin Coleman, managing is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi Ports, Mubadala and Others in Africa have looked with envy at Asia’s inex- famine victims. director for Goldman Sachs based in South Africa, told a Mubadala Infrastructure Partners. Four new shipping orable rise but few governments, if any, have proven as sin- conference in Addis Ababa last month. “But you must allow lines began services to Khalifa Port in 2014, taking the gle-minded as Ethiopia has in mobilizing its resources in a Limited room businesses to develop in order to get the dynamism in the total to 20 lines serving 52 destinations. “2014 has been bid to turn an agrarian nation of 96 million people into a The government’s ban on foreign retailers is aimed at economy.” —Reuters the busiest year at Khalifa Port Container Terminal and the fifth straight year that our compound year-on-year growth has risen more than 20 percent,” said Martijn van de Linde, Chief Executive of ADT. Khalifa Port’s con- Modi mulls overhauling costly welfare schemes tainer terminal currently has an annual capacity of 2.5 million TEUs. This can be raised to 5 million TEUs, depending on demand over the next few years. NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday ordered a review of dozens of national welfare schemes in the first meeting of a new economic planning body. Modi, who Saudi Cement recommends stormed to power at general elections in May, is targeting the smaller dividend for H2 2014 schemes designed to help tens of millions of India’s poor that DUBAI: Saudi Cement’s board has recommended a divi- were a hallmark of the previous left-leaning Congress party’s dend of 2.5 riyals ($0.67) per share for the second half of decade in power. 2014, the company said in a statement yesterday. The divi- At the meeting, Modi asked chief ministers of India’s states to dend is down from the 3.5 riyals per share paid out for the come up with suggestions for the future of the schemes that second half of 2013, according to Thomson Reuters data. Saudi Cement, Saudi Arabia’s largest cement company by opponents say are inefficient, prone to corruption and drain pub- market value, last month reported an 8.9 percent rise in lic finances. The group of ministers will study the 66 schemes fourth-quarter net profit to 269 million riyals, beating ana- “and recommend which to continue, which to transfer to states, lyst forecasts. and which to cut down,” the government said in a statement. They include guaranteed employment and access to health schemes for tens of millions of rural poor, along with a program to provide free lunches to school children. Gold prices drop It is unclear whether a multi-billion-dollar food welfare pro- 3% in Kuwait gram, offering subsidized grains to nearly 70 percent of the popu- lation, is included in the review. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said KUWAIT: Gold prices lost three percent of earnings new groups would “look into skill development” and enhance a posted in end of the past week, affected with a robust clean-up India campaign, along with the “rationalization of feder- US dollar, closing at $1, 235 per ounce, $37 lower as al schemes”. “We discussed the economic direction the country compared to the opening rate. Sales increased during must get,” Jaitley also told reporters after the meeting. Two other the latest session, while posting record fall this month, “taskforces” would be formed to better focus on alleviating pover- amid liquidity shift to the money markets with inten- ty and improving farm productivity, the government said. tion to invest in the greenback which rallied vis-a-vis The new economic body replaces India’s Soviet-style Planning other major currencies. Commission, which was axed by Modi last year. The commission Due to positive US labor market reports, liquidity was a relic of socialist policies put in place by India’s first prime shifted from the gold market to the American currency, minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who was impressed by the former which has gained strength amid positive American eco- Soviet Union’s centralized planning and five-year economic blue- nomic reports and lack of any sign European economies prints. Modi had branded the commission “a body of excessive might recover, despite a euro 60 billion allocations centralization, obstructing the plans of state-level governments”. intended to shore up these economies. Modi was elected on a pledge to reform and revive the economy, Gold prices may jump to $1,255 per ounce due to including revamping government departments to boost produc- forecast demand improvement and profits to be gener- tivity. DHASARI, India: An Indian fisherman casts his net into the river Dhasari in Dimapur in the ated from electronic transactions. Silver has fallen to Jaitley, who will unveil the national budget late this month, north-eastern state of Nagaland yesterday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday less than $17 per ounce. Its price may fall further due to has set a target of cutting the fiscal deficit to 4.1 percent of gross ordered a review of dozens of national welfare schemes in the first meeting of a new economic improvement of the US economy. —KUNA domestic product. —AFP planning body. —AFP

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Saudi Riyals 79.005 US Dollars Mint 0.292600 0.296800 20 gram 238.100 Jordanian Dinar 417.165 10 gram 121.740 Egyptian Pound 38.659 Asia ASIAN COUNTRIES 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 2.527 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.217 Bangladesh Taka 0.003504 0.004104 Indian Rupees 4.798 Indian Rupees 4.791 Chinese Yuan 0.046085 0.049585 Pakistani Rupees 2.920 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036104 0.038854 Pakistani Rupees 2.918 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Srilankan Rupees 2.217 Bangladesh Taka 3.792 Indian Rupee 0.004458 0.004859 Nepali Rupees 3.002 Philippines Pesso 6.709 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Singapore Dollar 219.200 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Cyprus pound 725.450 Japanese Yen 0.002442 0.002622 Hongkong Dollar 38.133 Australian Dollar 223.53 220.53 Japanese Yen 3.505 Kenyan Shilling 0.003289 0.003289 Syrian Pound 2.565 Bangladesh Taka 3.793 Canadian Dollar 241.86 242.86 Korean Won 0.000262 0.000277 Nepalese Rupees 3.990 Philippine Peso 6.706 Swiss Franc 323.96 321.96 Malaysian Ringgit 0.079611 0.085711 Thai Baht 9.101 Euro 342.08 343.08 Malaysian Ringgit 83.725 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.705 Nepalese Rupee 0.003028 0.003198 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 US Dollar 295.80 298.80 Pakistan Rupee 0.002695 0.002975 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Sterling Pound 451.08 454.08 Thai Bhat 10.050 Turkish Lira 123.380 Philippine Peso 0.006582 0.006862 Japanese Yen 2.55 2.57 Sierra Leone 0.000066 0.000072 GCC COUNTRIES Bangladesh Taka 3.795 4.065 Singapore Dollar 0.215889 0.221889 Saudi Riyal 78.811 Indian Rupee 4.785 5.085 South African Rand 0.020236 0.028736 Qatari Riyal 81.270 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.216 2.651 Bahrain Exchange Company Omani Riyal 768.650 Nepali Rupee 2.992 3.527 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001883 0.002463 Taiwan 0.009311 0.009491 Bahraini Dinar 785.700 Pakistani Rupee 2.920 2.790 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT UAE Dirham 80.561 Thai Baht 0.008761 0.009311 UAE Dirhams 80.38 80.85 Europe Bahraini Dinar 785.09 787.16 Belgian Franc 0.007718 0.008718 ARAB COUNTRIES Arab Egyptian Pound 38.70 39.30 British Pound 0.445967 0.454967 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.065 Jordanian Dinar 420.29 425.94 Bahraini Dinar 0.779216 0.787216 Czech Korune 0.004258 0.016258 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.822 Omani Riyal 767.11 774.41 Egyptian Pound 0.035770 0.038870 Danish Krone 0.041601 0.046601 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.381 Qatari Riyal 81.45 82.00 Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Euro 0.330836 0.338836 Tunisian Dinar 153.610 Saudi Riyal 78.79 79.19 Iraqi Dinar 0.000197 0.000257 Norwegian Krone 0.035611 0.040811 Jordanian Dinar 417.130 Jordanian Dinar 0.413724 0.421224 Romanian Leu 0.084963 0.084963 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.985 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 2.108 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Slovakia 0.008719 0.018719 Lebanese Pound 0.000147 0.000247 Morocco Dirham 31.291 Swedish Krona 0.031933 0.036933 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021966 0.045966 Swiss Franc 0.315196 0.325396 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Nigerian Naira 0.001208 0.001843 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Turkish Lira 0.120625 0.127625 US Dollar Transfer 295.700 Omani Riyal 0.763332 0.769012 US Dollar 295.550 Qatar Riyal 0.080648 0.081861 Euro 336.800 Canadian Dollar 240.655 Australasia Sterling Pound 445.692 Saudi Riyal 0.078350 0.079050 Sterling Pound 449.025 Australian Dollar 0.223229 0.234729 Canadian dollar 234.870 Syrian Pound 0.001757 0.001977 Euro 340.430 New Zealand Dollar 0.212079 0.221579 Turkish lira 121.540 Tunisian Dinar 0.150937 0.158937 Swiss Frank 273.960 America Swiss Franc 321.410 Turkish Lira 0.120625 0.127625 Bahrain Dinar 786.160 Canadian Dollar 0.231589 0.240089 Australian Dollar 231.090 UAE Dirhams 0.079663 0.080812 UAE Dirhams 80.845 US Dollars 0.292100 0.296800 US Dollar Buying 294.500 Qatari Riyals 82.005 Yemeni Riyal 0.001338 0.001418 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 BUSINESS

KAMCO signs MOU with TAKAUD for future cooperation

KUWAIT: KAMCO Investment Central Bank of Bahrain. The MoU pro- ment products for its clients and AUMs in the region, is always on the asset management sectors. Company KSC (Public), a leading vides a framework to facilitate busi- shareholders. This step will open lookout for new opportunities that TAKAUD’s CEO, Luc MÈtivier said, investment company regulated by the ness and client servicing synergy doors to investment collaboration will add further value to the compa- “TAKAUD prides itself on providing Kuwait Capital Markets Authority, between both companies. between the two companies in ny’s advisory and investment banking first class solutions to clients in the signed an initial Memorandum of KAMCO’s CEO Faisal M Sarkhou Kuwait, Bahrain, and other countries services.” Sarkhou commended efforts MENA region. I am confident that Understanding (MoU) on future coop- said, “The MoU between KAMCO and in the region.” by both company teams and hoped it building a long-term relationship with eration levels with TAKAUD Savings & TAKAUD reflects KAMCO’s focus on He added, “Being a key player in will strengthen their relationship and KAMCO will help both companies Pensions, a licensed investment busi- enhancing the company’s services, the local and regional investment increase business synergy on multiple realize their ambitions in providing ness firm (category 1) under the and offering a diverse pool of invest- field, KAMCO, with one of the highest fronts, including the investment and new services to their clients”. Kuwait and Qatar in strong position to face low prices Cheap oil will benefit Asia, GCC growth will remain stable

KCIC WEEKLY ANALYSIS ON ASIA

By Ahmad A Al-Nafeesi

KUWAIT: Emerging Asian economies will benefit greatly from cheaper oil. The price of oil is cur- rently around $55 a barrel, after having dropped by more than half its value of $115 last June. If oil prices remain at a current levels this year, Thailand would be one of the countries to bene- fit the most in emerging Asia, with its GDP esti- mated to be about 3.7 percent higher compared to a $115 oil price scenario. Taiwan also stands to benefit, with its GDP estimated to be about 3 percent higher. On the other hand, Malaysia, being the only net exporter of oil in the group, will likely be adversely affected from lower oil prices, with its GDP estimated to be about 2 per- cent lower than it would be without the oil price drop. These results are based on estimates by Asiya Investments on the impact of oil price changes on GDP growth for these economies. The simulations assume that all factors other than the oil price are constant. Cheaper oil helps Asian economies through several channels: improved external and fiscal positions, as well as lower input costs and higher household income. For Singapore, Taiwan and grams, without inducing a sudden spike in fuel exception of Kuwait will sustain fiscal deficits if Thailand, whose net oil imports take out a siz- prices. A good example is Thailand, which spent oil prices remain at current levels. able chunk from their GDP, savings from lower around $16 billion dollars in fuel subsidies over However, the reduction in export revenues is energy expenditures could be a significant wind- the past three years, hampering spending on the unlikely to cause a significant economic slow- fall. In dollar terms, Singapore would lower its country’s 7-year infrastructure program. down in 2015 in the Gulf. GCC countries can tap KARACHI: A Pakistani tailor making shirts at a factory in Karachi. Pakistani exports import bill by about $25 billion if oil prices From a global standpoint, savings in energy into their large accumulated fiscal and external to the European Union increased by more than a billion dollars after a landmark remained at current levels. In addition, Taiwan expenditures for oil importers are effectively reserves to smooth out budgetary shocks from trade deal last year which made its products more competitive, the commerce minis- would save about $18 billion and Thailand about wealth transfers from oil exporters from the low- the drop in revenues. Current estimates suggest ter said.—AFP $10 billion in energy expenditures. With the er oil prices: GCC would be subsidizing growth in that GCC reserves can finance substantial exception of Singapore, which exports refined Asia, at the cost of reducing its export revenues. deficits for at least five years. Fiscal spending, a petroleum products, these countries’ exports are Fiscal positions for GCC countries are being sig- key driver of economic growth in the region, will EU trade agreement boosts largely manufactured goods, which have not nificantly affected from the oil price slide due to probably remain unchanged. Among the most dropped in price. their strong dependence on oil export revenues. fiscally resilient countries are Kuwait and Qatar, Pakistan exports by $1bn In terms of their fiscal positions, cheaper oil The IMF estimates that losses in oil export rev- owing to their low fiscal breakeven even oil will allow these countries to cut down on costly enues this year for GCC countries could amount prices ($53.3 and $77.6 respectively), and to their ISLAMABAD: Pakistani exports to the women away from terrorism.” and inefficient fuel subsidies, which have been a up to $300 billion from the cheaper oil prices. relatively large reserves. However, Oman and European Union increased by more than a Pakistan has executed 22 convicts since drag on emerging Asian economies during peri- These revenue losses are about 19 percent of Bahrain will struggle during the current slump in billion dollars after a landmark trade deal Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif lifted a six-year ods of high oil prices. The freed-up funds from total GDP for the GCC countries. Given IMF esti- oil prices, with breakeven prices at 107.4 and last year which made its products more death penalty moratorium in the wake of a lower fuel subsidies could now be reallocated to mates of fiscal breakeven oil prices for GCC 116.5 respectively, which will be difficult to sus- competitive, the commerce minister said. Taleban massacre at a school. spending on more productive infrastructure pro- countries in 2015, all GCC countries with the tain if current prices persist. The EU signed a law in late 2013 granti- Heavily-armed gunmen murdered 153 ng Pakistan so-called “GSP-plus” status, people, including 134 children, at the which means firms pay no tax on certain school in the northwestern city of categories of goods exported to the 27- Peshawar in Pakistan’s deadliest ever terror G20 meets in Istanbul nation bloc for 10 years. The EU makes GSP- attack. Opposition to the death penalty is a plus conditional on implementing interna- key EU policy and the bloc’s mission in tional conventions on human and labor Islamabad condemned the resumption of rights, and there have been fears Pakistan’s executions in December. amid major challenges decision to end a moratorium on execu- But EU diplomats in Islamabad have said tions could affect the deal. that while they are concerned about the Pakistan’s key textile industry in particu- return to hangings, the development was ISTANBUL: Finance ministers and central and centre” at the G20 meetings, Canadian be very easy-don’t work against the private lar welcomed the agreement, which came unlikely to affect the GSP-plus arrangement bankers face a tough task coordinating action Finance Minister Joe Oliver said last week, cit- sector, work with it,” he said. The G20 put into force in January 2014, and in an inter- immediately. to spur global growth at G20 meetings this ing the stalled euro-zone, slowdowns in China together a global stimulus package during view with AFP commerce minister Khurram Improving the economy after years of week, with major economies running at dif- and India and geopolitical crises in Ukraine, the 2007-09 financial crisis but today’s chal- Dastgir Khan hailed its impact. drift and sluggish growth under the last ferent speeds and monetary policies diverg- Iraq and Syria as key risks. “Though America is lenge is more delicate, with diverging mone- “As a result of GSP-plus, Pakistan’s Pakistan People’s Party government was a ing. Concern over the ability of the United carrying the world economy at the moment, tary policies a cause of global turbulence. exports to the EU have increased by $1.08 key pledge in Sharif’s election campaign in States to sustain the global economy as most that is simply not sustainable,” he added. The US Federal Reserve looks set to raise billion during the period January to 2013, when he was swept to power for a of the world slows will be high on the agenda Germany is likely to argue that its rising interest rates this year, a stark contrast to October 2014 as compared to the same third term. as the Group of 20 leading economies hold domestic demand and plans to increase pub- impromptu cuts from India to Australia, period in 2013,” Khan said. Exports to the The International Monetary Fund (IMF) talks in Istanbul today and tomorrow. lic spending show Europe’s largest economy is Canada to Denmark, as well as China’s cut in EU in January-October 2014 totalled $6.38 said this week the government’s reform The meetings come as Greece casts a new doing what it can, according to European bank reserve requirements and the abrupt billion, up by just over 20 percent from the program-tied to a $6.6 billion loan from the shadow over Europe, cheap oil plays havoc sources familiar with the G20 agenda. end to the Swiss franc cap. $5.3 billion recorded in the corresponding Washington-based lender-was on track. with inflation and growth forecasts and a A senior Canadian official said the G20 period in 2013, he said. “Economic activity and the external posi- strengthening dollar threatens emerging Delicate balance communique would probably emphasize the Before GSP-plus, textile exports faced tion continue to improve, driven by pru- economies. Babacan said pushing G20 members to importance of central bank actions in sustain- customs tariffs of between 6.4 and 12 per- dent monetary and fiscal policies and “There is a lot at stake,” IMF Managing meet previous reform commitments would be ing demand and said the Fed and Bank of cent and leather goods and footwear up to helped by lower oil prices and robust remit- Director Christine Lagarde said in a blog post key, a strategy he has dubbed: “Keep your England had voiced support for other central six percent, he said. The textile industry is tances,” IMF mission chief Jeffrey Franks the backbone of Pakistan’s exports, making said. on Friday. “Without action, we could see the word, or explain”. “It has a lot to do with lead- banks’ actions to lift growth. Turkey’s own up more than 50 percent of the country’s Growth for 2014-15 is expected to hit global economic supertanker continuing to ership ... Doing the necessary but difficult monetary policy may also be in the spotlight. total overseas shipments. 4.3 percent and the budget deficit for end- be stuck in the shallow waters of sub-par things,” he said. Coming good on pledges Its central bank is under government pressure “Now these exports have duty-free December was below the target, the IMF growth and meagre job creation.” Turkey’s made at November’s G20 summit in Brisbane to cut interest rates ahead of a June election access in EU and it has helped Pakistani said. But the government has so far strug- Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan told an could add more than $2 trillion to the global despite stubborn inflation, with critical com- products to become more competitive vis- gled to improve a long-running energy cri- Institute of International Finance (IIF) meeting economy and create millions of new jobs over ments by President Tayyip Erdogan last week a-vis its competitors, including Bangladesh, sis, with hours-long electricity blackouts on Sunday that tackling sluggish global the next four years, Lagarde said in her blog sending the lira to a record low. India and Vietnam,” he said. still a near-daily reality. growth and giving low income nations more post. UBS Chairman Axel Weber said enabling A source close to French Finance Minister Power and gas shortages have ham- voice will be among the priorities for Turkey’s the private sector to help close the financing Michel Sapin said Greece would be discussed, Rights concerns pered industry and held back GDP growth, G20 presidency. gap for an estimated $60-70 trillion in infra- although the situation was very different to a Khan played down the possibility that which experts say needs to hit seven per- The former will be easier said than done. structure spending needed by 2030 would few years ago, with protection mechanisms in resuming executions could threaten GSP- cent in order to provide enough jobs for US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said last week fuel growth. place and European markets less sensitive to plus status. “There is no legal obligation to new entrants to the workforce. the United States could not be “the sole Higher capital requirements are limiting its woes. EU regarding death penalty, though they Projects to boost electricity production engine of growth” and a senior US official said banks’ ability to invest and regulators should France has also asked to discuss the fight have expressed concern over it,” Khan said. are in the pipeline, including a 6,600- Washington’s message going into the meet- “revisit whether they got that calibration against terrorist financing, an important topic “They understand our situation that GSP- megawatt coal-fired energy park along the ings would again be that Europe is not doing right”, the former Bundesbank president told for Turkey given fighting with Islamic State plus would help us create jobs and when Arabian Sea coast west of Karachi, but enough. the IIF meeting. militants taking place just over its southern we create jobs, it keeps young men and these have yet to yield results. —AFP “Kick-starting global growth will be front “My key message to policymakers would borders in Syria and Iraq. — Reuters MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 BUSINESS Safe-play stocks sink after US hiring surge

