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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 JAMADA ALAWWAL 25, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Amir sails in Le Pen cancels AUB net SC Omani waters meeting with profit surges beat Kazma onboard Lebanon mufti by 6.2% to to clinch royal yacht2 over headscarf7 $570.6m21 Amir19 Cup MPs threaten to grill PM Min 07º Max 22º over Harbi ‘resignation’ High Tide 10:05 & 19:53 Low Tide Ban on publishing suspects’ images 03:25 & 14:03 40 PAGES NO: 17149 150 FILS By B Izzak Kuwait Times fetes art competition winners KUWAIT: A number of opposition MPs yesterday warned they will grill HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- Mubarak Al-Sabah if the health minister is allowed to resign following a controversy over the minister’s bid to sack top officials. MP Yousef Al-Fadhalah said on his Twitter account that he will file to grill the prime minister on March 5 if the government allows Health Minister Jamal Al-Harbi to quit, while leaving “suspected corrupt senior bureaucrats” in their positions. The lawmaker said that he had learned that Harbi offered his resignation on Monday during the Cabinet meeting after his demand to sack the undersecretary and a number of senior officials was not accepted by the Cabinet. The controversy over the health minister has been growing even before the November election, after reports that the cost of sending Kuwaitis for treatment abroad skyrocketed to new highs. Some MPs put it at as high as KD 750 million last year. Opposition MPs have alleged that a majority of those sent for treatment abroad were in fact not patients but sent on what they described as “medical tourism or politi- cal medication”, under which thousands of fake patients were sent abroad to appease certain MPs. Fingers were pointed at the former health minister, who was accused of sending around 10,000 patients as a favor for MPs to win their votes against his own grilling last year. According to Fadhalah and other lawmakers, Harbi, a former ministry assistant undersecretary, wanted to sack the ministry undersecretary and several top officials over allegations of corruption and because he could not work with them. MP Jamaan Al-Harbash held the prime minis- ter responsible for not supporting the minister against the health ministry’s senior officials. Harbash slammed the reported resignation of the minister, adding that sac- rificing the minister to keep unsuccessful officials in the KUWAIT: Kuwait Times Editor-in-Chief Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan, Australian Ambassador to Kuwait Warren Hauck, Kuwait Times Deputy General Manager Adnan ministry is another proof for the failure of the govern- Saad, judges and winners are seen during the awards ceremony of Kuwait Times’ student art competition “Colours of Australia” at Crowne Plaza Hotel yesterday. ment and its inability to run the country. Complete coverage of the event and names of winners will be published in Kuwait Times from Monday, Feb 27, 2017. — Photo by Joseph Shagra Continued on Page 13

Expatriates recall staying McMaster named as PAGE UAE deals with drones PAGE through invasion horrors top Trump advisor after airport closures By Ben Garcia Qaffaf, a Jordanian newspaper photogra- pher, recalls the days of the invasion, and KUWAIT: The 1990-91 Iraqi invasion of how he was forced to stay back to keep Kuwait was a traumatic event for resi- his family together. The electricity in his Expats blamed for state’s woes dents of Kuwait, both citizens and flat was cut, while food was reduced to expats. While large numbers of expats soup and rice. He had to sell some of his KUWAIT: Kuwait’s first new government runs out. It carried Kuwait through the left the country to return to their home- family gold jewelry to survive. hospital in more than three decades will expenses of the seven-month Iraqi occu- lands, often by treacherous land journeys Bong Pagutayao, a Filipino cashier at Khamenei calls soon open its doors - but only to Kuwaiti pation and the 1991 US-led that before they could board a ship or plane a grocery store, also remained back citizens. It’s the latest in a series of steps liberated it. to their destinations, many others with his roommates, working in a meat Israel a ‘fake’ targeting foreigners, including laborers Expatriates with residency and work remained, either voluntarily or because factory in exchange for food to survive. who build high-rise towers, sweep the visas in Kuwait get subsidized healthcare. they couldn’t find a way to leave. The safety of residents in Kuwait wors- roads and clean toilets in the state - a A foreign laborer - usually from another Kuwait Times spoke to two expats ened day-by-day, especially after the nation, ‘tumor’ group that far outnumbers the native pop- Arab country or an Asian migrant - pays who stayed through the nearly seven- US-led coalition entered the fray. They ulation. The KD 304 million ($997 million) KD 1 ($3.2) to see a doctor at a public hos- month occupation of Kuwait to learn tried to leave once via , but were : Iran’s supreme leader yesterday used the Jaber Hospital, about a 20-minute drive pital. His employer would typically pay for more about their experiences during this turned back due to heavy bombard- podium of a pro-Palestinian gathering in Tehran to from downtown , is expected him an annual health insurance to the darkest period in Kuwait’s history. Ghazi ment. (Full story on Page 3) lash out at Israel, calling the Jewish state a “fake” to open in the coming months. It will be government of KD 50, or about $160. nation in a “dirty chapter” of history. The remarks by the first government hospital built in Western expats who live and work in Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were some of his most vitriolic Kuwait since 1984, taking some pressure Kuwait tend to go to private hospitals as against Israel, Iran’s archenemy. Every four years since off an overburdened public health system. part of lucrative health care packages pro- the early 1990s, Tehran US ally Kuwait, like other oil-rich Gulf vided by their employers. has hosted a similar states, has for decades offered a free cra- Many see the new, citizens-only hospi- conference in support dle-to-grave healthcare for its citizens, tal as a step too far. “They were granted of the Palestinian cause, along with plenty of generous perks such their workers’ visa. They deserve to be assembling foreign as subsidized utility prices and housing treated with dignity,” Dr Yousef Al- guests and those who grants. But services have been fraying in Muhanna, a 34-year old general surgeon, oppose Israel. recent years - despite the cushion of sever- said of the migrant workers. The discrimi- Speaking to the al hundred billion dollars that Kuwait has nation goes against the Hippocratic Oath, gathering, Khamenei been building since the 1970s, mostly in a he says. “We are not supposed to look at said Israel was created fund for future generations. That money, their passports - we are supposed to deal by bringing Jews from which stays out of the state budget, is with their medical conditions.” other parts of the world meant to provide for Kuwaitis when the oil Continued on Page 13 to the Mideast region to settle in the land of the Ali Khamenei Palestinians to replace its “true entity”. The creation of Israel is “one of the dirty chapters of history that will be closed, with the : Saudi King Salman meets US Senator John McCain in the Saudi capital grace of God,” he added. Khamenei’s speech lasted yesterday. —AFP 33 minutes. The supreme leader, who has final say on all state matters in Iran, also urged all Muslims to support the Trump critic McCain Palestinians and “resistance” movements - a refer- ence to anti-Israeli groups such as Palestinian Hamas meets King Salman and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Iran has always been their staunch ally. The “resistance movements should RIYADH: Influential American Senator ’s government and the opposition have all necessary instruments,” Khamenei added John McCain, a critic of President Donald gather in Geneva today for a new round and praised those who are part of it in allegedly suc- Trump, held talks with ’s King of -brokered talks aimed ceeding in “preventing the domination of the Zionist Salman yesterday, official media said. at ending six years of fighting. Saudi regime in the entire region.” McCain, who chairs the Senate Armed Arabia, Turkey and Qatar have provided But he did not appear to endorse an all-our war Services Committee, arrived in Riyadh military and financial aid to rebels fight- on Israel, saying instead that it’s a “cancerous tumor” after talks on Syria with Turkish President ing Syria’s President Bashar Al-Assad. All that requires a “step by step” treatment. In 2015, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Saudi Press are also members of a US-led coalition Khamenei predicted that Israel would not exist after Agency gave no details of McCain’s meet- battling the Islamic State militants there. 25 years. Some 80 delegations, mainly from Islamic ing at Salman’s office, except to say that After his talks in Syria, the Republican countries as well as pro-Palestinian activists, attend- the friendly ties between their two coun- senator from Arizona said on his website ed the two-day meeting. Iranian President Hassan tries were discussed. that Erdogan “described a proposal to Rouhani and several government officials also attended the conference. — AP KUWAIT: This Jan 25, 2017 photo shows the new KD 304 million ($997 million) McCain’s visit comes two days before Continued on Page 13 Jaber Hospital. — AP LOCAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017

MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed of decorates His His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed of Oman gifts an Omani sword to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with presents two rare books about the history of Oman to Sultan Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Al-Saeed Order. —KUNA Qaboos bin Saeed of Oman. Sheikh Sabah, Sultan Qaboos exchange gifts Amir sails through Omani waters

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with ambassadors of Gulf His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is seen during his sea journey. Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

MUSCAT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Prime Minister Fahad bin Mahmood Al-Saeed, Minister Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah gave Sultan Qaboos bin of Heritage and Culture Haythem bin Tariq Al-Saeed, Saeed of Oman two rare books about the history of Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Oman on Monday. Sultan Qaboos decorated His Alawi bin Abdullah, and a number of high Omani offi- Highness the Amir with Al-Saeed Order, Oman’s high- cials. In a separate meeting, His Highness the Amir est order, and gifted him an Omani sword. Later, met with ambassadors of the Gulf Cooperation Sultan Qaboos held a dinner banquet in of His Council (GCC) states. Highness the Amir and his delegation at Al-Alam Both meetings were attended by Kuwait’s Deputy Palace in Muscat. Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Sheikh Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir along with his Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, First Deputy accompanying delegation, embarked yesterday on a Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah sea journey on board an Omani royal yacht, and that Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of during his ongoing visit to the Gulf state. His Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, Highness the Amir was accompanied on his journey Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior by Oman’s Minister of Heritage and Culture Haythem Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime bin Tariq Al-Saeed. Minister and Minister of Finance Anas Khaled Al- Earlier yesterday, His Highness the Amir received in Saleh, and His Highness the Amir’s accompanying his accommodation in Muscat the Omani Deputy delegation. —KUNA His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is seen during his sea journey. Kuwaiti embassies, diplomatic missions celebrate National, Liberation Days

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s embassies and diplomatic missions around the world held ceremonies to celebrate the 56th National Day and 26th Liberation Anniversary late Monday. In Bahrain, the ceremony was attended by Kuwait’s National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, Bahraini Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, and sen- ior officials. Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister noted the strong historic ties between Kuwait and Bahrain. He congratulated His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah and the Kuwaiti people on the occa- sion. Prince Khalifa also spoke of the impor- KUWAIT: Romanian Ambassador to Kuwait Daniel Tanase visited Kuwait tant role of His Highness the Amir in resolving Times yesterday. He met with Editor in Chief Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan and issues facing the Gulf countries and the Arab discussed with him matters of mutual concern. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat World. Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Azzam Mubarak Al-Sabah said the wise leader- ship and humanitarian efforts of His Highness Speaker ends Bahrain trip the Amir is well known around the world. Meanwhile, the ceremony at Kuwait KUWAIT/MANAMA: Kuwaiti National of Ghanem and his accompanying delega- Embassy in Morocco was attended by senior Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem tion, where the latter was tasked with con- Moroccan officials including Speaker of the and his accompanying delegation have veying greetings to His Highness the Amir House of Representatives of Morocco Al-Habib returned home yesterday from Bahrain Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Al-Maliki. The officials congratulated : Kuwait’s Ambassador in New Delhi Fahad Ahmad Al-Awadhi (right) and where he was on a three-day official visit. Commending the visit, King Hamad hoped Ambassador Abdullatif Al-Yahya for the Minister of State at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Mobashar Jawed Akbar The speaker was received at the airport by its outcomes would have a positive impact national and liberation days, noting Kuwait’s attend a reception marking Kuwait’s national days. —KUNA Deputy Parliament Speaker Isa Al-Kanderi on the level of parliamentary cooperation vital support for developmental projects in and Minister of Justice and Minister of State and democracy in both countries. Morocco. friendly nation of Kuwait. of ambassadors and members in the diplo- for National Assembly Affairs Faleh Al-Azeb. Meanwhile, Ghanem conveyed greetings In the meantime, Minister of State at the Kuwait’s Ambassador Fahad Ahmad Al- matic corps. During his stay in Manama, the speaker of His Highness the Amir to the King and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Mobashar Awadhi echoed the same view. He noted that Ambassador Al-Awadhi, his wife Tasneem met with Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Bahraini people, pointing out that rulers of Jawed Akbar announced that India and the two countries would be setting up a joint Al-Abduljader and the diplomats in the Khalifa, Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Kuwait and Bahrain are “one family.” The Kuwait’s relations are poised to achieve new committee to explore untapped potentials embassy exchanged warm greetings with the Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin reception was attended by Kuwaiti MPs Faisal milestones in the days to come. In a state- available and deepen and enhance bilateral participants. Awadhi congratulated His Hamad Al Khalifa. He also held talks with Al-Kanderi, Thamer Al-Suwait Al-Dhifeeri, Dr ment on the sidelines of his participation in ties in the economic, political, cultural and Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Bahrain’s top lawmakers, and Kuwaiti stu- Humoud Al-Khudair, Osama Al-Shahin, Majed a function organized by Kuwait Embassy in security fronts. Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince dents in Manama. Al-Mutairi, Nasser Al-Dossari, Abdulwahab Al- New Delhi to celebrate national days, Akbar The ceremony saw participation of a large Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Historic and deep-seated relations are Babtain, Alhumaidi Alsubaiee, National added that he is extremely happy to partici- gathering consisting of government officials, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh what both Bahrain and Kuwait share and Assembly General Secretary Allam Al-Kandari, pate in the event marking the 56th parliamentarians, and an elite group of dig- Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as well enjoy, the Bahraini King said on Monday. in addition to Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Anniversary of the National Day and the 26th nitaries working in cultural, academic, media as government and people of Kuwait on the This came during King Hamad’s reception Azzam Al-Sabah. —KUNA Anniversary of the Liberation Day of the and religious fields in addition to a number national celebrations. —KUNA Endeavor leads students to rose-colored world

KUWAIT: Chairperson of Al-Nuwair Positive fits into global plans that revolve around the been instructed to espouse the merits of Initiative (NPI) Sheikha Intisar Salem Al- youth’s increasingly significant contributions optimism, adding that it has been proven Sabah launched yesterday a project that to sustained development. Moreover, through years of studies that an optimistic aims to instill in students a sense of opti- Sheikha Intisar pointed out that the project, disposition leads to better health. In a state- mism. The initiative, titled ‘A Brighter Future,’ which coincides with Kuwait’s national cele- ment to the press, the Minister of Education is sponsored by Minister of Education and brations, was carried out in three different said that this endeavor will prove beneficial Minister of Higher Education Dr Mohammad schools with staggering results. to the students and nation as a whole, Al-Fares. In a speech to kick off the program, Furthermore, she noted it comprises expressing his support of efforts to reinforce Sheikha Intisar noted that three years after research that will induce data and informa- humanitarian and national values. The brain- NPI’s inception, the initiative seeks to secure tion to be promulgated in international con- child of Sheikha Intisar, NPI is a non-prof- a solid future for the nation’s youth. ferences and magazines. itable initiative formed in March 2013, as On the endeavor, she said it is the first of Meanwhile, the program’s director, Kuwait became the first Arab nation to KUWAIT: Chairperson of Al-Nuwair Positive Initiative (NPI) Sheikha Intisar Salem Al- its kind in the history of the and Ruqaya Hussein, said that 69 teachers have launch the initiative.—KUNA Sabah poses with students. —KUNA LOCAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 Not an ordinary day: Expats narrate invasion’s agony When leaving is not an option, survival becomes a daily struggle

By Ben Garcia

KUWAIT: At 6:00 am, Ghazi Qaffaf was wok- en by the frantic ring of his home telephone. It rang and rang, forcing Qaffaf out of bed to answer the call. It was a friend from his homeland, Jordan, who was checking in; he had heard that the Jordanian International

People from the newspaper were telling everyone that nothing serious was going to happen

Airport had cancelled flights to Kuwait because of an invasion. Qaffaf assured his friend that nothing was happening in Kuwait. Then he got another call, this time from his cousin in America, wanting to know if the Iraqis had indeed breached the border. Then Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah A-Sabah cheers with Iraqi forces completely destroyed the Ramada Al-Salaam Hotel; a passenger/car- “[I was] in shock,” Qaffaf said. “My manager Kuwaiti soldiers following Kuwait’s liberation. go ship-turned-five-star hotel in Kuwait City. called, [and] his voice was in panic mode. I Qaffaf’s instinct to take photos pushed flatmates had other ideas. “In my mind I said, only remember his urgent call to report him to head to the army headquarters I will stay whatever happens. No-one from immediately, [and] left home without wash- located just a few kilometers away. On our flat left, we all stayed until the war’s end.” ing my face.” route, he heard a heavy bombardment that After 30 days, the 20 Filipinos who lived in Qaffaf was 28 when Iraq invaded Kuwait. turned out to be targeting his destination. Pagutayao’s flat had run out of food. The only The night before the attack, then Crown “The headquarters were on fire, I could see way to survive was to accept temporary work Prince His Highness Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah the smoke billowing from that direction,” he offered by the occupying forces. “Some of us A-Sabah was in Saudi Arabia for a meeting. recalled. “At the same time, Kuwaiti military quickly accepted the job and were working,” Qaffaf, now 55, was working as a photogra- planes were hovering above.” He heard that he said. Pagutayao, however, was more hesi- pher for Al-Watan newspaper at the time. there were Iraqi forces at the headquarters, tant, but eventually accepted work in “The night before the invasion, I was some on the Jahra road, but that all were exchange for food. They rotated shifts in a assigned to take photos of that meeting heading towards Kuwait City. He quickly meat factory, some working during the day, from a live TV feed from Saudi Arabia broad- took a few pictures and retreated to the others during the evening. casted by Kuwait Television (KTV),” he said. office in Al-Watan. “At that time [there was] no internet, no On arrival, he was met with an entirely Evacuation plan cable to carry the important meetings like empty workspace, save for his supervisor. The safety of expats in Kuwait worsened that, so normally we took pictures from the There would be no newspaper the following day-by-day, especially after the US-led official KTV footage.” day, he was told, so he should leave. Qaffaf coalition entered the scene. News about There was no hint that something big was described it as the saddest moment in his people being killed in the fighting also going to happen the following day. “I went Ghazi Qaffaf Bong Pagutayao career; the photos of the burning headquar- continue apace. “We thought that going home just the same. [There was] no serious ters were worthy of running on the front page home is the only way to survive,” Pagutayao scenario except the lingering noise about The situation deteriorated from there. Six Very strange environment the following day. He went straight to devel- said. “All of us in the flat decided to leave Iraqis preparing to invade Kuwait. That had months after the Iraqis arrived, the family’s On the morning of August 2, Bong op the negatives from his camera, then head- Kuwait. We went to our embassy in Jabriya become normal in the heads of many here.” electricity was cut, while food was reduced to Pagutayao, a Filipino cashier at a grocery ed home. “On my way home, I saw cars aban- and the officials were preparing to evacu- Before Qaffaf left at around nine that soup and rice. Qaffaf had to brave queues that store, set out for work, ignoring news that doned in the street. People were in a hurry, ate most Filipino nationals. Cars were evening, he saw a Reuters report reading stretched for hours to pick up minimal sup- something was terribly wrong in Kuwait. He some were crying out to Allah ... There were parked in front of the embassy waiting for “Urgent ... urgent ... urgent,” but did not fully plies. It was the only way to survive. thought it was going to be a regular day. As very few private vehicles on the road, but I the go signal to leave.” appreciate its significance; similar messages noticed several Iraqi tanks on the streets.” On the road to Abdaly, the group was had arrived “many times” before. “People Qaffaf’s arrival calmed his family’s panic. stopped by an Iraqi commander who warned from the newspaper were telling everyone They were listening to every piece of news they Kuwait was in complete them that there were heavy bombardments that nothing serious was going to happen, could access over the radio, and Qaffaf heard on the border and it was not safe to cross it. that we should go home and get a good Sheikh Saad’s call to defend the homeland. But Their chance to leave Kuwait had gone. They night’s sleep,” he recalled. “During the night, I darkness at that time because he also remembers the high spirits of the Iraqi returned to Adailiya, still without a steady was watching Iraqi TV and heard strong mes- soldiers on television. “They were dancing in supply of food. Adailiya was mainly populat- sages. But to me, it was the same noise I had front of the camera and declaring that they had the oil fields were on fire ed by Kuwaitis, many of whom were afraid to heard many times before. It was a normal already conquered Kuwait and liberated its leave their homes, which meant that the night, and I slept with my family.” people. Kuwait, they said, was now under the Qaffaf heard that Iraqi soldiers were look- he waited for the bus to Kuwait City, he Filipino group were able to exchange food control of the Iraqis.” for favors. Panicked faces ing to kill Kuwaiti nationals. “Many Kuwaitis noticed silence, only broken by the sounds Things remained that way until they Early that morning, the phone rang. On the were afraid, but some expats protected of bombardment not far away. He noticed Not an option heard Kuwait had been liberated. “Kuwait way to work, Qaffaf remembers the panicked them,” he recalled. Then, a month later, he the massive movements of tanks but very In the days and months that followed, was in complete darkness at that time faces of the people he passed. “I saw people heard the news he had been waiting for. few civilian vehicles. After 15 minutes at the Qaffaf and his family mainly stayed indoors. He because the oil fields were on fire, but we weeping, people running. I heard people curs- Everyone could come out of hiding, the radio bus stop, he went home. “I noticed a very briefly attempted to return to the office, but joined in the joy of the liberation,” he ing Iraqis ... When I reached [the office] I saw said. Kuwait was free. No one from Qaffaf’s strange environment,” he said. “There was there was no hope of publishing anything. recalled. “Then, jobs were offered in abun- my editor crying. People in the newspaper family had been harmed. clearly something big brewing, so after a few Friends from Jordan called and tried to con- dance. Money was easily earned and peo- were in total shock,” he said. Word was going He returned to the office two days later, minutes I rushed back home.” vince him to leave Kuwait, his birthplace, but ple were kind and gracious.” After the liber- around that the Ministry of Information had only to find it badly damaged. “Documents Pagutayao’s flatmates, also Filipinos, were despite holding Jordanian citizenship, a move ation, Bong went on to work in a travel fallen, and Qaffaf decided to contact a friend were ransacked, papers were spewed all over,” awake, huddled around the radio. One Arab would be impossible. He had two children at agency, a cargo forwarding company, and who worked there. “The telephone was he said. “Everything was destroyed ... It was like colleague was translating the news from the time, as well as his mother and father to then with the KTV2 marketing team, where answered by an Iraqi soldier who told me that a hell, but I was overwhelmed by the fact that Kuwaiti radio, which was under Iraqi control think of. Splitting the group up was not an he remains today. they were now in control of Kuwait.” Iraqis had left Kuwait.” at the time. “They were urging people in option, and he could not simply uproot to He and his colleagues began the process of Kuwait to cooperate and avoid being a hin- begin a new life elsewhere. cleaning up, and published their first post-inva- drance,” he recalled. When I reached [the office] Qaffaf’s money was in the bank, and inac- sion copy ten days after the liberation. The same Some of them wanted to leave Kuwait Many Kuwaitis were cessible. He had around KD20 in cash, so as the impulse to photograph events took over. “I start- immediately. “When I returned home, every- I saw my editor crying. invasion continued, the family’s chance of sur- ed taking pictures of the Iraqi damage. one in the flat was awake and stunned. They afraid, but some expats vival grew slimmer. “We had to sell some of our Everything was black. The sky was black because had been discussing what to do next,” he People were in total shock gold and everything we had so we could eat,” of the burning oil refinery at Mina Abdullah. said. Some had decided to leave Kuwait to protected them he recalled. Then, slowly, everything went back to normal.” avoid the violence, but Pagutayao and his

Heavy damage inside the National Assembly’s building.

KUWAIT: This file photo shows destruction at Kuwait Airway’s head Damage left by the invading Iraqi forces on Seif Palace. Fire and smoke coming out of burning oil fields. office building in Kuwait City during the 1990/91 Iraqi Invasion. —KUNA

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 LOCAL

Sawaber complex valued at KD 110 million KPC eyes diminished sales of crude oil by 2040: Official By Meshaal Al-Enezi and A Saleh to the nursing profession, such as the set to be concluded by the end of 2019. Foreign Ministry decision of giving them two-day week- Salem explained that the road, also known Chairman of the parliament’s budgets : Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) is looking to KUWAIT: The Finance Ministry’s Assistant ends. He also noted that Kuwait Nursing as ‘Sabah I Road,’ includes three tunnels. and final statements committee Adnan diversify investments in the oil sector and curb its reliance on the sale of crude oil by the year 2040, a KPC official said yes- Undersecretary for Expropriation Affairs Association will soon meet MoH officials Abdulsamad said the committee’s meeting terday. KPC’s Managing Director for International Marketing Fahd Al-Sholah said the total cost of repos- to discuss various problems. Court orders with the foreign minister was adjourned Nabil Bouresly made the remarks in a statement on the side- sessing Al-Sawaber complex in downtown The appeals court yesterday fined cleric because First Deputy Prime Minister and lines of an annual reception the corporation holds for its Kuwait City is KD 110 million. Sholah added Road projects Hussein Al-Maatouq KD 20,000 in a state Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled European clientele. Moreover, he noted that the future of oil that the complex’s total area is 22,800 sq m The Ministry of Public Works’ (MPW) security case filed against him over charges Al-Sabah is accompanying His Highness production lies in the emerging petrochemical industry, on and contains 528 apartments, of which the Assistant Undersecretary for Road of violating the national solidarity law. the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah which KPC’s future strategy is based. owners of only 15 have not yet finished Engineering Ahmad Al-Hassan said 23 par- Maatouq had brought up in a Friday ser- during his current state visit to Oman. “The On the plan, the KPC official said it centers on methods to transfer procedures. tial road openings would be made until mon the topic of investigations with the foreign ministry did not inform us of its ramp up oil production to 4.75 million barrels per day and to the end of 2017, and that the ministry will suspects arrested in the Abdaly cell case. wish to postpone the meeting to enable produce local petrochemical products, which in turn, would No strike coordinate with the traffic department He was accused of instigating sectarian the minister to attend it, although it was lure foreign investment. On a related note, Bouresly assured Chairman of Kuwait Nursing over all openings so as to ensure the safe- tumult that could have prompted some notified of the committee’s wish to meet that Kuwait “is very committed to an OPEC decision to reduce Association Bandar Nashmi Al-Enezi ty of road users. Meanwhile, MPW’s youth to commit illegal acts. with the minister early enough,” oil production”, noting that KPC expects an increase in profits denied any strike action among nursing Director of the First Ring Road Meanwhile, the administrative court Abdulsamad said, noting that the meeting despite the measure. Speaking on the future of crude oil in staff and stressed that all nurses’ demands Development Project Khaled Al-Salem yesterday ordered Kuwait University to was scheduled to discuss the ministry’s the global market, he said there appears to be a “consensus would be made through legal channels, said around 20 percent of the project has appoint a female citizen as a teaching assis- final statement for 2015-2016 and related over increasing demand for crude oil, which could last for leaving strikes as the last resort. Enezi also been completed and that construction tant at the College of Science and tem- State Audit Bureau’s remarks about viola- another 30 years.” He also touted KPC’s efforts to recruit youth employees, noting that some 2,000 youths were hired hailed the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) works were going according to schedule porarily compensate her with KD 1,001 for tions that have continued without rectifica- by the corporation last year. Undersecretary for the support he showed despite some obstacles, adding that it is rejecting her appointment. tion for years. Vietnam refinery Meanwhile, Kuwait Petroleum International’s (KPI) CEO Bakheet Al-Rashidi said that establishing a joint oil refinery in Indian nurse stabbed in Traffic department ready Vietnam by will provide further opportunities to market Kuwaiti oil. Speaking on the sidelines of the same reception, Jleeb robbery attempt for national celebrations Rashidi said that the new refinery with a production capacity of 200,000 barrels per day is part of KPI’s strategy to expand By Sajeev K Peter returning from night duty. As she resisted the marketing of its products. The refinery will be fully By Hanan Al-Saadoun launched by next July. Meanwhile, the CEO noted that the the robbery attempt, the assailant company is also planning to invest in the petrochemicals KUWAIT: A 27-year-old Indian nurse was stabbed her repeatedly and fled the KUWAIT: Acting Assistant Undersecretary for field, which is vital to face the unstable oil prices. Rashidi said brutally stabbed by an unknown scene. In spite of severe wounds and Traffic Affairs Maj Gen Fahd Al-Shuwaie said the company’s office in London has put great efforts to assailant yesterday morning during an profuse bleeding, she reportedly man- the traffic department is ready to carry out its increase its sales rates in Europe within the last three years. apparent robbery attempt in her apart- aged to climb down the stairs to inform duties as part of the security plan for the cele- KPI saw a rise in profits by 15 percent annually. The rate rose ment building in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. The the neighbors on the ground floor who bration of National and Liberation Days. He from 319,000 barrels per day in 2013-2014 to 450,000 barrels nurse who sustained stab wounds in her in turn called the police and ambulance. said the plan was set on the instructions of per day by now, he added. — KUNA abdomen, leg and face, underwent an The horrifying incident that took place Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh emergency surgery after being admitted around 8:30 am yesterday is the latest in Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah to deal with traffic in Farwaniya Hospital, according to a series of armed robberies and attacks jams and maintain traffic flow. Shuwaie said neighbors. Her condition is reported to that target expat residents in Jleeb Al- bad behavior must be avoided during driving be stable. Shuyouk area. Though the police have as streets will see a large number of pedestri- According to the neighbors, she was intensified patrols in Jleeb area following ans, children and families, so all efforts should accosted by the assailant from behind in regular complaints from resident associa- be made to avoid any accident. an attempt to rob her as she tried to tions, criminals continue armed attacks enter her second-floor apartment on and mugging, the residents complain. Gas cylinder thieves caught Farwaniya detectives solved several theft cases registered against unidentified persons, Embassy advises US citizens to avoid after they arrested an Asian gang that stole gas cylinders. Farwaniya detectives received crowds during national celebrations several complaints about thefts of gas cylin- ders from homes and restaurants when resi- KUWAIT: The Embassy in blocked U-turn lanes and intersections on dents and owners were not around. Kuwait issued the following message for US Gulf Road, forcing northbound traffic to travel Detectives intensified their investigations and citizens in the country, including safety the entire length of Gulf Road to turn around. identified the main suspect, who is a KUWAIT: Gas cylinders stolen by a num- instructions to follow during Kuwait’s upcom- Many celebrants engage in water gun fights, Bangladeshi. The suspect told police about ber of suspects arrested yesterday in ing national holidays: throw water balloons, and set off fireworks as the whereabouts of his partners, and they Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. “The Kuwait National and Liberation day part of these national holidays. were all arrested in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh (two building was evacuated and the injured peo- holidays will begin on Thursday, February 23, While the US Embassy in Kuwait is not Indians, two Pakistanis and a Bangladeshi). ple were handed to paramedics, as firefight- but the main holiday activities will be aware of any specific security threats, US Seventy cylinders were found. The suspects ing began. Separately, KFSD’s Director Saturday, February 25, and Sunday, February Mission personnel have been instructed to used to sell the cylinders to restaurants. General Lt Gen Rakan Al-Mikrad honored the 26. Festive celebrations, large crowds, and practice good personal security and traffic leading teams in the comprehensive training heavy traffic congestion are expected in safety measures. Avoid crowds, be vigilant of Fire drill contest. Deputy Director General for the downtown areas. surroundings, and keep vehicle doors locked Kuwait Fire Services Directorate (KFSD) Firefighting Sector said the contest was held There will be heavy traffic congestion and at all times. It is also a good idea to carry a carried out an exercise at Olympia Tower, sim- on the instructions of the director general pedestrian traffic from early afternoon to and civil ID or passport at all ulating a fire on the 18th floor of the 22- following the comprehensive exercises that evening hours on and around Gulf Road and times. Contact Kuwait Emergency Services at storey building, with people injured. The were held in Dec 2016 in Julaia. in Salmiya. In the past, the police have 112 for emergencies.” WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 From the Arabic press

Al-Anbaa Crime Report ‘Paid MPs’ and political aspirations Couple arrested for torturing maid By Tha’ar Al-Rasheedi KUWAIT: The appeals court ordered the arrest of a citizen he so-called ‘Paid MPs’ scandal toppled the and his pregnant wife, who are on trial on charges of tor- 2011 government and led to the dissolution turing their maid and imprisoning her at their home. The Tof the 2009 cabinet and parliament. couple had tied the maid, tortured her and deprived her Important files showing MPs with enlarged bank from food. This continued until she managed to escape accounts were deliberately brought to light, expos- and seek help of people on the street, who took her to her ing the role of ‘political funds’ and their impact on country’s embassy. The court decided to look into the case politics. Public rage followed, causing parliament to on March 6. be disbanded, the cabinet to be dismissed, and an attempt to defuse the situation by a call for early parliamentary elections that would see a new Porn site owner arrested prime minister and cabinet appointed. A man who ran a pornographic site was put under the That happened in 2011, but people are still talk- arrest of e-crimes detectives, who put an end to his ing about the same issue today. The question is activities. The suspect, a citizen, said all clips he pub- whether reopening those files would have a signifi- lished were real and were sent to him, except for one cant political impact. The topic has been discussed Committees that showed a policewoman, which he confessed was many times in the political, public and media are- made up by a student. nas. We all know the ins and outs of the issue by now; there is nothing surprising about it and it has become something normal to talk about. Search for harasser Reopening that topic will not do our political life A man groped a British girl in a Salmiya mall before fleeing.

Al-Jarida The victim was at the mall when she was surprised by a After 2011, political money person fondling her. When she sought help, he ran away. is no longer a secret that The girl lodged a complaint at Salmiya police station. would topple cabinets Al-Jarida or parliaments What are the benefits of grillings? KD 5,000 stolen A Jordanian woman left KD 5,000 in cash inside her car, which was stolen by a thief who broke the car’s win- any good because, after 2011, political money is no By Mudaffar Abdullah dow. The woman told police about what happened, longer a secret that would topple cabinets or par- he interpellation recently filed against former 5- The development of nominal foundations needed and a case was filed for investigations to identify and liaments. At most, it would lead to the formation of arrest the suspect. a special parliamentary committee to discuss the Minister of Information and Minister of State for to meet international demands without actually activating legal amendments needed to close political loop- TYouth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah them (such as the Human Rights Diwan and the Public holes. Bringing those proposals to the forefront was chronically the 84th in 54 years, starting from 1963. Anti-Corruption Authority). Retiree mugged again will not reactivate the opposition, nor will it The figure is very large, but scientific studies revealing seri- So, in conclusion, what are the benefits of interpella- bring even a quarter of what used to be known as ousness in using the constitutional tool of interpellation tions? The answer is nothing, but changing faces of some A retired citizen was robbed by two men and a woman ‘A Nation’s Dignity March.’ It will never move public are very few. However, without going into the details of ministers in what appears to be corruption-motivated after he withdrew KD 500 from an ATM in Naeem. The citi- each grilling motion, this number indicates the following: temporary revenge expressed emotionally. It is notewor- opinion and the status quo will remain the same. zen told police about what happened, and a case was filed 1- The clear wish of various parliaments to achieve thy here to release the parliament from blame, because Whether the topic is discussed or not, nothing will for investigations to identify and arrest the robbers. reform. most of the development keys are in the government’s change as long as we have no law to regulate and 2- The government’s evident unwillingness to deal hands, that “owns” people, capital and decision-making. So monitor political funds. Under the current system, with the parliament’s wish towards achieving reform, and to say that corrupt and pro-government MPs exist seems Apology not accepted everyone is innocent by law. this was very clear in the results of every grilling motion. more like an insignificant detail. So, before filing a list with ‘paid MPs’ names, 3- For over half a century of parliamentary life, the Therefore, parliamentary monitoring will gain nothing, someone must propose a bill preventing the A Gulf national beat up an Egyptian man, causing government’s administrative performance has showed no unless the government administration develops and injuries to his head. The Gulf national was crossing a expansion of political money and turn it into a law significant improvement. Moreover, the state’s rank on intends to use true accountability regardless of personal the public prosecution can use. We need a bill that road in Jabriya when he was almost hit by a car, whose international, and even Arab, corruption indices has dras- loyalty to senior officials. The parliament will go on using driver came out to apologize, but the man answered questions all public officials’ financial disclosure tically fallen. its constitutional tools in monitoring, but we will remain statements and holds them legally accountable. As back with insults and blows. Passersby called police 4- There is no real sociopolitical wish to combat cor- going round and round in circles gaining nothing but and paramedics, who took the injured man to Mubarak we do not have such a law, talk about paid MPs ruption and reform the administration, and this is very sociopolitical tension and gridlock that no one can predict remains talk of the impossible. Hospital. The attacker was detained and charged with clear in attitudes towards the Public Anti-Corruption how it might be expressed, and this is the real danger. insult and assault. — Translated from the Arabic press — Translated by Kuwait Times Authority and State Audit Bureau reports. — Translated by Kuwait Times Zain main sponsor of Kuwait Investment Forum

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommuni- a brainstorming session about the main cations company in Kuwait, announced its challenges and obstacles that face the main sponsorship of the fourth edition of Kuwaiti economy. The forum also hosted the Kuwait Investment Forum. The event many young Kuwaiti entrepreneurs who was held throughout two days at JW had the opportunity to learn from the Marriott Hotel under the patronage of attending experts to develop and grow Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of their own businesses. Finance Anas Al-Saleh. Kuwait Investment Forum is one of the Zain’s support to the forum came in line most prominent events in Kuwait that with its developmental strategy that close- cater to finding the best solutions to eco- ly focuses on contributing to the further nomic challenges in the investment sector. progress of National economy and its The event witnesses the participation of belief in the importance of collaborating many government officials, heads of cor- with the public sector, as it is considered porations, businessmen, and other experts one of the leading private sector compa- who jointly discuss the challenges that face nies in the country. National economy. The fourth edition of the forum wit- Zain’s support to this forum came to nessed special participation from Minister highlight its keenness in supporting the of State for Cabinet Affairs and acting various developmental projects and initia- Minister of Information Sheikh Mohammed tives in the country, as such partnerships Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah who participated in a showcase the collaborative spirit between session titled “Achievements and the public and private sectors. The compa- Group photo of the trainees and Gulf Bank representative. Challenges of SMEs in Kuwait,” as well as ny is also keen on contributing to the fur- the Minister of Commerce and Industry ther progress of national economy and and acting Minster of State for Youth developing the talents within the local Gulf Bank gold sponsor of intensive Affairs Khalid Al-Roudhan who took part in investment sector. youth financial training initiative Program celebrates first class of graduates

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank is proud to be a gold We thank the Kuwait Economic Society for creat- are given a trial account of $50,000 for to sponsor of the Kuwait Economic Society’s first ing this interesting and useful program.” engage in simulated trading. Those who youth financial training initiative. The pro- This unique investment development pro- excelled in the program and the trading are gram, ‘Investing in Our Youth is Unique’ under gram is for college students who are enrolled in then selected to move onto a regional trading the broader theme of ‘Our Gulf Deserves,’ their third or fourth year of study in the fields of simulation exercise. Forty participants will be seeks to train youth in the fields of invest- finance, accounting, business management, selected from Kuwait and those who excel will ment, financial stock trading, as well as techni- economics, and industrial engineering. be awarded with a trip to the UAE or Qatar to cal and news analysis. Additionally, recent graduates in these fields are share experiences and enhance their skills. Gulf Bank was represented by Khaled Al- also eligible to apply to the program. The objec- Each training session culminates in a forum Otaibi, Manager - Corporate Communications, at tive of this initiative is to prepare youth for suc- to measure participants’ performance and to the awards ceremony for the first group of cessful careers, develop talent, as well as award the top performers. The first forum was trainees. Otaibi said: “Gulf Bank strongly believes exchange experiences and improve teamwork. conducted in January and focused on ways to in supporting educational initiatives to help pre- This program is comprised of a series of prac- invest in financial markets, with a focus on how pare our youth for successful careers. It has been tical and consultative sessions over a period of to minimize risk. The second forum was con- a pleasure to see the students’ positive response seven month. Three different classes of students ducted in February and explored investment to the trainings. The initiative was launched in have participated in the intensive investment opportunities to support youth in international November 2016 and runs until May 2017 and training program. Participants are appraised on markets. The third forum recently concluded several groups will be taking part in the training. qualitative and quantitative evaluations, they and shed light on investment strategies in financial markets. Kuwait Economic Society was founded in 1970 as a civil society institution and partner in the economic development process of the country. The Kuwait Economic Society works on reforming policies of the state, improving the competitiveness and transparency of the Kuwaiti economy. It also offers consulting, eco- nomic services, in addition to financial studies for public and private sectors. The Society also promotes cultural and economic awareness among members of the society, and enables generations of business professionals with the skills to build a knowledge-based society. The Kuwait Economic Society also focuses on the role of human capital in the development of civil society activities, particularly in the eco- nomic and financial fields; it also builds bridges with the international institutions and econom- ic organizations. Gulf Bank is strongly commit- KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry’s Acting Assistant Undersecretary for General ted to supporting educational and entrepre- Security Affairs Major General Ibrahim Al-Tarrah honored a number of neurial initiatives for youth to help them build Farwaniya police officers for distinguished efforts they have exerted as of late. The first place winner receives his certificate. successful careers. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 Seven killed; three suicide bombers On collision course? Working out rules for drones hit court Page 9 Page 11 Le Pen sparks Lebanon controversy by refusing to don veil

BEIRUT: ’s far-right presidential can- didate Marine Le Pen sparked controversy yesterday during her brief visit to Lebanon when she refused to wear a veil to meet the country’s top Sunni Muslim cleric. On her last day in the small Mediterranean country, Le Pen arrived at Sheikh Abdellatif Deryan’s office in Beirut and was offered a white shawl to cover her blonde hair. The National Front candidate promptly refused and made a brief statement to jour- nalists before leaving. “The highest Sunni authority in the world had not had this requirement, so I have no reason to,” Le Pen said, referring to her 2015 visit to Al-Azhar, the prestigious Egyptian institution of Sunni Islamic learning. She said she had told Deryan’s office on Monday that she would not don a veil: “They did not cancel the meeting, so I thought they would accept that I will not wear the scarf.” “They wanted to impose this on me, to present me with a fait accompli. Well, no one presents me with a fait accompli,” the candidate said. Deryan heads Dar al-Fatwa, the highest Sunni authority in Lebanon. In a state- ment yesterday, the body said “its press office had informed the presidential candi- date, through one of her assistants, of the BEIRUT: Lebanese communist protesters hold placards with Arabic that read, ‘You are not welcome’ during a protest against France’s far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen’s visit, in need to cover her head when she meets Beirut yesterday. — AP his eminence, according to the protocol and US President Donald Trump. Yesterday Shunned by European leaders over her who heads the Lebanese Forces party and assumed by Dar Al-Fatwa”. is Le Pen’s last day in Lebanon, where she party’s stance on immigration and its anti- is a fierce opponent of Syrian President “Dar Al-Fatwa officials were surprised met a foreign head of state for the first EU message, Le Pen’s meeting with Aoun Bashar Al-Assad. by her refusal to conform to this well- time-President Michel Aoun. aimed to boost her international credibili- In an interview with Lebanon’s L’Orient- known rule,” the statement said. Fewer The FN leader, whose party takes an ty. France had mandate power over both Le Jour, Le Pen called Assad “the lesser than a dozen protesters gathered near anti-immigrant stance, also met Prime Lebanon and Syria during the first half of evil” compared to the Islamic State jihadist Lebanon’s Zaytuna Bay yesterday after- Minister Saad Hariri, a Sunni Muslim, and the 20th century. group in Syria. noon to protest against Le Pen’s visit.”From Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil. Islamic Le Pen has met few top foreign officials She has also criticized the EU’s calls for Beirut to Damascus to Paris to dress is a hot-button issue in France, since taking control of the FN in 2011. Assad to stand down after nearly six years Washington, fascists flock together,” one where the full-face veil is banned in public German Chancellor Angela Merkel has of war that have left more than 310,000 placard read. places. Le Pen’s deputy Florian Philippot refused to meet with her. After leaving people dead. “Marine Le Pen’s statements swiftly lauded her controversial move. “A Deryan’s office, Le Pen headed to Bkerkeh, in Lebanon are an insult to the Lebanese ‘Lesser evil’ magnificent message of liberty and eman- north of Beirut, to meet Maronite Catholic people and the Syrian people,” wrote One banner read “Fascists out!”, and cipation sent to the women of France and Beshara Rai. Lebanese Druze chief Walid Jumblatt on demonstrators carried pictures of Le Pen of the world,” Philippot wrote on Twitter. She is also set to meet Samir Geagea, Twitter. — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Mideast helps double Kalashnikov’s sales

ABU DHABI: Russian weapons maker Kalashnikov percent of sales with civilian sales accounting for Group’s sales doubled last year, helped by demand the rest, unlike before US sanctions when it was the in the Middle East for its drones, missiles, rifles and reverse, he said. Its civilian products include hunt- military vehicles, making up for US sanctions that ing shotguns and sporting rifles. To keep up with cost it its largest market, its chief executive said. orders it is hiring 1,500 more people to staff its fac- Kalashnikov, whose AK47 assault rifles have armed tories 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as its Russian forces for 70 years, embarked on a modern- expands operations across its companies, ization program and targeted new markets after it Krivoruchko said. was ousted from the United States due to sanctions It is also in advanced talks with a partner in India for Russia’s role in the Ukraine conflict. to start producing assault rifles there, possibly this It invested 10.5 billion roubles ($182 million) year. “India is a very big market and we like the over 2014 to 2017 and targeted new markets for its ‘Make in India’ program,” he said, adding lines of assault and sniper rifles, guided artillery Kalashnikov is also in talks with two other countries projectiles and precision weapons. It plans to invest to set up similar joint ventures. Krivoruchko and more than 10 billion roubles over the next two investor Andrei Bokorev bought a 49 percent stake years, Alexey Krivoruchko said. The program has in Kalashnikov from state-owned holding company paid off and the Middle East is now its largest mar- Rostec in 2014. Three weeks ago, they bought ket, accounting for the bulk of its exports, he told another 25 percent stake from Rostec, taking their Reuters on the sidelines of the International ownership to nearly 75 percent, he said. “We have Defense Exhibition (Idex) in Abu Dhabi. more flexibility in making speedy decisions now for “Sales have doubled in 2016 with demand grow- faster growth of the company,” he said. Kalashnikov A masked fighter of the Hashed Al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization) paramilitaries poses for a picture ing for weapons, drones and other products,” is keen to return to the US market, but there are no carrying a Kalashnikov assault rifle by defensive positions near the frontline village of Ayn Al-Hisan, Krivoruchko said, declining to give figures or fur- indications yet from the new administration that on the outskirts of Tal Afar west of Mosul, where Iraqi forces are preparing for the offensive retake ther details. Military products now account for 80 sanctions will be lifted, he said. —Reuters the western side of Mosul from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. —AFP Years of failed efforts to end Syrian conflict

BEIRUT: Since the start of Syria’s war in but the question of Assad’s future is still 2011, several diplomatic initiatives have not resolved. On February 27, 2016, a stumbled over the future of President ceasefire is imposed by Russia and the Bashar Al-Assad. Here is a recap: United States. But on April 22 the truce is shattered by the fierce bombardment of End of Arab solutions Aleppo by regime forces. In March and In January 2012, two months after an April, three rounds of indirect talks take initial bid to end the violence, leading Arab place in Geneva between Syrian rebels and diplomats adopt a fresh plan that would the government under UN auspices. They transfer power from Assad to a coalition are stymied by questions regarding a polit- cabinet. The Damascus government rejects ical transition, and ceasefire violations. the proposal and vows to crush rebel movements. Moscow, Ankara, Tehran On August 9, Turkish President Recep Geneva I, ambiguous formula Tayyip Erdogan meets with Russia’s On June 30, 2012 in Geneva, global Vladimir Putin to cement closer ties powers draw up a plan that would install a between the two countries. Turkey backs transition government, but which does not some Syrian rebel groups and had shot spell out what would happen to Assad. down a Russian jet in late 2015. Two weeks Among those drafting the proposal are the later, Turkey launches an operation in the five permanent members of the UN northern Aleppo province to battle Islamic AL-BAB: Rebel fighters, part of the Turkey-backed Euphrates Shield alliance advance towards the city of Al-Bab. — AFP Security Council-Britain, , France, State jihadists and Kurdish militia. On Russia and the United States-along with December 22, Syrian forces regain control representatives from the Arab League, of Aleppo with backing from Russia, after CIA-backed aid for Syrian Turkey and the European Union. Members an operation in which tens of thousands of of the so-called Action Group for Syria dif- civilians and rebels are evacuated under an fer over what the plan really means howev- accord sponsored by Moscow, Iran and er, with the US saying that it paves the way Turkey. The three players effectively take rebels frozen after attack to a “post-Assad” period. China and Russia, over the Syrian dossier, imposing on which are allies of Assad, insist it is up to December 30 a ceasefire between the gov- Syrians to decide their future. ernment and rebels. They organize on US tries to stop arms, cash falling into militant hands January 23-24, 2017, and then on February Geneva II, no agreement 16 peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, In January 2014, the first talks between bringing together representatives of the BEIRUT: CIA-coordinated military aid for rebels in the almost six-year-old revolt against Assad, who Arabia. Reuters confirmed the freeze with officials groups and the govern- regime and a small rebel delegation. northwest Syria has been frozen since they came now appears militarily unassailable in his core from five of the FSA groups that have been recipi- ment are held in Geneva under the aus- However, the meetings, organized for the under major Islamist attack last month, rebel western region largely thanks to direct interven- ents of financial and military support from the so- pices of Russia and the US. On February 15, first time without US involvement, end sources said, raising doubts about foreign sup- tion on his side by Russia and Iran. called “MOM operations room”. It was also con- UN mediator Lakhdar Brahimi calls an end without major progress. port key to their war against President Bashar Al- “The reality is that you have changes in the firmed by two other senior FSA figures briefed on to the talks after a second fruitless session, Assad. Rebel officials said that no official explana- area, and these changes inevitably have repercus- the matter. and resigns. Fourth round in Geneva tion had been given for the move this month fol- sions,” said an official with one of the affected FSA They spoke on condition of anonymity given Representatives from the opposition lowing the jihadist assault, though several said rebel groups. He said no military assistance could the covert nature of the CIA-backed program and Russian offensive/Vienna process and of the regime are due to gather in they believed the main objective was to prevent “enter at present until matters are organized. the sensitivity of the subject. Several rebels On October 30, 2015, a month after Switzerland from Thursday for another arms and cash falling into Islamist militant hands. There is a new arrangement but nothing has crys- believed the aid halt was temporary, with new Russian forces launch an intervention to attempt under UN auspices to end the war. But they said they expected the aid freeze to be tallized yet”. The support funneled to vetted FSA arrangements expected, but there was no clarity support Assad, several countries meet in However, government forces have over the temporary. factions has included contributions from Turkey, yet. Confirming the freeze, two senior FSA sources Vienna to explore the chance of a political past days escalated their bombing cam- The halt in assistance, which has included Qatar and Saudi Arabia - states that have said donor states were aiming to send the aid to solution. They include France, Russia and paign around Damascus, in what the - salaries, training, ammunition and in some cases opposed Assad. It is one of several foreign aid one, unified fighting force - a coherence that has the US, and also, for the first time, Iran. In sition calls a “bloody message” aimed at guided anti-tank missiles, is a response to jihadist channels to rebels. Others still function. eluded rebels throughout Syria’s civil war. One of November, a transition outline is drawn up sabotaging the peace talks. —AFP attacks and has nothing to do with US President The CIA declined comment on the reported the FSA officials said he did not expect the rebels Donald Trump replacing Barack Obama in freeze in support. A Qatari official said his govern- to be abandoned as they represent the best hope January, two US officials familiar with the CIA-led ment had nothing to say on the matter. Turkish for blocking a further expansion of Sunni jihadist program said. The freeze reflects the troubles fac- officials said only they could not discuss “opera- influence in Syria, and to fight back against the ing Free (FSA) rebels in the almost in tional details”. There was no word from Saudi growing role of Iran there.

