Terrorist’ Min 09º Max 17º Attack on Paris Weekly High Tide 00:10 & 14:50 Low Tide Editor, Cartoonists Among Dead Gunmen at Large 08:22 & 20:08

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 RABI ALAWWAL 17, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Lack of Blizzards hit The Real Fouz: Djokovic trust in Middle East, How to choose eases into doctors in refugees the right Qatar Kuwait2 bear brunt7 shampoo37 quarterfinals20 12 killed in ‘terrorist’ Min 09º Max 17º attack on Paris weekly High Tide 00:10 & 14:50 Low Tide Editor, cartoonists among dead Gunmen at large 08:22 & 20:08

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PARIS: Masked gunmen stormed the Paris offices of a weekly newspaper that caricatured Prophet Muhammad Ex-MP held (PBUH), methodically killing 12 people yesterday, including the editor, before escaping in a car. It was France’s for tweeting deadliest postwar terrorist attack. Shouting “Allahu Akbar!” as they fired, the men also spoke flawless, unac- cented French in the military-style noon-time attack on against Sisi the weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo, located near Paris’ Bastille monument. The publication’s KUWAIT: Authorities detained a former liberal law- depictions of Islam have drawn condemnation maker overnight for questioning and yesterday and threats before - it was firebombed in 2011 - ordered him held for 10 days for tweets criticizing although it also satirized other religions and polit- HH the Amir and his support for Egypt’s president, a ical figures. defense lawyer said. Abdullah President Francois Hollande called the slayings Al-Ahmad said prosecutors “a terrorist attack without a doubt”, and said sev- began questioning Saleh Al- eral other attacks have been thwarted in France in Mulla late Tuesday about recent weeks. Fears have been running high in tweets he wrote on Monday, France and elsewhere in Europe that jihadis when Egyptian President returning from conflicts in Syria and Iraq will Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi was in stage attacks at home. France raised its security Kuwait for an official visit. alert to the highest level and reinforced protective meas- Mulla - who was an inde- ures at houses of worship, stores, media offices and trans- pendent and liberal lawmaker portation. Schools closed across Paris, although thou- for three years until 2011 - sands of people jammed Republique Square near the site wrote on Twitter that Kuwaitis of the shooting to honor the victims, holding aloft pens have grown tired of the coun- and papers reading “Je suis Charlie” - “I am Charlie.” Saleh Al-Mulla try’s money being given to boost other governments. Kuwait has pledged at There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the least $4 billion to Sisi’s government following the attack, which also left four people critically wounded, ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi from and was condemned by world leaders as an attack on power in mid-2013. PARIS: A victim is evacuated on a stretcher yesterday after armed gunmen stormed the offices of the French freedom of expression, but praised by supporters of the Continued on Page 13 satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, leaving at least 12 people dead. (Inset) A photo taken in Oct 2014 shows militant Islamic State group. Charlie Hebdo’s publisher Charb, who was killed in the attack. — AFP (See Pages 10 & 14) Continued on Page 13 Palestine will be ICC member from April 1 UN chief accepts request UNITED NATIONS: UN chief Ban Ki-moon has accept- qualify to be part of the International Criminal Court. ed a request by Palestine to join the International “It doesn’t qualify to join the ICC,” State Department Criminal Court, a move that would open the way for spokeswoman Jen Psaki told a daily briefing yester- war crimes complaints against Israel. Palestine formal- day. Ban notified states that are party to the ICC of the ly joins the court April 1 as its 123rd member, Ban said decision late Tuesday, UN spokesman Stephane on accepting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Dujarric told AFP. “The secretary-general has ascer- ratification of the court’s founding statute. The deci- tained that the instruments received were in due and sion grants the Hague-based ICC jurisdiction to open proper form before accepting them for deposit,” a UN cases on serious crimes committed in the Palestinian statement read. Abbas signed requests to join the ICC territories, despite fierce opposition from Israel and and 16 other conventions on Dec 31, a day after the the United States. Security Council failed to adopt a resolution paving But the United States said it does not believe the way to full statehood. Palestine is a sovereign state and therefore does not Continued on Page 13 Car bombing kills 37 at Yemen police academy

SANAA: A car bomb tore through dozens of Yemenis lined up at a police academy in Sanaa yesterday, killing 37 in the Kuwait: FIFA latest attack highlighting the country’s growing instability. Police said another 66 people were wounded in what it described as a “terrorist bombing” targeting potential job ‘too early’ police recruits, in a statement cited by the official Saba news agency. Unstable and impoverished Yemen has been for Prince Ali hit by a wave of violence in recent months, with a powerful Shiite militia, known as Huthis, clashing with Sunni tribal JAKARTA: Asia’s powerful Olympic chief Sheikh Ahmad forces and the country’s branch of Al-Qaeda. Al-Fahd Al-Sabah yesterday underlined his support for Witness Khaled Ajlan said the early morning blast tar- Sepp Blatter to remain as FIFA president despite a chal- geted dozens of “new students who were registering at lenge by Jordan’s Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein. The Olympic the police academy”. The charred remains of the dead, Council of Asia (OCA) president said it was “too early” for mostly young men, were piled on the sidewalk outside the Prince Ali, 39, to take over from Blatter, 78, who will stand academy alongside blood-soaked documents they had for a fifth term in charge of the been carrying. The wreckage of a car sat nearby, with little world football body. The remaining but mangled metal and the steering wheel, one Kuwaiti is considered highly of several cars that were still burning at midday. A security influential in world sport, official told AFP the bomb was in a minibus, of which only owing to his leadership of both scraps of metal remained. the OCA and the Association of Rescue workers loaded bodies into ambulances, which National Olympic Committees. pushed their way through gathered onlookers, many tak- “When I commit, I commit. ing pictures of the carnage with their mobile telephones. I repeat my commitment to The health ministry urged Sanaa residents to “donate Blatter for him to run for one blood at government hospitals to help the wounded”. It Sheikh Ahmad more term,” Sheikh Ahmad was not immediately clear who was behind the blast but told reporters during a visit to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the jihadist net- the Indonesian capital Jakarta. “As to Prince Ali, I sup- work’s powerful affiliate in Yemen, has claimed responsibil- port him to keep his career in FIFA. If he takes my ity for previous attacks on security forces. advice, I think it is too early for him. I was speaking for Speaking to AFP at the scene, a member of the unoffi- Kuwait. We will support Blatter very strongly and we cial Houthi security forces blamed “radicals belonging to will not allow anyone to challenge him.” Al-Qaeda” for the attack. And a Houthi statement Prince Ali is an ally of Blatter rival and UEFA presi- denounced “this despicable crime”, whose perpetrators dent Michel Platini, meaning he can count on a signifi- “will not go unpunished”. The interior ministry said regis- cant number of the European body’s 54 votes in the tration at the academy would be suspended for a week. Continued on Page 13 Continued on Page 13 THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 LOCAL Crime Hospital strike resolved Report

By Ben Garcia we don’t cry about it, perhaps we would still be waiting till now for Infant’s body found KUWAIT: A sit-in strike to protest the salary. What will happen to our nonpayment of salaries has been love ones? Alhumdulillah, at least KUWAIT: An infant’s body was recovered by the coroner positively resolved. Hundreds of now we have it and everyone is after being found in a manhole in Mahboula. Police are construction laborers building a happy and active,” he said. Some of investigating the case. new public hospital in South Surra the laborers noted that they had downed tools more than a week also received overtime. Bitter ex ago over the failure of their The construction of the Jaber A citizen could not control herself when she employer to pay their salaries for Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Hospital proj- learned that her ex-husband had married another the last three months. ect was initially set to be finished woman, and stormed his home and beat his mother According to laborers inter- by the end of 2014, but remains and other members of his family. Police rushed to the viewed by the Kuwait Times yester- uncompleted. Once opened, it house, but the woman had disappeared. The suspect is day, the situation has been will be the largest medical center being summoned for questioning. resolved amicably and they have in Kuwait, providing 1,168 beds received their salaries. together with state of the art “Most of our demands were medical services to a projected Murder threat met,” said an Egyptian laborer who population of 600,000 in the An Asian cook threatened to kill his sponsor in Sabah Al- asked that his name be withheld. “If South Surra area. Ongoing construction works at the Jaber Hospital project. Salem after he drank locally-made liquor and lost control of himself. Police and paramedics who went to the house brought him under control and took him to the police station.

Lack of trust in doctors in Kuwait Shabu possession Farwaniya detectives arrested a Filipino man with By Sara Ahmed have insurance or how much it costs, treatment (with payment in advance). tors also often overprescribe antibiotics shabu. A security source said detectives received tips but nothing turned out to be wrong Later, the patient asked for a second as opposed to investigating reported about a person selling drugs, so they sent an under- KUWAIT: Public or private, Kuwait has a with me in the first place,” grumbled a opinion. “The second doctor warned illnesses more thoroughly. In govern- cover agent and the arrest was made during the sale. serious problem with its medical care. patient. me against the knee surgery, saying ment hospitals and clinics, there are Doctors are increasingly viewed as Another resident, a mother of a 7- that it would seriously damage my many highly qualified and very rep- Former MP charged unreliable, dishonest or worse outright year-old, complained that she took her knee and instead suggested a few exer- utable doctors, but the system itself is The attorney of MP Nabil Al-Fadhl filed a complaint wrong by patients who feel that their daughter to three private hospitals and cises for me to do at home. I’m still not corrupt and medical staff are not against a former MP, accusing him of insulting his client courses of treatment, tests and pre- all recommended an aggressive surgery 100 percent fit but it’s definitely better rewarded for hard work. through social media. Police are investigating. scriptions are aimed more at procuring and post-op treatment plan for a nose- and there’s no pain or difficulty,” he said. In private clinics and several major profit for the hospital or clinic than bleed. The mother was terrified until a hospitals in Kuwait, doctors oftentimes serving the patient’s wellbeing. friend suggested she wait a few days. ‘Horrifying’ situation seem motivated more by profit than ‘Lipstick’ insults A common complaint about doctors The problem cleared up after a few Often expatriates will seek a second the health of their patients. They often A woman who was angry at a man scrawled insults in public clinics and hospitals is that days and the child breathes perfectly or third opinion from doctors in their recommend or order unnecessary and on his car with her lipstick. A 27-year-old bedoon from they practice ‘Panadol medicine’, mean- normal now. home country and many Kuwaitis will often expensive tests and treatments Sulaibiya told security men that a woman he does not ing that no matter what is wrong with a In another misdiagnoses, a patient visit doctors during their trips abroad. A that either fail to address a patient’s know wrote indecent words on the window of his car patient, the doctor will only prescribe was told by a private clinic that he doctor who worked in both public and problems or add to them. Moreover, over a dispute over the right of way. Investigations are antibiotics or paracetamol. In private needed knee surgery to repair damage private hospitals in Kuwait described credentials aren’t always as thoroughly underway. clinics, however, trust in doctors’ from an old football injury. The doctor the situation as ‘horrifying.’ In the pri- verified as they should be and doctors motives has eroded dramatically in advised the patient that he would also vate clinics, “it’s all about the money,” without the requisite education or recent years. “They say I need this test need extensive physical therapy and she said. But in public hospitals, there training are treating patients. One-year-old, and that test. It doesn’t matter if I don’t suggested a costly 16-week course of are many problems - from patient Doctors serve as an important records and lack of cleanliness to source of authority and information. “wasta, corruption and sloth” - that she They offer medical advice and lifestyle mother reunited just couldn’t handle after earning her and healthy choice options on televi- medical degree and spending time sion programs - especially popular on By Ben Garcia working in hospitals in the West. local Arabic channels - and are often The root of the problem lies in the viewed as highly reputable and KUWAIT: A one year old baby has been reunited with her mom a day after she was surrendered to the Philippine public/private dynamic. Public hospi- respectable because of their profession. Embassy by a Bangladeshi driver. The baby’s mother had been tals and clinics face many issues includ- While there are many good, rep- arrested nearly two weeks ago for residency violations and ing a general malaise in terms of atti- utable doctors in Kuwait, the system the taxi driver had since then taken over care of the infant. The tude and encouragement. Some doc- also does little to protect patients from Philippines embassy confirmed yesterday that they were tors lack qualifications but more often doctors and hospitals that serve their reunited and that the woman has been shifted to the custody than not they simply aren’t motivated own financial interest that that of of the Philippines embassy. to stay up to date with current medical patients. As a consequence, fewer and “The mother is now reunited with her one-year-old daugh- trends, are overworked and/or mistreat- fewer locals and residents trust the ter. She’ll be here with the embassy with the baby until they’ll ed by patients and try to clear case- healthcare system in Kuwait or health- be repatriated back home,” said Philippine Vice Consul Sheina loads as quickly as possible. Some doc- care providers. Tesorero. The Philippine Embassy with the help of the officer at the Ministry of Interior facilitated the release of the mother who had been held at the Fahaheel police station since Dec 26, 2014. “We negotiated with Kuwaiti authorities with regards to the mother and daughter. Thank God, the officers at the Ministry of Interior were all very helpful. They released the mother to us and they’ll both now stay in the Philippine Embassy,” Tesorero said. Efforts to bring repatriate the mother and daughter back to the Philippines are now underway. “For humanitarian grounds, I think the two will be home immediately. Negotiation with the boss started so she can be repatriated soon,” Tesorero noted.

Immediately repatriated In a Facebook note posted by Philippine Charge d’ Affairs Atty Raul Dado, he congratulated Philippine Department of Social Workers and Development head Annie Mendoza and case officer Pao Musanif for securing the release from Nabil Rassam Abdullah Zalatimo Fahaheel Police station of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) mother (left) who had been overstaying, and reunited her Nabil, Zalatimo to with her one -year old daughter. “the Mother and child will be immediately repatriated by take part in Horeca the employer, even if the mother has been in hiding for two years without a visa. Mendoza and Musanif argued the case KUWAIT: Preparations for the Horeca Kuwait 2015 on humanitarian grounds, because a mother cannot be sepa- rated from her infant child, under any circumstances,” Dado’s exhibition are steadily progressing and attracting message reads. Yesterday, Kuwait Times reported that one more companies to take part in it as an event provid- year old daughter was surrendered by a Bangladeshi taxi driving a golden opportunity to scientifically exchange er who cared for the child for the past ten days. The child’s expertise that matches the local market needs and father, who is also a Bangladeshi, was deported before her future expansion plans. The exhibition is due to be birth, also due to illegal residency violations. The taxi driver is organized by Leaders Group in collaboration with a family friend. Hospitality Services Co at Badriya Ballroom, Messila The driver kept the baby with him as he worked and that’s Jumeriah Hotel, in the period of Jan 19-21, 2015. how the infant came to the attention of a Filipina passenger Al-Nabil Company for Food Products from Jordan who later helped report the matter to the Philippine Embassy. announced intention to take part in the exhibition for “I didn’t have anyone to leave the baby with in the house so I the fourth year in a row. In addition, another brought her with me every day,” said the taxi driver who asked that his name be withheld. Jordanian company, Zalatimo, announced its inten- “I’ve seen the baby almost every day for a few weeks so I tion to take part in the exhibition. Both companies asked the driver to whom the baby was and he told me the have achieved considerable success in a number of story,” explained Bernadette, a Filipina secretary. “I thought Arab states. Speaking about his company, Nabil’s maybe she was his baby or somebody’s baby so I didn’t really general manager, Nabil Rassam said that Horeca mind at first. I just asked the basic questions: how old is she, brings hospitality and food industry experts together her name but didn’t go in details,” she said. “But then, I noticed under one roof to exchange expertise. the baby was very jolly and laughing with the driver too Rassam added that Nabil specializes in manufac- much, so I asked a bit about her. That was when the driver turing a wide range of frozen and chilled products opened up about her. I told him that maybe I could help him that include beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, fish, pastries, contact the embassy. desserts and ready meals from a range of international cuisines. He also stressed that all company products are 100 percent halal and are manufactured MP Dashti’s according to international standards. Rassam noted that Nabil had been awarded many immunity lifted international awards such as the Food Safety Management Systems ISO- 22000-2005, Quality KUWAIT: National Management System ISO 9001-2000, the Jordanian Assembly Speaker Quality Mark (JQM) and the European Food Safety Marzouq Al-Ghanem Inspection Services (EFSIS). He added that the com- announced yesterday pany owns 7 production lines using the latest tech- that immunity has offi- nology like the Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) and cially been lifted from HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. MP Abdulhameed Zalatimo General Manager Abdullah Zalatimo Dashti. stressed that Horeca helps Zalatimo’s expansion “After referring to plans since its foundation by his great-grandfather legal and constitution- Mohammed Zalatimo, who opened a small sweet- al viewpoints regard- MP Abdulhameed Dashti shop in Jerusalem in 1860. He added that due to ing what occurred in political changes, the company resumed activity in the past parliamentary Jordan in 1986. He added that the company factories session during my absence from chairing it, it became evi- lie over an area of over 1,200 sq m with over 40 of the dent that the parliament’s decision regarding the lifting of most up-to-date bakeries and a group of the best immunity from MP Abdulhameed Dashti was correct,” chefs and employees. Ghanem said in a press statement. — KUNA THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 LOCAL Small firms must get more space: Akbar AUK holds session on Women Leadership

By Sajeev K Peter

KUWAIT: Small independent companies have an important role to play in bringing about economic transformation, not only in the US or the North Sea or Australia, but all over the world, said Eng Sara Akbar, CEO of Kuwait Energy yesterday. Participating in an interactive panel discussion on ‘Women Leadership’ at the American University of Kuwait, she said, “The more space you give them, the more ener- getic and creative they become,” citing the example how the discovery of shale gas has transformed the oil and energy industry in the world. “The world has been impacted tremendously by this single element. The revolution that started by a few small private companies in the US has unlocked the potential,” she said.

Government monopoly Talking about the government monopoly in the region, she said, “Saudi Arabia’s Aramco currently produces 10.5 million bpd of oil. It employs around 80,000 people. In KUWAIT: Malavika Jain addresses the audience during the session. Indian Ambassador Sunil Jain (center) with his daughter Malavika Jain and a Kuwait the KOC, also has the monopoly that employs — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat diplomat in attendance. around 6,000 people. From a macroeconomic point of view, it is not a sustainable model of development,” she though she wrote from a young age, serious writing start- “The positive response of ‘Dove of Thunder’ and the “My journey was a transition between the traditional pointed out. ed when she was in Turkmenistan doing her high school recognition my poems in the international sphere and the way of doing media and the new way. It was also interest- “In contrast, the US currently produces 9.5 million bar- years. admirations of my university professors prompted her to ing to see how the new media will be helping the small rels of crude oil a day with 5,000 different companies “Emphasis was laid on reading both poetry and prose as publish her second book ‘Crenellated Expletive,’” she market getting women more opportunities,” she said. involved in the production. They hire three to four million a part of the course schedule. I was writing a couplet, added. “Women shouldn’t let you hesitate in applying or taking people making it a huge investment,” she said. haiku or free verse almost every other day. It was here that The book dedicated to the deep-rooted Kuwait-India ideas out. They must be unique, focused. Women entrepre- Outlining her vision, she said we want to use oil and gas Ms LeCroy, my English teacher spotted my poetic talent relations, will be published on January 12 at a function in neurs must try to get what they are looking for,” she said. as a tool for peace and prosperity of the people of the and began circulating my works in school,” she said. the Indian Embassy Kuwait. She also called upon women not to shy away from tech- country, government and the region. “Through oil and gas, Malavika’s first book was ‘The Dove of Thunder.’ “Though nology recalling her experience in Nokia. “It was a chal- we want to tie the region together economically which will I have vague remembrances of reading Shakespeare, Changing game lenging task at the age of 22. We were only two Kuwaiti be more powerful than political ties,” she said. Wordsworth and Carl Sandburg, my best bid of remem- Participating in the session, Hind Al-Nahedh, CEO and girls then. I had to work with different nationalities in That is why Kuwait Energy was formed in 2005. Today, brance would be Robert Frost and his ‘Stopping by the media consultant of Social Media Club, elaborated how diverse environment and culture,” she said. The interactive the company produces around 27,000 barrels a day and Woods on a Snowy Evening,” she spoke about the influ- online media nowadays has changed the game for women session was attended by professors from AUK, diplomats in operates in Iraq, Egypt, Yemen and Oman. “We want to par- ence for writing the book. giving them the potential they lacked for a long time. addition to Indian embassy officials. ticipate in the development of oilfields and generate more employment. Today, the people really do not see the oil wealth. We have a bigger mission in life as a company. We want the people to share the oil wealth of the country directly instead of having it indirectly through the government.

Contributing to society She said being a woman never stopped her from contributing to the society. “My family offered tremendous support. Especially the mother who has a major role in molding the character of the child,” she said. Recalling her childhood experience, she said, “my future aspirations were built in my brain that I have to become an oil engineer. I wanted to work in refineries. I was not afraid of working with men, but looked at them as equals. “As engineers your hands will get dirty before you sit down behind your desk,” she said sharing her experience. She recalled that as a woman it was hard for her to go to oilfields and get hands-on experience. “In the first two years, they refused to send me to oil fields.” But later, she worked in offshore and onshore for 10 years becoming an engineer with hands-on experience. She also recalled her experience in rebuilding Kuwait’s oil facilities following Liberation and 45-day fire-fighting mission to put out fire in oil wells. Though Akbar, achieved many recognitions through the government, KOC and KPC, she felt that there was a huge gap in the industry. “The wakeup call came in 2015 after many years of my work in government sector,” she said referring to the founding of Kuwait Energy.