NEW YORK: “Safety” wasn’t safe Friday. A blockbuster year Treasury jumped to 1.95 percent from 1.81 per- Poor’s 500 index lost 7.05 points, or 0.3 percent, to chief investment strategist at BlackRock. crude jumped 7 percent, its biggest gain since US jobs report sent investors fleeing their traditional cent as investors sold off the ultra-safe investment. 2,055.47 and the Nasdaq composite fell 20.70 points, The current near-zero interest rates have February 2011, during the Arab Spring and tur- places of comfort: dividend-paying stocks, as well as Utility stocks, one of the best-performing parts of or 0.4 percent, to 4,744.40. been a key factor driving the stock market’s moil in Libya. bonds and gold. The selling left major indexes slight- the market over the last year, took a beating. The Understanding why a strong jobs report could dramatic rise since March 2009. By keeping On Friday, US crude rose $1.21 a barrel, or ly lower. When nervous investors crowd into safe- Dow Jones utility index, a collection of 15 power push the stock market lower requires some counter- rates low, the Fed has made bonds appear 2.4 percent, to close at $51.69 a barrel. The jobs haven assets, it’s known on Wall Street as a “flight to companies, had its worst day since August 2011, intuitive thinking. Unlike their counterparts in Europe more expensive than stocks. If interest rates report suggested to investors that demand for safety.” Instead, it was a flight from safety Friday as plunging 4 percent. January’s jobs report startled and Asia, who are lowering interest rates, US central rise, a richly-priced stock market would tend to fuels could rise. Brent, the international stan- investors grew more confident that the economy investors with evidence that the job market is closer bankers could lift rates as soon as June. Strategists be less attractive to investors, strategists say. dard, gained $1.23, or 2.2 percent, to end at would grow. “The January employment report was to full health. US employers added 257,000 jobs last say the surprisingly robust jobs report gives the Fed That dynamic was reflected in utility stocks $57.80 a barrel in London. strong across the board,” said Michelle Girard, an month and wages jumped by the most in six years. more ammunition to justify a rate increase sooner Friday. Utilities typically pay investors consis- The price of oil is still down by about half economy at RBS Securities, in a note to clients. “The The gains were far better than expected. rather than later. tently high dividends and tend to fluctuate less from last June because of a glut in global sup- data were clearly very healthy.” The Dow Jones industrial average fell 60.59 “There’s an underlying nervousness in this market than other stocks, giving them a bond-like plies. In other metals trading, silver fell 50 cents, Gold fell more than 2 percent. The yield on the 10- points, or 0.3 percent, to 17,824.29. The Standard & built on cheap money,” said Russ Koesterich, global quality. or 2.9 percent, to $16.69 an ounce and copper That makes them appealing to investors fell a penny to $2.59 a pound. seeking income and less risk. “It’s much more difficult to justify these high prices for utility In other futures trading on the NYMEX: stocks with yields rising like this,” Koesterich l Wholesale gasoline rose 3.4 cents to close said. Despite Friday’s downturn, it was a good at $1.559 a gallon. week overall for investors. The Dow ended up l Heating oil rose 3.3 cents to close at 3.8 percent and the S&P 500 climbed 3 percent. $1.839 a gallon. Stocks have now reclaimed the ground they Natural gas fell 2.1 cents to close at $2.579 lost in January. per 1,000 cubic feet. It was the eighth down day The price of oil also rebounded this week on for natural gas out of the last 9, pushing natural signs that crude production is slowing. US gas to its lowest level since June of 2012. —AP KSE stocks edge higher

KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) HUMANSOFT and SANAM. The KSX is a closed yesterday’s session with the three tradable, weighted index of the capital val- key indices settling in the green zone. ue, comprising 15 major companies in Prince index climbed 55 points to 6,755, terms of liquidity. Its components are while the weighted index and KSX 15 index revised every six months. gained, respectively, 1.4 and 4.41 points. A report released by Oula Wasata compa- Value of traded shares reached approxi- ny on Saturday predicted further positive mately KD 26 million, volume of exchanged performance at the Kuwaiti stocks market, stocks 313 million, done in 6,743 deals. partly due to more expected financial reve- Top gainers were ALAQARIA, SAL- lations. In the past week, the KSE benchmark BOOKH, MAYADEEN, INVESTORS and climbed one percent and most of the ses- CABLETV. Top losers were MANAFAE, GINS, sions closed in a bullish manner. —KUNA MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 BUSINESS Better growth rates expected across Europe

NBK MONEY MARKETS REPORT

KUWAIT: United States Job growth service data improved. By the end of the that growth rates would increase by 1.7 growth of output and new orders edged cent in the midst of the financial crisis, improved in January and wages week the pound dropped slightly due to percent this year followed by a 2.1 per- higher following the slowdown seen while other economist suggest that rebounded strongly, a clear sign of the the strength of US dollar, the pound cent increase in 2016, on the back of a through much of the second half of forecast may have been pushed too far underlying strength in the US economy closed for the week at 1.5246. very accommodative monetary policy 2014. The largest mover during January into the future and expect a rate hike to that puts a mid-year interest rate hike implemented in January, alongside a was the trend in purchasing costs, as the come sooner. from the Federal Reserve Bank on the ADP non-farm employment change large drop in the energy prices. recent drop in energy prices helped table. Nonfarm payrolls rose 257,000 last US private sector employment Inflation rates across Europe is reduce the costs of factory inputs. The Australian economy month, while the November and increased by 213,000 jobs from expected to remain subdued in the first Markit Purchasing Manager’s Index rose The Reserve Bank of Australia cut its December employment data revised December to January, slightly below half of 2015 due to the drop in energy to 53.0 in January, slightly higher than interest rate to 2.25 percent, a new higher. Wages increased 12 cents last market expectation of a 224,000 rise. The prices, however it is expected to start December’s revised reading of 52. The record low. The rate cut shows the RBA month after falling 5 cents in December. chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, picking up in the latter half of the 2015, senior economist at Markit said, shifting in its monetary policy to easing That took the year-on-year gain to 2.2 said, “Employment posted another solid as economic activity gradually strength- “Continued output growth and rising for the tumbled commodity prices. In a percent, the largest since August 2014. gain in January, although the pace of ens. Overall, uncertainty surrounding order inflows also encouraged manufac- statement after the rate cut, Governor On to Europe, the European Central growth is slower than in recent months. the existing economic outlook has turers to raise employment. At present, Stevens said, “The price of oil in particu- Bank exerted more pressure on Greece’s the sector is still adding jobs at a pace of lar has fallen significantly over the past new government by restricting access to around five thousand per month.” few months. These trends appear to its direct liquidity lines, mentioning con- reflect a combination of lower growth in cerns about the country’s commitment UK construction PMI demand and, more importantly, signifi- to existing bailout pledges. The decision Growth across British construction cant increases in supply. The much lower came hours after the Greek Finance companies rebounded in January after a levels of energy prices will act to Minister met with the European Central slow end to 2014, boosted by improving strengthen global output and temporar- Bank President to gather support for his confidence levels. A senior economist at ily to lower CPI inflation rates.” government’s plans to renegotiate his Markit said, “UK construction companies country’s 240 billion-euro rescue pack- have found their feet again after a pro- Asian economy age. The European Central Bank sus- tracted slowdown in output growth at China’s Manufacturing PMI rose to pended the eligibility of Greek sovereign the end of 2014. Stronger trends were 49.7 in January from 49.6 in December. debt as collateral for its liquidity opera- recorded across housing, commercial The latest manufacturing data indicated tions, effective Feb 11. In a press release, and civil engineering, although each cat- a renewed expansion of Chinese manu- the European Central Bank explained its egory of activity still experienced much facturing output in January, though the decision by saying it is presently impos- slower growth than the high-water improvement was only minimal. Both sible to assume a successful conclusion marks achieved last year. In short, the manufacturing new orders and new of the current Greek program. In other peak speed of the construction recovery export orders saw downward revisions, words, the ECB does not see Greece seems to be over, but reports of its death but still signaling a marginal expansion. complying with existing bailout rules. have been greatly exaggerated.” Analysts expect that demand in the The US dollar traded near its highest manufacturing sector would remain point in almost nine years against the UK services PMI expands weak, calling for more aggressive mone- major currencies, amid a string of Businesses in the energy and supplying increased. Downside risks have intensi- Britain’s service sector expanded tary and fiscal easing measures to pre- upbeat economic data that emerged industries are already scaling back pay- fied, while new positive factors have faster than expected in January after vent another sharp slowdown in growth. from the US, especially the Nonfarm pay- rolls in reaction to the collapse in oil emerged. This is due to geopolitical ten- growing at the slowest pace in over a Japans PMI came at 52.2 in January, rolls, generating further optimism over prices, while industries benefiting from sions, renewed financial market volatility year and a half in December. The Markit little changed from 52.0 in December the strength of the country’s recovery, the lower prices have been slower to in a context of diverging monetary-poli- UK Services Purchasing Managers’ Index and above the 50.0 mark for the eight- while raising expectation of an early rate increase their hiring. All indications are cy across major economies. came at 57.2 in January compared to month running, signaling sustained hike. The euro opened the week at that the job market will continue to Since the begging of 2015, financial 55.8 in December; analysts attributed growth in the Japanese manufacturing 1.1282 and surged to a high of 1.1532 improve in 2015.” markets have witnessed increasingly the latest expansion to the start-up of sector at the start of 2015.A senior enco- after the European Commission’s winter The Institute for Supply Management divergent paths among the world lead- new projects, higher marketing activity miast at Markit said, “January data high- forecast indicated that growth rate said its services index was 56.7 in ing economies, which have led to con- and rising levels of new business. The lighted a solid improvement in operat- across all of the European Union mem- January, up slightly from a revised 56.5 siderable movements in exchange rates. chief economist at Markit said, “The ing conditions in the Japanese goods- ber states are expected to improve by in December. The service sector came Particularly, the Swiss Franc has appreci- January PMI surveys signaled a reassur- producing sector. Production remained 1.7 percent in 2015,followed by a 2.1 slightly higher than analyst expectation ated by around 15 percent against the ingly robust start to the year for the UK in robust growth territory, alongside a percent increase in 2016. However, the of 56.3.The improvement in the overall Euro since the Swiss National Bank aban- economy, indicating a quarterly rate of sustained increase in new work. up move in the single currency quickly index came from a strong rebound in doned its exchange rate ceiling of 1.20 GDP growth just over 0.5 percent.” Consequently, manufacturers continued reversed as positive US data drove business activity across the United against the euro, while the US dollar has The Bank of England kept interest to hire staff, with the rate of growth investors to buy the greenback. The euro States. depreciated against the Swiss Franc, it rates at a record low of 0.5 percent, broadly in line with the previous month. closed the week at 1.1320. has appreciated further against most where it has stood since March 2009. Meanwhile, the depreciation of the yen The Sterling pound started the week European economy other currencies, notably the Euro reach- The Committee also voted to maintain against the dollar continued to put pres- on a strong note reaching a high of According to the European ing a low of 1.1098 against its Us dollar the stock of purchased assets financed sure on input and output prices.” 1.5352 after a set of strong economic Commission’s winter forecast, the counterpart. by the issuance of central bank reserves data, pushed investors to buy the cur- growth rate across all of the European at 375 Billion Pounds. Market analysts Kuwait rency. The pound opened the week at Union Member States are expected to UK manufacturing PMI improves are expecting the first rate hike to come Kuwaiti dinar at 0.29535 1.5084 and rallied as data showed that improve in 2015, before accelerating fur- United Kingdom manufacturing in the middle of 2016, more than seven The USDKD opened at 0.29535 yes- the manufacturing, construction and ther in 2016. The current consensus is started this year on a strong footing, as years after Bank Rate was cut to 0.5 per- terday morning.

China trade surplus a record high as imports, exports fall

BEIJING: China’s monthly trade surplus rose demand remains sluggish,” Li-Gang Liu, 88 percent to reach a record 370 billion yuan Greater China economist for Australian bank ($59 billion) in January, data showed yester- ANZ, said in a statement. day, as imports dropped sharply on lower “Today’s poor trade data could add depre- commodity prices and sluggish domestic ciation pressures on the RMB exchange rate,” demand. he added. Exports to the EU fell by 4.4 per- Exports from the world’s second-largest cent year-on-year in January, while imports economy also fell-by 3.2 percent year-on- fell by 6.9 percent, the customs data said. The year-to 1.23 trillion yuan ($197 billion), the fall in Chinese imports was led by a decline in customs administration said on its website. imported iron ore and crude oil, the data Imports fell 19.7 percent from a year earli- showed, in part reflecting recent low prices er to 860 billion yuan ($138 billion), the for commodities such as oil. “The much weak- largest drop in more than five years. The er than expected import data not only country’s trade surplus, long a source of ten- reflects the fall in commodities prices but also sions with its trading partners, rose above a implies weakening domestic demand,” previous all-time monthly high of $54.5 bil- Japanese finance company Nomura said in a lion posted in November. note. Economists said the figures reflected con- The trade data was consistent with a offi- tinued downward pressures on China’s econ- cial survey last weekend showing manufac- omy, which grew at its slowest pace in 24 turing activity contracted for the first time in years last year and is expected to slow further more than two years, suggesting weakening in 2015. But they also warned that the data growth momentum, Nomura said. may have been affected by short-term fac- tors, such as a crackdown on commodity Further slowdowns ahead financing and the later date of China’s Lunar China’s leaders are trying to pull off a man- New Year holiday this year. aged slowdown of the Asian giant to make The trade surplus soared 47.2 percent in growth more sustainable and led by con- 2014 to a record $382.46 billion. China’s huge sumer spending as in other major economies. trade surpluses were long a source of friction The slowdown last year prompted some with the United States as the workshop of the intervention by authorities to establish a floor NEW YORK: Job hunters line up for interviews at an employment fair sponsored by the New York State Department of Labor, in the Brooklyn world pumped out manufactured goods and on growth even as they tout a retooling of borough of New York. Associated Press-GfK poll finds Americans’ views of Obama have improved slightly in the past two months, as have opin- US debt mounted, but the issue has receded the country’s economic model that is expect- ions on the direction of the country and the strength of the economy. — AP in more recent years. ed to result in further slowdowns in the years China’s economy grew 7.4 percent in 2014, ahead. Such intervention has continued this its weakest for almost a quarter of a century, year, with the central bank announcing Most now approve of Obama’s and slower than the 7.7 percent in 2013. Wednesday an across-the-board cut in the “China’s manufacturing sector is under great percentage of funds banks must hold in pressures as both external and domestic reserve. — AFP job on unemployment: Poll QE also means free lunch Many fear possibility of another downturn for multinationals WASHINGTON: Americans’ views of President suffered the worst financial crisis since the Great Obama has been keen to take credit for the Barack Obama have improved slightly in the Depression,” Obama said Friday in Indianapolis. improving economic landscape, arguing that past two months, and opinions are more posi- “In 2014, our economy created more than 3.1 new financial regulations, an early boost in gov- PARIS: Germany and France have been finally investors will enter uncharted terri- tive about the direction of the country and the million jobs, and that’s the best year of job ernment spending and the bailout of the auto able to borrow at negative rates for some tory,” said Christophe Quesnel, a trader at health of the economy, an Associated Press-GfK growth since the 1990s,” adding that “America is industry under his watch were essential to the time, meaning investors are paying to loan Oddo Securities, which specializes in cor- poll finds. A slim majority now approves of the poised for another good year.” recovery. Berlin and Paris money, but with interest porate debt. rates falling further as the ECB gears up to “Among the distortions caused by low way Obama is handling unemployment, accord- Despite the increase in jobs, the unemploy- Economic concerns remain at the top of launch quantitative easing, multinationals interest rates and QE is that some govern- ing to the poll, conducted before Friday’s release ment rate rose to 5.7 percent from 5.6 percent, Americans’ minds, the AP-GfK poll shows, with 9 are also now getting paid to borrow. ments, corporates and households are now of a surprisingly strong jobs report. Forty-seven largely because more people began looking for in 10 calling the economy a very or extremely The phenomenon is a result of investors getting paid to increase debt,” said analysts percent of those surveyed approve of how jobs. An increase in the number of job hunters important issue, significantly more than any oth- seeking a safe place to park their money in at Royal Bank of Scotland. Obama is doing his job, compared with 41 per- can indicate that people are more confident in er issue asked about in the poll. The poll finds debt markets where interest rates have “For the first time, high-rated corporate cent in December, and 51 percent approve of his their ability to find work, even if the official that people are slightly more likely to trust been dragged down to ultra-low levels. The bonds are also trading at negative yields handling of unemployment, compared with 44 unemployment rate goes up. Democrats than Republicans on handling eco- need for low-risk instruments, and with lit- (Nestle), and many are near-zero (Shell, percent before. But people still feel that their own recovery is nomic issues, 33 percent to 28 percent. tle concern about inflation, has seen Novartis, Air Liquide, BASF, Sanofi, etc),” Nearly half say the economy is good now, lagging, the poll shows, with only 35 percent investors actually push the interest rate added RBS. while 41 percent thought that in December. In saying their own family has completely or most- Right direction into negative territory for short-term The ECB has brought its main interest December 2013, only one-third called the econ- ly recovered from economic downturn. Just 27 Improving views of the president also came German and French government bonds. rate to just 0.5 percent as it seeks to boost omy good. Approval of the way Obama is han- percent see the job market where they live as with a small increase in the percentage that Swiss food giant Nestle was the first to growth in the euro-zone by lowering bor- dling the economy improved slightly, 41 percent being most of the way to recovery, far less than thinks the country is headed in the right direc- see the interest rates on its euro-denomi- rowing costs. to 45 percent, over the past two months. the number that thinks big businesses (55 per- tion - 39 percent compared with 33 percent in nated debt fall into negative territory when With the euro-zone now hit by a bout of Friday’s report showed that US employers cent) and the stock market (53 percent) have December. the yields on bonds that expire in nearly deflation thanks to falling oil prices, the added 257,000 jobs in January, and hourly bounced all the way back. Much of that improvement was among two years fell below zero. ECB is about to launch quantitative easing wages grew by 12 cents to $24.75, the biggest People also fear the possibility of another Democrats, two-thirds of whom now think the “It is sort of a domino effect. If sovereign (QE) in which it will buy up 60 billion euros gain since September 2008. Hourly pay has downturn. Three-quarters say the government country is headed in the right direction. bonds are paying less, then this ricochets ($68 billion) of sovereign and corporate increased 2.2 percent in the past year. “We’ve has not put the right rules and regulations in Improved ratings among Democrats appeared and those of corporations will pay less and bonds per month. —AFP come a long way these past six years since we place to stop another recession from occurring. to boost Obama’s approval rating.—AP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 BUSINESS

Daniel Kerrison at IFE Awards flydubai takes delivery of its 44th aircraft flydubai wins ‘Best airline IFEC provider for Middle East’ award Inflight workshop and regional awards