Declining rebel fortunes Idlib and nearby areas of Aleppo, Hama and Where does Syria’s provinces are among the last footholds of the anti-Assad insurgency in western Syria - the part of the country where he has shored up his opposition stand? rule by holding onto the main cities and the coast. Islamists have long been seen as the more BEIRUT: Syrian opposition figures will return to factions to choose between jihadists and other formidable insurgent force in the northwestern Geneva tomorrow for new UN-sponsored talks Islamist hardliners. The infighting “diminishes Idlib area though a dozen or more US-vetted FSA with President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime on the credibility of the opposition delegation”, groups have also operated there and nearby. their country’s six-year conflict. Since the dele- Lund said, and is a distracting backdrop to the Last month’s militant assault on the FSA gations last gathered in Switzerland in April talks. “Opposition negotiators will constantly groups was launched by a group formerly known 2016, rebels have lost their bastion in east have to watch their back to see how the (hard- as the Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda’s official affiliate in Aleppo and seen a new partnership form liner) Salafi groups in Syria react to their actions the war until last year when it formally cut ties between their main ally Turkey and govern- in Geneva. That isn’t very helpful,” he added. and renamed itself Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham. The ment backer Russia. jihadist onslaught led several FSA groups to Can oppn score any gains? merge with the powerful Islamist faction Ahrar Al- Where opposition stand Given the Syrian army’s gains and the grow- AL-BAB: A Rebel fighter, part of the Turkey-backed Euphrates Shield alliance, walks Sham, widely believed to be backed by Assad’s The High Negotiations Committee (HNC) ing momentum of parallel talks sponsored by past a burnt bus as they advance towards the city of Al-Bab, some 30 kilometers foreign adversaries in the region. That will likely delegation will be led by opposition figure Nasr Russia and Turkey in Astana, the opposition is from the Syrian city of Aleppo. —AFP give pause to foreign donors: Ahrar Al-Sham is set al-Hariri, with lawyer Mohammad Sabra replac- unlikely to score any major wins at Geneva. apart from the FSA factions by a strongly Sunni ing rebel figure Mohammad Alloush as chief “Theoretically, the UN-led Geneva diplomatic Islamist ideology and it has previously fought negotiator. Less than a year after the last round process has much more legitimacy than the alongside the Nusra Front. Military aid to rebel of talks in Switzerland, the HNC is returning to Astana talks, which risked turning Syria into a groups has ebbed and flowed throughout the life Regional rivals Turkey, Geneva in a much weaker position, said Aron Turkish-Russian condominium,” Bitar said. “But of the program, US officials said, as Washington Lund, a fellow at The Century Foundation. “With in both negotiation tracks, the principal stum- and its allies have kept a close eye on any leakage Iran trade Syria barbs East Aleppo gone, Donald Trump in the White bling block is the same: Assad feels embold- to more militant factions, something one official House, jihadis in charge of much of rebel-held ened by recent events and is unlikely to make called “a constant problem”. ISTANBUL: Diplomatic tensions escalat- to promote stability. “Iran wants to make Syria, and Turkey in talks with Russia, the Syrian any significant concessions.” Opposition figures ed between Turkey and Iran yesterday Syria and Iraq Shiite,” he was quoted as opposition is now stuck with a really bad hand have continued to demand greater humanitari- Trump’s Syria policy as the regional powers traded accusa- saying by Turkish state media. to play,” Lund said. Karim Bitar at the French an access, an end to bombardment and sieges Before assuming office, Trump suggested he tions over their roles in the Syria conflict Erdogan has also in recent weeks Institute for International and Strategic Affairs and Assad’s departure at the beginning of any could end support for FSA groups and give priori- and the Middle East. The pair have been accused Iran of promoting a “Persian said rebel factions “have pretty much lost all transition period. But Lund cast doubts on the ty to the fight against Islamic State (IS), whose rivals for centuries but have sought to nationalism” that had damaged the leverage” heading into the talks. How are possibility of a meaningful transition process in well-armed jihadists hold large tracts of eastern forge a pragmatic relationship in recent Middle East. The Iranian foreign ministry rebels doing on the ground? Geneva. “In my view, talks about a root-and- and central Syria. But Trump’s administration has years, with the Islamic Republic strongly on Monday summoned the Turkish The fall of Aleppo in December was the sin- branch transition away from the current regime yet to declare a firm policy towards Syria and Iraq, supporting Turkish President Recep envoy to issue a protest after gle biggest blow-militarily and in terms of were always destined to fail,” he said. despite his repeated vows to eradicate IS, so it has Tayyip Erdogan after last year’s failed Cavusoglu’s comments while morale-to the rebel movement since the con- been “business as usual” with covert and overt coup. But mainly Sunni Muslim Turkey spokesman Bahram Ghassemi warned flict erupted in 2011. Rebels now hold just 13 Where does IS fit in? training and military support programs, one US and Shiite Iran have been on opposite that Tehran’s patience “has limits”. “We percent of Syria, according to Fabrice Balanche, The Islamic State jihadist group-designated official said. sides of the conflict in Syria, with Ankara hope that such statements are not a geographer at the Washington Institute for by the United Nations as a “terrorist” entity-has Some FSA groups hope Trump’s animosity seeking the ouster of President Bashar made again. If our Turkish friends con- Near East Policy. That is down from 20 percent been excluded from all peace talks and cease- towards Iran could yet result in enhanced US sup- Al-Assad and Tehran, along with Russia, tinue with this attitude we will not in 2015. By comparison, regime forces and fire deals. Notorious for its brutal tactics, IS is port. Jihadist forces attacked while FSA envoys his key backer. remain silent,” he added. allied militia now hold approximately 34 per- currently facing simultaneous offensives by attended Russian-backed Syria peace talks in The tensions come with UN-backed Turkey’s foreign ministry spokesman cent of Syrian territory, where more than 10 Syrian rebels, regime forces and Kurdish militia. Kazakhstan, accusing the rebels of conspiring peace talks for Syria due to restart on Huseyin Muftuoglu hit back by saying it million people live, Balanche estimates. The Syria’s representative to both the Geneva and with Moscow and Washington against Jabhat Thursday and Turkey engaged in fierce was “incomprehensible” to receive such Islamic State jihadist group comes at a close Astana talks, Bashar Al-Jaafari, has suggested Fateh Al-Sham. The United States has carried out fighting inside Syria to capture the town accusations from Tehran who he second with 33 percent of Syria, and Kurdish that rebel groups engaging in negotiations a deadly series of air strikes against Fateh Al-Sham of Al-Bab from jihadists. Foreign Minister charged with “not hesitating to push groups hold about 20 percent. should commit to “fighting terrorism” alongside in Idlib this year. MOM-backed rebels had suffered Mevlut Cavusoglu lashed out at Iran in a into war zones refugees sheltering from the regime’s army. “Given the current balance of a heavy blow in December when Syrian govern- speech to the Munich Security regional crises.” “Instead of accusing Rebel infighting power, the rebel contribution to the fight ment forces ousted them from eastern Aleppo Conference at the weekend, saying countries that have criticised Iran, it While the rebel movement has long been against IS is likely to be symbolic at best, even if with decisive help from the Russian air force and some of its actions had undermined should take constructive steps and fractured, new fissures erupted last month in some parties in Geneva end up paying lip serv- Iranian-backed militias. Eastern Aleppo had been security in the region and urging Tehran review its own regional policies.” —AFP northwest Syria that have forced opposition ice to the idea of a joint effort,” Bitar said.— AFP seen as an FSA stronghold. —Reuters INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 On collision course? Working out rules for drones

PARIS: As drones increasingly crowd the skies, and infrastructure said. “Drones or have rules for the use of small drones. The France.” However, for larger drones weighing And the US? the risk of collision with other aircraft has come unmanned vehicles provide endless innova- International Civil Aviation Organization more than 150 kilograms (330 pounds) The United States has flagged new to the fore. Here’s an overview of international tive business opportunities,” he said. (ICAO) is trying to establish a global frame- EASA has the power to legislate, according rules for commercial drones under 25 kilos regulation aimed at limiting the dangers. “However, we do have concerns about the work for the future use of drones. But for to French aviation authority DGAC. (55 pounds) which will in future have to potential safety and security risks that could now, the body is simply helping out govern- Talks are ongoing within EU institutions remain within sight of their operators at all How many incidents? result from the irresponsible use of drones ments in countries where regulation is slow to extend EASA’s drone regulatory powers times. Drones will not be authorized to fly The International Air Transport in close vicinity of airports and aircraft”. in coming. by the summer of this year, which would above an altitude of 122 meters (400 feet) Association (IATA), which sets global stan- There have been no collisions to date, allow it also to set rules for drones weighing or go faster than 161 kilometers (100 dards for the aviation industry, counted 856 according to the European Aviation Safety What about Europe? less than 150 kilos. Among EU countries, miles) per hour. cases worldwide between January 2013 and Agency (EASA). “But we still have to take the There is no Europe-wide legislation con- France is a pioneer. Government decrees Night flights will be banned unless a August 2015 of a drone getting too close to risk of collision seriously,” EASA consultant cerning drones. “All the countries have dif- already regulate drone use and parliament drone is equipped with special lights. a plane for comfort. “The analysis showed a Yves Morier said. ferent approaches,” said EASA’s Morier. has voted in a law coming into force next Rules governing deliveries by drone have significant increase in the monthly number “Some are not very active, including some year that will punish users of drones flying yet to be worked out. The new American of reported drone encounters,” Rob Eagles, Are there worldwide rules? eastern European countries. Others are over airports and other sensitive areas with rules also do not deal with the impact of IATA’s director for air traffic management According to IATA, 65 countries currently more pro-active, like Switzerland and fines or prison. drones on privacy. — AFP World’s oldest leader turns 93, no retirement in sight Mugabe dismisses corruption allegations

HARARE: As he celebrated his 93rd birthday yesterday, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe brushed aside persistent allegations of corrup- tion against senior officials, saying rumor-mongers were merely target- ing “big fish” in his administration. In comments to be aired on state media yesterday, the world’s oldest leader said he would act if shown evidence - even though graft scandals involving ministers and even members of his own family are regular fare in local newspapers. “I think the big fish, more of it has been talk, talk and talk. People have not come out and actually said here is a case against a big fish,” Mugabe said in the pre-recorded interview. “Or are people afraid to come out and even come to us and say ‘This one is stealing so much, investigate the person?’ If there is evidence, we will PALM BEACH, Florida: US President Donald Trump shakes hands with H R McMaster as his national security adviser pursue that evidence and certainly we at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Monday. — AFP will deal with those persons.” Despite HARARE: Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe speaks during a private the almost daily slew of scandals ceremony to celebrate his 93rd birthday in Harare. — AFP involving state tenders and contracts firms. The reports have been ignored. African nation since independence Trump names McMaster as reported in Zimbabwe’s free-wheeling Transparency International said in from Britain in 1980, is due to stand private media, investigations are rare October Zimbabwe ranked poorly on for re-election next year, saying the and arrests even rarer. The anti-cor- corruption and was losing at least $1 ruling party has no viable alternative National Security Advisor ruption commission is currently fight- billion annually to graft, with police candidates. Employees in Mugabe’s ing the higher education minister and and local government officials among office held a small birthday party for Flynn forced to resign after questionable Kremlin contacts his deputy, who are accused of the worst offenders. The opposition him on Tuesday, ahead of a weekly embezzling hundreds of thousands of says corruption has flourished under cabinet meeting. A bigger celebration dollars from a state fund. They deny the leadership of Mugabe, whom they is set for Saturday in Matopos, 500 km WASHINGTON: Donald Trump retake nearby Mosul from the Islamic da gets implemented. Current and the charges. accuse of running a patronage net- southwest of Harare. The state-owned tapped respected Army lieutenant State group. McMaster, still dressed in former staffers fear that under Trump Parliament has also penned several work that rewards supporters and Herald newspaper carried a 24-page general HR McMaster as his national uniform, appeared with Trump on a the council is currently being reports recommending investigations turns a blind eye to graft. birthday supplement, packed with security advisor Monday, hoping to sofa in the glitzy living room of Mar-a- bypassed as political aides like strate- into irregular tender allocations, Mugabe, who has maintained a goodwill messages from government course correct after his first pick Lago as music played overhead. gist Steve Bannon seize the agenda. including at several state-owned tight grip on power in the southern departments. — Reuters resigned and his second turned down Trump described McMaster as “man of They point to an ill-conceived ban the vital post. Trump announced the tremendous talent and tremendous on travelers from seven majority- counterinsurgency strategist’s experience.” “He is highly respected by Muslim nations that further compli- appointment at his Florida estate Mar- everyone in the military and we’re cated counterterrorism partnerships a-Lago, ending a one-week search to very honored to have him.” in the Middle East and sullied replace Michael Flynn, who lasted less McMaster is another name on the America’s image abroad, but was ulti- than a month on the job. Flynn was long list of Trump advisors who have mately struck down by US courts. forced to resign on February 13, after been plucked from the military. If policy is “being done over dinner questionable contacts with the Among others, Trump has named with the president, or in Steve Russian government and revelations retired officers as his defense secre- Bannon’s office or haphazardly via that he lied about them to the vice tary and homeland security secretary. email or phone calls” said Loren president and the FBI. McMaster was most recently the DeJonge Schulman-a veteran of Trump scrambled to replace Flynn deputy commanding general of the Barack Obama’s NSC-then “they are after retired vice admiral Robert Futures Center at US Army Training shooting themselves in the foot Harward turned down the post, amid and Doctrine Command at Fort Eustis. because you can’t implement foreign a wrangling over lower-level National Trump said McMaster would work in a policy from the White House.” “This is Security Council appointments and a “very, very special” collaboration with something that President Obama meandering Trump press conference. Keith Kellogg, a retired three-star gen- learned, this is something that every The White House said that Trump eral who had served as acting nation- administration goes through,” she “gave full authority for McMaster to al security advisor since Flynn said. “Being on Fox News and hire whatever staff he sees fit.” resigned a week ago. Kellogg will act announcing a policy doesn’t mean The 54-year-old McMaster is know as NSC chief of staff. Former president that policy is going to be executed.” for his criticism of the US military’s Barack Obama’s last national security Current NSC spokesman Michael handling of Vietnam War and his own advisor, Susan Rice, congratulated Anton said that although the full NSC- service as a commander in northern McMaster on his appointment. “I wish chaired by Trump-had not met since he Iraq in 2005. A 1997 book he authored you every success,” she said. became president, the deputies and is pointedly titled “Dereliction of Duty: principals committee had. Peter Feaver, Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, In the path of Kissinger a veteran of George W Bush’s national the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Lies The post of national security advi- Security Council, said that under cur- That Led to Vietnam.” sor is a crucial, if discreet, engine for rent circumstances the administration White House power and the smooth could struggle to handle crises that Tremendous talent functioning of government. Henry have both diplomatic and military House Intelligence Committee Kissinger and Colin Powell are among components. “Some kind of crisis will Chairman Devin Nunes was prompt to those who previously held the post. be more challenging for this team until praise McMaster’s “history of ques- The national security advisor manages they fix their process,” he said. The tioning the status quo and infusing hundreds of staff members, arbitrates more difficult potential problems “that fresh thinking and new approaches between sometimes feuding govern- would stress them would be (those into military affairs.” His experience in ment departments, balances foreign where) you have to integration across Iraq’s Tal Afar is likely to come in useful policy and military policy and ensures cabinet, departments and agencies,” as US and allied forces attempt to the president’s national security agen- Feaver added. — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Schulz launches ‘social-populist’ attack on Merkel

BERLIN: The leader of ’s Social Democrats, Martin to be corrected”. Schulz has promised to extend unemployment Schulz, is seen beating Chancellor Angela Merkel in September benefits for elderly jobless and the virtual elimination of open- elections according to several recent polls, thanks to an ended temporary contracts in favor of fixed-term contracts. unapologetically leftist program that has earned him accusa- tions of veering toward populism. After years of languishing in ‘Robin Hood’ Merkel’s shadow, Germany’s traditional workers’ party is almost Many see Schulz’s move as a frontal assault on the Schroeder giddy with excitement these days, hoping their new leader can reforms pushed through at the beginning of the century. “The end the decade-long reign of the “queen of Europe”. Robin Hood of the SPD”, ran a comment in business daily Schulz, the former president of the European Parliament, on Handelsblatt. “Martin Schulz changes the course of the Social Monday attacked a holy cow of his party, criticizing the sweep- Democratic Party to the left”. With these proposals, Schulz ing labor and social welfare reforms pushed through under for- unashamedly shifts the SPD-the party more than 150 year old mer SPD chancellor Gerhard Schroeder between 2003 and and now a junior partner in a “grand coalition” government with 2005. The so-called “Agenda 2010” reforms included lower Merkel’s conservatives-to the left, more in line with Britain’s social benefits and increased pressure on the unemployed to Labor Party under Jeremy Corbyn or the French Socialists under return to work. They brought down unemployment-which in presidential hopeful Benoit Hamon. January stood at its lowest rate since the country’s 1990 reunifi- Schulz has been applauded by the German far-left party Die cation, at 5.9 percent-and gave a shot in the arm to an economy Linke. It has signaled it is now far more open to entering a left- then labeled the “sick man of Europe”. wing coalition with the SPD after the September election, But they also widened the wealth gap and helped create mil- which would likely also have to include the ecologist Greens lions of “working poor”, who often hold multiple part-time or party. Criticism has rained down all the harder from the right. contract jobs and struggle to pay the bills, a group sometimes One of the leaders of Merkel’s Christian Democrats, Michael called the “precariat”. Many rank-and-file working-class SPD sup- Fuchs, has accused Schulz of employing “social-populism”. porters have turned their backs on the party. “We have also Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble accused the SPD candi- made mistakes,” Schulz told a meeting with trade unionists date of using “demagoguery” by depicting as catastrophic the BIELEFELD: Martin Schulz, former European parliament president and candi- about the controversial reform package, adding: “the important situation of workers in Germany while making fiscally irrespon- date for Chancellor of Germany’s social democratic SPD party, waves as he thing is-when we recognize we have made mistakes, they have sible promises. —AFP attends a conference of his party in Bielefeld, northwestern Germany. — AFP

Civilians in the crossfire of Boko Haram and military

MONGUNO: The four women lay dazed on tified and destroyed on the battlefield. the beds of the clinic. The face of one of These people can easily blend into the gen- them was burnt. Another broke her leg dur- eral population when the situation ing the Nigerian army offensive against demands,” he said. Even women and chil- Boko Haram Islamists in their village. dren, who have been repeatedly used by Civilians have often been collateral damage the group as human bombs, are a potential in the conflict that has raged in remote threat, explaining the tensions between northeast Nigeria for nearly eight years, the military and the public. leaving at least 20,000 dead and more than 2.6 million homeless. The women wait for ‘Just criminals’ their wounds to heal in the suffocating heat. Around Dikwa and a dozen or so other “Boko Haram fighters would come to their secured major towns, villages have been village to steal food and hide,” a nurse emptied to prevent them being used by the explained. jihadists as hideouts or resupply points. The “The army went there and put the military also wants to stop the mass kidnap- women in a truck to evacuate them. “The ping of their inhabitants. “Before, they (Boko military set the village on fire, so the insur- Haram) would read the Koran and try to gents couldn’t hide anymore. But the fire change us,” said Bulama Goni, a former vil- ‘jumped’ in the truck.” The women, with their lage chief with a white beard in long, flow- heads covered and gold nose rings in the ing robes. “Now, they are just criminals, ask- tradition of the ethnic Kanuri group, still ing for money, looking rough and disgust- look terrified. They stare at the walls and ing.” Boko Haram fighters are also starving: ignore visitors, afraid that questions will Nigerian army tactics have been to slowly focus too much on the circumstances of the choke the rebels, cutting off their supplies of LONDON: French presidential election candidate for the En Marche! movement Emmanuel Macron arrives outside 10 Downing Street in central “liberation” of their village. arms and food. The strategy appears to be London yesterday, ahead of his meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May. —AFP working. Boko Haram used to attack major Fighters easily blend in towns and cities in northeast Nigeria and in The nurse says there are no more men 2014 controlled territory as big as . France’s socialist minister left. They were either killed in the fighting, But now it is limited to sporadic suicide drafted into the civilian militia or forced to bomb attacks and ambushes of military con- join the ranks of Boko Haram. Some may voys and check-points. The military’s isola- even be at so-called “screening” centers, tion strategy, however, has not seen every- may back centrist Macron where soldiers pass judgment on whether where secured and has had an effect on the local men have been involved in the insur- daily life of civilians. More than five million gency. Such checks, free from any over- people are in desperate need of food, Polls show Le Pen holding onto gains sight, can take weeks or months, especially according to the United Nations. “In liberat- if the men are Kanuri like the majority of ed areas there is no fuel, no communication, Boko Haram. no public transport... even the food it’s all PARIS: A senior Socialist minister said yesterday chosen (by the Socialists), but the moment Muslim figure were cancelled after her refusal to James Adewunmi Falode, a security ana- controlled by the army,” said one security he might back centrist Emmanuel Macron in comes for political responsibility with regard to wear a headscarf. Macron was due to be cam- lyst at the University of Lagos who tracks operative for a major international aid France’s presidential election, a blow to his par- what is at play, with regard to Marine Le Pen and paigning in London, home to a large expatriate the conflict, said Boko Haram’s resem- agency. “This is a classical counter-insur- ty’s official candidate and a potential boost for with regard also to the program of Francois French community yesterday. blance to “ordinary citizens” was making gency strategy left over from the Vietnam Macron, who is battling to stay favorite in opin- Fillon,” Le Foll said on BFM TV. the fight against them harder. “They are not war. It hasn’t changed but it’s not sustain- ion polls. A daily survey by Opinionway pollsters Asked whether this meant his backing would Left talks founder a military adversary that can be easily iden- able,” he added. —AFP showed the tight, multi-faceted race was still depend on who was best placed to prevent a Le The left still looked split despite news last wide open with less than nine weeks to go. Pen versus Fillon runoff, he said: “Exactly!” week that Melenchon and Hamon were in dis- Macron was neck-and-neck with conservative Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, No 2 in the cussions. The talks between Melenchon, a veter- rival Francois Fillon as favorite for the presiden- cabinet rankings, has also said he might back an campaigner, and Hamon, an ex-education cy, but far-right National Front leader Marine Le Macron. Political analysts are also eying an minister, were tentative from the start and both Pen was holding on to recent gains that have imminent decision from veteran centrist have acknowledged wide policy differences. rattled investors. Francois Bayrou on whether to stand or not. If Hamon yesterday gave the latest indication they Socialist Benoit Hamon, elected as candidate he stands, that could hurt Macron, but backing were unlikely to be joining forces. “There is a in a Party primary in January, remained in a dis- from Bayrou could be a further boost for the 39 desire on Melenchon’s part to go on right to the tant fourth place, still struggling to make an year-old’s battle with Fillon, whose campaign is end,” Hamon said on Europe 1 radio. “I respect impact on the two-stage election set for April 23 trying to recover from a fake work scandal sur- that...In any case, I will work on right to the end.” and May 7, but with a distant possibility that a rounding his wife. News of the talks raised investor worries deal with a rival could yet give him a chance. about a hard-left, hard-right choice in the sec- Hamon is pushing a hard-left program that Le Pen holds gains ond round last week. These have since sub- divides his party and competes for votes with Opinionway’s polls yesterday put Le Pen on sided, but Le Pen’s showing the polls has kept another leftist, Communist-backed Jean-Luc 26 percent in the first round with Macron and investors nervous. The premium investors Melenchon. Fillon both on 21, Hamon on 15 and Melenchon demand to hold French bonds instead of Melenchon is in fifth place, but a combined on 11, little changed from recent days. But it is in German debt fell slightly on Tuesday from Hamon-Melenchon vote would theoretically put the second round where the Le Pen vote has Monday’s near four-year high. The spread was them into first or second and therefore into a been advancing. Opinionway showed her losing last at 78 basis points, after widening out to as second round instead of Fillon or Macron and there with 42 percent of the vote, holding onto much as 85 bps on Monday. Looking to put a against Le Pen. But in a blow to Hamon, Socialist the gains she has made, particularly in a Macron brave face on his prospects on Tuesday, Hamon agriculture minister and government contest, in recent days. hailed a likely electoral pact with the tiny green spokesman Stephane Le Foll on Tuesday became The anti-immigration, anti-European Union party under which candidate Yannick Jadot the second minister to suggest he might defect Le Pen meanwhile caused controversy on a trip could withdraw his candidacy and join forces MONGUNO: An aerial picture taken at Monguno district of Borno State shows a to Macron. “I support the man who has been to Lebanon where her plans to meet a senior with Hamon in the election. — Reuters camp for internally displaced people. —AFP Czechs, tired of being 74 bodies of migrants wash ashore in Libya

CAIRO: Scores of bodies of African migrants and that he expected more bodies to surface as Tripoli that is allocated for unidentified persons. ‘Europe garbage can’ washed ashore in Libya’s western city of Zawiya such boats usually carry up to 120 people. Libyan coast guard spokesman Ayoub Gassim on the Mediterranean, the Libyan Red Crescent Al-Misrati said that the bodies were found on said over 500 migrants were rescued at sea on PRAGUE: The will push He did not give any examples. A 2015 said yesterday - the latest tragedy at sea after Monday morning and that the Red Crescent Friday and Saturday off the shore of Sebratha, a for the European Union to ban the sale of test led by the University of Chemistry migrant deaths rose to record levels along the workers retrieved them between 1 p.m. and 7 city to the west of Zawiya. The migrants’ boats inferior food in eastern European under and Technology said instant coffee, key smuggling route over the past months. At p.m. The aid agency posted on its Twitter were about 5-7 miles from the coast of Libya. the same brand name as better food sold yoghurt, margarine and some processed least 74 bodies were found in Zawiya, according account photographs of dozens of bodies in Gassims aid the coast guard is seeing the in the west, the country’s agriculture meat sold in the Czech Republic were to Red Crescent’s spokesman Mohammed Al- white and black body bags, lined up along the smugglers use larger rubber boats in order to minister said. The Czechs are joining made with different ingredients. Food is Misrati, who feared an even higher death toll. He shore. Al-Misrati said the local authorities would pile more migrants into the weak vessels - some Slovakia and Hungary, who also say about 25 percent cheaper overall in the said that a torn rubber boat was found nearby take the bodies to a cemetery in the capital of taking on 180 people - and dramatically increas- multinational food companies sell worse Czech Republic than in neighboring ing the risks to the migrants. “We are seeing the food in the poorer and less competitive Germany, according to Eurostat. That new boats, which are not equipped with any- eastern market. “With some products, we partly reflects lower local costs and living thing, but they carry more people,” he said. “This are in fact Europe’s garbage can,” said standards. But Czech shoppers often is going to be even more disastrous for the Agriculture Minister Marian Jurecka. flock abroad for sales and to get higher migrants.” Last week, Fabrice Leggeri, director of Czech consumer groups have long com- quality items. the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, plained about lower-quality food sold by Jurecka said products should be con- said the Libya- smuggling route across the large companies. But they have lacked sistent inside the EU’s single market. “If Mediterranean has seen record numbers of leverage, because such sales are legal in there is the single market, then let’s have migrant drownings in 2016. the EU as long as the food’s packaging the same access to the same quality of According to Leggeri, migrant deaths along identifies all its ingredients. products, if they look the same, for all the central Mediterranean route stood at 4,579 Jurecka said he had ordered a study of customers,” he said. Companies have for last year, which still might be much less than food quality, to be concluded by June. said they cater to local tastes by using the true loss of life. That’s compared to 2,869 That data, along with data from Slovakia various recipes. Jurecka rejected that deaths in 2015 and 3,161 in 2014. There is little and other countries, will then be used for argument, pointing out that for cen- sign of the surge abating, even during winter- a push to change EU rules. Items besides turies all the central European countries time. There were 228 recorded deaths in January, food, like detergent, will be included. “Our were part of the same empire. “I really by far the biggest monthly toll in recent years. primary aim is to change the EU legisla- don’t think that Czechs and Austrians Leggeri blamed the small dinghies and poor ves- tion, so that if an item has the same pro- have such different tastes ,” he said. sels used by the smugglers for the high death ducer, the same packaging with the same “When you look at our menu, thanks to rate. Overall, central Mediterranean migrant font, so it is the same item at first sight, the Austrian-Hungarian empire we have crossings increased by 17 percent last year to then it has the same ingredients,” he said. really similar tastes.”— Reuters Libyan Red Crescent workers recovering bodies of people that washed ashore, near Zawiya, Libya. — AP 181,459 people, according to statistics. — AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 INTERNATIONAL News in brief Azerbaijan strongman appoints wife vice president BAKU: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev yesterday First lady of fashion appointed his glamorous wife as first vice president, the Known for her lavish tastes, Aliyeva featured promi- latest move seen as tightening the family’s iron grip on nently in US diplomatic cables published by Wikileaks, the oil-rich Caspian nation. Mehriban Aliyeva “is appoint- one of which dubbed her “a first lady, too, in fashion”. ed the first vice president of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” “First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva appears to have had sub- the leader said in a decree published on his website. stantial cosmetic surgery, presumably overseas, and Prominent socialite Aliyeva, 52, has been a ruling Yeni wears dresses that would be considered provocative Azerbaijan party lawmaker since 2005 and head of the even in the Western world,” the leaked 2010 cable said. influential Heydar Aliyev Foundation-named after her An eye doctor by training, she has also authored a dis- father-in-law and former president. sertation on the ethical aspects of mercy killing. The Born into the powerful Pashayev family, she has Aliyevs have two socialite daughters Leyla, 32, and Arzu, sometimes been seen as a possible successor to her hus- 27, a student son, Heydar, 19, and four grandchildren. band, who took over in 2003 after the death of his father The president, 55, cruised to a third five-year term Heydar, a former KGB officer and Communist-era boss. against limited opposition in 2013, extending his family’s The appointment follows constitutional changes made rule into a third decade. Supporters have praised the after a tightly-managed referendum last year that intro- Aliyevs for turning a republic once considered a Soviet BARCELONA: Police officers stand next to a butane gas duced the powerful position of first vice president. Such backwater into a flourishing energy supplier to Europe. BAKU: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and his delivery truck against which police had to shoot to steps were denounced by regime opponents as a ploy to But critics argue they have crushed all opposition and stop it in Barcelona yesterday. — AFP wife Mehriban Aliyeva watch the last minutes of the cement the Aliyev family’s dynastic rule. Azerbaijan’s used their power to amass a fortune that funds a lavish Formula One Grand Prix of Europe at the Baku Circuit embattled opposition angrily criticized Aliyeva’s eleva- lifestyle for the president and his family. Activists have Spanish security forces in this file photo. —AP tion as undemocratic. “The move throws Azerbaijan back raised concerns over Azerbaijan’s poor rights record, with fire on suspicious truck to medieval, feudal times,” opposition leader Isa Gambar Human Rights Watch in May blasting the country for a person most responsible for Azerbaijan’s appalling BARCELONA: Spanish police said yesterday they fired on a of Musavat party said. “Family rule has no place in the ruthless crackdown that has seen political activists and human rights record of the last decade,” Freedom House, truck loaded with butane gas bottles which was driving 21st century,” he added. critical journalists jailed. “President Ilham Aliyev is the a pro-democracy watchdog, has said.—AFP the wrong way down a road in Barcelona, managing to stop it and detain the Swedish driver. “We detained a per- son who was of Swedish nationality,” a spokesman for police in the popular Spanish Mediterranean resort city said. Barcelona’s city hall said the small white truck-which had dozens of orange gas bottles stacked on the back in plain view-had been stolen. There was no indication as yet Philippines’ Duterte a whether this was an attempted attack or just a plain rob- bery. Mireia Ruiz, a woman who saw the truck from her home nearby, said the driver ignored people screaming at him to stop as he sped down the wrong side of a ring road. “When people shouted at him, he would laugh and make offensive gestures with his hand,” she said. Police did not serial killer: Senator say whether there were any injuries. Senator Leila de Lima invokes ‘People Power’ revolution

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo drugs in society by killing tens of thou- Duterte is a “serial killer” who should be sands of people. forced out of office, one of his chief critics He immediately launched the crack- said yesterday, as she faced arrest on drug down after taking office in June and charges which she insisted were meant to police have reported killing 2,555 drug silence her. Senator Leila de Lima invoked suspects since then, with about 4,000 oth- the famous “People Power” revolution that er people murdered in unexplained cir- toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos three cumstances. Amnesty International has decades ago, in her strongest comments warned that police actions in the drug war yet against Duterte and his war on drugs may amount to crimes against humanity. : An Indonesian man sits on a raft at a that has claimed thousands of lives. Duterte has at times insisted he and his flooded neighborhood in Jakarta, , yes- “There is no more doubt that our presi- security forces are not breaking any laws terday. — AP dent is a murderer and sociopathic serial in prosecuting the drug war. On other killer,” De Lima told reporters, as she called occasions he has boasted of killing people One dead as flooding on Duterte’s cabinet to declare him unfit to set an example for police and said he hits Indonesia capital to lead and urged ordinary Filipinos to would be “happy to slaughter” three mil- JAKARTA: Widespread flooding hit the Indonesian voice opposition to his rule. De Lima said lion drug addicts in the Philippines. Late capital yesterday after hours of torrential rain, with the constitution allowed for a majority in last month Duterte ordered police to halt thousands of homes inundated, cars stranded and at his cabinet to force him to step down by involvement in the drug war after the least one person killed. Water up to 1.5 meters deep ruling that he was mentally incapacitated, media revealed that anti-drugs officers swamped parts of the Indonesian capital and nearby and urged members to do so. had kidnapped and murdered a South commuter towns after a thunderstorm overnight. If they did not, she referred to the mass Korean businessman as part of an extor- People were forced from their houses in some places, uprising that in 1986 ended the “iron fist” tion racket. with authorities setting up evacuation centers. The dis- of Marcos’s dictatorship. “Now the time has But he has vowed to continue the drug aster agency said it had received more than 400 come again for us to be brave and stand : Philippine Senator Leila De Lima gestures as she speaks during a press con- war with the military’s support, while rights reports of floods across Jakarta. In Bekasi, a city within up to another criminal dictator and his evil ference at the senate in Manila yesterday. — AFP groups say extrajudicial killings of drug sus- the Jakarta metropolitan area, one person drowned regime,” De Lima said. She also compared pects by unknown attackers are continuing. while about 280 others were forced to evacuate, the Duterte to Batman’s foe, the Joker, saying groups have said the charges against her ‘war on drugs’.” De Lima could be detained The powerful Roman Catholic Church, agency said. Images of the flooding showed major the president was also a “psychotic mur- are manufactured to silence her as well as anytime, although the courts hearing the which helped lead the People Power revolu- roads inundated in parts of the megacity of 10 million, derer” who led other villains in committing intimidate other people who may want to cases must issue an arrest warrant. tion, has in recent months begun speaking people wading through deluged streets and cars in crimes. The government last week speak out against the president. “The pros- When asked about De Lima’s com- out against the drug war and on Saturday water up to their headlights. Drains were unable to charged De Lima, a former national human ecution of Senator Leila de Lima is an act ments yesterday, presidential spokesman held a rally against the killings, attracting cope with the torrents of water unleashed by the rights commissioner, with orchestrating a of political vindictiveness that debases the Ernesto Abella simply described them as thousands of people. But Duterte remains storm and rivers burst their banks, said disaster agency drug trafficking ring when she was justice rule of law in the Philippines,” Human “colorful language” and pointed out that popular with many Filipinos, who see him spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. secretary in the previous administration. Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phelim Duterte would allow public demonstra- as the strongman needed to fight drugs Kine said this week. “The Duterte adminis- tions against him. Duterte, 71, won the and corruption, and there is little expecta- tration seems intent on using the courts to presidential election last year after prom- tion of a popular uprising against him in the kindergarten apologizes Intimidation punish prominent critics of its murderous ising during the campaign to eradicate near future. —AFP after slurring Koreans, Chinese De Lima, 57, her supporters and rights : A Japanese kindergarten known for its nationalist curriculum has apologized after coming under fire for hos- After epiphany in US, tile comments about Korean and Chinese parents. The operator of Tsukamoto Kindergarten in the western city of woman forges peace among Osaka was questioned by local education authorities last Indian, Pakistani youth month after complaints from parents in December. Kyodo news agency reported last week that the school had hand- : Aliya Harir was an impressionable teenager ed parents copies of a statement which described the par- who soaked up the patriotic propaganda from her ents of Chinese and Korean children as having “evil schoolbooks and the one TV channel that served her thoughts.” The private pre-school had also posted a state- town in the mountains of northern Pakistan. So she ment on its home page referring to “delinquent” South feared, and hated, India. “There were always rumors that Korean and Chinese parents. But it has now deleted that India’s going to attack Pakistan soon, and I was always from its website and replaced it with another expressing worried: Where would I hide if an Indian soldier comes?” remorse. “We apologize for our expression about foreigners Harir, now 25, said as she laughed, embarrassed at her that led to misunderstanding,” it said. The kindergarten younger self. Then in 2011, she was accepted into an previously had said the insults were provoked by criticism exchange program to spend six months at Troy it had received from Chinese and South Korean parents. University in the southern US state of Alabama. As she settled into school, a Nepali student drove her China’s court jails former to Walmart and brought along a friend. Exchanging pleas- head of safety watchdog antries, Harir asked the friend where he was from and was : China has jailed the former head of its safety shocked to find out he was Indian. “I had never thought I watchdog for 15 years for graft, the state broadcaster would meet Indians - I only thought I would meet Indians said, wrapping up an inquiry launched after deadly if there was a war, if the Indians came in to kill us. But the blasts in 2015 killed nearly 170 people in the city of Indian I met was a human being, just like me,” she said in Tianjin, where he worked. Regular mishaps, from facto- TANGI: A Pakistani army helicopter patrols over the site of a court complex after multiple Taleban suicide bomb- Bangkok on the sidelines of a UN-supported conference ry fires to mine cave-ins, have boosted public concern ings in the Tangi area of Charsadda district said. — AFP aimed at supporting women peacebuilders. about China’s relatively lax safety standards, which the Pakistan and India have been locked in acrimonious government has pledged to improve. Yang Dongliang, conflict and border skirmishes for decades, since parti- former head of the State Administration of Work Safety, Seven killed as three suicide tion and independence from Britain in 1947. The fight- who spent much of his career in the port city, was sus- ing and animosity infuse the countries’ politics, as well pected of violating law and party discipline and sacked as films and nationalistic TV programs. Harir’s epiphany days after the blasts in a warehouse storing hazardous bombers hit Pakistan court in the United States led her on a quest - to promote chemicals. A court in Beijing found Yang guilty of abus- India-Pakistan peace by connecting children from both ing his position, including when he was former vice TANGI: At least seven people were Minister Nawaz Sharif’s office con- Hussain, said he was countries, both online and in person. Upon her return to mayor of northeastern Tianjin, by accepting bribes to killed when multiple Taleban suicide demned the latest assault. “We are a about to enter the complex when he Pakistan, Harir found like-minded people in Delhi and grant contracts to companies, China Central Television bombers attacked a court complex in steadfast nation and will not be heard the blast. Islamabad and launched Aaghaz-e-Dosti, a “friendship (CCTV) said. In 1999, a property developer gave Yang northern Pakistan yesterday, the latest deterred by such attacks. Our govern- “When I looked up I saw three initiative” focused on conflict resolution. an apartment in a new development complex that he in a series of assaults which have ment will continue to fight against armed men, hurling grenades and Aaghaz-e-Dosti, meaning “beginning of friendship”, failed register with the authorities. raised fears militants are regrouping. terrorist elements and we will suc- opening fire,” said the 35-year-old civil brings Indian activists, teachers and journalists to class- One bomber was briefly on the loose ceed,” a statement said. servant, adding he sought shelter in a rooms in Pakistan, and pairs up children on both sides of inside the busy complex in the Tangi nearby police barracks from where he the border to be online buddies for eight-week peace- Seven Maoist rebels killed area of Charsadda district but was Bloodstained books heard the gunbattle. “This continued building courses. Harir, who now lives in the Pakistani in central India gunfight killed by police some 20 minutes after The three attackers had opened for some minutes and then I heard capital Islamabad, said the initiative works with young NEW DELHI: At least seven suspected Maoist rebels were the attack began, officials said. A sec- fire on police and thrown grenades as another big bang. Some minutes after children to counter state propaganda and negative killed yesterday in a gunfight with police in the remote ond bomber was shot dead by securi- they tried to battle their way into the a policemen told me that it’s all over.” stereotypes. “We are focused on children and young stu- forests of central India, an officer said, the latest deadly ty forces and a third died when he det- complex, Khalid said. “Bomb disposal Lawyers and the judiciary are frequent dents from primary to secondary grades because that is encounter in the country’s long-running insurgency. Police onated his vest outside the main gates experts told us that each bomber was targets in Pakistan. Among last week’s the critical and formative stage of the development of a ambushed a group of heavily armed rebels passing of the facility in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wearing seven to eight kilograms of assaults was a bomb blast targeting a child,” she said. through the dense forests of a Maoist stronghold in province, according to police. explosives,” he told reporters. van carrying judges in Peshawar, Chhattisgarh state, triggering an hours-long gun battle The attack was claimed by the Hundreds of people including which killed their driver. Don’t eat with infidels before the suspected guerrillas fled. “So far we have recov- Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) faction of the lawyers, judges and citizens normally Last August JuA along with the Harir - the second of four children in a family from ered seven dead bodies along with some arms and ammu- Pakistani Taleban, which carried out a attend the court complex. An AFP Islamic State group claimed a suicide the minority Shiite Ismaili Muslim sect - faced discrimi- nition. We may find more bodies as the combing operation series of apparently coordinated reporter at the scene said the area bombing in Quetta that killed 73 peo- nation herself growing up in a predominantly Sunni is on,” D M Awasthi, head of the Chhattisgarh anti-Maoist assaults last week including a power- was littered with human remains, ple, including many of the southwest- Muslim Pakistan. “When this debate of Sunnis versus unit said. He said they launched the assault after receiving ful bomb blast in Lahore which killed while a pile of law books stained with ern city’s legal community. Police and Ismailis came up, I used to feel ashamed. I used to cry, information about the movement of 30 to 40 armed rebels 14 people. Earlier this month the blood and riddled with bullets lay troops had been on high alert in ‘Oh God, why was I born an Ismaili?’ I never discussed it near Narayanpur district, some 350 kilometers from the group vowed a fresh offensive on tar- strewn outside an office. Police Pakistan after last week’s wave of with my parents. I didn’t have the courage to,” she said. state capital Raipur. “Few policemen were also injured,” he gets in Pakistan including the judici- scoured the area for evidence as mili- attacks, which killed more than 100 Her father, who had lived in Australia and Britain, added. One paramilitary trooper was also critically injured ary. “So far seven people have been tary helicopters whirred overhead. An people. Most, including the Lahore owned a tourism company and used to host foreigners, yesterday after he stepped on a landmine planted by sus- killed and 15 wounded,” Suhail Khalid, old man whose four-year-old grand- bomb, were claimed by JuA, a faction so one of Harir’s teachers once asked her if she shared pected Maoist rebels in Sukhma district, also in conflict- district police chief said, adding that a son died in the attack wept. Another of the Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan (TTP, meals with “infidels”. — Reuters torn state, police said. lawyer was among the dead. Prime man who witnessed the attack, or Pakistani Taleban) group. — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 INTERNATIONAL ’s have-a-go heroes fight corruption BUCHAREST: Romanian architect Veche, about other similar incidents. 2012 he and some colleagues won an Serban Marinescu never thought he’d Godina says that the younger genera- international architecture competition come up against such brazen corrup- tion has abandoned the defeatist atti- to revamp the central square of the city tion. And when a city mayor demanded tude, prevalent under communism, to of Ramnicu Valcea in the foothills of the a backhander, he plucked up his “stay in your place and keep your mouth Carpathians. They duly completed the courage and reported him. Traffic cop shut.” Laura Kovesi, the head of project but just as they were about to Marian Godina came under pressure Romania’s powerful National Anti- be paid the mayor asked for a “commis- from superiors over a traffic incident Corruption Directorate (DNA), also hails sion”. The mayor was well connected involving a local official. But Godina what she calls a “change in mentality” and Marinescu wasn’t sure whether to turned to social media and heads rolled. among ordinary Romanians. pay up, as many of his friends suggest- Their bravery is typical of what Since its creation in 2002 the DNA ed, or to blow the whistle. observers say is a changing attitude to has been given serious teeth to tackle “Both options were scary. We didn’t corruption in Romania. It also helps corruption, long the scourge of 20-mil- know anyone who had reported anyone explain the biggest protests since the lion-strong Romania, which joined the (to the authorities). It was unknown ter- fall of communism in 1989 in recent European Union a decade ago. Between ritory,” he recalled. But he took the weeks. These demonstrations, peaking 2014 and 2016 the DNA launched legal plunge and went to the DNA. Armed on February 5 with an estimated half a BUCHAREST: Romanian architect Serban Marinescu posing for a picture at his proceedings against more than 1,150 with a secret camera and hidden micro- million people nationwide, came after office in Bucharest, Romania. Traffic cop Marian Godina came under pressure people who between them had alleged- phone provided by investigators, one of the left-wing government tried, as crit- from superiors over a traffic incident involving a local official. But Godina ly misappropriated more than a billion his colleagues met the mayor in a ics saw it, to ease up on graft.”Romanian turned to social media and heads rolled. — AFP euros ($1.06 billion). And almost 90 per- Bucharest hotel lobby. The official put society has reached saturation point cent of the DNA’s current cases were before him a document to sign stipulat- with regard to corruption,” said Godina, someone over. A local official in the pas- Facebook page. But in the end he won, opened after complaints from civil ser- ing that he gets a 10-percent cut. “It was 30, the policeman from Brasov in the senger seat got out and told him to let it with the official resigning and the chief vants or private citizens, Kovesi said in humiliating. He (the mayor) felt like the central Transylvania region. drop. She “knew his superiors”. But he of police taking “early retirement”. an interview earlier this month. nobleman lording it over the serfs and stood firm-and posted his experiences Today Godina still posts his daily their land,” Marinescu said. At a follow- Facebook hero on social media. His superiors were livid, experiences and has 500,000 followers You’ve been framed up meeting, the mayor was arrested His fame began a year ago when he with Brasov’s chief of police and other on Facebook. He has also written a Father-of-two Marinescu, 37, is red-handed and given a suspended jail pulled over a car that had nearly run superiors ordering him to close his book, put out by publisher Curtea another of these have-a-go heroes. In sentence of four years. — AFP Israeli soldier sentenced to 18 months for killing Palestinian Decision to court-martial conscript divided Israelis