The young poet “There was no inspiration, my poetry emanates from incidents that have a bearing on my life,” said Malavika Jain, a junior at Lehigh University, the US, introducing her newly-published poetry collection “The Crenellated Expletive,” during the interactive session. Jain, the daughter of Indian Ambassador Sunil Jain, said Hala February kicks off today KUWAIT: Hala February Festival will kick off here today under the slogan Humanitarian Leader in recognition of the title given to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah by the United Nations (UN), member of Higher Organizing Committee and Chairman of Media committee for the festival Waleed Al-Saqabi, said yesterday. He added that the festival’s Higher Committee decided to dedicate its year’s edition to celebrate the UN honoring of His Highness the Amir in order to enhance patriotism. A host of diverse events will be held including poetry and religious seminars, concerts, sports activities, besides others, he said. The festival will also witness daily prizes of cars and cash money, and at the top of them KD 40,000 grand prize in a drawing lot, he said. The festival higher committee will also honor Sheikha Suad Al-Sabah in gratitude to her leading role in encouraging youth for literary, scientific, and artistic creativity, as well as the great care she offers to children in the Arab world, Saqabi affirmed. Hala February lasts till February the 28th, while the annual accompanying carnival will kick off in January 16. — KUNA IOM calls for grace period to expats KUWAIT: Head of the International Organization for Migration’s mission Iman Erekat asked Kuwait officials to give expats who face financial fines due to not updating their passport information a grace period and take the example of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who earned the titles of ‘Humanitarian Leader’ and the ‘Sheikh of Diplomacy’ before that. Erekat said expats must respect the laws of the countries they live in, adding “we respect the laws of each country because they are sovereign matters”. She said she is following statements of officials, adding, “I am sure that Kuwait officials who we respect are aware and will follow HH the Amir.” “We hope that a grace period is given to people who did not know that they had fines, like the Amiri pardon given to visa violators in 2008 and 2012, since Kuwait is an international humanitarian center,” Erekat said. —Al-Rai LOCAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 Gov’t seeks new wage system, approves executive sport plan Ministers condemn attack on Saudi border KUWAIT: The government seeks to intro- privatization of sport clubs. Additionally, His duce a wage system that would guarantee a Highness the Prime Minister briefed the just pay raise coupled with linking financial cabinet about outcome of Egyptian incentives with employees’ performance, President Abdelfatah Al-Sisi’s visit to Kuwait while on the other hand approving an exec- and his talks with His Highness the Amir and utive plan to develop sport in Kuwait. The His Highness the Crown Prince regarding cabinet, in its weekly meeting chaired by His the strengthening of bilateral relations and Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber cooperation. The Cabinet, said Sheikh Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, was briefed Mohammad, underlined Egypt’s important by a team about discrepancies surrounding role in safeguarding regional peace, security current salary system, which was consuming and stability. The Cabinet, meanwhile took 12 percent of the budget every year. The note of letters sent by German Chancellor salary system is also affected by numerous Angela Merkel and Finnish Prime Minister special allowances and discrepancies Cai-Goran Alexander Stubb to His Highness among similar job descriptions which “cre- the Prime Minister. ate a kind of unjustified injustice,” Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Terrorist attack Mohammad Abdullah Al-Sabah said in a Meanwhile, Kuwait condemned the ‘ter- statement after the cabinet meeting. rorist’ attack against Saudi border guards The team explained that a new wage sys- that killed three security men and wounded tem would guarantee justice in terms of pay two others, while commending vigilance of thus boost productivity and improve per- the Saudi border guards in preserving secu- formance. The team members proposed a rity and stability. new evaluation system that would link “The Coucnil of Ministers condemns the financial incentives with performance, and terrorist attack that took place yesterday guarantee well-studied pay raise consistent against one of the border guard partrols in with increase of prices, noted Sheikh the northern border region of the Kingdom Mohammad. Saudi Arabia,” killing three servicemen and injuring two others, Minister of State for KUWAIT: Iranian Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Dr Ali Tayebnia during his meeting with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Improving sport Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Ahamd Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace yesterday. — KUNA photo Meanwhile, the cabinet approved the Abdullah Al-Sabah said in a statement after Public Authority for Youth and Sports’ (PAYS) the cabinet meeting. executive plan to improve sport in Kuwait. The Cabinet commended vigilance of the Iran seeks broadening cooperation Minister of Information and Minister of State Saudi border guards in preserving security for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah and stability of the Kingdom. Sheikh said in his presentation of the executive Mohammad also underlined the “serious with Kuwait: Minister plan that it would revive training centers efforts” exerted by Saudi Arabia towards the between PAYS and Ministry of Education, elimination of terrorism. regulate all sport meetings and competi- The Cabinet, he added, considered the Iranian official begins official visit to Kuwait tions in and outside Kuwait. attack against the Saudi border guards as an Sheikh Salman said the plan aimed at assault against all GCC countries, and reaf- KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti and Iranian leaderships are deter- developing the Youth Centers, promoting firmed rejection to all forms of terrorism. there had to be closer ties between the banking and achievement. On the subject of assessing the price of mined to obviate any hindrances or obstructions in the insurance sectors in both countries, offering in that oil in Iran’s budget for next year (2015-2016), Dr importance of sport in society, supporting The Cabinet, said Sheikh Mohammad, way of developing closer bilateral ties, Iranian Minister regard his country’s experience and know-how. Tayebnia said the price of $70 was assessed but he youth players in schools, forming a higher extended deepest condolences for families of Economic Affairs and Finance Dr Ali Tayebnia said He emphasized that Kuwait could benefit from indicated that this price might be changed lower if anti-doping committee, developing sport of the victims and wished speedy recovery yesterday. Iranian companies well-versed in construction, build- the price of oil in international markets dipped much medicine center and launching health insur- for the wounded. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Minister Tayebnia arrived yesterday in an official to ing highways, setting up factories, building seaports lower than $50. ance for national teams’ players. Sheikh voiced relief for the outcome of medical Kuwait, where he met with His Highness the Amir and power stations, among other infrastructure He said changing that would be procedurally easy, Mohammad said the cabinet assigned PAYS tests that the Saudi King Abdullah bin Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahamd Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH undertakings. noting that oil-related revenues amounted to about to prepare a comprehensive study over the Abdulaziz had underwent. — KUNA the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- In the field of investment, the minister said his 25 percent of the budget and stressing the notion that Hamad Al-Sabah. country offered lucrative opportunities for those wish- despite the plunge in oil prices the Iranian economy The minister stressed that his country was keen on ing to invest in agriculture, tourism, and manufactur- was forecast to grow by 5 percent in 2015. broadening commercial and economic relations with ing (e.g. cement, steel, etc.), urging Kuwaiti investors Kuwait for the benefit of both countries’ peoples. to look into these and other opportunities in Iran. Market openness Fundamentally, he said his visit came in response to an On the question of Iran’s openness on the markets invitation extended to him by his Kuwaiti counterpart Oil prices in the Gulf and the Arab region, the minister affirmed Anas Al-Saleh with the objective of activating the Asked about Iran’s plans regarding the steep fall in his country’s expanded economic relations with such recently signed agreements between the two countries the price of oil reaching a nadir of less than $50 per regional states as Iraq, Turkey, and the UAE, noting the following the visit to Iran by HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah barrel and its repercussions on the country’s economy, Iran gave preference in its trade to Islamic countries. Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Noting that the delegation the minister indicated that international sanctions on Furthermore, he said Iran had good ties with China with him consisted of representatives from numerous Iran had conditioned it to absorb gyrations in the and India and with such organizations as OPEC Fund Iranian economic institutions, agencies, and industries, price of oil, noting that these sanctions had caused a for International Development, Asian Development the minister said they were ready to talk with Kuwaiti spike of 40 percent in inflation in recent times which Bank, and The Economic Cooperation Organization officials on activating these bilateral agreement and on “we were able to reduce to 17 percent due to stream- (ECO), among other organizations in Asia. further steps to boost bilateral trade. He urged a mete- lined fiscal policies and we hope to reduce it further to The Iranian minister arrived in Kuwait yesterday at oric boost in bilateral trade as the current trade picture less than 10 percent in the near future.” the head of an economic delegation to start three between the two countries was not up to par with their He made it clear that the recent decline in the days of talks with Kuwaiti officials from the ministry of expectations, saying that the size of current trade was nation’s GDP over the past two years “had been head- finance, Kuwait central bank, Kuwait port authority, only about $200 million and hoping that it would be ed off”, noting that the economy had made signifi- the ministry of commerce and industry and with rep- increased to at least ten fold. cant strides in the first six months of 2014, growing resentatives from the private sector in the Kuwait To push forward bilateral trade, the minister said by 4 percent which he considered a fortuitous chamber of — KUNA

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Overcoming traffic: Zain sponsors chairs yesterday’s joint meeting. — KUNA Cabinet endorses 2015-2016 ‘Wasalny’ mobile application development plan, draft budget App available on both iOS and Android KUWAIT: The cabinet yesterday approved administration and enhancing Arab and the draft 2015-2016 national development Muslim identities, she stressed. KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications com- plan and referred it to His Highness the pany in Kuwait, announced its main sponsorship of Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Development targets ‘Wasalny’, a community based mobile application that aims at improving the road experience by providing Sabah. During a joint meeting with the It also tackled the goals of the various traffic updates to contribute to the overcoming of the Supreme Council for Planning and sectors and strategic projects, Subaih said, growing traffic challenge in Kuwait. Zain cooperated Development (SCPD), the cabinet also adding that development targets the north- closely with Wasalny International to introduce the approved the 2015-2016 draft budget, ern part of the country and electricity, water, Traffic App to the Kuwaiti market. Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and oil services, as well as education, health, Through this sponsorship Zain is supporting the Minister of State for Planning and transport, tourism sectors and the environ- rising demand of innovative mobile applications by Development Hind Subaih Al-Subaih told ment. Improving investment environment, smartphone users and the development of the infor- reporters after the meeting. repairing the imbalances of the labor market mation and communication technologies sector, and The 2015-2016 draft plan and the draft and upgrading government performance at the same time providing customers with life- budget were the focus of the meeting held are also major goals, together with boosting enhancing services. at Bayan Palace and chaired by His youth capabilities and empowerment. ‘Wasalny’ is powered by people sharing road con- Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Participants in the meeting discussed the ditions to help each other make better decisions by Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Subaih legislative requirements necessary for avoiding congested roads. For a safer driving experi- said in a press statement. This is the first achieving the p goals and projects of the ence, the application uses the latest GPS technologies executive plan for the mid-term develop- plan, together with its financial implications, to automatically report the car’s speed to avoid any ment plan 2015/2016-2019/2020, she she said. Then the cabinet and the SCPD distractions. Users can view real-time traffic conditions added. Subaih noted that the meeting were briefed by the Minister of Finance Anas on 3D maps powered by Google. Users can also share briefed on the orientations, policies and Khaled Al-Saleh, and the Ministry’s traffic updates through popular social media plat- Zain officials with Wasalny app developers. goals of the plan, established on a basis Undersecretary Khalifa Hamada on the forms, as well as look for the nearest Zain branches Zain has always been at the forefront of companies introduced a series of initiatives over the years to and their opening times as well as getting road direc- that is likely to achieve justice and make details of the 2015-2016 draft budget. that adopt value-added services and the latest in the encourage skill-building in the ICT space, one of tions to reaching the closest one. information and communication technologies sector which was the ‘Zain Hackathon’ challenge that use of past experience. Yesterday’s review Hamada’s review of the budget skeleton In less than a year, the application managed to for its customers. The application is available on both involved designing a fully functional mobile app that addressed the vision of the plan and its covered expected revenues, the basis fol- attract more than 100,000 downloads with users gen- iOS and Android operating systems to reach out to used Direct Operator Billing APIs. In 2012, Zain sup- strategic targets, namely boosting GDP and lowed when preparing it, the current and erating 49,000 photos of the road, more than 2.7 mil- the largest amount of users. ported Microsoft’s Imagine Cup and called upon stu- improving citizens’ standard of living capital expenditure of the various chapters, lion traffic reports, and logged more than 3.7 million During 2014, Zain announced its strategic partner- dents in Kuwait and from across the Gulf to partici- through incentive mechanisms, supporting the Minister said. She noted that the budget KMs of traffic information. Notably, 63% of drivers use ship of the second edition of the Arab Mobile App pate in the competition, which challenged them to human and social development and devel- goes in line with the present conditions in Wasalny for more than 3 minutes per session with an Challenge (AMAC); the largest mobile application use their creative and technical abilities to create oping housing policies, government the country. — KUNA average of 3.5 times per week. development competition in the region. Zain also mobile applications.

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah attended a ceremony yesterday to honor retired police officers and ministry officials. Top Interior Ministry officials attended the event which included a launch banquet. LOCAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 On the 4th anniversary of his passing away, Khaled Youssef Al-Marzouk’s legacy lives on

By Yahya Hamza he - may God have mercy upon him - laid a become established fact about how the late This is evident in the fact that the late They did not only complete the various profound and a regulatory framework to Uncle Khaled Youssef Al-Marzouk was a pio- beloved was a pioneer in real estate proj- stages of the projects he had undertaken ne of the them to ensure the continuation of giving, neer in the renaissance of construction that ects and a pioneer in its quality and excel- or had initiated with them, but endeav- graces and regardless of his kind presence among us, accompanied the early stages of the inde- lence, moving from what was available at ored to realize many of his ideas which Oblessings that or his departure to the heavenly Kingdom pendence of Kuwait in the sixties and the time towards what should be available time didn’t permit him to realize. God bestowed upon of God. stretched to the seventies of the last centu- for the future. He was also a pioneer regard- They didn’t stop at that, but adopted us is forgetting. It In addition, the offspring of his kind fam- ry, as well as being one of the founders of ing a lot of construction ideas and projects, his far-sighted and ambitious thinking as a might relatively and ily were not content with all his “ongoing the Real Estate Bank and other real estate ranging from the construction of the first course of action to launch new and futur- gradually calm our charities”, but they boosted and doubled entities in Kuwait. multi storey car park, to the sea cities, along istic projects with outstanding successes. grief on parting with their generosity to them, in remembrance We will not repeat all that here, despite with a continuous series of varied real The enterprising spirit of this virtuous loved ones, our pain of him, on the one hand and secondly in its importance and impact, but we add to estate investments. family, which carried the banner after him, of missing them, our order to establish the sweetness of his these the fact that he was the founder of “a was not confined to construction, real longing for them, our yearning to them, memory and thirdly as a confirmation of his ‘Ambitious difficult’ estate and investment projects in various and the deep feeling of the emptiness that benevolence as well as considering it a The second pillar of Khaled Youssef Al- fields; it went further to achieve great eco- their departure left behind in our lives and great addition to the balance of his virtues Marzouk in real estate thinking and invest- nomic and social ambitions not only in the in the world. and establishing the fact that they are “the ment was the calculated boldness without local sphere, but also in the entire Gulf But forgetting, no matter how much its worthy successors to the best predecessor.” rashness, but with determination regardless and Arab region. curtains were brought down by the I do not want to go on talking much about of the challenges and difficulties. He did This does not mean that the process sequence of time and the parting of days, the first part of the Hadith of the Messenger not resort to the “ normal easy”, but pre- was identical to the original. Each genera- could never erase or diminish the “sweet of Allah - Peace Be Upon Him - ie “the ongo- ferred the “ ambitious difficult “ aided by tion has its own ways and character. There memories”, that can transcend time and sur- ing charity,” because the deceased and his patient study, correct application, personal are also the time and place changes which pass spaces and remain solid and firm in kind family do not like mentioning this supervision, follow-up and knowledge of all call for continuous development and our minds. The wisdom of Allah the charitable aspect of their human activity, details. modernization, along with the fact that Almighty wanted this “memory” to remain instead they surround it, frequently, with a The third pillar of the principles and con- every generation and person have as a spiritual and a moral extension of man’s fence of secrecy, out of their modesty and cepts of this real estate school was that he inevitably and necessarily their own iden- life even after his departure. Especially if generosity, and as a kind of respect on the was one of the pioneers of taking Kuwaiti tity and mark. this memory and anniversary are full of giv- part of the giver to the feelings of the real estate investments across border, not The important fact is that the spirit of ing and goodness with all of their themes, receiver, in the belief that the party who to Gulf and Arab states only, but far and the process of work and giving hasn’t domains and dimensions, full of achieve- provides the good deed to those who are in beyond. Kuwaiti real estate investments changed, neither in its objectives, nor in ments, which extend from the past to the need, is first and foremost merely obeying abroad have become a normal and tangible the manner of performance or the strong present, presenting an evidence and a wit- and implementing the words of the Lord of reality, but in the beginning they were determination to overcome the countless ness to “good deed” that is never interrupt- mankind: “from what we provided them, undoubtedly a bold step, a calculated ven- difficulties and challenges of our times. ed, but is still continuous, in its effect and they spend.” ture, a futuristic thinking and a course of The sons and daughters of the late uncle impact. Going back to the second part of the action with its principles and rules which Khaled Youssef Al-Marzouk were his right Our Messenger of Allah - Peace Be Upon Prophet’s Hadith in which the Holy Prophet foresaw the diversity, multiplicity and inte- hand in realizing his dreams and his ambi- Him - says in the Hadith: “If a man dies, all - Peace Be Upon Him - that the deeds of the gration of investment areas, taking them tious projects. his deeds come to an end except for three deceased person continue after his death if beyond the narrow circle to the wider hori- He inculcated in them the spirit of things: an ongoing charity, a knowledge he left behind “a knowledge that is benefi- zons of ambitious outlook. relentless determination because his and that is beneficial, or a righteous son who cial,” we can say that “knowledge” in its The late Khaled Youssef Al-Marzouk Going back to the Prophet’s Hadith their roads were not paved with roses. prays for him” If the sweet memory, of the broadest sense is not limited to a book, a about ‘work’ which does not cease upon a Some of their ideas and projects did not late beloved dear uncle Khaled Youssef Al- published work, a volume or an invention; it school” of real estate investment that is still person’s passing away, but it goes on as an meet with success, but their tenacious Marzouq, with all its depth, breadth and is more comprehensive than that because influential, with its dimensions, features, extension of his past deeds, celebrating his determination, calculated boldness with- abundance, on the fourth anniversary of his the Hadith makes a link between “knowl- and expertise, in the ongoing renaissance memory and confirming the continuity of out rashness and the creative and enthusi- departure, remains so entrenched in our edge” and benefit, and therefore this knowl- of construction in Kuwait. his life’s good work after his departure, we astic spirit were their weapon in facing conscience and so difficult and rebellious to edge can be an outcome of successful This “school” is represented in an out- find that the third sign of man’s continuous problems, overcoming difficulties and be forgotten, it comes, at the same time as expertise and experiments, that can pro- come of expertise that form “a knowledge work is “a righteous son who prays for him”. reaching their goals by the shortest and another proof confirming the words of the duce benefits to those who repeat and fol- and a method” that is beneficial and that is No doubt our beloved uncle Khaled Youssef most decisive of roads. Holy Prophet as a beacon to us and a low them, directly or indirectly, where the followed and embraced by many real estate Al-Marzouk was blessed with sons and Every individual wishes his family and course for our lives. benefits achieved go either to the people or entities in the present and in the future. daughters who not only pray for him but offspring to carry on his work after him, to to the community or to those concerned. If we move from the general to the par- couple their prayers with good deeds of be a good extension of himself and to Ongoing charities ticular , and from the whole to the parts their own. achieve even more aspirations and ambi- The late beloved did not leave us with A pioneer and details, we can say that this “school” of tions than he did. I believe that the spirit only his sweet memory, but he also left us There is no doubt that “the knowledge construction and real estate is based on Continuing the course of the late beloved uncle Khaled Youssef his charities that are still ongoing and con- that is beneficial” left by the late uncle three pillars: The first is to anticipate the It is no exaggeration to say that the Al-Marzouk hovers over his family, his tinuous today, and that will be ongoing and Khaled Youssef Marzouk was embodied in times and deal with the present with an eye sons and daughters of the dear deceased sons and daughters , contented with continuous tomorrow, whether in the near setting the rules of what can be called a dis- on the future, and starting work where oth- have expressed their prayer for him them, proud of what they achieved, or the distant future - God willing. As his tinct “school” of thinking in urban and real ers have ended, and taking advantage of all through their keenness and determination pleased with their life and course, assured charities, with all their breadth and diversi- estate investment. We will not repeat here the experiences of developed countries, to continue on his course, taking it into of their steady steps and ambition, wish- ty, were not present at their time only, but what has already been said, and what has suitable to our environment and nature. wider horizons and greater ambitions. ing them lasting excellence and success. Kuwaiti constitution embraces Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Professor