KUWAIT: The UK’s HMG Aerospace Farnborough Airshow in 2008. announced that flydubai has won for the The first order of 50 aircraft was val- second year in a row the “Best airline IFEC ued at USD 4 billion at current list price. provider for the Middle East” at the third flydubai has received 8 Next-Generation Inflight Magazine Awards, which took Boeing aircraft in 2014 and the first air- place at the Inflight workshop and confer- craft for 2015. The remaining aircraft ence, during the Aircraft Interiors Middle from its 2008 order will be fulfilled by East show in Dubai on February 2, 2015. 2015 . Event Director Becky Howells said: “We are delighted that we have received so flydubai’s latest aircraft order much interest in our conference and 75 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 11 Next- awards event. Inflight entertainment and Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft connectivity plays an important part in ordered at the Dubai Airshow 2013. today’s passenger experience. The com- flydubai retains purchase rights for petition in this region is strong, driving up an additional 25 737 MAX 8 aircraft. a superior offering. The standards were The order for 75 737 MAX 8s, 11 incredibly high and we congratulate fly- Next-Generation 737-800s valued at dubai.” sengers travelling across its network of 89 craft. The vision of the UAE Government aviation sector in the UAE will ensure $8.8 billion at current list price. With the Dan Kerrison, VP of Inflight Product at destinations. We will continue to look for together with its focus on the develop- that flydubai is well positioned to take 25 optional, it can go up to $11.4 bil- flydubai said: “We are delighted to be ways to innovate our inflight content and ment of world-class infrastructure has delivery of its next order of 111 new air- lion. awarded the ‘Best airline IFEC provider for ensure all our passengers enjoy afford- enabled flydubai to grow its fleet, one of craft which will be used to further The first aircraft, the 11 Next- the Middle East’ for the second consecu- able and high quality non-stop entertain- the youngest in the skies today, with an enhance connectivity to and from Dubai Generation Boeing 737-800s from this tive year at the Inflight Regional Awards. ment on our flights.” average of 3.1 years. over the next few years. order, will be delivered between 2016 The award recognises the investment fly- This first delivery in 2015 will see fly- and 2017. Deliveries of the first Boeing dubai has made in its technically Fleet among the youngest dubai realise its original business plan as Current fleet Size 737 MAX will commence in the second advanced IFE system with 1,300 hours of Flydubai recently took delivery of its it will receive its 50th aircraft later this 44 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 half of 2017 and continue until the end multi-language content available to pas- 44th Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 air- year. The continued investment in the aircraft from an order of 50 at the of 2023. Warba Bank appoints Hamada MENA Fund Manager recognizes as new HR assistant manager NBK Egypt’s fund ‘Al-Mizan’ KUWAIT: Warba Bank has always been keen on has deep knowledge. attracting and maintaining national caliber. Within Hamada holds a bachelor’s degree in Business this frame, the Bank has appointed Abdullah Administration - Information Systems from Kuwait ‘The Best Performing Fund’ in its category Jassim Hamada in the position of a Human University. He has also received promising leader- Resources Assistant Manager starting from ship certificate (the National project for Leaders of KUWAIT: NBK Capital is pleased to investors”; he also added, “We endeavor to February 2015. Development “Thukhur” in collaboration with announce that its National Bank of Kuwait foster our leadership in the market with Prior to joining Warba Bank, Hamada has Cornell University in New York, United States in - Egypt Balanced Fund (Al-Mizan), man- our innovative financial solutions”. worked in several sectors, including oil and bank- addition to SPHR certification in Human Resources aged by NBK Capital Asset Management NBK Capital Asset Management Group ing, which have contributed in enhancing his tech- and many other specialized certifications in the Egypt, has been recognized by the MENA is pleased to add this award to its collec- nical and leader- field of human resources. Fund Manager Magazine as “The Best tion of similar accolades of excellence it ship skills. He also Recruiting Kuwaiti nationals is a key pillar of Performing Fund” in its Balanced Class in has recently received; the group currently played a significant Warba Bank’s policy and development strategy. the region. This award of exceptional per- manages four funds in Egypt: money mar- role in the success- This is clearly reflected by the stability of our formance was presented to ket, balanced, equity and ful delivery of employment structure that distinguishes Warba representatives of NBK Islamic equity, in addition to human resources Bank from its peers. At Warba Bank, we are proud Capital Asset Management separately managed portfo- plans for several oil that ‘Kuwaitization’ ratio now exceeds 75 percent Egypt at the MENA Fund lios. projects, as well as as we heavily depend on Kuwaiti calibers. We have Manager Performance NBK Capital was estab- his contributions in provided training for Kuwaiti youth to work at vari- Awards 2015 ceremony, held lished in June 2005 as a sub- establishing ous sectors efficiently, thus demonstrating our earlier this year in Dubai. The sidiary of the National Bank human resources commitment to enhance the Bank with local award recognition was based of Kuwait (NBK),one of the departments in expertise and our endeavors to further support on a series of Fund region’s oldest and highest Abdullah Jassim many prestigious the Bank with promising talented people who will Management criteria judged rated banks. NBK Capital Hamada institutions. push it towards achieving its objectives, expecta- by MENA FM editorial panel and a selec- focuses on three principal lines of busi- Mr. Hamada is tions and aspirations. tion of industry experts. ness: Asset Management, Brokerage & well-experienced in managing and implementing Warba Bank believes in the significance of its Ahmed Mokhtar, Managing Director of Research and Investment Banking. With strategies for human resources. His duties include human resources, particularly Kuwaiti nationals. NBK Capital Asset Management Egypt offices in Kuwait, Dubai and Cairo, NBK designing programs for staff development, evalua- From the very beginning the Bank is fully commit- commented, “Reaping such accolade Capital’s team of professionals offers tion, attracting staff and succession programs. He ted with supporting and introducing national proves the high quality standards our pro- superior financial products and services to has also demonstrated excellent abilities in deal- labor to all banking sectors to avail from their fessionals are providing for our clients and clients and investors. Amed Mokhtar receiving the award ing with sensitive issues pertaining to employee experience and to enhance Warba’s position and relations in the most professional and confidential aim to become one of the leading financial institu- manner under Kuwaiti labor law of which Hamada tions in Kuwait. Ooredoo introduces Burgan Bank announces Citi sponsors Middle East competitive Xpress offers winners of Yawmi draw KUWAIT: In its continuous efforts to give its customers KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yester- one lucky customer to win KD 125,000 Investment Conference the best value services, Ooredoo Kuwait introduces day the names of the lucky winners of its every three months. The Yawmi Account the best Xpress offers in Kuwait. The new prepaid offer Yawmi account draw, each taking home a now offers Daily and quarterly Draws, the KUWAIT: Citibank Kuwait announced its sup- graphics gives customers additional benefits such as free addi- prize of KD 5,000. Quarterly Draw requires customers to main- port towards the Middle East Investment l Regulation: Growing pains in the transi- tional credit, international calls credit, LTE internet, as The lucky winners for the daily draws tain a minimum amount of KD 500 in their Conference as a silver sponsor. Under the tion to effective regulation and governance well as call rate discounts. took home a cash-prize of KD 5,000 each, account for 2 months prior to draw date. patronage of Anas K Al-Saleh, Minister of l Investment strategies for frontier markets This exclusive offer is available with the purchase of and they are: Additionally, every KD 10 in the account, Finance, the MEIC will bring together interna- l Behavioral finance: What, how, and why a new Xpress prepaid line which includes free credit 1. ABDULRIDHA HASAN GHLOUM RIDHA will entitle customers to one chance of win- tional thought leaders, policymakers, industry does it matter? value equal to its cost. Customers simply have to 2. FAEZAH ALI ABDULLAH AL-ZEID ning. If the account balance is KD 500 and experts, and key market participants from l Small- and medium-sized enterprises recharge their line with a minimum of 500 fils to 3. JABER ALI MOHAMMAD MUSHTAQ above, the account holder will be qualified across the MENA (SMEs): Is MENA on the cusp of an SME boom? immediately get an additional KD 1 free credit every 4. EMAN EBRAHIM ALI OMAR for both the quarterly and daily draws. region to consid- Announcing the sponsorship, Ozgur Kutay, month for the first year. 5. EMAD ABDULRAZZAQ AHMAD ALFA- Burgan Bank encourages everyone to er the central General Manager, Citibank Kuwait, said: “As an To enjoy more benefits, customers must simply HAD open a Yawmi account and/or increase their theme of international bank that began operations in recharge throughout the month as outlined in the To further add to the anticipation of deposit to maximize their chances to Investing in New the Middle East more than 50 years ago, we are table below: Yawmi account customers, Burgan Bank becoming a winner. The more customers Realities. proud to extend our support towards the lat- The benefits listed above are valid for the first 3 now offers a Quarterly Draw with more deposit, the higher the chances they Taking place est edition of the Middle East Investment months after first recharge. First month benefit would chances to win higher rewards, entitling receive of winning. on the 10th of Conference. We are committed to back such be dependent on the first recharge. Second &third February and co- noteworthy events that help in raising the pro- month benefit hosted by CFA file of Kuwait within the international forum”. would be credit- Al-Tijari announces winners Society Kuwait The MEIC will be held for the first time in ed based on the and CFA Institute, Kuwait this year and will attract CFA charter- previous 30 Najma Account draw Ozgur Kutay, this unique event holders and senior investment professionals days cumulative General Manager, will offer atten- from across the GCC region, Lebanon, Egypt recharge. All KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held account. Customers of the bank can now Citibank Kuwait dees the chance and Jordan, as well as some from the USA, bonus benefits the Al Najma Account daily draw on 8th enjoy a KD 7,000 daily prize which is the to discuss in Europe and Asia. are valid for 30 February 2015. highest in the country and another 4 mega detail the new opportunities open to MENA Citi has been in the Arab World for nearly days. The draw was held under the supervi- prizes during the year worth KD 100,000 investors who are willing to investigate, evalu- 50 years and views the region as critical to its Now the new sion of the Ministry of Commerce & each on different occasions: The National ate, and seize them. global franchise. It currently offers full scale Xpress line will Industry represented by Saquer Al-Manaie. Day, Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al Adha and on the 19th The conference will feature a keynote corporate and investment banking services in give customers The winners of the Najma daily draw are: of June which is the date of the bank’s address from Nouriel Roubini, one of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Lebanon, 1 day of validity Joanita Luiza Remedios — KD 7000, establishment. world’s leading economists and a world class Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria and for every 50 fils Ahmad Mohammed Al-Ghunem — KD With a minimum balance of KD 500, cus- lineup of speakers. Topics covered will include: offers consumer-banking services in Bahrain, of recharge pro- 7000, Adel Ibraheem Al-Rumaih — KD tomers will be eligible for the daily draw pro- l Global economic outlook: Opportunities UAE and Egypt..In the Kingdom of Bahrain vided they do a 7000, Husain Nayef Nahi — KD 7000, vided that the money is in the account one and challenges for MENA investors alone, Citibank, N.A., being a wholly own enti- minimum Sadeeqah Abul Al Awadhi - KD 7000. week prior to the daily draw or 2 months pri- l Geopolitics and the rise of new super ty of Citi and providing consumer banking recharge of 500 The Commercial Bank of Kuwait or to the mega draw. In addition, for each KD powers in the MENA region services as well, has had a presence for the fils. announces the biggest daily draw in 25 a customer can get one chance for win- l The untapped growth dividend of demo- past 25 years. Kuwait with the launch of the new Najma ning instead of KD 50. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 technology

One year on, Nadella shifting focus at Microsoft Company eyes progress on cloud and mobile initiatives NEW YORK: With one year under his Nadella appears to have injected new ing women should trust “karma” when it ers, and Microsoft is intent on renewing belt, Microsoft chief executive Satya energy into the Redmond, Washington- comes to securing pay raises, but quick- its relevance in an age of mobile com- Nadella has made strides in changing based tech powerhouse. ly moved to back away from the contro- puting; the new platform is being the focus of the technology giant that Gownder said it was “a wise move” to versy. He ordered the biggest reorgani- designed with feedback from millions of some feared was turning into a dinosaur. bring popular Microsoft programs like zation in Microsoft’s history, cutting “insiders” testing early versions of the Nadella, who took over from Steve Word, Excel and PowerPoint to Android some 18,000 jobs-or 14 percent of the operating system. Ballmer in February 2014, has been mov- and Apple devices, because Windows workforce-under a plan aimed at simpli- Microsoft needs to remake its busi- ing to make Microsoft more relevant in has been slow to gain traction in the fying the corporate structure and inte- ness, which had been based on one- the new tech world led by mobile- mobile universe. “When you have soft- grating the mobile division of Finland’s time Windows license sales, to a new focused rivals such as Apple and Google. ware, you have to run that software Nokia. model for the mobile world, say ana- Microsoft, which can no longer rest where the customers are,” instead of Wall Street has been happy with the lysts. on its PC dominance with its Windows using it as “a weapon” in a war of operat- new leadership-Microsoft shares gained Colin Gillis at BGC Partners said the operating system, has taken a page from ing systems, he said. 36 percent in Nadella’s first eight plan appears to be working. “We remain the playbook of the late Steve Jobs at In a move aimed at reaching a months, but pulled back in early 2015. positive on the efforts to reshape Apple-providing software like Office for younger tech user base, Microsoft Microsoft into a recurring revenue, sub- free on rival devices like the iPad and agreed in September to buy the Windows 10 test scription-based business,” he said. Android-powered tablets. Nadella also Swedish group behind the hugely popu- Nadella, 47, has been pressing cloud Gillis said this means some “turbu- managed to surprise and wow people lar video game “Minecraft” for $2.5 bil- now. Microsoft is not making stupid mis- and mobile computing since taking the lence” as higher-margin software license with Microsoft’s HoloLens goggles, lion, bolstering its gaming division. takes,” said Trip Chowdhry, at Global reins, and is seeing some progress in sales are replaced with lower-margin delivering holograms and hitting a The deal for Mojang gives Microsoft Equities Research. areas like the Azure cloud platform for subscriptions. Windows 10 will be cru- sweet spot between Google Glass and one of the best-known video games of “This year is more of a reinvention business. But Microsoft still faces a big cial for Microsoft, which is hoping to virtual reality headgear.“He hasn’t solved all time-one which is played on game and restrategizing year. 2015 will be test with its upcoming Windows 10 plat- win over developers as well as users all problems, but he’s made moves in consoles as well as PCs and mobile when the company may have some form, which aims to keep PC users while with a platform that works on mobile the right direction strategically,” said J P devices. progress on initiatives like mobile and also powering mobile phones and devices as well as PCs. According to Gownder, analyst at Forrester Research. cloud.” tablets. Gownder, Windows 10 is “the best Even though many of the new things ‘A different company’ Nadella has made some missteps, Some 1.5 billion people around the opportunity yet for Microsoft to come unveiled were in the works for years, “Microsoft is a different company notably in comments suggesting work- world use Windows-powered comput- back in the game in mobile.” —AFP

No encryption standard raises health care privacy questions

WASHINGTON: Insurers aren’t required tion health plans maintain on enrollees to encrypt consumers’ data under a and members - including names and 1990s federal law that remains the foun- Social Security numbers - is protected dation for health care privacy in the under HIPAA, even if no specific diagnos- Internet age - an omission that seems tic or treatment information is disclosed,” striking in light of the major cyberattack the statement said. against Anthem. A 2009 federal law promoting com- Encryption uses mathematical formu- puterized medical records sought to las to scramble data, converting sensitive nudge the health care details coveted by intruders into gibber- industry toward encryption. Known as ish. Anthem, the second-largest US the HITECH Act, it required public disclo- health insurer, has said the data stolen sure of any health data breach affecting from a company database that stored 500 or more people. It also created an information on 80 million people was exemption for companies that encrypt not encrypted. their data. The main federal health privacy law - Encryption has been seen as a contro- the Health Insurance Portability and versial issue in the industry, particularly Accountability Act, or HIPAA - encour- with data that’s only being stored and ages encryption, but doesn’t require it. not transmitted. Encryption adds costs The lack of a clear encryption standard and can make day-to-day operations undermines public confidence, some more cumbersome. It can also be defeat- experts say, even as the government ed if someone manages to decipher the plows ahead to spread the use of com- code or steals the key to it. puterized medical records and promote In fact, Anthem spokeswoman Kristin electronic information sharing among Binns said encryption would not have hospitals, doctors and insurers. thwarted the latest attack because the “We need a whole new look at HIPAA,” hacker also had a system administrator’s said David Kibbe, CEO of DirectTrust, a ID and password. She said the company ‘UAE Drones for Good Award’ announces nonprofit working to create a national normally encrypts data that it exports. framework for secure electronic winner of $1 million international prize exchange of personal health information. One-size-fits-all solution “Any identifying information relevant But some security experts said a DUBAI: The winners of the first ‘UAE Drones for Flyability team lead Patrick Thevoz said, “we Competition include drones for reforestation, to a patient ... should be encrypted,” said stolen credential by itself shouldn’t be Good Award’, the largest award of its kind in the struggled to find funding to develop our search urgent transportation of organs, delivery catch- Kibbe. It should make no difference, he an all-access pass to encrypted data. world, were announced today in the presence of and rescue drone but this UAE Government ment systems and monitoring of crop condi- says, whether that information is being Martin Walter, senior director at RedSeal Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum,UAE minis- Summit initiative, Drones for Good, means we tions. transmitted on the Internet or sitting in a Networks, a Silicon Valley cybersecurity ters and international dignitaries. The competi- can commercially develop our project within a “The UAE Drones for Good Award is a tangi- company database, as was the case with firm, said encryption can be tuned to tion, launched at the 2014 Government Summit, year, and with Flyabilityable to go where it is ble outcome of the vision of Sheikh Mohammed Anthem. limit the data that even authorized users took place in Dubai Internet City in front of a dangerous for rescuers, help save lives. bin Rashid Al-Maktoum to make optimal use of Late Friday, the Senate Health, can view at one time. That makes it hard- large crowd of visitors. The Government Summit “The Drones for Good Award is the first of its innovation and technology for the service of focuses on how technology will radically kind. It is inspirational, because while there are humanity. The UAE Drones for Good award Education, Labor and Pensions commit- er for an outsider to copy a whole stock- reshape government and public services many awards for academic research there aren’t exemplifies our commitment to setting global tee said it’s planning to examine encryp- pile of records. through the introduction of drones, robotics and many for the social application of new technolo- benchmarks in this endeavor,” said Mohammed tion requirements as part of a bipartisan Under the HITECH law, the govern- other innovations; the 2015 Summit, occurring gy. It allows passionate teams like us to move Abdullah Al-Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet review of health information security. ment set up a public database listing 9-11 February, will feature exciting new initia- forward and make this a reality. The Drones for Affairs. “We will consider whether there are ways major breaches, known informally as the tives. Good Award is a unique opportunity to help “I congratulate the winners of this great com- to strengthen current protections,” said “hall of shame.” Breaches on that list Flyability from Switzerland won the US$1 mil- people realize that these flying machines are petition, which showed the amazing ways we Jim Jeffries, spokesman for chairman affected more than 40 million people lion grant in the International Competition. The capable of positively impacting society,” he can use drones for good. All the entries have the Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. over a decade, meaning that the Flyability team has developed Gimball, a drone added. capability to transform the world to make it a The agency charged with enforcing Anthem case could be twice as damag- that can enter confined spaces and safely fly Over the course of the two-day event,39 better place to live in and we are optimistic that the privacy rules is a small unit of the ing as all previous reported incidents close to humans, proving to be highly effective semi-finalists in three categories presented live they will continue to inspire new break- federal Health and Human Services combined. in rescue missions. It is protected by a rotating demonstrations of their projects to a panel of throughs”, Al-Gergawi added. Department, called the Office for Civil Indiana University law professor cage which makes it capable of colliding with international judges. There was also a division The winners of the UAE Government Entities Rights. Nicolas Terry said it seemed at the time obstacles in challenging environments without for national competitors who won AED 1 million. Award and the National Competition were losing its stability. The other finalists in the International Etisalat and Wadi Drones respectively. of the 2009 law that the government Privacy law had struck a reasonable balance, creat- The office said in a statement Friday ing incentives for encryption while stop- that it has yet to receive formal notifica- ping short of imposing a one-size-fits-all tion of the hack from Anthem, but solution. Now he’s concerned that the DR Congo’s small firms bear the nonetheless is treating the case as a pri- compromise has been overtaken by vacy law matter. Although Anthem alert- events. brunt of mobile services block ed mainline law enforcement agencies, “In today’s environment, we should the law allows 60 days for notifying HHS. expect all health care providers to KINSHASA: Sales are down and business is slow- than 10,000 francs. And I (still) pay $180 (157 Internet services were The statement from the privacy office encrypt their data from end to end,” said small entrepreneurs in the Democratic Republic euros) for my Internet connection.” Between 19 re-established two days later but mobile said the kind of personal data stolen by Terry, who specializes in health informa- of Congo are bearing the brunt of an official and 22 January, violence engulfed DR Congo Internet, used by many small companies and the Anthem hackers is covered by HIPAA, tion technology. If the voluntary clampdown on mobile Internet services and text during protests against legislation that could individuals, remained cut off. Phone messaging, even if it does not include medical infor- approach isn’t working, “HHS should messages. have enabled President Joseph Kabila, who has the cheapest way to communicate in the vast mation. amend the security rule to make encryp- On a normal day, between 20 and 30 clients been in power in the troubled country for 14 central African country, and social networks “The personally identifiable informa- tion mandatory,” he said. —AP grace Danny’s small Internet cafe in Ngaliema, years, to extend his term beyond 2016 when his have remained inaccessible. north of the capital Kinshasa. Now he gets second mandate ends. On January 25, the election bill, stripped of its around 10 a day if he’s lucky because the con- Rights groups said 42 people were killed with most disputed provision, was passed by parlia- nection is either blocked or sluggish. official sources putting the number at 27. To ment and calm returned, although the new leg- YouTube to remain blocked “Since this started, we can’t earn,” says the hamper communications and curb further islation does little to ease the fears of Kabila’s computer specialist. “Before I was making 30,000 protests, the government ordered a block on detractors. francs (28 euros, $32) a day. Now I make less phone messaging and the Internet. Main in Pakistan ‘indefinitely’ The United Nations’ chief of mission in the country, Martin Kobler, called on authorities on ISLAMABAD: YouTube will remain blocked can totally block offensive content, that is Wednesday to “restore Internet immediately”. in Pakistan ‘indefinitely’, an official said why YouTube remains blocked and it will Some services like mobile banking, used Saturday, as experts have failed to find a remain so indefinitely,” the official said. widely by people to send funds using their way to filter content deemed offensive and Blasphemy is a contentious issue in mobile phones, were functioning in Kinshasa. In blasphemous in the Muslim majority coun- Pakistan and the country has seen violent Bukavu, however, located more than 1,000 kilo- try. The video-sharing website has been riots sparked by content deemed offensive metres (620 miles) away at the other end of the blocked in Pakistan since September 2012 to Islam, including the “survivors” edition of country, the services work only intermittently. over its hosting of the “Innocence of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo Yves Mukole sells pre-paid telephone cards in Muslims” movie that sparked furious that had a cartoon of the Prophet the eastern town located on the border with protests around the world. Mohammed on its front cover. Free speech Rwanda, but the lack of SMS facilities and The Supreme Court ruled at the time campaigners in Pakistan have long com- Facebook access has made selling $30 worth of that the site should be banned until a way plained of creeping censorship in the name cards a day difficult, while before he would make was found to block all so-called blasphe- of protecting religion or preventing $40-45. For Gisele Ndembele, a coordinator at a mous content. “(The) matter was reviewed obscenity, and have described the ban on student travel agency in Kinshasa, work is several times but the situation effectively YouTube as a violation of civil rights. becoming “complicated”. “We have taken the remains the same,” the minister for informa- In November 2011 the telecommunica- country back 20 to 25 years,” she said. tion technology and telecommunication tions authority tried to ban nearly 1,700 Without its regular modes of communication Anusha Rehman told the Senate Friday. “obscene” words from text messages, which like WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook and text mes- “The government does not want to take included innocuous terms such as “lotion”, sages, communicating with the outside world any chance and wants to make sure that “athlete’s foot” and “idiot”. after the unblocking YouTube, no offensive In 2010 Pakistan shut down Facebook has become difficult and expensive. content remains viewable in Pakistan,” a for nearly two weeks over its hosting of KINSHASA: Local residents use computers at an internet cafe in Kinshasa. Small contractors “Now we are having to queue up at Internet senior government official told AFP. “So far allegedly blasphemous pages. It continues have seen their profits decrease since authorities blocked 3G mobile telecommunications, text cafes and we are losing an hour and a half and no tool or solution has been found which to restrict thousands of online links. —AFP messaging and social media after clashes broke out two weeks ago. — AFP spend around $10 a day,” said Ndembele.—AFP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