TEL AVIV: A young Israeli soldier convicted of tated, Azaria shot him in the head with an Jews said any Palestinian who carries out an killing a Palestinian assailant lying wounded on assault rifle. attack should be killed on the spot. the ground was sentenced to 18 months impris- Rallies for Azaria, some backed by rightist onment yesterday, far less than prosecutors ‘Deserves to die’ politicians and pop singers, gathered momentum requested, in one of the most divisive cases in At the trial, Azaria said he believed the as the trial progressed. But members of Israel’s Israel’s history. The decision to court-martial Palestinian, though motionless, still posed a military establishment argued that the shooting Sergeant Elor Azaria, who shot the Palestinian danger because his knife was nearby, and that violated rules stating that soldiers can open fire after he had stabbed another soldier in the he might have been carrying explosives. “He only in life-threatening situations, and the three- occupied West Bank last March, stirred contro- deserves to die,” Azaria was quoted in the ver- judge panel rejected Azaria’s argument. “One can- versy in Israel from the start, with opinion polls dict as telling another soldier after pulling the not use this type of force, even if we’re talking showing strong support for the army medic. trigger. At the sentencing, Chief Judge Maya about an enemy’s life,” the court said in its verdict. CAIRO: Jordan’s King Abdullah II reviews the honor guard alongside Egyptian A military court last month found Azaria Heller said that Azaria “took upon himself to be Video footage of the shooting, taken by a President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during a meeting in Cairo. — AFP guilty of manslaughter, a crime that carries a top both judge and executioner”. Surveys detected Palestinian human rights activist, showed the punishment of 20 years in jail. With the 50th significant popular support for Azaria, and knife was not within Ashareef’s reach, and no Seeking to secure Sinai, Egypt anniversary of Israel’s wartime capture of the Netanyahu took the unusual step of calling the bomb was found. The video was distributed to West Bank approaching, the trial has generated soldier’s parents to express his sympathy after news organizations, ensuring that the incident builds closer ties with Hamas debate about whether the military, long seen as he was arrested. In one poll, nearly half of Israeli drew international attention. —Reuters a melting pot for Israelis, was out of touch with a public that has shifted to the right in its atti- Egypt eases border restrictions tudes towards the Palestinians. The prosecution asked that Azaria be sentenced to three to five CAIRO: After years of strained relations, “This has actually begun, but in a partial years behind bars, far below the maximum term, Egypt is moving closer to Hamas in Gaza, way. We hope it will continue.” While it noting that he had shot a Palestinian who only offering concessions on trade and free doesn’t engage directly with Hamas, Israel minutes earlier had carried out an attack. movement in return for moves to secure is working with Egypt on border security Passing an 18-month sentence that Israeli the border against Islamic State fighters and monitoring of Gaza. Military officials media commentators described as lenient, the who have killed hundreds of policemen and have voiced support for any steps that court said that Azaria had not expressed regret soldiers in northern Sinai. Egypt has been at bring greater stability to northern Sinai and for his crime but it noted that his army record odds with Hamas, which controls the Gaza Gaza. Hamas has increased security along had been unblemished up until the shooting Strip, since a crackdown by Cairo on the its side of the border with Sinai over the and that his arrest had caused his family deep armed group’s Islamist allies. Egypt closed past year, deploying hundreds of security distress. Palestinians had called for a life term. the border, opening it only rarely. forces and erecting more watchtowers. The But there was little sign the sentencing would But in recent weeks Egypt has eased group has also moved to round up Salafi lead to any significant outbreak of violence by restrictions, allowing in trucks laden with Jihadists, who oppose an Egyptian-bro- Palestinians. They have long accused Israel of food and other supplies, and providing kered 2014 ceasefire with Israel. using excessive force against lightly armed relief from an Israeli blockade that has Hamas, whose charter calls for Israel’s assailants and harbored few expectations sol- restricted the flow of goods into the coastal destruction but which has no ambitions for diers would be held accountable. territory. The relaxation follows high-level global jihad, has not said how many mili- It was not immediately clear if Azaria’s Hamas visits to Cairo, which wants to tants it has captured and refuses to call lawyers, who had said after the verdict last restore its role as a regional powerbroker them jihadists. Egypt has given Hamas a list month that they intended to appeal his convic- and crush Islamic State followers in the of about 85 fugitives, who it says are impli- tion, would still proceed along that path. Eleven Sinai Peninsula, a strategic area bordering cated in attacks and wants extradited, the months ago, Azaria, then 19, was serving in the Gaza, Israel and the Suez Canal. Egyptian security source said. Hamas town of Hebron when two Palestinians carried It builds on what Egyptian and denied links with some of them and out the stabbing. Hebron has been a longtime Palestinian sources say are efforts by sources in the group said extraditions were flashpoint of violence, and the incident occurred Hamas to prevent the movement of mili- unlikely though it might make its own during a wave of Palestinian street attacks on tants in and out of Sinai, where they have inquiries. Hamas has however let Egypt Israelis. One of the two assailants was shot dead killed hundreds of Egyptian soldiers and know that it has no interest in stoking by troops. The other was shot and wounded. police since general-turned-president unrest in an Arab neighbor that has medi- Eleven minutes later, as the wounded man, Abd TEL AVIV: Israeli soldier Elor Azaria is embraced by his mother at the start of his sentencing Abdel Fattah El-Sisi overthrew the Muslim ated several truces with Israel and among Elfatah Ashareef, 21, lay on the ground incapaci- hearing in Tel Aviv, Israel yesterday. — AP Brotherhood in 2013. Egyptian and rival Palestinian factions. Palestinian officials say the changes could “If we compare it with a year ago, the signal a new era of closer cooperation after situation or the relationship is better but it years of tension. “We want cooperation in is not yet what is needed,” Mahmoud Al- controlling the borders and tunnels, the Zahar, a senior Hamas official said. “The What we know about Kim’s ‘assassination’ handover of perpetrators of armed attacks needs of our people are great, their need to and a boycott of the Muslim Brotherhood. travel, pursue education or treatment, They want the crossing to be opened and attend to their businesses and families KUALA LUMPUR: A week since news broke that with an apparently poisonous liquid, according emblazoned with the word “LOL”-worked at an more trade,” one senior Egyptian security abroad, and also the need for open trade the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim to police and leaked CCTV footage. Jong-Nam “entertainment outlet” and Aishah was a source said. with Egypt.” — Reuters Jong-Un had been assassinated, a clearer picture then approached airport staff, gesturing to his masseuse at a spa, police said. Aishah had been is emerging of the Cold War-style killing in Kuala face in a bid to explain what happened, footage duped into believing she was taking part in a TV Lumpur’s international airport. But rumors still showed. The staff later led him to the airport prank show, the head of police in Indonesia said, abound about the bizarre attack, and Malaysian clinic, where a picture released in Malaysian citing information from Malaysia. Residents of ASEAN unsettled by China weapon police are keeping their cards close to their media shows him slumped in a chair. Jong-Nam the rice farming village in Vietnam where Huong systems, tension in South China Sea chest when it comes to their ongoing investiga- suffered a seizure and was rushed to hospital grew up said she was very fashionable, often tion. Here is what we know-and what we still but died before he arrived. changing her hair color and returning each lunar BORACAY: Southeast Asian countries expressed strong concern about this.” don’t know-about the death of Kim Jong-Nam. new year with a different foreign boyfriend. see China’s installation of weapons sys- With the Philippines chairing the bloc The first suspects tems in the South China Sea as “very this year, Yasay’s comments signal a What happened? In the days following the attack, police The Pyongyang trail unsettling” and have urged dialogue to rare, firm position by a grouping that Last Monday morning Kim Jong-Nam was at announced they had arrested a 28-year-old Later police arrested a 46-year-old North stop an escalation of “recent develop- often struggles to achieve consensus, the budget terminal of Kuala Lumpur’s main air- Vietnamese woman called Doan Thi Huong, as Korean called Ri Jong- Chol, who they said lived ments”, the Philippines said yesterday. due to its contrasting opinions on how port preparing to fly to Macau. He was well as 25-year-old Indonesian Siti Aishah and in Kuala Lumpur and worked in IT. They are cur- The region’s foreign ministers were to respond to China’s assertiveness. approached by two women, one of whom her Malaysian boyfriend. Huong-who is shown rently seeking four more North Korean men, unanimous in their concern over China’s ASEAN’s statements of concern often grabbed him from behind and sprayed his face in CCTV from the airport wearing a t-shirt who entered the country on different dates in militarization of its artificial islands, but avoid mentioning China by name. Much the fortnight running up to the assassination, were confident a framework for a code is at stake from upsetting China, as and all left on the day it was carried out. The of maritime conduct could be agreed ASEAN members, to varying extents, are men returned to Pyongyang on a convoluted with Beijing by June, Philippine Foreign under its influence and need its trade, route via Indonesia, Dubai and Vladivostok, Secretary Perfecto Yasay said. investment and tourists. immigration officials and sources said. cit- Yasay did not say what develop- ed these developments as proof that the North ments provoked the concern, but said Trump uncertainty Korean regime was behind the attack. But the 10-member Association of South Regional geopolitics has become Pyongyang hit back, accusing the Malaysian East Asian Nations (ASEAN) hoped more uncertain since the election of US investigation of being politically motivated. China and the United States would President Donald Trump, particularly ensure peace and stability. He said over his administration’s role in a region The motive demilitarization would be a key compo- strongly courted by Washington during If Pyongyang were behind the killing, a num- nent of any ASEAN-China code of con- the “pivot” of predecessor Barack ber of reasons have been put forward as to why duct, but it was too soon to say whether Obama. Friction between the United the regime might have wanted Jong-Nam out of Beijing’s dismantling of its weapons States and China over trade and territo- the way. One theory said he was a marked man installations would be a prerequisite. ry under Trump has fuelled worry that since he criticized the country’s system of hered- “The ASEAN members have been unani- the South China Sea could become a itary succession to a journalist in 2011, when he mous in their expression of concern flashpoint. China claims most of the said North Korea would need to reform and lib- about what they see as a militarization waters, through which about $5 trillion eralize like China. Another said Jong-Un was of the region,” Yasay told reporters after in ship-borne trade passes every year. paranoid about the slim chance his older sibling a ministers’ retreat on the Philippine Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan posed a threat to his leadership, providing a lib- island of Boracay. and Vietnam also have claims. China on eral alternative within the Kim family. Other Referring to China’s manmade Friday completed war games with an analysts said the assassination could have been islands in the Spratly archipelago, Yasay aircraft carrier that unnerved neighbors. ordered over reports Kim was readying to said ASEAN countries had “noticed, very A day later the US navy said its aircraft defect. One suggestion that does not assume unsettlingly, that China has installed carrier strike group had started routine the regime’s involvement is that a hit was weapons systems in these facilities that patrols in the South China Sea, a step This undated picture shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (4th left) visiting the Samchon ordered in connection to alleged shady business they have established, and they have China had warned against. — Reuters catfish farm in Samchon, Hwanghaenamdo. — AFP dealings in the region. —AFP NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 Plane crashes into Melbourne mall MELBOURNE: A light aircraft smashed into shops and bounced on the road and hit the front of the taxi as we exploded into a “massive fireball” killing all five on were driving along.” board, including four American passengers reportedly Victoria Police Superintendent Mick Frewen said golfers on the trip of a lifetime, officials in Australia said investigations centered on a “catastrophic engine fail- yesterday. The twin-engined Beechcraft plane veered ure”. The highly experienced 60-year-old Australian just after take-off into a shopping center, that was still pilot made a May-Day call before crashing. A shop- closed, next to Essendon Fields airport near Melbourne. worker called Ash told Sky News he saw “the fireball go “Five on the aircraft and looks like no one has sur- up into the air”, adding it “felt like a bomb had gone vived the crash,” said Victoria Police Assistant off”. “The fire was just so hot we could not get any- Commissioner Stephen Leane. Premier Daniel Andrews where near it,” he said. “We could see the wreckage, or described it as “the worst civil aviation accident that what was left of it.” our state has seen for 30 years”. The private charter The US embassy in Canberra said the four passen- from Essendon, north of Melbourne, to King Island, 55 gers were American citizens. “We extend our deepest minutes to the south, came down just short of a major condolences to the families and loved ones of those motorway packed with the heavy traffic of early morn- who died in today’s tragic crash,” a spokeswoman said. ing commuters. Melbourne’s Herald Sun identified two of the dead as Live television footage showed burned out wreck- Greg De Haven, 70, a retired FBI agent and lawyer age, flames and major damage at the shopping centre Russell Munsch, both from Texas, who were travelling and adjacent buildings. A column of thick black smoke with two unnamed friends, the daily said. MELBOURNE: This frame grab taken from video shows smoke and flames after a twin-engined Beechcraft plane rose into the air as witnesses spoke of an explosion. Plumber Michael Howard, 29, told the Australian crashed into a shopping center just after take-off from Essendon Fields airport yesterday. — AFP “The pilot unfortunately attempted to return to Broadcasting Corporation he saw a “blue flash”. “I was... Essendon but has crashed into the DFO (Direct Factory just looking out the window... and then all of a sudden I Outlet) at Essendon Fields,” Leane told reporters. The just saw a blue flash come down and then all of a sud- Expats blamed for state’s woes center was not due to open for another hour and the den there was a massive fireball.” “It was like something authorities confirmed no one inside was hurt. from a movie,” Howard said. Melbourne fire brigade Continued from Page 1 Egyptian architect Waleed Shalaan, who has been living in A taxi driver called ABC radio and told of the “mas- chief Paul Stacchino tweeted that “more than 60 fire- Kuwait since 1999 and considers it his home. “You go to the Gulf states, they call you a leech or a parasite.” sive fireball” and a landing wheel bouncing onto the fighters have worked hard to bring the fire... under con- The shift started sometime last year, when hospitals and clinics in Jahra and the Amiri Hospital in Kuwait City began Recent law changes require foreigners to have a mini- motorway. “I saw this plane... when it hit the building trol. Crews to remain on scene for some time”. barring expatriates from morning visits for non-emergency mum monthly salary of KD 400 ($1,309), and spend two there was a massive fireball,” said the man called Jason. Essendon Fields was closed and all traffic diverted to services. Recently, lawmaker Safaa Al-Hashem told the years in Kuwait before applying for a local driving license - “I could feel the heat through the window of the taxi, Melbourne’s two larger airports Tullamarine and media at the National Assembly that “expats are crowding with the exception of some professions such as doctors, and then a wheel - it looked like a plane wheel - Avalon. — AFP our hospitals and competing with us for the air we breathe journalists, university professors, and engineers. in hospital waiting rooms”. Housewives and students may not drive, and anyone She complained that many foreigners bring families on caught driving without a license can be deported. Only MPs threaten to grill PM over Harbi... visitor visas to enjoy Kuwait’s healthcare benefits, including tourists and others on a visitor’s visa can drive with an deliveries, gastric bypass surgeries, cancer treatment, and international license. Continued from Page 1 calling to ask the Assembly’s public funds protection other procedures. “Isn’t time for us to put an end to this? After Hashem’s “air we breathe” comment, fellow law- committee to investigate suspected violations in the We must reform the current system; we must impose taxes maker Abdulkarim Al-Kandari called for a special session of Liberal MP Rakan Al-Nasef also held the prime minis- health ministry. MP Safaa Al-Hashem advised the minis- on expatriates, not on Kuwaitis,” she said. parliament to discuss what he called the “alarming increase It’s not just the healthcare. Kuwait’s government and in the number of expats versus Kuwaiti nationals”. “We ter responsible for the resignation of the health minister, ter not to quit but freeze all powers entrusted to the politicians have grown more wary of foreigners in other sec- refuse to be a minority in our own country,” he said - adding that the government refused to dismiss senior ministry’s undersecretary. She criticized several MPs who tors as well in recent years, adopting or promoting a series of though Kuwaiti nationals already are, with foreigners mak- officials involved in corruption cases shown by the min- still defend the undersecretary. policies that target the roughly 3 million expats living and ing up about 70 percent of the population of 4.2 million. ister to the Cabinet on Monday. He charged the govern- Meanwhile, the legislative committee approved a working here. Legislation last April increased the price of Several lawmakers demanded the government deport ment of protecting corrupt officials, and accused the proposal calling to ban the publication of suspects’ electricity and water in all residential buildings, but exempt- 100,000 expats annually to balance the country’s demo- entire government of being involved in corruption, images without a decision by the public prosecution. MP ed Kuwaiti nationals. Social media posts and tweets by graphics. Without offering details, Hind Al-Sabeeh, the adding he will start consultations with other MPs to con- Saleh Ashour proposed an amendment calling against Kuwaitis and even statements from officials blaming expats minister of social affairs, promised a plan to “balance the template the next step in this issue. detaining defendants in expression of opinion cases for everything - from traffic congestion to the raiding of open demographics of the country over the next five years, with- MP Mohammad Al-Dallal said he signed a request without a final verdict from the court. buffets by wedding crashers - are becoming all too common. out disrupting the balance of work”. Hind Francis, an ana- Earlier this month, when Egypt beat Burkina Faso in the lyst at the Rai Institute think tank, said xenophobic senti- first semifinals match of the soccer African Cup of Nations, ments have been on the rise in Kuwait as a way to deflect Trump critic McCain meets King Salman Kuwait’s ministry of interior warned Egyptian expats - one blame from the authorities. “Many big problems that con- Continued from Page 1 Assad regime and rebels in Yemen. of the largest Arab communities here - against celebrating cern the public are blamed on the expatriates: Congested Assad’s other main ally is Russia, against which McCain their team’s win with car parades. The traditional parades roads, overcrowded hospitals, many areas in which public are a raucous event, with football fans driving around policy has failed,” she said. establish safe zones in Syria and retake Raqqa that takes a hard line. Trump, in contrast, has faced allegations of honking their cars, music blasting and flags waving from Sarah Al-Qabandi, a 35-year old corporate social respon- should receive serious consideration by the United States”. improper Russian influence on his administration, some- car windows. sibility manager in the private Ooredoo Telecom says that He was referring to the IS base in Raqqa, Syria. Saudi thing he denies. The New York Times on Sunday called The ministry said it would immediately deport anyone blaming Kuwait’s problems on the expats is a shame. “We Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir has expressed optimism McCain “critic in chief” of the Trump presidency, partly for who takes part in “illegal parades” - so the Egyptians kept expect people abroad to treat us like royalty ... we want to that the Trump presidency will be more engaged in the his defense of traditional Republican foreign policy posi- their partying off the streets. “As an Arab expat, when you be treated well, and yet we don’t welcome anyone in our region, particularly in containing Iran which backs the tions that contrast with those of the president. — AFP go to the West, they call you a terrorist or refugee,” said own country,” she said. — AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 ANALYSIS

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Focus Rio carnival puts clothes back on

hen ’s top TV station picked its latest dancer to cheerlead coverage of the upcom- Wing Rio carnival, viewers were in for a shock: She was wearing clothes. TV Globo’s dancer, known as Globeleza - a mash-up of Globo and the Portuguese word for beauty - is an annual institution. Always young, beautiful, black and skilled at samba, she wig- gles her hips in a short, slickly produced clip interspers- ing carnival programming. Since her first appearance in 1991, Globeleza has performed naked, other than high heels, sequins, a lick or two of shimmery paint - and some years barely that. So the unveiling of the latest muse, Erika Moura, in lush, even ankle-length, folkloric costumes last month, was national news. “For the first time, Globeleza is dressed” and “Who dressed Globeleza?” were among the chorus of headlines. But Globeleza’s new look is only one sign Europe dodges Trump defense ultimatum of shifting morality in Brazil as carnival goers rehearse for the famously wild pre-Lenten bash starting Friday. S President Donald Trump sent top US officials to ing. It aims to reverse a trend that saw defense research paign trail to make US support conditional on meeting Europe with a familiar warning from Washington spending in the European Union fall by a third, or more NATO commitments. Missing the party? Uthat allies must spend more on defense, this time than Є20 billion, since 2006. He has since given his full support to the North Atlantic Rio’s new mayor Marcelo Crivella, an Evangelical with the ultimatum “or else”. But Europeans have tried to Only the United States, Britain, Poland, Estonia and Treaty Organization, but complained this month that bishop elected last year on the conservative wave deflect the threats with the argument that a commitment Greece met the target in 2016, although the cuts have Europeans have “been very unfair to us”, for not spending sweeping the country, reportedly will not even attend to security is not just about spending targets, which diplo- stopped and Latvia, Lithuania and Romania are close, more on defense. Pence maintained the pressure at NATO the carnival. Although this has not been confirmed, the mats said that US officials did not challenge, suggesting NATO officials say. NATO’s 22 European allies and Canada on Monday, telling allies they had until the end of this year city’s culture secretary says he has been deputized to that the stand-off will continue. will spend almost 4 percent more, or some Є10 billion, on to show “real progress” on spending. Pence cited his spend- stand in for Crivella on Friday at the traditional handing “Things look very different if we add up our defense defense this year and Germany’s increases account for ing message as one of the successes of his debut Europe over of the city keys to Rei Momo, the carnival king budgets, our development aid budgets and our humani- some 20 percent of that. trip, diplomats said. who is typically a large, jolly man elected by samba tarian efforts all around the world,” European There is no European push to change the NATO target Europeans say the biggest issue is how money is spent. enthusiasts. Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told the and NATO officials say the 2 percent target will remain Spurred on by Britain’s decision to leave the European Given that the carnival is Rio de Janeiro’s biggest Munich Security Conference last week. By current stan- politically useful, if not economically viable. Reaching the 2 Union, Germany and France are leading plans to build a so- annual event, drawing approximately one million dards, Washington funds about 70 percent of NATO percent target could cost NATO’s European members $96 called European Defence Union that would allow countries tourists, the absence of the mayor might seem odd. spending. Standing beside US Vice President Mike Pence billion per year, according to think tank Bruegel. US gov- to develop and share military assets together, as well as Crivella, whose billionaire uncle founded the Universal on Monday at the Commission, Juncker called for anoth- ernments have been pressing Europeans to increase deploying troops. Collectively the European Union is the Church of the Kingdom of God, would be the first may- er measure of what counts. spending on their armed forces for decades, but Trump sig- world’s second-biggest military spender. But fears in Britain or to miss the first carnival of his time in office. His “We want ... a broader understanding that the word ‘sta- nalled a much tougher approach, suggesting on the cam- of an EU army held back collaboration. — Reuters absence would be all the starker given that his prede- bility’ in the world means defence expenditure, human aid cessor, Eduardo Paes, never looked happier than with a and development aid,” said Juncker the EU’s chief execu- beer and a tambourine in hand. tive, adding he was against Europeans being “pushed into” Crivella appears unperturbed by the fuss. His office the targets. Allies who do not meet NATO targets to spend would only say that it refuses to comment on “specula- 2 percent of GDP on military budgets set out to show China move puts onus on tion about the destination of the mayor”. But another Pence and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis how Europeans former mayor, Cesar Maia, is not amused. “I understand are dealing with crises they trace back, in part, to the US that because of his religion he doesn’t like to dance invasion of Iraq in 2003. “France has a readiness to deploy US in N Korea impasse samba or something like that, but his presence... is that is hard to match. Spain was leading NATO’s new obligatory,” he told O Globo newspaper. spearhead force last year. Italy is in Afghanistan,” said one hina’s snap decision to halt North Korean coal leader saying after the Feb 12 missile launch that senior European NATO diplomat. “That isn’t already reflect- imports — a key economic lifeline for Pyongyang Pyongyang was a “big, big problem” and would be dealt Sex object no more ed by spending targets.” C— has a broader motive aimed at shaping Donald with “very strongly”. Right-winger Crivella may find the Rio debauchery While Germany says Trump has a point about Europe’s Trump’s as yet undefined policy towards the North’s not to his liking, but it is pressure from the left that is drop in defence spending since the fall of the Soviet Union, rogue nuclear arms program, experts say. North Korea Onus on Trump having the biggest impact. Globeleza has long been Berlin and the European Commission also say Washington defied the world a week ago with a missile test and is China shares US concerns about Pyongyang obtain- targeted by activists who saw her nudity reinforcing should take note that the EU is the world’s biggest aid suspected of orchestrating the stunning assassination a ing a nuclear weapon, but prefers negotiations to popular images about black women as sex objects. donor, spending some Є56 billion ($58.99 billion) a year. day later of supreme leader Kim Jong-Un’s half-brother in sanctions, which it fears could destabilize North Korea They were also angered by an episode in 2014 when The United States spends about 1 percent of its federal Malaysia, provocative acts that followed a nuclear test in and send a flood of refugees across their shared bor- the dancer picked by Globo took flak on social media budget on foreign aid, or about $50 billion, but that also September. der. “China’s main goal in making this move is to put for being too dark and was replaced the following year includes running diplomatic missions and giving academic China is often the target of US criticism for not doing the onus back on Washington, fair and square to solve by the lighter-skinned Moura. grants, according to the US State Department. The enough to rein in its irascible neighbor. But analysts said this problem,” said Peter Hayes, director of the Nautilus Globo TV downplayed this year’s switch to a clothed European Union says most of its aid goes to the world’s China’s ban on North Korean coal imports for the rest of Institute. “In effect they are saying to the US: OK, we Globeleza, merely saying it wanted to “enrich” the char- poorest countries. this year could be an attempt by Beijing to defuse such did what you wanted, we lit a fire under their feet. acter and that “the warm reaction of the public shows Germany deserves recognition for the Є30 to 40 billion criticisms while nudging North Korea and the United What are you going to do to solve the DPRK problem we took the right path”. But Luana Genot, who founded ($32 to $42 billion) it is spending to integrate over a million States toward negotiations. “If China is squeezing North now?” he added, using the acronym for North Korea’s a racial equality nonprofit organization called ID_BR, is refugees, many of whom were displaced as a result of Korea, it is for one purpose and one purpose only: to official name. celebrating Globeleza’s reinvention. “That’s something failed Western policy, Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said. offer a cooperative gesture to the incoming Trump The UN Security Council has imposed six sets of sanc- that the black feminist movement has been struggling administration in return for an initiative on negotiations,” tions since Pyongyang first tested an atomic device in to get for years and years,” she said. “Our struggle right Ä96bn goal? Stephan Haggard, of the Peterson Institute for 2006. But North Korea has continued to thumb its nose now is for people to see that (black women) cannot be At a NATO summit in Wales in 2014, months after International Economics, wrote in a blog post. at the world with a series of missile launches over the reduced only to this stereotype,” she said. “People were Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, allies Under the Obama administration, Washington pur- years and two nuclear tests in 2016 alone. Beijing tradi- just turning off the TV and sending a message that black agreed to end years of defense cuts that left Europeans sued a policy of “strategic patience” toward North Korea tionally ensures that UN sanctions against Pyongyang people don’t want to be portrayed this way anymore.” without vital capabilities, such as refuelling airborne fight- in hopes that sanctions would bring Pyongyang to heel include humanitarian exemptions, and had continued to er bombers. They agreed all allies should reach the target and force it to abandon its nukes. The incoming Trump purchase huge amounts of North Korean coal - over Changing the music of spending 2 percent of economic output on defense administration has stepped up the rhetoric, with the US $168 million worth in December alone. —AFP Music is another battleground. Feminists targeting every year by 2024, although the goal is not legally bind- sexual harassment have come up with a new carnival anthem, sung by Bruna Caram and Chico Cesar, that mixes the traditional body-shaking rhythm with a promise of respect: “It doesn’t matter what you wear, I won’t touch you unless you consent.” There is also fierce UAE grapples drones after airport closures debate over alleged sexism and racism in the lyrics of some of the carnival’s classic marching songs, for exam- ubai authorities are grappling with new ways of Phone app, geo-fencing have also scrambled to apply rules on flying drones after ple in their use of the politically charged word for keeping the emirate’s skies safe after drones halted But Dubai-owned carrier Emirates, the world’s busiest mishaps at airports. mixed-race women “mulata”. Dair traffic at one of the world’s busiest airports three international passenger airline, urged authorities to go Several street carnival groups, known as blocos, have times last year. The delays were necessary to protect pas- further, introducing drone detectors. “Flight diversions Sea rescue drones cut the songs, often written more than half a century sengers, officials said, but they hit thousands of travellers and network disruptions due to unauthorized drone activ- “The risk of collision is to be taken seriously,” said Yves ago, from their playlists. Debora Thome, who founded and cost airlines millions of dollars. Drones pose a “threat ity... cost Emirates airline millions of dirhams on each occa- Morier of the European Aviation Safety Agency. “The intro- the feminist bloco Mulheres Rodadas, says the tide is to the flying public” and “to an aircraft in operation,” said sion, and impacted thousands of passengers,” it said after duction of drones has to be done in a safe manner,” said turning. “It’s something new. A lot of people have talked Ismaeil Al-Blooshi, deputy head of the air safety depart- one drone-related delay in November. Morier, whose agency is to work on common regulations about it for years but not as much as now,” she said. “In ment of the ’ civil aviation authority. Authorities have even examined the possibility of hunt- for the European Union. “There have been incidents in our bloco we play about 10 songs and we choose from He compared drones to the threat posed by birds, but ing down the devices. The International Defense Europe and their number has risen in the past years.” music sung by women or composed by women and said they were less predictable and harder to avoid. “We Exhibition and Conference, one of the largest arms fairs in France has forbidden flying drones within 10 km of an which have empowering lyrics, or funny ones.” have means and data to predict when and where is the the Middle East, on Monday showcased a private compa- airport, the French civil aviation authority says, twice the However, veteran carnival composer Joao Roberto bird migration... but with drones, you have this object in ny’s drone hunting system. Dubai-based SkyStream said it maximum distance in the UAE. But while drones can pose Kelly, whose output of samba hits includes the per- the air and you don’t know the intentions” of the operator, had crafted a three-phase system that could identify risks to aviation, UAE authorities are keen to make use of haps awkwardly titled “Menino Gay (Gay Boy)” and he said. The cost of closing airspace for one hour runs into whether the drones were “friendly,” jam their signals in them for policing, rescue and security purposes. “We use “Maria Sapatao (Maria the Dyke),” accuses feminists of millions and creates a long backlog, but there is no room case they were not and subsequently bring them down. A drones in various aspects, including securing events, spoiling the party. “I’ve not seen such censorship since to compromise on safety, Blooshi said. “The economic security official told AFP Dubai police now have the ability detecting explosives and (securing) motorcades” of high the time of the dictatorship,” he fumed in O Estado de impact is not even on the table” when considering the to overpower a drone and bring it down but did not elab- profile figures, said Sergeant Abdullah al-Harbi, head of S Paulo daily. — AFP risks, he said. “The number one priority is avoiding harm to orate on how. the technical support team at Dubai’s General passengers.” The aviation authority has introduced a mobile phone Department of Protective Security and Emergency. He Drones have become a more common sight in the skies application that clearly marks out no-fly zones for drones said authorities plan to use drones equipped with face above the emirate as related technology has plunged in across the country, telling users immediately where they detection to hunt for suspects. All articles appearing on these pages are the price, with professional photographers eager to use them. can and cannot fly. Out-of-bounds areas include those Rescue services in the emirate of Ajman have also “The drone has helped us all. Before we needed a plane around airports, military zones and other government deployed drones to help in sea rescue operations, local personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait Times and a big budget to do aerial shooting. It’s much easier installations. The authority also wants drone owners to press has reported. The drones are equipped with thermal takes no responsibility for views expressed and cheaper now,” said videographer Murad Al-Masri, as he register their devices. Another measure under study is sensors and cameras that scan the waters to locate casual- therein. Kuwait Times invites readers to voice shot footage of a desert festival. geo-fencing, meaning that drones are pre-programmed to ties, and carry buoys that can be dropped to them by their opinions. Please send submissions via After last year’s incidents, operator Dubai Airports make them unable to enter restricted areas even if users remote control. And the labor ministry has been using email to: [email protected] or via snail stressed that flying drones within five kilometres (three try to send them there. drones since 2014 to inspect construction sites and make mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. The editor miles) of airports was illegal. New regulations introduced “We are talking to various manufacturers to impose this sure companies are giving workers their compulsory mid- reserves the right to edit any submission as last year stipulate up to three years in jail or a fine of as an import requirement for the UAE,” said Blooshi, day break during hot weather. “Drones are good for us,” necessary. 100,000 dirhams ($27,000) for flying a drone over a prohib- although he said this is hard because drones are produced said Blooshi. “We are eager to accommodate them in a ited zone. by many different manufacturers. Authorities in Europe healthy way.” — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 SPORTS

Middle finger gesture costs Thistlecrack out for Sri Lanka’s Dickwella Carlo Ancelotti 5,000 euros season with injury banned after T20 dissent BERLIN: Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti will donate 5,000 euros to LONDON: Trainer Colin Tizzard’s stable star Thistlecrack’s hopes SYDNEY: Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella was suspended for two limited-overs match- charity after making an obscene gesture to Hertha Berlin fans after their 1-1 of landing the blue riband of jump racing the Cheltenham Gold es yesterday after he was punished for dissent during last week’s pulsating Twenty20 draw on Saturday, the German football association (DFB) said Cup this year are over as an injury yesterday ruled him out for win over Australia. The wicketkeeper and opening batsman was docked two yesterday. The Italian had raised his middle finger after the rest of the season. The nine-year-old, who went down to his demerit points and fined 30 percent of his match fee for his aggrieved leaving the pitch at the end of the game and later said first defeat in five starts over fences last time out to Many Clouds reaction to being given out caught behind on Sunday, reaching five he had done it because he had been spat on by the who then collapsed and died, was found to have a slight tendon points and triggering an automatic ban. Australia wicketkeeper Tim home fans. Bayern scored in the sixth minute of stop- tear. “The vet scanned him this morning and it’s a slight tendon Paine was fined 15 percent of his match fee and received one demerit page time with hosts Hertha left fuming over the tear,” said Tizzard. “We’ve seen it at every yard and it happens point for taunting Dickwella over the dismissal in Geelong. Dickwella length of added time that was played. The DFB said it every year.” Tizzard, though, still has an imposing hand in the was punished after he paused to view the replay, kicked the turf and had ended an investigation into the incident in return for Gold Cup-which takes place on March 17 bringing the racing fes- stared over his shoulder “for a prolonged period of time”, an the charity payment. “The investigation has ceased in tival to a climax-with his impressive Welsh Grand National win- International Council statement said. The suspension means agreement with the DFB sports court. Linked to that is ner Native River the new favourite. Tizzard also has the veteran Dickwella will miss today’s third and final Twenty20 against Australia Cue Card-who was well beaten by his younger stablemate that the coach of Bayern Munich pays 5,000 euros in , when the hosts will seek a consolation win. Sri Thistlecrack in the prestigious King George VI Chase in late Lanka clinched victory on the very last ball on Sunday when to the Sepp-Herberger charity.” The DFB charity December-on course for another tilt at a race which saw him is named after the late Germany coach and Chamara Kapugedera hammered a boundary, following come to grief three fences from home last year when in line for a Asela Gunaratne’s 84 off 46 balls. — AFP works on several social projects. — Reuters million pound bonus had he won it. — AFP Matured Kolisi ready to be a leader for Stormers

CAPE TOWN: Stormers loose forward Siya that have gone, Schalk (Burger), Duane Kolisi admits he has had some growing up (Vermeulen) and Jean (De Villiers),” he to do since bursting on to the Super Rugby added. The Cape Town-based side have a scene four years ago but he is now ready to challenging fixture list this season including be a leader after being handed the - all five of New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams. cy. The flanker was named skipper yester- Last year, they reached the quarter- day after last year’s co-captain Juan de finals having played only South African and Jongh tore knee ligaments and faces up to Australian sides, as well as the debutant three months on the sidelines. Sunwolves from Japan and Argentina’s Kolisi made an instant impact when he Jaguares. They were given a sharp reminder came into the Stormers side in 2012, but of just how far ahead the New Zealanders when his career failed to take off he need- are in a 60-21 home thrashing in the play- ed a few home truths from coach Robbie offs by Waikato Chiefs. Fleck to spark a change in his attitude Kolisi said the competition format left towards preparation and training. the Stormers under-prepared for that game Advice heeded, the 25-year-old is now and that playing teams from New Zealand ready to live up to the expectations that earlier this season would bring long-term come with being one of the senior players benefits. “It means we won’t get to a playoff in the team. “I had a conversation with the like we did and get shocked. When you coach last year and he told me I had to play them early in the competition it’s per- grow up, basically,” Kolisi told Reuters in an fect,” he said. “But you have got to be ready interview. “Since that day I haven’t looked mentally. We are not afraid because we back. “It’s not been easy, it’s been tough. I have to play them. If that is what it takes to won’t lie, I had to mature a lot. win Super Rugby, so be it.” “Obviously, now I’m a leader at home as Kolisi is convinced that the Stormers, well, I have got three kids that I must be a who start their season with a bruising role model for. I had to change a lot of my North-South derby at home to the Bulls on ways.” The Stormers have lost a number of Saturday, are genuine title contenders. key players in recent seasons but Kolisi, who “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think that, I has collected 16 Springboks caps since mak- wouldn’t have worked this hard in pre-sea- ing his debut in 2013, says their presence is son if I didn’t think we have the squad to do still felt. “I have learnt a lot from those guys it,” he said. — Reuters

WELLINGTON: In this Aug. 6, 2016 file photo, The Hurricanes’ Ardie Savea, center, runs over the Lions’ Courtnall Skosan, center bottom, during the Super Rugby final in Wellington, New Zealand. Super Rugby will begin its 22nd season tomorrow stalled at a crossroads at which fan expec- tations and commercial imperatives meet in an almost irreconcilable impasse. — AP

RUGBY Rugby faces challenges ahead of changes in 2017

WELLINGTON: Super Rugby will begin its 22nd moment and has embarked on a full review of the more competitive than they were last year.” But on season tomorrow, stalled at a crossroads at which tournament’s structure which might result in teams paper it seems New Zealand teams will be dominant fan expectations and commercial imperatives meet being axed in South Africa and Australia. again this season. Although the five New Zealand in an almost irreconcilable impasse. squads contain 33 players playing Super Rugby for The sudden expansion of the competition last FULL NEW STRATEGIC PLAN the first time they retain depth, plus the Auckland- year from 15 to 18 teams was unsettling to fans Existing commitments to broadcasters, spon- based Blues - the only New Zealand team to miss last who saw playing standards drop in what had previ- sors and other stakeholders prevented any year’s playoffs - are stronger than last season. There ously been regarded as the world’s best profession- changes being made to this season’s structure and are issues, the largest of which is the mid-year tour al rugby tournament. the result may be a substantial decline in live and to New Zealand by the British and Irish Lions. While Newcomers to the tournament - Japan’s television audiences until the tournament’s short- leading All Blacks will remain available for Super Sunwolves, Argentina’s Jaguares and South Africa’s comings are addressed. Rugby, it is likely their attention will be strongly Kings - occupied the bottom rungs on the compe- What exactly may be on the table in 2018 is not focused on the Lions series. Also, two New Zealand tition ladder and the integrity of the conference clear but SANZAAR is not expected to be swayed teams, the Crusaders and Highlanders, must transi- system, made necessary by a larger number of for long from its course of further expansion. SAN- tion to playing under new coaches. teams, was undermined by an unexpected weak- ZAAR is working with outside consultants to pro- ening of teams in Australia and South Africa. That duce a 10-year strategic plan for its competitions FOCUS ON FINANCIAL STABILITY resulted in teams forfeiting home playoff advan- which is expected to be completed mid-year. At the same time the Australian and South tages to others that had performed less well during “We should be in a position by the end of May, African teams have not easily coped with a steady the regular season and in teams reaching the play- beginning of June, to deliver the full new strategic drain of top players to France, Britain and offs whose regular season records hardly justified plan for SANZAAR,” chief executive Andy Marinos Japan.The board of the Australian Rugby Union is that reward. The glowing example was the Cape told Fairfax Media. Marinos disputed claims that already considering whether to drop one of its five Town-based Stormers who finished top of their recent changes to Super Rugby have diminished teams and if so which one and on what criteria. A African conference but were beaten 60-21 at home the tournament’s appeal. He cited statistics that focus on financial stability might imperil two-time in the playoffs by the Hamilton-based Chiefs, who show the average number of points scored in champions the ACT Brumbies but the Perth-based were only the third-best New Zealand team. matches increased from 45.3 to 52 last season and Western Force and the Melbourne Rebels are in Tournament organizers SANZAAR have argued tries per match increased from 5.1 to 6.4. But those greater jeopardy, imperiling years of effort to expansion is an unavoidable necessity, saying the increases are largely the result of the mismatches broaden the game’s geographical base in Australia. commercial viability of the competition depends that have become more common. “We have to marry what is our priority with the pri- on its growth now and in the future, to retain the “All of those numbers we are up on any other rug- orities of the joint venture and see if we can come interest of broadcasters and to build its fan base. by competition in the world,” Marinos said. “And from up with a solution that works for everybody,” ARU They have floated plans for further expansion into a viewership perspective by some magnitude we chief operating officer Rob Clarke told Australian Asia and for forays into the United States and even- dwarf what the other competitions are generating. I Associated Press. “Ultimately it’s not going to be a tually Britain where Super Rugby would presume still believe it’s a premium competition.” Marinos perfect fit for everybody and there will be some to take on established and popular domestic com- acknowledged the 2016 competition was one-sided sacrifices that are going to be made.” petitions. The Pacific Islands remain a major source as New Zealand teams captured four of the top five South Africa may be forced to consider surren- Kuwait defeat Saudi, S Lanka in of talent for Super Rugby but a problematic area of placings but suggested that was an anomaly. “It was dering one of its six teams but also faces geograph- U-16 World Cup Tennis tournament expansion for organizers because of small local a rather bizarre year where we had dominance com- ical challenges and the danger of alienating fans in economies and a lack of infrastructure. ing out of one conference and, except for (South some of its rugby strongholds. The Lions, who SANZAAR has been forced by a generally nega- Africa’s) Lions others struggling to assert themselves,” reached last year’s final against the Hurricanes, By Abdellatif Sharaa tive fan reaction to last year’s competition to put he said. “Early indications are the South Africans, remain strong but other South African teams may moves towards further expansion on hold for the Australians, Jaguares and Sunwolves are going to be have to contend with a lack of depth. — AP KUWAIT: Kuwait National Juniors Tennis team defeated Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka with the same score 3/0 each, during the World Cup Tennis tournament for U-16 being held in New Delhi, India. 15 Asian countries partici- pating in the tournament are Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Bhutan, Vietnam and host coun- try India. Kuwait’s group, includes Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Lebanon. Kuwait’s delegation to the tournament includes Abdelsamad Al-Aryan heading the delegation coach Bejorm, and players Bader Antar, Ali Al-Shatti and Essa Qabazard. President of Kuwait Tennis Federation Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Abdallah Al-Sabah congratulated the delegation for these excel- lent results which places Kuwait on top of its group and qualify for the semifinals. He said KTF cares for the base of the ages stages specially those under 16 years old, which will be depended on in the future. He said the federation prepared a program for juniors teams all year that guarantees their participation in several international and Asian countries. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber TOKYO: In this April 23, 2016 file photo, Fecund Lsa of Argentina’s Jaguares scores a try during their Super Rugby match against Japan’s wished the delegation all success. Sunwolves in Tokyo. Super Rugby will begin its 22nd season tomorrow. — AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 SPORTS Olympic downhill designer says tough, faster course awaits