By Faten Omar human rights and freedoms in its articles.”More than 25 articles in the Kuwait KUWAIT: The Amricani Cultural Centre Constitution are dealing with the hosted a lecture entitled ‘Human Rights human rights,” he said. in the Constitution of Kuwait’ by Dr He spoke in detail about articles in Khalifa Al-Humaida, Professor of Law at the Kuwaiti Constitution that protect Kuwait University, on Tuesday. rights and freedoms such as article sev- Dr Al-Huamida’s lecture focused on en which clearly stipulates that “Justice, the equal and inalienable rights and Liberty and Equality are the pillars of guarantees in the Constitution of the Society; co-operation and mutual help State of Kuwait, and compares it with are the firmest bonds between citizens.” those written in the United Nation’s He recalled article eight which affirms Universal Declaration of Human Rights the state’s commitment to ensure equal- of 1948. This comparison illustrates the ity among all Kuwaitis regardless of col- compatibility of some of the material or and faith, which reads “The State safe- documents, which reflects the extent of guards the pillars of Society and ensures development and distant view of the security, tranquility and equal opportu- founders in writing the Constitution. The KUWAIT: Dr Khalifa Al-Humaida nities for citizens.” He also noted that the lecture aimed to highlight human rights speaks during the lecture. — Photo Kuwaiti constitution was pioneering in aspects in the Constitution of the State by Yasser Al-Zayyat dealing with rights of children and dis- of Kuwait, which is the oldest constitu- Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” advantaged people as in articles 10 and tion in the Arab Gulf region, which the Head of the Public Law Department at 11. He pointed out that the Kuwaiti con- founders of the constitutional early con- the College of Law at Kuwait University, stitution not only protected human tributed to embed basic rules for those Dr Khalifa Al-Humaida said. rights, but also made it easy for citizens rights to be a constitution sophisticated He added “The Constituent Assembly to challenge any encroachment against and civilized preserves the rights of citi- had allocated more than a special ses- it whether by the executive or legislative zens and residents, and helped later in sion to draw upon the UDHR provisions. powers. provide a platform to enter the State of There are two chapters in the Kuwaiti “The constitution not only stated the Kuwait in many international conven- constitution which are literally taken rights but also paved the way for remov- tions and covenants on human rights from the UDHR.” The Universal ing any violation through the constitu- and has become today a part of their Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a tional court.” He cited as examples the national laws. declaration adopted by the UN General Constitutional Court intervention to The Constitution of Kuwait is based Assembly on 10 December 1948 at the abolish a law which required the written on the democratic principles and com- Palais de Chaillot, Paris. The Declaration consent of the husband for the renewal bines the positive aspects of both presi- represents the first global expression of of the passport of non-Kuwaiti woman dential and parliamentary systems rights to which all human beings are married to a Kuwaiti, as the well as its prevalent in advanced democratic coun- inherently entitled. verdict which turned down a controver- tries. The pillars of the Constitution are sial law that had to restrict public gath- the sovereignty of the State, public free- Justice, liberty and equality erings. The Constitution of Kuwait was dom and equality before the law. Al-Humaida, also member of the created by the Constituent Assembly in “As far as the rights and freedoms are Committee of Experts at the National 1961-1962 and signed into law on 11 concerned, the Kuwaiti constitution Assembly (parliament), noted that the November 1962 by the late Amir embraced most if not all texts of the Kuwait Constitution had prioritized the Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. Kuwait unique due to vibrant parliament, civil society

KUWAIT: Kuwait is unique within the Gulf due to vibrancy of discuss the origins of Kuwait’s National Assembly in compar- its parliament and mobilized power of its civil society, said ative perspective. Toby Dodge, Kuwait Chair of the London School of Praising Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Economics (LSE) and Political Science yesterday. Sciences’ (KFAS) interactive partnership with LSE in explain- “After the trauma of the Iraqi invasion in 1990, a sort of ing Kuwait’s research requirements, Dodge also commend- unity was given to the Kuwaiti society that contributed in ed other Kuwaiti institutions for their support, such as the establishing a new sense of nationalism and purpose where Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and the the Kuwaiti parliament acted as a vehicle and symbol of lib- Kuwaiti ministry of foreign affairs. eration,” Dodge said in an exclusive interview with Kuwait To date, he noted, the Kuwait Program published 40 News Agency (KUNA), commenting on the democratic life in research papers of different aspects of Kuwaiti socioeco- Kuwait and the role of the National Assembly (parliament) in nomic politics and the wider Gulf dynamic focusing on the the state’s development, governance and globalization. seven research themes. “The innovation that we brought in “What happened in Kuwait in 1990 is almost the oppo- is to get LSEs leading academics to apply for the funding site of what we saw in the 2011 Arab Spring, which accentu- that we have in a competitive fashion,” he said. The KFAS- ated sub-state differences,” he noted. He also referred to an funded Program has just released a ‘Call for Proposals for upcoming lecture to be held at LSE next March with Dr. Applied Research’ which will fund long-term academic Michael Herb; Associate Professor in the Department of research on the Gulf, with the deadline ending later this Political Science at Georgia State University. The lecture is to month. —KUNA THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 LOCAL

kuwait digest OIL BARREL ... Everything runs on diesel

By Abdellatif Al-Duaij eferring some restaurant owners or dealers to the prosecution for increasing prices by the Rminister of commerce is unfair and an unhealthy interference in the market system. Above all, this after all is a hit against the policy of rationalization and surrendering to the current situation. It is also a declared drop of the true capabilities to face pressures and economic problems that were brought about and will continue because of the drop in oil prices. If the state with all its members and tools is thinking to raise the prices of some goods, or actually already raised some of them, how can it keep the poor restaurant owner or other tradesmen from adjusting the prices of their products? The law is the law, and should be applied to the state or govern-

The citizen must bear some of the pain and contribute to shouldering some of the weight and concerns of rationalizing and saving

ment offices before it is applied on people. If raising prices is a crime punishable by law, then ministers of oil and finance along with the government should be sent to court for raising the prices of some oil derivatives. Let those who speak about businessmen’s greed know that the restaurant owner who was sent to the prosecution by commerce minister is only a simple professional, and the poor owner of an establish- ment who like others is trying to adapt to the difficult situation, unlike the businessman who is sitting cross-legged and receives commissions and makes profit. We say it for the thousandth time - the citizen must bear some of the pain and contribute to shouldering some of the weight and concerns of rationalizing and saving. The attempts to make him avoid this pain by blaming businessmen or having expats Al-Jarida alone bear the suffering of the drop in oil prices and increase in the prices of government products and services are attempts that time will prove their failure and danger. How can the commerce minister or others decide kuwait digest that raising the price of diesel or other products has nothing to do with the owner of this trade or that, Attempts to solve the region’s puzzles though this craftsman or vendor be him a citizen or expat is affected by the diesel price hike exactly like others are affected and leads to raising the price of By Dr Ahmad Al-Khateeb bread. Everything is connected, and each product is t seems that the region is seeing unexpected and ing, weapons and training. that concern us directly: the product of another, and each member of the notable changes, including: Attempts to find a replacement such as the Nosra First of all, the US made a notable statement society gives and takes, though some of us do not I Front have failed, and we are seeing conflicts within warning the Bahraini regime from escalating con- give enough. Everyone affects everyone, and we all • The Americans are withdrawing their fleet to that group, and some factions have already seceded frontation with the opposition, especially after the are affected with the rising prices of diesel or other allow the Iranian fleet to carry out maneuvers in the and joined IS instead. Meanwhile, the attack that arrest of Al Wefaq’s Secretary General Ali Salman, things. Arabian Gulf. happened on the Saudi border recently is alarming, and the likelihood that this decision might spark —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas • United States officials praise the progress in as the nature of the religious Wahabi upbringing in public protests. Another important event is efforts of negotiations with Iran over the Islamic Republic’s the Arabian Peninsula provides a suitable environ- the new Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi nuclear program, while the continuation of towards building bridges with nearby countries, as announced and unannounced meetings between well as visiting Basra and meeting with citizens there kuwait digest the two countries indicate that there are other issues A federal Iraq that is whose bad situations have longed been ignored by a being discussed. centric regime in Baghdad. Abadi gave immediate • The Hothis reemerge strongly in Yemen. free from all sorts of orders to resolve Basrans’ problems, by granting A piece of • Lebanon stops an old tradition in the relations them true autonomous rule with full authorities. with Syria, by asking Syrian nationals to use their outside influence, This decision, if successful - it had actually suc- advice passports and obtain a visa to enter Lebanon. This ceeded in Kurdish areas and led to the rejection of procedure can be explained by the idea that the sectarianism and the idea of separation - will mark the beginning of a large Syrian presence damages Lebanon’s sectarian corruption is capable of new custom that frees minorities from regimes’ neg- By Thaar Al-Rasheedi structure, and thus must be countered, or that Sunni ligence to their just demands. It also paves the way fail to understand the bases according to which extremist groups believe that this presence encour- recovering quickly given for a federal system that is the most ideal for stabili- some governmental bodies and establishments ages for more recruitment, and therefore needs to ty, as seen in Germany, the United Kingdom, judge writers and criticize them. I believe they fol- be limited as well. Switzerland, the US, among others. I the vital natural low one of two assumptions as a general rule. They • Harmony between the Lebanese army and This system of government solves the flaws that either assume that such writers have certain affilia- Hezbollah in controlling security in Lebanon. The US resources that it has we have suffers from, including suppression and tions or directions, or assume that they have some- arms the Lebanese army while Iran arms Hezbollah. marginalization of minorities, to the point they have thing on their minds or want something. It is a strange alliance that reflects the new develop- become a threat to our existence, and a reason to Many PR officials in government establishments ments in the region. ment for the group to penetrate there. Another fac- turn us into fighting statelets, serving the Zionist - immediately label writers and criticize their respective • The strength of the Islamic State (IS) has caught tor that often gets mentioned is the notion that the American dream of destroying the region and keep- bodies as either ‘directed’ or ‘wanting something’. all off guard, including the US. The group’s swift Muslim Caliph must stay in the Holy Land in order to ing it underdeveloped. Unfortunately, this is exactly what some advisors con- spread and military achievements garnered admira- stop the Ottoman Caliphate which some Turkish offi- A federal Iraq that is free from all sorts of outside vey to senior officials about writers who criticize cer- tion of many Muslim and non-Muslim young people. cials are trying to pave the way for. influence, sectarianism and corruption is capable of tain mistakes under their jurisdiction in any of their It has become an outlet for those looking for a way These factors and others motivate the US to con- recovering quickly given the vital natural resources articles. Therefore, most constructive criticism finds out from life miseries, which many people suffer sider Iran its strongest ally in the region, after it that it has, coupled with highly-capable technical no response from officials. from around the world, and especially in places sub- became evident that its strength is starting to manpower that allows the state to have an environ- As a member of the media, my humble advice to jected to tyranny. It has also become an attractive expose the struggling of many of the US’ traditional ment of decent, free living, and establish the base for destination for similar Islamist groups around the allies. creativity to enrich the country in all fields. I would like here to point out the developments — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida world, due to what it can provide from great financ- Many PR officials in government establishments imme- kuwait digest diately label writers and Our government: The mean billionaire criticize their respective By Dr Adel Al-Ibrahim bodies as either ‘directed’ or ack in the beginning of the 1960s, a man had This mean billionaire reminds me of the policies reserve fund as if it intends to distribute those funds ‘wanting something’ nothing but a house he owned. Then the state our government has adopted over years, only making to future generations. What those future generations Bstarted compensating citizens for houses they minimal use of oil. All the current public facilities were really need is new cities, universities and job opportu- had to relinquish due to the government’s expansion nities that the government should have worked on some ministry officials is to respond to such articles plans by giving them handsome amounts and alter- providing instead of stacking money in funds subject instead of only listening to such advisors. Try to react native houses. The man received a huge sum that was What those future to dangers of inflation as well as theft. What used to to what writers, bloggers or tweeters write about your then considered a fortune. cost a billion to make in the 1980s will now cost 10 bil- sectors or ministries. It would be even better if, Many other citizens received similar sums but they generations really need is lion. instead of questioning their intention and instead of handled the new wealth differently. The first man What wisdom, what saving and what investment! listening only to your misleading advisors who know deposited his money in a bank while others invested new cities, universities and Other GCC states, with UAE on top of them, started nothing about the media or dealing with the press in real estate and traded in various sectors, multiply- developing in the late 1980s and are now ranked and social media, you consider these critical writers as ing their money manifold and made the best use of job opportunities that amongst advanced countries. The last of them was your ‘free’ advisors and take them as ‘third eyes’ the mega economic breakthrough Kuwait experi- Qatar that started developing in the mid 1990s and watching your sectors and ministries. enced. the government should within 10 years of hard work, managed to be ranked Do not misunderstand them and adopt reform Eventually, after decades since the government did have worked on in the top lists in terms of per capita income, develop- instead of criticizing writers who give you absolutely so, most of those who had been compensated grew ment and construction. free advice concerning some flaws in your ministries. much richer while a minority did not and settled for providing instead In the mean time, we are still suffering the same Arabs used to say ‘A camel for a piece of advice’ living affluently, enjoying what they got. However, our crises here in Kuwait, saving our money in our funds, (which means offering a camel for a sincere piece of man still lives in the house the government gave him adopting rationalization and conservation policies advice). Here in Kuwait, advice should equal oil wells. and the money he kept in the bank and was once constructed in the 1960s and the most recent of them just the way the aforementioned mean miser billion- Why, then, do you reject completely free advice by considered a fortune is losing much of its value with in the 1980s. The government keeps boasting about aire did! writers who have no goals but reform? the passage of time and inflation. its public investment fund and the future generations’ — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Boehner survives Marxist group claims suicide attack in Istanbul challenge, reelected US House speaker Page 8 Page 9

ZAHLE, Lebanon: Syrian refugees play with snow at the UN run refugee camp of Fayda near this Bekaa Valley town in eastern Lebanon yesterday. — AFP Snowstorm batters Mideast Shepherd, boy die on mountainous Lebanon-Syria border

ANJAR, Lebanon: Snow fell in parts of the mountains from Syria to the Lebanese bor- adding she hoped the cold wouldn’t make try’s north as Jerusalem city officials direct- minaret. The state MENA news agency Middle East yesterday as a powerful winter der town of Chebaa. The officials spoke on her sicker - she has throat cancer and relies ed snow preparations from a “war room” in a reported no casualties, adding that the storm swept through the region, killing two condition of anonymity because they were on charity for medical care. Nearby, Abu bunker underneath city hall, and deployed mosque was subsequently shut down for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and forcing not authorized to speak to the media. Near Hussein, 32, huddled under blankets in his about 150 snowplows. The military readied repair work. In Syria, snow blanketed thousands who have fled their country’s civil the town of Anjar, on the border with Syria, tiny one-room home with his two children. armored personnel carriers to help the Qassioun Mountain, which overlooks the war to huddle for warmth in tents in refugee refugees used brooms and sticks to try to “This is how we keep warm,” he laughed. police. A downtown supermarket said it capital, Damascus. The snowfall also camps. In Syria, the guns fell silent as snow clear heavy snow from the tops of their stored up on five times the amount of provi- brought traffic to a near standstill in the city fell in the cities of Damascus and Aleppo and tents, fearing the shelters would collapse. State of Emergency sions, and employees were to spend the and the Education Ministry shuttered government warplanes remained on the Inside, adults huddled around wood-burn- Elsewhere, Palestinian authorities in the night at the store because of road closures. schools and universities for two days. Heavy ground because of bad visibility. ing stoves to try to keep warm. West Bank and Gaza Strip declared a state of Wind and rain struck the Gaza Strip, fog also blanketed parts of Pakistan yester- The storm dumped rain and hail on In Beirut’s slum of Shatila, residents wad- emergency over the storm. An eight- where infrastructure and thousands of day morning. Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Lebanon’s coast and heavy snows in the ed through dirty water and floating month-old Palestinian infant in the homes were destroyed in a 50-day war with Authority said officials temporarily closed mountains and central Bekaa Valley. Gas sta- garbage that clogged the narrow alleys Tulkarem refugee camp died in a fire caused Israel last summer. “Even nature is angry. I Islamabad’s Benazir Bhutto International tions, schools, banks and shops shuttered while children played, trying to catch hail. by a heating stove, said Palestinian civil hope God is not angry with us ... I am fright- Airport due to bad weather, diverting and power was cut throughout Lebanon, Ibtisam Mohammed, a 37-year-old mother defense ministry spokesman Louay Bani ened for the fate of those without shelters, incoming flights to Lahore. but it was particularly trying for the hun- of seven, managed to get her rusting diesel Odeh. Snow also accumulated in the Golan whose houses Israel destroyed,” said Gaza Some found joy amid the stormy weath- dreds of thousands of Syrian refugees who stove working again on Wednesday, in an Heights and northern Israel. Jerusalem City resident Abu Ahmed, heading to buy er. Abdul-Hamid Ayash, a 32-year-old trader live in tents and makeshift shelters. effort to warm her home. The wind had schools closed ahead of a forecast warning fuel for a fire. Gaza has electricity for six stranded in Beirut after snows closed the In eastern Lebanon, security officials said ripped away the plastic sheet used for win- of 25 cm of snowfall. The weather dominat- hours a day. route to his mountain home, smoked a ciga- a Syrian shepherd, Ammar Kamel, 30, and a dows and water dripped on the floor from ed Israeli media newscasts as snow fell in In Egypt, a sandstorm engulfed Cairo for rette by the sea, watching waves crash 7-year-old boy, Majed Badawi, died in the the tin roof. repeated bursts in Jerusalem, with media a second day, followed by a brief rainfall against concrete breakers. “I’m not sorry I’m storm yesterday as they made the danger- “We dragged the mattress to that corner, promising more snowfall later. yesterday while in the Mediterranean port stuck here,” he said. “Is there anything nicer ous trek through the rugged, snow-covered it’s the only dry place in the house,” she said, Israeli police closed roads in the coun- city of Alexandria, gusty winds toppled a than walking in the rain?” — AP Uganda army confirms rebel LRA commander in custody KAMPALA: A top commander of the noto- the southeastern CAR town of Obo, close to rious Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebel the border with South Sudan and army has surrendered and is now in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ankunda custody of US forces, the Ugandan army said. “We are working out procedures,” he confirmed yesterday. Ugandan army added, when asked about Ongwen’s imme- spokesman Paddy Ankunda said top LRA diate fate - including his possible transfer to commander Dominic Ongwen, who is Ugandan authorities or to The Hague-based wanted by the International Criminal Court ICC. (ICC) for crimes against humanity and war Ongwen, who is in his mid-30s, is accused crimes, gave himself up in Central African of directing bloody campaigns in northern Republic. He said Ongwen one of the last Uganda in the early 2000s where thousands senior aides to LRA leader and warlord were killed or abducted to be used as child Joseph Kony who was still at large. The LRA soldiers or sex slaves, as well as carrying out have been blamed for the slaughter of over attacks on civilians in DR Congo. On Tuesday, 100,000 people and kidnapping of more Dominic Ongwen officials in Washington said a man claiming than 60,000 children during a three to be Ongwen surrendered to American decade-long campaign across five central African nations. special forces who have been deployed in the hunt for Kony “His surrender puts the LRA in the most vulnerable posi- since 2011. The US State Department accuses him of “mur- tion. It is only Kony left standing,” Ankunda told AFP, adding der, enslavement and cruel treatment of civilians”, and had that he had first surrendered to CAR’s Seleka rebels, before offered a $5 million bounty for information leading to his being handed over to US forces. Ongwen is being held in capture. — AFP p8_Layout 1 1/7/15 10:47 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 INTERNATIONAL US spymaster dined with N Korea hacking general

NEW YORK: The US intelligence chief responsible for hacking Hollywood stu- sion “and what terrible people we were”. day was “kind of nerve-racking” and that was kind of creepy about how impassive revealed yesterday that he dined with dio Sony, during a secret mission to “All the vitriol that he spewed in my he was not sure if they would get the everyone was. They didn’t show any the North Korean general believed Pyongyang two months ago. Director of direction over dinner was real,” Clapper two Americans back or not. emotion, didn’t stop to greet each oth- National Intelligence James Clapper said. “They really do believe they are er... I didn’t see anyone conversing or gave a riveting account of the visit at a under siege from all directions and ‘Kind of Creepy’ laughing. They were just going about New York conference on cyber security painting us as an enemy that is about to At one point an emissary came to say their business” he said. just days after the government imposed invade their country every day is one of North Korea no longer considered him a Hackers attacked Sony Pictures in new sanctions on North Korea in retalia- the chief propaganda elements that’s presidential envoy and as such could late November and threatened the com- tion for the late November attack. He held North Korea together.” He said the not guarantee his safety. But in the after- pany over the looming Christmas said on Nov 7, the first night of his mis- pair communicated through a North noon, they were taken to a hotel for an release of the comedy film “The sion to free two Americans, he dined Korean translator who spoke fluent “amnesty-granting ceremony” where the Interview,” which depicts a fictional CIA with General Kim, “in charge of the English “with a British accent, which was two Americans, still in prison garb were plot to kill North Korea’s leader. The Reconnaissance General Bureau, the kind of strange.” Kim kept “pointing his handed over. Afterward they headed threats led worried movie theater own- RGB, who’s the organization responsible finger at my chest and saying the US straight to the airport and took off, he ers to drop the film and then Sony can- for overseeing the attack against Sony.” and South Korean exercise was a provo- said. “I can’t recall a time when that air- celled the public debut altogether, Clapper did not give the general’s full cation to war and of course not being a craft with United States of America before releasing it online. The FBI said name but he apparently was referring to diplomat, my reaction was to lean back emblazed across it ever looked as good,” North Korea was behind the Sony intru- General Kim Yong-chol, director of the across the table and point my finger at he joked. sion. Pyongyang repeatedly denied Reconnaissance General Bureau, also his chest.” Clapper, who spent less than 24 involvement but has applauded the known as Unit 586, one of three North At one point, his assistant suggested hours in North Korea, said the first thing actions of the shadowy hacking group. Korean entities sanctioned by the Clapper take a “head break” to ease the that struck him on arrival was how dark “They are deadly, deadly serious, no pun United States in response to the Sony tension. At the end, he described pre- the city and airport were, and how the intended about affronts to the supreme hack. Clapper called the elaborate, 12- senting Kim with a letter from President plane damaged a tire while taxiing leader, whom they consider to be a course repast “one of the best Korean Barack Obama, designating Clapper as because of poor runway construction. deity,” Clapper said yesterday. “I watched meals I’ve ever had” but said the four- his envoy and saying that the release of He said people labored with old-fash- The Interview over the weekend and it’s star general spent most of the meal the two US citizens would be viewed as ioned tools and were eerily going about obvious to me that North Koreans don’t James Clapper berating him about American aggres- a positive gesture. He admitted the next their business dressed in drab clothes. “It have a sense of humor.” —AFP Boko Haram leader threatens Cameroon