WISH joins Gates in raising maternal, newborn care

DOHA: The World Innovation Summit Health program at the Bill & Melinda for Health (WISH), an initiative of Qatar Gates Foundation. “Newborn mortality Foundation for Education, Science and now makes up the majority of all Community Development, today under-five deaths, despite the exis- announces a joint effort with the Bill & tence of proven, cost-effective inter- Melinda Gates Foundation to release a ventions that could save the lives of report highlighting the importance of hundreds of thousands more women integrated maternal and newborn and newborns each year. At the Gates health care at the second WISH summit Foundation, we believe global health taking place on 17-18 February 2015 in equity is achievable and we want to Qatar. The report, developed with make childbirth safe for all women and Harvard University and Save the newborns. Innovation is the key to Children, is part of a partnership both the reach and uptake of this between WISH and Gates to highlight vision, which is why we’re so pleased to critical global health and development be taking part in WISH’s 2015 Summit, issues. sharing our ambitions with healthcare In 2013, more than 280,000 women experts whose duty it is to protect, and girls died unnecessarily due to educate and care for the world’s new- complications of pregnancy and child- borns and their mothers.” birthπ while 2.9 million newborns died≤ due to lack of available care. As Health funding the health of mothers and their chil- Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, dren are inextricably linked - biological- Executive Chair of WISH, said: “This spe- ly, socially, and through health systems- cial WISH policy briefing aims to build integrated care systems that use inno- the case for integrating policies and vative approaches are desperately services in ways that improve the quali- needed across the full range of repro- ty and accessibility of care for mothers ductive, maternal, newborn, and child and newborns. The subject of newborn healthcare. and maternal health cannot be of In partnership with the Bill & greater importance to families, society Melinda Gates Foundation, Harvard and the world. This unique and timely Midwives assisting in home births which is condemned ‘crime’ in Czech Republic. University and Save the Children, WISH panel will offer tangible, proven and will host a special panel session at the applicable solutions for lowering costs summit to present some of the report and saving lives.” Czech mothers sue state over insights with an aim to tackle the criti- “We are proud to be partnering with cal unfinished agenda of reproductive, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, an maternal, and newborn health. organization that is recognized the The panel discussion will put for- world over as a champion in global midwife ban at home births ward the case for service integration health funding. Their passion for inno- and provide a platform for thought- vation and vision for global health are provoking debate on both the critical truly aligned with those of WISH and Most EU countries, home births enjoy legal backing issues and the opportunities that can make them perfect partners for affect- be mobilised to ensure efforts to ing change.” JILEMNICE: Sarka Dubska gave birth to both of restrict patients’ choices in the Czech health sys- He conceded that some hospitals may pro- reduce maternal and newborn mortali- Guided by the belief that every life her sons on a twin bed at home with the help of tem are still very visible,” said Zuzana vide worse care-a legacy of communist rule-but ty remain a top priority. The briefing has equal value, the Bill & Melinda her husband-but no midwife. She would have Candigliota, a lawyer for the Czech Human added: “We’re trained to save lives, and home will also provide five recommendations Gates Foundation works to help all preferred otherwise. Rights League. births are not the way.” for healthcare stakeholders who are people lead healthy, productive lives. In The Czech Republic prevents midwives from “The high-ranking doctors also have financial committed to improving the health and developing countries, it focuses on assisting in home births, a law that the 29-year- interests: they get large sums from health insur- One court, two verdicts wellbeing of mothers and newborns. improving people’s health and giving old has challenged all the way to the European ers. If there was an alternative, they would lose The ECHR ruled that since “there is no This unique WISH panel is timed to them the chance to lift themselves out Court of Human Rights (ECHR). money.” European consensus in the matter... the authori- coincide with the new Sustainable of hunger and extreme poverty. In the Dubska had her first child, a daughter, at the ties did not exceed their wide margin of discre- Development Goals (SDGs) that will United States, it seeks to ensure that all hospital in 2007. Forced to lie in an uncomfort- ‘Midwife to myself’ tion.” The European Union leaves family policy- replace the United Nation’s Millennium people-especially those with the able position and undergo unwanted hormone Since 2012, most healthcare has been making up to member states. Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015 fewest resources-have access to the injections, the experience was “stressful”, she restricted to licensed medical institutions. The Netherlands tops the 28-member bloc ensuring that this vital issue of mater- opportunities they need to succeed in says. “You argue with the doctors and you can’t Anyone providing care without a licence can be with 16.3 percent of births occurring at home, nal and child health remain at the fore- school and life. Based in Seattle, focus on the delivery and then it hurts,” she told fined up to one million koruna (36,000 euros, according to the 2010 European Perinatal Health front of global and national health Washington, the foundation is led by AFP at her flat in the northern town of Jilemnice. $45,000). Obtaining a licence requires having Report, followed by Wales with 3.7 percent. agendas. And it previews some of the CEO Sue Desmond-Hellmann and Co- She decided to deliver her next child at home the appropriate equipment, including an operat- “These are rare in most European countries,” proceedings expected at the Global chair William H. Gates Sr., under the in 2011 but could not find a willing midwife. ing room, effectively barring midwives. often making up less than one percent of total Maternal Newborn Health Conference direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Together with another mother, Alexandra They have also been scared away by the case births, it said. The figure is 0.2 percent for the to be held in October 2015 in Mexico Warren Buffett. Krejzova, she filed a lawsuit against the Czech of Ivana Koenigsmarkova, an experienced mid- Czech Republic, according to Feyereisl. In 2010, City. Qatar Foundation has established state with the ECHR. wife who assisted in a 2009 delivery without a the ECHR issued a verdict in the case of Anna WISH to bring about action in health- Last December, however it ruled that their licence. The baby died. Ternovszky, who sued Hungary for the same rea- Newborn survival care innovation locally in Qatar, region- rights were not violated-a “disappointment and She got a suspended five-year sentence and son as the Czech mothers-and won. Two years “While we’ve seen advancements in ally and globally. Through WISH, Qatar surprise” for Dubska. “I know that in most EU 100,000-euro fine but was later acquitted by the later, Hungary passed new legislation making it maternal and newborn health these Foundation is supporting the nation in countries, home births enjoy legal backing, but Supreme Court. “I was a midwife to myself,” legal for midwives to help with home births if past fifteen years, comparatively mater- establishing healthcare initiatives for now the ECHR has ruled that we are not entitled Dubska said, as her sons played with a toy train they have obtained the necessary licenses from nal and newborn survival have not pro- the benefit of the globe while remain- to those perks,” she told AFP. nearby. “When the woman is okay and feels safe, national health authorities. gressed as quickly as other health ing closely aligned to the vision of Her Health ministry lawyer Denisa Kopkova said the body’s hormones do what they’re supposed However, midwives have complained that the goals,” said Mariam Claeson, Director of Highness Sheikha Mozabint Nasser, its the law is focused on “the protection of the to do and the delivery goes smoothly.” licenses are difficult to get as they require costly the Maternal, Newborn and Child Chairperson. mother and her foetus”. Home births themselves But Jaroslav Feyereisl, head of both the insurance coverage and several years’ prior are not banned in the Czech Republic. But a dis- largest Czech maternity hospital and the nation- experience in a hospital. senting ECHR judge said that for women who al obstetrical society, said that even with a doc- In the Czech case, Dubska and Krejzova are wish to deliver at home, forcing them to do so tor or midwife on hand, home births are risky. pinning their hopes on a ruling by the ECHR without a midwife only increases the risk. The “There could be a problem I won’t be able to Grand Chamber, the decisions of which are final. case will now be referred to the court’s highest resolve in a living room, and I’ll end up standing It “should come up with a single ECHR judge- authority, the Grand Chamber. there waiting to sign the death certificate,” he ment and provide direction for the future,” “Unfortunately, paternalism and efforts to told AFP. Krejzova’s lawyer, Richard Horejsi, said.— AFP Researchers find bubonic plague fragments on NY subway

NEW YORK: It is universally acknowledged that Yet there has not been a single reported case water. the New York subway is grubby. What may come of the plague in New York since the PathoMap Two years later, the majority of bacteria at the as a shock is that it contains DNA fragments project began in June 2013. station are “more commonly associated with fish linked to anthrax and bubonic plague. The study’s senior investigator, Christopher species, marine environments or very cold Researchers from Cornell University have pro- Mason, says the research shows the resilience of Antarctic environments,” the study found. vided the first map of the subway’s microbes, the human body and that the bacteria is not It also found that Penn Station, one of New identifying more than 1,688 types of bacteria enough to pose a threat to our health. York’s busiest transit hubs, has a vast bacterial and one station that even supports a “marine “The presence of these microbes and the lack ecology that shifts by the hour. ecosystem.” of reported medical cases is truly a testament to New York has the seventh largest subway in They say the vast majority of the bacteria is our body’s immune system, and our innate abili- the world in terms of annual ridership, behind harmless to the 1.7 billion people who travel ty to continuously adapt to our environment,” he Tokyo, Beijing, Moscow and other cities in the each year on 600 miles (960 kilometers) of track said. Perhaps most striking is that 48 percent of Far East, but ahead of Mexico City, Hong Kong in passenger service in America’s largest city. the samples matched no known organism, and Paris. CONAKRY: Director of the French Infectious Diseases Institute (ANRS) Jean-Francois But disease-causing bacteria that are resist- which the study said highlighted “the vast Human DNA was only the fourth most abun- Delfraissy (L) gives a joint press conference with doctor Sakoba Keita (C) and the ant to drugs were found in 27 percent of sam- wealth of unknown species that are ubiquitous dant species, behind two insects, the President of the French National Health Research Yves Levy on the ebola epidemic ples. in urban areas.” Mediterranean fruit fly and the mountain pine on Saturday. — AFP Two were found with DNA fragments of In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused beetle. The researchers say they collected 1,457 anthrax and three with a plasmid associated havoc across the city and submerged South DNA samples from all 466 open stations on all Guinea to expand use of with bubonic plague, albeit at very low levels. Ferry Station in Lower Manhattan in ocean 24 lines. — AFP experimental anti-Ebola drugs

CONAKRY: Guinea’s government has on Saturday. Guinea’s anti-Ebola task authorised the wider use of an experi- force said about two dozen new cases of mental drug to treat Ebola in treatment Ebola had been recorded in the last two centres after successful initial trials, offi- weeks, taking the total number to 53 as cials said on Saturday. of Friday. Officials are accessing villages The expansion of the treatment where they had previously faced local comes as the number of people with resistance to their presence. Health offi- Ebola in Guinea has doubled in the past cials have not provided any data for the week, reversing a broader trend of results of the trials of the anti-Ebola drug. decline across the three worst-hit West Keita said that after testing in African states - Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Gueckedou and Nzerekore, favipiravir Leone. has been distributed to the town of The experimental Japanese drug - Coyah and talks are underway start treat- Avigan, or favipiravir - developed by ment in the capital, Conakry. Toyama Chemical, a subsidiary of Japan’s “We are looking to see how we can Fujifilm , has been tested by French and get it to other parts of the country too,” Guinean teams in southern Guinea since he said. The epidemic has killed nearly mid-December. 9,000 people over the last year, mainly in French President Francois Hollande’s the three worst-affected West African office said on Wednesday that the results nations. had been positive and the drug Guinea, where the outbreak began, appeared to accelerated the recovery has recorded over 1,900 dead from process of patients. some 3,000 confirmed cases. “The Ebola “We have decided to broaden the use situation is getting better but we are of this drug. It will only be available in not cured,” said Jean-FranÁois the Ebola Treatment Units, not the hospi- Delfraissy, a French Ebola expert work- QUIMPER: A sticker reads in French, ‘Mean fromnowhere.com’ and tape are put across a cold fridge containing meat at a super market in tals,” Sakoba Keita, coordinator of ing alongside Guinean authorities to Quimper, western of France on Saturday, to make the customer aware about the origin of the meat as consumers are growing more and more Guinea’s Ebola response, told reporters contain the crisis. — Reuters concerned with the origin and the fabrication process of what they eat. — AFP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE New Mexico bills seek late-term abortion ban SANTA FEL: Republican lawmakers in New protects the life of the child after five Mexico are proposing a ban on late-term months pregnancy,” said Alamogordo Rep. abortions and a requirement for minors to Yvette Herrell, sponsor of the late-term notify parents within 48 hours before ter- abortion bill, in a statement. minating a pregnancy. Under the proposal, a physician per- The legislation proposed Friday comes forming a late-term abortion would face a less than a month after Roman Catholic civil penalty of at least $5,000. In addition, bishops urged lawmakers to enact new the doctor’s license could be taken away abortion laws this legislative session with for at least a year, Sanchez said in a news the GOP in control of the House for the first release. The penalties only apply to the time in decades. Democrats remain in con- doctor and are the same for both propos- trol of the Senate. als. Republican Gov. Susana Martinez has Several Democrats also have signed on repeatedly said “she is pro-life, which would to support the bills, said Chris Sanchez, a of course include opposition to late-term spokesman for the House Republican abortions,” her spokesman Mike Lonergan Caucus. The legislation is expected to be told The Associated Press. She believes par- introduced today. ents should be notified before a minor can The Republicans say the late-term abor- have an abortion, he said. tion ban is designed to bring New Mexico House Minority Leader Brian Egolf, of in line with 42 other states by restricting Santa Fe, said in a statement that “the deci- abortions after five months’ gestation and if sion to have an abortion later in pregnancy the doctor determines the fetus is viable. is one of the most private and personal Both pieces of legislation include excep- decisions any family can be faced with. This tions in cases of rape, incest, sexual abuse decision belongs to a woman, her family, and when the woman’s life is in danger. and her doctor, the government has no “This is common-sense legislation that place in such a personal decision.”— AP What to know about PALATINE: Icicles line the exterior of KinderCare Learning Center on East Palatine Road, Thursday, Feb 5, 2015, in Palatine, Ill. Public health offi- chikungunya in Carib cials say students, staff and faculty at the facility have been notified and anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated for measles has enbe instructed to stay away from unvaccinated individuals for the next three weeks after lab tests confirm measles in children from the day care.—AP acationing in the Caribbean? the stooped look of its victims. Thousands of travelers have caught Va virus spread by mosquitoes that CAN IT BE PREVENTED? has recently taken hold in the region. There is no vaccine, so prevention is Chicago-area measles cases put Chikungunya (chih-kihn-GOON’-yuh) caus- mostly avoiding being bitten. Use bug es fever and agonizing joint pain that can repellent with plenty of the active ingredi- last for months. Some things to know: ent - many experts recommend DEET. Keep spotlight on day care centers arms and legs covered. — AP WHERE IT’S FOUND Chikungunya spread from Asia and CHICAGO: Measles infections in five babies at and rash. Infants are vulnerable to rare but system or else we wouldn’t be having these Africa in late 2013 to the Caribbean, Latin a suburban Chicago day care center reveal a dangerous complications that include outbreaks,” said Lawrence Gostin, an ethicist America and parts of South America and potential weak link in public-health efforts to pneumonia, deafness, permanent brain and public law specialist at Georgetown Mexico. It’s in at least two dozen countries contain the disease, officials said Friday, damage and death. University. and territories in the Western Hemisphere explaining that infants who are too young to Dr. Saad Omer, an Emory University vac- Public health authorities “absolutely now. About a dozen people are thought to be vaccinated and in close quarters are cine specialist, offers this advice to parents should be looking more closely” at how to have caught the virus in Florida. among the most vulnerable to the virus. with children in day care: “Unless there is an protect unvaccinated children in day care, “They’re sort of like the canary in the mine,” ongoing outbreak in the specific day care, I through vaccine requirements for staff or HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE IT? said Dr. Tina Tan, an infectious disease special- don’t see any reason for keeping your child fewer exemptions for children of parents Symptoms can include fever, a rash, ist at Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital. at home. But make sure when they become who oppose vaccines, Gostin said. joint pain mostly in the arms and legs, State regulations in Illinois and elsewhere eligible for vaccines, they get the vaccine “I’m fine with the idea of individual free- headache, muscle pain and back pain. generally require vaccinations for older chil- on time, on schedule.” dom and parental rights so long as they Symptoms usually start three to seven days dren in day care centers, but measles shots Illinois authorities were seeking the don’t put the community at risk,” Gostin after the mosquito bite. A blood test can are not recommended for children under age source of the day care outbreak but said said. confirm infection. 1. And like most states, Illinois does not there was no evidence it’s linked with the KinderCare Learning Centers, which runs require vaccinations for day care center Disneyland cases. Possible sources include the Palatine, Illinois, center where the five HOW IS IT TREATED? staffers. unvaccinated older children or adults who infected infants were enrolled, announced Mostly people are given medicines for “Unfortunately, there is no requirement. recently traveled overseas. this week that it will start requiring measles pain, which can be severe enough to lead BAY HARBOR ISLANDS: Marisa Hargrove But this is on our radar,” said Melaney Arnold, Most US measles cases in recent years vaccinations for staff members at its 1,500 to hospitalization. The virus was first dis- holds a pamphlet that health workers spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of stem from contact with someone who has locations nationwide who work with chil- covered in Africa in the 1950s and the distributed in her neighborhood after Public Health. been abroad, since the disease is still com- dren under age 15 months. name chikungunya comes from a word that she contracted the chikungunya virus, in The cases are among more than 100 mon in many countries. The highly conta- means to become contorted, describing “We are being vigilant about enforcing Bay Harbor Islands, Fla. —AP nationwide this year, most of them linked gious virus was declared eliminated in the our policy of excluding children from care with a Disneyland outbreak. Ten other young United States in 2000, but US cases have when they are sick,” KinderCare spokes- children at the suburban center were exposed been reported every year since then, includ- woman Colleen Moran said Friday. “We are and are being monitored for symptoms. ing more than 600 last year. also working with families and staff mem- This year’s cases also include an infant at a The government recommends the first bers in our centers to double-check and Santa Monica, California, day care center that dose of measles vaccine for children aged update their immunization records.” closed temporarily this week. Fourteen infants 12 months to 15 months, with a second Parents like Andrew Hires are watching from that center have been quarantined at dose before the start of kindergarten. The the outbreaks closely. He lives near the home for three weeks. shots are not advised for younger children, Santa Monica day care center with one Dr. Julie Morita, acting commissioner of the mainly because the vaccine is less effective infected infant and 14 others at risk. His Chicago Department of Public Health, said for them. But it can offer partial protection, unvaccinated 10-month-old daughter does this year’s outbreaks highlight the major rea- and the outbreak has led some experts not attend day care, but Hires said he’s wor- sons for immunizations against a rare disease. including Tan to suggest that concerned ried she might come in contact with an The shots are not just for self-protection. They parents discuss possible infant immuniza- exposed child. also provide what experts call “herd immuni- tion with their pediatricians. Hires, a neuroscientist at the University ty” - protection for those too young or too sick of Southern California, said his vaccinated to be vaccinated, including infants in day care. Unvaccinated children 2-year-old daughter attends a preschool “We have always felt like this was a vulnera- Most parents choose to vaccinate their where most children are up to date on their ble population ... in a potentially risky setting older children, but health authorities and shots, but some local preschools have low because there are a lot of kids who are ethicists are concerned about clusters of immunization rates. together,” Morita said. families who reject vaccines for personal or “I don’t live in fear of it, but I am keeping ATLANTA: This 2006 photo made available by the Centers for Disease Control and religious beliefs, and the risk they pose to a very close eye on where outbreaks are Prevention shows a female Aedes aegypti mosquito acquiring a blood meal from a Runny nose and rash those who cannot be vaccinated. occurring, and where they might be pre- human host at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. — AP Measles can cause a cough, runny nose “There is clearly a very weak link in the dicted to occur in the future,” he said. — AP WHAT’S ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 OSN Pehla content now available anytime, anywhere on OSN Play

ubscribers of OSN, the leading pay-TV net- rience closer to our customers, anytime and Sharma. Awarded ‘Entertainer of the Year 2013,’ Also available on OSN Play are comedy and work in the Middle East and North Africa anywhere.” Kapil regales audiences with his quick wit and general entertainment shows such as Taarak Sregion, now have the opportunity to keep Marcos added: “The content that we are repartees, and has defined the program, telecast Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah which follows the up with some of the most popular South Asian adding to OSN Play is among the most sought- on Colors, as one of the highest rated non-fic- hilarious happenings in a cooperative housing entertainment from the OSN Pehla roster at no after and covers the widest spectrum of genres. tion shows. society, and FIR, a situational comedy on a extra cost on OSN Play, the region’s first online From reality shows to high-rated series, talent For thriller series lovers, OSN Play brings CID, Haryanvi police officer (Kavita Kaushik) and her viewing platform. competitions, cookery shows and award nights, Adalat and Crime Patrol from Sony. One of the subordinates, both telecast on SAB. Assuring an ‘anytime, anywhere’ TV experi- Talk show fans can follow The Anupam Kher Tahani Al-Bortoqali Najla Al-Naqi ence, OSN Play is bringing a fast-expanding Show - Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai on Colors, hosted repertoire of South Asian content, starting with by the veteran actor, and Sureeli Baat on Aaj Tak, The Najla Al-Naqi monthly forum will hold a press four of the leading OSN Pehla channels - Colors, where celebrities offer insights into their lives. conference in honor of the ‘Egypt Lovers’ delega- Sony, SAB and Aaj Tak. OSN Play is available for Among the talent shows available on OSN Play tion, headed by iconic Egyptian media figure free to OSN subscribers as a value added serv- are Kitchen Champions (Colors) and Tahani Al-Bortoqali. The event takes place at 2:00 ice. Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega (Sony). pm tomorrow, February 10th, at the forum’s head- Emad Marcos, OSN’s Senior Vice President of OSN Play also brings award shows and galas quarters in Salwa. This month’s forum will be Business Development, Strategy and Digital, including the Femina Miss India (Colors) and accompanied by a show presented by Kuwait said: “The addition of OSN Pehla has expanded SAB Ke Anokhe Awards (SAB). our subscriber base by providing extremely the new content on OSN Play will be a great val- longest running TV series, CID stars Shivaji In addition to the newly launched South Corvette Club. popular content that appeals to a wide section ue addition for our subscribers. They can view Satam, Aditya Srivastava and Dayanand Shetty Asian entertainment, OSN Play also has seven of the region’s demography. these programs on various devices including as investigative officers who assist a forensic live steaming channels including OSN Sports “Starting with content from four OSN Pehla smartphones, tablets and laptops.” expert (Narendra Gupta) in cracking high-profile Cricket HD, premium content from Discovery ‘art festival channels now available on OSN Play, subscribers Among the content that OSN subscribers cases. and Nat Geo, as well as family and kids’ content have the choice of watching their favorite pro- can watch on the award-winning service include With Ronit Roy on the lead, Adalat is a grip- including series, blockbuster movies and gener- documenting local grams on-the-go demonstrating our continued one of India’s most popular comedy talk shows, ping courtroom drama, while Crime Patrol al entertainment. OSN Play is provided as a free heritage of Kuwait’ commitment to bring the home television expe- Comedy Nights with Kapil, hosted by Kapil brings dramatized versions of real-life incidents. value added service for OSN Pehla subscribers. oushahri Art Gallery announced an open- Bing reception of the ‘art festival documenting local heritage of Kuwait’ exhibition for artist Abdullatif Al Fares, which takes place from 9 February to 16 February 2015. The reception is held at the gallery in Salmiya, Baghdad Street, building 36 in front of Al Labeeb Mosque. For more information, call +965 25621119, or sent an e- mail to [email protected].