ST MORITZ: Stop worrying, downhill racers. The 2018 was set by Johan Clarey of France in Wengen, Innerhofer of Italy, the 2014 silver medalist, who time to adapt both before the Olympics. The women Olympic course will be faster than you think. The new Switzerland, in 2013. called the course in Jeongseon “slow motion.” will compete in World Cup downhill and super-G track in South Korea has been criticized - at a men’s “When you go the first time in a new downhill you In St. Moritz, it was world championship downhill races on March 4-5. “Basically the character will test race last year and at the world championships start from the slow side. You don’t want to kill the silver medalist Erik Guay of Canada who wished for a remain the same (as the men’s),” Russi said of the this week - as being too slow with too many twists guys,” said Russi, the 1972 Olympic champion and sil- faster, tougher test at the Pyeongchang Olympics. women’s downhill track. “Maybe the turns will be a and turns. Not so fast, veteran Olympic course design- ver medalist behind Austrian great Franz Klammer Guay said the test race had too many slowing little bit tighter. Maybe one, two, three, four more er Bernhard Russi told The Associated Press. “It was on four years later. The Swiss veteran is skiing’s master turns, and was similar to a super-G - a pointed remark turns. Maybe the jumps a little less big, less long. purpose to do it like this,” Russi said of last February’s architect, and always planned to learn from last year’s from the 35-year-old Canadian who is the new world Perfect for ladies.” World Cup downhill where race winner Kjetil Jansrud debut race and a scheduled women’s World Cup champion in that discipline. Other factors could also change Olympic race-day of Norway peaked at 113.7 kph (70.6 mph). downhill on the same wide course next month. “I hope that they set it a little differently,” Guay conditions, such as snow quality and humidity in a If that sounds fast, 2014 Olympic champion “Now we know how much faster we can go, and said of the Olympic course. “I think that they should mountain region only 40 kilometers (25 miles) inland. Matthias Mayer hit close to 135 kph (84 mph) on we will. And the jumps will be longer,” Russi said of a make it flow a little bit better. But the slope itself is “If the weather is good I think (the snow) is going Russi’s design in the mountains above . A record men’s course that launches them airborne four times. great.” The men and women share the Olympic hill, to be rather on the hard side, on the icy side,” Russi speed of 161 kph (100 mph) in World Cup downhills The main Olympic critic one year ago was Christof but not exactly the same terrain. Russi said there is said. “Everything is on track.” — AP

OLYMPICS OCA chief backs dual host city awards

SAPPORO: Asia’s most powerful sports offi- meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor cial has given tentative support to the Orban to review the bid. notion that the International Olympic If Budapest joined Boston, Rome and Committee (IOC) should award the host Hamburg by pulling out, the IOC would be cities for both the 2024 and 2028 Olympics left with just Paris and Los Angeles. But later this year, an idea which appears to be because both cities presented strong cases, gaining momentum. The idea has not been speculation is mounting that the IOC could formally proposed by the IOC, and with the give the 2024 games to one and the 2028 2024 host set to be decided in September, event to the other. The struggle to find time is running out for what would be a rad- Olympic hosts has been an unexpected ical change. But top-ranking Olympic offi- boon for Asia in recent years. The region is cials, including the IOC president Thomas set to stage the next three Olympics in suc- Bach, have not ruled it out. cession: the 2018 Winter Olympics in The president Pyeongchang in South Korea, the 2020 Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who also Summer Olympics in Tokyo and the 2022 holds a key position on soccer’s world gov- Winter Olympics in Beijing. erning body FIFA, gave his views on the And Sheikh Ahmad said Asia would be subject during a press conference yesterday willing to step and host the 2026 Winter at the in Japan. Olympics if needed, with planning Sheikh Ahmad said he could not com- to bid. “Asia will be ready to host the ment on the prospects of such a change in Olympic Winter Games again,” he said. “If the Olympics but it had happened with oth- there is a lot who bid (for 2026), we will er sporting events. “The IOC executive have to evaluate the situation, but if not, board have to decide and until they put it then we have a good chance. on the table we won’t comment,” he said. “We are ready to host a third Olympic “But as OCA president, we practised this Winter Games.” The OCA president also for (the) 2022 and 2026 . At flagged the possibility that Oceania nations FIFA we also practised to have two World including Australia could be allowed to Championships: Russia in 2018 and Qatar in compete in the Asian summer Games from 2022.” The spiralling cost of hosting the 2022. Australia and New Zealand both Olympics has seen a reduction in the num- accepted invitations to compete at the SAPPORO: Gold medalist Wu Dajing, center, of China is flanked by silver medalist Seo Yi-ra, left, of South Korea and Park Se-yeong, of South ber of cities bidding to host it. There are just Asian Winter Games, but on condition they Korea during the victory ceremony of the men’s 500 meters of short track speed skating competition at the Asian Winter Games at Makomanai three candidates in the running for 2024, would not be allowed to win medals. Indoor Skating Rink in Sapporo, northern Japan, yesterday. — AP Paris, Los Angeles and Budapest. The next Asian Games will be held in There are growing concerns about Indonesia in 2018 but Sheikh Ahmad said WINTER GAMES Budapest’s bid after the city mayor mayor 2022 was a more likely starting date for Istvan Tarlos announced last week that he Oceania participation. — AFP Japan wins 4 gold in speed skating at Asian Winter Games

SAPPORO: Japan claimed four gold medals in women’s 1,500. The Japanese team of Misaki jeong of South Korea third after her compatriot speed skating and China won two on the short Oshigiri, Nana Takagi, and Ayano Sato cruised to Shim Suk-hee got tangled up on the final lap track at the Asian Winter Games yesterday. victory in the women’s team pursuit. South with Fan Kexin of China and both were disquali- Nao Kodaira of Japan earned her second gold Korea was second, and China third. Wu Dajing, fied. In cross-country skiing, Japan also won the of the Sapporo Games by beating two-time the silver medalist in the men’s 1,500 meters on women’s 10-kilometer free through Yuki Olympic champion Lee Sang-hwa of South Monday, won gold in the 500, edging Seo Yi-ra Kobayashi. Lee Chae-won of South Korea was Korea in the women’s 500 on the long track. of South Korea by .078 seconds. Park Se-yeong, second, 24.4 seconds back, and Yelena Kolomina Kodaira is unbeaten in six World Cups this also of South Korea, was third. of Kazakhstan was third. season, and the winner of the 1,000 on Monday. “The race was quite difficult,” said Wu, a two- Rinat Mukhim won Kazakhstan’s first gold of “I wasn’t at my best today, maybe 80 percent of time world champion in the 500. “The South the games by winning the men’s 15-kilometer full fitness,” Kodaira said. “But I wanted to race Koreans gave us pressure over the final two laps free, 4.5 seconds ahead of Naoto Baba of Japan. against a strong sprinter and it was good prepa- and I almost lost my balance in the final lap.” Akira Lenting, also of Japan, was their best. ration (for the 2018 Winter Olympics).” Takuro Zang Yize of China won the women’s 500. Elsewhere, the men’s ski jumping event was can- Oda won the men’s 1,000, and Miho Takagi the Ayuko Ito of Japan was second, and Choi Min- celled to due to high winds. — AP Asian Winter Games will be an ideal stage for athletes

SAPPORO: With the Winter Olympics just a year With an automatic berth in the Pyeongchang track skater Deanna Lockett and Ben Sim, a and a short distance away, the Asian Winter Games, Paek’s team is in Japan aiming to boost Vancouver Olympian in cross country skiing. The Games will be the ideal stage for the continent’s its competitiveness. games have not been without controversy stem- leading winter athletes to fine tune for ming from recent and older geopolitical tensions. Pyeongchang 2018. CONTROVERSY Organizers were forced to ensure a book denying The eighth Asian Winter Games will open Chinese short track speed skaters, who cap- the 1937 Nanjing Massacre will be removed from Sunday in Sapporo, on Japan’s northern island of tured six gold medals at the last two Winter guest rooms at a hotel to be used as a dormitory Hokkaido, and run through Feb. 26, with more Olympics, will be strong medal contenders in in the Athletes’ Village. than 2,000 athletes from 31 countries competing Sapporo. Among them are Tianyu, who won APA Group, the operator of the hotel chain, in five sports, 11 disciplines and 64 events. the men’s 1,500 meters at the 2016 world cham- has been under fire after it was revealed it had Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan and China pionships, and Wu Dajing, who claimed the distributed the book, which was written by Chief have traditionally been the dominant countries men’s 500 meter title at the 2016 World Cup in Executive Toshio Motoya, in its hotel rooms. The at the games but with Pyeongchang in 2018 and . World champion Fan Kexin will be book claims the Nanjing Massacre never hap- Beijing in 2022 hosting the next two Winter among the goal medal contenders in the pened. China says the massacre resulted in the Olympics, athletes in the region are making a women’s 500 meters. deaths of more than 300,000 people. SAPPORO: Wu Dajing, top, of China celebrates his victory as Seo Yi-ra, bottom, of major push to be more competitive in global Japan is targeting medals in events including The Japanese government decided to allow South Korea falls down after the men’s 500 meters finals of short track speed skating terms. “China is expecting to introduce 300 mil- ski jumping, speed skating and figure skating, North Korean athletes and officials to enter the competition at the Asian Winter Games at Makomanai Indoor Skating Rink in lion people to winter sports during this period, although Sochi Olympic gold medalist Yuzuru country to take part in the Games despite Sapporo, northern Japan, yesterday. — AP so the next few years are pivotal in establishing Hanyu is sitting out the Games. In his place, Japan’s entry ban on North Korean citizens. a vast, new winter sports scene outside of the Japan national champion Shoma Uno is among Tokyo will treat the athletes as an exception traditional markets of North America and the favorites. Australia’s delegation features a to its punitive measure taken as part of its sanc- Europe,” Olympic Council of Asia President number of experienced athletes, including three- tions in response to Pyongyang’s nuclear tests Sample re-tests from Sochi Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah said. time Olympic snowboarder Holly Crawford, short and rocket launches. — AP The Sapporo Games will also feature athletes Olympics to run to 2022 from Australia and New Zealand competing, bringing an Oceania element to event. BERLIN: The re-testing of samples from the drug tests over the course of five years. “The At the request of the Australian Olympic 2014 Sochi winter Olympics in Russia to iden- IOC has an ongoing programme of reanalysis Committee, the Olympic Council of Asia and the tify any cheats who had competed there will of all stored samples from Sochi, Vancouver Sapporo 2017 organizing committee agreed to last another five years to 2022, the and London,” an IOC spokesperson said yester- allow athletes from the two countries to take International Olympic Committee said. day. “The reanalysis from Sochi of samples part as guest athletes in individual sports only. The IOC is re-testing thousands of samples from athletes from many different sports and They won’t be eligible to win medals, but will from the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 sum- countries will continue through to 2022,” the gain experience by competing against world- mer Games as well as the Vancouver 2010 and official told Reuters. “We have no specific class winter sports athletes from the region an in Sochi winter Olympics to root out any doping timeline. The IOC will continue to communi- the time zone that will be the same as the offenders. More than 100 have so far seen their cate on a case by case basis as soon as discipli- Olympics. “Their participation will add value to sample test positive from Beijing and London nary procedures are completed.” the Games and further expand the footprint of alone, with dozens of medals having been The IOC stores samples from past Games Asia,” Sheikh Ahmad said. stripped so far. In addition a total of 28 Russian for a decade to re-test them at a later date South Korea, the next Olympic host, will have athletes who took part in Sochi, face discipli- using newer methods or searching for sub- 142 athletes taking part and has set an ambi- nary proceedings over possible manipulation stances that were unknown to anti-doping tious goal of 15 gold medals and second place in of their urine samples from the Sochi Games. officials at the time of the competition. the medals standings. The IOC had said in December there was The McLaren report into systematic state- Many of South Korea’s golds are expected to “evidence of manipulation of one or more of backed doping in Russia over the past years, come in speed skating, a sport the country has their urine samples” collected in Sochi. including during Sochi, has triggered two IOC excelled at over the years. This follows publication late last year of the investigations into the affair and a re-testing Lee Seung-hoon, the 2010 Olympic champi- second and final part of the World Anti- of samples. Russian athletes were partly on in the men’s 10,000 meters, is currently the Doping Agency’s independent McLaren banned from competing at last year’s Rio de world No. 1 in mass start. Kim Bo-reum, an report into Russian doping. Janeiro Olympics while a decision on their emerging star on the women’s side, leads all It found more than 1,000 Russian competi- participation or not at the 2018 winter Games female skaters in mass start this season. South SAPPORO: Wu Dajing, center, of China leads other competitors during the men’s 500 meters tors in more than 30 sports were involved in in South Korea’s Pyeongchang has yet to be Korea’s men’s ice hockey team, meanwhile, is finals of short track speed skating competition at the Asian Winter Games at Makomanai an institutional conspiracy to conceal positive taken. — Reuters coached by former NHL defenseman Jim Paek. Indoor Skating Rink in Sapporo, northern Japan, yesterday. — AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 SPORTS Five infamous India-Australia controversies NEW DELHI: Five previous flashpoints Durrani prevented Chauhan from leaving the duck and the reliably-partisan Indian media he had turned up a few minutes late on pur- Kumble to say that only one team was playing between India and Australia who begin a field which would have resulted in the visi- went apoplectic. The ever-gracious Tendulkar pose each time to teach the Aussies a lesson with the spirit of the game. Australia won the four-Test series in Pune tomorrow. tors conceding the match and incurring a played down the decision, merely saying his for their rude behaviour. match and went on to take the series 2-1. suspension. Gavaskar later said he regretted dismissal was a bit disappointing. SUNNY’S ALMIGHTY STROP his “inexcusable behaviour”. ‘MONKEYGATE’ ERUPTS KOHLI SHOWS THE MIDDLE FINGER Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar suffered a GANGULY KEEPS WAUGH WAITING The 2008 New Year Test in Sydney was Four years after “Monkeygate” came massive meltdown during the 1981 TENDULKAR OUT ‘SHOULDER BEFORE’ Former India captain Sourav Ganguly so undoubtedly the lowest point in India-Australia “Fingergate” when a young and angry Virat Melbourne Test when he threatened to for- Indian fans still rage about an umpiring enraged his opposite number Steve Waugh cricket relations. With tempers frayed because Kohli let the rowdy Sydney Test crowd get to feit the match after being given out lbw on decision during the 1999 Adelaide Test that during India’s 2001 that the of a string of questionable umpiring decisions him. Kohli was fielding in the deep when he 70 off Australian great Dennis Lillee. The bat- saw the great Sachin Tendulkar dismissed Australian skipper accused him of a “lack of and on-field altercations, the “Monkeygate” was on the receiving end of some unpleasant ting legend, nicknamed “Sunny”, was effectively for “shoulder before ”. The respect”. Waugh was furious that Ganguly scandal erupted-almost causing the tour to be chants from the famously vocal fans and adamant that the ball had hit his bat first and “Little Master”-who stands at 5ft 4in (1.65m) kept turning up late for the toss. Waugh called off. Australia all-rounder Andrew responded by flashing the middle finger. It was remonstrated with both Lillee and the — attempted to duck a Glenn McGrath wrote in his autobiography that he was Symonds accused spinner Harbhajan Singh of caught on camera and Kohli, now captain, was umpire before reluctantly starting his walk bouncer, only for the ball to keep low and hit “wound up” by the left-handed batsman’s calling him a “monkey”. Singh, who denied any fined 50 percent of his match fee for bringing from the crease while shaking his head vehe- his left shoulder. Home umpire Daryl Harper “continued petulance”. Ganguly, nicknamed wrong-doing, was suspended for three match- the game into disrepute. He later defended his mently. He instructed bemused fellow open- had no hesitation in giving Tendulkar out the Prince of Kolkata for the air of superiority es for the alleged racist slur. The ban was over- response on Twitter: “I agree cricketers don’t er Chetan Chauhan to leave with him and the lbw. Some replays suggested the ball may that he carried on and off the field, initially turned when India threatened to quit the tour, have to retaliate. what (sic) when the crowd pair headed for the boundary. A swift inter- have clipped the top of the stumps but most maintained that his tardiness had been a claiming Singh had been wrongly accused. The says the worst things about your mother and vention from then Indian manager Shahid were inconclusive. Tendulkar was out for a mistake. Years later though he revealed that allegations prompted India captain Anil sister. the worst I’ve heard.” — AFP

BASEBALL Dodgers add Gutierrez to already loaded roster

GLENDALE: Although Franklin Gutierrez offi- Tampa Bay two years later, the Dodgers have cially joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on spent the bounty from their multibillion-dol- Monday afternoon, the veteran outfielder lar television deal with remarkable vigor. They had already been working out at their spring did it again during this offseason, committing training complex for two days. a combined $192 million to keep third base- The Dodgers reached a deal with him last man Justin Turner, closer Kenley Jansen and week, but they couldn’t formally announce starter Rich Hill from the team that finished his arrival because they hadn’t been able to two wins shy of the World Series. clear a spot for him on their 40-man roster The Dodgers also were deep last season, until they traded veteran left-hander Vidal and they had to be: They won 91 games and Nuno to Baltimore for a prospect on Sunday. reached the NL Championship Series despite Such is the nature of the Dodgers’ remark- setting a single-season major league record able roster depth heading into a season of by putting 28 different players on the dis- enormous expectations. The four-time abled list. They had seven starting pitchers on defending NL West champions are bursting the DL at the same time in August, and they with quality big-leaguers at every position, used 55 different players, tying a team record. ranging from seasoned veterans to blue-chip If injury problems ravage them again, the young talent, as they chase their first World Dodgers think they will be ready. If the Series title since 1988. Dodgers stay healthy, they’ll just be loaded. The Dodgers’ extraordinary depth is a lux- “You could say that we have more depth,” ury for manager Dave Roberts, but it also Roberts said Monday. “You could argue that. I means spring training is uncommonly impor- think that’s a good thing. ... The confidence tant as they begin the difficult process of that we have in our clubhouse is real. We’ve trimming this roster to a 25-man group. got some pretty good players.” For instance, Roberts can choose among The Dodgers entered spring training with 10 legitimate big-league starters for his five- a roster so deep that they couldn’t immedi- man rotation. The club also must make tough ately announce the signing of Gutierrez or calls from the bullpen to the outfield, and the the return of Chase Utley. The well-liked vet- process takes another step forward Tuesday eran infielder is likely to play a utility role this with the first full-squad workout. season because Los Angeles already “We’re going to have a lot of competition improved its infield by acquiring second around here, and someone is not going to be baseman Logan Forsythe from Tampa Bay in a COLOMBO: Members of the Indian cricket team pose for photographs with the winners trophy after defeating South Africa in their ICC Women’s happy,” ace Clayton Kershaw said. “But it’s trade for pitching prospect Jose De Leon. World Cup Qualifier final one-day international cricket match in Colombo, Sri Lanka, yesterday. — AP going to be good for us in the long run.” “There’s a lot of great players in this Since the deep-pocketed Guggenheim room,” Utley said. “There’s not a ton of spots, CRICKET Baseball Management ownership group took but there’s a ton of good guys. Hopefully we over the team in 2012 and hired top baseball can stay healthy and everybody can per- executive Andrew Friedman away from form well.” — AP India wins Women’s WCup qualifying final

COLOMBO: Hamanpreet Kaur hit a six and ran team qualifying event. They and Sri Lanka and appeared to lose its way later, dropping to 223-8 briskly for two runs during the last two balls to Pakistan will join England, Australia, New Zealand, in the 46th over and 237-9 to start the last over, steal a tense one-wicket win for India over South and the West Indies in the Women’s World Cup in but Kaur held her nerve to see her team through Africa in the final of the Women’s Cricket World June in England. to victory. and Ayabonga Khaka Cup qualifiers yesterday. Deepti Sharma top-scored for India with 71 off took two each for South Africa, whose top Kaur scored a run-a-ball 41 in India’s 245-9 in 89 balls including eight boundaries. Her 124-run eight batswomen hit double figures. Mignon de 50 overs in reply to South Africa’s 244 all out in its stand for the second wicket with opener Mona Preez top-scored for South Africa with 40. For final over. India was the pre-tournament Meshram (59) set up the successful run chase. India, Rajeshwari Gayakwad took three wickets favourite, followed by South Africa, in the 10- Meshram hit seven boundaries and a six. India and Shika Pandey two. — AP Australia renew rivalry with top dogs India CHRISTCHURCH: South Africa’s Farhaan Behardien kicks a ball during a practice ses- sion at Hagley Park, Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday. South Africa plays New PUNE: Steve Smith’s Australia have the chance of confrontation, has warned his teammates not to humbling at the hands of an unfancied Sri Lanka is Zealand in a one day cricket international here today. — AP halting India’s Test juggernaut in a series between wind up Kohli. “Virat Kohli is one of those players, if likely to weigh heavily on their minds. the world’s top two sides starting this week which you niggle at him, it either makes him better or if Much will depend on whether the spinners promises to be yet another feisty encounter you get under his skin, he’ll probably get even bet- Nathan Lyon and Steve O’Keefe can have an between the arch rivals. ter,” said Warner. Nevertheless, Smith wants his impact. They claimed four and three wickets India v Australia: After India stretched their unbeaten run to 19 players to get in the face of the Indians, telling respectively in the tourists’ only warm-up match in Tests this month, several former stars are even dar- reporters: “If they want to get into a battle verbally Mumbai are expected to play in Pune. five talking points ing to predict another whitewash against Australia then, if that gets the best out of them, go for it”. India are expected to stick with the line-up that who have a miserable recent record on the sub- Ever since Harbhajan was accused of calling comprehensively beat Bangladesh in Hyderabad NEW DELHI: Five talking points ahead of Indies, New Zealand and England during continent. Australia meanwhile have been unusual- Andrew Symonds a “monkey” in the 2008 Sydney earlier this month. the four-match series between the their unbeaten streak leading coach Anil ly respectful of their opponents in the build-up but Test, matches between the sides have never been world’s number one Test side India and Kumble to say his side have the potential Smith expects his team to greet India with a bar- far from boiling point. Harbhajan showed he has Squads second-ranked Australia which begins in to become the best ever. The hosts have rage of sledging when the contest begins in Pune lost none of his abililty to stir things up by dismiss- India: Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, Lokesh Pune tomorrow. won 15 of their last 19 matches but still tomorrow. “The guys are in a great frame of mind, ing the 2017 vintage as a pale comparison to its Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, have some way to go to be bracketed we’re ready to go. We’re pumped,” vice-captain predecessors. Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra LET’S GO SLEDGING with the best of all time: the dominant David Warner said after Australia drew a weekend Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Former Australia batsman Mike Hussey West Indies of the 1980s won 40 out of warm-up against India A. ‘WEAKEST EVER TOURISTS’ Yadav, Karun Nair, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, warned the visitors that winding up India 69 Tests, while Australia triumphed in 72 Australia have a chance of knocking India off “In my opinion, looking at the composition, this Abhinav Mukund, Hardik Pandya. captain Virat Kohli would only make him of 93 Tests from 1999 to 2007. the top of the Test rankings but Virat Kohli’s men is the weakest Australian side to tour India. I don’t Australia: Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, more dangerous but skipper Steve Smith have won their last six series and are overwhelm- think this team has the wherewithal to cope with a Ashton Agar, Jackson Bird, Peter Handscomb, Josh has given the green light for sledging. “It’s HOW TO TAME ing favourites to continue that run. quality Indian side in the Indian conditions. It can Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell all about us making sure that as individu- ‘BOWLING BRADMAN’ Australia’s last tour of India in 2013 under captain again be 4-0,” Harbhajan told the Press Trust of Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve O’Keefe, als we’re in the right mindset to go out Former captain Steve Waugh warned Michael Clarke was a disaster as they went down 4-0 India. The last series between the two sides ended Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell and succeed and if guys want to get in that Australia would only beat India if and four of the team were sent home after refusing in a 2-0 victory for Australia Down Under but their Swepson, Matthew Wade. — AFP those kind of battles then go for it,” they could tame the rampant to do homework set by coach Mickey Arthur. Team declared Smith in his first press confer- Ravichandran Ashwin, terming him “the spirit has recovered under Smith’s captaincy, but ence in India. No one, however, will want a Bradman of bowling”. It won’t be easy: they were thrashed 3-0 last year in Sri Lanka when Bangladesh recall Mustafizur repeat of the 2008 “Monkeygate” scandal the record-breaking spinner this month their shortcomings against spin were exposed along at Sydney which almost led to India’s tour became the fastest to claim 250 Test vic- with their lack of a match-winning slow bowler. for Sri Lanka Tests Down Under being called off. tims in his 45th match, surpassing While their former paceman Glenn McGrath used to Dennis Lillee’s 48-Test mark. And Ashwin be notorious for getting up the opposition’s nose by DHAKA: Bangladesh yesterday recalled their of the tour, which wraps up on April 6. The UNDERDOG AUSSIES DARE TO DREAM has dismissed no less than 61 batsmen forecasting clean sweeps, Australia have been get- left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in a 16- selectors also handed fast bowler Rubel Though ranked second in the world, in India’s last three series. ting a taste of their own medicine. man squad for the upcoming two-Test series in Hossain a recall after he was ignored for Australia will face a super-confident top- India’s ex-captain Sourav Ganguly has predicted Sri Lanka after his prolonged injury lay-off. The Bangladesh’s recent defeat in a one-off Test ranked India team who are unbeaten in STARC REALITY FOR KOHLI a 4-0 win for the hosts while veteran spinner 21-year-old has not played a Test since his against India, meaning there are five pacemen debut series against South Africa in 2015 after in the squad. “We think we would require an 19 Tests stetching across six consecutive ‘King’ Kohli will stride to the crease in Harbhajan Singh has called Smith’s team the weak- suffering a series of injuries. He underwent sur- extra pacer in testing conditions in Sri Lanka,” series wins. The visitors haven’t won a Pune as the world’s top-ranked batsman est ever Australian squad. gery on his shoulder last year. said chief selector Minhajul Abedin. Test in India since they took the 2004 and the first to score double hundreds in While he made a brief return to the limited- Opening batsman Imrul Kayes was not series 2-1 but that hasn’t stopped the four successive series. His duel with ‘BRADMAN OF BOWLING’ Indian confidence is largely founded on the overs side against New Zealand at the turn of named in the squad after he failed to recover underdogs dreaming of a massive upset. strike bowler Mitchell Starc is likely to be the year, he was not deemed fit enough to sufficiently from a thigh injury picked up in form of skipper Kohli who has hit four double cen- “We know that if we can pull something a key battle. withstand the rigours of a five-day Test match. India. But Abedin said he could be called up for turies since July. They also possess the current best off and win a series here, we will look “I think Starc is a brilliant bowler for Bangladesh are due to play two Tests against the second Test if he regains fitness. bowler in the world in Ravichandran Ashwin whom back in 10 to 20 years and it will be some the sub-continental conditions. He bowls the Sri Lankans-one in Galle from March 7-11 Squad: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Tamim Iqbal, of the best times of our lives,” said Smith. at a genuine pace, can swing the new McGrath’s old captain Steve Waugh recently brand- and another in the capital Colombo which Soumya Sarkar, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah ball and is an excellent exponent of ed the “Bradman of Bowling”, the ultimate compli- starts on March 15 and will be their 100th Test Riyad, Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Liton UNBEATABLE INDIA EYE GREATNESS reverse swing. I am sure he will challenge ment by an Australian. Kohli’s recent form has also match. They are then scheduled to play three Das, Taijul , Taskin Ahmed, Kamrul Islam, India have enjoyed comprehensive Kohli throughout the series,” Hussey told drawn comparisons with the late Donald Bradman, 50-over ODIs before facing off for two Mustafizur Rahman, Mehedi Hasan, Mosaddek series wins against South Africa, West the Press Trust of India. — AFP who averaged 99.94 in Tests, but never played in Twenty20 international matches at the tailend Hossain, Subashis Roy and Rubel Hossain. — AFP India. And Warner, not one to shirk from an onfield WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 SPORTS

TENNIS Kerber survives as leading seeds stumble in Dubai DUBAI: Former world number one “I’m happy about my performance, I was sets by France’s Kristina Mladenovic 6-2, 6-4. utes on court, retiring at 1-4 in the first set “Every time you walk, to kind of have a Angelique Kerber survived as three of the trying to play my game and focus on every Number three seed Dominika Cibulkova fell with a foot injury in her second round match pain there. It’s kind of (a) new one, honestly.” top five seeds were bundled out of the point, I felt strong,” Kerber said. victim to Ekaterina Makarova 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, against Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine. Fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska, the Dubai Tennis Championships yesterday. The German next plays Puerto Rico’s having also lost to the Russian in the The physio called it an ankle problem while 2012 tournament winner, beat Belgian Elise The top seed and winner of two Grand Monica Puig, whom she lost to in the Rio Melbourne third round. “It was a tough Muguruza insisted it was an Achilles tendon Mertens 6-3, 6-2 to progress to the third Slams in 2016 dispatched fellow German Olympic gold medal match last August. match again against Domi,” said Makarova. “I worry left over from last week in . round to help save some dignity for top Mona Bartel 6-4, 6-3 in a second-round “That match will be completely different,” started really good with aggressive tennis. “It’s not (the) ankle, that’s ridiculous. The five seeds. Elena Vesnina, seeded eight, match. World number two Kerber is battling Kerber said. “I will try to do my best against “Beating her at the (Australian) Open doctor said maybe it’s just inflammation. I beat Misaki Doi of Japan 6-2, 7-5 while to recover the WTA top ranking she claimed her.” Puig ousted 15th seed Caroline Garcia of helped a lot, I was believing more and I have to do an MRI,” Muguruza said. tenth seed Caroline Wozniacki stopped last September when winning the US Open, France 6-1, 4-6, 6-2. US Open finalist Karolina knew what to do, how to play, where to go.” “I don’t think it’s something big, but it’s Swiss Viktorija Golubic 6-4, 6-2 and Ana only to see Serena Williams reclaim it with Pliskova, last week’s Doha winner and the Roland Garros champion and fifth seed very irritated and it’s really bothering me Konjuh eliminated Australian 12th seed victory at last month’s Australian Open. second seed, was dumped out in straight Garbine Muguruza lasted less than 30 min- every time I have to run on the court. Samantha Stosur 6-4, 6-3. — AFP

SOCCER Incredible blasts Shanghai to victory

SEOUL: Brazilian forward Hulk blasted Shanghai REDS RUN RIOT SIPG to a 1-0 victory over FC Seoul but the big- Six minutes later Damjanovic tumbled in the spending Chinese giants needed to survive a box, earning a soft penalty and a second yellow penalty and a red card before winning their AFC card for -but the striker’s scuffed spot- Champions League opener yesterday. kick was easily saved by SIPG’s Yan Junling. Hulk’s rocket of a strike on 53 minutes got Earlier, Japan’s Urawa smashed four second- Andre Villas-Boas’s team off to a winning start in half goals past Western Sydney Wanderers to Group F, where they lie second on goal differ- open their campaign with a thumping win. ence after Urawa Red Diamonds’ 4-0 demolition Shinzo Koroki and Tadanari Lee struck within of Western Sydney Wanderers. In Group E, two minutes of each other before Tomoaki Kashima Antlers beat Ulsan Hyundai 2-0 and Makino and Rafael Silva also got on the score- Brisbane Roar were held to a 0-0 home draw by sheet as the Group F visitors ran riot in Sydney. ’s Muangthong United. SIPG have The result gives Urawa an early boost in their splashed out 60 million euros on Brazilian mid- campaign for a second Champions League fielder Oscar, among other buys, in their bid for crown, but dents the Wanderers’ chances of glory after they reached last year’s quarter-finals emulating their fairytale title run of 2014, when under Sven-Goran Eriksson. the club was just two years old. It was Lee who But a speculative effort from Hulk and anoth- prised open the home defence on 56 minutes, er shot way over the bar from the Brazilian were when his perfectly placed through-ball released the closest SIPG came in a tepid first half in front Koroki who finished smartly with the outside of of a noisy Seoul crowd. At the other end, Dejan his right boot. Damjanovic had a chance to finish off a sweep- Two minutes later and Urawa took a stran- ing move from the hosts but the Montenegrin glehold on the game, when the Wanderers’ striker shot tamely at goalkeeper Yoo Hyun from defenders failed to clear and stood watching close range. each other as Lee swept home the second goal. Oscar’s most significant moment of the first Urawa capitalised on yet more slack defend- half came when he petulantly raised his hand to ing when Makino, unmarked on the back post, Lee Sang-Ho’s throat and shoved the Seoul for- prodded home a loose ball from a corner on 68 ward, earning a yellow card. But the muscular minutes to make it 3-0. Hulk brought the game to life with a moment of And four minutes from time, Brazilian for- magic on 53 minutes, when he smashed a left- ward Silva was afforded plenty of space when he footed shot from well outside the box which raced clear and beat Janjetovic on his near post swerved into the top corner. from the edge of the box. — AFP

GLENDALE: Arizona Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) back checks Anaheim Ducks center Nate Thompson in the third period during an NHL hockey game, Monday, in Glendale, Ariz. Arizona defeated Anaheim 3-2. — AP

NHL Trocheck’s late goal lifts Panthers past Blues, 2-1

ST LOUIS: The Florida Panthers began their five- game road trip near the back of a crowded field NHL results/standings in the Eastern Conference playoff race. After sweeping the trip they’re near the top of the Atlantic Division. Arizona 3, Anaheim 2; Florida 2, St. Louis 1. KASHIMA: Kashima Antlers midfielder Mu Kanazaki (#33) heads the ball to score a Vincent Trocheck scored with just under 5 sec- Western Conference Eastern Conference goal against Ulsan Hyundai during the AFC Champions League group E football onds remaining to lift the Panthers to a 2-1 victo- Central Division Atlantic Division match between Kashima Antlers of Japan and Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea in ry over the St. Louis Blues on Monday night. “It felt 31 20 8 166 153 70 WL OTLGFGAPTS Kashima, Ibaraki prefecture, yesterday. — AFP like we won the Stanley cup for just a second,” Ottawa 31 20 6 156 152 68 Trochek said. “I think to do it with four seconds on Minnesota 39 13 6 195 133 84 Florida 28 20 10 149 162 66 the clock, we showed a lot of poise there in the Chicago 36 18 5 172 151 77 Boston 30 23 6 159 156 66 third period, even when they tied it up.” Jonathan St. Louis 31 24 5 170 173 67 Toronto 27 20 11 181 173 65 HK’s ‘Beef Ball’ takes Buffalo 26 24 10 147 168 62 Marchessault also scored and James Reimer Nashville 28 22 8 164 159 64 Tampa Bay 26 24 8 160 166 60 stopped 26 shots to help the Panthers complete a Winnipeg 28 29 5 180 194 61 Detroit 24 25 10 149 175 58 bite out of gender gap 5-0 road trip - their first perfect trip of at least that Dallas 23 27 10 165 193 56 Metropolitan Division many games in franchise history. Colorado 16 38 3 113 190 35 Washington 39 12 7 195 126 85 HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s Chan Yuen-ting will year award and a place in a BBC list of the Reimer has won five straight decisions and has Pacific Division Pittsburgh 36 14 8 204 165 80 Columbus 37 16 5 187 143 79 smash another hole through football’s glass ceil- world’s 100 most influential women. Eastern not lost in regulation since Jan. 7 against Boston, San Jose 35 18 7 166 144 77 going 6-0-1 since. The Panthers moved into a tie NY Rangers 38 19 1 196 152 77 ing when she makes history in the AFC then became Hong Kong’s first club to be hand- Edmonton 32 19 8 171 152 72 Champions League today-but it couldn’t be a ed an automatic berth in the Champions League with Boston for third place in the Atlantic NY Islanders 27 21 10 174 174 64 Philadelphia 28 24 7 154 179 63 tougher debut for the trailblazing female coach. group stage, thanks to the recent performances Division, but have the edge because they have a Anaheim 31 20 10 156 154 72 29 26 4 153 167 62 New Jersey 25 24 10 138 170 60 Chan, nicknamed “Beef Ball” and just 28 years of the city’s teams in AFC competitions. game in hand on the Bruins. “It’s a great group of Carolina 24 23 8 141 162 56 old, will etch her name in the record books as the Chan said Eastern would concentrate on players and everybody deserves it,” said Panthers Los Angeles 28 26 4 143 145 60 Note: losses (OTL) are worth one point in first woman worldwide to lead a professional defending on Wednesday-understandably, interim coach Tom Rowe, “It’s been a long season, Vancouver 26 28 6 142 172 58 the standings and are not included in the loss col- men’s team into continental competition, at the against a team which can call on the Brazilian it’s been a hard season and now everything is Arizona 21 30 7 140 183 49 umn (L) helm of Hong Kong’s Eastern. The game is not far firepower of Paulinho, and Alan. coming together but again we’ve got a long way from Hong Kong, in southern mainland China- to go. It’s going to be a dog fight until the end of but it is against Evergrande, the ‘I FORGET MY GENDER’ the season.” Kyle Brodziak, playing for the second Reimer for his seventh. Trocheck won it with his for Arizona, and starting goalie Mike Smith had 27 mega-rich “Manchester United of Asia” with two “We need to focus on defence, and especially time after missing 10 games due to a broken foot, team-leading 21st. St. Louis dominated the offen- saves before leaving about 4 1/2 minutes into the our discipline and attitude during the match,” scored for the Blues and Jake Allen finished with Chan said. “At this moment I don’t want to create sive action in the first period, outshooting Florida third period after a collision in the net. Marek 31 saves. St. Louis lost its second straight since extra pressure for myself and my players so we 12-8. The Panthers then outshot the Blues 25-15 Langhamer helped kill a power play after being just want to do our best and try to go as far as we winning six in a row. the rest of the way. pressed into action for his NHL debut and can.” Chan, whose nickname “Beef Ball” refers to “We had 30 seconds left to salvage a point in a St. Louis dropped to 7-3 under Mike Yeo and stopped seven of the eight shots he faced. her competitive spirit and is often chanted by game that we played not good,” Allen said. “Those remains third in the Central Division, three points The Coyotes have won four of their last six. Eastern’s fans, first caught the football bug when are huge points right now. Couldn’t end up with ahead of Nashville. The Blues don’t play again Langhamer gave up Ryan Getzlaf’s second she was 13 and had a crush on David Beckham. two points and it slipped away.” Marchessault until visiting Chicago on Sunday. goal of the night with 26.8 seconds to play, but She followed Manchester United games on TV opened the scoring when he beat Allen short side thwarted two quality shots in the final seconds. and her passion eventually led her into coaching, for his 17th goal of the season in the middle of COYOTES 3, DUCKS 2 Jonathan Bernier gave up three goals on six despite opposition from her parents. “On the the first period. Radim Vrbata capped Arizona’s three-goal first shots in the first period for the Ducks. John pitch I forget my gender as a woman. I just hope Brodziak tied about three minutes into the period and the Coyotes held on to beat Anaheim. Gibson came on to start the second and stopped to show my abilities,” Chan told AFP last year. “I second when he put Ryan Reaves’ rebound past Christian Dvorak and Jakob Chychrun also scored all 14 shots he faced. — AP think no matter your age or your gender, what you need is hard work.” Hong Kong Football Association chief execu- SOCCER tive Mark Sutcliffe said Chan had become a shining light for women involved in sport across the world. “We are proud that Hong Kong has Isco ready to walk out on Real provided an opportunity for a female coach to operate at the highest level,” Sutcliffe told AFP. MADRID: Spain international Isco will look to Manchester City his number one choice. of a player is very short,” he told BeIN sports. Chan Yuen-ting “I am sure she will act as an inspiration for women in sport across the world,” he said, leave Real Madrid in the summer after growing Isco scored a crucial goal in Real’s 3-1 at “I’m very happy here and I would like to Champions League titles and six straight domes- adding: “(But) let’s not kid ourselves - it’s going tired of a lack of first team opportunities with Osasuna on Feb. 11 but was left out of the stay for many more years. We’ll take a deci- tic trophies to their name. But for Chan, who last to be very, very tough.” Evergrande will be gun- the European champions, Spanish media team in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Napoli in sion at the end of the season, because my year became the first female coach to win a top- ning for their third Champions League title in reported yesterday. Europe’s elite competition. future is at stake.” Isco became one of Spain’s flight men’s league, it will be an honour to face five years, and as an added incentive real-estate Spanish sports daily reported that He is ranked 15th in the squad for the num- hottest prospects in his second season with Evergrande and their World Cup-winning manag- billionaire club chairman Hui Kayan has offered the midfielder, who cast doubt on his future at ber of minutes played this season and rarely Malaga as he inspired his local team’s march er, Brazil’s Luiz Felipe Scolari. “I never imagined or a 300 million yuan ($43.68 million) bonus per the club on Saturday, is unhappy with his role starts when coach Zinedine Zidane has a full to the quarter-finals of the 2012/13 expected this could happen but now we’re going win in the tournament. in the team this campaign, citing information squad available. The Spaniard, however, played Champions League. to play against him so I feel excited and I’m look- But whatever the result on Wednesday, the coming from the player’s representatives. a starring role in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over He joined Real for a reported 30 million ing forward to meeting him,” she told the Asian debut of Chan and Eastern will remain a signifi- Isco has started 11 of 21 games in Espanyol on Saturday, setting up goalscorers euros in July 2013, winning two Champions Football Confederation (AFC) website. cant moment for women in football, and for the and only one in the Champions League. Marca Alvaro Morata and Gareth Bale, but after the Leagues and the King’s Cup. Last April his for- “All I need to do is focus on our team and sport in Asia. “It is a ground-breaking moment reported the 24-year-old was also unhappy game said he was uncertain whether he would mer coach at Malaga, Manuel Pellegrini, told concentrate on the work that we are for football in Asia, for the women’s game and for with Real Madrid’s offer of an improved salary remain at the club beyond the summer. Marca that Isco had been on the verge of join- doing.”Chan’s ground-breaking 2016 Hong Kong the global game,” said AFC president Sheikh in negotiations to renew his contract and that “I’m calm but I’m concerned about the num- ing him at City before he finally opted to move title with Eastern made headlines around the Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa. “The world will be he wants to move to the Premier League, with ber of minutes I am playing because the career to the Spanish giants. — Reuters globe, and earned her the AFC’s coach of the watching.” — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 SPORTS Pie-eating Sutton goalkeeper quits club in tears

LONDON: The Sutton United goalkeeper Sutton manager Paul Doswell Shaw, 46, who weighs 20 stone, was logo also appeared on Sutton’s shirts. gence director at the Gambling filmed eating a pie while on the substi- announced Shaw’s fate on live television: caught on camera tucking into the pie “I thought I would give them a bit of Commission. “We’ll be looking into any tutes bench during his side’s 2-0 FA Cup “This decision was taken at board level,” minutes from the end of Monday’s game banter,” he said. “It was meat and potato.” irregularity in the betting market and defeat by Arsenal quit the club in tears he said. “We felt we had to take very against Sutton, who were trailing 2-0 hav- Shaw denied he had placed a bet himself, establishing whether the operator has met yesterday after admitting a “costly error of strong actions. The chairman spoke to ing used their regulation three substitutes. but as his pie-eating antics made head- its licence requirement to conduct its busi- judgment”, Sutton’s manager said. him this afternoon and Wayne offered his The keeper had featured on promotion lines in Britain and beyond it became clear ness with integrity.” Wayne Shaw resigned within hours of resignation.” materials during the non-league club’s sur- the stunt had gone badly wrong. Later yesterday the FA announced its the Gambling Commission and the “I’m devastated, the chairman is devas- prise FA Cup run after revealing that he Yesterday morning the Gambling own investigation into the behaviour of Football Association announcing investi- tated. I have spoken to Wayne and the guy played in the same youth team as former Commission, the regulatory body that Shaw, Sutton’s reserve goalkeeper. gations into his actions after it emerged is in tears, crying down the phone. It is a England striker Alan Shearer. oversees British gambling, announced its “We are investigating to establish that a betting company had offered odds very sad situation.” The news capped a sur- Shaw admitted knowing about the inquiry. whether there has been any breach of The against any Sutton player tucking into a real few hours in the history of the world’s wager offered by Sun Bets, the online bet- “Integrity in sport is not a joke,” said FA rules relating to betting,” a spokesman pie during the televised game. oldest cup competition. ting branch of The Sun newspaper whose Richard Watson, enforcement and intelli- said. — Reuters