KANO: Boko Haram leader Abubakar Direct Warning Shekau has threatened Cameroon in a Shekau, in military fatigues and green video message on YouTube, warning that rubber boots, speaks for more than 17 min- the same fate would befall the country as utes in the video, flanked by four masked neighbouring Nigeria. The video, which Boko Haram fighters, two of whom hold was posted on Jan 5, is directly addressed the militants’ black flags. Two others fight- to Cameroon’s President Paul Biya after ers are seen standing on the back of pick- repeated fighting between militants and up trucks fitted with heavy machineguns. troops in the country’s far north. “Oh Paul Shekau fires an assault rifle into the air at Biya, if you don’t stop this, your evil plot, the end of his address. There was no indica- you will taste what has befallen Nigeria... tion when the video - entitled “Message to Your troops cannot do anything to us,” President Paul Biya of Cameroon” - was shot Shekau said in Arabic. or where. It also used the group’s preferred Paul Biya has been mentioned by Arabic name “Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Shekau before but it is first time that he has Lidda’awati wal-Jihad” or “People commit- directly addressed Cameroon and is the ted to the propagation of the Prophet’s first admission that Boko Haram has been (PBUH) teachings and jihad”. Boko Haram actively operating in the country. Boko roughly translates from the Hausa lan- Haram fighters had in the past launched guage widely spoken in northern Nigeria as attacks on northeastern Nigeria from bases “Western education is forbidden”. inside Cameroon but recent months have In the video, Shekau praises his fighters seen an increase in strikes within the coun- “inside Cameroonian soil” and calls on Biya try. The attacks have taken a similar form to to “repent”. “If you do not, you will see what those in Nigeria from hit-and-run raids to will come from Allah, the All-Powerful who kidnappings. has control over everything in respect of Boko Haram, which began its violent chastisement and calamity,” he says, waving insurgency in 2009, has taken over swathes his right index finger. “Your troops are noth- of territory in three northeastern Nigerian ing. Even Nigerian soldiers couldn’t do any- states, and declared some towns as part of thing to us.” He also calls on the people of its Islamic caliphate. Last weekend, fighters Cameroon to “rebel against democracy and captured the key town of Baga and the shun it”. Cameroon’s president has made a headquarters of the Multinational Joint series of strong statements against Boko Task Force in the Lake Chad area, tighten- Haram and in October last year vowed to ing its control of the remote state of Borno. go after the group “until it’s totally wiped Cameroon’s far north region, which adjoins out”. Borno to the east, has come increasingly In May last year, he said that a Paris under fire and on December 28, Yaounde meeting of Nigeria’s neighbours was deployed fighter jets against Boko Haram designed to “declare war on Boko Haram”. for the first time. Biya personally ordered But a key agreement at the summit to set the air strike after the insurgents crossed up a regional force has yet to be imple- ISTANBUL: Tourists are seen next to the Haghia Sophia museum yesterday, a day after a policeman was killed and another injured when a the border and seized a military camp, the mented. Cameroon has been increasingly female suicide bomber blew herself up at a nearby police station. — AP government said on Dec 29. The aerial vocal in its criticisms about the lack of a bombardment, hailed as a new phase in coordinated response against Boko Haram the counter-insurgency, forced the and called for support from neighbouring Marxist group claims Islamists to flee, it added. countries. — AFP Khamenei airs doubts Istanbul suicide attack over US in nuke talks Campaign of attacks could hit Turkish tourism TEHRAN: Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah conditions for any final agreement, now Ali Khamenei yesterday gave vent to his facing a June 30 deadline. Throughout the ISTANBUL: An outlawed Turkish Marxist group was aimed at “bringing to account” the ruling police Tuesday, saying their bravery had pre- distrust of Washington as he weighed the nuclear talks he has supported Iran’s diplo- yesterday claimed a strike by a female suicide Justice and Development Party (AKP) co-found- vented an even higher death toll. The female prospects of a nuclear deal with world mats while simultaneously using public bomber in the heart of Istanbul’s tourist district, ed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over cor- bomber was carrying two more charges that did powers. The Islamic republic’s top diplo- speeches to express doubt about what, if raising fears of a wave of attacks one week after ruption following a ruling the day earlier that not go off and were later detonated in con- mats have been negotiating with anything, can be achieved. its militants hit police guarding a palace in the four former ministers accused of graft will not trolled blasts by bomb disposal experts. Washington for around two years - first in His latest comments came one day after city. The bomber, a young woman in her 20s, stand trial. As after the Jan 1 attack, the DHKP-C Erdogan expressed outrage at the attack, sug- secret, and openly since autumn 2013 - to Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, killed herself and a policeman on Tuesday after also said the bombing was a reprisal for the gesting the militants could have been seeking end a dispute over its controversial nuclear Iran’s top negotiator, was criticised by hard- walking into the police station in Istanbul’s death of Berkin Elvan, a teenager who died in to undermine Turkey’s tourism industry. “Was it program. “The United States arrogantly line lawmakers over his handling of the Sultanahmet district, home to the city’s greatest March 2014 after spending 269 days in a coma done to prove that it is not a safe area?” he said says that if Iran makes concessions in the talks, although he was later backed in a concentration of historical monuments. Posing due to injuries inflicted by the police in the in a televised speech. “What are you trying to nuclear case, they will not at one stroke lift snap vote. Zarif countered by saying the as a tourist who had lost her wallet, she blew mass anti-government protests of 2013. “It (the achieve? Do you think you will be able to sanctions. With this reality, how can we negotiations had changed Iran’s image herself up after police shot her in the leg when attack) happened because the four former min- impose your ideologies on our country by doing trust such an enemy?” Khamenei asked in a abroad, reversing the view that Tehran was they became suspicious, officials said. One other isters, the thieves, escaped prosecution. It hap- this? No.” speech in Tehran. “We are not against “threatening and dangerous for world police officer was lightly injured. pened because nothing has been done to bring The attack could affect Turkish tourism, negotiations... Let them talk all they want, security”. “Today the world is watching Iran The Marxist Revolutionary People’s justice for Berkin,” the group said. “We will con- which generated $27 billion in the first nine but they must negotiate based on reality, as a powerful and logical actor that cannot Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) said in a state- tinue to resist, fight and attack. We will take up months of 2014. Britain issued a warning urging not on imaginary points,” he said. be set aside or ignored,” Zarif said. ment on its website: “Our sacrificial fighter... car- arms and attack. Wait and see.” visitors to Sultanahmet to follow the advice of Under an interim deal between world Yesterday, however, Khamenei again ried out the sacrificial action on the tourist authorities due to the high threat of “terrorism”. powers and Tehran in force since January raised the possibility of no final deal, call- police department in Sultanahmet”. Prevented Higher Toll The EU said in a statement it stood with Turkey 2014, Iran agreed to limit its uranium ing for self-reliance to withstand crippling Sultanahmet is home to some of Turkey’s top The DHKP-C named the suicide attacker as over the “appalling act of terrorism”. The DHKP-C enrichment, a process that makes fuel for sanctions which have decimated Iran’s oil attractions including the Hagia Sophia museum Elif Sultan Kalsen, who according to Turkish in the 1980s and 1990s carried out a string of nuclear power but at high purities can pro- exports, a crucial revenue earner. “We and the Blue Mosque and is thronged by thou- media was a woman her mid-20s and an active targeted assassinations aimed at foreigners and duce fissile material for an atomic bomb. In must act so that even if the enemy does sands of tourists each day. member of the group. The dead policeman, Turkish security personnel. But in recent years is return, Iran, which denies seeking to devel- not lift the sanctions, there is no damage The DHKP-C - a radical Marxist organisation named as Kenan Kumas, was a former physics has turned to suicide bombings. It claimed a op an atomic weapon and insists its nuclear to the progress and well-being of the pop- considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the teacher from the Black Sea city of Trabzon who suicide bombing in February 2013 at the US program is for peaceful energy purposes ulation,” he said, stressing the need “to cut European Union and the United States - had had been working for the Istanbul police for five embassy in Ankara where a security guard was only, received limited sanctions relief. reliance on oil revenues”. “We must immu- also last week claimed a Jan 1 attempted years. Turkish media said his wife only two killed. Security has been high in Turkey over the But two deadlines for a comprehensive nise ourselves against sanctions,” he grenade attack on police guarding the months ago had given birth to a daughter, who past few months, amid fears of attacks by accord with the P5+1 group of nations the added. The P5+1 talks are to resume in Dolmabahce palace in Istanbul that caused no like the bomber was also called Elif. Kurdish militants and jihadists who have United States, Britain, China, France, Russia Geneva on Jan 18, following several days serious casualties. It said Tuesday’s bombing Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu praised the attacked swathes of Iraq and Syria. — Agencies plus Germany - have since been missed. of bilateral meetings between Iran and Khamenei will have the last word on Iran’s member states. —AFP Shabab militants ‘execute informers’

MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Shabab militants have captured last year by Somali and African Union Mogadishu and in the Middle Juba region, and executed four people accused of spying for the forces, while the other two worked for Somali officials said Shabab intelligence chief United States, Ethiopia and the country’s inter- Ethiopian intelligence and Somalia’s security Abdishakur Tahlil was killed along with two nationally-backed government, officials and agency. other militants. The Shabab’s former leader, witnesses said. The executions by firing squad “After hearing the charges against the four Ahmed Abdi Godane, was also killed by a US air took place at a square in the town of Bardhere, and their confession, the Islamic court sen- strike in Sept 2014. a Shabab stronghold in Somalia’s southwestern tenced them to the death penalty,” the judge Separately, a bomb stuck beneath a car in region of Gedo, late Tuesday, and came a week said. A local witness, Ali Ronow, said hundreds the capital Mogadishu wounded one, ripping after the US said it had killed the Al-Qaeda-affil- of locals watched the execution. “The men were off the leg of the driver as he travelled near the iated militants’ intelligence chief in an air strike. blindfolded and shot from the back by a team central K4 roundabout, police officer Awil “One of the spies worked with the CIA and of hooded gunmen,” he said. “All of them had Mohamed said. “I saw his leg in a shoe left facilitated the killing of an Al-Shabab com- their hands tied behind their backs when inside the car” said Farah Abdi, who was nearby mander,” a Shabab judge in the town said brought on a pickup truck and they were also the busy junction when the bomb exploded. before the four were shot dead. According to hooded. They were shot indiscriminately with No one claimed responsiblity for the attack, but the judge, another one of those executed had machine guns,” said Muktarey, another witness. the Shabab have for years carried out a string TEHRAN: Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a speech to a crowd been aiding US operations in Barawe, a port Last week the United States conducted an of bombings and killings in their fight to over- yesterday. —AFP town and former Shabab stronghold that was air strike in Saacow, 320 km west of the capital throw the government. —AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 Taiwan ‘regrets’ embarrassing US with flag-raising

TAIPEI: Taiwan yesterday expressed regret at the island’s formal name. “Republic of China is a sov- embarrassing its chief ally the United States after a ereign country... as the representative of the Taiwanese flag-raising ceremony in Washington Republic of China to the United States I think raising sparked US criticism and Chinese anger. Taiwan’s the flag on New Year’s Day is what we should do,” flag was raised over its de facto embassy in Shen said. Washington on New Year’s Day for the first time since the US switched diplomatic recognition from ‘Diplomatic Incident’ Taipei to Beijing in 1979. US State Department Kao admitted that Taiwan’s foreign ministry had spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Tuesday the US was not been aware of the ceremony in advance, but “disappointed with the action” which violated a said it respected and supported Shen’s decision. long-standing pact on US-Taiwan ties, and that it Other lawmakers expressed anger. “You (Shen) did had not been informed in advance of the ceremony. this for your own credit and caused a diplomatic The United States has long held a one-China pol- incident and setback in relations,” said lawmaker icy, and does not have full diplomatic relations with Chen Ming-wen of the opposition Democratic Taiwan, the self-ruled island Beijing still claims as Progressive Party. Some however blamed Beijing for part of its territory. Washington has a representative “suppressing” Taiwan by protesting at the flag-rais- office in Taipei, while Taiwan maintains representa- ing. “The problem is with China’s foreign ministry tion at a luxury estate in the US capital known as which didn’t think clearly and respect our space in Twin Oaks. China said it “resolutely opposed” the the international community,” said lawmaker Lee flag-raising and had lodged “solemn representa- Tung-hao. tions” with the US. Tung Chen-yuan, a political science professor at “The Chinese side requests the American side to National Chengchi University, said the isolated inci- adhere to the one-China policy and the principles dent “will not affect Taiwan’s overall relations with established by the three China-US joint commu- the US or China”. “The US did not approve of this but niques, act with discretion when dealing with it also said ties with Taiwan remained stable,” Tung Taiwan-related issues and avoid the recurrence of a WASHINGTON: This handout photo released by the Taiwan Foreign Ministry yesterday shows a flag-raising said. “The US and China made clear their political similar incident,” said foreign ministry spokes- ceremony that took place at Taiwan’s US de facto embassy in Washington on Jan 1, 2015. — AFP stances but it doesn’t look like they will make any woman Hua Chunying on Monday. China hoped the told a parliamentary session yesterday. “We have an “There is no setback in relations,” Shen said. “The US follow-up moves.” Taiwan and China split in 1949 US “will not allow a similar incident to occur again”, understanding (with the US) and we will continue understood that we did not notify them in advance after a civil war although Beijing still claims sover- foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei added at a to enhance communication.” out of goodwill... so the US wouldn’t be in a difficult eignty over the island. Ties have improved markedly regular briefing yesterday. “This is an isolated inci- De facto ambassador Shen Lyu-shun, who made position if China lodged a protest.” It is a tradition in since Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou took office on dent. We regret that it caused the US inconven- the decision to raise the flag, was subject to fierce Taiwan to hold a flag-raising ceremony on January 1 a Beijing-friendly platform in 2008, but diplomatic ience,” Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister Andrew Kao grilling in the session but defended the move. to mark the founding day of the Republic of China, issues remain a sensitive area. — AFP Boehner survives challenge, reelected US House speaker Growing split within Republican party

WASHINGTON: John Boehner narrowly won a the least productive in history. Boehner’s detrac- assumed the Senate majority leader job on third term as House of Representatives speaker tors in Tuesday’s vote were conservative activists, Tuesday and has been hoping to avoid any gov- on Tuesday, surviving a stiff challenge from 25 some of them junior members, who regularly ernment shutdown fights this year, could temper conservative Republicans that may signal a have voted against House Republican leadership- such House legislation and force Boehner’s growing split in the party as it takes full control of backed bills. But they also included seven-term Republicans to compromise. McConnell has Congress. Boehner received 216 of 408 votes, Representative Steve King of Iowa, who has influence over the House because the Senate will with a growing faction of dissident House helped stymie Boehner’s efforts to advance major need to approve any legislation for it to win final Republicans opposing him because they said he changes to US immigration laws. passage. Even some of the most conservative had done too little to cut spending and fight House members also were expressing the need President Barack Obama’s immigration and Veto Threat to ease their hard-line stances. “It might be that I healthcare policies. The last time more than 25 Idaho’s Raul Labrador, who declined to vote end up voting for some things that are not clear House members voted against a candidate for for Boehner in the speaker’s election two years victories but they are somewhat victories. But WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama (right) meets Mexican President Enrique speaker from their own party was in 1859, ago, supported him on Tuesday, as did Tea Party that’s what the legislative process is about,” said Pena Nieto in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday. — AFP according to congressional historians. member John Fleming of Louisiana. “The votes Fleming, who helped orchestrate the 2013 feder- Within hours of the vote, a senior Republican were simply not there to defeat the speaker,” al government shutdown in a failed attempt to aide said that Florida Representatives Richard Labrador said in a statement. “I think it is unwise kill Obamacare. Republicans still may not be able Obama, Mexican president Nugent and Daniel Webster, who had both to marginalize yourself when there is no chance to achieve a full repeal of Obama’s signature opposed Boehner, were stripped of their assign- of victory, which was the case today,” He added healthcare law, but they are expected to chip discuss Cuba, drug cartels ments on the powerful House Rules Committee. that Boehner had asked for his help in moving away at it by passing measures to ease require- The number of Republican defectors was more the House in a more conservative direction. A ments for employer healthcare coverage and WASHINGTON: US President Barack gang working with corrupt police in the than twice the dozen who withheld their support tearful Boehner told House members after the repeal an excise tax on medical devices. On the Obama said on Tuesday the United States southwestern city of Iguala. Obama said from him in an election two years ago, evidence election: “As a speaker, all I ask and frankly expect energy front, the first major bill the Republican- would insist that human rights in Cuba be the United States was committed to help- of the stark party divisions that could make it is that we disagree without being disagreeable.” controlled Senate intends to pass is approval of discussed at a Summit of the Americas later ing eliminate drug cartels in Mexico but hard to pass legislation, including bills to keep Boehner is often overcome by emotion at the the Canada-to-Texas Keystone XL oil pipeline. this year and that Washington would help that it would be up to the Mexican govern- government agencies operating without inter- start of a new Congress. In their first vote on Tuesday, the Republicans crack down on drug cartels in Mexico. ment and law enforcement to implement ruption. In coming weeks, Boehner is expected to face muscled through a controversial change to rules Obama, in a White House meeting with measures to crack down on them. One of the defectors, Representative Walter the difficult task of finding a middle ground on a for estimating the cost of four major tax and Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto, said “Obviously we’ve been following here in Jones of North Carolina, said he was deluged by bill to keep the Department of Homeland budget bills in the House, to include revenue the two men had discussed the shift in rela- the United States some of the tragic events calls from people urging Boehner’s ouster. Jones, Security operating beyond February when funds from anticipated growth effects. Democrats tions between the United States and Cuba, surrounding the students whose lives were like others, complained of Boehner’s handling of a run out. House conservatives want to use that bill decried adoption of so-called “dynamic scoring” long a sore spot in Latin America. lost,” Obama said. “Our commitment is to massive government spending bill in December. to withhold federal funds for the department’s as masking the true costs for tax rate cuts that “I described my initiative to end the 50- be a friend and supporter of Mexico in its “We didn’t get 72 hours to read it, it was 1,600 employees to implement Obama’s order easing Republicans intend to pass this year. Another big year policy with relation to Cuba, to move efforts to eliminate the scourge of violence pages and spent $1.1 trillion,” Jones said. Obama, the threat of deportation for millions of undocu- test of Republican leadership is likely to come by towards what we hope will be a more con- and the drug cartels that are responsible in a statement wishing Republicans well, said mented residents. Such a move would likely draw midyear, when Congress will have to raise the structive policy but one that continues to for so much tragedy inside of Mexico.” there would be “pitched battles” with Congress a veto from Obama, threatening operations of government’s borrowing authority or risk a credit emphasize human rights and democracy The two men also discussed Obama’s but that there were also “enormous areas of one of the most important federal agencies in default. The debt limit fight is always a hot-but- and political freedom,” Obama said. “And at recent executive order removing the threat potential agreement”. Last year’s Congress, which the post-Sept 11, 2011 era. ton issue for conservatives who oppose more the Summit of the Americas, one of the of deportation faced by millions of illegal was badly gridlocked, has been dubbed one of Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, who borrowing. — Reuters things I informed (President) Pena Nieto is immigrants in the United States. Pena Nieto we will participate but we’ll insist that pledged his government’s support for the those topics are on the agenda.” people of Mexican origin in the United The Mexican president’s standing has States who could seek relief under the been battered by massive street protests order, which was opposed by Republicans following the abduction and likely murder but welcomed by Obama’s fellow of 43 students in September by a drug Democrats. — Reuters Hamm’s ex-wife rejects $975m divorce cheque