Group photo Annual staff party at the Palms Beach Hotel & Spa

he Palms Beach Hotel and Spa has ed by the hotel staff, which played the most organized the truly festive annual staff effective role to achieve the spacious results. Tparty with presence of Rabie Al Followed to the aforesaid event, Rabie Al Sukhon, General Manager, along with the Sukhon distributed the hotel’s award and hotel administrations and the belongs staff special gifts to the high performing staff in a harmonically delight and joy atmos- from all of hotel departments. Moreover, he phere. celebrates the employee of the year award The party began with warm and sincere for 2014, which won by Nandalal appreciation speech, expressed by the Hotel Somaratne S, from Human Resources General Manager Rabie, along with the department. hotel administration team to the entire hotel At the end of this occasion, the hotel staff in order to realize the valuable efforts administration team and staff have thanked and attitude that leaded into achieved the Rabie Al Sukhon on his usual support and P J Kurian unveils amazing 2014 results. encouragement to his team by ensuring a Meanwhile, he appreciated the extensive healthy business atmosphere, additional to Karunakaran’s portrait patronage of the owning company and the the valuable appreciation they gained dur- valuable trust extended to the Palms Beach ing the special annual party. The staff prom- rof P J Kurian, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, gov- Hotel & Spa family starting by the hotel ised to keep continues working hard with ernment of India, unveiled the portrait of ‘Leader’ late management and administration team end- the smart and high efforts. Employee of the Year 2014 PKarunakaran, former chief minister of Kerala, at the new office of OICC Kuwait in Abbassiya. While unveiling the portrait Kurian, who was on a short visit to Kuwait, hailed the leadership of Karunakaran and his contributions for the development of Kerala in almost all fields. “He always set an example to others by rendering remarkable services to the public as a whole”, Kurian added. PAC chairman and Member of the Lok Sabha K V Thomas, Shafi Parampil MLA and Palakkad DCC President C V Balachandran and OICC Global Committee Spokesman Manzour Palloor, spoke on the occasion. OICC Kuwait National President Varghese Purthukulangara, National and District Committee officials participated in the function. Farooq Alumni Association holds parenting program arooq Alumni Association is organizing a parenting pro- gram on 13th Feb 2015, Friday at KMA Hall, Jabriya from 1 Fpm to 8 pm. The program will have NP Hafiz Mohammed as the lead speaker. Please contact Numbers, 99594317 NP Hafiz Mohamad is a sociologist, writer, Illustrator, corporate trainer and family counselor. His father NP Mohammed, who was a well-known Malayalam writer, Yousef Alshaya, CEO, KAICO Abdullah Alshaya, MD, KAICO Ashish Tandon, GM, KAICO was influential in his childhood. He graduated from Kerala University in MA Sociology and Al-Shaya & Al-Sager (KAICO) organizes Blood Donation Drive went on to do M Phil from Bangalore University. He did Ph uwait Automotive Imports Co KAICO (Al Shaya and Al management and employees. KAICO’s senior management and staff enthusiastically volun- D from University of Calicut on Sagar), Kuwait’s leading automotive distributor of Ashish Tandon, KAICO’s General Manager, mentioned, teered and donated 29 units of blood to the Kuwait Central the topic of Matrilocal Mappila Kinternational brands like Mazda, Peugeot, Eicher, “The Blood Donation Drive is held as a part of KAICO’s com- Blood Bank. Each unit of donated blood can be divided for Muslims of Malabar. He was Geely, BAW, Royal Enfield, Michelin, Mobil, in collaboration mitment as a responsible corporate citizen. He stated that three life saving purposes. Tandon mentioned that this is just awarded Fulbright Scholarship with the Kuwait Central Blood bank recently organized a Kuwait has one of the highest road accidents in the world one of the many CSR activities that KAICO undertakes every for American studies in Boston College, US. Hafiz has Post-gradu- Blood Donation Drive at its Al-Rai Head Office. The cam- and all drivers should drive safely and adhere to all the traffic year. He also thanked Kuwait Central Bank for their constant ate Diploma in Counseling and Guidance, and in Mass paign witnessed an overwhelming response from KAICO rules. He added that donated blood can save up to 3 lives. support. Communication and Journalism. He is graduating in Theme Centered Interaction (TCI) with Ruth Cohn Institute for Theme Centered Interaction, Switzerland. Hafiz has taught Sociology at Farook College under University of Calicut from 1981 to 2011, and working as Special Officer in Department of Sociology, University of Calicut. He is now actively involved in family coun- seling and therapy. He is the chief editor of Gulf Focus, a maga- zine published in Doha, Qatar.

What’s On - Submission Guidelines

All photos submitted for What’s On should be minimum 200dpi. Articles must be in plain text and should include name and phone ICSK Khaitan team wins ‘proud to be Indian’ contest 2015 numbers. Articles and photos that fail to meet these requirements will roud to be an Indian contest 2015’ Republic Day parade at Red Fort in India on various Indian schools all over Kuwait. treasure house of its records. The not be published. held by Asia net News on 11th 26th January 2015. The Young prodigies brought laurels to Management, staff and students of ICSK ‘PJanuary 2015 at ICSK Khaitan audi- The exciting result of the contest elevat- school from many competitions held in congratulated and appreciated the win- torium brought moments of infinite pride ed ICSK Khaitan to the apex of pride since Kuwait in the recent past. Their victory ning team expressing best wishes for their Please send them to and happiness to the school. It was a tough the master quizzers Mohammed Basil brought historical moments to ICSK exciting journey. [email protected] contest being held over Middle East among Habeeb and Mohammad Mishal won the Khaitan creating a new mile stone and The winners will be taken to India by Indian schools providing a wonderful contest with flying colors beating many adding golden pages to the memory of the Asia net to touch, feel and experience the chance to the winners to witness the students who appeared for contest from school to cherish and nourish always in the great heritage and culture of India. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 WHAT’S ON

The Taqabal Campaign organized a Mental Health Awareness Walkathon last Saturday, starting from the Salwa Ballroom (Marina Crescent) till the Green Island, with 5 Awareness Stops in between. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

13:20 Come Dine With Me 21:10 Gravity Falls 01:30 Girls 06:00 Oblivion-PG15 13:45 Homes Under The Hammer 21:35 Gravity Falls 02:00 Girls 08:15 Brave-PG15 14:35 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Suite Life On Deck 02:30 Girls 09:45 The Chronicles Of Riddick- 15:30 Come Dine With Me 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 03:00 Enlisted PG15 16:15 Masterchef: The 22:50 Shake It Up 03:30 The Michael J. Fox Show 11:45 Escape From L.A.-PG15 00:50 Gator Boys Professionals 23:10 Wolfblood 04:00 Raising Hope 13:45 Oblivion-PG15 01:45 Gator Boys 17:10 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 23:35 Wolfblood 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 16:00 White House Down-PG15 02:40 Gangland Killers 17:55 Come Dine With Me Jimmy Fallon 18:15 Brave-PG15 03:35 Wild Things With Dominic 18:20 Homes Under The Hammer 05:30 My Boys 19:45 Star Trek Into Darkness- Monaghan 19:15 Homes Under The Hammer 06:00 The Goldbergs PG15 04:25 Tanked 20:10 Michela’s Classic Italian 06:30 Better Off Ted 22:00 Homefront-PG15 05:15 Treehouse Masters 20:35 Come Dine With Me 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 23:45 Hit And Run-18 06:02 Gangland Killers 21:25 Masterchef: The 00:00 The Soup 08:00 Raising Hope 06:49 Wild Things With Dominic Professionals 00:30 House Of DVF 08:30 My Boys Monaghan 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 01:30 Christina Milian Turned Up 09:00 Enlisted 07:36 The Wild Life Of Tim 23:10 Come Dine With Me 02:00 Live From The Red Carpet 09:30 Community Faulkner 04:00 E!ES 23:35 Paul Hollywood’s Bread 10:00 Hot In Cleveland 00:00 The Food Guide To Love-18 08:00 The Wild Life Of Tim 05:00 THS 10:30 Better Off Ted Faulkner 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 02:00 Mystery, Alaska-PG15 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 04:00 Sister Act 2: Back In The 08:25 Too Cute! Miami Jimmy Fallon 09:15 Gangland Killers 07:00 Kourtney And Kim Take Habit-PG 12:00 The Goldbergs 06:00 Seeking A Friend For The 10:10 Call Of The Wildman Miami 12:30 Raising Hope 10:35 Call Of The Wildman 08:00 Live From The Red Carpet End Of The World-PG15 13:00 My Boys 08:00 Sweet Home Alabama-PG15 11:05 Gator Boys 00:45 Street Outlaws 10:00 Live From The Red Carpet 13:30 Better Off Ted 12:00 Too Cute! 01:35 Street Outlaws 12:00 Live From The Red Carpet 10:15 Mystery, Alaska-PG15 14:00 The Michael J. Fox Show 12:30 Ghost Dad-PG 12:55 Gangland Killers 02:25 Street Outlaws 14:00 Live From The Red Carpet 14:30 Community 13:50 Treehouse Masters 03:15 Street Outlaws 16:00 Live From The Red Carpet 14:30 Free Samples-PG15 15:00 Hot In Cleveland 16:00 Sweet Home Alabama-PG15 14:45 Wild Things With Dominic 04:05 Street Outlaws 18:00 E! News 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Monaghan 05:00 The Carbonaro Effect 19:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 18:30 Hello Ladies: The Movie- Stewart PG15 15:40 Tanked 05:30 The Carbonaro Effect The Hamptons 16:00 Modern Family 16:35 Gangland Killers 06:00 Tethered 20:00 House Of DVF 20:00 Big Daddy-PG15 16:30 The Goldbergs 22:00 Go-18 17:30 Gator Boys 06:50 Fat N’ Furious: Rolling 21:00 Fashion Bloggers 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 18:25 Treehouse Masters Thunder 21:30 Fashion Bloggers 18:00 New Girl 19:20 The Wild Life Of Tim 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 22:00 Live From The Red Carpet 18:30 The Michael J. Fox Show Faulkner 08:30 Auction Hunters 19:00 Two And A Half Men 19:50 The Wild Life Of Tim 08:55 The Liquidator 19:30 Two And A Half Men Faulkner 09:20 Auction Hunters 20:00 Wilfred 01:15 Now You See Me-PG15 20:15 Tanked 09:45 How It’s Made 20:30 Wilfred 03:15 Suspension Of Disbelief- 21:10 There’s A Rhino In My 10:10 How It’s Made 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon PG15 House! 10:35 Overhaulin’ 00:00 Midsomer Murders Stewart 05:15 Centre Place-PG15 22:05 Treehouse Masters 11:25 Kindig Customs 01:30 James Nesbitt’s Ireland 21:30 Modern Family 07:00 Grand Piano-PG15 International 12:15 Fantomworks 02:00 Emmerdale 22:00 Getting On 09:00 Seven Days In Utopia-PG15 23:00 The Wild Life Of Tim 13:05 Auction Hunters 02:25 Emmerdale 22:30 Jonah From Tonga 11:00 Centre Place-PG15 Faulkner 13:30 The Liquidator 02:55 Coronation Street 23:00 South Park 13:00 Almost Christmas-PG15 13:55 Auction Hunters 03:25 Who’s Doing The Dishes 23:30 Wilfred 14:20 Tethered 04:20 Sunday Night At The 15:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle- 15:10 Fat N’ Furious: Rolling Palladium PG15 Thunder 05:15 Murdoch Mysteries 17:00 Seven Days In Utopia-PG15 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 06:10 Please Marry My Boy 19:00 Knife Fight-PG15 07:05 James Nesbitt’s Ireland 21:00 The Factory-PG15 00:25 Call The Midwife 16:50 How It’s Made 00:00 Covert Affairs 07:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes 23:00 As I Lay Dying-18 01:20 Frankie 17:15 How It’s Made 01:00 Top Gear (US) 08:25 Sunday Night At The 02:10 Scott & Bailey 17:40 Dual Survival 02:00 The Americans Palladium 03:00 Whitechapel 18:30 Gold Rush 03:00 Grimm 09:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 03:45 The Vicar Of Dibley 20:10 The Liquidator 04:00 How To Get Away With 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries 04:15 The Weakest Link 20:35 Auction Hunters Murder 11:10 Emmerdale 05:00 The Green Balloon Club 21:00 Gold Rush 05:00 Castle 11:35 Emmerdale 05:25 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 21:50 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 06:00 Covert Affairs 01:30 The Master-R 12:00 Coronation Street 05:45 Me Too! 22:40 Alaska: The Last Frontier 07:00 The Fosters 04:00 Mud-PG15 12:30 The Hungry Sailors 06:05 Jollywobbles 23:30 Dual Survival 08:00 Parenthood 06:15 Robot & Frank-PG15 13:25 Please Marry My Boy 06:15 The Green Balloon Club 09:00 Castle 08:00 Hyde Park On Hudson-PG15 14:20 James Nesbitt’s Ireland 06:40 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 10:00 How To Get Away With 09:45 Snow Falling On Cedars- 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 07:00 Gigglebiz Murder 12:00 The Great Gatsby-PG15 15:35 The Chase 07:15 The Weakest Link 11:00 Top Gear (US) 14:30 The Insider-PG15 16:30 Get Your Act Together 08:00 Blackadder II 12:00 Emmerdale 17:30 The Fifth Estate-PG15 17:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 08:30 Lead Balloon 12:30 Coronation Street 20:00 Captain Phillips-PG15 Of Dogs 09:00 My Family 00:00 Violetta 14:00 Parenthood 22:30 Dead Poets Society-PG15 17:55 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 09:30 Doctors 00:45 The Hive 15:00 Covert Affairs Of Dogs 10:00 Casualty 00:50 Art Attack 16:00 Emmerdale CHAINED ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 18:20 Please Marry My Boy 10:50 The Weakest Link 01:15 Art Attack 16:30 Coronation Street 19:10 Coronation Street 11:35 The Vicar Of Dibley 01:40 Jungle Junction 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:35 The Chase 08:00 The Pretty One-PG15 10:00 World Cup of Pool 12:05 Blackadder II 01:50 Jungle Junction 18:00 Parenthood 02:00 House Of Versace-PG15 20:30 Get Your Act Together 10:00 Turbo-PG 11:00 World Cup of Pool 12:35 Lead Balloon 02:05 Jungle Junction 19:00 Bones 03:30 I, Frankenstein-PG15 21:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 11:45 Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit- 12:00 World Pool Masters 13:05 My Family 02:15 Jungle Junction 20:00 Revenge 05:15 The Sapphires-PG15 Of Dogs PG15 13:00 Golfing World 13:35 Doctors 02:30 Violetta 21:00 Bates Motel 07:00 Dream House-PG15 21:55 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 13:30 Lincoln-PG15 14:00 Snooker The Masters 14:05 Casualty 03:10 The Hive 22:00 Banshee 09:00 The Way Way Back-PG15 Of Dogs 16:00 The Pretty One-PG15 17:00 HSBC Sevens World Series 14:55 The Vicar Of Dibley 03:20 Art Attack 23:00 Grimm 11:00 House Of Versace-PG15 22:20 Coronation Street 18:00 Vamps-PG15 20:00 Volvo Ocean Race 15:25 Blackadder II 03:45 Art Attack 13:00 Red Sky-PG15 00:20 Cake Boss 22:50 Emmerdale 20:00 About Time-PG15 21:30 World Cup of Pool 15:55 Lead Balloon 04:10 Jungle Junction 15:00 Peeples-PG15 22:15 Stand Up Guys-PG15 22:30 World Cup of Pool 00:45 Bakery Boss 16:25 The Weakest Link 04:20 Jungle Junction 17:00 The Way Way Back-PG15 23:30 World Pool Masters 01:35 Extreme Couponing 17:10 Eastenders 04:35 Jungle Junction 19:00 Muppets Most Wanted-PG 02:00 My 600lb Life 17:40 Doctors 04:45 Jungle Junction 21:00 Streetdance: All Stars-PG15 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress 18:10 Lark Rise To Candleford 05:00 Art Attack 23:00 The Family-PG15 03:15 Little People, Big World 19:05 The Vicar Of Dibley 05:25 Art Attack 02:30 NRL Final 2014 Highlights 03:40 What Not To Wear 19:35 Moone Boy 05:50 Mouk 00:00 Sea Patrol 02:00 Good Morning America 03:30 Dubai World Cup Carnival 00:00 NHL 04:30 Cake Boss 20:00 Whitechapel 06:00 Kim Possible 01:00 Dangerous Encounters 06:00 Good Morning America 07:00 Golfing World 02:00 Bellator MMA 05:00 Sister Wives Honeymoon 20:45 Scott & Bailey 06:25 Austin & Ally 02:00 Live Free Or Die 10:00 Emmerdale 08:00 IRB Sevens World Series 07:00 Monster Jam Special 21:30 Call The Midwife 06:50 Girl Meets World 03:00 Air Crash Investigation 10:30 Coronation Street 10:30 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 09:00 The World’s Strongest Man 06:00 17 Kids And Counting 22:25 Mistresses 07:15 Liv And Maddie 04:00 The Living Edens 15:00 Live Good Morning America 06:25 Secret Eaters 01:00 Twigson 11:00 Champions Tour 10:00 WWE NXT 23:15 Being Eileen 07:40 Jessie 05:00 Swamp Men 19:00 Drop Dead Diva 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress 02:45 Planet 51 14:00 Volvo Ocean Race 11:00 Porsche GT3 Series 23:45 The Vicar Of Dibley 08:05 Dog With A Blog 06:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 20:00 Chicago Fire 07:40 Little People, Big World 04:30 The Happy Cricket 2 15:30 Top 14 Highlights 12:00 NHL 08:30 Good Luck Charlie 07:00 Crime Lab 23:00 Justified 08:05 Brides Of Beverly Hills 06:00 Barbie Fairytopia 17:30 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 22:00 WWE Experience 08:55 Good Luck Charlie 08:00 Sea Patrol 08:30 Brides Of Beverly Hills 08:00 Escape From Planet Earth 18:00 Golfing World 23:00 WWE Afterburn 09:20 Sonny With A Chance 09:00 Dangerous Encounters 08:55 Sister Wives 10:00 Casper’s Scare School 19:00 PGA Tour Highlights 09:45 Sonny With A Chance 10:00 Live Free Or Die 09:45 Cake Boss 11:30 Hatching 20:00 PGA European Tour 10:10 Suite Life On Deck 11:00 The Living Edens 10:10 Sister Wives Honeymoon 13:00 Planet 51 Highlights 10:35 Suite Life On Deck 12:00 Outback Wrangler Special 14:30 Escape From Planet Earth 22:00 Volvo Ocean Race 11:00 That’s So Raven 13:00 My Dog Ate What? 02:00 Chained 11:00 What Not To Wear 16:00 Luke And Lucy: The Texas 23:30 Top 14 Highlights 11:25 That’s So Raven 14:00 Mega Breakdown 04:00 Europa Report 01:00 ICC Cricket 360 11:50 Cake Boss 00:00 Antiques Roadshow Rangers 11:50 A.N.T. Farm 15:00 Car SOS 06:00 American Warships 01:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 12:15 Cake Boss 00:55 Come Dine With Me 18:00 Casper’s Scare School 12:15 A.N.T. Farm 16:00 Hunter Hunted 08:00 Oblivion 03:00 New Zealand v Sri Lanka 12:40 Secret Eaters 01:40 Food Glorious Food 20:00 The Legend Of Sasquatch 12:40 Hannah Montana 17:00 Alaska Wing Men 10:15 Brave ODI H/L 13:30 Cake Boss 02:30 Bargain Hunt 21:45 Barbie As The Island 13:05 Hannah Montana 18:00 Crime Lab 11:45 The Chronicles Of Riddick 04:00 Mid-ODI Tri-Series H/L 13:55 Cake Boss 03:15 Bargain Hunt Princess 02:30 PGA European Tour 13:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 19:00 Car SOS 13:45 Escape From L.A. 05:00 ICC Cricket 360 14:20 Bakery Boss 04:00 Bargain Hunt 23:15 Luke And Lucy: The Texas 07:00 PGA Tour 13:55 Wizards Of Waverly Place 20:00 Hunter Hunted 15:45 Oblivion 05:30 ICC World Cup Warm-Up 15:10 Cake Boss 04:45 Antiques Roadshow Rangers 16:00 Golfing World 05:40 Antiques Roadshow 14:20 Jessie 21:00 Alaska Wing Men 18:00 White House Down 18:00 WWE NXT H/L: AUS v IND 15:35 Little People, Big World 06:30 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Austin & Ally 22:00 Crime Lab 20:15 Brave 19:00 WWE Experience 06:30 Live ICC World Cup Warm- 16:00 Hoarding: Buried Alive 07:15 Bargain Hunt 15:20 Austin & Ally 23:00 The Living Edens 21:45 Star Trek Into Darkness 20:00 WWE Afterburn Up: ENG v WI 16:50 Say Yes To The Dress 08:00 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 15:45 Liv And Maddie 21:00 WWE This Week 14:30 ICC Cricket 360 17:15 17 Kids And Counting 08:45 Come Dine With Me 16:10 Violetta 22:00 PGA Tour Highlights 15:00 New Zealand v Sri Lanka 17:40 Sister Wives 09:10 Homes Under The Hammer 17:00 Geek Charming 00:15 Lovestruck: The Musical- ODI H/L 18:30 What Not To Wear 10:00 Antiques Roadshow 18:40 Austin & Ally PG15 16:00 Mid-ODI Tri-Series H/L 19:20 Bakery Boss 10:55 Come Dine With Me 19:05 Austin & Ally 02:00 The 7:39-PG15 17:00 ICC Cricket 360 20:10 Secret Eaters 11:40 Masterchef: The 19:30 Violetta 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 00:00 Chained-18 04:00 Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit- 17:30 ICC World Cup Warm-Up 21:00 The Face Australia 20:20 Gravity Falls 02:00 Europa Report-PG15 PG15 02:30 Snooker The Masters H/L: ENG v WI 21:50 Alaskan Women Looking For Professionals Stewart 09:00 Golfing World 12:35 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 20:45 Gravity Falls 01:00 Modern Family 04:00 American Warships-PG15 06:00 The Smurfs 2-PG 18:30 Ranji Trophy Love