PREVIEW Potent new Juventus face Porto acid test

MILAN: A potent new attacking formation that has sent Gonzalo Higuain towards another top scorer’s award faces the acid test today when Juventus take on Porto away in the last 16 of the Champions League. Juventus, beaten 3-1 by Barcelona in the 2015 final, are en route to a record sixth Serie A crown and remain many pundits’ favourites to challenge the likes of Real Madrid for the tro- phy in Cardiff next May. Massimiliano Allegri’s Serie A league leaders head to Porto’s Estadio do Dragao as favourites, but aware that they also ended Roma’s hopes of even qualifying for the com- petition in clinical fashion last summer. “Juventus are a top side who have made it to the final of the Champions League recently, so they will be a challenge for us,” Porto presi- dent Pinto da Costa was quoted as saying in Corriere dello Sport. “But Roma were also favourites against us, and in the end we won 3-0.” Allegri’s decision to ditch his tried and trust- ed 3-5-2 for a more attack-minded 4-2-3-1 has seen Higuain, thanks to support from Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic, pull level with Roma’s Edin Dzeko at the top of the Serie A charts on 19 goals so far. But while the Juventus front line is firing on all cylinders, Porto have reason to be targeting a makeshift Juve defence that could be miss- ing key components in Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini. Both remain doubtful due to recent injury niggles, meaning either Daniele Rugani or Mehdi Benatia could partner Leonardo Bonucci KUWAIT: The victorious Kuwait SC team with the Amir Cup after beating Kazma SC 4-2 yesterday. in central defence. Allegri’s switch to a flat back four means Stephan Lichtsteiner, Dani Alves, Kwadwo Kuwait SC clinch prestigious Amir Cup Asamoah and Alex Sandro-who are all adept as wingbacks in a five-man midfeld-are all avail- able for the left and right-back positions. Amir congratulates Kuwait SC for winning football cup On Friday Allegri said: “Unless some strange things happen in the meantime, we will deploy a 4-2-3-1 in .” KUWAIT: Under the patronage of His upon his arrival at Sheikh Jaber Stadium by Both Rugani and Lichtsteiner were com- Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Minister of Commerce and Industry and pletely rested for Friday’s 4-1 win over Palermo, Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and attendance of His Acting Minister of State for Youth Khaled Al- in which Dybala hit a brace and Higuain hit Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Roudhan, Director General of the Public one. Mario Mandzukic was also completely Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Authority for Sport Sheikh Ahmad Mansour rested, suggesting he is a definite starter on Kuwait and Kazma sporting clubs played the Al-Sabah, chairman of the interim committee Wednesday. final game of HH the Amir’s Cup. HH the Amir running Kuwait Football Association Fawaz Allegri’s two holding midfielders are likely Sheikh Sabah congratulated the Chairman of Al-Hasawi, chairman of the interim commit- to be Miralem Pjanic, the side’s free-kick spe- Kuwait SC Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq after his tee running Kuwait Olympic Committee cialist, and Germany midfielder Sami Khedira. team won the Cup for the 2016-17 season. Sheikh Fahad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, and chair- Italy international Claudio Marchisio, also on Kuwait beat Kazma 4-2 in the final that men of the two clubs. target against Palermo, is expected to start on was held at Sheikh Jaber International The final game was also attended by par- the bench. Porto might not be considered Stadium. HH the Amir commended the per- liament speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, title winners, but Bonucci has done his home- formance of the two teams and the high spirit Sheikh Faisal Al-Saud Al-Sabah, HH Sheikh work. “Maybe Porto aren’t among the shown by the players throughout the clash. Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, favourites for the quarter-finals, but we will be HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber, minis- giving them maximum respect,” the Italy Sheikh Nawaf also sent a cable to Marzouq to ters, senior state officials, and commanders defender told uefa.com. congratulate him on the victory of his team. of the army, police, national guard and fire “They went through a difficult period at the HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- department. At the end of the match HH the Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent a similar Deputy Amir and Crown Prince handed the season but they’ve come bouncing right back KUWAIT: Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah hand- cable. Earlier, HH Sheikh Nawaf was received cup to Kuwait SC. — KUNA in impressive fashion. They have some great ing over the cup to Kuwait SC captain Hussain Hakim. — KUNA photos young players and they’ll will playing with the mentality that they nothing to lose. Pressure on Ranieri “If we want to stay in Europe, we’ll need a Buffon and Casillas great performance on the night.” Porto have hit inevitable: Sampaoli 14 league goals in their past five league games, all wins, and former Portugal defender Jorge SEVILLE: Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli believes Claudio Andrade, who played for both clubs, says scor- to resume rivalry Ranieri’s position as Leicester City boss will undoubt- ing an away goal will be crucial for the Italians. edly come under pressure unless results drastically “The most important thing for Juventus will ROME: It will be a meeting of goalkeep- Casillas’ Spain has had the better record with we’ve often played against each other. I improve, despite his remarkable success last season. be to be vigilant in Oporto, and to score a goal,” ing greats when Gianluigi Buffon faces three victories to only one for Buffon’s Italy - think Italian football won’t have another Leicester travel to face Sevilla in the first leg of their he told Tuttojuve.com. old rival today in the including Spain’s penalty shootout win in goalkeeper like him.” Champions League last 16 tie today mired in a relega- “In Portugal people can’t wait for this Champions League. the quarterfinals of the 2008 European The similarities between Casillas and tion battle just a year after miraculously defying the match. Don’t forget that Porto have won the And while both players may be reaching Championship and Spain’s victory in the Buffon don’t end on the field. Both goal- odds to win the Premier League. competition twice. Their key player will be the end of their careers, Buffon and Casillas Euro 2012 final. keepers have female partners who are “Now no one talks about the team that won the (Tiquinho) Soares.” each still have something to prove in their In club-level meetings, the goalkeepers sports journalists. league in an incredible and historic way, but of the Soares has hit four goals in three games 17th career meeting - this time in a match have three wins apiece but Buffon’s Juventus Casillas famously kissed Sara Carbonero present when they are not playing well and fighting since joining Porto last month and will be look- between Juventus and FC Porto. has prevailed in all three knockout ties - during a live interview after winning the against relegation,” Sampaoli said on Tuesday. ing to make his mark in a game featuring two The 39-year-old Buffon has won virtually including the 2003 and 2015 Champions 2010 World Cup and the couple was mar- “Common sense would say that someone who legendary goalkeepers in Iker Casillas and everything except for the Champions League semifinals. ried a year ago. achieved so much from a team with so little can turn Gianluigi Buffon. — AFP League - finishing runner-up twice, in 2003 “I am lucky enough to be three years Buffon has a son with Sky Sports studio the situation around, but time waits for no one, not and 2015, with Juventus. younger than Gigi. I was 14 when I started host Ilaria D’Amico, who still addresses even someone as good as Ranieri who won the The 35-year-old Casillas has won every- and he was 18,” Casillas said. “I was able to Buffon by his last name in interviews. Premier League.” thing - including three Champions League see and appreciate his style and personali- Both players also have the same number By contrast, Sevilla are flying in third in La Liga Matches on TV titles - but is looking to regain his spot on ty. As I grew up, I looked up to him and of appearances for their national teams - behind only Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, Spain’s national team and prove his former then we evolved together and we’ve had 167. Any way you look at it, they are two of Sampaoli warned his side against over confidence giv- (Local Timings) club, Real Madrid, wrong for casting him similar careers. We’ve both won a lot and soccer’s greatest. —AP en Leicester won their group earlier in the campaign in aside two years ago. their debut season in the Champions League. SPANISH LEAGUE PRIMERA “Every player knows it takes time to get And the Argentine also highlighted a 4-2 win over Valencia v Real Madrid 20:45 used to a new city, new surroundings and a Manchester City in December as a warning that beIN SPORTS 3 HD new way of life,” Casillas told UEFA.com. “Of Leicester are still capable of raising their game on the course when you’ve spent so long in the big occasion. “They went through comprehensively as ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE same place, as was the case for me, it’s winners of their group and in a tie of two games they Bristol City v Fulham 23:00 strange to experience a change of scenery. will be a very tough test for us,” added Sampaoli. beIN SPORTS Maybe I didn’t reach the level I wanted last Leicester striker Jamie Vardy scored a hat-trick in year, I didn’t feel completely comfortable. that victory over City, but the England international UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE “I haven’t been called up to the Spain hasn’t netted in nine games since. However, Sampaoli Sevilla v Leicester 22:45 squad, so I’ve had more time to focus on believes he still poses the major threat to Sevilla’s beIN SPORTS 2 HD my club,” Casillas added. “I’ve noticed the chances of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time Porto v Juventus 22:45 effect. First you need to be settled at your in the Champions League era. beIN SPORTS 1 HD club and then, who knows what might hap- “Vardy was decisive last year and his lack of goals pen?” Whatever the result in the first leg, explains Leicester’s current problems. When Vardy UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE Casillas and Buffon will continue to have starts scoring we will once again see the Leicester that Saint Etienne v Manchester United 20:00 mutual respect for each other. The pair are extremely dangerous.” Leicester’s disastrous form beIN SPORTS 6 HD engaged in an entertaining exchange on continued with an embarrassing 1-0 defeat to third tier Fenerbahce v Krasnodar 20:00 Twitter recently, with Casillas asking Buffon, Millwall in the FA Cup on Saturday. beIN SPORTS 7 HD “What do you think? For me you the best!!” However, Ranieri is set to recall a host of first team Schalke v PAOK 20:00 To which Buffon responded, “I don’t choose. PORTO: Juventus’ goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon gives a press conference at the regulars after making 10 changes with the likes of beIN SPORTS 5 HD We are the best,” adding a smiley face. Dragao stadium in Porto yesterday, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Vardy and Riyad Mahrez set to return. — AFP In their eight national team meetings, football match FC Porto vs Juventus FC. — AFP India wins Kuwait Sporting Women’s WCup Club clinch qualifying17 final prestigious19 Amir Cup WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017

HK’s ‘Beef Ball’ takes bite out of gender gap Page 18

MANCHESTER: Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, right, scores his side’s third goal during the Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Manchester City and Monaco at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, yesterday. — AP Aguero stars as Man City sink Monaco in thriller

MANCHESTER: Sergio Aguero starred as But Aguero’s doggedness allowed them out of the return leg, but he came close to Bernardo Silva and crossing for Falcao to net but the Colombian’s weak spot-kick was Manchester City beat Monaco 5-3 in a to haul themselves back into the game, putting Monaco ahead with a header from a with a flying header. comfortably saved by Caballero. breathless and dizzyingly end-to-end abetted by Falcao’s failure to convert a corner. It was City, though, who went in Moments later came a contentious City levelled eight minutes later courtesy Champions League last 16 first-leg penalty early in the second period. Having front in the 26th minute. Sane lit the fuse, moment as Aguero nudged the ball past of a howler from Subasic, who allowed encounter at a rocking Etihad Stadium yes- recently lost his place in the team to dancing away from three players on the City Danijel Subasic and went to ground, only to Aguero’s shot to go right through him at his terday. Raheem Sterling put City ahead, Gabriel Jesus, only to regain it after the left and exchanging passes with David Silva be booked for diving. On the touchline, near post after a storming run down the only for Kylian Mbappe to level and Brazilian broke his foot, it was a personal before crossing for Sterling to slide home Guardiola reacted furiously, angrily gesticu- right from Sterling. But the momentum Radamel Falcao to score twice-the second triumph for Aguero, who departed to a from close range. But within six minutes lating at fourth official Teodoro Sobrino, but swang back Monaco’s way just three min- goal a magnificent chip-as Leonardo standing ovation. Monaco were level as Guardiola’s goalkeep- there was worse to come. City had all the utes later when Falcao shrugged off Stones Jardim’s side moved into a 3-2 lead. Mbappe took Valere Germain’s place ing problems came back to bite him. time in the world to organise themselves and then lofted an exquisite right-foot chip But City struck three times in the last 19 alongside Falcao in Monaco’s starting XI and when Monaco won a free-kick on halfway, over Caballero from just 15 yards. minutes, through Aguero’s second goal, the 18-year-old in the flourescent orange FALCAO SQUANDERS PENALTY but Fabinho was still allowed to find After Sterling had seen a penalty appeal John Stones and Leroy Sane, to put Pep boots immediately caught the eye. He He had restored Caballero to his line-up, Mbappe, who steadied himself before fin- turned away following a robust challenge Guardiola’s men in charge ahead of the looked to run at City’s defence at every having fielded Claudio Bravo in the FA Cup ishing coolly. by Benjamin Mendy, Aguero levelled again, return leg on March 15. opportunity, at one point leaving Nicolas at Huddersfield Town on Saturday, but the It might easily have been 3-1 by the volleying in smartly from Silva’s right-wing For a long time it looked likely to be a Otamendi for dead twice in five seconds Argentine’s wayward kicking gave City jit- interval, with Mbappe and Falcao both corner. The momentum was City’s and after scarring night for City, who reached the before setting up Benjamin Mendy, who ters all evening. going close either side of the former’s goal. Stones had put them ahead in the 77th semi-finals last season, as a succession of was thwarted by Willy Caballero. Kamil It was his loose, lofted clearance that gift- Monaco looked poised to extend their minute, jabbing in at a corner, Silva’s dinked calamitous defensive errors allowed Glik’s evening got off to a bad start when he ed possession to Fabinho prior to Monaco’s lead five minutes into the second half when pass enabled Aguero to set up Sane to set Monaco to take control. was booked for taking out Sane, ruling him leveller, the Brazilian playing a one-two with Otamendi was penalised for fouling Falcao, the seal on an extraordinary match. — AFP Atletico ease past Leverkusen 4-2 to take control of tie LEVERKUSEN: Atletico Madrid beat hosts Bayer seeing his subsequent clearance bounce off his keeper’s Leverkusen 4-2 in a topsy-turvy encounter yesterday to crossbar. take a firm handle on their Champions League round-of- Niguez did better in the 17th minute, charging down 16 tie ahead of the return leg in Spain next month. Two the right and curling his shot past Leno after it took a lethal counter-attacks in the opening 25 minutes put the slight deflection off Aleksandar Dragovic. 2014 and 2016 finalists in the driving seat, with Saul Griezmann then doubled the score after the hapless Niguez and Antoine Griezmann on target, and give them Dragovic fluffed his clearance and sent the ball into the the edge for a quarter-final spot for the ninth time. path of Gameiro who picked out the onrushing Leverkusen, who struggled to contain the hard- Frenchman to sweep in. charging Spaniards for more than an hour, cut the deficit Leverkusen played completely into Atletico’s before Atletico’s Kevin Gameiro scored with a spot kick hands with their high defensive line, for the first time and Stefan Savic’s own goal set up a nervous finale. in the competition conceding goals in the opening Fernando Torres ended any speculation with his goal in 30 minutes. the 87th minute as the Germans suffered their first Griezmann should have added another in the 34th home loss in Europe after a 10-match unbeaten run. when Gameiro again sent him through but Leno stood They are at risk of missing out on the last eight for his ground and the hosts cut the deficit four minutes the fifth time with Atletico taking revenge for a 1-0 loss after the restart with Karim Bellarabi from inside the at the same stage last season. The Bundesliga club, box. But their hopes were short-lived as Dragovic finalists in 2002 before the introduction of the round of capped his nightmarish performance by giving away a 16, have never gone past this stage on four previous penalty after bringing down Gameiro. attempts. Savic’s own goal put Leverkusen back in the game They were supposed to be dangerous on the break but despite constant pressure they failed to carve LEVERKUSEN: Leverkusen’s Javier Hernandez, right, shoots on the goal past Atletico’s Saul Niguez during the but it was Atletico who came close early on with keeper out an equaliser before substitute Torres finished Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid in Bernd Leno stopping a Griezmann effort and Wendell them off. — Reuters Leverkusen, Germany, yesterday. —AP CREC opens the Lobby project at Symphony Style Mall Page 25

Renault Al-Babtain continues Business 'Hala Feb' 2017 sponsorship Page 26 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 HTC unveils new series HTC Sinochem may sell 40% stake in Brazil oilfield U Ultra, HTC U Play

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PARIS: This file photo taken on February 27, 2016 in Paris shows cows during the opening day of the ‘Salon de l’Agriculture’ (Agriculture Fair). The upcoming French presidential elections candidates who will visit the France’s annual farm fair kicking off on February 25, 2017 will meet farmers facing ruin, anger and discouragement. — AFP HSBC profits plunge on huge writedowns Bank navigates political storms, restructuring costs

LONDON: HSBC profits plunged last year on huge write- Looking ahead, he highlighted "the threat of populism that "current contingency planning suggests we may need downs and restructuring charges, the banking titan said impacting policy choices in upcoming European elections, to relocate some 1,000 roles from London to Paris progres- yesterday, warning of uncertainty over Brexit and Donald possible protectionist measures from the new US adminis- sively over the next two years, depending on how negotia- Trump's economic policies. tration impacting global trade... (and) uncertainties facing tions develop". Chief executive Stuart Gulliver later told The London-headquartered bank with a focus on Asia the UK and the EU as they enter Brexit negotiations". reporters that half the jobs facing a switch across the said net profit tumbled to $1.29 billion (1.22 billion euros) Flint said the bank was looking for worldwide agree- Channel would be held by French nationals. in 2016, down 90 percent on a year earlier. Profit before tax ment on financial rules to avoid possible "fragmentation in The bank also said the process to find a successor to stood at $7.1 billion, down 62 percent after HSBC slashed the global regulatory architecture as the new US adminis- Flint in 2017 "remains on track". Like most global banks, the value of its private banking activity in Europe by $3.2 tration reconsiders its participation in international regula- HSBC has been struggling to boost profits as it grapples billion over an acquisition made in 1999. tory forums". Trump wants to dismantle some of the restric- with the uncertainty thrown up by Britain's looming exit HSBC was hit also by restructuring costs of $3.1 billion tions on banks put in place after the 2008 financial crisis, from the EU. British Prime Minister Theresa May has indicat- following its announcement in 2015 to cut 50,000 jobs and rules his Republican Party says have hampered Wall Street's ed a willingness to give up access to the European single exit non-core markets. The bank also took a charge of $1.8 ability to make money. Observers worry that any such market as the price for getting control over immigration. billion following a change to its debt value. "Investors' move to loosen controls could leave European and Asian- Companies like HSBC that have large operations in London reactions to HSBC's full year results only intensified as the based banks at a disadvantage compared to their US coun- are worried that such a settlement would present them day went on, Britain's biggest bank seeing its losses HSBC bank logo is seen on a sign outside a branch of the terparts. Reacting to HSBC's results statement, Dickie with difficulties accessing the huge market of the EU. expand following news of a 62 percent slide in annual prof- bank in central London yesterday. —AFP Wong, director of research at Kingston Securities, said that "Despite an underwhelming set of full year results, it," said Connor Campbell, analyst at Spreadex trading in regards to "the (US) interest rate environment and HSBC is making progress in de-risking and restructuring, group. Shares in the bank tumbled to trade down 6.7 per- the regulatory statement, HSBC chairman Douglas Flint Donald Trump's policies-no one knows what will happen". and ultimately the bank's focus on the Far East could be its cent, topping the loser's board around midday on said the political sea-changes that had rocked the trump card if the Chinese economy starts to fire on all London's benchmark FTSE 100 index. world in 2016 had contributed to "volatile financial 'Still on track' cylinders," said Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at stockbrokers HSBC had closed down 5.0 percent in Hong Kong. In market conditions". On the impact of Brexit, Flint reaffirmed earlier reports Hargreaves Lansdown. — AFP

Verizon, Yahoo agree to AUB net profit surges lowered $4.48bn deal by 6.2% to $570.6 million SAN FRANCISCO: Verizon Communications Inc said yesterday it would buy Yahoo Inc's core business for $4.48 billion, lowering its orig- inal offer by $350 million in the wake of two massive cyberattacks at KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank BSC (AUB) reported a net million (2015: $1,091.9 million). The intelligent cost AUB's well-managed business model based on diversifi- the internet company. The closing of the deal, which was first profit attributable to its equity shareholders of $570.6 spend discipline instilled across all AUB Group units was cation, targeting of cross border flows and selective announced in July, had been delayed as the companies assessed the million for the year 2016, representing a growth of 6.2 sustained resulting in an improvement of the cost growth initiatives to increase operating income that con- fallout from the data breaches that Yahoo disclosed last year. percent compared to a net profit of $537.2 million in income ratio to 27.8 percent (2015: 28.3 percent). tinue to serve AUB well. The No 1 US wireless carrier had been trying to persuade Yahoo to 2015. The net profit in Q4/2016 was $128.5 million as The non-performing loan ratio was contained at During the year, AUB succeeded in expanding its amend the terms of the agreement following the attacks. The deal will compared to $118.0 million in Q4/2015. 2.3 percent as at 31 December 2016 while maintain- geographic reach by opening its fully owned sub- combine Yahoo's search, email and messenger assets as well as adver- Despite the continuing ing a very solid specific provision coverage ratio of sidiary Ahli United Bank Limited (AUBL) in Dubai tising technology tools with Verizon's AOL unit. general weakness in the 84.9 percent (31 December 2015: 84.6 percent). The International Financial Centre (DIFC), UAE. This launch Verizon has been looking to mobile video and advertising for new regional and global total provision coverage ratio was 155.6 percent enables AUB to offer corporate banking, private bank- sources of revenue outside the oversaturated wireless market. The economies, the positive (2015: 181.9 percent). ing, wealth management, trade finance, treasury and companies said on Tuesday they expect the deal to close in the second operating results of AUB Overall Return on Average Equity (ROAE) increased cross-border financial products and services to its quarter. Verizon's shares rose 0.6 percent to $49.50 in early trading, were underpinned by pru- to 15.7 percent (2015: 15.6 percent) while the Return on clients based in the UAE as well as in the wider while Yahoo's shares were up 0.3 percent at $45.25. dent risk taking, effective Average Assets (ROAA) increased to 1.8 percent (2015: Middle East region. All these products and services Under the amended terms, Yahoo and Verizon will split cash liabili- asset and liability manage- 1.7 percent). are available on a conventional as well as on a Shari'a ties related to some government investigations and third-party litiga- ment and judicious cost con- The resultant basic earnings per share were US cents compliant basis through AUBL. The launch of AUBL trols. Net interest income 8.0 for the year ended 31 December 2016 (2015: US represents an important addition to the AUB Group tion related to the breaches. Yahoo, however, will continue to be (NII) grew by 1.7 percent cents 7.7). Given the satisfactory results for the year, the and a key step forward in pursuing its defined strate- responsible for liabilities from shareholder lawsuits and SEC investiga- from $814.7 million to Board of Directors has recommended distribution com- gy of targeted regional expansion, with emphasis on tions. "The amended terms of the agreement provide a fair and favor- $828.2 million. The NII prising a cash dividend of US cents 4.5 per share (2015: increasing cross border business flows. In December able outcome for shareholders," Marni Walden, head of product inno- US cents 4.5) together with a bonus ordinary share issue 2016, AUB received for the second time the "Bank of vation and new business at Verizon, said in a statement. AUB Chairman increase was achieved of 10 percent (2015: 5 percent). the Year, Middle East" award from the UK based The Yahoo said in December that it had uncovered a massive cyberat- Hamad Al-Humaidhi through a prudent re- deployment of funds within Hamad Al-Humaidhi, AUB Chairman, commented: Banker magazine. " tack, where data from more than 1 billion user accounts was compro- a conservative and diversified risk framework. Fees, "Despite the economic and security challenges faced in "While operating challenges remain strong, AUB mised in August 2013, making it the largest breach in history. This fol- commissions & other income grew by 9.7 percent (+ its operating markets, AUB continued its robust perform- looks forward to 2017 with focused plans and objectives lowed the company's disclosure in September that at least 500 million US$ 15.4 million) to $173.3 million. As a result, total ance in 2016 maintaining growth in core earnings and to advance our regional strategy in a balanced and pru- accounts were affected in another breach in 2014. — Reuters operating income grew by 5.2 percent to reach $1,149.0 operating net profit. The 2016 result is a testament to dent manner," added Al-Humaidhi. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 BUSINESS Sinochem may sell 40% stake in Brazil oilfield China giant looks to rejig energy assets amid low oil price

SINGAPORE/NEW DELHI/BEIJING: China’s potential stake sale, he said. Earlier this month, er selling once-prized assets. Earlier this week, Sinochem is exploring the sale of its 40 per- Reuters reported Sinochem was in early talks to Reuters reported Malaysian state-owned oil and cent stake in Brazil’s Peregrino offshore oilfield, buy a stake in Singapore-listed commodity trad- gas firm Petronas is aiming to sell a large minor- four people familiar with the matter told er Noble Group, a move that would further its ity stake in a local gas project for up to $1 bil- Reuters, a deal that could see the state-owned ambitions to become more active in global ener- lion as it seeks to raise cash and cut develop- conglomerate walk away from what was once gy trade and also develop China’s gas industry. ment costs. touted as a key overseas asset because of his- The process to sell the Brazilian stake is still at For its part, Sinochem has seen growth in its torically low oil prices. an early stage and a final decision would depend key oil trading business stagnate, with increasing The oil and chemicals firm agreed to buy the on how the negotiations progress, the people domestic competition from the likes of state oil stake from Norway’s Statoil for $3.07 billion in familiar with the matter said. They spoke on con- traders Unipec and Chinaoil, while overseas oil LANDOVER: This file photo taken on December 31, 2014 shows a Walmart store in 2010 - beating out a raft of Chinese rivals chasing dition of anonymity because they were not and gas assets have struggled amid the pro- Landover, Maryland. Wal-Mart Stores yesterday. —AFP high-quality assets. The Norwegian giant owns authorized to discuss it publicly. longed low oil prices. “Sinochem is readjusting its the other 60 percent of Peregrino, the largest Statoil declined to comment and Sinochem energy asset structure,” said a Beijing-based Wal-Mart earnings fall, heavy oilfield it operates outside its home patch. did not respond to requests for comment from industry veteran familiar with the company’s But two of the people with knowledge of the Reuters. Two sources said Sinochem’s intent to strategy. “As a medium- to small-sized oil produc- matter said Sinochem is moving to sell its largest sell the stake has been shared with India’s Oil and er, exposure to higher cost assets like deep water but online sales surge overseas upstream stake - with capacity to pump Natural Gas Corporation . ONGC did not respond has become over-challenging.” 100,000 barrels a day - as it reshapes its assets to to requests for comments. “The company sees itself more as an asset NEW YORK: Wal-Mart’s fourth-quarter attract younger and more affluent cus- reflect oil prices having halved in the last two One person said the stake is also likely to be manager. This becomes a clearer direction under earnings fell nearly 18 percent as the tomers. And it just announced that it had and a half years. With that in mind, one person pitched to other international buyers, including the new management,” the industry executive world’s largest retailer was hurt by its bought the outdoor and gear seller said, Sinochem was pitching the sale at a big dis- some Japanese firms and Kuwait Foreign said, referring to Sinochem chairman Ning investments in e-commerce and stores. Moosejaw for $51 million as it expands its count to its purchase price. Petroleum Exploration Company, which snapped Gaoning who took over the helm last year. The But Wal-Mart saw its US business accel- online product selections. Moving closer “Peregrino has been a success story for Statoil, up Royal Dutch Shell’s stake in Thailand’s potential sale of the Peregrino stake also comes erate - both in customer counts and for a to the terms of ’s powerhouse not just technically but also financially. It pro- Bongkot gas field for $900 million last month. ahead of the second phase of the project’s devel- key sales metric - during the period that Prime program, Wal-Mart is now offering vides a lot of value and has a good operator in opment, expected to cost about $3.5 billion with covers the critical holiday shopping sea- free two-day shipping on online orders of Statoil,” said Horacio Cuenca, Rio de Janeiro- Sinochem - Asset Manager production from the new phase set to start by son. It also enjoyed a surging global e- its most popular items with a minimum based research director for upstream Latin The potential sale of the stake in Peregrino - the end of the decade. commerce business. The company also purchase order of $35. Amazon Prime still America at energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie. located 85 km off Brazil in the Campos basin The second phase is designed to add about said yesterday that it is raising its dividend. costs $99 a year, but comes with services Long term expectations of oil prices, however, below about 100 metres of water - comes as oil 250 million barrels in recoverable reserves to Shares rose in pre-market trading. like streaming music and video. and capital expenditure required in the next two prices hover in a mid-$50s per barrel range, well Peregrino, which currently contains an estimated Wal-Mart, like other traditional retailers, Wal-Mart had also said it planned to to three years to develop the second phase of below the highs of recent years. That trend has reserve of between 300 million and 600 million has been trying to improve its online oper- slow its new store openings and pour production will determine the value of any also prompted other industry players to consid- barrels of recoverable oil. — Reuters ations to be a stronger challenger to money into its online efforts, technology online leader Amazon.com. The holiday and store remodels. Global e-commerce shopping season was challenging for sales grew 29 percent in the quarter, up many retailers, underscoring the changes from 20.6 percent in the prior period. Wal- brick-and-mortar stores need to make. But Mart said it’s working to accelerate the S Africa grants Barclays Africa Wal-Mart’s results show that it’s been able integration between Wal-Mart and make inroads. Jet.com, and trying to take advantage of “We’re moving with speed to become its scale in areas like shipping and sharing immunity in FX rigging probe more of a digital enterprise and better its product selection. Wal-Mart last year serve our customers,” Doug McMillon, CEO also raised its stake in JD.com, China’s No 2 of Wal-Mart Stores Inc, said in a statement. e-commerce site. But online sales still only CAPE TOWN: South Africa’s Competition Barclays Africa Group, the regional subsidiary the South African regulator’s report on its investi- Still, Wal-Mart and others also face new account for a fraction of its total. Commission has granted Barclays Africa condi- of Barclays Plc which includes the South African gation that has been referred to the Competition challenges, as shoppers face uncertainty Besides melding its online and store tional immunity from prosecution in return for bank Absa, did not immediately respond to a Tribunal, which holds hearings on antitrust mat- about health care and other issues under businesses so shoppers can jump back and its continuing cooperation in the rand curren- request for comment. ters before giving a ruling. Bonakele said the President Donald Trump. Wal-Mart and forth, Wal-Mart is has launched changes cy trading probe, the head of the Commission On Monday the Commission said that the Commission was seeking a maximum penalty other retailers are fighting a Republican designed to make its stores cleaner and its said yesterday. local arm of Citigroup had agreed to pay a against other banks whose traders are alleged to proposal aimed at encouraging manufac- customer service friendlier and faster. The The Commission said last week it had found reduced $5 million penalty in settlement for its have been involved in the scandal but the “door turing in the US that would essentially tax company has also invested $2.7 billion in more than a dozen local and foreign banks col- role in the alleged currency trading cartel after it was not closed” for those seeking to apply for imported goods - something the retail higher wages and training for workers, a luded to coordinate trading in the rand and the “undertook to cooperate”. “I would say that the leniency in exchange for information that would industry says would increase prices for move that it says has helped to lower USdollar using an instant chat room called “ZAR settlement was low, but as a prosecutor you help lead to a successful prosecution. shoppers on items like clothes and toys by turnover and improve customer service. Domination”. sometimes have to make these calls because we President Jacob Zuma said last week that the as much as 20 percent. The National Retail The Bentonville, Arkansas-based com- It recommended fines amounting to 10 per- have a bigger case to run,” Bonakele said yester- government would clamp down hard on finan- Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade pany said yesterday it earned $3.76 billion, cent of the banks’ South African revenues in a day, referring to Citi. cial market abuse. Other banks and brokerages group, estimates this so-called border or $1.22 per share in the three months scandal that has piled political pressure on the The scandal has rattled the share prices of the named in the case were Nomura, Standard Bank, adjusted tax proposal would cost the aver- ended Jan. 31. That compares with $4.57 country’s big four banks and raised questions South African-listed banks, with the sector index Investec, JP Morgan, BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse age family $1,700 in the first year alone. billion, or $1.43 per share, a year ago. about their dominance in Africa’s most industri- having dropped by nearly 4 percent over the last Group,Commerzbank AG, Standard New York Those kinds of increases would hit hardest Excluding certain items, earnings per alized economy. The local lenders have around four sessions. Securities Inc, Macquarie Bank, Bank of America on low-income shoppers, Wal-Mart’s main share were $1.30. Sales excluding member- a 90 percent market share of the South African The Commission began its investigation in Merrill Lynch (BAML), ANZ Banking Group Ltd customers. ships fee rose 0.8 percent to $129.75 bil- banking market. April 2015, joining an international probe into and Standard Chartered Plc. Investec has said it Wal-Mart is also facing a rising US dol- lion. Analysts had expected $1.28 per share “We did, through the investigation, receive a the manipulation of foreign exchange rates that would seek to provide further information for the lar, which has put a crimp on its interna- on revenue of $131.13 billion, according to leniency application from Barclays/ABSA which has led to big banks paying more than $10 billion regulator in order to continue to cooperate. tional business, which accounts for about FactSet. Wal-Mart says a key revenue met- cooperated and gave us more information,” The in settlements. Former Citigroup foreign Officials at Standard Bank, BAML, a quarter of its total business. ric rose 1.8 percent at its US namesake head of the Commission Tembinkosi Bonakele exchange dealer Christopher Cummins and Commerzbank, BNP Paribas, Nomura, Credit Overall, Wal-Mart has retooled its own business, up from 1.2 percent in the previ- told a parliamentary committee yesterday. “We Jason Katz, who worked at Barclays and later BNP Suisse, ANZ, Macquarie and Standard online shopping programs and bought up ous quarter. That marked its 10th straight have a conditional agreement with them on Paribas SA, pleaded guilty in the United States to Chartered have so far declined to comment. some smaller companies with online quarter of increases. Customer counts rose immunity but this is subject to confirmation conspiring to fix currency prices last month. The other banks have not responded to strengths. It spent more than $3 billion for 1.4 percent in its US business, marking the depending on the extent of their cooperation.” Both, along with several others, are named in requests for comment. — Reuters Jet.com in a deal aimed at helping it ninth consecutive quarter of gains. —AP Russia’s Rosneft, Libya’s World’s biggest miner BHP NOC sign oil offtake deal posts soaring half-year profit

TUNIS: Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has signed repairs to infrastructure, and vulnerable to continuing SYDNEY: Mining giant BHP Billiton reported yesterday a dra- around in the company’s fortunes. BHP posted an annual a crude oil offtake agreement with Russia’s Rosneft as it conflict, with Libya split between political factions based matic rebound in half-yearly profits on the back of surging net loss of US$6.39 billion, its worst ever result, for the year looks to encourage foreign investment and bolster in Tripoli and the east. coal and iron ore prices and improved productivity. to June 30 2016 as the industry battled big declines in Libyan output, the NOC said yesterday. The NOC and Russia has been showing growing support for eastern- The underlying profit of US$3.2 billion and earnings commodity prices. Rosneft also signed a cooperation framework agreement based military commander Khalifa Haftar. His forces con- before tax of US$9.9 billion for the last six months of 2016 For copper, BHP said it would revise output guidance at which the NOC said “lays the groundwork for investment trol most of Libya’s oil resources, and have recently been exceeded expectations. “This is a strong result that follows Chile’s Escondida mine, the biggest in the world, where by Rosneft in Libya’s oil sector”. cooperating with the Tripoli-based NOC despite earlier several years of a considered and deliberate approach to 2,500 workers are on strike. “We are confident in the long- “The agreement envisages the establishment of a joint attempts by eastern factions to sell oil independently. improve productivity and redesign our portfolio and operat- term outlook for our commodities, particularly oil, with mar- working committee of the two partners to evaluate Commodities trader Glencore, which is a sharehold- ing model,” chief executive Andrew Mackenzie said. kets expected to rebalance in the near-term, and copper opportunities in a variety of sectors, including explo- er in Rosneft and a trading partner for the Russian firm, The Anglo-Australian mining giant announced a 40 cent where we expect a deficit to emerge in the early 2020s,” ration and production,” the NOC said in a statement. has long backed the NOC in Tripoli, and recently interim dividend per share which eclipsed analyst projec- Mackenzie said. However the firm added in a statement that The NOC gave no details on the offtake deal. Libya has extended a deal entitling it to market about one third tions of about 30 cents. In January the company reported “the (iron ore) market is likely to come under pressure in the more than doubled its oil production to 700,000 barrels of Libya’s current output. The NOC seeks to boost out- record Australian iron ore production in the last six months short term from moderating Chinese steel demand growth, per day (bpd) in recent months, though output remains put to 1.2 million bpd this year, and to 2.1 million bpd of 2016 after a 28 percent surge in the price of the com- high port inventories and incremental low cost supply”. well below the more than 1.6 million bpd it was pumping by 2020. Libya is one of two OPEC members exempted modity, compared to the corresponding period in 2015. Iron ore prices have risen from a low of $40 per ton in 2015 before Libya’s 2011 uprising. from recent production cuts as it seeks to recover from The latest results show a 157 percent increase in underly- to around $90 this month. Metallurgical coal prices also surged Production gains are dependent on investment and years of conflict. — Reuters ing profit from a year ago and a 65 percent year-on-year in the last six months “driven by pronounced shortages in both jump in earnings before tax, marking a significant turn- domestic Chinese and seaborne supply”, BHP said. —AFP

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Swiss Franc 306.560 Japanese Yen 0.002610 0.002790 Australian Dollar 236.580 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL US Dollar Buying 305.050 Kenyan Shilling 0.002951 0.002951 ASIAN COUNTRIES Korean Won 0.000257 0.000272 CURRENCY BUY SELL Japanese Yen 2.696 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.064895 0.070895 Europe Indian Rupees 4.580 20 Gram 252.410 Nepalese Rupee 0.002996 0.003166 Pakistani Rupees 2.922 British Pound 0.374257 0.384257 10 Gram 129.130 Pakistan Rupee 0.002673 0.002963 Srilankan Rupees 2.021 5 Gram 65.410 Czech Korune 0.003970 0.015970 Philippine Peso 0.006026 0.006326 Nepali Rupees 2.865 Danish Krone 0.039509 0.044509 Singapore Dollar 216.050 Sierra Leone 0.000038 0.000044 Euro 0. 318486 0.327486 Hongkong Dollar 39.460 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Singapore Dollar 0.210070 0.220070 Norwegian Krone 0.032553 0.037753 Bangladesh Taka 3.846 South African Rand 0.017379 0.025879 Philippine Peso 6.095 Romanian Leu 0.071542 0.071542 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001683 0.002263 Thai Baht 8.751 Slovakia 0.009185 0.019185 US Dollar 305.900 Taiwan 0.009817 0.009997 Canadian Dolla 233.480 Swedish Krona 0.030099 0.035099 GCC COUNTRIES Thai Baht 0.008400 0.008950 Sterling Pound 382.165 Swiss Franc 0.297909 0.308909 Saudi Riyal 81.721 Euro 325.315 Qatari Riyal 84.169 Turkish Lira 0.078606 0.088906 Swiss Frank 309.220 Arab Omani Riyal 795.680 Bahrain Dinar 810.915 Bahraini Dinar 0.805763 0.814263 Bahraini Dinar 813.740 Australasia UAE Dirhams 83.680 Egyptian Pound 0.013826 0.023079 UAE Dirham 83.435 Australian Dollar 0.226449 0.238449 Qatari Riyals 84.900 Iranian Riyal 0.000085 0.000086 Saudi Riyals 82.500 New Zealand Dollar 0.212682 0.222182 ARAB COUNTRIES Iraqi Dinar 0.000187 0.000247 Jordanian Dinar 432.620 Egyptian Pound - Cash 23.400 Jordanian Dinar 0.426284 0.435284 Egyptian Pound 19.476 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 19.403 America Sri Lankan Rupees 2.022 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.229 Canadian Dollar 0.227570 0.236570 Indian Rupees 4.568 Lebanese Pound 0.000152 0.000252 Tunisian Dinar 134.760 Georgina Lari 0.138321 0.138321 Pakistani Rupees 2.917 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020163 0.044163 Jordanian Dinar 431.430 Bangladesh Taka 3.854 US Dollars 0.302150 0.306550 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.042 Nigerian Naira 0.000402 0.001037 Philippines Pesso 6.082 US Dollars Mint 0.302650 0.306550 Syrian Lira 2.184 Omani Riyal 0.789033 0.794713 Cyprus pound 167.990 Morocco Dirham 30.810 Qatar Riyal 0.083308 0.084758 Japanese Yen 3.690 Asia Syrian Pound 2.425 Saudi Riyal 0.080580 0.081880 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bangladesh Taka 0.003584 0.004148 Nepalese Rupees 3.855 Syrian Pound 0.001299 0.001519 US Dollar Transfer 306.250 Chinese Yuan 0.043138 0.046638 Malaysian Ringgit 69.500 Tunisian Dinar 0.130199 0.138199 Euro 325.390 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 44.840 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037369 0.040119 Sterling Pound 383.120 Turkish Lira 0.078606 0.088906 Thai Bhat 9.715 Indian Rupee 0.002683 0.004906 Canadian dollar 233.960 UAE Dirhams 0.081956 0.083656 Turkish Lira 84.660 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Turkish lira 84.600 Yemeni Riyal 0.000996 0.001076 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 BUSINESS

KUWAIT: Daniel Khayat, MEA HTC Product Manager, speaks during HTC U Play HTC U Ultra the interview. HTC to unveil new in Kuwait HTC U Ultra and HTC U Play challenge everything that people expect from smartphones

By Faten Omar The HTC U series features the best in class company for 2017 and is a premium offering. phone will learn your travel route so if you have ficial intelligence, the HTC Sense Companion cameras with both main cameras featuring HTC U Ultra features a 5.7-inch display, a virtual a flight and there is heavy traffic outside, it will gets to know you through machine learning to KUWAIT: HTC, a global leader in mobile inno- optical image stabilization, phase detection assistant and a secondary screen above the tell you that you are going to be late,” Khayat present customized and personalized sugges- vation and design, unveiled its new smart- autofocus (PDAF), a dual-tone LED flash and regular one. The 5.7-inch display is a super LCD said. He added that HTC U Ultra uses a sonar tions and quietly support you in your pursuit of phone series, HTC U with two new models, the pro-mode among others. The HTC U Ultra 5 screen with a QHD resolution. The 2-inch technology headset to analyze a person’s brilliance,” Khayat explained. HTC U Ultra, which is a flagship phone and HTC comes with a 12MP ultra main camera screen above it offers a resolution of 160x1040 unique inner ear to adapt to you and the noise Khayat confirmed that HTC will bring the U Play. Incomparably beautiful to look at and and the HTC U Play features a 16MP main cam- and can be used to show contacts, notifica- levels around you and this feature enhances the latest revolutionary smartphones to Kuwait. hold with the technology and software to era. Both devices include a 16MP selfie camera tions, music controls, and so on. This way you experience sound through the deliv- HTC continues to push the limit of the per- match, the HTC U series challenges everything with a wide-angle lens for panorama selfies Smartphone comes with a glass finish, which ery of clear and superior audio. formance and advanced features of its smart- that people expect from smartphones. “In and the option to switch to an ultrapixel mode the company calls ‘Liquid Construction’. “HTC introduces the HTC Sense Companion, phones, making them the ideal smartphones March, HTC will launch its newest smartphone for unparalleled light sensitivity. The HTC U Ultra includes four microphones which is a personal companion that is consis- to support business users and complement the series in Kuwait - the 5.7-inch HTC U Ultra and The brilliantly designed and powerful new on the device, which capture positional sound tently learning from the user, with voice recog- lifestyle of consumers in general. “It is bringing the 5.2-inch HTC U Play smartphones,” Daniel series is beautifully 3D contoured with a liquid and allow for immersive audio recordings. “It is nition capabilities. The phone features voice genuine choice to the category by delivering Khayat, MEA HTC Product Manager, told the surface that’s designed to reflect the best you. meant to learn your habits and tune the recognition, so it can actually recognize your stunning design and high-end performance at Kuwait Times yesterday. The HTC U Ultra is the first device from the phone’s behavior accordingly. For example, the voice and respond to commands. Through arti- unbelievable value,” Khayat added. ITS Group appoints Essam Al-Khashnam as CEO

KUWAIT: International Turnkey during his tenure at the CBK. ITS Systems Group (ITS), affiliated to Group, which was established in Kuwait Finance House (KFH) 1981, offers world class quality IT announced the appointment of solutions and services for more Kuwaiti national, Essam Al- than 75 banking and financial insti- Khashnam as Chief Executive tutions, in addition to several Officer. This comes in line with the clients in the government and oil company’s efforts to improve its sectors. ITS implements solutions businesses and services in the for clients throughout the Middle Middle East and the world, not to ing his career. He holds a Bachelor’s East, South Africa, and the mention to achieve further mile- degree in Computer Engineering Caribbean through high caliber stones in providing high end inte- from the University of the Pacific staff that includes 1200 experts grated IT solutions and software (United States) in 1991. He com- and specialists in 7 offices around services for several sectors such as pleted Strategic Management and the world. MUMBAI: Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the new chairman of Tata Group, the financial and banking sectors. Successful Management studies at Moreover, ITS Group received arrives at Bombay House the conglomerate’s headquarters to take charge in Al-Khashnam enjoys 25 -year the Harvard University. many international appreciations Mumbai yesterday. India salt-to-steel conglomerate Tata Sons’ new chair- long experience in the fields of IT, Al-Khashnam served as and awards in the field of informa- man Natarajan Chandrasekaran took over officially following the company’s management, marketing and busi- Manager of the IT Strategic tion technology such as “Best ness development. This comes in Provider of Information Technology” acrimonious management dispute with its former chief. —AFP Planning Department at the line with ITS Group’s plans and aspi- Essam Al-Khashnam Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK). He from CPI Financial, “Best IT rations towards further growth and Information Technology and soft- held many senior positions in dif- Institution for Islamic Financial comprehensive development. Al- ware solutions. He is credited with ferent companies specialized in Consultancies 2016” and Best IT Export firms tell US Congress Khashnam is considered as a the innovation and management of the IT sector. He was working Provider for Islamic Financial to push tax code rewrite notable figure in the field of several advanced IT solutions dur- closely with the banking sector Institutions 2016” from GIFA.