ATLANTA: Harold Hamm, the chief executive Hamm for 26 years, contends that her award of oil driller Continental Resources who is of around $1 billion in cash and assets was embroiled in a bitter divorce, offered to pay inadequate and allowed Hamm to keep the his former wife $974.8 million, but she reject- lion’s share of a fortune her lawyers valued as ed a hand-written check, lawyers for both high as $18 billion. Hamm had already paid sides said on Tuesday. Hamm’s offer would his former wife more than $20 million during have paid his ex-wife, Sue Ann Arnall, imme- the divorce proceedings. Hamm’s appeal con- diately the full cash value of what he owes tends that the $1 billion award was too steep. based on a November divorce ruling by an Hamm has lost billions tied to the value of his Oklahoma County judge. The lawyers said 68 percent stake in Continental in recent Arnall did not want to accept the check for months, which his legal team blames on the fear of hurting her appeal of that decision. sharp fall in oil prices. Michael Burrage, Hamm’s lawyer, said in an email that Arnall could still cash the check if One of Biggest US Divorces she wants to, and Hamm had borrowed funds The dueling appeals are the latest twist in to ensure there would be enough cash in his one of the largest divorce cases in US history. account to cover it. Hamm’s offer to pay his The contest pits America’s biggest owner of ex-wife should stop the interest of more than oil against an attorney ex-wife intent on $93,000 per day that has accrued on the showing that the Hamm fortune stemmed award since November, his lawyer said. One from hard work - both his and hers - during a of Arnall’s lawyers, Ron Barber, said that she 26-year marriage. Hamm contends his WASHINGTON: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is kissed as she hands over the gavel to Speaker of the House John Boehner during a swear- has no plan to cash the check since accepting Continental stake, which he owned before ing-in ceremony in the House of Representatives as the 114th Congress convenes on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. — AFP Hamm’s payment could hurt her appeal. meeting Arnall, surged in value during the Arnall and Hamm both appeared in marriage due to “passive” or market factors, Oklahoma court on Tuesday, in part seeking like rising oil prices. to clarify how much of the November award Oklahoma law says only marital wealth Sirhan denied freedom to Sue Ann should be made available to her stemming from active efforts or skills of either pending appeals in the case. spouse should be split in a divorce. The LOS ANGELES: Sirhan Sirhan, who is serving a hand after Kennedy was shot on June 5, 1968, ble. The judge, however, said Sirhan’s case was Oklahoma County Judge Howard Haralson appeals risk dragging Hamm and his life sentence in prison for the June 1968 assassi- at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, shortly not strong enough. “Though petitioner did not offer a dollar amount. Hamm’s lawyers Oklahoma City-based oil company deeper nation of US presidential candidate Robert F after Kennedy won the California Democratic advances a number of theories regarding the said that Arnall could file an application for into a divorce battle that is already in its third Kennedy, failed to persuade a federal judge to presidential primary. Kennedy died the next events of June 5, 1968, petitioner does not dis- temporary relief or borrow money to fund her year. The fight has entailed tens of millions of set him free because he was innocent of the day. pute that he fired eight rounds of gunfire in the appeal and living costs if necessary. Both dollars in costs and a 10-week trial that ended crime. In a decision dated Monday, US District The defendant was sentenced to death in kitchen pantry of the Ambassador Hotel,” Arnall, who was formerly Sue Ann Hamm and in October. The case was conducted mostly Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell in Los Angeles 1969, but his sentence was commuted to life in O’Connell wrote. “Petitioner does not show that resumed using her birth name after the behind closed doors, after the judge ruled said Sirhan “failed to meet the showing prison after California banned the death penal- it is more likely than not that no juror, acting divorce, and Hamm have appealed the that opening it would harm Continental. required for actual innocence” that might ty. Sirhan was last denied parole in 2011, and is reasonably, would have found him guilty November divorce judgment. Appeals are set November’s judgment, while one of the excuse his having failed to seek his freedom being housed in a state prison in San Diego. His beyond a reasonable doubt.” In rejecting to be heard by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, biggest on record, allowed Hamm to retain sooner in federal court. next parole “suitability” hearing will be held by Sirhan’s bid for freedom, O’Connell accepted an Reuters reported earlier. “We are seeking clari- his majority stake in Continental, the top Sirhan had filed his petition for habeas cor- March 2, 2016, a spokesman for the California Aug 2013 recommendation by US Magistrate fication of the court’s November 10 order at driller in North Dakota’s oil boom. But the val- pus, which could have resulted in his freedom, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Judge Andrew Wistrich. Kennedy was a US sen- today’s hearing and cannot accept any pay- ue of his Continental shares has fallen by in May 2000. William Pepper, a lawyer for said. In seeking Sirhan’s freedom, defense ator from New York when he died at age 42. His ments, pending such clarification, without more than half, to around $8.2 billion, since Sirhan, did not immediately respond on lawyers argued that he had not been physically older brother John F Kennedy, the former US jeopardizing Ms Arnall’s rights on appeal,” the trial started in August. The company has Tuesday to requests for comment. Sirhan, now in position to fire the fatal shot, and that a sec- president, was 46 when he was assassinated in Barber said in an email. Arnall, a former said its CEO’s divorce has not had an impact 70, was wrestled to the ground with a gun in his ond shooter and gun may have been responsi- Nov 1963.— Reuters Continental executive who was married to on its business or operations. — Reuters INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 EU’s sanctions against Russia could last

PARIS: EU sanctions against Russia over the crisis in exports and the export of dual-use goods - are in place Astana talks if progress could be made in easing the policy analyst at the European Policy Center in Brussels, Ukraine are cutting both ways: hurting Russia as well as until the end of July. A first review of some sanctions tensions. “The sanctions should be lifted if there’s said Russian retaliation has added to Europe’s economic pinching some big European companies. But economic could come in March. “We don’t turn any sanction screw progress. If there’s no progress, the sanctions will pain. Moscow has imposed a one-year ban on imports relief isn’t likely any time soon, diplomats and analysts just for the sake of turning,” German Chancellor Angela remain,” he said Monday, adding that Putin “of course is on a range of food produced by EU countries, hitting say, since EU divisions make the sanctions tough to Merkel’s spokesman, Steffen Seibert, told reporters not letting on that he has the slightest difficulty.” “The Lithuanian dairy farmers, Italian cheese makers and overturn. Monday. “The sanctions are responses to concrete situa- sanctions ... and the decrease of the oil price ... weaken Belgian apple growers alike. The European statistics France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine are trying to tions from the Russian side and concrete situations in him. He doesn’t say it of course, he doesn’t let people agency Eurostat said Russia absorbs 10 percent of all EU set up talks next week in Astana, Kazakhstan, to ease eastern Ukraine.” Under the combined blow of sanctions think that he has any kind of difficulty, but he has some agricultural and food exports. the tensions behind the punitive measures that, along and slumping oil prices, the ruble has lost about half its difficulties.” But overall, the fallout was limited to less than 1 per- with slumping oil prices and US sanctions, have sent the value this year and the Russian economy has drifted So do some European corporate titans. Hollande was cent of GDP in all EU countries, Ivan said. Beyond the ruble sinking. The sanctions, and Russian retaliation, into recession. President Vladimir Putin has promised to meet Wednesday with Patrick Pouyanne, the new tensions in parts of eastern Ukraine held by pro-Russian have in turn squeezed corporate Europe - including the economy will rebound, but he has failed to offer a chief executive of the French oil giant Total, in part to militants, diplomats from three EU delegations said banks, oil companies, machinery makers and food specific plan for easing Russia’s heavy dependence on discuss the EU sanctions. Pouyanne has echoed his Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea was making it giants that do business with Russia. European Union oil and gas revenues. predecessor - who died in a plane crash in Russia in impossible to move quickly to ease the sanctions, and rules complicate any attempt to modify the sanctions Zsolt Darvas, a senior fellow at the Bruegel think October - in calling the sanctions “unjust and unproduc- no moves were underway to ease the pressure on put into place last year amid the separatist violence in tank in Brussels, said France and Italy are among the tive.” Moscow. All three spoke on condition of anonymity eastern Ukraine and after Russia’s annexation of Crimea. nations more open to lifting the sanctions while Poland, The Western sanctions have hurt European compa- because of the sensitivity of the issue. “There are no seri- A unanimous decision by all 28 EU nations is needed to Britain and the Baltic countries want to stand firm. It’s nies that do business in or with Russia. For example, ous reasons to change the policy,” Ivan said. “Fighting in change the sanctions, and analysts say such unanimity not certain the talks scheduled for Jan. 15 in Astana will some Russian clients can no longer pay them because Ukraine goes on. There are reports of new Russian mili- doesn’t exist. take place - diplomats say high-level preparatory talks they are going into debt or payments are blocked in tary vehicles. There are no real improvements. ... The The main EU sanctions - which have hit Russian are planned Friday. French President Francois Hollande sanctions-hit banks. In addition, demand has dried up policy will continue as long as the situation doesn’t banks and oil companies and have banned arms told France-Inter radio that he would only attend the because Russians are struggling financially. Paul Ivan, a improve there on the ground.” — AP People smugglers find cargo ships with ease of buying a car LONDON: On the murky edges of the glob- turn up on eBay. Certainly there are web- al shipping industry, decades-old, rusting sites that will give you bargain basement ships such as those used to smuggle hun- ships.” He added: “I can see people meeting dreds of people into Italy last week are trad- over a beer and agreeing a price that is ed almost as easily as second-hand cars. more than the scrap, to take it off their Long past their prime, the two ships picked hands.” Many reputable brokers deal in sec- up by the Italian navy may have been worth ond-hand ships. But buying creaking ves- just $150,000 (126,000 euros) each in scrap, sels with dodgy paperwork is far removed and likely changed hands in an underworld from the normal commercial trade. out of reach of the authorities, according to “This is in a market outside the main shipping experts. trading markets. The reputable dealerships Neither Ezadeen, the 48-year-old live- don’t deal in this kind of area for fear of stock carrier found with 360 desperate being tarnished,” added the London broker. migrants on board, nor the 37-year-old car- “There are ships that trade in the eastern go ship Blue Sky M, carrying 768 people, Mediterranean around Turkey, around Syria, had up to date certificates of seaworthiness Lebanon, north Africa, which aren’t under demanded of normal commercial ships. the same kind of scrutiny or regulation. “For these ships, there is no value except “There will be plenty more out there.” scrap,” said Simon Ward, director of Ursa Shipbrokers in Piraeus, Greece. But neither ‘Bought as part of scrap deal’ would attract more than $250,000 each in Ezadeen was last inspected by local scrapyards in Turkey, authorities in June 2014 in Lebanon and he told AFP, and with a potential cost of Blue Sky M was inspected in Romania in transport reaching up to $100,000, April 2014, in the countries where their unscrupulous owners might look favorably respective managers are based. Neither on a cash buyer. “If you can get someone to appeared to have a certificate of classifica- take the ship for peanuts and put migrants tion from an internationally recognised on board then you can see the attraction of body, which essentially acts as a marker of it,” said a shipbroker in London, who asked seaworthiness, Ward said. He suggested to remain anonymous. Ezadeen “may have been bought as part of “It’s like buying a second-hand car-it’s a scrap deal, or been sold by the original that easy.” The potential profits are huge. owners thinking it was going to go for scrap Italian officials said passengers on Ezadeen and somebody stepped in between and PARIS: French President Francois Hollande (center) flanked with security forces gestures, as he arrives outside the French satirical newspaper paid between $4,000 and $8,000 to cross took her over”. Charlie Hebdo’s office, in Paris, yesterday. — AP the Mediterranean, netting the smugglers The construction, equipping and crew- between $1.44 million and $2.88 million. ing of ships are subject to strict regulations developed by the International Maritime World leaders, media groups ‘Plenty more out there’ Organization, which comprises about 170 While it remains unclear how the ships countries. These rules are enforced by coun- were commandeered by the smugglers, tries where the ships are flagged and also deplore ‘barbaric’ Paris attack there is no suggestion they were stolen. The individual ports-but some authorities are International Maritime Bureau has no less vigilant than others. record of their theft and automatic trackers The Blue Sky M was flagged in Moldova on both ships were operational when they and Ezadeen in Sierra Leone, both countries Act of terror, attack on free speech were taken over by the Italian navy. known to be less strict than, for example, “It’s entirely legal to sell a second-hand European Union countries. Ships flagged in LONDON: World leaders and media rights ic”, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel defenceless and innocent people became the ship anywhere in the world,” said David Moldova comprise seven of the 20 vessels groups condemned the “barbaric” shooting at a called it “despicable”. “This country stands united victims of what appears to be an attack on free Olsen, an editor with London-based mar- currently banned from the Paris MOU, a Paris weekly yesterday which left 12 dead, dub- with the French people in our opposition to all speech,” Helle Thorning-Schmidt said. “The itime newspaper Lloyds List. group of 27 maritime administrations in bing it an act of terror and an attack on free forms of terrorism and we stand squarely for free French society, like ours, is open, democratic and “It has been known for cargo ships to Europe and North America. — AFP speech. speech and democracy,” Cameron said. based on a free and critical press. Those are val- France’s EU allies lined up to offer their sup- White House spokesman Josh Earnest said ues that are deeply rooted in all of us, and which port after gunmen armed with Kalashnikov the United States stood ready to help French we shall protect. “It is also those very values that Cameron, Merkel set for automatic rifles and a rocket-launcher opened authorities investigate the assault. “Everybody make France a strong society that can withstand fire at the offices of French satirical magazine here at the White House are with the families of an attack like this.” Charlie Hebdo, in what President Francois those who were killed or injured in this attack,” talks on EU, immigration Hollande said was a “terrorist attack”. The White he said. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi Putin ‘resolutely condemns House condemned it attack in “the strongest expressed his “horror and dismay”, while saying terrorism’ after Paris attack LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron Cameron’s Conservative Party, the prime minis- will use a visit by German Chancellor Angela ter is under pressure to deliver. Cameron has possible terms”, while a spokesman for Russian that “violence will always lose out against free- Russian President Vladimir Putin sent condo- Merkel to London to try to secure her support warned that he rules nothing out in his attempts President Vladimir Putin said: “Moscow resolute- dom”. European Commission President Jean- lences to victims of yesterday’s deadly attack on for his plans for EU reform, including on restrict- to secure reform, and some in his centre-right ly condemns terrorism in all its forms.” Claude Juncker said he was “profoundly shocked the offices of a French satirical weekly and con- ing immigration. Merkel’s day trip to London, party are demanding the country leave alto- Turkish culture and tourism minister Omer by the brutal and inhuman attack”, which was demned “terrorism”, his spokesman said. which will also include a visit to an exhibition on gether. Celik said it would only serve to deepen religious “an act of barbarism”. NATO Secretary General “Moscow resolutely condemns terrorism in all Germany, is part of a tour of foreign capitals “The key areas are safeguarding the single tensions in Europe. “I reject any equation of Jens Stoltenberg used similar language, describ- its forms,” Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told intended to pave the way for the G7 summit in market, getting out of ever closer union, being Islam and this cowardly attack. One cannot ing it as a “barbaric act and an outrageous attack TASS news agency, adding: “Nothing can justify Bavaria in June 7 and 8. “We must do more to able to veto regulation and a package of meas- defend Islam with such a massacre,” he said. on press freedom”. “We stand in full solidarity terrorist attacks.” A Kremlin statement said the make the EU more stable and competitive than ures on welfare,” Cameron said in a newspaper “This attack aims to reinforce the negative with our ally France,” he said. president “harshly condemned this cynical crime it is today,” the leaders said in a joint statement interview last weekend. “If you look at the reac- perception of foreigners and Muslims in a cli- “All NATO allies stand together in the fight and confirmed his readiness to continue active before their talks at Downing Street. They tion to my welfare speech in Germany and one mate in Europe of growing Islamophobia and against terrorism. Terrorism in all its forms and cooperation in the battle against the threat of added: “We must do more to harness the poten- or two European capitals, you will see they gave racism.” The Committee to Protect Journalists manifestations can never be tolerated or justi- terrorism.” tial of the single market and reduce regulation it a broad welcome. Germany wants Britain to said it was a “brazen assault on free expression in fied,” he said. Putin “expressed his deep condolences to that is hampering business.” stay in Europe.” the heart of Europe”, while Reporters Without French President Francois Hollande,” the Kremlin The discussions will likely include Cameron’s But Merkel is dealing with many other issues, Borders called it a “black day”. Attack on free speech said. “He passed words of sympathy and sup- desire to limit the influx of European Union including large anti-immigration rallies at home, The prime minister of Denmark, where the port to the relatives and loved ones of those immigrants to Britain ahead of his proposed ref- the crisis with Russia over Ukraine and the ‘Sickening’, ‘despicable’ publication of a dozen cartoons of Islam’s found- who died as well as wishes of a speedy recovery erendum on the country’s membership of the prospect of Greece leaving the euro if the far-left British Prime Minister David Cameron con- ing prophet in 2005 also triggered violent to all those who suffered from the hands of bloc by 2017. In November, he outlined plans to wins election later this month. And despite their demned the shooting as “sickening” and “barbar- protests, said she stood with France. “Completely extremists.” — AFP curb welfare payments for EU migrants to try to championing of EU reform, some in the British stop them coming to Britain but admitted this press admitted that the German chancellor may will require a revision of EU treaties, with all the be losing patience with Britain’s increasingly upheaval that could bring to EU capitals. Merkel shrill euroscepticism. “The British government’s Two dead, 30 missing after has said she will oppose any challenge to the increasing desperation to be delivered from its principle of free movement of labour within the European muddle is matched only by the bloc and is against treaty change. European increasing German irritation with Britain’s tunnel rockslide at Myanmar jade mine Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker in vision,” wrote Roger Boyes, diplomatic editor of December also warned Cameron against “beat- The Times. Cameron’s official spokesman meaning up” on poorer east Europeans working legal- while played down reports that the European YANGON: At least two people ers who find jade fragments by ly in Britain. Commission is raising objections to a key plank were killed and around 30 were combing through unstable But with four months to a general election, of his renegotiation proposals, which would missing yesterday after a moun- mountains of rubble. Hpakant is at which the anti-EU, anti-immigration UK require EU jobseekers to have an offer of work tain of rubble collapsed at a jade the largest source of Myanmar Independence Party presents a real challenge to before coming to Britain. —AP mine in northern Myanmar, a jade, which netted $3.4 billion in parliamentarian from the area sales at the annual gems empori- said. A worker from a mining um, according to The Irrawaddy, company, speaking on condition a Myanmar-focused website and of anonymity due the sensitivity magazine which cited an official of the issue, said the death toll from the Mines Ministry. could reach 50 once all bodies Estimated revenues from the have been retrieved from the illegal trade dwarf that figure. remains of a massive pile of rock The Harvard Ash Center pub- dumped by mining companies. lished a report in July 2013 that The local lawmaker, Kyaw Soe put unofficial sales at about $8 Lay, said rescue workers were billion in 2011 with almost all of clearing piles of rubble in the that jade smuggled over the bor- open pit mine in Hpakant, a der into China through territory town in Kachin state about 110 controlled by the Kachin km (68 miles) from the regional Independence Army (KIA), an capital Myitkyina. ethnic insurgent group. The KIA “The mine dump measuring ceded control of Hpakant to the about 700 feet (213 metres) in government in 1994 when it height and about 1,500 feet in signed a ceasefire agreement. length collapsed today burying But the ceasefire fell apart in eleven shops,” said the mining 2011 and the government halted company worker. official mining for security rea- SOOUTHAMPTON: A man is seen on the deck of the grounded Hoegh Osaka cargo Accidents are frequent in sons. The Mines Ministry said last VATICAN: Members of the Golden Circus performs in front of Pope ship on the Bramble Bank in the entrance of the Southampton Waters in between Hpakant and victims are often July it would allow companies to Francis during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Southampton on the southern English coast and the Isle of Wight yesterday. — AFP “handpickers”-independent min- resume operations. —Reuters Vatican yesterday. — AP THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Tharoor may be questioned in wife’s murder probe

NEW DELHI: Former Indian minister and former “Whatever is necessary will be done,” Delhi Police the unvarnished truth should come out,” he said in a using physical coercion to try to intimidate his United Nations diplomat Shashi Tharoor may be Commissioner B S Bassi told reporters on Wednesday statement. domestic help into “confessing” they had murdered questioned by Delhi police after they opened a when asked if the police would interview Tharoor, The couple were married in late 2010, the third Pushkar together, media reported. An acclaimed murder investigation against “unknown persons” who has cooperated with investigations since the marriage for each. As part of Delhi’s social set, they author and prolific user of social media website following the death of his glamorous wife. death. After an autopsy initially concluded Pushkar frequently figured in the society pages of newspa- Twitter, Tharoor was an under-secretary general dur- Sunanda Pushkar was found dead in her five-star probably died of an overdose of anti-depressant pers. Tharoor was a junior education minister at the ing Kofi Annan’s leadership of the United Nations. hotel room in the Indian capital in January 2014, drugs, Indian police said on Tuesday that she was time of Pushkar’s death. He remains a member of par- In 2009, Tharoor won a seat in India’s parliament after publicly accusing Tharoor of having an extra- poisoned and a case was registered. liament for the Congress party, which has ruled India from the southern state of Kerala and was later marital affair with a Pakistani journalist. Almost a Tharoor said he was “stunned” to hear his wife’s for most of the time since the nation gained inde- appointed the junior foreign minister. He resigned in year after her death, police opened a murder death was being investigated as murder, adding that pendence. 2010 over allegations of corruption in winning a crick- investigation on Tuesday. Tharoor has not been he had never suspected foul play. “We all want that a In a letter to Bassi in November, Tharoor accused et league franchise after Pushkar was allegedly given identified as a suspect. comprehensive investigation be conducted and that Delhi police officers of attempting to frame him and stakes worth about $15 million for free. — Reuters