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS ON OSN ACTION HD Classifieds

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (05/02/2015 TO 11/02/2015) CHANGE OF NAME I, Cecilia Mendonca E SHARQIA-1 TAKEN 3 2:30 PM Camelo, R/O H. No. 982(1), A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:00 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 5:00 PM 360º- 3 Nova Palmar, Cortalim, A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 2:30 PM Plan B (ARABIC) 6:45 PM BLACKHAT 12:30 PM Mormugao, Goa, South TAKEN 3 5:00 PM Plan B (ARABIC) 8:45 PM BLACKHAT 3:15 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 7:15 PM TAKEN 3 10:45 PM YENNAI ARINDHAAL... (Tamil) 6:00 PM Goa, holder of Indian A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 9:45 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 1:00 AM BLACKHAT 9:30 PM Passport No. J6280192, A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:15 AM BLACKHAT 12:30 AM would like to state that I MARINA-2 have changed my name SHARQIA-2 JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 11:30 AM AL-KOUT.1 JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 11:45 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 2:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 11:45 AM from Cecelia Mendonsa E JUPITER ASCENDING 2:15 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 4:30 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 2:15 PM Camelo to Cecilia THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 4:45 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 7:00 PM THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 4:45 PM Mendonca E Camelo. JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 7:30 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 9:30 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 7:30 PM (C 4923) JUPITER ASCENDING 10:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:05 AM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 10:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:30 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:30 AM MARINA-3 I, Martinha Trindade SHARQIA-3 THE GAMBLER 12:15 PM AL-KOUT.2 Ferrao, R/O H. No. 244/A, THE GAMBLER 11:30 AM AMERICAN SNIPER 2:45 PM SON OF A GUN 12:15 PM near Rebello’s hospital, Plan B (ARABIC) 1:45 PM THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 5:15 PM SON OF A GUN 2:15 PM THE GAMBLER 3:45 PM THE GAMBLER 8:00 PM SON OF A GUN 4:15 PM Madel Pequeno, Margao, Plan B (ARABIC) 6:00 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 10:15 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 6:15 PM Salcette - Goa would like to Plan B (ARABIC) 8:00 PM THE GAMBLER 12:45 AM Plan B (ARABIC) 8:15 PM state that I have changed ROBOT OVERLORDS 10:00 PM Plan B (ARABIC) 10:15 PM my name from Trindadde THE GAMBLER 12:05 AM AVENUES-1 SON OF A GUN 12:15 AM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 11:45 AM Mendonsa to Martinha MUHALAB-1 SON OF A GUN 2:00 PM AL-KOUT.3 Trindade Ferraro. (C 4924) THE GAMBLER 11:45 AM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 4:15 PM THE GAMBLER 12:30 PM THE GAMBLER 2:00 PM SON OF A GUN 6:30 PM THE GAMBLER 2:45 PM I, Luis Francisco De Fatima Plan B (ARABIC) 4:15 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 8:45 PM TAKEN 3 5:00 PM THE GAMBLER 6:15 PM SON OF A GUN 11:00 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 7:15 PM De Menino Jesus Plan B (ARABIC) 8:30 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 1:15 AM THE GAMBLER 9:45 PM Mendonca, R/O H. No. Plan B (ARABIC) 10:30 PM THE GAMBLER 12:05 AM 244/A, near Rebello’s THE GAMBLER 12:30 AM AVENUES-2 Hospital, Madel Pequeno A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:00 PM AL-KOUT.4 MUHALAB-2 A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 2:30 PM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 11:30 AM Margao, Salcette - Goa SON OF A GUN 11:30 AM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 5:00 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 2:00 PM would like to state that I SON OF A GUN 1:30 PM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 7:30 PM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 3:45 PM have changed my name TAKEN 3 3:30 PM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 10:00 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 6:15 PM from Francisco Mendonsa SON OF A GUN 5:45 PM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:30 AM BLACKHAT 8:00 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 7:45 PM A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 10:30 PM to Luis Francisco De Fatima TAKEN 3 10:15 PM AVENUES-3 THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 1:00 AM De Menino Jesus SON OF A GUN 12:45 AM AMERICAN SNIPER 1:15 PM Mendonca. AMERICAN SNIPER 3:45 PM BAIRAQ-1 (C 4925) MUHALAB-3 AMERICAN SNIPER 6:15 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 12:15 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 11:30 AM AMERICAN SNIPER 8:45 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 2:45 PM 7-2-2015 JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 2:00 PM NO THU+FRI+SAT+MON JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 5:15 PM THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 4:30 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 11:15 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 7:45 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 7:15 PM NO THU+FRI+SAT+MON JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 10:15 PM ACCOMMODATION JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 9:45 PM YENNAI ARINDHAAL... (Tamil) 8:45 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 12:45 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:15 AM THU+FRI+SAT+MON AMERICAN SNIPER 12:15 AM BAIRAQ-2 FANAR-1 THU+FRI+SAT+MON Plan B (ARABIC) 12:45 PM Ideal for working ladies, a A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 12:45 PM TAKEN 3 2:45 PM semi furnished room avail- A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 3:15 PM AVENUES-4 AMERICAN SNIPER 5:00 PM able for a single to share ROBOT OVERLORDS 5:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 12:30 PM Plan B (ARABIC) 7:30 PM with a small family in a 2BR Plan B (ARABIC) 7:45 PM TAKEN 3 3:00 PM Plan B (ARABIC) 9:30 PM Plan B (ARABIC) 9:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 5:15 PM TAKEN 3 11:30 PM central AC flat with sepa- A MOST VIOLENT YEAR 11:45 PM TAKEN 3 7:45 PM rate bathroom. Nice loca- AMERICAN SNIPER 10:00 PM BAIRAQ-3 tion building on main road, FANAR-2 TAKEN 3 12:30 AM THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 11:30 AM very close to a garden and THE 0MBLER 2:45 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 2:15 PM THE GAMBLER 5:00 PM AVENUES-5 THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 4:15 PM bus stop. Contact: THE GAMBLER 7:15 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 11:30 AM THE GAMBLER 7:00 PM 67060429. BLACKHAT 9:30 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 2:00 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 9:15 PM (C 4922) THE GAMBLER 12:15 AM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 4:45 PM THE GAMBLER 11:00 PM 7-2-2015 Special Show “Book of Life” 5:00 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 1:15 AM FANAR-4 JUPITER ASCENDING 7:30 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 11:45 AM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 10:15 PM PLAZA JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 2:15 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:45 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 3:30 PM THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA 4:45 PM 9:00 PM YENNAI ARINDHAAL... (Tamil) 6:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 7:30 PM 360 º- 1 Plan (ARABIC) 9:15 PM Prayer timings THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 10:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 1:00 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 11:15 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:30 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 3:45 PM FOR CIVIL INFORMATION JUPITER ASCENDING (3D) 6:30 PM LAILA Fajr: 05:12 FANAR-5 JUPITER ASCENDING 9:15 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 3:30 PM Automated enquiry about SON OF A GUN 11:30 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:05 AM Shorook 06:33 SON OF A GUN 1:30 PM Duhr: 12:02 SON OF A GUN 3:30 PM 360º 2 NO SUN+TUE+WED the Civil ID card is DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE (Hindi) (Re-Release) 5:30 PM SON OF A GUN 1:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 6:00 PM Asr: 15:10 SHAMITABH (HINDI) 9:00 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 3:15 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED SON OF A GUN 12:05 AM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 5:30 PM THE GAMBLER 8:30 PM Maghrib: 17:33 1889988 SON OF A GUN 7:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED MARINA-1 THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 10:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 10:45 PM Isha: 18:51 THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 12:30 PM SON OF A GUN 12:15 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED 112

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 9/2/2015 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 Departure Flights on Monday 9/2/2015 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 Airlines Flt Route Time MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 BBC 044 Chittagong/Dhaka 00:40 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 KAC 118 New York 18:30 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 GFA 048 Istanbul 19:10 BAW 157 London 06:40 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 GFA 048 Bahrain 19:55 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 104 London 19:55 BAW 156 London 08:45 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 KAC 281 Dhaka 20:55 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:50 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 GFA 047 Istanbul 10:25 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 KAC 282 Dhaka 09:20 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 GFA 047 Bahrain 09:40 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 IRA 666 Esfahan 10:45 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:45 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 KAC 103 London 12:20 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 IRC 6521 Lamerd 11:50 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 IRC 6522 Lamerd 12:50 JZR 502 Luxor 23:05 SYR 341 Damascus 12:00 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 SYR 342 Damascus 13:00 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 CROSSWORD 810 STAR TRACK

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

Indulge your curiosity today-your imagination and creativity are at their best. Even though this may not be a workday, you become more involved in teach- New ideas are easily understood and bring an interesting and exciting response from peo- ing, student-teaching or tutoring. Helping young people seems to be where your energies are ple. Make the most of this exciting day. Someone is watching how you handle things and just now. The needs and desires of others take precedence over your own. Your time is not all they may be mimicking your behavior. It is nice to know that we have the power to influ- work as many of these interactions with young people include plenty of fun conversations. ence another person’s life. You are doing much better this year with your budgeting and as Do not force matters just now . . . Patience is a good thing. There is time later this afternoon to you look over your financial situation, you can see improvement. Continue to budget, even relax with a loved one. Marriage and other close relationships give rise to great expectations after you get those raises and realize a better income. Ideas and technologies that change as a new cycle gets underway in your life. This is a time to enjoy and appreciate your ties to the way people live may be much of your conversation with friend and family this evening others and to seek and promote harmony in the interaction between people. Relax to music around the dinner table. this evening.

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

Your productive mind is clear and you are able to separate the most complex Today you would rather switch than fight. You are a pushover when it comes concepts into their essential parts for easier understanding. Your objectivity should make it to a sad story. If there is some issue in progress that challenges you to think about your view- possible for you to talk about subjects that may have been too difficult before this time. This point, you would be wise to do a little research before making up your mind. Socializing and is a good time to look toward a future career path. Plans made today should work out, no love interests are favored as well as overindulgence. Watch the calories and avoid the matter how far down the road. Everything points to your taking the initiative on a humanitar- dessert table. You could feel great support from those around you. You feel healthy and nat- ian cause. You could feel great support from those around you. This afternoon is the perfect ural. The home and family scene is likely to be in something of a change just now-this may time to look for a new house. You may be able to find a house that you can afford to move mean moving, meeting a new addition to the family, or such. High tech equipment into now. You are inventive and original-perhaps you will gain ideas on how to improve your impinges on the domestic environment somehow. This could mean a new software product own living environment. or a product that makes some chore easier.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) A fascination with the mysterious may be reawakened within you today. Your imagination soars! Awareness and insight into others’ minds and into Going beyond just finding a good novel or movie, you may be drawn towards spiritual matters are especially strong. Leave any tasks requiring attention to precise detail for the serious study of some occult subject. The second type of mystery that may attract you ACROSS South China Sea. another day. Escape the rigors of the daily grind with a good fantasy or romance novel. Do today could be the deep-rooted feelings that cement your favorite relationship. Examination 1. An associate degree in applied science. 3. The main city of ancient Phoenicia. not worry-reality always returns, but today you need a rest. This evening you will have fun and analysis of these could be very strengthening to the union. Once again, there is the dan- 4. Of or having to do with or belonging to 4. An ancient city on the Nile in Egypt. finding new ways to make your dreams come true. A display in a store may allow hands-on ger that some obsessive idea could monopolize your mind. It could be a symbol of some psy- play. Your attention to high tech equipment may give you thoughts about some rather sim- chological energy that you should try to understand. That’s the third mystery. Keep an open an abbey or abbot, or abbess. 5. A cry or noise made to express displeas- ple methods that your grandpa used to communicate with others. Perhaps this evening mind today. A strong energy is present this whole month of February to help you improve 12. A guided missile fired from shipboard ure or contempt. would be good for study-you have a real appreciation for ideas and thoughts. Include your your finances. Check it out. against an airborne target. 6. English novelist. mate in your ideas. 15. A nucleic acid consisting of large mole- 7. True firs. cules shaped like a double helix. 8. Of or relating to the island monarchy of 16. A university in Paris. Tonga or its people. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. An agency of the United Nations affiliat- 9. A member of western Finnish people for- There is a feeling that anything is possible if you set your sights high enough. Your energy is high! You feel vital; you feel good; you feel a sense of harmony ed with the World Bank. merly living in the Baltic province where You are never too old to hire a piano teacher. You can accomplish quite a lot this day. There with yourself, the entire world and everybody in it. Others can feel this, so they in turn are drawn 18. Black tropical American cuckoo. Saint Petersburg was built. are optimism, faith and an intent to really concentrate on becoming focused. To you dream- to you, making this a successful day for any kind of group endeavor. Perhaps some sort of group 19. A man's courting of a woman. 10. An associate degree in nursing. ers of impossible dreams, you will soon see your dreams come true. Do not let your high spir- sports can be enjoyed in the early afternoon. Best of all, relations with the opposite sex are at a peak. This is a super day to go on a date, to be married or to be in love! Close relationships take 20. The basic unit of money in Yemen. 11. Having leadership guidance. its get too far ahead of the discipline and attention to the details necessary to make any dream a reality. You are learning to make the most of your personal talents and abilities, work- on a more expressive depth and importance. Feeling cared for and needed is comfortable and 21. A genus of Ploceidae. 12. In the Arabian Nights a hero who tells of ing within your limitations instead of feeling hemmed in by them. This could mean anything that is what you work to achieve. This evening, you and your loved one will have time to talk 23. A desert in southern Israel. the fantastic adventures he had in his voy- from purchasing a product to painting a picture. about each other’s dreams for the future. For example, travel, lifelong wishes, etc. 25. An undergarment worn by women to ages. support their breasts. 13. The sixth month of the civil year. 26. At full speed. 14. God of death. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 27. The wife or widow of a czar. 22. English theoretical physicist who 30. A cloth used as a head covering (and applied relativity theory to quantum The currents of love-giving and receiving-even the desire to nurture-flow easi- Times of change and growth are inescapable and you have thoughts of where you want to be and what you would like to be doing this time next year. That does veil and shawl) by Muslim and Hindu mechanics and predicted the existence of ly today. For the unattached, this could spill over to the desire to form a new relationship, careful; you might be too quick to make your move. Save those intense discussions for anoth- not mean you are not happy with where you are now, it only means that change and women. antimatter and the positron (1902-1984). er time and just go with the flow. Coming to grips with the past and getting in touch with the growth, like taxes, are accepted facts of life and you want to be in as much control as possi- 33. West Indian tree having racemes of fra- 24. The wool of the vicuna. mystical and the spiritual are the things that give a sense of satisfaction and completeness. ble. Now is the time to become active and plot your path-do not to be ruled by the pres- grant white flowers and yielding a durable 28. A doctor's degree in theology. Healing comes from destroying the roots of a disturbance-letting go. You and your loved ent. Knowing when to put a house on the market or request a job change or a salary ones or family may enjoy board games, bird watching, cooking, etc. You may find yourself increase must be substantiated by facts and figures, percentage rates and timing. To make timber and resinous juice. 29. (Hinduism) An ascetic holy man. feeling more private and in a stay-at-home mood this evening. This is a great time to spend it simple, take your talents and seek advice from professional people-set your sails for suc- 40. A state in New England. 31. Nicaraguan statesman (born in 1945). with loved ones and family. cess! The future is yours! 41. A medicinal drug used to evoke vomit- 32. A narrow zigzag ribbon used as trim- ing (especially in cases of drug overdose or ming. poisoning). 34. Twining perennial North American Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 42. The seventh month of the Hindu calen- plants. You may feel that you are giving more than you are receiving in a love rela- Believe it or not-you are doing all the right things. Now, however, is the dar. 35. Minute aquatic herbs floating on or tionship just now. Your significant other may feel the opposite. This can be a very narrow time to let up on you-take it easy-do nice things for you. Yes, that may be a difficult thing 44. A crystalline metallic element not found below the water surface of still water con- tightrope-talk it over this morning. Be honest and do not leave anything out for now. The to do just now, but, if you do not let go of the stress you have experienced lately the pres- in nature. sisting of a leaflike frond or plant body and both of you will work this out today. Your physical desire can be very strong, even if you are sure valve will be released in other ways. You strive for a balanced life with high standards, 45. The shape of a raised edge of a more or single root. unattached. Creative or artistic activities are also stimulated. Sex, power and money are com- and like it when others do the same. The right thing to do now is to take care of you the pelling aphrodisiacs. Secrets, taboos and mysteries appeal to a deep instinctive yearning. To way you take care of others-and . . . Laugh a little! You will begin to notice that others are in less circular object. 36. A small cake leavened with yeast. you dreamers . . . You just might make those wishes come true. Do not let your high spirits a better mood and you will probably see the return of your old good nature. Little children 47. A person who makes use of a thing. 37. A radioactive element of the actinide get too far ahead of the discipline and attention it takes to make your dreams a reality. or small animals bring much laughter this afternoon, maybe even cheerful tears. Enjoy a 49. Music composed for dancing the conga. series. bit of chamomile tea before bed. 51. A language unit by which a person or 38. A collection of facts from which conclu- thing is known. sions may be drawn. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE 53. Title for a civil or military leader (espe- 39. A kitchen utensil used for ricing soft Yesterday’s Solution cially in Turkey). foods by extruding them through small 54. (Old Testament) The eldest son of Isaac holes. who would have inherited the Covenant 43. East Indian silk cotton tree yielding that God made with Abraham and that fibers inferior to kapok. Abraham passed on to Isaac. 46. Not arranged in order hierarchically. 56. Dry brandy distilled in the Armagnac 48. An ancient language of India (the lan- district of France. guage of the Vedas and of Hinduism). 59. An official language of the Republic of 50. Any thick messy substance. 52. (British) A peddler of sand at a seashore South Africa. resort. 61. Type genus of the Anatidae. 55. Standing posture. 62. A broad band that passes over the back 57. Informal terms for a mother. of a horse and supports the shafts of a vehi- 58. (Greek mythology) Goddess of the earth cle. and mother of Cronus and the Titans in 66. British slang. ancient mythology. 69. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 60. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan from aba cloth. River. 70. The capital of Turkey. 63. In bed. 73. Having the head uncovered. 64. One of a set of small pieces of stiff paper 74. (Irish) The sea personified. marked in various ways and used for play- 75. An outline or synopsis of a play. ing games or for telling fortunes. 77. A strong emotion. 65. Having or denoting a low vocal or 78. A doctor's degree in education. instrumental range. 79. In a sedate manner. 67. A Chadic language spoken in Chad. 80. Any of various dark heavy viscid sub- 68. A European river. stances obtained as a residue. 71. Any of various long-tailed rodents simi- lar to but larger than a mouse. DOWN 72. A unit of surface area equal to 100 1. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man. square meters. 2. A communist state in Indochina on the 76. Being nine more than forty.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 information

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: INTERNATIONAL CALLS Call MSAL hotline 128

Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 LIFESTYLE36 Features

A Staten Island Ferry passes the Statue of Liberty.