WASHINGTON: Chief executive officers of retailers and auto manufacturers, against 16 companies, including Boeing Co, those that export much of their goods and Caterpillar Inc and General Electric Co, have therefore support the tax code changes. urged the US Congress to pass a compre- A group of retail CEOs met last week hensive tax code rewrite, including a con- with President Donald Trump and congres- troversial border tax. In a letter to sional leaders to argue against the border Republican and Democratic leadership yes- adjustment tax. Trump is expected to terday, the CEOs said a Republican-pro- release his own tax proposal in the coming posed border adjustment tax would make weeks. While he has said the border adjust- US-manufactured products more competi- ment tax is too “complicated,” his adminis- tive abroad and at home by making import- tration has said taxing goods from Mexico ed goods face the same level of taxation. could fund construction of a wall along the “If we miss this chance to fundamentally nation’s southern border. reshape the tax code, it might take another The letter supporting the border tax was 30 years before we have another chance to signed by 16 CEOs: Dennis Muilenburg of try,” the group of CEOs wrote in the letter, Boeing, John Coors of CoorsTek, Jim according to a copy that Reuters obtained. Umpleby of Caterpillar, Andrew Liveris of It is the latest move in a back-and-forth lob- Dow Chemical Co, Mark Rohr of Celanese bying effort from companies that proposed Corp; Jeffrey Immelt of GE, Mark Alles of changes to the tax code would affect. Celgene Corp, David Ricks of Eli Lilly and Co Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan , Tony Simmons of McIlhenny Co, Thomas has proposed lowering the corporate Kennedy of Raytheon Co, Kenneth Frazier income tax to 20 percent from 35 percent, of Merck & Co Inc, Douglas Peterson of S&P imposing a 20 percent tax on imports and Global Inc, Safra Catz of Oracle Corp, excluding export revenue from taxable Gregory Hayes of United Technologies Corp income. The proposal has pitted large US , Ian Read of Pfizer Inc and Dow Wilson of corporations that require imports, like Varian Medical Systems Inc. —Reuters PSA will honor existing Opel job guarantees SURABAYA: Indonesian job seekers visit a job exhibition in Surabaya yesterday. According to the Indonesian bureau of Statistics FRANKFURT/PARIS: PSA Group has the UK and in Spain resulting in at least pledged to respect existing Opel and 5,000 manufacturing job cuts. In the end, (BPS), Indonesia’s economic 2016 grew 5.02 percent higher than 2015 at 4.88 percent. —AFP Vauxhall job guarantees if it buys the an integrated General Motors Europe will European arm of General Motors, likely have 20 to 30 percent fewer work- though some analysts say thousands of ers,” Evercore analysts said in a note. Saudi sees deflation in over jobs are eventually likely to go for the Germany accounts for about half of deal to work. Opel’s 38,000 staff, while 4,500 are in As part of a broader charm offensive, Britain where Opel operates as Vauxhall. PSA Chief Executive Carlos Tavares met Two sources close to PSA told Reuters a decade, may be short-lived with representatives of powerful German last week that job and plant cuts were labor union IG Metall and Opel’s European part of the tie-up talks, with the two works council on Monday to discuss the Vauxhall sites in Britain in the front line. Low oil prices slash govt spending impact of any deal on existing sites. Paris-based PSA said in an emailed “PSA Group reaffirmed its commitment statement it planned to work closely with DUBAI: Consumer price deflation hit Saudi Arabia because of a strong US dollar, to which the Saudi The government plans to raise fees for foreign- to respect the existing agreements in the Opel unions including IG Metall to “find a in January for the first time in over a decade, offi- riyal is pegged. The kingdom imports much of its ers’ work permits and their dependents’ visas, European countries and to continue the path to the creation of a European cham- cial data showed yesterday, but plans for basic foods. A third factor was the government’s starting this year, and intends to introduce a 5 dialogue with all parties,” Peugeot maker pion with Franco-German roots.” increased state revenues mean prices are unlikely decision to raise prices of domestic fuel and utili- percent value-added tax in the first quarter of PSA said in a statement yesterday. “Tavares communicated convincingly to continue falling for more than a few months. ties around the end of 2015 in order to cut its next year. General Motors (GM) has pledged not to in the talks that he is interested in a sus- Prices fell 0.4 percent from a year earlier last budget deficit. Those hikes dropped out of calcu- Also, the non-oil economy appears to be impose forced redundancies on some of tainable development for Opel/Vauxhall month, their first drop since the early 2000s, and lations in January this year, causing a sudden recovering moderately as the government its German workforce until the of end as an independent company,” European decreased 0.2 percent from December, the decrease of inflation. resumes paying its debts to the private sector, 2018, IG Metall said, while some existing works council chief Wolfgang Schaefer- Central Department of Statistics said. after a freeze on many payments for most of last agreements about building certain mod- Klug said in a separate statement. The falls were partly due to the weakness of Pressure up year. The recovery will boost underlying price els at Opel stretch beyond 2020. Britain’s Unite union has yet to receive the Saudi economy, where low oil prices have Pressure for prices to rise is expected to pressures, London-based Capital Economics said However, some analysts say PSA will assurances from PSA officials regarding slashed the government’s export revenues and increase within months, however. The govern- in a report. eventually need to make big cuts to turn the possible takeover of Vauxhall, with forced it to cut spending. ment plans another round of fuel price increases “We think this period of deflation is likely to around loss-making Opel and sister brand the first opportunity at the works council Last year’s economic slowdown pushed retail- in mid-2017 and has said it will impose a 50 per- prove short-lived,” said Capital Economics, which Vauxhall in a European car industry that on Wednesday followed by a meeting ers and many other companies into discounting cent tax on soft drinks and a 100 percent levy on has predicted inflation will bounce back above has struggled for years with overcapacity. between Tavares and union head Len their products. Food and beverage prices sank 4.2 tobacco and energy drinks in the second quarter 4.0 percent after the value-added tax is intro- “It’s about hard restructuring in Germany, McCluskey in London on Friday. —Reuters percent from a year earlier in January partly of this year. duced. —Reuters WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 BUSINESS HSBC profit plunge weighs on stock markets

PARIS: A massive drop in profits at banking ‘Millstone’ HSBC spooked by uncertainty over political stability in surging coal and iron ore prices and set records in six of its last seven sessions, giant HSBC helped push London and Hong “Having helped lead the way yesterday, Europe, Brexit and US trade policies. improved productivity. but some analysts say a correction is due. Kong stocks into negative territory yesterday, banks are today’s index millstone,” said Michael The results lifted miners in London, with while eurozone markets bounced off Asian gains van Dulken, head of research at Accendo ‘Threat of populism’ BHP, Rio Tinto and Anglo American all post- Greenback strong to edge higher. Markets in London. Asian markets mostly “We highlight the threat of populism impact- ing gains. The dollar climbed against its peers fol- Protectionist fears under Donald Trump and extended their rally earlier, with Tokyo boosted ing policy choices in upcoming European elec- Eurozone stock markets meanwhile lowing comments from the head of the uncertainties caused by Brexit sparked a huge by a jump in the dollar against the yen amid tions, possible protectionist measures from the were underpinned by a key survey saying Fed’s Philadelphia branch, Patrick Harker, plunge in 2016 profits, HSBC said, sparking a fall intensifying talk that the Federal Reserve could new US administration impacting global trade, the eurozone economy grew at its fastest that a March rate rise was not “off the table in its share price of over six percent in London lift interest rates as soon as next month. But uncertainties facing the UK and the EU as they pace in six years in February, as all signs at this point”. Expectations of a hike have and dragging the rest of the financial sector low- Hong Kong, where HSBC shares are also listed, enter Brexit negotiations,” group chairman pointed to the recovery maintaining increased since Donald Trump was elected er. Shares in Barclays, Standard Chartered and suffered from what Van Dulken called a “whop- Douglas Flint said in a statement filed to the “strong momentum”. Data monitoring com- president in November as dealers bet his Lloyds joined the downward trend. Sterling ping” profit drop at the bank as HSBC stock Hong Kong stock exchange. On the bright side, pany IHS Markit also said job creation in big-spending, tax-cutting plans will fan weakness against the dollar, which has helped dropped five percent. mining giant BHP Billiton gained nearly one per- the 19-country eurozone recorded its best inflation. The latest reading on prices lift the FTSE index since last year’s Brexit vote, The reason HSBC gave for its earnings decline cent in Sydney as it reported a dramatic level for nearly a decade. increases, as well as healthy jobs growth failed to turn the market around this time. sent new shivers through markets already rebound in half-yearly profits on the back of But investors, who took a day off from and factory activity, have reinforced that Trump-watching Monday when US markets view. Investors are keeping an eye on the were closed for a holiday, were awaiting release this week of Fed minutes from its Wall Street’s opening trend for further most recent policy meeting hoping for guidance. The New York stock market has fresh clues about its plans for rates. — AFP

TOKYO: A man is reflected on an electronic stock indicator of a securities firm in Tokyo yesterday. — AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 BUSINESS

KUWAIT: Entrepreneurs make remarks on their small businesses in the mall. The attendees —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat CREC opens the Lobby project at Symphony Style Mall Project to support small Kuwaiti businesses: Al-Aryan

KUWAIT: The Commercial Real Estate speaker offered some valuable advices to Company and on behalf of its Chairman the audience about the secretes of estab- Abdulfattah M R Marafie officially opened its lishing a successful small business.Ahmed unique Lobby project to support small busi- Al-Nowaif from KFH Takaful has stated that ness youth on Monday in the presence of the his company is always among the first to company’s representatives, business owners develop insurance services and customize it and tenants of The Lobby at Symphony Style to meet all clients requirements. From this Mall. With media coverage and influencers point, KFH Takaful has started supporting presence and with a golden sponsorship by small business entrepreneurs and offered KFH Takaful. them free insurance consultancy services. In During the opening speech, Saleh Al- addition to that and during the event Al- Aryan, CEO of Admin & Legal Affairs Group at Nowaif gave some small advices to the atten- “Al-Tijaria” stated that “The Lobby” project dees of how to study each small business comes in line with Al-Tijaria’s vibrant role in depending on the type of business, activities corporate social responsibility and commit- held and the risk value. ment to encourage youth with small unique The attendees enjoyed amazing shows businesses. “The Lobby” provides rent friend- from the Owl Group, and the kids had fun ly units in small spaces for young entrepre- with activities from Genius Hub (one of the neurs to start their projects. Helping them to lobby tenants) and Lego. establish their commercial activities and It’s worth mentioning that The achieve their ambitions. Commercial Real Estate Company had creat- Al-Aryan added: as a result of the success ed a special program for its clients “Al-Tijaria of the 1st phase of “The Lobby” project at Al- Saleh Al-Aryan, CEO of Admin Ali Dashti, Founder and CEO of Ahmed Al-Nowaif Elite” to support and market Al-Tijaria Tower Tijaria Tower, we have decided to move on to & Legal Affairs Group at Al-Tijaria Developmental Kuwaiti Union from KFH Takaful and Symphony Style Mall Lobby tenants. the 2nd phase opening it today at Symphony Offering them and all Al-Tijaria clients a dis- Style Mall, and soon the 3rd phase will be new opportunities for the youth. We invite all During the opening Ceremony, a video Ali Dashti Founder and CEO of count card to shop in participating tenants ready in Boulevard. Ensuring our continuous entrepreneurs to achieve their ambitions and was displayed about “The Lobby” shops Developmental Kuwaiti union (Non-Profit shops located around all Al-Tijaria Real Estate support for small businesses and providing prove their merit in various fields. located at Symphony Style Mall. Moreover, organization), Motivational Trainer and properties. France joins the party as eurozone outlook shines Jobs component rises at fastest rate since 2007

PARIS: The eurozone’s economy improved sharply this month and enjoyed some rare posi- tive news about jobs, with French business activity unexpectedly matching that in big beast Germany just as its presidential race heats up. Preliminary purchasing manager surveys on Tuesday for both countries and the whole 19- member euro zone were nearly all better than anyone polled by Reuters had expected and sug- gested the economy will be increasingly robust in the near-term. The eurozone’s jobs component grew at its PARIS: This file photo taken on February 27, 2016 in Paris shows cows during fastest since August 2007, propelled by strong the opening day of the “Salon de l’Agriculture” (Agriculture Fair). The demand and rising optimism. Employment is one upcoming French presidential elections candidates who will visit the of the euro zone’s primary weaknesses, with job- France’s annual farm fair kicking off on February 25 will meet farmers facing lessness running just below 10 percent, double ruin, anger and discouragement. —AFP the rate in the United States. Overall, euro zone private sector and manufac- turing growth accelerated to near a six-year high in February, according to IHS Markit’s monthly Jaded Greeks resigned Purchasing Managers’ Indexes (PMIs), which gauge businesses’ expectations of how the econo- my will perform. “With domestic demand to more austerity strengthening and a weaker euro boosting orders from abroad, the euro zone economy is seeing BRUSSELS: ’s Treasury State Secretary David Gauke (L) attends an ATHENS: When asked what he thought unemployment, take a dim view. robust growth for the moment,” ING economists about the prospect of yet more austerity to “People simply don’t have the money, Economic and Financial (ECOFIN) Affairs Council meeting at the European Council, in said in a note. Brussels, yesterday. —AFP be imposed on Greece by its international people cannot afford new measures. They There was also evidence within the reports of creditors, Nicos Papapetrou was fairly short. don’t have enough to feed themselves,” rising inflation, something the European Central the 50 line that denotes growth. 56.1 from 54.8 in January - a 34-month high and “I had better stop ... because I will start said Spiridoula Gempanoglu, 47, who Bank will doubtless note if not yet act upon. But All three leading presidential candidates in much better than the consensus forecast in a swearing,” 49-year old Papapetrou, a shop works at a butchers in central Athens. “We the flash survey for France is likely to have raised France have argued that deep changes are need- Reuters poll of 54.7. assistant in Athens said. used to have queues in this shop. Now we eyebrows the most. The picture it painted of a sol- ed in the French economy. IHS Markit’s Williamson said the data suggest- Greeks appeared resigned yesterday to have a client an hour at best who buys a id recovery will play straight into spring’s presiden- Le Pen wants to take France out of the euro ed the German economy was likely to grow 0.6 accepting further budget cuts and tax rises couple of pieces of chicken,” she said. tial election, in which far-right National Front can- currency bloc as a matter of national sovereignty percent in the first three months of 2017 after after their government agreed to a last- Nearly seven years of austerity have led didate Marine Le Pen is seeking to harness popu- and also promises popular moves such as lower- expanding 0.4 percent in 2016’s final quarter. minute compromise of new reforms to to a spike in poverty levels, and the highest lar discontent to beat more mainstream rivals. ing the retirement age, taxing the wealthy and Reflecting stronger growth in output and new keep bailout funds flowing. poverty rate increase in the European At 56.2, France’s PMI combining both manufac- cutting energy prices. Centrist Emmanuel Macron business, German firms continued to hire more Athens and its creditors - the euro zone Union. Eurostat data from 2015 showed turing and services for February was the highest it wants closer ties between euro zone governments staff in February, with the overall rate of job cre- and International Monetary Fund - agreed 22.2 percent of Greece’s 11 million popula- has been in nearly six years. It was also better than and labour reform, while conservative Francois ation picking up to reach its highest since June on Monday to resume talks on the long- tion were “severely materially deprived”. the 56.1 reading for Germany, the euro zone’s eco- Fillon wants to cut public sector jobs, raise the 2011. For the euro zone as a whole the flash, or stalled bailout review, but only after Greece Greek also has the highest unemploy- nomic powerhouse. retirement age and cut public spending. preliminary, composite survey rose sharply to 56.0, agreed to examine what it described as “fis- ment rate in the EU - at 23 percent - and “France (is) joining the party,” Chris the highest since April 2011, from 54.4 in January, cally neutral” reforms from 2019 onwards. has just seen its economy contract again Williamson, chief business economist at PMI ALL AHEAD confounding expectations for a slight dip to 54.3. That, local media have speculated, will after being in deep recession since compiler IHS Markit, said. Most of the French Germany was no slouch either. Growth in its “Firing on all cylinders,” Morgan Stanley said in a mean a drop in the income tax threshold around 2009. improvement came in the services sector, with private sector picked up to the highest level in note. “The PMI details show increased business and further pension reform, in exchange Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, whose left- the manufacturing index actually falling short of nearly three years, driven mainly by its bustling optimism, strong order books, faster job creation for lower VAT rates on essential items and ist-led government is lagging in opinion expectations although it remained well above factories. The composite PMI for Germany rose to and also rising inflationary pressures.” —Reuters reduce annual tax rates on real estate. “It’s a polls, has frequently said Greeks cannot left wing government and they are bring- take more austerity. ing new cutbacks to pensioners and will tax But it appeared yesterday as if he had Kraft’s failed Unilever bid shows it needs growth over cost cuts the poorest. They should be ashamed of had to cave in. Yanis Varoufakis, who NEW YORK: Acquire, slash costs, repeat. margins flattening. Kraft’s bid for Unilever ness, rather than a peer in the food sector themselves,” Papapetrou said. served as finance minister under Tsipras’s Billionaire investor Warren Buffet and buy- was aimed at addressing these challenges. that would require it to repeat the same Lenders have sought further reforms to administration prior to accepting the out firm 3G Capital’s failed $143 billion bid About 60 percent of Unilever’s business is M&A cycle a couple of years later. pensions and tax credits, arguing that a nation’s third bailout in mid-2015, was to combine their food conglomerate Kraft comprised of household products and per- “Perhaps Kraft will now acquire another present system is based on a relatively scathing of the deal. Heinz Co with Unilever Plc shows their win- sonal care (HPC) goods, rather than food. medium-sized US food company, like small number of taxpayers supporting a “Lenders once again imposed on ning formula now needs a growth boost. Not only would a deal give Kraft plenty of General Mills Inc, Kellogg Co, or Mondelez large contingent of pensioners. Athens insincere and unattainable tar- Buffett and 3G built Kraft into the world’s new ground on which to implement its cost- International Inc. But after three years this The Greek government has responded gets. Congratulations!” he said in a twitter fifth-largest food and beverage company cutting model, it would boost its revenue by M&A ‘beast’ will need to be fed once again, that it needs not only money but some feed. The conservative opposition New through acquisitions followed by a relent- allowing it to expand in several emerging and the number of attractive US targets is form of debt restructuring. But ordinary Democracy, which has a double-digit lead less drive to boost profit margins. While this markets. getting smaller,” Sanford C. Bernstein ana- Greeks, who have seen a quarter of their in opinion polls, said the government was cost cut-driven business model wowed Investment bankers and industry analysts lysts wrote in a note on Monday. Kraft national output wiped out by austerity trying to mask its complete retreat in a industry observers, it appears to be reaching now say Kraft is more likely to pursue anoth- declined to comment on which company it attached to bailout deals since 2010 with bid to get the bailout inspectors back to its limits, with Kraft’s sales stagnating and er company with a big, growing HPC busi- may seek to acquire next. —Reuters many living off pensions because of high Athens.—AFP BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017

Renault Al-Babtain continues successfully 'Hala Feb' 2017 sponsorship

KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain Company Responsibility portfolio as the participation demonstrates its ceremony, the Parade ceremony which welcomed hundreds Al-Khorafi with a brand new Renault Captur. Visitors were able (AABC), the authorized dealer of Renault vehicles in the State commitment towards the community amidst a festive atmos- of visitors at Salem Al-Mubarak Street, one of Kuwait's oldest to also interact with Renaults Al-Babtain's staff on site & were of Kuwait continues with great success its sponsorship for the phere during Kuwait's National & Liberation days. and most popular avenues. Renault Al-Babtain marked its able to test drive Renault newest models. 18th edition of Hala February, the country's annual festival Moreover, exciting activities were held where the public presence by displaying three of its most internationally Renault Al-Babtain's effort to participate in key local fes- that is held during the month of February and witnesses a could participate and enjoy, a draw took place at different appraised models; the luxurious Renault Talisman, the all-new tivities also include a host of customer-centric services and range of entertaining activities and enthusiastic participation local shopping centers to give away a brand new Renault revamped Renault Koleos and the fashionable Renault Captur. offers. The company's sponsorship with Hala February 2017 from locals and the GCC region. Captur to the winner, so far winners are Hossa Al-Azmi and Renault Al-Babtain also sponsored Hala February horse- demonstrates its commitment towards society as it strives Renault Al-Babtain's sponsorship of this year's mega event Yousif Al-Khashawi. back riding tournament that was held for two days at Kuwait to remain one of the most admired and trusted automobile was considered key to the brands Corporate Social Renault Al-Babtain participated at the festival's opening Riding Center; and honored first place winner the Jockey Ali brand in Kuwait. Regional stocks to be highest performing asset class in 2017 Annual Middle East Societies Market Sentiment Survey 2017 by CFA

KUWAIT: CFA Institute, the global association of cent said that they would stay the same and only investment professionals, revealed the results of its 11 percent thought that yields would decrease. annual Middle East Societies Market Sentiment Survey • When asked what the expected return from a at a press conference ahead of its Middle East multi-asset class portfolio (equity, bonds, cash, Investment Conference (MEIC), to be held in Abu real estate, commodities, private equity etc.) is Dhabi on February 23, 2017. The survey presented likely to be over the course of the year, 48 per- responses from CFA charterholders and members cent said in the region of 0 percent to less than 5 from across the Middle East. percent and 37 percent of respondents indicat- According to the survey, the healthcare industry is ed that returns would be between 5 percent expected to receive the highest volume of invest- and 10 percent. ments in 2017 amongst non-oil sectors, followed by • Stocks was ranked as the highest performing hospitality and tourism; as GCC countries seek to asset class in the region during 2017, followed by increase the economic contribution of such segments. commodities, private equity, bonds, real estate In Saudi Arabia, respondents indicated that capital and lastly cash equivalents. Flydubai operates 24 additional markets opening up for foreign investments is a highly • The healthcare industry is expected to receive the important factor in easing regional liquidity shortfalls. Mijbel AlQattan, CFA, highest volume of investments in 2017 amongst With rising concerns about the Trump administration's President of CFA Society Kuwait non-oil sectors. flights between Kuwait and protectionist policies and the potential risk this poses • 47 percent believe that lower market growth to trade agreements, the survey showed it is the US where practitioners, leading thinkers in finance and rates and the increased cost of raising capital Dubai for national holidays energy agenda which will have the biggest impact on investment will reveal insights about the future of the shouldn't necessarily impact corporate prof- the GCC. If the dollar remains strong, the likeliest effect Middle East's financial landscape and where the itability in the region. opportunities lie for investors." KUWAIT: Dubai-based flydubai will operate for flydubai, said: "Kuwait is an important on investments would result from pressures on the • More than trade agreements and fed policies, the up to 14 flights a day between Kuwait and market for flydubai and we remain dedicated currency peg; which would then negatively impact Trump administration's energy agenda will have the real estate market. The GCC has seen a record vol- Top ten key findings the biggest impact on the GCC. Dubai from 22 February to 27 February 2017. to offering passengers from Kuwait more • 46 percent of respondents answered Very The additional 24 flights which will operate options to travel between the two countries ume of bond issuances over the past year, with this • NPLs, rising Fed rates, tightening liquidity and trend expected to continue, almost two-thirds of Important and 31 percent answered Extremely credit risk will continue to be the biggest concern during this period will accommodate the whether in Business or Economy Class. Our Important when asked how important will the increase in passengers travelling between the high-quality service, convenient travel sched- respondents believed that bond yields in the region for banks in the region. will increase. Nearly 70 percent of the members sur- opening up of Saudi Arabia's capital markets be • Brent crude oil prices are expected to remain in two cities during Kuwait's 56th National and ule and great value for money continues to for foreign capital inflow into the region and liq- Liberation Day Holidays. be popular with our passengers." veyed agreed that oil prices are unlikely to reach high- the $50-$60 region during the year. er than $60 per barrel. NPLs, rising Fed rates and tight- uidity easing. The carrier, which has been operating With over 1,000 hours of entertainment, • 42 percent felt that a stronger dollar is likely to from the convenient Sheikh Saad Al the airline's award-winning inflight entertain- ening liquidity conditions will continue to pose signifi- Methodology cant challenges to banks in the region, with the cost of pressurise the currency peg, which will then nega- An online survey was conducted from 22nd Abdullah Terminal in Kuwait since 2013, ment system (IFE) has something for every- tively impact the real estate market. offers Kuwaiti citizens and well-wishers one with a selection of Hollywood, raising capital likely to increase. January to 13th February 2017. Participants included Mijbel AlQattan, CFA, President of CFA Society • 61 percent of the members surveyed believed 100 CFA members across its societies in Bahrain, from the UAE a flexible flight schedule to Bollywood, Russian and Arabic films in addi- that bond yields in the region will increase, 16 per- join the country's celebrations. tion to a range of TV programs, audio albums Kuwait, commented on the findings saying: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at and games. This service is offered free of "Investment professionals in the Middle East are con- flydubai, said: "We congratulate our brothers charge in Business Class and if travelling in scious of developments in the US, as the new adminis- in Kuwait on the occasion of the country's Economy Class it can be pre-purchased tration's energy agenda will have global implications Ambani to announce Reliance National and Liberation Day, a very dear occa- online in addition to extra legroom. on oil prices and production. Since the GCC does not sion to our hearts and celebrated by every- Passengers wishing to spend the holiday have its own independent monetary policy, rate hikes one in the GCC and the region and not only in beyond Dubai, can choose from the conven- by the US Federal Reserve would pressurize the Jio hit 100 million subscribers region's pegged currencies given the current liquidity Kuwait. Our heartfelt wishes to the leadership ient connection options offered by flydubai MUMBAI: India's richest man Mukesh Ambani is acquire a 100 million customers in the short- and the people of the country for more to exciting destinations such as Bangkok, the challenges and low economic growth rates. Higher risk premiums and an increase in the cost of capital likely to announce that Reliance Industries' has est time, even we didn't imagine that we will progress, peace and prosperity." Maldives, Sri Lanka, Turkey and . reached its targeted 100 million subscribers on do it in months in terms of that," Ambani flydubai's operations from Sheikh Saad Al By signing up to OPEN, flydubai's new would also be effects resulting from such US mone- tary developments." its Jio telecom unit, a source familiar with the said at the time. Concerns, however, remain Abdullah Terminal offer passengers a conven- rewards program, passengers have the matter said. Ambani could also make additional if Jio will be able to retain its subscribers ient check-in area, reduced queueing time at opportunity to earn reward points with CFA society members noted that creating incen- tives for foreign start-ups to set up in the GCC would announcements, the source added without giv- once it begins charging for the services. immigration and a more personalized flying every flydubai flight. Reward points can be ing details, when he starts speaking at 1330 Analysts say many subscribers are using Jio experience. During the holiday period, pas- used to pay for flydubai flights, upgrades be the most effective way to foster entrepreneurship and a start-up ecosystem in the region, given the India time (0800 GMT). The speech will be as a second mobile connection to take sengers are advised to arrive at the airport at and optional extras for any trip, on any day, broadcast live on the company's social media advantage of the free data. Jio's launch least three hours before the departure time of to any destination. growing need to diversify from an oil-driven economy. The private sector will have to play a larger role in accounts. Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd opened came after years of delay and Reliance their flight and to check in online, where pos- Flights between Kuwait and Dubai can for business in September and has shaken up Industries has already invested more than sible, to avoid the last-minute rush as thou- be purchased from flydubai's website diversification efforts as governments look to realign spending. AlQattan, added: "The findings from our the competitive Indian telecoms market with its $20 billion into the venture. sands of people gear up to travel ahead of (www.flydubai.com), through its local office free voice and cheap data plans that are slated Shares of some of Jio's rivals fell ahead of one of the busiest weekends for travel. (+965 22 41 44 00) and accredited travel survey suggest that the majority of respondents believe improving market transparency and accounta- to run through the end of March. Ambani has Ambani's speech, with Bharti Airtel down 2.2 Passengers are also reminded to check their agents. flydubai also offers visa facilitation already hinted Jio surpassed the 100 million percent. Idea Cellular fell as much as 1.1 percent baggage allowance when travelling in services to passengers travelling to the UAE. bility is the key to improving trust in Kuwait's invest- ment industry and ensuring long term sustainable subscriber mark in comments at a tech industry but recovered to gain 0.41 percent later in the Economy Class. Details of the carrier's car rental, insurance conference last week. day. Bharti Airtel and Idea are India's largest and Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, and other third party services are also avail- economic growth. The survey results reflect the dis- cussions we hope to encourage at the conference, "When we started Jio and we set a target third-largest telecoms network operators, Commercial (GCC, Subcontinent and Africa) able on its website. for ourselves in terms of saying that we will respectively. —Reuters Gulfair.com a winner at 2016 Magellan Awards

MANAMA: Gulf Air, the national carrier of the easy-to-navigate design that gives users a more and the Gulf Air Tours service that gives passengers Kingdom of Bahrain, along with travel partner personalized travel experience. access to a variety of travel add-ons such as sight- Anixe, a state-of-the-art internet booking engine Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer Ahmed Janahi seeing tours, museum passes, tours, excursions, supplier, have been recognized by the Travel said: "It is an honor to be recognized for such a key local activities and airport transfers at their final Weekly 2016 Magellan Awards winning the 2016 achievement for Gulf Air that saw us work hand in destination. Silver Award for Online Travel Services - in the cate- hand with Anixe to deliver an engaging, easy to The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards acknowl- gory of Overall - Booking Interface. use booking interface designed to appeal to users edge outstanding travel professionals who provide The award recognizes the joint-solution crafted around the world. Our focus has always been on the best products and services in the tourism by Gulf Air and Anixe to improve the airline's ecom- the continual development of innovative technolo- industry, honoring the best in a wide range of merce website gulfair.com with a next-generation gy. This recognition is a testament to our skilled industry segments, such as hotels, resorts, travel booking and shopping platform improving the ecommerce development team and their capabili- destinations, online travel services, airlines and air- experience for customers booking flights and pur- ties, alongside our partners Anixe - I am proud of ports. Winners are evaluated based on the highest chasing various travel add-ons such as rail tickets, the contribution of our teams to delivering a standards of excellence in their entered category, hotel bookings, car rentals, tours and more. The revamped gulfair.com." on the extensive experience of Travel Weekly, and enhanced platform supports the airline's drive to Gulf Air's one-stop-shop website gulfair.com the awards are judged and overseen by a panel of strengthen its online and mobile channels, adding offers a suite of services beyond flight bookings to top travel professionals and the most accom- dynamic shopping and booking capabilities in an include hotel bookings, car rental, travel insurance plished leaders in the travel and tourism industry. technology WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 Electronic media searches at border crossings raise worry

PORTLAND: Watchdog groups that keep ceived shift can be attributed to a jump in What does the border protection say? agent asks a traveler to unlock the phone or agents for days. Travelers who are not US citi- tabs on digital privacy rights are concerned the number of electronic devices that peo- Numbers provided by the Border provide a password, said Scwhartz. And trav- zens can be denied entry. that US Customs and Border Protection ple are carrying with them and shifting tac- Protection show a fivefold increase in elec- elers should also be aware of the rules in Hasaim Elsharkawi, a self-employed agents are searching the phones and other tics as the agency adjusts to the amount and tronic media searches in the 2016 fiscal year other countries. Israel authorities can check businessman from Anaheim, California, digital devices of international travelers at types of information that can be stored on ending on Sept. 30 over the previous fiscal mobile phones at the airport, for example. told the AP that he was stopped by agents border checkpoints in US airports. The issue today’s devices. year. In 2016, under the Obama administra- in Los Angeles last week as he was board- gained attention recently after at least three tion, there were 23,877 electronic media ing a plane to Saudi Arabia to make a pil- travelers, including a Canadian journalist, What search authority does the searches. That comes to .0061 percent of What happens if you refuse? grimage to Mecca. They asked him to spoke out publicly about their experiences. border protection have? total arrivals into the US In fiscal year 2015, CBP can’t bar a US citizen from entry if unlock his phone without telling him why. The episodes have gained notice amid an Americans have protection under the there were 4,764 electronic media searches. they refuse to comply, but agents can make Elsharkawi, a Muslim, said he refused outcry over President Donald Trump’s travel Fourth Amendment from unreasonable A senior CBP official briefed reporters on things difficult. Travelers who don’t unlock because he didn’t want the male agents to ban and complaints of mistreatment of for- search and seizure. A police officer, for exam- the issue Friday, but the agency insisted the their phones could be questioned, detained see photos of his wife with her head eign travelers, but the government insists ple, must obtain a warrant from a judge official not be identified. “We see it as an arti- temporarily and have their phones taken by uncovered.—AP there has been no policy change in the new before searching a suspect’s phone. But the cle that is brought into the US, no different administration. Border Protection says US border is a legal gray zone. Border agents than a booklet of materials, no different than searches increased fivefold in the final fiscal have long had the right to search travelers’ a suitcase with items in it,” the official said. year of the Obama presidency, but still physical luggage without a warrant, and that “We’ve uncovered very serious and signifi- amounted to less than one-hundredth of 1 interpretation has been expanded to include cant information in these types of searches, percent of all international arrivals. Here are digital devices, ACLU staff attorney Nathan everything from national security concerns some things to know about the searches Freed Wessler said. In 2013, the 9th US Circuit to child pornography to evidence of crimes and your privacy rights. Court of Appeals ruled that if agents want to to determinations of people’s admissibility do a forensic search they need to have a rea- status under the immigration laws.” What has prompted the concern? sonable suspicion of wrongdoing, he said. The American Civil Liberties Union and the But the court stopped short of requiring How can you protect your digital Electronic Frontier Foundation both say they agents to obtain a search warrant before- privacy while traveling? have noticed an uptick in complaints about hand, he said. And an agent can flip through Privacy advocates say travelers who are searches of digital devices by border agents. a phone in a cursory search for any reason. concerned should leave their phones and The increase has become most noticeable in The law has not kept up with the “incredi- laptops at home and buy a cheap phone the last month, said Adam Schwartz, a senior ble volume of personal data that we have in once they arrive at their destination. The staff lawyer at the Electronic Frontier our pockets now” - and that creates tremen- Council on American-Islamic Relations is also Foundation. “We are concerned that a bad dous constitutional questions, said Wessler. advising its members to do the same. Those practice that has existed under past presidents “In some ways, a search of your phone is who can’t leave their devices behind should has gotten worse in quantity under the new more invasive than a search of your house,” encrypt them and close out of all social BEIJING: In this Sept 11, 2013, file photo, an Apple employee, right, president,” Schwartz said. he said. A case currently headed to another media applications so they aren’t accessible instructs a journalist on the use of the fingerprint scanner technology The government says nothing has appeals court could further clarify the law, without a password, said Schwartz. But built into the company’s iPhone 5S during a media event. —AP changed. Customs officials also say the per- said Schwartz. those steps won’t matter much if a border Nigerians starved of power turn their sights to solar

JOHANNESBURG: The surprise was ty as the average American con- Power Africa provided financial been destroyed because of fires finding that people dependent on sumes in a single month,” it said in a assistance to Lumos to produce the caused by candles, kerosene, elec- candles, batteries, kerosene and fuel report . solar kits, which it provides to trical fires?” he asked in a telephone for generators in countries without a Nigeria is worst of all. Just 25 clients on a five-year subscription. interview from his home in Abuja, secure supply of electricity spend percent of its 170 million people A $50 million low-cost loan from Nigeria’s capital. more on power than solar options. have access to regular electricity, OPIC and $40 million in equity will Momoh-Bekisu said his neigh- The founders of Dutch company and the West African nation has the help fund another 200,000 solar bors battling with darkness are Lumos knew they could do better. In highest outage rate on the conti- kits to bring power to 1 million now interested in getting solar Nigeria, for the cost of powering a nent, 32 a month averaging eight Nigerians by year’s end, said Yuri power: “Their children come to my small generator for two hours they hours each, according to the Tsitrinbaum, CEO of Lumos Nigeria. flat to come and study and watch offer enough solar power to light a Overseas Private Investment Corp ., Lumos began selling solar kits in TV.” Most importantly, “For me, this house, cool a room with a fan and the US government’s independent Nigeria in May 2014. The company, (solar power) is a life-prolonging charge cell phones for about eight investment agency. which has 30,000 customers in cen- issue, it contributes to life hours. Customers can even watch TV Such figures inspired former US tral Nigeria, launched nationwide expectancy,” he said in a country for a few hours. President Barack Obama to create this week. Firefighter Ibrahim where the average person dies at For Nigerian government clerk Power Africa, bringing together Momoh-Bekisu turned to solar fear- 52 compared to a global average Sandra Besong, it means her three technical and legal experts, the pri- ing for his family’s safety. “Do you of 71 years, according to UN fig- CHICAGO: In this Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, photo, the Chicago Bulls’ mascot children aged 8 to 17 can study and vate sector and governments. know how many families’ lives have ures. —AP Benny the Bull reenacts the famous scene of Ferris Bueller singing during a read at night. “Before, I was using a parade at Daley Plaza while shooting a daylong Snapchat video, reenacting local lamp with kerosene, but the several scenes from the Chicago based movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. —AP flame wasn’t bright enough for the children to read,” she said in a tele- phone interview from her home in Big hit for Bulls, ‘Benny’s Masaka, in central Nasarawa state. “We love the light!” she said. “The Day Off’ connects online children appreciate it because they can read, watch TV, and they can use fans, so they are not hot. And there’s CHICAGO: Dancing on the roof, microphone in The cameraman is Dukich using his phone, the none of the noise and fumes from a hand as he lip-synched to “Twist and Shout,” director Billy Bungeroth from Second City. Actors generator.” Fans are important in Benny the Bull was putting on quite a perform- and actresses from the group pop up throughout Nigeria, where temperatures aver- ance as his tricked-out black van rolled through the day. They do several takes and eventually go age 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees downtown Chicago. It was not quite “Ferris with one that has the lights on in the room. In the Fahrenheit). Bueller’s Day Off,” and it won’t be coming to a second shot, it becomes clear that Benny is not theater near you. But as spoofs go, “Benny’s Day skipping school like Ferris when Sargent mentions Battling with darkness Off” is quite a production. a “big meeting” and tells him to stay in bed. In the Besong said she’s also saving The story starring the Chicago Bulls’ mascot third shot, Sargent tells him to feel better and money. Powering a small generator played out almost in real time on social media on a walks away. Benny whips out a sign that says: for two or three hours a day cost her recent Monday, with scenes posted on Snapchat “Benny’s Day Off A Snapchat Film.” And with that, up to 7,000 naira ($23) a month, right after they were recorded throughout the day. they’re off. compared to 4,500 ($15) for solar, The team also tweeted the effort while the crew which provides double the time. She headed to the next location, fans tuning in to see Spoofing a classic pays her bills through her cellphone. what Benny would do next. “You’re only limited by While the shoot lasts all day, the idea was Development across Africa is ham- your imagination,” Bulls digital content manager months in the making. The Bulls’ digital team start- pered by a lack of electricity. In 2015, Luka Dukich said. “You can do a lot of damage with ed thinking about narratives for Snapchat before 621 million people in sub-Saharan a phone these days.” the season. Not long after that, they reached out Africa - or two out of three - lacked The NBA, including team and player accounts, to Second City and the brainstorming began. They access to power, and the numbers has about 1.3 billion likes and followers over vari- came up with a story where Benny was bored are growing, according to a report ous social media platforms. The Bulls, by their own working odd jobs while the team was away. From by the Africa Progress Panel. “It count, rank second to the Los Angeles Lakers there, they got another idea. “Why doesn’t he have LAGOS: In this photo taken on Monday Feb 20, 2017, vegetable vendors ply their wares by the would take the average Tanzanian among major North American sports franchises, like a Ferris Bueller day out in the city?” Dukich light of locally-made lanterns. —AP eight years to use as much electrici- with nearly 25 million followers across Facebook, said. “That evolution kind of was in the last two Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube and Instagram. weeks. It’s amazing.” Snapchat has emerged as a major player in The Bulls could only produce the story on a day The Police in China’s restive recent years, particularly when it comes to reach- when the team was off and on the road because Taxis in Italy strike ing younger fans. NBA associate vice president of they needed their Snapchat channel clear. Benny’s social media Sam Farber said a “vast majority” schedule also had to be open. The Second City on ‘Uber’ benefits Xinjiang to track cars by GPS who follow the league’s account are younger crew had to be available, and the shoots at the than 24. “It’s really important for us to use that shop in Chinatown and the movie theater had to ROME: Hundreds of taxi drivers protested in Rome BEIJING: A prefecture in China’s restive Drivers must pay an annual 90 yuan platform to reach that audience in an authentic be arranged. Stories last only 24 hours on yesterday as a strike over delays to Italian legislation Xinjiang region has ordered all vehicles to ($13) fee for the system, the statement way and we found that to be quite successful Snapchat, but the platform gives the Bulls a cap- regulating Uber and car-hire services entered its sixth be equipped with GPS-like tracking soft- said. Thirty-five percent of Bayingol’s more over the last couple of years,” he said. tive audience and the full attention of their view- day. Commuters have been stranded in several cities ware, police and media reports said yes- than 1.2 million people are Uighur, accord- The NBA’s relationship with Snapchat started ers. And when it’s gone, well, the 4-minute, 55-sec- across the country, with taxis from Rome to Milan, terday, as authorities step up an “anti-ter- ing to official 2015 figures. There were no in 2014 and expanded this season with more in- ond video lives on in full on YouTube and and Naples taking only emergency fares for dis- rorism” campaign. All drivers in the indications yet that the new policy would game content and behind-the-scenes coverage. Facebook. abled people or those needing to get to hospitals. Bayingol Mongolian Autonomous be adopted more widely across Xinjiang, a The league can also post features that show the The row is over the government’s decision to sus- evolution of the crossover or players talking Touring the town Prefecture must install a China-developed vast resource-rich region near Central Asia. pend until the end of 2017 the introduction of norms satellite navigation system called Beidou Tensions are simmering after anti-ter- about the first time they dunked, for example, on Cut to a boardroom at the United Center. to control car-hire and car-share services. Drivers say “to prevent theft, but also primarily to rorism military rallies were held last week the Snapchat Discover channel. It can produce Second City’s Jeffrey Murdoch is channeling Ben the current rules benefit ride-hailing service Uber or maintain stability”, an officer at the prefec- in three cities, including the regional capi- live stories that capture the atmosphere at the Stein as the economics teacher as he takes atten- NCCs-cars rented with a driver-because unlike taxis tural police headquarters told AFP by tal Urumqi. Under the ralling cry of arena. It allows the dozens of players to show dance. “Bull? ... Bull? ... Bull? ... Anyone,” he says in they can purchase licenses in smaller towns, where phone. “Display power to intimidate”, 10,000 secu- themselves in a different light. The same goes for that “Bueller? ... Bueller? ... Bueller?” tone. Sargent, they cost less, but use them to work in cities. China’s Global Times newspaper quoted rity personnel paraded through Urumqi, the teams, whether they take a more serious and seated at the head of a long table with the Bulls’ Taxi driver representatives were due to meet accompanied by hundreds of police and -centric approach or try to have fun court painted on top, explains that Benny is sick. with Italy’s Minister of Transport Graziano Delrio a police official as saying the policy was with it, like the Bulls. Another nod to the movie happens in a park- later Tuesday. “A taxi license in Rome is worth needed so that drivers “can be tracked military vehicles, the regional govern- “Benny’s Day Off” comes on the heels of a ing lot across from the arena. This time, it’s the 150,000 euros ($158,000), but the NCC pays ten wherever they go” and residents had until ment’s official Tianshan website said. “Clue”-themed feature in late January that also Ferrari scene. There’s Benny, in the driver’s seat, lift- times less elsewhere,” said Gabriele, 52, who has June 30 to comply. Xinjiang is the home- It quoted the Xinjiang Communist Party starred their mascot. It had more than 60,000 ing his left leg in and closing the door before the been a taxi driver since 2011 and did not want to land of the Uighurs-a Turkic, traditionally committee deputy secretary Zhu Hailun as views on Snapchat and an additional 55,000 on car peels off. What viewers don’t see is Benny get- give his surname. Muslim, ethnic minority, many of whom saying such displays were necessary to YouTube and Facebook in little more than two ting out and Sargent behind the wheel in the His colleague, Antonio Moratti, 58, gave as an complain of Chinese cultural and religious “build a wall as strong as iron” and that the days after a marathon production that went from scene that makes the cut. Oh, and about the car. example a village in Calabria in southern Italy which repression and discrimination. The region forces of separatism, extremism and terror- the United Center to a shop in Chinatown to a Instead of a classic 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California, he said had sold some 200 licenses to drivers who has been racked for years by a series of vio- ism would be destroyed “with crushing movie theater on the city’s North Side to the they’re using a vintage 1998 Lexus ES 300 that went to work in cities-though the town was only lent attacks which Beijing blames on exiled blows”. Last week eight people were killed famed Second City comedy club before heading Bulls manager of corporate communications Ross authorized to issue two licenses. Taxi drivers are also Uighur separatist groups whom it says are in a knife attack on a crowd near the city of to Daley Plaza downtown. Lipschultz purchased from his grandparents. furious that they have to work under fixed tariffs while aligned with foreign terrorist networks. Hotan, including three attackers who were Ferrari’s not a team sponsor; Lexus is and considers Uber and the NCCs can charge as much as they like. gunned down by police. Benny’s not well Ferrari a competitor. “Which is fine,” Lipschultz said. The government postponed the bill to regulate New policy Police last month killed three “rioters” in The shoot starts in a storage room just off the “It’s up to them. They’re an official car sponsor so the car-hire services because it wanted more time to “Cars are the major means of trans- the same county following a hunt for sus- United Center floor that’s stuffed with costumes for cars we had to find a Lexus.” investigate the issue, amid protests that the region portation for terrorists, and also a fre- pected members of a “violent terror and uniforms. The lights are out in Benny’s lair as should have the power to regulate the industry. quently chosen tool for terrorist attacks, group” linked to a 2015 attack there, shooting begins. The mascot is in bed on a pullout Bull in Chinatown Italian Consumer Association Federconsumatori so it’s necessary to use the Beidou system according to the regional government’s loveseat with a blanket - a Bulls blanket - pulled in In Chinatown, Benny visits a gift shop. The bull called for a quick resolution of the strike, which has and electronic vehicle identification to official website. Uighurs in Urumqi staged tight, just like Ferris Bueller. Bulls entertainment in the China shop drops a large glass egg - which reportedly lead to scuffles between taxi and NCC enhance the management of vehicles,” a bloody anti-Chinese riots in July 2009 that assistant Tom Sargent leans over like Ferris’ par- actually lands on a team employee lying on the drivers and threats against those who want to return statement posted to the official social left nearly 200 people dead, according to ents. “Benny, you don’t look too good,” he says. floor off camera - before getting kicked out of the to work.—AFP media account of the Bayingol traffic official estimates, and prompted a massive Benny shakes his head. store. —AP police said earlier this month. region-wide security clampdown. —AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE Cases involving alleged drug theft at VA health facilities

NEW YORK: Government data spread opioid abuse in the USFederal es, drugs intended for patients simply buprenorphine, Ritalin, and tramadol Authorities say the nurse admitted that obtained by The Associated Press authorities report that doctors, nurs- disappeared. from the inpatient pharmacy from on dozens of occasions over several show that incidents of drug loss or es or pharmacy staff - mostly in the Some notable cases involving alleged October 2011 to March 2015. A spokes- months in 2015 she used an override theft at federal hospitals have Department of Veterans Affairs health VA drug theft: woman for the VA facility, Jill Atwood, feature of an automated medication jumped nearly tenfold since 2009 to system - had siphoned away con- said the hospital has since added new dispensing system to obtain hundreds 2,457 last year, spurred by wide- trolled substances, while in other cas- Arkansas software, training and made procedural of controlled substance pills, such as Three VA employees in Little Rock changes to ensure that similar thefts oxycodone and morphine. The pills were charged this month with conspir- don’t happen again. weren’t prescribed for or provided to ing to steal prescription medications, patients. The IG’s office says the nurse including opioids, from the John L. New York had previously been fired from a private McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital. A A former hospice nurse at the VA hospital for allegedly diverting con- 2016 investigation by the VA inspector medical center in Albany was sentenced trolled substances, but was hired at the general’s office alleges that a pharmacy last year to more than six years in prison VA after making false claims in her technician used his VA access to a med- after admitting to stealing pain medica- application. ical supplier’s web portal to order and tion intended for patients. An investiga- divert 4,000 oxycodone pills, 3,300 tion alleges the VA nurse stole the California hydrocodone pills and other drugs, cost- painkiller oxycodone hydrochloride from A former resident anesthesiologist at ing the VA $77,700. The VA employees syringes to feed his drug addiction and the VA medical center in West Los were also charged with conspiring to dis- replaced the contents with Haldol, an Angeles pleaded guilty in 2015 to theft tribute those drugs, which had a street anti-psychotic medication. At his sen- of public property and possession of a value of more than $160,000. tencing hearing, family members of controlled substance while treating a some of the hospice patients gave state- veteran. Authorities say while providing Utah ments detailing the pain and suffering anesthesia care to a veteran in surgery, An associate chief of pharmacy at the the nurse inflicted on dying veteran the doctor passed out in the operating VA medical center in patients. room after taking a sedative and inject- recently pleaded guilty to acquiring pos- ing himself with controlled substances session of a controlled substance by Rhode Island including fentanyl. His fully conscious fraud, according to the inspector gener- A former registered nurse in the patient lay nearby and said he was ini- WASHINGTON: In this June 21, 2013 file photo, shows the Veterans al’s office. The VA employee was accused intensive care unit of the Providence VA tially frightened that the commotion was of diverting about 25,000 pills, including medical center pleaded guilty last year due to his own medical condition, Affairs Department. —AP oxycodone, hydromorphone, Adderall, to stealing prescription drugs. according to news reports. —AP Refugee populace draws doctors to rural Kansas