Few lessons learned two years on from Karachi factory fire

KARACHI: More than two years after a status from the European Union, a highly fire tore through a Karachi clothing facto- favorable tariff exemption regime that is ry, killing 255 workers, no-one has been a boon to textile exporters. After the prosecuted over the catastrophe, one of Karachi fire, the European Parliament the deadliest industrial accidents in told big brands to Pakistani history. re-examine their supply chains in The abandoned hulk of the Ali Pakistan and demanded the creation of a Enterprises factory, which supplied new effective and independent system cheap clothes to Western retailers, now to monitor factories. This has not been stands as a monument to a disaster many done. would rather forget. A little after 6pm on September 11, 2012, fire broke out in a Ghost inspectors factory storeroom housing jeans and t- The Karachi fire was followed by an shirts made by the 1,000-strong work- even deadlier accident in Bangladesh, force for stores in Europe. where a garment factory collapse killed Trapped inside, one of the workers, more than 1,100 people in April 2013. Riaz Parveen, rang his wife Nazia. “He told Since then, “there has been pressure to me, ‘There’s a huge fire in the factory, if I improve textile workers’ conditions”, an can’t get out of here I won’t be coming industry official said on condition of home’,” mother-of-three Nazia told AFP anonymity. tearfully. Riaz and his brother Rafaqat “But this is not philanthropy-the big never came home. Their charred bodies brands just want to make sure they are were found in the ashes of the factory. not associated with another scandal,” the A judicial probe into the blaze was official said. Inspection depends on the damning, pointing to a lack of emer- good faith of those involved. At the D L gency exits, poor safety training for work- Nash factory, which makes sheets and ers, the packing in of machinery and the duvet covers for French retailers, owner failure of government inspectors to spot Shabir Ahmed is grateful for the safety any of these faults. measures that prevented a disaster in the MULTAN: An ambulance, carrying the body of an executed prisoner and pictured with rose petals over its roof and windshield, departs the cen- ‘Sucking the blood of the poor’ spring, when a fire broke out on a high tral jail in Multan yesterday where authorities are said to have executed prisoners Ghulam Shabbir and Ahmed Ali of the banned sectarian mili- Two years later the victims’ families floor. “We rang the alarm bell, the work- tant outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. — AFP have received a total of $1.67 million in ers were fully trained... and they didn’t immediate compensation paid by the rush and so they were evacuated,” he factory owners and the German compa- said. “Due to our evacuation plan, not a ny KIK, which bought much of the pro- single person was neither injured or Pakistan executes 2 duction. Negotiations are still going on killed.” for long-term benefits. Nazia got the Ahmed spoke to AFP in the presence equivalent of $7,000 which allowed her of a representative of the French compa- to buy a small plot of land in the city, but ny Duquennoy et Lepers, who had come she is still angry at the factory owners on an inspection visit. Before its devastat- more for terrorism and their European partners. ing fire, the Ali Enterprises factory was “The workers were paid barely 100 given a safety certificate, but the docu- rupees ($1) for making clothes that sell ment was fake, issued by a company sus- for much much more money,” she said. pected of fraudulently “inspecting” Court re-detains Mumbai attacks ‘mastermind’ “They’re sucking the blood of the poor. around 100 Pakistani factories. Many for- We are illiterate and uneducated and eign companies are reluctant to send MULTAN: Pakistan yesterday hanged two men The country’s notoriously slow civil court pro- The judges ruled that the high court did not they exploit this weakness. We realized their own staff to inspect factories in a sentenced to death by an anti-terrorism court, cedures often delays justice for years. On hear the arguments of federal government and this when they paid us the compensa- country beset by near-daily Islamist ter- taking the number of executions to nine since Tuesday, authorities halted the death sentence suspended Lakhvi’s detention orders in haste, tion.” ror attacks. the country lifted a moratorium on capital pun- of Shafqat Hussain, who was convicted of mur- the official said. Lakhvi has never been let out A murder case was registered against Inspections are often farmed out to ishment after last month’s Taliban school mas- dering a seven-year-old boy in 2004 when he of Adiyala Prison in Rawalpindi during the back the factory owners, but it has never come local contractors and it is difficult to get a sacre. The convicts, Ghulam Shabbir and was just 15, following an outcry from rights and forth over his detention, which prompted to trial. The delay has infuriated Faisal clear picture of safety conditions in the Ahmed Ali (alias Sheesh Naag), were reportedly groups. Despite the moratorium, which began an angry response from Indian Prime Minister Siddiqui, lawyer for the victims’ families. factories, particularly as government members of banned sectarian militant outfit in 2008, courts continued to issue death sen- Narendra Modi when he was initially granted “It just shows you a complete breakdown inspectors are notoriously susceptible to Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. tences and Amnesty International estimates bail. of the criminal justice system but it also bribery. Siddiqui the lawyer sees only The two were sentenced to death in 2002 by there are around 8,000 people on death row in The Mumbai attacks left 166 people dead shows you that when it comes to labour- one solution: establishing the legal prin- an anti-terrorism court-Shabbir for killing a sen- Pakistan. and were blamed on banned Pakistani militant ers, it is next to impossible to get justice ciple that Western buyers are responsible ior police official and his driver, and Ali for The United Nations, European Union, group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). India has long in Pakistan,” he said. for what happens in Asian factories. killing three people. They were hanged in the Amnesty International and Human Rights seethed at Pakistan’s failure either to hand over With workers paid around $100 a “Once it is established that a tragedy southern city of Multan early yesterday. “Two Watch have called on Pakistan to re-impose its or prosecute those accused of planning and month, textiles make up more than half which happens in Karachi has implica- men convicted for murders, Ghulam Shabbir moratorium on the death penalty. Rights cam- organizing the violence. of Pakistan’s exports, valued at $13 billion tions in Berlin, or Amsterdam, or Paris, or and Ahmed Ali, were hanged till death today,” paigners say Pakistan overuses its anti-terror Lakhvi and six other suspects have been last year and bound mainly for Europe. Italy, then I think that would matter,” he Saeedullah Gondal, superintendent of the jail laws and courts to prosecute ordinary crimes. charged in Pakistan but their cases have made This year Pakistan won the prized “GSP+” said. — AFP where the executions took place, said. Pakistan’s Supreme Court yesterday reim- virtually no progress in more than five years. It “Their bodies were handed over to their posed a detention order on the alleged master- was also seen as an embarrassment for families.” Pakistan last month lifted a six-year mind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, court offi- Pakistan’s government, which has promised to moratorium on the death penalty in terror cas- cials said, the latest in a tussle over his custody crack down on all terror groups-including those es in the wake of the Taliban’s horrific massacre that has strained ties with India. Zaki-ur- that target arch-rival India-in the wake of the Bus plunges into Indian at an army-run school in the city of Peshawar. Rehman Lakhvi, who is accused over the terror Taleban school massacre that killed 150 people, The attack on December 16 left 150 people siege in India’s commercial capital, was granted mostly children, last month. gorge, 13 students die dead, the vast majority of them children. bail on December 18 by an anti-terror court but The government had approached the coun- Pakistani officials have said they plan to hang authorities later detained him under a public try’s Supreme Court last week to reinstate PENUKONDA: A passenger bus veered off dents were among those killed, said Police 500 convicts in the coming weeks, drawing order law, which in turn was then suspended Lakhvi’s detention under a public order law. a road and fell into a gorge in southeastern Superintendent S V Rajasekhar Babu. Their protest from international human rights cam- by the Islamabad High Court on December 29. Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), a charitable organiza- India yesterday, and at least 13 of the 16 bags and books lay scattered at the acci- paigners. A two-judge panel has now suspended tion seen as a front for LeT, operates openly in people killed were college and middle dent site. Bodies of the dead have been Pakistan’s parliament on Tuesday approved Islamabad High Court’s interim order and the country and its leaders frequently appear school students, police said. handed over to their families after autop- the setting up of military courts to hear terror- directed it to hear the case again from January on television delivering fiery speeches against More than 50 other people were injured sies were conducted, he said. ism-related cases in a bid to speed up hearings. 12, a court official told AFP. India. — AFP in the crash near the town of Penukonda in Police said the road was under repair Andhra Pradesh state, said Police Inspector and part of it was dug up, which may have GR Yadav. The state-run public transport forced the driver to move to the edge. The bus was carrying 68 people when the driv- driver died in the accident. Penukonda is Shot activist dies on eve of Sri Lanka vote er lost control of the vehicle, which then about 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) south COLOMBO: An opposition activist who plunged into the gorge, he said. of New Delhi. India has the world’s dead- Police and rescue workers climbed into liest roads, with more than 110,000 people Italian marine was shot at a rally in Sri Lanka died of his the 12-meter (40-foot) -deep gorge and killed annually. Most crashes are blamed on injuries yesterday, police said, the first used ropes to pull out the mangled bus. At reckless driving, poorly maintained roads asks India court death in the bitter presidential election least 13 college and middle school stu- and aging vehicles. — AP campaign. Shantha Dodangoda, 57, died for more leave at a government hospital where he was being treated two days after he was hit NEW DELHI: An Italian marine accused of killing two in a drive-by shooting, said police Indian fishermen asked a court through his lawyers yes- spokesman Ajith Rohana. terday for more time at home to recover from heart surgery amid a diplomatic row over the case. Last Police are looking for a deputy gov- September India’s Supreme Court allowed Massimiliano ernment minister and two of his support- Latorre to spend four months in Italy after he was found ers in connection with the shooting, he to be suffering from cerebral ischaemia a restricted said. Gunmen sprayed bullets as sup- blood supply that can lead to a stroke. porters erected a podium for opposition The court ruled last month that Latorre must return candidate Maithripala Sirisena to address to India in January over the shooting that occurred dur- a rally in the southern town of Kahawatte ing an anti-piracy mission off the southern state of around 130 kilometres (80 miles) from Kerala in February 2012. Colombo. But lawyers for the marine yesterday again peti- Two other people were wounded in tioned the court in New Delhi to allow him extra time at Monday’s shooting and are still in hospi- COLOMBO: Sri Lanka election commis- home. They said he underwent heart surgery in January tal, Rohana added. Sporadic violence was sioner Mahinda Deshapriya gestures as and needs to recuperate, according to the Press Trust of reported from across the country during he speaks with the press on the eve of India. campaigning that ended on Monday for presidential elections in Colombo yester- The court agreed to hear arguments supporting the Thursday’s election. Police say they have day.— AFP request on Monday, the news agency said. Latorre and arrested 150 people in connection with particularly against Tamil and Muslim fellow marine Salvatore Girone, who is in India, are election-related violence. voters, who are the opposition’s major accused of shooting the fishermen during their mission The Campaign for Free and Fair support base. Sirisena left his health on an Italian-flagged oil tanker. The Italian sailors say Elections, a private monitoring group, portfolio and quit Rajapakse’s adminis- they mistook the fishing boat for a pirate vessel and said the violence was well organised and tration in November to become the main fired what were intended to be warning shots. targeted the opposition, which is mount- opposition candidate. Local media Italy says the pair should be tried on home soil since reports say the two men are currently the shootings involved an Italian-flagged vessel in what ing a serious challenge against two-term BANGALORE: Relatives of Narendra, 15, victim of a bus accident, sit beside his body incumbent Mahinda Rajapakse. Previous neck and neck. Results are expected by before his last rites are performed in Mavaturu village near Penukonda, some 156 kilo- Rome insists were international waters. — AFP elections have been marred by violence, tomorrow. — AFP meters north of Bangalore yesterday. — AP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 Japan seeks to sell sub-hunting jet to UK

TOKYO: Japan is asking Britain to buy its P-1 subma- to India. A P-1 sale to Britain would be Japan’s first Kawasaki Heavy. “In general it is a matter of national Boeing P-8, already built and operated by the United rine-hunting jet in a deal that could top $1 billion, a major military deal outside the Asia-Pacific region. Abe policy, so if there is a decision that results in an order, States, the closest ally to both Britain and Japan, the major step in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push to arms wants Japan’s defence suppliers to move into the glob- we will follow that.” Britain’s Ministry of Defence was sources said. Deployed by the US Navy last year, the exports after decades of self-imposed restrictions, al arms market through tie-ups that will help bring not immediately able to comment. first squadron armed with torpedoes and anti-ship people with knowledge of the proposal said. Britain down procurement costs and strengthen the nation’s missiles operates from Okinawa in southwestern Japan has not formally decided it will buy new maritime military to counter China’s growing military might. STRATEGIC DIALOGUE near China. Boeing officials in Tokyo were unavailable patrol planes, having cancelled an order for nine built Even if Britain doesn’t buy, the P-1 could benefit Senior Japanese and UK officials will have a chance for comment. In its most recent order in February, the by BAE Systems in 2010 due to delays and cost over- from being treated as a genuine contender. to discuss the idea on Monday at a strategic dialogue US Navy said it would buy 16 additional P-8s at a cost runs, and the P-1, made by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, “If the UK gives it serious consideration, then the P- in London organised by independent British and of $150 million each. If Japan can offer a P-1 variant would face stiff competition from Boeing’s P-8 1 will garner attention internationally,” one Japanese Japanese think-tanks. The P-1, designed to patrol tailored for the British military that is competitive on Poseidon, the three sources told Reuters. source said. “It has potential customers beyond the UK, Japan’s territorial waters from the Pacific to the East price and capability, it could represent a viable alterna- Japanese officials raised the issue of London buy- like New Zealand, Norway and Canada, with large mar- China Sea, where Beijing claims small islands held by tive. Jointly building a P-1 that taps into Britain’s expe- ing the P-1 to replace the British-made Hawker itime areas,” said UK consultant Simon Chelton, a for- Tokyo, will be the country’s principal sub hunter for rience building the Nimrod would allow London to Siddeley Nimrod, which was retired in 2011, when mer BAE Systems Plc executive and defence attache at decades to come. Japan’s navy plans to buy around 20, retain rights over radar and sensing technology it they met their UK counterparts to discuss defence- the British Embassy in Tokyo. costing about 20 billion yen ($170 million) each, over would lose by buying a US aircraft regulated by the equipment cooperation at the Farnborough Air Show “We are considering a number of options in regard the next five years, though cracks in the fuselage and Pentagon, one source said. near London in July, the sources said. to defence equipment sales, but we don’t comment on wing and engine problems have delayed its entry into Last year Japan and Britain agreed on a deal that After Abe eased curbs on military exports in April, specific deals,” said Japanese Defense Ministry’s service. No announcement from Britain of any replace- will see Mitsubishi Electric Corp partner with European his Defense Ministry has been looking to tap foreign spokesman Hirofumi Takeda. ment for the Nimrod, which tracked Soviet undersea missile maker MBDA to develop a medium-range air- markets for its cocooned weapons makers, including “We are not aware of the discussion so we can’t activity during the Cold War, is expected before May’s to-air missile for the F-35 stealth fighter, which both potential deals to sell subs to Australia and seaplanes comment,” said Teppei Kobayashi, a spokesman for general election. Its least risky option could be the countries plan to deploy. — Reuters Bangladesh court bans reporting of oppn chief’s son

DHAKA: A Bangladesh court yesterday porters to block railway lines, highways and banned local media from reporting speeches ports since Monday as part of efforts to top- by the son of the besieged opposition leader, ple her arch-rival Hasina and pave the way for after authorities sought to muzzle dissent fresh elections. amid a wave of deadly anti-government Tarique Rahman, 50, has especially irritat- protests. Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of ed Hasina’s government after claiming that opposition leader Khaleda Zia and her heir her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman-widely apparent, has made a series of speeches and regarded as the hero of Bangladesh’s 1971 comments criticizing Prime Minister Sheikh independence war from Pakistan-was in fact Hasina and her independence hero father. a stooge of Islamabad. Rahman, who has been living in London In a series of speeches in London he has since 2008, was declared a fugitive more than also claimed that his own father, late military a year ago for failing to appear in Bangladesh dictator Ziaur Rahman, was actually the coun- courts in connection with corruption cases. try’s first president instead of Hasina’s father. The High Court’s ruling yesterday coincides One of the nation’s leading private televi- with deadly protests which authorities have sion networks, ETV, was on Tuesday forced off blamed on Zia, although the judges made no the air in most parts of the country, and its mention of the violence in their decision. owner was detained, one day after telecast- “The court said as long as he remains a ing a vitriolic speech by Tarique Rahman live fugitive, no print, electronic or social media from London. Police said the detention of ETV can publish or broadcast any news on his chairman Abdus Salam was connected to the speeches, statements or meetings in the station’s airing of “pornographic” material. But country,” deputy attorney general Biswajit a senior editor at the channel rejected this as Roy said. Zia, confined by authorities to her a smokescreen, designed to muzzle free office since Saturday, has called on her sup- speech. — AFP Indonesia arrests foreigners in ‘massive’ drug bust