A commuterNYC ferry travels tolooks the pier in the Dumbo to neighborhood expand of the Brooklyn borough itsof New York. ferry Lower Manhattan appears behind a pair life preservers on a Staten Island Ferry. —AP Photos service to its far-off ports

he skyscrapers of Manhattan said Jeffrey Zupan, senior fellow for weekday. The plan is for the first White moved to Red Hook six look almost close enough to transportation at the Regional Plan three routes to originate from the months ago from another part of Mystery cloaks Disney’s Ttouch from parts of the Association. Cost is an issue, he Astoria, Rockaways and South Brooklyn because he was looking waterfront of Brooklyn’s industrial said. While all public transportation Brooklyn sections of the city in for something a little more Red Hook neighborhood. But a dis- gets some kind of government sub- 2017. The next year, additional removed. “I moved to Red Hook tance of mere miles can take an sidy, different modes require differ- routes would start for Soundview specifically because it was out of hour or more in travel time for resi- ent amounts, and ferries will not in the Bronx, and the Lower East the way,” the 36-year-old said. He Magic Kingdom in China dents in the remote area, who have have anywhere near the kind of rid- Side. The five new routes would readily admitted that he would limited access to bus routes and no ership numbers the city’s subway join the ferry routes already in benefit from a transit mode that he towers of Disney’s planned Magic loosely enforced and routinely violated. subway stations in the immediate system does. “How high will the existence, the Staten Island Ferry made crossing boroughs simpler. Kingdom in Shanghai are wreathed in Disney did not respond to a request for com- vicinity. A plan from New York City subsidy have to be for each rider route and the East River Ferry “Actually getting into the city, it’s a Tscaffolding and mystery after the US ment on the delay. As well as its Asian proper- Mayor Bill de Blasio would give that you’re carrying?” he asked. route. The city also is looking pain in the butt from here,” the entertainment giant pushed back the open- ties, the firm also has parks in the US states of them and New Yorkers in some oth- Zupan said the city should pro- ahead to a potential Coney sales rep said. “Getting into ing of its first mainland China theme park to California and Florida and near the French er waterfront neighborhoods, 2016. On a tightly-guarded, 3.9-square-kilo- capital Paris-where there was outrage over another option - ferry service. metre site east of China’s commercial hub, a the prospect of American cultural invasion De Blasio hopes ferries will open grey turret of the unfinished “Enchanted when it was first proposed. The Shanghai up some of those far-flung locales Storybook Castle” rises ominously into the government is promising to finish a metro and make them more attractive as sky. There is no Disney branding at the main line extension linking to the park and other a place to live, easing a housing entrance, only a sign reading: “Shanghai infrastructure this year. But city fathers also crunch in a city expected to reach a International Tourism and Resort Zone”. It was have another issue in mind after 36 people population of 9 million by 2040. originally due to be transformed in time to were killed in a stampede during New Year’s “For years, the conventional wis- open this year, but Disney chairman and chief Eve celebrations. “Management of the Disney dom has been that certain neigh- executive Bob Iger last week announced a Resort’s huge flow of people is an extremely borhoods are doomed to isolation delay, pushing the opening back to next important issue,” Shanghai mayor Yang Xiong because of their geography,” de spring. He attributed the change to an expan- told reporters last month. “We believe Disney Blasio said in his recent State of the sion in the park’s size and number of attrac- has a lot of experience, but we should also do City address. “With ferry service, tions. “The artistry, complexity, the magni- our part to make full preparations.” “We are going to change that.” tude and the detail, it’s all quite astonishing,” Under the mayor’s plan, the city Iger said, calling the facility “spectacular”. To infinity and beyond would spend an initial $55 million But Shanghai authorities have not con- With the opening of its first resort in for a ferry system that would start firmed any plans to expand the project, and mainland China, Disney is banking on with three routes in 2017 and add people familiar with it point to it following Chinese parents willing to spend lavishly on two more in 2018. Getting from a stricter environmental and labor standards their children and a rising middle class intent ferry dock in Lower Manhattan to than normal in China. The studios of on travel. It has not announced prices for up-and-coming Red Hook across Hollywood are competing not just for screen Shanghai, but an adult one-day ticket at the New York Harbor, for example, eyeballs in China-whose 1.37 billion people Hong Kong park costs $65, nearly a quarter would take just 20 minutes. Ferry generate the second-largest annual box of China’s average monthly disposable service can’t come fast enough for office in the world-but also theme park visi- income last year. When the $5.5 billion Tony Kokale, who bought Mark’s tors. The Shanghai Disney Resort will be the Shanghai facility opens, it will boast the Pizza five years ago and has been company’s third in Asia after Tokyo and Hong biggest Disney castle in the world, a produc- keeping his hopes up that the Kong. But its park in the former British colony tion of “The Lion King” in Chinese and a bright redevelopment future of Red can only partly serve the Chinese market, pirate-themed zone based on the movie Hook he’s been hearing about is A commuter ferry travels on the East river from Long Island City in the Queens borough. while Universal Studios and DreamWorks franchise “Pirates of the Caribbean”. getting closer. Animation are planning rival attractions on An artificial mountain will loom over the ceed cautiously, testing the routes Island/Staten Island route. Manhattan using the ferry would park, becoming the highest hill in Shanghai’s the mainland. High expectations to see which ones have the best Mitchell Moss, director of the also be a nicer commute.” But he’s For Shanghai, the park represents the Pudong district, and a 420-room Disneyland “For the community, I believe it’s chances to succeed. The city has Rudin Center for Transportation at worried that opening up Red city’s tourism future following the World Expo Hotel is planned in an “elegant Art Nouveau going to be excellent,” he said. “It said it would set aside $10 million New York University, thinks it’s Hook, which suffered extensive in 2010. One Chinese academic estimates it style”, with another based on the “Toy Story” would bring more people to Red to $20 million for subsidies to keep smart for the city to be looking at damage in Superstorm Sandy, will contribute $3.3 billion to Shanghai’s films. On a commercial level, an adjacent Hook and might make it a little bit a ferry ride fare at the same price ferry service. “The city is growing, would hasten the kind of gentrifi- economy every year and account for one per- “Disneytown” will have 46,000 square meters different.” Some transit advocates as a subway ride, $2.50, and has much of the growth is occurring in cation that has been widespread cent of the city’s annual gross domestic prod- (495,000 square feet) of shops, restaurants aren’t quite so convinced. Ferry estimated more than 4 million areas that are not accessible to in other parts of the borough. “My uct. Disney and its Chinese partner, state- and a 1,200-seat theatre. service in the New York region “has people a year would take advan- mass transit, and ferries offer flexi- only concern,” he said, “would be backed Shanghai Shendi Group, broke He Jianmin of the Shanghai University of been tried many, many times with tage. More rides than that are tak- ble transportation,” he said. Not making this place more accessible ground on the park in April 2011. Finance and Economics, who has consulted some success but more failures,” en on the subway every single everyone is so enthusiastic. Gerrett in a negative way.” —AP Chinese construction is normally stagger- for the city on the tourism zone, forecast the ingly fast, with towering skyscrapers and mul- park will initially attract seven million visitors ti-lane highways changing urban landscapes a year, eventually rising to 16 million. “China’s at extraordinary pace. But a Shanghai official tourism industry was neglected before for all told AFP that said one delay arose after con- sorts of reasons, like income not reaching a taminated soil on the site failed to meet envi- certain level,” he said. “Earlier the emphasis ronmental standards, prompting Disney to was on manufacturing. After the Shanghai bring in a foreign contractor to remedy the Disney park becomes completely mature, it problem. Workers removed topsoil up to a will be a new format for China.” But a site meter deep. worker sweeping a street said he might not A worker said that the builders were share in the excitement after the park opens. insisting on a standard eight-hour work day, “The Disney park will definitely be fun, but I preventing faster construction-unlike many don’t know if I will go,” he said. “I don’t know other sites in China where labor laws are how much tickets will cost.” —AFP

This photo shows the Toy Story Hotel under construction, at the Shanghai Disney Resort’s in Pudong area. The towers of Disney’s planned Magic Kingdom in Shanghai are wreathed in scaffolding and mystery after the US entertainment giant pushed back the opening of its first mainland China theme park to 2016. Guatemala is trying to set a Guinness world record for the most motorcyclists participating in a caravan, hoping to draw more than 20,000 bikes for an annual trek 223 kilometers from the capital. Eddie Villadelon, (right) leader and organizer of the annual motorcycle pilgrimage to the church of the Black Christ of Esquipulas, leads the pilgrims as they leave Guatemala City. —AP LIFESTYLE37 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 Music Will rappers care if Iggy Azalea wins a Grammy?

he Grammys might be out of touch with hip hop, but is hip hop even worried about Tit? The internet is abuzz with talk of a back- lash if Iggy Azalea beats Common, Eminem and others to win best rap album Sunday for “The New Classic.”Other artists, though, say the hip- hop community already has a tenuous relation- ship with the music industry’s top honor. Rapper-writer-producer Rick Ross says the awards fail to recognize the genre’s top talents. “The rap community doesn’t feel like the rap Grammy is in touch. Not at all,” he said. “This is music that powers from the streets up... If any- thing, in the rap categories, that’s what should most definitely get recognized. Going to the root of it and not just certain artists, the Iggy Azaleas. I want to congratulate her on all her success, but that doesn’t represent the community at large.” Ross spoke to The Associated Press Saturday before appearing at BMI’s “How I Wrote That Song” panel. Ross said he most appreciates the Grammy Awards’ songwriting categories. “I respect the Grammys being a writer,” he said. “But File photo shows Lil Wayne performing on stage at the 42nd annual American Music Awards in Los me being an artist representing hip hop? No.” Angeles. —AP Mannie Fresh, a veteran hip-hop producer who has worked with Ross and Lil’ Wayne, says rappers have “this Grammy-curse thing and it’s kind of unspoken.” “What it means is: If you get a Lil Wayne maybe craving Grammy, people kind of downplay you. Not (like you) really sold out, but it means your music is kind of watered down,” he said “And I’ve been more than Cash Money nominated for Grammys. And believe me, if I would have won, I would have taken it!” At the same time, he said winning a Grammy can make eteran producer Mannie Fresh because you are that dude, you’re on ple to the table. If I did do a song and rappers suddenly seem too big for the neighbor- says Lil Wayne may have out- that level.” I got Justin Timberlake on it, I got hood clubs they played before. “If you get a Vgrown his record label. The Fresh said Cash Money may have Justin Timberlake fans as well,” said Grammy, people kind of think you’re out of rapper filed a lawsuit against Cash been creatively limiting for Wayne in Fresh, who has also crafted hits for reach, so it kind of hurts you in a way,” he said. Money Records in New York last that it tends to feature its other artists Juvenile and The Notorious B.I.G. “I “It’s like, oh now he has a Grammy, he won’t be week, claiming the label owes him $8 exclusively. Wayne has released his 11 think Wayne is starting to see it in coming back to this (small venue) again.” Still, million and seeking to nullify his con- studio albums on the label, often col- that way. Hip hop can only bring you Fresh doesn’t begrudge Azalea her possible win, tracts. Fresh, Cash Money’s resident laborating with label mates Nicki so far.” Fresh spoke to The Associated and says to those who do: “Make a better song producer until 2005, says Wayne is a Minaj and Drake. “I think he’s going - Press before appearing alongside fel- than her.” prodigy whose talents transcend hip- real talk - ‘I could probably use Drake low hit makers at a pre-Grammy Sean “Diddy” Combs says the Grammys still hop. “I just think Wayne is growing as and Nicki, but I’ve done that so many event, BMI’s “How I Wrote That Song” matter. But he does think Azalea’s popularity an artist,” Fresh said in an interview times,’” Fresh said. “Let’s get out there panel at 1Oak nightclub, where he could give her an edge. “She has some big Saturday. “Wayne has given us some and do things so I can show that I am continued to praise Wayne from the records, and people don’t realize a lot of people great albums, but he has never given bigger than life.” Fresh said Jay Z stage. “He was always the first one that are the voters, they kind of just know the us that album with like a Justin expands his relevance by continually there and the last one to leave, and names that are in the mainstream,” he said. “If she Timberlake on it - with features where partnering with top-level talents from he had a tablet full of songs,” Fresh worked hard to get where she’s gotten, nobody like, OK, this is what we expect from different genres. said. “This kid is way ahead of himself. should hate on it. And the only people hating and Recording artist Iggy Azalea performs onstage during the an artist of your caliber. Like you went “He’s going to get somebody with Even when he was young, he was four the ones that are not nominated.” —AP out and got Cher on the song, star power that can bring other peo- grades up.” —AP Pre-Grammy Gala. —AFP Stars get dancing at Dylan becomes music pre-Grammy gala

usic veterans like Carole King critic in rare speech and current stars such as MPharrell Williams rubbed shoulders at record producer Clive Davis’ annual star-studded party on ob Dylan is notoriously a man said of the singer with the famously ing up watching traditional plays in working African American “steel- Saturday, the night before the Grammy of few words when he’s not growling voice. “Critics say my voice the 16th century. driving man” in West Virginia. “If you awards, joining in with sing-alongs and Bsinging, but he opened up at is shot-that I have no voice. Why “You just do it subliminally and had sung that song as many times dancing. a gala tribute to him as he turned don’t they say those things about subconsciously. It’s the only way as I did, you’d have written, ‘How British newcomer Sam Smith kicked the tables on music critics. The 73- Leonard Cohen? Why do I get spe- that makes sense,” Dylan said. many roads must a man walk off the evening with soulful renditions year-old Dylan offered his own cial treatment?” “These songs of mine, they’re like down,’ too,” Dylan said. of his hits “My Funny Valentine” and assessments of some fellow rock mystery plays, the kind “Stay With Me.” The 22-year-old joked legends — as well as undiplomatic Hailing other music greats he was “terrified” about Sunday’s write-offs of other musicians-in an Dylan thanked Peter, Paul and Grammys, where he is up for six unexpected speech at a charity Mary for turning “Blowin’ in the awards. R&B singer-producer Pharrell, event ahead of the Grammy Awards. Wind” into a hit in 1963, saying the who also has six Grammy nominations, Dylan was honored Friday night song had initially been “buried” on got the room dancing with his Daft in Los Angeles by MusiCares, which his second album. Peter, Paul and Punk hit “Get Lucky,” and was encour- raises money for musicians in need, Mary performed the song “not the aged into an encore of his upbeat with a star-studded concert and an way I would have done it they “Happy.” Davis’ party has become the introduction by former US president straightened it out. “But since then, hottest pre-Grammy ticket in town, Jimmy Carter. “There is no doubt hundreds of people have recorded attracting an eclectic, high-profile that his words on peace and human it and I don’t think that would have crowd including former US vice presi- rights are much more incisive, much happened if it wasn’t for them,” dent Al Gore, Apple CEO Tim Cook, more powerful and much more per- Dylan said. actress Jane Fonda, pop star Taylor manent than those of any president Dylan also thanked a number of Swift, singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell of the United States,” Carter said of other artists who have covered his and Motown veteran Smokey the emblematic voice of the 1960s songs, including Nina Simone, Jimi Robinson. The night is also known for counterculture. Hendrix and Joan Baez, whom he its musical performances and A who’s who of music greats cov- described as a woman of “devastat- impromptu moments on stage. ered Dylan’s work at the event ing honesty.” He also hailed Johnny Robinson hit the stage with singers including Beck, Tom Jones, Jack Cash for sticking up for him to crit- Miguel, JC Chasez and Aloe Blacc for a White and Crosby, Stills and Nash. ics when Dylan went electric in throwback of The Temptations’ “My Bruce Springsteen joined Tom Honoree Bob Dylan speaks at the 25th anniversary MusiCares 1965. “In Johnny Cash’s world of Girl,” with Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Morello for a harder-edged rendi- 2015 Person of the Year Gala honoring Bob Dylan at the Los hardcore Southern drama, that tion of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” kind of thing didn’t exist. Nobody Bailey and actor Jamie Foxx jumping in Angeles Convention Center. —AFP to lend their vocals. R&B singers Mary J while Neil Young closed with anoth- told anybody what to sing or what Blige and John Legend also sponta- er Dylan classic, “Blowin’ in the Wind.” not to sing,” he said. But Dylan also neously hopped onto the microphone Dylan did not perform but instead Charting Dylan’s roots Shakespeare saw when he was had barbs for other musicians. He to sing along with Carole King as she gave a half-hour speech, staring The speech was remarkable in growing up. And I think you could criticized Mike Leiber and Jerry performed “Beautiful” and “You’ve Got down at a text on loose papers as if that Dylan rarely discusses his trace what I do back that far,” he Stoller, the songwriters who wrote A Friend.” Romance was in the air as they were sheet music on a stand. music and in recent years has given said. He explained “Blowin’ in the hits for Elvis Presley including veteran crooner Johnny Mathis sang He ribbed music critics, saying that few interviews. The rock icon Wind”-whose rhetorical questions “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” hits such as “It’s Not For Me To Say” and throughout his half-century career described himself as adapting folk on the nature of freedom turned “I didn’t really care that Leiber and “Chances Are,” while Legend silenced they have said of him: “I can’t sing- tunes, drawing a parallel to how the song in a Vietnam War-era Stoller didn’t like my songs the room with his ballad “All of Me,” croak, sound like a frog.” “Why don’t Shakespeare created a more anthem-in the context of “John because I didn’t like their songs,” he before performing a duet with new- critics say that about Tom Waits?” he refined form of theater after grow- Henry,” the folk ballad about a hard- said. —AFP comer Meghan Trainor on “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.” Rapper Iggy Azalea got the crowd Trailer of Amy Winehouse doc debuts at pre-Grammy brunch dancing as Rita Ora joined her for “Black Widow” and Jennifer Hudson came on stage for “Trouble.” Barry Gibb, niversal Music Group’s pre-Grammy brunch fea- importantly, it captures the very heart of what she was Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Eminem. the lone surviving member of The Bee tured performances by its top-selling stars, Sam about, which is an amazing person and a true musical Azalea, who is nominated for four Grammys, kicked Gees, rounded out the night singing USmith and Iggy Azalea, and a sneak peak at the genius.” Joseph said the film would be in theaters in July off the artists showcase with a performance of “Fancy,” the band’s classic “To Love Somebody.” upcoming Amy Winehouse documentary. The record or September. Winehouse was signed to Republic and Smith followed with “Nirvana” and “Stay With Me.” Davis, 82, is credited with honing the company on Saturday debuted a close-to-complete Smith is the top nominee with six nominations head- careers of numerous artists including trailer of “Amy,” which is due in theaters later this year. ing into Sunday’s ceremony, along with Beyonce and late singer Whitney Houston, who was The minute-long video featured photos and video of Pharrell. “I’m so happy to be singing today,” Smith told found dead in a bathtub at the Beverly the late singer as well as audio from an interview where the crowd. “It’s good to keep my mind off of what’s Hilton hotel three years ago, just hours she talked about becoming famous. Universal Music UK going to happen tomorrow by singing, so thanks for before Davis’ party in the same hotel. CEO and Chairman David Joseph said the trailer would having me.” His nominations include album, song and Former basketball player Magic be released in a month or so, but he wanted to debut it record of the year. The Weeknd performed his new sin- Johnson paid tribute to the singer as ahead of the Grammys because the 2008 awards show gle, “Earned It,” from the “Fifty Shades of Grey” sound- he introduced Davis on stage. He also marked history when Winehouse won five honors, track, while Maroon 5 closed the event held at The asked attendees to hold a 30-second including song and record of the year. Winehouse died Theatre at Ace Hotel. The brunch, hosted by UMG CEO silence and send prayers for Houston’s in 2011 from accidental alcohol poisoning at age 27. British singer Amy Winehouse Lucian Grainge, is in its third year. Other performers 21-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina “About two years ago we decided to make a movie included Keith Urban, Fall Out Boy, Shawn Mendes, Tori Brown, who is fighting for her life after about her - her career and her life,” he said. “It’s a very Records, one of the many labels that are part of the Kelly, James Bay, Ryn Weaver, Maddie & Tae, and the Ciara arrives for the Clive Davis & The complicated and tender movie. It tackles lots of things UMG umbrella. Its other labels include Def Jam, Island, mother-and-son duo Madisen Ward and the Mama being found unconscious in a bathtub Recording Academy’s 2015 Pre-Grammy last week. —Reuters about family and media, fame, addiction, but most Capitol and Interscope Records, and its roster includes Bear. —AP Gala in Beverly Hills. —AFP lifestyle MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 MOVIES