Millennials graduating have a desire for international medical service

GARDEN CITY: Dr Scarlett Gard’s passion for “I don’t think I saw myself necessarily staying So far, 25 Kansas doctors have joined the humanitarian work took her to India and here until I realized that the same things I want- loose network of physicians working in medical Bangladesh. After finishing her medical training, ed to do - go to underserved people of different facilities in Garden City, Lakin, Santana, Scott she set off for a place she knew had a diverse cultures - I assumed I would have to go overseas City, Ashland, Minneola, Tribune and Leoti, population in need of doctors: western Kansas. to do that and I clearly don’t.” Anderson said. The group is working to solidify Gard came to the meatpacking town of Garden that arrangement by forming a nonprofit organi- City to work with Somali immigrants - a popula- Language and culture zation to help support their medical work over- tion that’s become the cornerstone of an effort The hospitals are encouraging doctors like seas and in rural Kansas. by a growing network of rural hospitals to entice Gard to come work with immigrant populations Although Trump’s ban on travelers from Iran, doctors to come practice in sparsely populated and learn a language and culture before head- Iraq, Libya, Somalia, , Syria and Yemen isn’t hamlets across western Kansas. ing overseas. They also offer generous time off expected to affect the hospitals’ recruiting The innovative recruiting effort grew out of for medical trips abroad. The doctors are finding efforts, it has generated concern among Garden City’s Somalis immigrants. A judge put the ban COLORADO SPRINGS: In this Feb 17, 2017, photo, Ed Kim, a NASA researcher on hold, but two Somali refugees who had been and lead scientist for a NASA-led experiment called SnowEx, stands near a living in Garden City haven’t been able to come back after traveling to their home country. Navy P-3 Orion aircraft used for SnowEx, at Peterson Air Force Base. —AP Refugees also worry about how long it will be before they see their loved ones who had been NASA aims to measure vital expected to come to the US, said Ifrah Ahmed, a 27-year-old Somali immigrant. snow data from satellites Ahmed said the doctors’ work has helped res- idents see that people still want to help them. “It DENVER: Instrument-laden aircraft are sur- ‘What’s the optimal combination?’ is a way to see that in spite of everything that is veying the Colorado high country this Two SnowEx sensors will measure snow going on, there is still good out there,” Ahmed month as scientists search for better ways depth: Radar and LIDAR, which stands for said. “There are still people who believe in us, to measure how much water is locked up light detection and ranging. LIDAR uses there are people that want the best for us.” in the world’s mountain snows - water that laser pulses to measure distance. Four sen- Ahmed changed her shift at the meatpacking sustains a substantial share of the global sors will measure snow density: three other plant where she works as a translator so she population. types of radar, plus a passive microwave could volunteer at a walk-in clinic at a Somali A NASA-led experiment called SnowEx instrument, which detects how much of the apartment complex. Gard is the volunteer med- is using five aircraft to test 10 sensors that Earth’s natural microwave radiation the ical director of the clinic, which opened Saturday might one day be used to monitor snow snow is blocking. Two thermal infrared sen- and is staffed by volunteer doctors who’ve from satellites. The goal: Find the ideal sors will measure temperature. A hyper- dubbed it New Hope Together. combination to overcome multiple obsta- spectral imager and a multispectral imager cles, including how to analyze snow hid- will measure how much sunlight the snow Magnet for migrants den beneath forest canopies. “It would be, is reflecting, which helps determine how GARDEN CITY: In this Friday, Feb 3, 2017 photo, Dr John Birky works at his desk at The Tyson Foods plant outside Garden City I would say, a monumental leap in our fast it will melt. Wellspring Family Healthcare. —AP photos has long been a magnet for various immigrant ability to forecast water supply if we had Aircraft will take the instruments on mul- populations, transforming the western Kansas this kind of information,” said Noah tiple passes over two areas in western city into a multicultural haven of about 27,000 Molotch, a member of the science team Colorado, Grand Mesa and Senator Beck people where more than a dozen languages are for the experiment. Basin. Ground crews will also analyze the spoken. The hundreds of Somali refugees who One-sixth of the world’s population snow to verify how accurate the instru- began settling here around 2008 are just the lat- gets most of its fresh water from snow that ments are. One key technology used to pre- est wave. Other immigrant groups who have melts and runs into waterways, said Ed dict snow runoff in the American West is the come to western Kansas for jobs in meatpacking Kim, a NASA researcher and lead scientist Snow Telemetry Network, or SNOTEL, oper- plants or on farms include Hispanics and people for SnowEx. “Right there, it’s hugely impor- ated by the US Department of Agriculture’s who speak low German. tant for people,” he said. Snow has other Natural Resources Conservation Service. The doctors have become so important to consequences for society as well, including the Somalis that when 27-year-old Mursal floods, droughts and even political stabili- Scattered across the West Naleye learned that Anderson and two physi- ty when water is scarce, Kim said. More than 800 automated SNOTEL cians were going to Africa in November, he felt ground stations scattered across the West obligated to join them. Naleye, who is now a US Snow water equivalent measure the depth and weight of the citizen, bought his own plane ticket so he could The key to predicting how much water snow, the temperature and other data show them the ropes and, if necessary, protect will pour out of mountain snows each and transmit them to a central database. them from any problems. For the doctors, the spring is a measurement called snow water Federal agencies use SNOTEL to produce work is a calling. equivalent. The global average is 30 per- daily state-by-state reports and maps on “It is fulfilling for a lot of us as physicians to cent of snow depth, Kim said - 10 inches of how the current snow water equivalent realize that we can make a big difference for snow melts down to 3 inches of water. But compares to the long-term average. these people coming from all over the world a single mountain snowbank contains mul- Water utilities, farmers, public safety right here in Garden City, which is not some- tiple layers with different snow water agencies and wildland firefighters track thing you would expect in rural Kansas,” said Dr. equivalents, making measurement diffi- the updates closely to help predict how John Birky, who helped put in the new walk-in GARDEN CITY: Ifrah Ahmed, left, and Mursal Naleye stand outside a new walk-in clinic. cult. The layers were dropped by succes- much drinking and irrigation water will clinic. Anderson got the idea to recruit doctors sive storms with different moisture con- be available in the spring and whether interested in international work from the Via tents, and then lingered under different they will face floods or fire-inducing the realization that many millennials graduating that people from the oppressed and war-torn Christi Health International Family Medicine weather conditions before the next storm droughts. from medical schools have a burning desire for countries where they want to work are in west- Fellowship in Wichita. Similar recruiting efforts covered them. SNOTEL collects data from individual international medical service. It also comes amid ern Kansas, said Benjamin Anderson, an adminis- by hospitals in Iowa, Michigan and Tennessee A further complication: At times during points, but the “holy grail of mountain the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s trator for the Kearney County Hospital in Lakin offer time off for overseas medical work. the winter, some snow melts, so water will hydrology” is a way to estimate the distri- attempts to restrict the influx of refugees into who is behind the recruiting effort. It’s been a boon to hospitals in western flow through the interior of the snowbank, bution of snow water equivalent across the United States from seven predominantly “So what is normally a deterrent for recruiting Kansas that once struggled to hire doctors. “In distorting or absorbing signals from broad mountain landscapes, said Molotch, Muslim nations, including Somalia. traditional candidates has become a cornerstone the past we had to wait a long amount of time remote sensors. No single instrument can who is also director of the University of “It just kind of drew me because it surprised of this recruiting effort,” Anderson said, adding to be seen,” said Kearney County Commissioner overcome all the obstacles. “We have Colorado’s Center for Water, Earth Science me that this existed in southwest Kansas,” said that all local residents - not just immigrants - Shannon McCormick. “We had to travel to be these different sensing techniques. Each and Technology. SnowEx could be a step Gard, who moved to Garden City in September benefit from having highly trained doctors work- seen, to get health care that now we can get one works to a certain degree,” Kim said. toward that, he said. —AP after finishing her medical residency in Wichita. ing there. easily.” —AP Gene editing mulled to improve livestock

BOSTON: Gene editing, which has raised ethical concerns Artificial insemination, embryo transfer and genetic selection Cows without horns Potential risks due to its capacity to alter human DNA, is being considered have led to significant improvements in animal breeding in Van Eenennaam is working on a gene editing technique that Gene editing can also improve plant growth, said Dan in the United States as a tool for improving livestock, experts recent years. For instance, in the United States, selective repro- allows cows to be born without horns. Typically, the animals are Voytas, a professor of genetics and cellular biology at the say. The technique is different than that used in genetically duction to improve the milk output from cows has meant far born with them but undergo a painful process to remove them University of Minnesota who has used the CRISPR/Cas-9 sim- modified organisms (GMOs) because it does not introduce fewer cows in the United States-nine million today compared to when they are young so that they don’t damage other cows or peo- ple yet powerful gene-editing technique to improve soy foreign genes, but rather alters already existing DNA. But sci- 25.6 million in 1944 - produce 1.6 times as much milk. ple working with them. Some breeds, such as Angus cows, natural- crops. “We are probably the first genome-edited product to entists and consumer groups say there is not enough evi- “Thanks to improvements made in the dairy industry through ly carry a genetic mutation that prevents them from growing horns. enter the food supply,” he told the AAAS conference. “We have dence yet to shed light on the potential risks of gene editing, traditional breeding, a glass of milk today is associated with just Gene editing has the ability to modify a normal, identical gene in a soybean product which produces a healthier cooking oil, it particularly regarding its trickle-down effects on the environ- one third of the greenhouse gas emissions linked to producing a Holstein cows and insert this same genetic variation seen in the is high in non saturated fat, no transfat.” But Doug Gurian- ment and the ecosystem. glass of milk in the 1940s,” Van Eenennaam said. Gene editing Angus. This trait is then passed down to the cow’s offspring. Other Sherman, a plant pathology expert at the Center for Food “Gene editing is one of the newest and most promising tools can complement the toolkit available to breeders today by “pre- teams of geneticists around the world are hoping to benefit from Safety, warned that certain applications could be risky. For of biotechnology,” Alison Van Eenennaam, an expert in animal cisely introducing desirable genetic variations into livestock gene editing techniques. For instance, it is now possible to alter chick- instance, research that alters the genes of insects and grains genetics and biotechnology at the University of California, Davis, breeding programs,” she added. ens so that they only lay eggs that produce female chicks, a practice to fight resistance to insecticides and herbicides could intro- told the annual meeting of the American Association for the This technique has already been used to make certain ani- that can double the output of a chicken farm and curb the cruel prac- duce mutations in nature that modify entire populations of Advancement of Science. It “enables animal breeders to make mals resistant to disease, such as pigs that are resistant to tice of killing roosters. Researchers are also working on a variety of animals and plants in the course of just a few years, potential- beneficial genetic changes, without bringing along unwanted porcine reproductive and respiratory virus. A tuberculosis-resis- chicken that would be resistant to bird flu, a potentially deadly disease ly destabilizing the food chain and allowing other species to genetic changes,” she added. tant form of cattle was also reported recently out of China. that regularly devastates flocks worldwide and can spread to people. invade. —AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE

QUIXERAMOBIM: A man fills a community cistern with water from a water truck in the rural QUIXERAMOBIM: A calf searches for food on the side of a road. area of Quixeramobim, in Ceara State, on February 8, 2017, during the worst drought in 100 years in the Brazilian Northeast. —AFP photos Brazil’s poorest region suffers worst drought in a century Everyday activities, even washing clothes or drinking, have become a luxury

QUIXERAMOBIM: A cow’s skull lies bak- completely emptied. Experts say that a ernment water trucks, which fill cisterns. Dead turtles able to double his approximately $300 a ing in the sun and nearby another dead cocktail of factors has produced the dis- Even so there is only enough for about Tourism has also dried up, literally. month pension. His boat now? It’s cow rots, symbols of the desolation grip- aster: a strong El Nino in the Pacific, heat- 20 liters (5.3 gallons) a day per person, The Paradise Bar, with views of the Cedro anchored in the middle of dry land. ping northeastern Brazil during its worst ing of the north Atlantic and climate far off the World Health Organization’s Reservoir in Quixada, is still open but drought in a century. Farmer Kerginaldo change that has seen temperatures in recommended 50 to 100 liters a day, for there are few customers now that the Recession and corruption Pereira, 30, walks through the dust and Ceara rise by 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.4 drinking, cooking and sanitation. lake, which has a capacity of more than In the worst recession for a century, cactuses in dismay. There are in all about degrees Fahrenheit) in 50 years. Pereira To boost this supply, villages get the equivalent of 50,000 Olympic swim- the government often delays aid pay- 30 skeletons of cattle, donkeys and other said he had to sell his other three cows together to pay for hard-to-afford private ming pools, is completely dry. Hundreds ments, while a much-awaited but contro- farm animals in a sort of open-air ceme- and 10 sheep, fetching poor prices deliveries, or they go with donkeys to of carcasses of turtles and the bones of versial project to divert the major San tery set aside in his settlement of Nova because they were “skeletal.” Like others public wells where they stand in line for fish litter the bed of the reservoir. Francisco River was held up after the Canaa, in Ceara state, to avoid spread of in Nova Canaa, home to 70 families near hours. Some dig their own wells but the “There was very extensive biodiversi- main contractor was caught up in a disease. “Most are animals that died of the town of Quixeramobim, he could no water is so salty that even animals refuse ty, with a lot of fish, amphibians, mol- nationwide corruption scandal. “There’s thirst or hunger. Sadly, that’s the reality. longer afford to feed the animals as well to drink. lusks and many birds who fed on the no doubt that the political crisis, together So many animals have died in these five his two small daughters. Most families get little more than fish,” said Wagnar Docarm, taking part in with the economic crisis, have made the years of drought,” Pereira told AFP. about $130 a month in social security a Quixada State University study on the water situation worse,” said Ceara state’s The semiarid northeast of Brazil, Water on wheels and emergency drought aide-barely dead animals. “Now it’s all gone.” Hugo top water official, Francisco Teixeira. known as the Sertao, is used to rain Everyday activities, even washing enough, especially when extra deliveries Fernandes, a zoologist leading the study, Weather forecasts for 2017 give little shortages but no one can remember a clothes or drinking, have become a by truck cost about $50. “We were able said the turtles would usually be migrat- hope of the Sertao getting a break, let drought like this. There has been almost luxury in the Sertao, which extends to get through one year of drought easi- ing “but they couldn’t find a way to get alone refilling the reservoirs. The small no rain since 2012 and the leafless, desic- across eight states. The region has 25 ly, because the reservoirs still had plenty across the reservoir.” communities around Quixeramobim cated landscape has the appearance of million inhabitants and of them three of water saved, but now we are having to Local people who depended on fish- say only God can help them. “We have having been in a vast fire. million have insufficient water, accord- conserve more every day,” said Clara ing in the reservoir say the drought has to pray because the only one who can Rivers and reservoirs that used to ing to state government figures-a ratio Carneiro, a 67-year-old farmer. She saves devastated them. “Everybody here lived help is above. The politicians forget serve rural populations are not coping. that shoots up for those living in the shower water and reuses washing-up by fishing. There were a lot of fish, about us once elections are over,” said The authorities estimate that reserves countryside. water to give to her dozen cows, which shrimps,” said Francisco Elso Pinheiro, 75. farmer Sebastiao Batista, 66, looking are at six percent capacity, with some Rural communities depend on gov- each need 100 liters a day. He said that by selling fish he had been upward. —AFP US teen suicide attempts fell as same-sex marriage turned legal

CHICAGO: Teen suicide attempts in the make gay kids feel “more hopeful for the ask about transgender status. They includ- U.S. declined after same-sex marriage future,” said lead author Julia Raifman, a ed questions about suicide attempts, became legal and the biggest impact was researcher at Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg smoking and alcohol or drug use. In 32 among gay, lesbian and bisexual kids, a School of Public Health. states that enacted same-sex marriage study found. The research found declines The measures also could create more laws during the study, suicide attempts in states that passed laws allowing gays to tolerance and less bullying, making these dropped 7 percent among all students and marry before the Supreme Court made it teens feel less stigmatized. Those effects 14 percent among gay kids after the laws legal nationwide. The results don’t prove could also benefit straight teens but more were passed. There was no change in sui- New miniature frog there’s a connection, but researchers said research is needed to determine how the cide attempts in states without those laws. policymakers should be aware of the laws might influence teen behavior, The study only included suicide attempts, species found in India measures’ potential benefits for youth Raifman said. The study was published not deaths. mental health. Monday in JAMA Pediatrics. The The new work makes an important contri- NEW DELHI: Scientists have discovered four according to the report in the PeerJ medical Suicide is the second-leading cause of researchers analyzed data on more than bution to identifying how laws limiting gay new species of miniature night frogs small sciences journal. “The miniature species are death for all US teens. Suicidal behavior is 700,000 public high school students who rights may affect psychological and physical enough to sit on a fingernail in a remote locally abundant and fairly common but much more common among gay, lesbian participated in government surveys on health, said Columbia University public part of India, according to a report pub- they have probably been overlooked and bisexual kids and adults; about 29 per- risky youth behavior from 1999 through health researcher Mark Hatzenbuehler. But lished yesterday. The researchers, who spent because of their extremely small size, secre- cent of these teens in the study reported 2015, the year the Supreme Court legalized more research is needed to determine which five years exploring the lush Western Ghats tive habitats and insect-like calls,” researcher mountains, said the tiny amphibians were Sonali Garg was quoted as saying. Indian attempting suicide, compared with just 6 same-sex marriage. teens are most vulnerable to policies that there in abundance but had likely been night frogs split off from other frogs some percent of straight teens. Laws that have About 230,000 students reported being limit gay rights, he wrote in an accompany- overlooked because of their size. They also 70 to 80 million years ago, making them a the greatest impact on gay adults may gay, lesbian or bisexual. The surveys didn’t ing editorial. —AP found three other species of night frogs, particularly ancient group. —AFP WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 Qualitynet celebrates National Day with a song featuring superstar singers

ualitynet, Kuwait’s #1 ICT, Data Communications & to life through colors, dance and music. Qualitynet is Internet Services Provider announced the launch of keen on being a part of Kuwait’s joys, and it forms a crucial Qits National Day Song, a tribute to Kuwait and its part of the brand’s Social Responsibility towards the people. The song is a poem of love to the country and was Kuwaiti society. The song took several months to material- sung by Superstars Ahlam and Bashar Al-Shatti. ize, starting from the search for an inspiring idea, to The song’s video embodies cheerfulness and joy choosing the right artists and the general framework for through a collective operetta and a series of traditional action. This is especially important when creating some- dances, celebrating Kuwait and expressing national pride. thing that becomes an integrated work of art, which deliv- The song is inspired by the words of a poem written by ers a message to the nation and is also held close to the poet Youssef Al-Shatti, and was composed by the artist hearts of its people. Qualitynet also added that the song Bashar Al-Shatti. He carefully worded the song to describe has gathered a lot of positive response and interaction the love for Kuwait in everyone’s hearts, and describes the since launch, and will feature on Cinema Screens and manifestation of the greatness of Kuwait’s rich past. National & Regional TV Channels, in addition to YouTube Qualitynet carefully chose a creative production and other Social Media channels. team to handle the subject they had in mind, that of We take this opportunity to thank and appreciate the addressing the authenticity and rich meanings of the parents of all the children that formed the operetta, and all language. The poem’s graceful and beautiful wording those who contributed to the success of this National caught the attention of both Ahlam and Bashar Al- Song. Qualitynet dedicates the song which is a labor of Shatti, who worked with Creative Director Khaled Al- national love, to Kuwait, its people and to the ancestors Rifai and the team at Joy Productions to bring the song that made Kuwait the great nation it is today.

Indian Ambassador hosts ‘Taste of India’ lunch ndian Ambassador Sunil Jain and spouse Dr Gargi Jain hosted a ‘Taste of India’ lunch. It was attended and highly appreciated by Ambassadors’ of Japan, Korea, Bhutan, Guyana, Egypt, Kenya, Somalia, IPalestine, Liberia, Bangladesh and Nepal with the spouses of the Jordanian and South African ambassador.

KNES hosts successful Math Relay Competitions he Primary Department of Kuwait National English School successfully hosted its Annual Math Relay Competition for pupils from Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The competition aims to develop in our pupils a spirit of Team Work, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving skills. Math relays at KNES has had a positive impact on the teaching and learning of Mathematics and a steady improvement in prob- Tlem solving skills. The competition is very popular amongst pupils and they are always enthusiastic and eager to participate in the competition. All winning teams were awarded medals. WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017

Al-Kout the place for Hala Feb 2017 shopping festival

esidents and visitors to Al-Kout - the spending as little as KD 5 at any of the mall’s National and Liberation days on February 25- feature traditional and modern Kuwaiti bands End of this year, Al-Kout will be the largest largest waterfront mixed-use destina- participating stores through entering the raffle 26 in a festive fun packed outdoor setting. as well as other regional genres of music. The waterfront mixed-use destination in Kuwait Rtion in Kuwait - can look forward to an draws organized by the annual Hala Feb Jumana Jaroug, Center Manager, Al-Kout, kid’s entertainment program will feature pop- that comprises six separate cohesive experi- amplified shopping experience during Hala Shopping Festival. said: “Whether residents of Kuwait or visitors ular and loved shows such as Teletubbies, ences. The destination begins from Rotana - a Feb 2017, an engaging retail promotion being The eight draws to be held at Souq Al-Kout from neighboring countries, the entertain- Barney, Dora the Explorer, Frozen, among 5-star hotel where guests can stay and enjoy held across the country during the entire will take place from February 22nd until March ment at Souq Al-Kout during Hala Feb 2017 is others. Face painting, henna art, hair braiding areas around, followed by the upcoming new month of February in celebration of Kuwait’s 1st, and will be followed by an exciting enter- bound to excite families. The month-long fes- and flag giveaways will also bring further life Al-Kout Mall and Souq Al-Kout. The experi- National & Liberation Days. tainment program with a variety of perform- tival and promotion is eagerly awaited by res- to the festivities. The mall itself will be deco- ence will also include the scenic and tradi- Souq Al-Kout, part of Al-Kout, will offer ances and activities ranging from live music to idents and attracts tourists to the country rated with beautiful Kuwaiti flags and colored tional Marsa Al-Kout - the marina, Sahel Al- shoppers the chance to drive away in a sleek kids shows to MC’s competitions and give- and our malls.” lighting around the mall will light up the Kout - the beach and Naga’at Al-Kout - the car or take home cash or other prizes daily by aways, where visitors can celebrate Kuwait’s The entertainment at Souq Al-Kout will entire area. fisherman’s wharf.

ACK celebrates Kuwait’s National & Liberation Day

he Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) celebrated performance by the “Al Kuwait Group”, in addition to Kuwait’s National Day of independence and numerous activities and a variety of traditional Kuwaiti TLiberation days at the campus. The event was food displays. Concluding the event, a special program attended by ACK students and staff members to express was organized featuring different competitions and distri- their love for the country and to symbolize unity under bution of many prizes to participants and winners. The the nation’s colors. Organized by ACK’s Student Affairs Student Affairs department aims to create a vibrant cam- department, with many representatives from the pus life and safe environment that contributes to ACK’s College’s student clubs, staff members and students were students in different ways to push them towards excel- treated to a wonderful showcase of traditional dancing lence and success. Seva Darshan Kuwait to hold Seva Kiran 2017

eva Darshan, Kuwait, s socio-cul- bers of the community, especially tural organization, will conduct a music and drama lovers to the grand Smega event ‘Seva Kiran 2017’ on cultural event. Seva Darshan Kuwait The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Kuwait February 25 at the Marina Hall in Jleeb which has over 3,000 members and has Chapter conducted a training seminar on “OHS risk analysis Al-Shuyoukh. The event will showcase a been actively working amongst the and management” at Best Western Hotel in Mahboula recently. musical drama enacted by members of expatriate community over the last 12 the organization called ‘Aarsha Keralam’ years. As part of its members’ commit- and an instrumental fusion concert ment to help the needy brethren in ‘Sounds for Seva ‘led by renowned per- Kuwait and back in India, Seva Darshan cussionists Padmasree Mattanur Harikumar on the mridangam and Kuwait has offered to build a medical What’s On - Submission Guidelines Sakarankurry. He would be joined by Nissy on the drums. The audience will dispensary and provide a mobile med- noted Thavil Vidhan Karunamoorthy, have a full-day of live entertainment ical unit for the backward tribal people All photos submitted for What’s On should be minimum 200dpi. Articles must be in plain text and vocalist Palakkad Sreeram, flute and from 10 am to 5 pm. of the North East of India. This is part of should include name and phone numbers. Articles and photos that fail to meet these requirements saxophone player Josey Allapuzha, key- The chief guest of the event is India’s the global effort to provide decent liv- will not be published. boardist Prakash Ullieyri, violinist Minister for Statistics and Program ing conditions to those stranded citi- Abhijit Nair. They will be accompanied Implementation D V Sadananda zens and is being done along with the Please send them to [email protected] by Kuwait’s own artist Perunna Gowda. The organizers invite all mem- government’s initiatives. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 TV PROGRAMS

03:30 South Park 13:55 Disney Mickey Mouse 14:55 Storage Wars Canada 05:00 Guy's Grocery Games 04:00 The Daily Show - Global Edition 14:00 Welcome To The Ronks 15:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier 06:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 04:25 Catch A Contractor 14:15 Gravity Falls 16:10 Running Wild With Bear Grylls 06:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 05:15 Lip Sync Battle 14:40 Hank Zipzer 17:00 Deadliest Catch 07:00 The Kitchen 05:40 Ridiculousness 15:05 Star Darlings 17:50 Fast N' Loud 08:00 The Pioneer Woman 01:00 Green Street 3: Never Back Down 06:05 Ridiculousness 15:10 Austin & Ally 18:40 Misfit Garage 08:30 The Pioneer Woman 03:00 Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! 06:30 Urban Tarzan 15:35 Jessie 19:30 How Do They Do It? 09:00 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 05:00 Last Knights 06:55 Urban Tarzan 16:00 Bunk'd 19:55 How Do They Do It? 09:30 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 07:00 The Throwaways 07:20 Life Or Debt 16:25 Kirby Buckets 20:20 Running Wild With Bear Grylls 10:00 Anna Olson: Bake 09:00 Pompeii 08:15 Catch A Contractor 16:50 Rolling To The Ronks 21:10 Storage Wars Canada 10:30 Anna Olson: Bake 11:00 Tracers 09:05 Disaster Date 17:15 Sunny Bunnies 21:35 Storage Wars Canada 11:00 The Kitchen 13:00 Last Knights 09:30 Ridiculousness 17:20 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug And 22:00 Made By Destruction 12:00 The Pioneer Woman 15:15 Metro 09:55 Ridiculousness Cat Noir 22:25 Made By Destruction 12:30 The Pioneer Woman 17:30 Batman: Bad Blood 10:20 Workaholics 17:45 Elena Of Avalor 22:50 How Do They Do It? 13:00 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 19:00 Blown Away 10:45 Disaster Date 18:10 Stuck In The Middle 23:15 How Do They Do It? 13:30 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 21:15 Momentum 11:10 Ridiculousness 18:35 Descendants Wicked World 23:40 Impossible Engineering 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 23:00 Payback 11:35 The It Crowd 18:40 Girl Meets World 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 12:00 Hungry Investors 19:05 Bizaardvark 15:00 Chopped 12:50 Workaholics 19:30 Bunk'd 16:00 The Kitchen 13:15 Lip Sync Battle 19:55 Best Friends Whenever 17:00 Anna Olson: Bake 13:40 The It Crowd 20:20 Disney Mickey Mouse 17:30 Anna Olson: Bake 14:05 Catch A Contractor 20:25 The Next Step 18:00 Chopped 00:00 Catching Monsters 14:55 Ridiculousness 20:50 Austin & Ally 00:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA 19:00 Guy's Grocery Games 00:55 Gator Boys 15:20 Sweat Inc. 21:15 Star Darlings 07:00 Danger Mouse 20:00 Chopped 01:50 River Monsters 16:10 Workaholics 21:20 Shake It Up 07:25 Gravity Falls 21:00 Food Network Star 02:45 Bondi Vet 16:35 Ridiculousness 21:45 Backstage 07:50 Atomic Puppet 22:00 Kitchen Casino 03:40 Catching Monsters 17:00 Ridiculousness 22:10 Liv And Maddie 08:15 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 23:00 Iron Chef America 04:35 Tanked 17:30 Disaster Date 22:35 Cracke 08:25 Counterfeit Cat 05:25 Call Of The Wildman 17:55 Lip Sync Battle 22:40 The Next Step 08:40 Supa Strikas 05:50 Call Of The Wildman 18:25 Workaholics 23:05 Best Friends Whenever 09:10 K.C. Undercover 06:15 Gator Boys 18:50 Urban Tarzan 23:30 Jessie 09:35 Star Wars Freemaker Adventures 07:02 River Monsters 19:15 Urban Tarzan 23:55 Tsum Tsum Shorts 10:00 Lab Rats Elite Force 07:49 Catching Monsters 19:39 The It Crowd 10:25 Lab Rats Elite Force 00:15 Coronation Street 08:36 Going Ape 20:03 Life Or Debt 10:50 Danger Mouse 00:40 Coronation Street 09:00 Going Ape 20:50 Disaster Date 11:20 Supa Strikas 01:10 The Chase 09:25 Groomer Has It 21:13 Ridiculousness 11:45 Supa Strikas 02:00 Emmerdale 10:15 Catching Monsters 21:37 Workaholics 12:10 Counterfeit Cat 02:30 Coronation Street 11:10 Call Of The Wildman 22:00 The Daily Show - Global Edition 00:00 Doc McStuffins 12:35 Pair Of Kings 03:00 Coronation Street 11:35 Call Of The Wildman 22:30 The Meltdown With Jonah And 00:30 Doc McStuffins 13:00 Pair Of Kings 03:30 Couples Come Dine With Me 12:05 Tanked Kumail 00:55 PJ Masks 13:30 Future-Worm! 04:25 Murdoch Mysteries 13:00 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 22:54 Key And Peele 01:20 Henry Hugglemonster 13:55 Lab Rats 05:20 Him 13:55 Bondi Vet 23:18 Another Period 01:35 The Hive 14:20 Lab Rats 06:15 Grantchester 14:50 Catching Monsters 23:42 Another Period 01:45 Loopdidoo 14:45 Atomic Puppet 07:10 The Chase 15:45 Gator Boys 02:00 Henry Hugglemonster 15:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 08:05 Couples Come Dine With Me 16:40 Call Of The Wildman 02:15 Calimero 15:15 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 09:00 Murdoch Mysteries 17:05 Call Of The Wildman 02:30 Art Attack 15:40 Supa Strikas 10:00 Him 17:35 Tanked 02:55 Zou 16:05 Lab Rats 11:00 Grantchester 18:30 River Monsters 03:05 Loopdidoo 16:30 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 11:55 The Chase AFTER THE BALL ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD 19:25 Yankee Jungle 00:15 Destroyed In Seconds 03:20 Henry Hugglemonster Everything 12:50 Couples Come Dine With Me 03:00 Secrets Of The King Cobra 20:20 Insane Pools: Off The Deep End 00:40 Ultimate Survival 03:35 Calimero 16:55 Right Now Kapow 13:45 Emmerdale 10:20 Storage Wars 03:50 Dangerous Encounters 21:15 Tanked 01:30 Science Of The Movies 03:50 Zou 17:25 K.C. Undercover 14:15 Coronation Street 10:45 Storage Wars 04:45 Storm Cats 22:10 Call Of The Wildman 02:20 Australia Smashes Guinness 04:05 Art Attack 17:50 Future-Worm! 14:45 Coronation Street 11:10 American Pickers 05:40 World's Deadliest 22:35 Call Of The Wildman World Records 04:30 The Hive 18:15 Gravity Falls 15:15 The Chase 12:00 Hunting Hitler 06:35 Secrets Of The King Cobra 23:05 Yankee Jungle 02:45 Australia Smashes Guinness 04:40 Loopdidoo 18:40 Lab Rats Elite Force 16:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 12:50 Time Team 07:30 Dangerous Encounters World Records 04:55 Henry Hugglemonster 19:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 17:00 Tina & Bobby 13:40 Swamp People 08:25 Storm Cats 03:10 Guinness World Records 05:10 Art Attack 19:10 Supa Strikas 17:55 Autopsy: The Last Hours Of... 14:30 Ax Men 09:20 World's Deadliest Smashed UK 05:35 Loopdidoo 19:35 Right Now Kapow 18:50 The Syndicate 15:20 Mountain Men 10:15 Little Killers 04:00 Destroyed In Seconds 05:50 Calimero 20:00 Atomic Puppet 19:50 Emmerdale 16:10 Shipping Wars 11:10 Deadly Instincts 04:25 Destroyed In Seconds 06:05 Art Attack 20:25 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 20:15 Coronation Street 16:35 Shipping Wars 12:05 Storm Cats 00:10 Orphan Black 04:50 Ultimate Survival 06:30 Henry Hugglemonster Everything 20:45 Coronation Street 17:00 Counting Cars 13:00 Invasion Of The Killer Whales 00:55 Doctors 05:40 How It's Made 06:45 Zou 20:55 K.C. Undercover 21:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 17:25 Counting Cars 13:55 Predator Battleground 01:25 Call The Midwife 06:05 How It's Made 07:00 Art Attack 21:20 Kickin' It 22:00 Tina & Bobby 17:50 Pawn Stars 14:50 Dangerous Encounters 02:20 Silent Witness 06:30 Dirty Jobs 07:30 Henry Hugglemonster 21:45 Mighty Med 22:55 Autopsy: The Last Hours Of... 18:15 Pawn Stars 22:10 Danger Mouse 23:50 Emmerdale 18:40 Ice Road Truckers 15:45 Dangerous Encounters 22:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 19:30 Aussie Pickers 16:40 World's Deadliest 22:45 Marvel's Avengers: Ultron 20:20 Mountain Men 17:35 Blood Rivals: Hippo V. Lion Revolution 21:10 American Pickers 18:30 Wild Case Files 23:10 Ultimate Spider-Man: Web 22:00 Counting Cars 19:25 Secrets Of The Wild Warriors 22:25 Car Hunters 20:20 Dangerous Encounters 23:35 Boyster 22:50 Forged In Fire 21:10 World's Deadliest 00:00 Ancient Aliens 23:40 Forged In Fire 22:00 Blood Rivals: Hippo V. Lion 01:00 The Universe: Ancient Mysteries 22:50 Wild Case Files Solved 23:40 Secrets Of The Wild 02:00 Warriors 03:00 Ancient Discoveries 00:00 E! News 04:00 Missing In Alaska 00:15 Botched 04:50 Ancient Aliens 00:20 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 01:05 Botched 05:40 Ancient Aliens 00:45 The Shelbourne 01:55 Botched 06:30 The Universe: Ancient Mysteries 01:10 Glamour Puds 02:50 WAGs Solved 01:35 Wineroads 00:00 Only God Forgives 03:50 WAGs 07:20 America: The Story Of The U.S. 02:00 Poh & Co 02:00 The Devil You Know 04:45 WAGs 08:10 The Universe 02:25 Sara's Australia Unveiled 04:00 A Good Marriage 05:40 WAGs 09:00 Ancient Discoveries 02:50 Delinquent Gourmet 06:00 A Teacher's Obsession 06:30 Fashion Bloggers 10:00 Missing In Alaska 03:15 Chocolate Covered 08:00 The Intruders 07:00 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 11:00 Ancient Aliens 03:40 Eat: The Story Of Food 10:00 The Harvest Henry 12:00 Ancient Aliens 04:30 Tom's Istanbul Delight 12:00 A Mother Betrayed 07:55 E! News 13:00 The Universe: Ancient Mysteries 04:55 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 14:00 The Boy 08:10 Hollywood Medium With Tyler Solved 05:20 Carnival Eats 16:00 Assassin's Bullet Henry 14:00 America: The Story Of The U.S. 05:45 Eat Street 18:00 Two Wrongs 09:10 WAGs Miami 15:00 Ancient Discoveries 06:10 Confucius Was A Foodie 20:00 Backtrack 10:10 WAGs Miami 16:00 Missing In Alaska 07:00 Chocolate Covered 22:00 Unfriended 11:05 WAGs Miami 17:00 Ancient Aliens 07:25 Testing The Menu With Nic Watt 12:00 WAGs Miami 18:00 Ancient Aliens 07:50 Poh & Co 13:00 E! News 19:00 The Universe: Ancient Mysteries 08:15 Sara's Australia Unveiled 13:15 WAGs Miami Solved 08:40 Delinquent Gourmet LAST KNIGHTS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 14:10 WAGs Miami 20:00 America: The Story Of The U.S. 09:05 Chocolate Covered 15:05 WAGs Miami 21:00 Ancient Discoveries 09:30 Eat: The Story Of Food 01:15 Hocus Pocus 10:20 Tom's Istanbul Delight 03:15 Toy Story 3 03:20 Silent Witness 07:20 Mythbusters 07:45 Loopdidoo 16:00 E! News 22:00 Missing In Alaska 10:45 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 05:00 Jem And The Holograms 04:20 Orphan Black 08:00 Kids vs Film 08:00 Zou 16:15 Celebrity Style Story 23:00 Ancient Aliens 11:10 Carnival Eats 07:00 Pooh's Heffalump Halloween 05:05 Doctors 08:25 Bear Grylls Survival School 08:15 Calimero 16:45 Celebrity Style Story 11:35 Eat Street Movie 05:35 Doctors 08:50 Bondi Vet 08:30 Loopdidoo 17:15 Mariah's World 12:00 Confucius Was A Foodie 08:15 Toy Story 3 06:05 New Tricks 09:40 How It's Made 08:45 Henry Hugglemonster 18:10 Mariah's World 12:50 Chocolate Covered 10:00 Jem And The Holograms 07:00 Doctors 10:05 How It's Made 09:00 Minnie's Bow-Toons 19:05 Mariah's World 13:15 Testing The Menu With Nic Watt 12:00 Atlantis: Milo's Return 07:30 Doctors 10:30 Science Of The Movies 09:05 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 20:00 E! News 13:40 Poh & Co 13:30 Pooh's Heffalump Halloween 08:00 Holby City 11:20 Mythbusters 09:15 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 21:00 Fashion Police 14:05 Sara's Australia Unveiled Movie 08:55 Death In Paradise 12:10 Bondi Vet 09:30 Miles From Tomorrow 22:00 So Cosmo 00:30 American Pickers 14:35 Delinquent Gourmet 14:45 Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie 09:50 The Coroner 13:00 Ultimate Survival 09:45 Goldie & Bear 23:00 So Cosmo 01:20 Forged In Fire 15:00 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 16:45 Lilo & Stitch 10:35 New Tricks 13:50 How It's Made 09:55 The Lion Guard 02:10 Leepu And Pitbull 15:30 Testing The Menu With Nic Watt 18:30 Kim Possible: So The Drama 11:30 Doctors 14:15 How It's Made 10:20 PJ Masks 03:00 Swamp People 15:55 Tom's Istanbul Delight 20:00 High School Musical 3: Senior Year 12:00 Doctors 14:40 Dirty Jobs 10:35 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 03:50 Storage Wars 16:25 Valentine Warner's Wild Table 22:00 Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts 12:30 Death In Paradise 15:30 Mythbusters 10:50 Doc McStuffins 04:15 American Pickers 17:00 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 23:30 Lilo & Stitch 13:25 The Coroner 16:20 Science Of The Movies 11:00 Goldie & Bear 05:05 Pawn Stars 17:50 Carnival Eats 14:20 New Tricks 17:10 Kids vs Film 11:15 PJ Masks 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 05:30 Pawn Stars 18:15 The Great Food Revolution 15:15 Doctors 17:35 Bear Grylls Survival School 11:30 Minnie's Bow-Toons 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:00 Mountain Men 19:10 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 15:45 Doctors 18:00 Wildest Africa 11:35 The Lion Guard 01:00 Man Fire Food 07:00 Alaska Off-Road Warriors 19:35 Eat Street 16:15 Death In Paradise 18:50 Lost & Found With Mike & Jesse 12:00 Sofia The First 01:30 Man Fire Food 07:50 Shipping Wars 20:05 Tom's Istanbul Delight 00:00 Sisters 17:10 The Coroner 19:40 Destroyed In Seconds 12:30 Doc McStuffins 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 08:15 Shipping Wars 20:30 Valentine Warner's Wild Table 02:00 No Escape 18:05 New Tricks 20:05 Destroyed In Seconds 12:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 08:40 Counting Cars 21:00 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 04:00 A Royal Night Out 19:00 Doctors 20:30 How It's Made 13:20 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 03:00 Man Fire Food 09:05 Counting Cars 21:50 Carnival Eats 06:00 Fathers And Daughters 19:30 Eastenders 20:55 How It's Made 13:50 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 03:30 Man Fire Food 09:30 Pawn Stars 22:15 The Great Food Revolution 08:00 The Peanuts Movie 20:05 Death In Paradise 21:20 Mythbusters 14:15 Gummi Bears 04:00 Chopped 09:55 Pawn Stars 23:05 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 10:00 The Intern 21:00 Poldark 22:10 Wildest Africa 14:40 Sofia The First 23:30 Eat Street 12:00 Suffragette 22:00 Last Tango In Halifax 23:00 Lost & Found With Mike & Jesse 15:10 Little Mermaid 23:55 Poh & Co 14:00 The Jungle Book 22:55 Ripper Street 23:50 Destroyed In Seconds 15:35 PJ Masks 23:50 Orphan Black 16:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 16:00 The Benefactor 16:30 The Lion Guard 18:00 Kindergarten Cop 2 16:55 Unbungalievable 20:00 Zoolander 2 17:00 Miles From Tomorrow 22:00 Ride Along 2 17:30 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 17:55 The Lion Guard 00:20 Access 360 World Heritage 00:00 The First 48 00:00 Kirby Buckets 18:20 Goldie & Bear 01:10 Miracle Hospital 01:00 It Takes A Killer 00:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 18:50 PJ Masks 01:35 Miracle Hospital 01:30 It Takes A Killer Witch 19:15 Sofia The First 02:00 Wicked Tuna 02:00 Diabolical Women 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 19:40 Doc McStuffins 03:00 Air Crash Investigation 01:00 Army Of Darkness 03:00 Killer Kids Witch 20:05 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 03:55 Filthy Riches 03:00 The Beautician And The Beast 04:00 The First 48 01:10 Hank Zipzer 20:30 Little Mermaid 04:50 Miracle Hospital 05:00 Ana Maria In Novela Land 05:00 It Takes A Killer 01:35 Binny And The Ghost 21:00 Doc McStuffins 05:15 Miracle Hospital 07:00 Undercover Brother 05:30 It Takes A Killer 02:00 Violetta 21:30 Doc McStuffins 05:45 Gok's Chinese Takeaway 09:00 The Beautician And The Beast 06:00 Diabolical Women 02:45 The Hive 22:00 Unbungalievable 06:40 Hunt For The Abominable 11:00 Ana Maria In Novela Land 07:00 Killer Kids 02:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 22:05 Goldie & Bear Snowman 13:00 Undercover Brother 08:00 Evil Up Close Witch 22:35 Miles From Tomorrow 07:35 Dog Whisperer 15:00 After The Ball 09:00 Evil Up Close 03:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 23:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 08:30 Jurassic C.S.I. 17:00 With This Ring 10:00 Crimes That Shook Britain Witch 23:25 Gummi Bears 09:25 Seconds From Disaster 19:00 Parenthood 11:00 It Takes A Killer 03:40 Hank Zipzer 23:55 Minnie's Bow-Toons 10:20 Korean Soul Food 21:00 Superfast 11:30 It Takes A Killer 04:05 Binny And The Ghost 11:15 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 23:00 Awful Nice 12:00 Gangs Of Britain... 04:30 Violetta 11:40 Desperate Hours 13:00 Gangs Of Britain... 05:15 The Hive 12:10 Miracle Hospital 14:00 Gangs Of Britain... 05:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 12:35 Miracle Hospital 15:00 Gangs Of Britain... Witch 13:05 Return From The Dead 16:00 Evil Up Close 05:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 14:00 Seconds From Disaster 17:00 Crimes That Shook Britain Witch 00:30 Fast N' Loud 15:00 Jurassic C.S.I. 01:45 Primal Fear 18:00 It Takes A Killer 06:10 Hank Zipzer 01:20 Misfit Garage 16:00 Dog Whisperer 04:00 The Hurricane 18:30 It Takes A Killer 06:35 Binny And The Ghost 02:10 The Island With Bear Grylls 17:00 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 06:30 The Help 19:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 07:00 Violetta 03:00 Bear Grylls: Mission Survive 18:00 Miracle Hospital 09:00 The Sting 20:00 The First 48 07:45 The Hive 03:50 Ed Stafford: Into The Unknown 18:30 Miracle Hospital 11:15 Days Of Heaven 21:00 The First 48 07:50 The 7D 04:40 Fast N' Loud 19:00 Egypt's Treasure Guardians 13:00 The Rainmaker 22:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 08:00 Jessie 05:30 Storage Wars Canada 20:00 Startalk 15:15 A Perfect Day 23:00 Evil Up Close 08:25 Jessie 06:00 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 17:00 And Justice For All 08:50 Rolling To The Ronks 06:30 How Do They Do It? 21:50 Miracle Hospital 19:00 Erin Brockovich 09:15 Tsum Tsum Shorts 07:00 Deadliest Catch 22:15 Miracle Hospital 21:15 The Blind Side 09:20 Elena Of Avalor 07:50 Misfit Garage 22:40 Egypt's Treasure Guardians 23:30 Black Swan 09:45 Bunk'd 08:40 Fast N' Loud 23:30 Startalk 10:10 Stuck In The Middle 09:30 Running Wild With Bear Grylls 00:05 Tosh.0 10:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 10:20 Storage Wars Canada 00:30 The Daily Show - Global Edition 11:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place 10:45 How Do They Do It? 01:00 Key And Peele 11:25 A.N.T. Farm 11:10 How Do They Do It? 01:25 South Park 11:50 A.N.T. Farm 11:35 The Island With Bear Grylls 01:50 South Park 12:15 Good Luck Charlie 12:25 Bear Grylls: Mission Survive 00:30 Squid vs. Whale 00:15 Mamma Moo And Crow 02:15 Tosh.0 12:40 Good Luck Charlie 13:15 Ed Stafford: Into The Unknown 01:20 Leopard Queen 02:00 Bonta 02:40 Inside Amy Schumer 13:05 Shake It Up 14:05 How Do They Do It? 02:10 South Africa 03:45 The Olsen Gang In Deep Trouble 03:05 South Park 13:30 Shake It Up 14:30 Storage Wars Canada SISTERS ON OSN MOVIES HD Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017