JAKARTA: Indonesian authorities said yes- crystal methamphetamine from a ship that terday a major Hong Kong drug lord had had departed from the southern Chinese DHAKA: Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir (center), acting secretary general of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, waves his hand to sup- been arrested and more than 860 kilo- city of Guangzhou. The boat returned on porters as he is escorted by policemen to a court in Dhaka yesterday. — AP grams (1,900 pounds) of crystal metham- Monday morning with the drugs, which phetamine seized, following a three-year had been packed into one-kilogram coffee investigation into a global syndicate. Three sachets and concealed in 42 white rice other Hong Kong residents, as well as a sacks, he said. Malaysian and four Indonesians, were also “The drugs were brought illegally into Tail of AirAsia jet detained in the “massive” bust on Monday, the port, transferred onto a vehicle and and all could face the death penalty, then driven to the car park of a shopping National Narcotics Agency spokesman mall in Jakarta. Three buyers who were Sumirat Dwiyanto said. He said Indonesian Hong Kong nationals were waiting in authorities had been monitoring the head another car,” he said. found underwater of the ring, a Hong Kong man only identi- A Malaysian accomplice acted as a look- fied by his initials of W.C.P., since 2012 after out. “We are questioning them now before intelligence officers learnt he was part of a naming them suspects. But all nine could major global drug ring. be charged with drug smuggling, which Searchers now ‘desperately trying to locate black box’ “W.C.P is a drug dealer who has been liv- carries the death penalty,” he added. ing in Indonesia for more than 15 years. He Dwiyanto declined to give an estimate for is part of an international syndicate, head- the street value of the drugs, but said it was JAKARTA/PANGKALAN BUN: The tail of a crashed ing operations in Indonesia,” Dwiyanto said. a “massive” haul and the biggest for the AirAsia jet has been found upturned on the sea bed A statement from the agency said seven agency. about 30 km (20 miles) from the plane’s last known countries had been following the syndi- Crystal methamphetamine, commonly location, Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said yesterday, indicating the crucial black box recorders cate. Dwiyanto said W.C.P had sent a fishing known as “ice”, is a highly addictive drug. may be nearby. boat to sea from a port in west Jakarta last Trafficking narcotics carries the death Flight QZ8501 vanished from radar screens over Friday to collect nearly 863 kilograms of penalty in Indonesia. — AFP the northern Java Sea on Dec 28, less than half-way into a two-hour flight from Indonesia’s second- biggest city of Surabaya to Singapore. There were no survivors among the 162 people on board. “We’ve found the tail that has been our main target,” Fransiskus Bambang Soelistyo, head of the search and rescue agency, told a news conference in Jakarta. The tail was identified by divers after it was spotted by an underwater machine using a sonar scan, Soelistyo said. He displayed underwater photographs showing partial lettering on the sunken object compared with a picture of an intact Airbus A320-200 in AirAsia livery. “I can confirm that what we found was the tail part from the pictures,” he said, adding that the team “now is still desperately trying to locate the black box”. Indonesia’s Minister for Maritime Affairs, Indroyono Soesilo, told another news conference: JAKARTA: A member of the Japanese Navy scans the sea for debris from AirAsia flight QZ8501 “With the finding of the tail, six SAR (search and res- from the deck of Japan’s navy destroyer Onami in the Java Sea yesterday. — AFP cue) ships are already at the location to search within a radius of two nautical miles.” Forty bodies and right of the tail. There is a possibility that the tail and logical agency, has said bad weather may have debris from the plane have been plucked from the the back of the plane are broken up.” caused ice to form on the aircraft’s engines. surface of the waters off Borneo, but strong winds Until investigators can examine the black box Indonesia AirAsia, 49 percent owned by and high waves have been hampering divers’ efforts recorders the cause of the crash remains a mystery, Fernandes’s Malaysia-based AirAsia budget group, to reach larger pieces of suspected wreckage detect- but the area where the plane was lost is known for has come under pressure from the authorities in ed by sonar on the sea floor. intense seasonal storms. BMKG, Indonesia’s meteoro- Jakarta since the crash. —Reuters JAKARTA: This picture taken on January 5 shows an Indonesian officer from the Anti- German insurer Allianz said it had begun making Narcotics Agency (BNN) (left) escorting a man (right), one of nine people they arrest- initial payments to the families of crash victims, ed in a drugs raid in Jakarta. Indonesian anti-narcotics officials have seized 800 kilo- although it declined to specify the amount. Race begins to find new leader grams of methamphetamine and arrested nine people, including five foreigners, in “These payments are in no way final settlements,” said a spokesman for Allianz, which is the lead rein- one of the biggest drug busts in recent years. —AFP for battered Japan oppn surer for the consortium of insurers covering claims in the case. “We will agree further compensation in due TOKYO: Japan’s battle-scarred main opposi- told a press conference where he and his rivals Hong Kong takes next course in consultation with all involved parties.” Initial tion party yesterday began choosing a new declared their candidacy for the top job. insurance payments to cover immediate financial leader as it tries to recover from a disastrous “We are also a reformist party that thinks hardship in similar cases have run at around $25,000 showing in December’s general election and about the future.” He appeared at yesterday’s step on political reform for the next of kin of each passenger, according to from years of drift. press conference wearing an eye-patch, after industry sources. HONG KONG: Hong Kong yesterday candidates must be vetted. “Any attempt to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s crushing win in reportedly undergoing eye surgery. national polls last month-his second in two Okada faces challenges from the telegenic announced new proposals for how the city revoke the Beijing decision is unrealistic,” she FINDING THE TAIL WAS PRIORITY years-was believed by some commentators to Goshi Hosono, 43, a media-savvy former minis- should choose its next leader but made clear said. China has pledged that voters in Hong Locating the tail of the plane has been a priority be largely due to the absence of a credible ter in charge of handling the Fukushima atom- that candidates would still be screened-the Kong can elect the city’s next chief executive because the cockpit voice and flight data recorders alternative. The Democratic Party of Japan, ic crisis and from Akira Nagatsuma, 54, known key issue behind more than two months of in 2017 — the first time there has ever been a that can provide vital clues on why it crashed are which governed for three years until for his desire to refashion the public pension mass protests. More than 20 lawmakers carry- public vote. But it insists that only two or located in the rear section of the Airbus. December 2012, won just 73 seats in the 475- system. Whoever wins will have his work cut ing yellow umbrellas-the symbol of the pro- three candidates can stand and that they will “I am led to believe the tail section has been seat lower house. Abe’s Liberal Democratic out rebuilding public trust in the nominally democracy movement-walked out of the leg- be vetted by a loyalist committee. That deci- found,” AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes tweeted minutes Party has 291 seats. The party’s tally-barely up centre-left party, whose three years in power islative chamber as the consultation docu- sion sparked demonstrations that brought after the announcement. “If (it is the) right part of tail on their drubbing in 2012 — did not include to December 2012 were characterized by pow- ment was about to be presented by govern- tens of thousands onto the streets at their section, then the black box should be there ... We leader Banri Kaieda, who lost his seat. er struggles, policy flip-flops and diplomatic ment number two Carrie Lam. height, before protest camps were cleared in need to find all parts soon so we can find all our guests to ease the pain of our families. That still is our Three heavyweights lined up yesterday to mis-steps. The party was also criticized for its They shouted “I want universal suffrage” as December. priority.” In Pangkalan Bun, the southern Borneo town present their cases for taking his place, all try- handling of the nuclear crisis in the aftermath they left the chamber, forcing a brief adjourn- The government has billed the reform closest to the crash site, search and rescue agency ing to put the party back on an even keel. The of the killer March 2011 tsunami. ment. The document-posted online so that process as “historic” and says that it wants to coordinator Supriyadi told reporters the bad weather presumptive frontrunner is one-time leader Commentators warn that a directionless oppo- residents can give their views-outlines reflect the pluralistic nature of Hong Kong that has dogged the operation for 10 days had abat- Katsuya Okada, a 61-year-old Harvard-trained sition party is not good for Japan’s polity, and options for how leadership candidates will be society in the vote for the next leader. But ed. But, as ships with acoustic “pinger locators” former deputy prime minister. He is widely allows Abe almost unfettered rein. nominated and for the composition of the campaigners have branded it fake democra- designed to pick up signals from the black box con- known for his policy knowledge and strict self- They point to the record low 52.66 percent nominating committee, which democracy cy. “We call on the Hong Kong government verged on the scene of the find, he cautioned the tail discipline including refusal to accept all gifts- turnout in the general election as proof of vot- campaigners fear will be stacked with pro- not to waste time but relaunch the political section of the aircraft might not be fully intact. even Valentine’s Day chocolate. ers’ disillusionment with a system of gover- Beijing figures. reform process,” Alan Leong of the pro- “The location of the tail is relatively far from the “We are a party for consumers, taxpayers, nance often criticized for pandering to vested But Lam emphasized that the process democracy Civic Party said after walking out point of last contact, about 30 km (20 miles),” he said. ordinary citizens, and working people,” Okada interests. — AFP would have to adhere to China’s ruling that of the legislature yesterday. —AFP “The black box is located behind the door, to the NEWS THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Car bombing kills 37 at Yemen police academy Continued from Page 1 United States in its fight against the jihadist network, allowing Washington to carry out a longstanding drone Many of the potential recruits had travelled from other war on its territory against AQAP. A suicide bomb attack on parts of the country to the academy. The ministry said that, Houthi supporters in central Yemen last week killed 49 in future, it would register them locally to avoid another people. Four people, including a reporter, were killed such gathering being targeted. Sunday in another blast targeting a gathering of Huthis in A European Union statement spoke of the “latest in a southwestern Yemen, while six militiamen were wounded series of terrorist attacks aimed at destabilising Yemen’s in a blast in Sanaa on Monday. transition”. It added that “restoring security and complet- Meanwhile, two tribal dignitaries and four of their ing the transition process are paramount to achieving the escorts were killed in an ambush by unknown gunmen in objectives of stability and prosperity.” central Yemen on Tuesday, state media said. Saleh’s Yemen has been dogged by instability since an uprising General People’s Congress party said the pair were among forced longtime strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh from power its leading figures, and condemned the attack. President in 2012. Unrest grew after the Houthis, also known as Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi has struggled to assert his authori- Ansarullah, overran Sanaa unopposed on Sept 21. The ty since the Houthi takeover of the capital. Hadi con- militia, who already controlled northern parts of the coun- demned the latest bombing and said a recent meeting try, have since expanded their presence in central and between a delegation he dispatched to the Shiite militia western Yemen, meeting fierce resistance from Sunni stronghold Saada and the group’s chief, Abdulmalik Al- tribes and Al-Qaeda militants. Houthi, was “positive”. The increasing violence has raised fears that Yemen, Political sources said the sides discussed plans for turn- which shares a long border with oil-rich Saudi Arabia, ing Yemen into a federal state of six regions, which were might become a failed state. AQAP, considered by the announced a year ago. That proposal was rejected at the United States to be Al-Qaeda’s most dangerous branch, time by the Shiite militia, which demanded a two-region has pledged to fight the Houthis. Yemen is an ally of the federation. — AFP 12 killed in ‘terrorist’ attack on Paris weekly SANAA: Yemeni security forces and bystanders surround charred bodies lying on the ground at the site of a Continued from Page 1 attack France. Just minutes before the attack, Charlie car bomb explosion outside a police academy in the capital yesterday. — AFP Hebdo had tweeted a satirical cartoon of the Islamic Clad all in black with hoods and carrying machine State’s leader giving New Year’s wishes. guns, the attackers forced one of the cartoonists arriv- Charlie Hebdo has been repeatedly threatened for Kuwait: FIFA job ‘too early’ for Prince Ali ing at the office building with her young daughter to its caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and oth- open the door with a security code. er sketches. Its offices were firebombed in 2011 after an Continued from Page 1 after spearheading a number of grassroots programmes and The staff was in an editorial meeting and the gun- issue featured a caricature of the prophet on its cover. leading the push for FIFA to relax its ban on religious head- men headed straight for the paper’s editor, Stephane Nearly a year later, the publication again published election in May. But he may have trouble winning sup- wear. But Sheikh Ahmad, in Jakarta to check on preparations Charbonnier - widely known by his pen name Charb - Muhammad’s (PBUH) caricatures, drawing denuncia- port in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), whose lead- for the 2018 Asian Games, said he would not go back on his killing him and his police bodyguard first, said tions from the Muslim world because Islam prohibits ership is close to Sheikh Ahmed and has also strongly public commitment to veteran campaigner Blatter. “For the Christophe Crepin, a police union spokesman. Minutes the publication of drawings of its founder. Another car- backed Blatter. Blatter has become a deeply controversial fig- FIFA issue, I was asked officially, I stood up in Kuala Lumpur later, two men strolled out to a black car waiting below, toon, released in this week’s issue and entitled “Still No ure following a series of scandals including over the bidding two years ago. I announced in the AFC General Assembly as calmly firing on a police officer, with one gunman Attacks in France”, had a caricature of a jihadi fighter process for hosting the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, won by a Kuwait delegate to support Blatter very openly,” he said. “I shooting him in the head as he writhed on the ground, saying “Just wait - we have until the end of January to Russia and Qatar respectively. was there and 46 football federations were there. The whole according to a video and a man who watched in fear present our New Year’s wishes.” Charb was the artist. Prince Ali, a FIFA vice-president, has a clean reputation room gave a big round of applause supporting that.” — AFP from his home across the street. “This is the darkest day of the history of the French The witness, who refused to allow his name to be press,” said Christophe DeLoire of Reporters Without used because he feared for his safety, said the attackers Borders. In the winter 2014 edition of the Al-Qaeda were so methodical he first mistook them for France’s magazine Inspire, a so-called chief describing where to Palestine will be ICC member from April 1 elite anti-terrorism forces. Then they fired on the officer. use a new bomb said: “Of course the first priority and Continued from Page 1 ending the Israeli occupation by the end of 2017 was rejected “They knew exactly what they had to do and exactly the main focus should be on America, then the United at the UN Security Council last week, but the Palestinians are where to shoot. While one kept watch and checked Kingdom, then France and so on.” In 2013, the maga- Israel has retaliated by freezing some $127 million in tax considering another measure at the 15-member council. that the traffic was good for them, the other one deliv- zine specifically threatened Charb and included an arti- revenue due to the Palestinian Authority and has vowed to The United States and Australia voted against the resolu- ered the final coup de grace,” he said. “They ran back to cle titled “France the Imbecile Invader”. An Al-Qaeda take other steps in response to the move. The United States tion, but China, France and Russia were among eight coun- the car. The moment they got in, the car drove off tweeter who communicated yesterday with AP said the has criticized the ICC membership bid as counterproductive tries that voted in favor, just one vote short of the nine almost casually.” The witness added: “I think they were group is not claiming responsibility, but called the and the US Congress is threatening to withhold $440 million required for adoption. Five countries seen as having a more extremely well-trained, and they knew exactly down to attack “inspiring”. in aid. The Palestinians have asked the ICC to look into possi- pro-Palestinian stance began their term at the Security the centimeter and even to the second what they had President Barack Obama offered US help in pursuing ble war crimes committed during last year’s Gaza war. Almost Council this month, proving a new opportunity for the to do.” the gunmen, saying they had attacked freedom of 2,200 Palestinians were killed in July and August during the Palestinians to seek support from the powerful body. Angola, Eight journalists, a guest and two police officers expression. He offered prayers and support for France, 50-day war in Gaza, including more than 400 children, accord- Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain and Venezuela begin their two- were killed, said Paris prosecutor Francois Molins. which he called “America’s oldest ally”. British Prime ing to UN estimates. The Palestinian envoy to the United year stint at the council on Jan 1, replacing Argentina, Among the dead were Bernard Maris, an economist Minister David Cameron said his country stood united Nations, Riyad Mansour, said a suit could also be filed at the Australia, Luxembourg, Rwanda and South Korea. who a contributor to the newspaper and was heard with France. “We stand squarely for free speech and ICC over the construction of Israeli settlements in the The Palestinians’ next step at the United Nations is to be regularly on French radio, and cartoonists Georges democracy. These people will never be able to take us Palestinian territories. discussed at a Jan 15 Arab League meeting in Cairo. Wolinski, Jean Cabut, known across France as Cabu, off those values,” Cameron said in the House of The Palestinians were upgraded from observer entity to International alarm is growing over the ongoing violence and and Berbard Verlhac, better known as Tignous. Commons. Russian President Vladimir Putin also con- UN “observer state” in 2012, opening the doors for them to the failure to restart negotiations that last broke down in join the ICC and a host of other international organizations. April, when US Secretary of State John Kerry led a push for “Hey! We avenged the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)! demned the attack as a “cynical crime” and pledged The move to join the ICC is part of a Palestinian strategy to peace. Several parliaments in Europe have adopted non- cooperation in fighting terrorism. We killed Charlie Hebdo,” one of the men shouted in internationalize their push for statehood, moving away from binding motions calling for the recognition of Palestine, and French, according to a video shot from a nearby build- Salman Rushdie, who spent years in hiding after his US-led negotiations that have been the framework for the Sweden has gone a step further by saying it will recognize it ing and broadcast on French TV. Other video showed novel, “The Satanic Verses”, drew a death edict from peace process for decades. An Arab-backed resolution on as a state. — Agencies two gunmen in black at a crossroads who appeared to Iran’s religious authorities, said all must stand with fire down one of the streets. A cry of “Allahu Akbar!” - Charlie Hebdo “to defend the art of satire, which has Arabic for “God is Greatest”- could be heard among the always been a force for liberty and against tyranny, dis- gunshots. honesty and stupidity”. Mohammed Moussaoui, presi- Ex-MP held for tweeting against Sisi The video showed the killers moving deliberately dent of the Union of French mosques, condemned the Continued from Page 1 Ahmed said Mulla denies the accusations and will and calmly. One even bent over to toss a fallen shoe “hateful act”, and urged Muslims and Christians “to request bail. “There is no basis to these accusations, and back into the small black car before it sped off. The car intensify their actions to give more strength to this dia- “Your highness, we won’t accept billions more handed there is no need to detain my client,” Ahmed said. Activists was later found abandoned in northern Paris, the pros- logue, to make a united front against extremism”. out to other countries. We have donated enough. This is the held a protest yesterday night to press for Mulla’s release. ecutor said, and they hijacked a Renault Clio. There On social media, supporters of militant Islamic money of the people of Kuwait,” Mulla wrote in Arabic in one Several thousand Kuwaitis protested last year against gov- were conflicting accounts of whether the manhunt was groups praised the move. One self-described Tunisian tweet. “The price of oil is $50 a barrel...,” he wrote in another ernment corruption, demanding better services and trans- for two or three attackers. Corinne Rey, the cartoonist loyalist of Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group tweet- tweet, reflecting region-wide anxiety over the drop in global parency in government. who said she was forced to let the gunmen in, said the ed that the attack was well-deserved revenge against oil prices and its long-term effect on Arab Gulf countries’ Mulla boycotted elections in Dec 2012 in protest at the men spoke fluent French and claimed to be from Al- France. The publication’s website went down after the public spending levels. Ahmad said his client is being government’s amendment of Kuwait’s electoral law. Other Qaeda. In an interview with the newspaper l’Humanite, attack before coming back on line with the single accused of insulting HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad opposition activists had launched an online campaign she said the entire shooting lasted perhaps five min- image of the words “I am Charlie” which has been Al-Sabah, insulting Egypt’s president and endangering bilat- against Sisi’s visit, urging authorities not to give more funds utes, and she hid under a desk. trending worldwide on social media. Thousands of eral relations. to Egypt. Kuwaiti courts have handed down prison sen- The security analyst group Stratfor said the gunmen people gathered on the large Republique square in Billions of dollars in aid from Gulf countries has helped tences to several opposition activists and former lawmakers appeared to be well-trained, “from the way they han- Paris holding up banners of the phrase. The attack took keep Egypt’s economy afloat. Sisi’s visit to Kuwait was aimed for remarks deemed insulting to HH the Amir. The latest rul- dled their weapons, moved and shot. These attackers place on the day the latest edition of Charlie Hebdo at shoring up Gulf investments and support after Egypt’s for- ing was issued on Monday when the supreme court sen- conducted a successful attack, using what they knew, was published, featuring controversial author French eign reserves and tourism revenues plummeted from more tenced activist Sager Al-Hashash to 20 months in prison on than three years of political instability that began with long- charges of insulting the Amir on Twitter. Criticising the Amir instead of attempting to conduct an attack beyond Michel Houellebecq, whose latest book “Soumission”, or time President Hosni Mubarak’s ouster in 2011. Egypt’s for- is considered a state security offence, with those found their capability, failing as a result”. Both Al-Qaeda and “Submission”, imagines a France in the near future that eign reserves stood at $15.33 billion at the end of December. guilty facing up to five years behind bars. — Agencies the Islamic State group have repeatedly threatened to is ruled by an Islamic government. — Agencies THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Focus Syria war, Israel spies mean hard times for Hezb

By Tom Rogan

rained and delegitimized by the Syrian civil war, penetrated by Israeli intelligence and Dseparated from traditional allies, the Lebanese group Hezbollah’s self-proclaimed glory days of 2006, when it went to war with Israel, have never seemed so distant. Supporting President Bashar Al-Assad’s war against his people has put Hezbollah under unprecedented strain. Since its involvement began, the group has lost hundreds of fighters. For a relatively small outfit - Hezbollah’s core military force is a few thousand strong - these losses have a significant impact. Nevertheless, amid all the killing, Hezbollah’s most serious loss in Syria has been its reputation. With hundreds of thousands murdered in Syria - starved, poison-gassed and barrel-bombed - Hezbollah’s direct complicity with Assad has been noticed. After all, while Hezbollah has long claimed to defend “all the oppressed”, including Sunnis, Syria’s French newspaper high on jihadist hit-list wreckage testifies to the group’s duplicity. Put simply, after witnessing Hezbollah kill Syrian Sunnis, oth- By Eric Randolph and Michel Moutot ingly a top target for jihadists seeking to strike the West. It ban on the Muslim veil and its increasingly proactive role er Sunnis view its claims of beneficence skeptically. has been involved in the US-led air campaign against the in international affairs, particularly in Mali and to a lesser Even the Sunni militant group Hamas has moved ong before being targeted in yesterday’s massacre in Islamic State group in Iraq since September, and France extent the Central African Republic,” said Henman. away from Hezbollah; a poor relationship empha- Paris, satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo had been was singled out in the militant organisation’s call on sup- French forces took the lead in combating Islamist sized by Hezbollah’s unwillingness to open a north- Lconsidered high on the potential hit-list for jihadists porters to mount “lone wolf” attacks late last year. extremists that had seized large swathes of Mali in 2013 ern front during last summer’s Israel-Hamas war. calling for strikes in the heart of Europe. When Charlie Experts say that the attacks could, alternatively, be an and still has 3,000 troops deployed in the Sahel region. For “the Party of God”, this reputational damage Hebdo defiantly republished already controversial car- effort by Al-Qaeda to win back the spotlight from IS. “It’s They are also a key part of peacekeeping efforts in CAR is a big problem. Both a militant group and a politi- toons of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) considered sacrile- perfectly possible that this could be Al-Qaeda trying to where Christians and Muslims have violently clashed over cal actor in the traditional sense, Hezbollah needs gious by Muslims in 2006, it knew it was taking a risk. After regain attention - they have been calling for this sort of the past two years. political consensus to advance its agenda. For a it ran new cartoons of the Prophet (PBUH) in Nov 2011, the thing for a long time,” said Pantucci. “Ever since the gun- France also has Europe’s largest Muslim population. long time, Hezbollah’s hostility against Israel won it payback started. The weekly was firebombed and its web- men attacks in Mumbai in 2008, many groups have been Around 1,000 people from that community have travelled friends across the political spectrum, but now that site was hacked. But staff refused to be cowed and upped asking how they could copy them. There are relatively low to Iraq and Syria to join the jihad, raising fears they could it’s targeting Muslims, the well of diplomacy is the ante still further the following year with a new set of requirements - you just need men with guns, set them return home to sow terror. “The question now is whether evaporating. As Hezbollah’s intolerance for satire cartoons - guaranteed to offend millions of Muslims. loose in the urban environment and cause chaos.” this is an isolated operation,” said Caprioli. “Are we enter- suggests, the group is deeply uncomfortable with In 2013, its editor-in-chief Stephane Charbonnier - one France’s secular policies at home and military opera- ing a new stage with a cell that is going into action? Is a challenges to its identity narrative as Lebanon’s of those killed yesterday - appeared on a “Wanted Dead or tions in Africa have also angered the jihadist community. cycle of attacks coming? What is clear is that these killers pious, paternalistic guardian. Alive” list published in Al Qaeda’s magazine, Inspire. “France has come under a lot of fire from jihadists for its must be found, and fast.” — AFP The Syrian civil war is the greatest challenge this “Charlie Hebdo became a symbol,” said Louis Caprioli, for- narrative has ever faced, but there are challenges at mer head of counter-terrorism at France’s DST intelligence home as well. Hezbollah’s Lebanese political identi- agency. “They never forgot nor forgave what they consid- ty has been polluted by the way it has taken up ered a supreme insult. The choice of this target is highly arms to carry out Iran’s foreign policy by fighting on symbolic: they targeted secularists who dared to mock the Assad’s behalf. Up until now, Hezbollah’s semi-inde- Prophet (PBUH). In their eyes, it’s divine vengeance.” pendence has given the group flexibility to forge While Charlie Hebdo’s uncompromising stance against coalitions in Beirut. But with other Lebanese politi- censorship won many supporters in Europe, Wednesday’s cal leaders now taking a tougher line against the attack demonstrates that its staff may have underestimat- group, things might be changing. Facing Islamic ed the scale of the danger. “This attack is designed to show State fighters in Syria who are threatening north- the ability to strike at targets that were blase and sarcastic eastern Lebanon and increasing sectarian violence about the potential threat to them,” said Matthew Henman, at home, Lebanese politics are hardening into more of IHS Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Centre in London. pronounced sectarian identities and greater para- “It’s increasingly clear there are radical Islamists out there noia. While Hezbollah hopes its military power will who are able and willing to take action to remedy per- incentivize domestic alliances, it knows being out- ceived insults to Islam.” maneuvered is a real risk. Although the satirical newspaper and its editor-in- The pain doesn’t end there. Hezbollah is also chief had police protection, it still represented a relatively hurting for another reason: Its operational security soft target to determined attackers armed with automatic collapse over the past few years. rifles. “Historically we have seen many attacks on cultural A senior commander was killed by a car bomb in targets,” said Raffaello Pantucci, a terrorism expert at the 2008, another assassinated in Dec 2013 and new Royal United Services Institute in London, citing the reports suggest another group of threats against author Salman Rushdie and a firebomb Hezbollah offi- attack against a London publisher in 2008. “Any target that cers were is defined as the enemy is legitimate, and these sort of tar- recently identified as assets of the gets are less protected than police stations or military Israeli secret bases.” service, Mossad. This has surely France as Prime Target shaken nerves There are conflicting reports about which group the in Hezbollah’s three gunmen may have represented and there has yet to executive lead- be a clear claim of responsibility. But it was clear from ership. Still, video shot by eyewitnesses that the men, armed with Hezbollah has Kalashnikov rifles, were calm and professional, suggesting A woman holds a Charlie Hebdo front page reading “Love stronger than hate” during a gathering in front of the one sign of they may have had training. France itself is seen as increas- city hall of Rennes in western France yesterday. — AFP hope. With the Obama administration so intent on making a Conflict pushes Barcelona into crisis deal with Iran, it’s unlikely that By Tim Hanlon the board’s mandate, which runs until 2016. Zubizaretta was blamed last year president shared responsibility for the ban. the United It has been a troubled year for for failing to strengthen the “Bartomeu was at that time vice-president of States will bust up between Lionel Messi and coach Bartomeu, which is now coming to a defence, which was plainly sports and knew perfectly well the situation,” encourage polit- Luis Enrique and the firing of sports head with the departure of lacking last season when the Zubizarreta told Canal Plus. ical maneuvering Adirector Andoni Zubizarreta in the after- Zubizarreta and the team’s failure team failed to win a major That led Barcelona to dismiss Zubizarreta the against it. — Reuters math of the club’s transfer ban has pushed an to convince under Luis Enrique. trophy. When he did buy following day, while an emergency board meet- already tainted Barcelona board into crisis. Talk Fans made their opinions clear ahead of this campaign ing had been planned to discuss who will of controversy is never far away when discussing when a video was played at many supporters were left replace him. The situation at board level would the Catalan club that has more than its fair share the Nou Camp to celebrate disappointed with the have less impact if the team was not also strug- of internal disputes, mainly due to the impor- Messi breaking the La Liga signings of an age- gling and pressure is growing on Luis Enrique All articles appearing on these tance of the institution in the community. Yet a scoring record last ing Jeremy Mathieu following their defeat away to Real Sociedad on pages are the personal opinion of similar level of unrest has not been seen since November and a clip of from Valencia and Sunday. The coach surprisingly left Messi and the writers. Kuwait Times takes no the days of president Joan Gaspart, whose mis- Bartomeu and Zubizarreta the little-known Neymar on the bench for that match, while his management led to his resignation and elec- prompted a chorus of Brazilian Douglas. habit of chopping and changing the team has responsibility for views expressed tions in 2003. whistles. Zubizarreta’s led to criticism from fans who accuse him of therein. Kuwait Times invites read- Just under a year ago, then-president Sandro record in the transfer mar- FIFA Ban lacking a clear gameplan. ers to voice their opinions. Please Rosell resigned after a judge decided to investi- ket as sports director since The FIFA ban What could determine his future though is gate the transfer of Neymar from Santos after 2010, when the Rosell presi- on signings for two win- his relationship with Messi that appears to have send submissions via email to: opin- the case was taken up by a fan. He was replaced dency began, was generally dows for a breach of rules broken down. The Argentine argued with the [email protected] or via snail by vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who poor. on the transfer of foreign coach in training last Friday and then on mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. immediately accepted that the Brazilian’s trans- From the outset, he never Under-18 players proved to Monday failed to attend an open training ses- fer fee was closer to Ä100 million ($119.26 mil- had the close relationship with be a breaking point. sion and a festive hospital visit to meet sick chil- The editor reserves the right to edit lion) rather than the Ä57.1 million previously coach Pep Guardiola that his Zubizarreta’s position dren, with the club saying he was unwell. Luis any submission as necessary. stated. There have been constant calls for predecessor Txiki Begiristain, became untenable when he Enrique is head strong but it appears as though renewed presidential elections, but Bartomeu now at Manchester City, enjoyed. told Spanish television on he may be fighting a losing battle with the four has always been adamant that he would see out Along with the Neymar affair, Sunday night that the times World Player of the Year. — Reuters p15_Layout 1 1/7/15 9:06 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 SPORTS