BIFF ‘Queen ‘Birdman’ bests ‘Boyhood’ of the Desert’ on the road to the Oscars is no history lesson he long takes of Alejandro Inarritu’s In a special segment, Steven Spielberg also fter opening with an Arctic adventure, the “Birdman” won out over the long pro- announced that starting in 2016, the DGA Berlin International Film Festival heated up duction of Richard Linklater’s will award a prize for first-time feature film Friday with “Queen of the Desert,” a film about T A “Boyhood” at the Directors Guild Awards directors. “If we were to travel back in our British diplomat and spy Gertrude Bell starring Nicole Saturday. Both formally ambitious in very legacy, we might have honored Orson Kidman and James Franco. The film about Bell, who different ways, “Boyhood” and “Birdman” Welles for his masterpiece ‘Citizen Kane’ or played a key role in reshaping the Middle East during have been neck-in-neck throughout the Sidney Lumet for ‘12 Angry Men,’” said the early 20th century, comes at a time of renewed awards race. But after dominating the act- Spielberg. “Our hope is this new award will turmoil in the region. But director Werner Herzog ing and producing guild awards, Inarritu’s shine a light on up-and-coming voices.” insists it’s just a story, not a history lesson, and doesn’t tale about a washed-up actor looking for The solid predictive track record of the attempt to criticize those who carved up the Middle some authenticity on the New York stage DGAs might suggest that there was a cut- East by drawing lines in the sand 100 years ago. appears to have the edge in the lead up to throat air to the proceedings, and yet even The borders that were drawn - such as those the Oscars. among the feature film nominees the spirit between present-day Syria and Iraq - “had a certain There are no sure things when it comes of the evening was celebratory and retro- validity, in particular, when we look at today’s to Hollywood awards, but a DGA win at spective. Prior to his win, Inarritu spoke of attempts to create an Islamic State that has no borders least makes Inarritu’s ascent to Oscar domi- his fascination with Linklater and anymore and has Sharia law in its strictest form,” nance nearly inevitable. The guild dispens- Anderson’s choices in their films and the Herzog told reporters. The German director’s refusal to es awards to directors in TV and movie cat- privilege of getting to know his fellow get too deeply into Britain and France’s colonial egories, and only seven times in the history nominees. Linklater took the peer rever- involvement in the Middle East apparently extended of the DGAs has a director not gone on to ence even further. “I love the traditions and to his leading star. win the Academy Award. “If this is consid- the history of the DGA,” said Linklater in his “I tried to get Werner to give me a history lesson ered a great film, it has nothing to do with nominees speech. He told the audience and he was like ‘Nicole, this is too extensive, I cannot me,” Inarritu said. “It is a miracle.” In addition that he was advised when he received his do this,’” Kidman said. At least cinema goers may come to Linklater, Inarritu beat out feature film DGA card to get his heroes to sign it, not away remembering Bell, who wandered across the nominees Wes Anderson (“The Grand just three friends. Linklater proudly said deserts seeking out tribal leaders and ancient artifacts Budapest Hotel”), Morten Tyldum (“The Recipient of the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film award that the signatures on his card are Francis at a time when few Westerners made any attempts to Imitation Game”) and Clint Eastwood Alejandro G Inarritu (Birdman) and Steven Spielberg pose in the press room at the Ford Coppola, Peter Bogdanovich and understand the Arabs. “I knew nothing about her. (“American Sniper”) to win the film direct- 67th Annual Directors Guild Awards. —AFP Robert Altman. Public nods to creative That’s partly the reason I wanted to make the film, ing trophy. They’ll face off again Feb 22 for 10 categories. Winners included Jill women get up to bat, they do pretty well.” idols didn’t stop with Linklater, though. because I wanted people to know about her,” said the best director Oscar, with the exception Soloway for the TV comedy “Transparent,” Other winners were Anthony B Sacco for Backstage Inarritu told reporters that he Kidman. “We talk about Laurence of Arabia, but we’ve of Eastwood, who was not nominated. Lisa Cholodenko for the TV movie/minis- the reality series “The Chair,” Jonathan was wearing Billy Wilder’s tie and Raymond never heard of Gertrude Bell.” Instead, “Foxcatcher” filmmaker Bennett eries “Olive Kitteridge,” Laura Poitras for the Judge for the children’s program “100 Carver’s shirt, a partial nod to the promi- Miller is up for that honor at the Academy documentary “Citizenfour” and Lesli Linka Things to Do Before High School,” Glenn nence of Carver’s short story “What We Talk Blast from the past Awards. While the feature film category Glatter for the TV drama “Homeland.” “It’s Weiss for the 68th annual Tony Awards, About When We Talk About Love” in Andrew Haigh’s film “45 Years,” which premieres in was undeniably male-dominated, women been a good night for gals,” said Linka Dave Diomedi for “The Tonight Show” and “Birdman.” “I’m just a humble guy wearing Berlin, examines what happens when an uninvited took the top prize in four of the evening’s Glatter backstage. “I think when you see Nicolai Fuglsig for a Guinness commercial. those masters,” he said. — AP guest turns up and threatens to spoil a party - even a guest long dead. Geoff and Kate Mercer, played by Tom Courtenay and Charlotte Rampling, are preparing for their 45th wedding anniversary when Geoff learns Academy Sci-Tech Awards: that the body of his former girlfriend, who died in the Swiss Alps 50 years ago, has been found in the thaw- ing ice. Her memory causes Geoff to re-examine his Women make a stand past and romanticize the life he never had. In real life, Rampling makes sure to avoid lecturing younger col- leagues about how to lead their lives. “I never give ver the years, the Academy’s Scientific & Technical of Merit went to Larry Hornbeck for the invention of the digital advice - until I’m asked for it,” she said. Awards banquet has been called many things: warm, micro-mirrors that form the heart of DLP cinema projectors. One person who won’t be showing up at the 65th Ointimate, classy and, at its best, emotional. But one Hornbeck said “My father taught me by example to ask the Berlinale is Jafar Panahi, the Iranian director of “Taxi,” description that has never been associated with the Sci-Techs is question ‘Why?’ and go out and find the answer.” He added “I which is also competing for the festival’s Golden Bear “a hoot.” Until tonight that is. For 2015 the Sci-Techs traded a humbly accept this award on behalf of every engineer who ever top prize this year. Iranian authorities have forbidden smidgen of elegance for a few megawatts of electricity, much of had a dream of doing anything.” Panahi from leaving the country since 2010. So, it provided by Margot Robbie. Robbie co-hosted the presenta- The second Oscar and final award of the night went to instead, he takes viewers on a series of taxi rides tion with Miles Teller, and the pair bantered like a comedy team. sound expert David Gray, the Gordon E Sawyer honoree. Gray through the Iranian capital of Tehran in his film. “It is a Both had moments to shine and each got laughs, but it was warned the audience he would speak at some length, saying kind of humor, it is not a sad movie,” said festival Robbie who stole the show, bringing a loose charm and infec- “This is only going to happen to me once, so I’m going to take director Dieter Kosslick. “There is a lot of humor, but tious energy to her hosting duties. She turned what could have advantage.” He recalled his time in the 1970s as a roadie for of course they tackle some problems that you can been a laborious litany of technical jargon into a lively and Steely Dan, the Kinks and Frank Zappa, recalling he once built have in Iran. Jafar himself is the cab driver, so you sometimes uproarious evening. Zappa a synthesizer to make a guitar sound like a French horn. see him. And actually you see him in a good mood, Some 59 individuals were honored at the banquet. One of “It was horrible,” he said. “It was so stupid... But when we added which is really good.” The festival has kept an empty the early presentations showed why the Sci-Techs can be about 20 percent distortion, the result was magical.” chair for Panahi ever since his government refused endearing: As honoree Steven Tiffen stepped up to accept an him permission to attend four years ago. “We will Award of Commendation, a voice shouted “That’s my dad!” A love of film keep this until the moment that he comes. Maybe Tiffen smiled and said “That’s my son,” adding “Third generation Gray said he had a love for the film industry and especially a he will take a taxi,” said Kosslick. — AP Tiffen in the business.” love of sound. “I doubt I will ever be as proud,” he said, “and I’ll never be as excited as I am right now.” The show was a depar- First female honoree ture from previous years in several ways. First, after a couple of The acceptances-as usual-comprised a parade of men years at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the event returned to the more thanking their wives and girlfriends. Almost 50 had been to the spacious ballroom at the Beverly Wilshire. Academy governor podium before the first and only female honoree of the night Richard Edlund called the BevWilshire “our favorite venue”- made her way to the stage: Colette Mullenhoff, one of four hon- about as close to criticism of the other venue as one would hear orees cited for the Industrial Light & Magic Shape Sculpting at the dignified Sci-Techs. System. They were met with the night’s loudest cheers and a Gone was the usual live jazz combo for the event, replaced standing ovation led by-but not limited to-the women in the by a DJ playing a contemporary mix. And the hosts’ script was audience. Nobody had to ask why. Robbie was among the peppered with jokes, as if it had occurred to the event’s produc- femmes cheering, as she held her hands high to clap and the ers to take advantage of having two hosts-a relatively recent audience roared. innovation. And then there was Robbie, whose laughter and Teller quipped “We’re breaking down barriers here.” energy disarmed audience and honorees alike. As Robbie intro- Mullenhoff appeared humbled and a bit shaken by the recep- duced Open VDB, a system for efficiently storing “voxels” for 3- tion. There were laughs and bittersweet moments at the podi- dimensional vfx rendering, started to laugh and confessed “I um as well. Ron Fedkiw, honored with Brice Criswell for the ILM don’t know why this sounds so sexual to me,” eventually laugh- PhysBAM Destruction System, thanked “all the supervillains and ing so hard she had to leave the stage. Returning with a drink, giant monsters that like to destroy stuff-and keep us in busi- and wiping tears of laughter from her eyes, she proposed a ness.” Scott Peterson, one of four honorees for the Dreamworks drinking game: a swig every time she said “voxel.” After dessert, Animation Foliage System, dedicated the award to Pacific Data Greg LaSalle of Digital Domain brought a glass of wine to the Images, the Bay Area animation facility recently closed in DWA’s podium for his acceptance “in case someone said ‘voxel.’” And, in People walk past a poster for the movie “American cutbacks. “(PDI) made this possible by creating an institution faux dismay, cursed and took a drink. Robbie also had several Sniper”, where the film had been completely sold out where art and science combined to create beautiful images.” His “geek” moments including noting the size difference between for the first two weeks of showings. The film is project- Co-hosts Miles Teller and Margot Robbie pose together co-honoree Jeff Budsberg said of the laid-off PDI artists: “My different classes of “Star Trek” starships. If the Australian beauty ed to stay a top of the BO as new releases are perform- before the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and heart goes out to them.” is indeed that much of a genre-lover, an entire generation of ing poorly. — AP Sciences’ 87th Scientific and Technical Awards. — AP Two Oscar statuettes were presented. The Academy Award fanboys may be ruined for other women. —Reuters Two Hollywood flops in one weekend Q & A on the ‘American Sniper’

t’s not often that Hollywood releases two major theatrical murder trial bombs on the same weekend. But that’s what happened when I“Jupiter Ascending” and “Seventh Son” both crashed in US the- raq War veteran Eddie Ray Routh is preparing to stand receive a fair trial, since the proceeding, set to begin Feb aters on Friday. Warner Bros’ “Jupiter Ascending,” starring trial, charged with capital murder in the shootings of 11, will come as the Oscar-nominated movie “American Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis, is quickly falling in box office “American Sniper” author and former Navy SEAL Chris Sniper,” based on Kyle’s memoir, is filling theaters nation- estimates to a skimpy $18 million opening. With a budget of $175 I million, the Wachowskis’ sci-fi tentpole could lose tens of millions Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield. Routh’s post-traumatic wide and even in Erath County, Texas, where trial will be barring a dramatic turnaround overseas. The forecast for stress disorder brought the men together, as Kyle and held. Universal and Legendary’s long-delayed “Seventh Son,” starring Littlefield sought to help the ex-Marine. Routh’s parents Jeff Bridges, isn’t much brighter. The medieval fantasy tentpole think that diagnosis should carry some weight with the Q: What is PTSD? has a projected loss of $85 million, as Variety exclusively reported jury. Here are some questions and answers about the pro- A: According to the American Psychiatric Association, this week, despite earning $82 million at the international box ceeding, and how PTSD might play a role. PTSD is characterized by “clinically significant distress or office. It’s on track for only $6.6 million in its US debut. impairment in the individual’s social interactions, capacity Neither of the BO casualties are a shock-both pictures were Q: Did Eddie Ray Routh and Chris Kyle know each to work or other important areas of functioning.” Paula long-delayed due to poor tracking, and Paramount’s “The other? Schnurr, acting executive director of the National Center Spongebob Movie,” which is soaking up $53 million this weekend, A: No. Mother Jodi Routh has told numerous news out- for PTSD, says the individual need not have experienced was originally projected to win the weekend. Still, the lousy ticket lets that she ran into Kyle at the school where she serves as the trauma himself. “PTSD can also occur when people In this April 6, 2012 file photo, Chris Kyle, a former Navy sales are a black eye for investors and filmmakers. Andy and Lana an aide. She had heard about Kyle’s work with wounded have witnessed a horrific event occurring to others or SEAL and author of the book “American Sniper,” holds a Wachowski, masterminds of “The Matrix,” have yet to find com- veterans and asked if he might be willing to help her son, learning about some types of horrific events that may hap- weapon in Midlothian, Texas. — AP mercial or critical success since their Keanu Reeves trilogy. Their who was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder pen to a loved one, such as losing a loved one to murder or previous two efforts, “Cloud Atlas” and “Speed Racer,” made a com- (PTSD) and alcohol abuse. Kyle and Littlefield went to suicide,” said Schnurr, whose agency is part of the US Q: Much has been written about “American Sniper” bined $67 million domestically. The stylish filmmakers assumed Routh’s home on Feb 2, 2013, to take him to a shooting Department of Veterans Affairs. Symptoms include recur- author Chris Kyle. But who was the other victim, Chad that heartthrob Channing Tatum could attract younger viewers to range, where the killings occurred. It appears to have been rent dreams or flashbacks, changes in mood, avoidance Littlefield? “Jupiter Ascending.” But Tatum is barely recognizable in the 3D the first time they’d met. and hyper-vigilance. A: Littlefield, 35, had a wife and young daughter. film, looking more like an elf than a sexy bounty hunter. The sci-fi space opera earned a B- Cinemascore from moviegoers and a not- Anger and irritability are also in the profile, though not According to a 2013 New Yorker Magazine story, the two so-fresh 22% rating on RottenTomatoes. Q: What is Routh’s defense strategy? all people experience those symptoms, says Schnurr. “We men met on the sidelines of a youth soccer game and WB had originally scheduled “Jupiter” for a prime summer A: Since Routh admitted the slayings to his sister and know from research that individuals with PTSD have an became friends. They lived in the same neighborhood, and release in July 2014 before pulling the plug six weeks prior to brother-in-law, and in an interview with the Texas Rangers, increased likelihood of engaging in aggressive or violent hunted and worked out together. Although he had never “complete special effects,” but buzz on the film was negative. Jeff the trial will revolve around his state of mind at the time. behavior,” she said. “There is a statistical association been in the military himself, Littlefield - facilities and logis- Bridges, meanwhile, is experiencing his own financial follies in Routh’s attorneys have filed a notice of intent to pursue an between PTSD and violence, both domestic violence and tics manager with a lab in DeSoto, Texas - also volunteered recent years. The “Seventh Son” actor’s last two wide releases, insanity defense. Prosecutors have chosen not to seek the violence against others. But when I say violence I mean his time to work with veterans. By the time of that fateful “R.I.P.D.” and “The Giver,” both disappointed at the box office. death penalty if Routh is convicted, but will ask that he be aggression or violence and that may include threats and outing with Routh, he had accompanied Kyle “on similar “Seventh Son,” directed by Sergei Bodrov, began filming in March given life without the possibility of parole. Defense attor- not acts, so it’s a broad category.” An estimated 15 percent trips dozens of times,” according to an April 2013 article in 2012 and has had four different release dates. —Reuters neys have expressed concern about whether Routh can of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have PTSD. D Magazine. — AP lifestyle MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 FASHION

Models display the Autumn/Winter design collection from designers Teresa Helbig, Hannibal Laguna and Roberto Verino at Madrid’s Fashion Madrid Week in Madrid, Spain. — AP Photos Fashion Week

‘Alice in Wonderland’ at 150: More than just tea parties

s the celebrated children’s book of ing rare publications, drawings and let- tors of the day, John Tenniel, for help. The became a trailblazer for children’s litera- Britain’s Victorian era turns 150, an ters and photographs by Carroll, the pen exhibit shows how both, at times, grew ture, the exhibit also shows how Alice Aexhibit in Texas traces its history to name for Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. The weary of Alice as its popularity grew. became a theme for toys. They ranged show how “Alice’s Adventures in exhibit shows how Dodgson, the Dodgson reportedly often would not from the simple to the technologically Wonderland” adapted and transformed University of Oxford mathematician who answer letters addressed to Lewis Carroll. advanced for the day, such as 1933 through now-familiar concepts of mer- composed the story for the daughters of Movie-Jecktor filmstrips - paper strips chandising and multimedia. The Lewis his Oxford dean, tried to balance his life Transforming multimedia about 3 feet long that when run through Carroll book swept children’s literature in academics with his alter ego as the As for Tenniel, well, he was often fed a toy projector, display a simple anima- when it was published in 1865, and the author of a widely popular book. up. “I shrink at the mere mention of ‘Alice tion. Carroll’s work was also recorded as popular work was soon adapted for the Dodgson was an avid amateur photogra- in Wonderland,’” Tenniel wrote to a friend an early audio book. It was part of a 1958 theater, Alice-themed toys and eventual- pher, when the craft was in its infancy, in a letter on display, referring to the series of 16 rpm records that included ly films during the early days of the who also dabbled in drawing. The mathe- book by its commonly used name. While “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Trial of industry. “The book did not have a con- matics professor also kept up correspon- Carroll may have grown tired, he was Socrates.” ventional moral. Carroll played with stan- dence with children, and the exhibit also involved in marketing his product, “The characters drive a lot of the inter- dard moral tales of his day and turned includes letters in which he challenges creating an Alice-themed stamp case for est in Alice,” said Sigler, the curator, adding them on their heads,” said Danielle Brune them with games, puzzles and codes. children and helping to bring a produc- that many people are less familiar with the Sigler, the curator who helped put His photographs, a few of which will tion of “Alice in Wonderland” to the book’s narrative. “A lot of people have together the exhibit that opens tomor- be on display, including one of the story’s stage. Meanwhile, weak copyright pro- absorbed Alice through films, through row at the University of Texas in Austin. inspiration, Alice Liddell and her sisters, tection led to unauthorized publications toys and through condensed versions but The exhibit, at the Harry Ransom were well received. But Dodgson knew of Alice to pop up in the United States. have not necessarily read the original,” she Center, a global leader in its holdings of his drawings for “Alice’s Adventures in As the times changed, so did representa- and a psychedelic icon in a 1960s color- said. “These adaptations have been so manuscripts and original source materi- Wonderland” were not up to snuff and tions of Alice, who is seen as a flapper in ing book. popular, that they have often supplanted als, contains more than 200 items, includ- turned to one of the pre-eminent illustra- a 1929 version of the book in the exhibit Along with showing how the book Lewis Carroll’s story.” — Reuters ‘Birdman’ bests ‘Boyhood’ on the road to the Oscars

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015 38

A tourist takes pictures of a costumed reveler near St Peter’s square during the carnival on February 7, 2015 in Venice. The 2015 edition of the Venice carnival is untitled “The world’s most delicious festival” and runs till February 17th. — AFP Love Commandos helping Indian couples escape prejudice andna left everything behind when she fled her parents’ home in India to be Vwith the man she loved, giving up fami- ly, friends and the studies she hoped would help her become a teacher. It is only thanks to the Love Commandos, a New Delhi-based organization that helps desperate couples who have defied their families, that the 22- year-old and her new husband have a roof over their heads. The organization is the brainchild of former journalist Sanjoy Sachdev, who launched it in 2010 after coming to the aid of a young man falsely accused of rape by the family of the woman he wanted to marry. Since then, it has helped thousands of desperate couples in the socially conservative country, giving them sanctuary in safe houses and access to legal advice. The organization operates seven apart- ments in the Indian capital, but can also call on 300 couples to take in lovers fleeing rela- tives’ wrath for a short period.

Indian couple Vibhor, 24, and Deepika, 24, and who left their homes to marry against their parents’ wishes, play with puppy Sandy at one of seven shelters for couples. Sara, 18, and Pinky, 21, and who left their homes to marry against their parents’ wishes. whom she married in July. They first stopped nities disapprove of their relationships. The ly’s reputation and pride. That was the fate of dispose of her body after she married in her from going to college, where she was killings are carried out by close relatives or vil- 21-year-old Bhawna Yadav, whose parents and secret. Her family had wanted her to marry a studying business and accountancy, and then lage elders to protect what is seen as the fami- uncle are accused of conspiring to kill her and man from the Yadav caste to which her hus- hastily arranged a marriage to a male relative. band Abhishek Seth did not belong. That was the final straw, and she fled the fami- When they learned of the secret marriage, ly home a day before the marriage was due to Bhawna’s parents asked Seth to let her go back take place. to the community for a celebration, which he “I haven’t called my parents or my friends agreed to do on the advice of friends. Shortly since I left,” Vandna said, sitting beside her new afterwards, he received a call from Bhawna’s husband in the modest apartment provided to cousin to say she had been killed and her the couple by the Love Commandos. “I want to body burned. “We had so many plans,” Seth be a teacher and my husband wants to set up said. “She wanted to go to Goa on holiday and his business, but we don’t know when that is for us to have our arms tattooed with a heart possible,” said the young woman, who rarely and our initials”-a promise that he has kept leaves their apartment. despite his wife’s death. Love Commandos founder Sachdev says horrific incidents like ‘Lovers’ rights’ these often go unreported, with even police India may be modernizing rapidly, but sometimes happy to turn a blind eye. Sachdev says that violence against young peo- He says the authorities need to do better at ple who choose their partners against their protecting young couples, and even calls on Abhishek Seth, 21, talks about his wife, 21- parents’ wishes is still a big issue. “Because of political parties to come up with an “agenda year-old Bhawna Yadav, whose parents and caste, religious, economic or social status for the protection of lovers’ rights”. In the uncle are accused of conspiring to kill her issues, many times parents still oppose their meantime, he says more young people are and dispose of her body after she married children’s relationship,” he said. “A lot of young finding the courage to marry for love, defying in secret. people try to convince their parents to accept pressures of family and society and even the their marriages, but that often ends with girls threat of violence. And although the tradition “Some stay with us 14 months, others 14 having their education stopped and being ille- of arranged marriages remains strong in India, hours,” said Sachdev. Like many young women gally detained. It can even end with honor experts say things are getting better. “I think in India, Vandna was expected to marry a man killings.” education leads to greater involvement of girls chosen by her parents, who were furious when India has for centuries seen killings that tar- Head of the Love Commandos NGO Sanjoy Sachdev gestures as he talks during an interview at in their marriage arrangement,” sociology pro- they discovered her relationship with Dilip, get young couples whose families or commu- one of seven shelters for couples who have left home to have ‘love marriages’. — AFP Photos fessor Sonalde Desai said. — AFP