MATRIMONIAL

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO Jacobite parents invite pro- posals for their son, Post WEDNESDAY (16/02/2017 TO 22/02/2017) Graduate Engineer, 29/173, working in Kuwait. M4mar- rry profile ID - 4178223. SHARQIA-1 EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 1:30 PM MARINA-3 Email: [email protected] EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 11:30 AM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 3:30 PM RINGS 12:00 PM (C 5275) 18-2-2017 EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 1:30 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 5:30 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 2:30 PM NO FRI+SAT EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 7:45 PM RINGS 5:00 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 1:30 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 9:45 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 7:15 PM TRANSPORT FRI+SAT EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 11:45 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 9:45 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 3:45 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 12:15 AM Transport required from KAABIL- HINDI 6:00 PM FANAR-2 Dhajeej to Hawally Qutaiba EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 9:00 PM PET 12:30 PM AVENUES-1 EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 11:00 PM RINGS 2:30 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 11:30 AM street, from 5 pm. Friday & EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 1:00 AM PET 4:30 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 1:45 PM Saturday off. Contact: THE REMAINS 6:30 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 4:00 PM 99878317. SHARQIA-2 RINGS 8:30 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 6:15 PM 18-2-2017 GOLD 12:45 PM THE REMAINS 10:30 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 8:30 PM ARSENAL 3:00 PM PET 12:30 AM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 10:30 PM GOLD 5:00 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 12:30 AM GOLD 7:15 PM FANAR-3 FOR SALE ARSENAL 9:30 PM KAABIL- HINDI 1:00 PM AVENUES-2 ARSENAL 11:30 PM AL MOKHAYAM 1:45 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 -2D -4DX 12:15 PM For sell new white faux fur DANGAL -Hindi 3:45 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE -3D -4DX 2:45 PM (artificial) coat size M And pre SHARQIA-3 JOLLY LLB 2 -Hindi 7:00 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE -3D -4DX 5:00 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 12:45 PM KAABIL- HINDI 10:00 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE -3D -4DX 7:15 PM owned like new black leather JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 3:15 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:45 AM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 -2D -4DX 9:30 PM coat size M made in Turkey, Tel. RINGS 5:45 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 -2D -4DX 12:05 AM No: 55020291 JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 7:45 PM FANAR-4 RINGS 10:15 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 11:30 AM AVENUES-3 Automated enquiry JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 12:30 AM GOLD 2:00 PM RINGS 12:00 PM about the GOLD 4:15 PM RINGS 2:15 PM MUHALAB-1 GOLD 6:45 PM RINGS 4:30 PM Civil ID card is PET 12:15 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 9:30 PM MUNTHIRIVALLIKAL THALIRKKUMBOL -Malayalam 6:45 PM PET 2:15 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 12:05 AM RINGS 9:45 PM 1889988 PET 4:15 PM SPLIT 12:15 AM NO FRI+SAT FANAR-5 THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 4:15 PM ARSENAL 11:45 AM 360º- 1 FRI+SAT ARSENAL 1:45 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:15 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 6:30 PM ARSENAL 3:45 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 2:15 PM RINGS 8:45 PM RAEES- HINDI 5:45 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 4:15 PM 112 RINGS 10:45 PM ARSENAL 8:45 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 6:15 PM PET 12:45 AM ARSENAL 10:45 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 8:15 PM ARSENAL 12:45 AM PRAYER TIMINGS MUHALAB-2 EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 10:15 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:15 AM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:00 PM MARINA-1 KAABIL- HINDI 2:00 PM ARSENAL 1:00 PM 360º- 2 KUNG-FU YOGA 3:15 PM JOLLY LLB 2 -Hindi 5:00 PM SPLIT 12:45 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 8:00 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE 5:30 PM GOLD 7:45 PM SPLIT 3:00 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 10:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 5:15 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:05 AM ARSENAL 10:00 PM ARSENAL 12:05 AM KAABIL- HINDI 8:30 PM MUHALAB-3 SPLIT 11:30 PM MARINA-2 JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 12:45 PM 360º- 3 ARSENAL 3:15 PM DALIDA 12:45 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 12:15 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 5:15 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 1:30 PM Fajr: 05:02 AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 2:30 PM ARSENAL 7:45 PM FRI Shorook: 06:21 JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 9:45 PM SPLIT 3:30 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 4:45 PM ARSENAL 12:15 AM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 6:00 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 7:00 PM Duhr: 12:02 DALIDA 8:00 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 9:00 PM Asr: 15:16 FANAR-1 EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 10:30 PM AL MOKHAYAM (Kuwaiti Film) 11:00 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 1:00 AM Maghrib: 17:42 EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 11:30 AM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 12:30 AM Isha: 18:59

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Arrival Flights on Wednesday 22/2/2017 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 Departure Flights on Wednesday 22/2/2017 FDB 076 Dubai 14:05 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 1341 Al Najaf 15:20 Airlines Flt Route Time UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 KAC 693 Muscat 14:30 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 CLX 792 14:30 THY 772 Istanbul 00:55 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 15:50 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 KNE 382 Taif 14:50 FDK 804 Damascus 01:55 KAC 561 15:00 KAC 102 London 00:55 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:50 KAC 417 Manila 02:00 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 FDK 803 Damascus 01:00 KAC 154 Istanbul 15:55 THY 773 Istanbul 02:25 FDB 060 Dubai 15:05 QTR 1086 Doha 01:15 SAW 705 Damascus 16:00 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:55 KAC 785 Jeddah 15:15 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 SVA 504 Madinah 16:00 MSC 406 Sohag 03:30 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 DLH 635 Doha 01:55 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:35 IRC 6512 ABD 15:30 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 QTR 1079 Doha 15:40 MSC 405 Sohag 02:30 KAC 788 Jeddah 16:20 KKK 6505 Istanbul 03:55 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:25 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:25 THY 765 Istanbul 04:00 KAC 777 Riyadh 16:00 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 KAC 619 Doha 16:00 KKK 6506 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 16:35 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KNE 684 Madinah 16:00 QTR 1077 Doha 04:40 JZR 554 Alexandria 16:10 FDB 069 Dubai 03:05 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 KAC 103 London 04:45 FDB 8054 Dubai 16:15 FDB 5061 Dubai 07:15 KAC 118 New York 17:00 CEB 0019 Manila 05:20 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 KAC 204 Lahore 07:15 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 QTR 1087 Doha 05:50 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:30 KAC 284 Dhaka 07:35 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 JZR 1330 Al Najaf 06:00 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:45 JZR 560 Sohag 06:05 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 SYR 341 Damascus 17:55 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 SAW 706 Damascus 16:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 KAC 153 Istanbul 06:50 SVA 505 Madinah 17:00 KAC 382 Delhi 08:45 FDB 063 Dubai 18:10 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 IAW 157A Baghdad 09:00 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 240 Amman 17:15 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 KAC 171 Frankfurt 07:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:25 RJA 645 Amman 07:05 KAC 363 Colombo 17:40 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 TXC 1624 IQA 18:30 KAC 541 Cairo 07:15 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 KAC 362 Colombo 09:05 KAC 502 Beirut 18:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 KAC 352 Kochi 09:10 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:40 JZR 1338 Al Najaf 07:40 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 JZR 1331 Al Najaf 09:25 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 JZR 1332 Al Najaf 07:50 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 KAC 512 Mashhad 19:20 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:55 KAC 331 Trivandrum 18:00 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 563 Amman 08:00 KAC 353 BLR 18:15 IRC 6511 ABD 09:55 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 BAW 156 London 08:40 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 MSC 415 Sohag 10:15 KAC 778 Riyadh 19:35 FDB 054 Dubai 08:55 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 283 Dhaka 18:30 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:40 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 KAC 691 Muscat 09:00 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KAC 743 Dammam 09:00 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 SYR 342 Damascus 18:55 TXC 1622 IQA 11:00 KAC 117 New York 09:00 KAC 620 Doha 19:50 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 FDB 064 Dubai 19:05 JZR 1339 Al Najaf 11:05 KAC 104 London 19:50 KAC 513 Tehran 09:30 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:15 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:10 KNE 381 Taif 19:55 KAC 101 London 09:35 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 JZR 1333 Al Najaf 11:15 KAC 694 Muscat 20:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 IRM 1188 Mashhad 11:15 OMA 647 Muscat 20:10 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 IAW 158A Al Najaf 10:00 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 562 Amman 20:40 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:00 IAW 157 Al Najaf 12:00 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 FDB 058 Dubai 20:35 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 KAC 744 Dammam 12:10 KAC 613 Bahrain 10:10 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:55 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:45 KAC 545 Cairo 21:00 JZR 561 Sohag 12:40 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:10 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 OMA 648 Muscat 21:10 FDB 075 Dubai 12:50 KAC 787 Jeddah 10:15 KAC 172 Frankfurt 21:15 KAC 205 Islamabad 21:25 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:25 KAC 786 Jeddah 21:15 KAC 161 Geneva 10:35 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 21:30 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 QTR 1089 Doha 21:35 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15 DLH 634 Doha 21:35 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 QTR 1071 Doha 10:40 KAC 614 Bahrain 13:30 KAC 501 Beirut 10:55 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 KAC 564 Amman 13:40 IRC 6522 Lamerd 11:00 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KNE 231 Riyadh 13:55 MSC 416 Sohag 11:15 KAC 351 Kochi 22:00 KAC 514 Tehran 13:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:40 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 KAC 203 Lahore 22:15 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:05 JZR 1340 Al Najaf 11:55 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:15 KAC 413 Bangkok 22:15 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 12:05 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:05 KAC 692 Muscat 14:30 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:10 KAC 414 Bangkok 14:35 JZR 241 Amman 22:45 JZR 528 Asyut 22:25 IRM 1189 Mashhad 12:30 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:00 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:45 IRC 6521 Lamerd 14:40 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:00 KAC 542 Cairo 14:45 JZR 555 Alexandria 23:20 KAC 381 Delhi 22:45 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 KAC 672 Dubai 14:50 PIA 239 Sialkot 23:40 KAC 511 Mashhad 13:15 JZR 502 Luxor 22:55 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 KNE 683 Madinah 15:05 KAC 162 Geneva 23:50 TXC 1623 IQA 14:00 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 FDB 8053 Dubai 15:10 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:55 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 285 Dhaka 23:20 stars34 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017

CROSSWORD 1529 STAR TRACK

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

You may cause people to grow distant and indifferent when you forget or You will find that you are appreciated for your psychological insight while ignore their feelings or needs. This could come from your concentration at dealing with the public. This can be extremely helpful when working in many types of work and your determination to advance. Recognize this tendency and try and create a professions. When you can sell a product that was previously unknown or talk a co- balance in your daily activities. Your drive to climb the ladder of success is commendable worker into helping you with some difficult work, you are in command. It will not be and you may be realizing some rewards for your hard work. Financial success through a long before you will be looking at some advancement in your profession. Clashes with partner's venture with someone as reserved as you will be quite successful. Strive to elim- authorities over new ideas could occur if you do not have some research facts to back inate situations that are draining your resources, or at least bring them down to a control- up your work or ideas. You experience a sense of support when you visit with friends lable level. An instinctive urge to get serious about taking care of you at many levels is this afternoon. However, be aware of tendencies to believe too quickly, too deeply, or emphasized now. Diet, exercise and work somehow mean more now. to become dependent on things or people that seem to have quick answers.

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

Obstacles to self-discipline or to your sense of organization may appear People have important subjects about which to communicate. When today. You could be frustrated by someone in this regard. Authorities and red tape you come in to work you may become frustrated, but not for long. Your timing should may stand between you and your goals. You and your friends will find some time to be perfect and those around you should find you most spontaneous. Why not enjoy enjoy this afternoon together. Perhaps some contact sports or music will be the some time out-of-doors during the noon break and walk or just look in the store win- object of your activities. Whatever the subject, the point of the afternoon is cama- dows?-weather permitting, of course. You can then return to work refreshed. Do not raderie and exercise. You could be reorganizing your possessions this evening to be shy about saying what is on your mind to your superiors today. If you decide to be allow more room for movement in the living area of your home, room or apartment. a teacher, instructor or guide, you can be one of the best. You may find the opportuni- You may want to gather some of your old things for a garage sale or a charity organi- ty to speak in lectures, teach part-time, guide a group or perhaps lead a tour. It is time zation. This will free up some space and create a feeling of being a free spirit. to enlarge your scope of capabilities so start thinking!

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Figuring out how to organize projects and people becomes a topic of spe- The past has created a wise, talented and well-balanced you that excels cial interest at this time. Opinions are not enough for you: authority or evi- at this time. You are more able to see things clearly at this time and not be taken in by dence must back them and above all they must have practical appeal and purpose. This other people's creative stories. Your choices about most things these days tend to be could be a period of intense study and thought. Two people arguing in the workplace more positive than in the past. Ambitious schemes and the pursuit of success and sta- ACROSS based instead on an abstract analysis of today could become uncomfortable-if you try to intervene, you could make the problem tus take on a high priority. There is a focus on the practical, the successful, the prag- worse. Although you can be very good at settling problems, this is not the time to do it. 1. Greenish-yellow pear. ideas. matic-whatever it takes to get you ahead in the end. Your mind could be quite clear. Your productivity has improved and you can expect some attention and praise regarding 5. Bears and extinct related forms. 7. A narcotic that is considered a hard drug. Ideas are flowing and they come easily. You can talk, talk, talk. Pleasant interactions your work. Poetry and art may be possible this afternoon-you could create another one of 12. The number that is represented as a one 8. (informal) Very bad. with the family and plans of travel make this a happy day. Check and recheck your your great love poems for your loved one. A gift of a t-shirt represents your next vacation. followed by 6 zeros. 9. The longer of the two telegraphic signals transportation schedule in order to confirm dates and times. 15. Large elliptical brightly colored deep-sea used in Morse code. fish of Atlantic and Pacific and 10. A drug (trade names Atarax and Vistaril) Mediterranean. used as a tranquilizer to treat anxiety and Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. A baroque musical composition (usually for motion sickness. Cancer (June 21-July 22) a keyboard instrument) with full chords 11. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. You are most persuasive with others when you want to make a point or Your energies are high this morning and your accomplishments are and rapid elaborate runs in a rhythmically 12. By chance. give an example. The circumstances are a natural for self-expression. You are ener- many. The first consideration for today will be to break away from the mental thinking free style. 13. English essayist (1775-1834). gized. This is one of the best times to work in teams and accomplish much. You may that you cannot do some task in the workplace. This is a productive time to be with 17. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part 14. An association of criminals. be sought after as just the person for a leadership type of job. Your management and others and to work together. You may be the one asked to follow through on a partic- of an organism. 20. United by being of the same opinion. directional abilities are in high focus. Pay attention, your overtime work is adding up ular job. This is where your talents will shine-you can do it! Your management and 18. A syllabic script used in writing Sanskrit 23. A public promotion of some product or and you could find complaints on the home front. New ways to communicate or an directional abilities are in high focus. You may find that even a promotion is possible and Hindi. service. easy manner will make conversations and interactions go well. You may find yourself now-if it is what you want. In your personal dealings with financial matters, always 19. A Loloish language. 25. A radioactive element of the actinide more talkative and easygoing than at other times. Find time to be with your loved check your sources and know the presenter's history or background. You could save a 21. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in series. ones this evening-this fun time together is the glue that binds. financial loss if you know the group or person with whom you will be negotiating. favor of a person or cause). 27. A doctor's degree in dental surgery. 22. Showing self-interest and shrewdness in 28. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the dealing with others. alkali metal group. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 24. A motley assortment of things. 30. A high-crowned black cap (usually made of Leo (July 23-August 22) 26. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. felt or sheepskin) worn by men in Turkey There are long-standing issues that are ready to end soon. One way you You can demonstrate great understanding and sensitivity to the needs 29. (archaic) Of persons. and Iran and the Caucasus. can continue to move forward in a positive way is to let go of some past difficulties. This of others but may have to exercise patience when others do not show you the same 36. A room equipped with toilet facilities. 31. A city in northwestern Spain near the is a good time to come to grips with the past-understand, accept and give it a sense of courtesy. A jealous person has the means to open the door of opportunity for you to 37. Full of submerged reefs or sandbanks or Cantabrian Mountains. closure. You can be very lucky with gambling today. Sorry, this does not mean money grow financially. Consider drawing up a short-te rm co ntract-then this jealous person shoals. 32. Being the one previously mentioned or gambling. Taking a chance on a person or project, creating a change or loving an animal will not feel as threatened. You will make a difference, in not only business improve- 40. An award for winning a championship or spoken of. can all be part of this gambling. You have an increased interest in many different forms ments, but also financial improvements for yourself. Everything seems to be working commemorating some other event. 33. Emblem usually consisting of a rectangular of metaphysics, including religion, and may decide to join a friend to check out a meta- together-you may find yourself expressive and able to communicate well. In ce ntives 42. Being of delicate or slender build. piece of cloth of distinctive design. physical bookstore. Throughout this day and much of march, you will be putting a large are the secret to an improved love relationship now. One incentive is the promise of your time. Hobbies, poetry and art may be shared. 44. The capital of Western Samoa. 34. A clique that seeks power usually through amount of your focus on money-ways to increase your funds. 46. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake intrigue. Chad. 35. A group of biological taxa or species that 47. Someone who copies the words or behav- share features inherited from a common Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) ior of another. ancestor. 48. The younger brother of Edwy who became 38. (astronomy) The angular distance of a A customer or someone else from outside the business staff may try You are the one to calm a negative person today; you seem to under- king of Northumbria when it renounced celestial point measured westward along your patience at times. Do not allow those feathers of yours to be ruffled-this person is stand that this is a person that is afraid of outcomes and just needs Edwy. the celestial equator from the zenith not angry for the reasons you think. As a busy, active person, your attitude toward solv- encouragement. You progress nicely in the workplace and may soon receive recogni- 50. An informal term for a father. crossing. ing any problem is usually to end difficulties quickly and move on-today could be a bit tion for your work. Perfection is what you aim for and acknowledgement is what 51. Someone who is morally reprehensible. 39. An organization of countries formed in different. You will want to kick back this afternoon and have fun with your friends. A keeps you aiming! New ways to communicate fill your break time with experimental group of you may even decide to chat about some of the things you did as teenagers. fun, testing and communicating. You may have received a new phone or new com- 54. Individual serving of minced e.g. meat or 1961 to agree on a common policy for the Visiting with old friends and remembering old times is fun and brings about good feel- puter. After you learn the mechanics, interactions go well. You may find yourself more fish in a rich creamy sauce baked in a small sale of petroleum. ings. Marriage and other close relationships give rise to great expectations. This is a time talkative than usual. A fun dialogue with an older person may take place. A phone call pastry mold or timbale shell. 41. An informal term for a father. to appreciate your ties to others and to seek and promote pleasant connections. from a family member may require a visit from you and surprises happen. 57. A permanent council of the United Nations. 43. A form of address for a man. 61. Of or relating to or near the tarsus of the 45. A clergyman in many Christian churches foot. who has the authority to perform or 63. The wife of a sheik. administer various religious rites. Word Search Yesterday’s Solution 67. Small Atlantic wrasse the male of which 49. A nucleotide derived from adenosine that has a brilliant blue head. occurs in muscle tissue. 70. A member of a nomadic Berber people of 52. The Hebrew patriarch who saved himself the Sahara. and his family and the animals by building 71. A small stream. an ark in which they survived 40 days and 72. The boy whose upbringing was described 40 nights of rain. by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. 53. A high-pitched noise resembling a human 75. A popular island resort in the cry. Antilles. 55. Chinese ephedra yielding ephedrine. 76. A loud utterance. 56. Tired to the point of exhaustion. 77. A bin for holding coal. 58. United States minimalist painter (born in 79. A rapid escape (as by criminals). 1936). 80. A sensation (as of a cold breeze or bright 59. The unit of plane angle adopted under the light) that precedes the onset of certain System International d'Unites. disorders such as a migraine attack or 60. Angular distance above the horizon (espe- epileptic seizure. cially of a celestial object). 81. A bag used for carrying money and small 62. A constitutional monarchy on the western personal items or accessories (especially part of the islands of Samoa in the South by women). Pacific. 82. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 64. A Dravidian language closely related to from aba cloth. Tamil that is spoken in a hilly section of southwestern India. DOWN 65. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a 1. Consisting of or made up of bone. skewer usually with vegetables. 2. A translucent mineral consisting of hydrated 66. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of silica of variable color. the Old World. 3. An narrative telling the adventures of a hero 68. The function or position properly or cus- or a family. tomarily occupied or served by another. 4. Thorny shrub or small tree common in cen- 69. (Norse mythology) One of the Aesir known tral Argentina having small orange or yel- for his beauty and skill with bow and skis. low flowers followed by edible berries. 73. An honorary law degree. 5. A city in central New York. 74. A gradual decline (in size or strength or 6. An artificial language for international use power or number). that rejects rejects all existing words and is 78. A state in midwestern United States.

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Afghanistan 0093 Lithuania 00370 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Luxembourg 00352 Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Anguilla 001264 Majorca 0034 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malawi 00265 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Malaysia 0060 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Maldives 00960 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Mali 00223 Austria 0043 Malta 00356 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Azerbaijan 00994 Marshall Islands 00692 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Adaliya 22517144 Bosnia 00387 00258 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Kaifan 24849807 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Shuwaikh 24814507 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Nuzha 22526804 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Qadsiya 22515088 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Dasmah 22532265 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Shaab 22518752 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 00385 Paraguay 00595 Sharq 22465401 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Jabriya 25316254 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Bayan 25388462 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Sabah 24810221 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 New Jahra 24575755 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 South Jahra 24775066 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tome 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 North Jleeb 24311795 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 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 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 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Hungary 0036 Togo 00228 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. 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FASHION Brazil transgender model Sampaio 'fighting for better world' alentina Sampaio, the first transgender model to make ing "as a little boy, I felt like a little girl". "I was born in Ceara in the cover of French "Vogue", will be flying the flag for the the northeast and in that small place I felt protected, because VLGBT movement at Milan fashion week. The 22-year-old everyone knows and respects each other," she said. Sampaio Brazilian, who appeared on the cover of Elle Brazil in November said there were some unpleasant "incidents" at the beginning and has modeled for labels such as Gisela Franck and Rchlo, is in of her career, like one brand refusing to use a transgender per- the city to attend casting sessions in the hope of snapping up a son for its advertising campaign. place on the catwalk for the world's top fashion houses. The shy, "I felt very bad, I wanted to stop working" as a model, "but green-eyed brunette told AFP in Milan, where the autumn-win- in the end I realized that I liked this work and it did not stop ter collections go on show from Wednesday, she was "proud" of me," she said. Sampaio is part of a group of Brazilian models being a role model for the LGBT community. that fights prejudice and violence against shemales-transsex- Her dream, she said, would be to model for the likes of uals who have both male genitalia and female secondary sex Italian icon Giorgio Armani. Sitting on a bench in the sunshine, characteristics. "The advice I can give them is to believe in her face lights up as she talks of the opportunities fame and themselves and not be discouraged by difficulties," she said. fashion could bring her in the fight to combat transgender prej- French Vogue, which features Sampaio in a plunging gold udice. Sampaio, who began her modeling career in Brazil four gown on the cover of the March edition, described her as a years ago before becoming an "ambassador" for L'Oreal, said "glam standard-bearer of a cause that is on the march... in a landing the coveted cover of Vogue magazine was "important post-gender world". — AFP because fashion is a means to stop people speaking about us with prejudice". While several US fashion magazines have already featured transgender models, this is a first for France.

'Valentina is Valentina' "I want to continue fighting for a better world" where trans are considered "normal", she says in her soft voice. The model, who did not once use the words transsexual, transgender or the acronym LGBT in the interview, said she was was tired of those who are not heterosexual or cisgender being seen as "an anom- aly". "Juan is Juan, Maria is Maria and Valentina is Valentina," she said with a laugh. Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Transsexual is an older term that is used by some peo- ple who have permanently changed-or seek to change-their bodies through medical interventions. Sampaio, who has about 35,000 followers on Instagram, wowed the Sao Paulo fashion week in October, where she shimmied down the runways for Agua de Coco and Vitorino Campos.

'Like a little girl' This file photo shows Brazilian model Valentina Sampaio Her life could have taken a different course: she was study- presenting a creation by Patricia Viera during the Sao ing architecture in Fortaleza in north Brazil when she dropped Paulo Fashion Week in Sao Paulo, Brazil. — AFP photos out to attend fashion courses. The youngster thanks her parents Brazilian transgender model Valentina Sampaio poses Brazilian transgender model Valentina Sampaio poses for an upbringing which allowed her to express her gender, say- during an interview in Milan. during an interview in Milan.

Burberry draws on sculptor Henry Moore in fashion highlight

ll eyes were on Burberry and creative director works. "I grew up very close to where he was born. I'm very Christopher Bailey Monday night as London Fashion privileged that we had a sculpture park close by. My formative AWeek reached its starry climax. Bailey didn't disappoint, years were spent there," he continued. "He's been a big influ- drawing on the sculptor Henry Moore for inspiration in a star- ence, but I never really got under the skin of his work, and for tling new collection that built on the English heritage brand's this collection it just felt right." traditional appeal. The Burberry spectacle capped four days of Bailey said the sculptural shapes of the collection were taken shows that highlighted London's claim to be an international from Moore, as was the lacing he used on many pieces. The fashion hub that rivals Paris, Milan and New York. Buyers, stripes came from Moore's apron, and the rope motif - seen by devoted fans and journalists - including American Vogue edi- some as nautical - came from the abstract shapes Moore created tor-in-chief Anna Wintour enjoyed spring-like temperatures as with ropes. Burberry has for several years shunned the recorded they viewed offerings from Burberry, Christopher Kane, Erdem music heard at many shows in favor of live performances. and Aspinal of London on Monday. The shows continue Monday's show was enlivened by English singer-songwriter Tuesday before the fashion circus moves on to Milan. Anna Calvi, backed by her band and the Heritage Orchestra and Choir. The music, the sculptures and the evocative collection jus- Burberry continues to mine Britain's artistic heritage tified Burberry's status as a London fashion fixture. No fashion house pays as much attention to English her- itage as Burberry, which paid homage to the late English sculptor Henry Moore with the autumn and winter collection unveiled to a packed house Monday night. The catwalk space was adorned with some of Moore's outsized sculptures and guests were treated to a display of his drawings before the show. Bailey said he sought to make the clothes three-dimen- sional and textured much like Moore's sculptures - which look smooth from a distance but are actually textured and detailed when viewed up close. He told The Associated Press he used the color palette that Moore often wore when he worked and pointed proudly to one of Moore's striped work aprons on dis- play behind glass at the Burberry Makers House in London's Soho neighborhood. "Henry Moore has been a huge influence on me my whole life," Bailey said of the sculptor known for his monumental

Models present creations from the Burberry collection during a catwalk show on the fourth day of the Autumn/Winter 2017 London Fashion Week in London. — AP/AFP photos WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 lifestyle

FASHION

Christopher Kane seeks 'tougher femininity' in eclectic show One of London's favorite designers, Christopher Kane, mixed new technology with tried-and-true crafts- manship to produce a stellar show Monday at the Tate Britain museum. Kane used space-age techniques, including holographic foiled lace and iridescent full- print knits, along with a traditional weaving process from the early days of mechanization. Most striking was the use of a Gainsborough silk reworking of a French damask from the 18th century that was styled into very contemporary dresses. Kane's approach gave the outfits an old-meets-new mystique, and the use of Asian motifs, including billow- ing silk prints, expanded his range. Triangular shapes appeared on the front of many dresses and Kane made good use of the pink floral theme that has been popular in shows this year. "We wanted to express a tougher femininity this season," said Kane. "(I was) looking at abstract shapes, hard angles, and sharp jags" inspired in part by female factory workers. Leading hatmaker Stephen Jones called the show "fantastic." "There was so much fashion that was new," he said. "The colors. The pearlescent knitwear. Everything about it. That Gainsborough silk - you see that in Buckingham Palace! It was great to see it here in a show." Singer Katy Perry sat in the front row, adding her star power to the proceedings. — AP

Models present creations by British fashion designer Christopher Kane during a catwalk show on the fourth day of the Autumn/Winter 2017 London Fashion Week in London.

Models present creations by Chinese-born fashion designer Huishan Zhang.

Model presents creations from the JOSEPH collection during a catwalk show.

Model presents creations from the Osman collection during a catwalk show. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017

FEATURES

A teacher (center) at the PEFTI Film Institute teaches students to use a video camera A make-up artist helps a student tie a traditional headscarf at the PEFTI Film Abiola Adenuga (left), the head of the PEFTI Film Institute, speaks to a at the school in Lagos. — AFP photos Institute in Lagos. student at the school in Lagos. A boost for Nollywood with 'The Wedding Party' success

ollywood film "The Wedding Party" has shown Nigerian Improving standards cinema at the top of its game, with its success at the Critics, the public and the vocal band of Nigerian cinema Nbox office taking it to new audiences across Africa and bloggers have called the film "superb" and "perfectly cast". the world. The country may well be in recession but They also agree 2016 was an "exceptional" year for Nollywood. Nollywood, which churns out some 2,000 films a year and is About a dozen Nigerian films including "The Wedding Party" the world's second-biggest film industry outside India, has have been shown at international film festivals, including in never been healthier. "The Wedding Party" is a madcap, glam- Toronto last September. "The CEO" for example, which came orous comedy telling the story of the marriage of Dunny and out in June last year, had a budget of more than $1 million Dozie, despite the misgivings of their families' rivalries. One and couldn't be further removed from the shoestring produc- family is Igbo and the other Yoruba-two of the main ethnic tions that typify Nollywood. "We are in a crucial time in the groups in Nigeria. history of Nigerian film-making," said Abiola Adenuga, the The film's director, Kemi Adetiba, admitted that she hadn't head of the PEFTI Film Institute in Lagos. "Professionalism is expected it to be so successful. In the two months since its climbing to new hights with new production companies, release, the film, which is still showing in cinemas, has already advertising agencies, cinema houses... generated 400 million naira ($1.3 million, 1.2 million euros), "Nigerian people are a very selective audience... interna- shattering the west African nation's previous record. Until tionally travelled, we know what to obtain everywhere and we then, the record was the 178.5 million naira made by "A Trip to expect nothing less on the home front." Since Nollywood took Jamaica", which also came out last year, showing that home- off in the 1980s, movies were often made in just a few weeks grown films can be more popular than Hollywood block- with a budget of less than $20,000. Most went straight to DVD busters. and were pirated, to be sold at traffic lights, junctions and market stalls. Coming together At a cinema in Lagos, the audience cried out in delight at 'Nigerian touch' the sight of hundreds of guests of the bride and groom trying But the improving quality of local productions, the explo- to outdo one another in frenzied traditional dances. Betty, a sion of pan-African satellite television channels and the open- 27-year-old Lagos entrepreneur, had seen the film three times ing of more modern cinemas, has helped the industry take off. already but was still laughing throughout. She said the dance In 2014, Nollywood generated $7.2 billion or 1.4 percent of contest was her favorite scene. "That's exactly the way we are Nigeria's economy, according to the Oxford Business Group. in terms of weddings. Our weddings are very colorful, our But beyond the modernization of the sector, it's the "Nigerian Students leave the PEFTI Film Institute in Lagos. weddings are a lot of laugh time, a lot of dancing, a lot of dra- touch" of the film, the exuberance of its characters and the ma, that's who we are," she said, smiling. gags that's made "The Wedding Party" a success, its director Another cinema-goer, Joy, said the film sends out a mes- said. "The first thing that was important to us was making a sage by mocking the intolerance and mistrust that often char- Nigerian story," Adetiba added. "The story of love and acterize relationships between Nigeria's different ethnic romance is very universal but we didn't try to play like a groups. "The movie is like two sides of Nigerians: the Igbos Hollywood movie or that sort of thing. "We wanted people to and Yorubas, the toughest part in Nigeria," she said. "It is like be able to turn around and go, 'That's my mum, that's my aun- harmonizing the two parts together and making us under- tie.' And that's what happened." — AFP standing why we need to be together, no matter the tribe."

Abiola Adenuga (left), the head of the PEFTI Film Institute, speaks to students at the school in Lagos. Nigerian director Kemi Adetiba, who directed "The Abiola Adenuga, the head of the PEFTI Film Institute, Wedding Party", speaks about the film in Lagos. speaks about the school in Lagos.

Ex-teen idol David Cassidy Passion plus timing makes Jolie has warm words for says, he has dementia ormer teen idol David Cassidy said on Monday he was suf- magic formula for 2017 Oscars estranged husband Pitt fering from dementia, a day after weekend performances in his year's Oscars is filled with projects Hollywood was clamoring for movies about FCalifornia in which he forgot his words and appeared to fall fueled by passion and deeply-held modern, black stories rather than "maids ngelina Jolie had warm words for her a family. Always." Jolie, 41, filed for divorce in off stage raised concern about his health. The former Partridge Tpersonal visions that prevailed over and slaves" fare. "Moonlight" has eight Oscar estranged husband Brad Pitt and is September, citing irreconcilable differences. Family singer and actor, 66, told People magazine he was fighting skepticism, funding troubles and conven- nominations. The film shows "a very specific Aoptimistic about the future of their She accused Pitt of hitting their teenage son dementia, a disease which his mother also suffered from. "I was in tional wisdom. For favorite "La La Land," place and point of view and I think people family, the Hollywood star said in an inter- on a flight that month from France to Los denial, but a part of me always knew this was coming," Cassidy which took director Damien Chazelle six right now want to experience genuine and view yesterday. Jolie and Pitt, once Angeles, sparking tabloid gossip and an FBI told People. Cassidy told the magazine he had decided to stop years to get made, and indie challenger authentic stories," Jenkins said. Hollywood's most celebrated couple known probe. Pitt, 53, was later cleared by both the touring as a musician to concentrate on his health. "I want to focus "Moonlight," made on such a tight budget as "Brangelina," are in the midst of a high-pro- FBI and social workers. on what I am, who I am and how I've been, without any distrac- the cast and crew shared one trailer, the tor- Fantasy comes knocking file divorce and last month reached an agree- Jolie is seeking sole custody of their six tions," he said. 'I want to love. I want to enjoy life." Cassidy's publi- tured path to the Academy Awards has only Meanwhile, "La La Land," a new, romantic ment to keep private the details of their split children, while Pitt wants joint legal and cist said his comments were accurate but gave no further details. added to their allure. musical with old world charm but a not-so- and battle over custody of their six children. physical custody. The A-listers got married in His comments followed videos taken by fans of the singer strug- Other recent films like Martin Scorsese's happy ending, is favorite to take the best "We are focusing on the health of our family," France in August two years ago, but had been gling to remember words to some of his old hits at small venue "Silence" was 28 years in the making, while picture Oscar on Sunday after getting a Jolie said on ABC's "Good Morning America." a couple since 2004. Jolie spoke to the ABC concerts in southern California on Saturday and Sunday. At one Warren Beatty flirted for two decades with leading 14 nominations. Six years ago, "the "We will be stronger when we come out of morning news program from Cambodia, point, he appeared to fall off the side of a small stage before the idea of "No Rules Apply." They were idea of making an original Los Angeles-set this because that's what we're determined to where she is promoting her new film "First climbing back up. notably snubbed in awards season and at movie was an utter fantasy," said producer do as a family." The actress was asked if she They Killed My Father," a true-life account of Cassidy, whose hits "Cherish" and "I Think I Love You" had the box office, however, as was Ben Affleck's Fred Berger, while accepting a Golden Globe still thought of Pitt as a wonderful father, the Khmer Rouge genocide. — AFP teenage girls swooning in the 1970s, has struggled with drinking personal project "Live by Night." Hollywood last month, thanking voters for "ignoring which is how she had described him in the and financial troubles in recent years. In 2015, he had to auction awards watchers say that may have little to conventional wisdom." past. "Of course. Of course. We will always be his Florida home after a bankruptcy filing. He was arrested three with the skill and commitment of the film- After a bitter US election campaign and a times for drunken driving between 2010 and 2014, and was makers. But certain passion projects and slew of sudden celebrity deaths in 2016, ordered to rehab as part of his sentence in 2014. Cassidy appeared their creators found a way of breaking escaping it all with a musical has proved in several stage shows after his career as a solo singer declined. He through to audiences at what turned out to appealing. "Musicals have been very suc- played an aging former teen heartthrob in the short-lived 2009 TV be the just the right moment, years after cessful at times when the country is in a comedy "Ruby & the Rockits" and was a member of the "Celebrity they were first conceived. state of depression or war. When the nation Apprentice" reality TV show in 2011. — Reuters "Timing is everything on these movies is not in a good place, musicals explode," and how they resonate. It's about passion said Craig Zadan, who with Neil Meron pro- but it's also about being in the right place at duced Oscar-winner "Chicago" in 2002. the right time," said Pete Hammond, awards Waiting does not always have a happy end- columnist for Deadline.com. "Moonlight," ing. Beatty directed, produced, wrote and the tale of a young black man struggling to starred in his film grow up in an impoverished Miami neigh- about Howard Hughes. But his dream borhood, was drawn from the personal project failed with audiences who may have experiences of director Barry Jenkins and felt they knew enough about the eccentric writer Tarell Alvin McCraney. business and film tycoon from Scorsese's "No one was doing it for the paycheck," acclaimed 2004 film "Aviator." Also, after a 15 said "Moonlight"s Oscar-nominated sup- year-absence from movie screens, many porting actress Naomie Harris. "We didn't people under 30 had barely heard of have a publicity budget, it was all word of Beatty.—Reuters mouth and us doing interviews." Despite This file photo shows actor-singer David Cassidy, best Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, second from left, waves with her adopted children known for his role as Keith Partridge on "The Partridge such hardships, the unsentimental view of bullying, drugs and gay issues arrived just as Pax, left, Maddox, center, Zahara, third from right, and Shiloh, second from right, Family," arrives at the ABC Disney Summer press tour par- while they wait to meet Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni in Siem Reap province, ty in Pasadena, Calif. — AP Cambodia. — AP lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017

FEATURES

(From left) Eric Fernando Rvera, Maria Luisa Vaquero, Alam Yael Bernal, Marcos Emiliano Maria Luisa Vaquero, owner of a street stall, poses for pic- Former gang member Marcos Aaron Barcenas poses for pictures during a photo session Lopez, Marcos Aaron barcenas and Ivete Guadalupe Vallejo (center) pose for pictures tures during a photo session at the Factory of Arts and at the Factory of Arts and Crafts (FARO). during a photo session at the Factory of Arts and Crafts (FARO) (Fabrica de Artes y Oficios, Crafts (FARO). in Spanish) cultural and training center, in Mexico City. — AFP photos Arts save young Mexicans from crime

x-drug addict Fernando Rivera lived through hell as a Many of his old schoolmates are either dead, jobless or in youth from a poor and violent suburb of Mexico City- gangs. But Bernal, now 23, is studying politics at FARO. He Euntil art saved him. Now, aged 24, he smiles as he shows wants to study to become a journalist to report on politics and the mask with a skull design that he wears when he creates social justice. On arriving, "I believed in nothing. I did not trust paintings with a spray-can. After spending time in a rehab the institutions," he recalls. "This helped me find a way out." clinic, he ended up at the Arts and Crafts Factory (FARO), a network of municipal centers that have saved thousands like Hip-hop survivor him from lives of drugs and violence. "It is like being ship- Guadalupe Vallejo, 39, records her own hip-hop songs in a wrecked and then finding a place of refuge," he tells AFP. studio at the FARO. She had a birth defect that has caused her to have a speech impediment and means she has to use a Changing lives wheelchair. "Don't hold back. Look at what I have done. I nev- The dead bodies of crime victims used to be found at dawn er stopped fighting," she says, in the lyrics of one of her songs. Eric Fernando Rivera shows his tattoos as he poses for pictures during a photo session at the Factory of Arts and Crafts on the spot where the vast warehouses housing the FARO "You will not fall, and if you do, you'll get back up." — AFP (FARO). now stand, on the outskirts of the capital. The spot is home to the Eastern FARO, offering free workshops in art, crafts, drama, literature and more to 2,000 locals. Rivera started off at the center six years ago on a photography course and traveled the country taking pictures of folk customs. That led to an interest in social anthropology, a subject he is now studying at univer- sity level. Without the center, he says, "my life would have been totally different."

Arts versus drugs "We are at war here against the gangs to see how you can recruit more young people-with culture or with drugs," says award-winning photojournalist Jesus Villaseca, who teaches at the center. He says authorities have neglected the surround- ing Santa Martha Acatitla district. Cracks run through the walls of the nearby houses and the ground, unrepaired following an earthquake. There are two jails in the neighborhood but no university. That is where the FARO-the acronym means "Lighthouse" in Spanish-comes in. It started 18 years ago and has since spawned three other similar centers in other troubled neighborhoods. One of Villaseca's students, Emiliano Lopez, aged just 12, has been taking photographs since he was six. He specializes in pictures of demonstrations. "Photographing protests is a way to give a voice to people," he says, "and also to express my own com- plaints."

Escape from violence Alam Yael Bernal recalls that his aunt brought him to the center "almost by force" when he was a child. He was living with relatives after seeing his mother killed in a shoot-out that landed his father in jail when Alam was 11. Picture of an old Volkswagen Beetle with a throne with skulls on its roof which is one of the sculptures made at the Factory of Arts and Crafts (FARO).

Twelve-year-old Marcos Emiliano Lopez poses for pictures Alam Yael Bernal poses for pictures during a photo session Eric Fernando Rivera shows his tattoos as he poses for pic- Eric Fernando Rivera poses for pictures with a spray can during a photo session at the Factory of Arts and Crafts in Mexico City. tures during a photo session at the Factory of Arts and during a photo session at the Factory of Arts and Crafts (FARO). Crafts (FARO). (FARO). UNESCO appoints Iraqi composer 'Musician for Peace'

N Education Scientific and Cultural and his dedication to the universal ideals" repre- renowned personalities who use their influence, Organization (UNESCO) announced Monday sented by UNESCO. charisma and prestige to help promote Uit is appointing Iraqi composer and Oud vir- The Iraqi will be called upon to support UNESCO's message and programs. UNESCO tuso Nasser Shamma as its "Artist for Peace" in UNESCO's work on education and for peace among works with these distinguished personalities to recognition of his life's work in favor of peace, a young people and he will also have a prominent heighten the public's awareness of key develop- statement from that body said. The UN organiza- role in "safeguarding of cultural heritage in Iraq ment issues and inform it of the Organization's tion's Director-General, Irina Bokova, will formally and in the region," the statement added. Shamma, action in these fields. — KUNA honor Shamma tomorrow and appoint him to the who is 54, is renowned for his Oud performances elevated status "in recognition of his commitment and his music compositions for film, television and to support the musical education of young people the stage. He is currently at the head of the Arab in Iraq and beyond" and for his work in promoting Oud House in Cairo, which he founded in 1999. Oud virtuso "the message of peace through his performances UNESCO Artists for Peace are internationally Nasser Shamma A boost for Nollywood with 'The Wedding Party' success

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017 38

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama waves beside her 2016 production titled "Flowers that Bloom Tomorrow" at a photo session during a press preview of her exhibition titled "My Eternal Soul" at the National Art Center in Tokyo yesterday. The three- month-long exhibition, "My Eternal Soul" will open today. — AFP Taiwan 'White Terror' brought back to life for gamers

s the 70th anniversary of a bloody political when you could die from reading a book," said Yao. seen such a deep and sensitive view into the dark purge in Taiwan looms, a new horror video Next Tuesday is the 70th anniversary of the start of corners of our inner lives and society," one overseas Agame set during the island's "White Terror" is a brutal massacre of anti-government protesters by gamer wrote in a review on Steam. "This was a winning rave reviews. "Detention" was created by KMT troops on February 28, 1947, under nationalist very educational and emotional experience, and it Taiwanese developers and takes place during the leader Chiang Kai-shek. It was a precursor to just makes me grateful that I did not experience a crackdown on opponents by the ruling nationalist decades of purges under Chiang and his son time and place so terrifying just to express free Kuomintang, when the now democratic island was between 1949 and 1987, when martial law was speech," another overseas reviewer said. still under martial law. The nightmarish 2-D game finally lifted. "Detention" has also hit a nerve at home, where starts with the disappearance of a teacher, with Victims were often teachers and doctors who reviewers reflected on Taiwan's hard-won freedoms players acting as two high school students trying were angry with government corruption and and said they hoped such purges would never be to solve the mystery. turned to underground organizations that created repeated. "Today's democracy and freedom is built One scene shows a classmate hanging dead in and distributed reading materials seen as subver- upon bodies whose blood flowed as rivers," one the school auditorium. Another sees one of the sive. "Detention" developers say they spoke with local player wrote. Yao said he was surprised how students consoling her sobbing mother before their own elderly relatives to help recreate the era, much the crackdown resonated with players, and entering a room with portraits of faces bleeding finding out finer details such as the kinds of outfits counted its popularity overseas as a marker of its from their eyes. Gamers have praised it as an school officials would have worn. Yao describes it success. "They don't have the historical context so "emotional and educational" experience-it made as almost like a film as players delve into the main they will be more objective," he said, adding that the top 10 of popular gaming distribution plat- characters' inner minds and eventually discover a some Taiwanese customs featured in the game form Steam after its release last month, and is still disturbing truth. might throw foreign users. "They might not know on the bestseller list. what they're doing. But they can experience the Developer Yao Shuen-ting said his team tried to 'Emotional experience' atmosphere of the time," says Yao. "They might capture the pervasive fear of a time when family The game is aimed at 15-year-old players or old- even cry." — AFP members and colleagues were going missing. "We er and is downloaded from Steam for Tw$299 want to let players experience the atmosphere ($9.67). It has gained an international following, through the characters' perspective... to come to with half its users from outside Taiwan, including Yao Shuen-ting, a co-founder of game developer Red Candle Games, demonstrating his the conclusion themselves that this was a time China, Europe, and the US. "I don't think I've ever video game "Detention" during an interview in . — AFP photos

Yao Shuen-ting, a co-founder of game developer Red Candle Games, speaking This picture shows Yao Shuen-ting (top second right), a co-founder of game Yao Shuen-ting, a co-founder of game developer Red Candle Games, display- during an interview in Taipei. developer Red Candle Games, and his colleagues displaying a poster of the ing a key figure of the video game "Detention" during an interview in Taipei. video game "Detention" during an interview in Taipei. Eiffel Tower view: Paris tourism rises after yearlong slump

ourism to Paris is showing signs of a revival after a The Louvre Museum, Musee d'Orsay and Disneyland people. However by the end of 2016, hotel reservations yearlong slump attributed to deadly extremist Paris saw visits drop between 9 and 13 percent last year started rising again, the report said. — AP Tattacks, violent labor protests, strikes and floods. and overall tourism-related revenue in the region fell The biggest drop came in demand for Paris hotels from more than 1 billion euros, or about 6 percent, according Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Italian tourists, accord- to the committee's estimates. Many potential Paris visi- File photo shows police officers ing to 2016 figures released yesterday by the Paris tors were scared off by November 2015 attacks on cafes, patrol at the pyramid outside the regional tourism committee. a rock concert and the national stadium that killed 130 Louvre museum in Paris. — AP