Muhammad Ali released Red Bulls fire coach Enrique slams reports from hospital: Reports NEW JERSEY: Petke, a former Red Bulls player who became coach two years ago, led the New Jersey based club to the playoffs in both his seasons of bust-up with Messi LOUISVILLE: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali has been released from the in charge. BARCELONA: Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has described reports of a bust- hospital after being treated for a urinary tract infection, media reports said “On behalf of the New York Red Bulls I want to thank Mike for his service up with Lionel Messi as “inaccurate and ill-intentioned” and said he has the yesterday. Ali, 72, was admitted more than two weeks ago with what was to the club these past two seasons as head coach,” said Red Bulls recently backing of all the players in his squad. then thought to be pneumonia. But doctors ultimately determined he had appointed Sporting Director Ali Curtis. Talk has been rife of disagreements and heated exchanges a severe urinary tract infection, and he was released Tuesday night, the “Mike will always be an important member of the Red Bull family,” he between the pair while rumours of a move to Chelsea have Courier-Journal newspaper reported, quoting Ali spokesman added. The Red Bulls were beaten by the New England Revolution in the grown with Catalan radio saying the London club has con- Bob Gunnell. Eastern Conference final last year, falling one game short of reaching the tacted the players’ father and agent Jorge. Ali is a three time world heavy-weight champion and title-deciding MLS Cup. In his first season in charge the Red Bulls had the RAC1 radio claimed Premier League leaders Chelsea Olympic gold medalist. He has suffered from Parkinson’s best regular season record in the league. would be prepared to pay Messi’s 250 million ($295.80 disease since the 1980s. “The boxing legend has fully The club has yet to win an MLS title despite enjoying the services of for- million) buy-out clause. recovered and is now at his home. Ali looks forward to mer France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry. Henry left the club and “I have the same relationship with all the players since celebrating his upcoming 73rd birthday on January 17th retired in December after four and a half seasons at Red Bull Arena. The the start of the season. Obviously we know each with his family and friends,” Gunnell said in a statement, team’s other, highly paid, ‘designated player’ is Australian Tim Cahill whose other better now but there is no change in the according to www.allsports.com. future has been in doubt since he was left out of the starting line-up by relationship,” Luis Enrique told a news confer- “The Ali family greatly appreciates the outpouring Petke during the playoffs. ence ahead of Thursday’s King’s Cup last 16 of support and continued well wishes. They The new MLS season, which kicks off in March, will feature a new local clash with Elche. also want to thank the team of doctors and rival for the Red Bulls with New York City FC, owned by Manchester City’s “I feel I have the support of the club nurses for their exceptional care.” —AFP City Football Group, joining the league.—Reuters and the players.—Reuters

NHL results/standings New Jersey 4, Buffalo 1; Philadelphia 2, Ottawa 1 (SO); Tampa Bay 4, Montreal 2; Nashville 3, Carolina 2; San Jose 4, Minnesota 3 (OT); Colorado 2, Chicago 0; Columbus 4, Dallas 2; St. Louis 6, Arizona 0; Detroit 4, Edmonton 2; Vancouver 3, NY Islanders 2. Western Conference Pacific Division WLOTLGFGAPTS Anaheim 26 9 6 115 110 58 Vancouver 23 12 3 112 100 49 San Jose 22 14 5 113 108 49 Los Angeles 19 12 9 112 103 47 Calgary 21 16 3 115 105 45 Arizona 15 20 4 92 130 34 Edmonton 9 23 9 90 139 27

Central Division Nashville 26 9 4 119 90 56 Chicago 26 12 2 124 87 54 St. Louis 24 13 3 124 99 51 Winnipeg 20 13 7 103 96 47 Dallas 18 15 6 121 128 42 Minnesota 18 15 5 107 110 41 Colorado 16 16 8 103 117 40

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Tampa Bay 26 12 4 138 110 56 Montreal 26 12 2 110 93 54 Detroit 21 10 9 113 101 51 Toronto 21 16 3 130 122 45 Boston 19 15 6 104 108 44 Florida 17 11 9 87 97 43 Ottawa 16 15 8 103 107 40 Buffalo 14 24 3 78 140 31

Metropolitan Division Pittsburgh 24 10 5 118 94 53 NY Islanders 26 13 1 123 112 53 Washington 20 11 7 112 99 47 NY Rangers 21 11 4 113 90 46 Columbus 18 17 3 100 121 39 Philadelphia 15 18 7 108 121 37 New Jersey 15 20 7 94 118 37 Carolina 12 24 4 79 105 28 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L).

McGinley hopes Woods can challenge McIlroy LONDON: The world of golf is looking for a player to step up to the plate and challenge Rory McIlroy for supremacy this year and that certain someone could be Tiger Woods, NEWARK: (Left to right) Nicolas Deslauriers No. 44, Josh Gorges No. 4, Tyler Myers No. 57 and Jhonas Enroth No. 1 of the Buffalo Sabres defend the net against the New Jersey said Europe’s 2014 Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley. Devils at the Prudential Center. —AFP The 14-times major champion finished tied for last in December at the 18-man Honda World Challenge in Florida that benefits his foundation. Devils beat struggling Sabres It marked Woods’ competitive return following a four- month spell on the sidelines caused by a back operation and McGinley said there was one strong sign that the for- NEWARK: Patrik Elias had a goal and two the Flyers their first shootout victory in momentum. 17 saves from Jarolsav Halak. The mer world number one was heading in the right direction assists to reach 1,000, NHL points, and six tries this season. The Flyers had lost Wild forward Zach Parise missed the Islanders were coming off a 5-2 loss at with his game. the New Jersey Devils beat the strug- 10 straight shootouts overall. game to be with his ailing father - former Edmonton on Sunday night. “I saw him play in that tournament and the one thing that was very clear, and speaking to some of the guys that gling Buffalo Sabres 4-1 on Tuesday Mike Hoffman faked out defenseman player J.P. Parise - who has lung cancer. have played with him recently too, is that he’s got his dis- night. The goal was the 399th for Elias. Mark Streit and put a shot past Steve RED WINGS 4, OILERS 2 tance back,” the Irishman told Reuters in an interview. Travis Zajac and Michael Cammalleri Mason to give Ottawa a 1-0 lead 6:36 AVALANCHE 2, BLACKHAWKS 0 Pavel Datsyuk scored the tiebreaking “If you are playing at the top level in professional golf each had a goal and an assist. And Jordin into the third period. Nathan MacKinnon scored and set up goal with 34 seconds left, and Detroit now you’ve got to be hitting the ball a long way. “Rory has Tootoo also scored as the Devils won Simmonds scored his 16th goal just a goal by Maxime Talbot in the opening topped Edmonton for its fourth win in six got that, he’s one of the longest hitters in the world, and it consecutive games for the first time 1:23 later, this one from Streit and Claude 1:17, Semyon Varlamov made 54 saves games. Datsyuk also had an assist, and looks like Tiger has got that back. That’s going to be a big since Nov. 14.Cory Schneider made 20 Giroux on the power play. The Senators for his third shutout of the season and Justin Abdelkader added a goal and asset for him,” said McGinley. saves. outshot the Flyers 42-34 through over- Colorado blanked Chicago. assist for Detroit. Datsyuk gave the Red “Rivalries are what sport is built on. For somebody to Mikhail Grigorenko netted his first time. Colorado was outshot by 30 but held Wings a 3-2 lead with a power-play goal rise up this year and have a real head-to-head battle with goal of the season for the Sabres, who on for its third win in four games behind after Edmonton had tied it with 4:05 Rory would be great for our sport.” have lost five straight and are 1-8-1 in PREDATORS 3, HURRICANES 2 Varlamov’s 16th NHL shutout. The remaining. Kyle Quincey and Luke Woods, mainly through his off-the-course transgres- their last 10 games. The Devils dominat- Roman Josi scored the tiebreaking Avalanche improved to 7-3-2 in their last Glendening also scored for the Red sions in recent years, appears to polarise opinion among ed the first period, jumping out to a 3-0 goal late in the third period to give 12. Wings (21-10-9), who are 1-1 two games golf followers around the world. lead and outshooting the Sabres 13-4. Nashville a victory over Carolina. Ryan Corey Crawford finished with 22 saves into a six-game trip. The 39-year-old is loved and loathed in almost equal Elias had a goal and an assist in the Ellis and Mike Fisher also scored, and for the Blackhawks, who had a season Jimmy Howard made 21 saves and measure but one thing is beyond dispute, he can never be frame. Pekka Rinne stopped 23 shots to help high in shots and dominated the pace. earned his 11th consecutive win over ignored. “Tiger is one of those guys that moves the needle Nashville win for the third time in four However, Chicago was shut out for the Edmonton. Jordan Eberle had both goals in so many ways,” said McGinley who is an ambassador for LIGHTNING 4, CANADIENS 2 games. Viktor Stalberg had two assists. third time this season. for the Oilers (9-23-9), who have lost 23 the specialist bank and asset manager Investec. Tyler Johnson scored twice in Tampa Eric Staal and Justin Faulk scored for of 26. Viktor Fasth stopped 37 shots. “Not everybody is a fan of Tiger and some people like to Bay’s four-goal second period, and the Carolina and Cam Ward also made 23 BLUE JACKETS 4, STARS 2 Edmonton fell to 2-1-2 under the sole see him doing badly so he moves the needle one way or the other. Lightning won the matchup for the top saves for the Hurricanes, who had won Sergei Bobrovsky made 11 of his 24 direction of interim head coach Todd spot in Eastern Conference by beating two straight. saves in the third period, and Columbus Nelson. NICKLAUS RECORD Montreal. With the score tied at 2, Stalberg sent beat Dallas. Columbus scored the first “On the other side it’s been seven years since he won a Brett Connolly and J.T. Brown also a pass from the right side to Josi in the three goals of the game, but the Stars BLUES 6, COYOTES 0 major championship. There’s pressure on him to reach Jack scored for Tampa Bay (26-12-4), which high slot. Josi corralled the puck and pulled within one before Bobrovsky shut David Backes scored four goals to lead Nicklaus’ record of 18 major wins and it’ll be interesting to moved two points ahead of Montreal fired a slap shot past Ward with 4:43 them out in the third. Dallas outshot the St. Louis’ shutout rout of Arizona. Paul see how competitive he is this year. “If he gets into con- atop both the Atlantic Division and the remaining to give the Predators their Blue Jackets 11-4 during the period. Stastny and Jayden Schwartz also scored tention at a major, will he be able to follow through and Eastern Conference. only lead. Mark Letestu sealed the victory by for St. Louis, and Brian Elliott stopped 23 win?. “There are a lot more wins in Rory yet,” said McGinley Dale Weise and Max Pacioretty had scoring on a 2-on-1 break with 2:58 shots. The Blues outshot the Coyotes 39- of the four-times major champion from Northern Ireland. goals for Montreal (26-12-2), which has SHARKS 4, WILD 3 remaining in his return after he missed 23 and won in Arizona for the sixth “He’s incredibly talented, he’s proved himself at the very two games in hand on the Lightning. The Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored his sec- 28 games because of a groin/abdominal straight time with a 29-8 scoring edge in top level and he’s the undisputed number one player in the Canadiens played their first home game ond winning goal in two nights 3:09 into injury. Columbus’ Nick Foligno had three those games. world.” since Dec. 20 after winning five straight overtime, and San Jose completed a assists, and Scott Hartnell added two. Backes notched his 10th, 11th, 12th Woods has gone through the self-imposed ritual of tak- on the road. They had won six in a row come-from-behind victory over Ryan Johansen had a goal and an assist. and 13th goals of the season over a 17- ing apart his swing several times during his career. He and overall. Minnesota. minute span between the second and new consultant Chris Como studied videotape of the free- Vlasic, who scored the winner with 4.5 CANUCKS 3, ISLANDERS 2 third periods. It was the second time wheeling approach of the American’s amateur days that FLYERS 2, SENATORS 1 seconds left in regulation on Monday at Nick Bonino and Linden Vey scored in Backes has scored four goals in a game. generated so much power and have got him back to that Wayne Simmonds scored the tying Winnipeg, beat goalie Darcy Kuemper the second period to snap long goal He is the second Blues player in two routine, abandoning some of the technical adjustments he goal in regulation and had the winner in with a wrist shot from just outside the droughts, and Vancouver beat the New nights to score at least three goals, fol- adopted along the way. “He’s made changes, gone back to the shootout to lift Philadelphia over left circle. York Islanders. lowing T.J. Oshie’s hat trick in St. Louis’ 7- trying to find the golf swing he used as a young boy and a swing that comes natural to him,” said McGinley. Ottawa. Joe Pavelski and Tommy Wingels Ryan Stanton added his first goal in 2 win at San Jose on Saturday. “It’s very difficult to do what Tiger has done. Very few Ottawa’s Mika Zibanejad and scored 1:14 apart to give San Jose a 3-2 more than a year as Vancouver (23-12-3) Mike Smith finished with 33 saves for players have done that. “Nick Faldo did it and Padraig Philadelphia’s Jake Voracek each scored lead at 7:35 of the third period. improved to 5-1-1 in its last seven games. the Coyotes, who were shut out for the Harrington did it, completely ripping apart their swings, on the opening shots of the tiebreaker. Minnesota’s Jason Zucker tipped in a Eddie Lack made 21 saves for the seventh time this season - the fourth putting it back together and still being successful,” added Neither team scored in the next three pass from Charlie Coyle at 12:12 for his Canucks in his first start since Dec. 17. time at home. Patrik Berglund and McGinley. “Tiger has gone backwards and it will be inter- rounds. Simmonds then punched in the second goal of the game, tying it 3-3 and Matt Martin and Mikhail Grabovski Alexander Steen added two assists for St. esting to see if he can use that to go forwards and use it as winner against Craig Anderson to give temporarily helping the Wild regain scored for New York (26-13-1), which got Louis. —AP a base to win major championships again.”—Reuters p16_Layout 1 1/7/15 10:49 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 SPORTS Smith joins greats as Aussies pressure India

SYDNEY: Steve Smith joined the greats yesterday with his fourth century of the series as India hung in after the shock loss of an early wicket on the second day of the final Test in Sydney. The Aussie skipper became only the third batsman along with Don Bradman and Jacques Kallis to score tons in four consecutive Tests in the same series as his team posted a total beyond 500 for the fourth Test running. Smith contributed 117 in Australia’s first innings declaration of 572 for seven before the tourists were rocked by the third-ball dismissal of opener Murali Vijay for a duck. At the close, India had stabilised at 71 for one to trail Australia by 501 with Lokesh Rahul on 31 and Rohit Sharma hitting two sixes on his way to 40 not out. “I thought our whole top six played really well,” Smith said.”We’ve relied a lot on the tail in the last couple of Test matches and I said the batters had to step up in this match. “The whole top six got above fifty which I WELLINGTON: New Zealand pose for a photo after winning the match and the series don’t think has happened before. That’s out- against Sri Lanka on day five of the second international Test cricket match at the standing for us. “It’s not the kind of wicket I Basin Reserve. —AFP think where you can blast sides out. It’s about staying patient and hopefully the patience pays off.” NZ fight back to win Left-armer Mitchell Starc, bowling with fire and rhythm, slanted one across Vijay and coaxed a snick to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. Sri Lanka Test, series Starc may be in disciplinary trouble for giving Vijay a big send-off, roaring in his face and waving his fists in a fiery opening over as WELLINGTON: New Zealand recovered the Test, tactfully refused to criticise the Mitchell Johnson’s injury replacement. from first innings turmoil to convincingly dismissal. “That’s the way it goes and unfor- But the day belonged to Smith, who added beat Sri Lanka by 193 runs in the second tunately, or fortunately, we have to take it another century to his unbeaten 162 in Test in Wellington yesterday and record a 2- as it comes,” he said, switching the blame Adelaide, 133 in Brisbane and 192 in Melbourne 0 series whitewash. for the “shocking turnaround” on poor in this series. Led by offspinner Mark Craig who took fielding including four let offs for “It’s been a pretty special summer for me four for 53, New Zealand ripped through Sri Williamson on his way to an unbeaten 242. personally, obviously with some of the results Lanka’s second innings after setting them a “If we had held on to our catches, it that I’ve got,” Smith said. “But look, I always put 390-run target. Sri Lanka were all out for would have been a different story. But they the team first, I think the success the team has 196, not helped by the questionable dis- were able to reverse the pressure on us and had over the last little bit has been outstanding missal of Kumar Sangakkara. we just couldn’t hold on,” he said. and we’re in another good position in this Test The batting maestro’s 203 paved the “Kane batted brilliantly, but we have to match.” way for Sri Lanka to hold a 135-run first grab those chances. We were under no real Australia passed 500 for the fourth Test of the innings lead and New Zealand were in dire pressure at the time... You can’t really drop series, a feat last registered against the Garry straits when they collapsed to be five down those sitters when you’re on the way to Sobers-led West Indies at home in 1968-69. SYDNEY: Australia’s Nathan Lyon (center) appeals to umpire Richard Kettleborough of England and only 24 runs ahead in their second winning the game and you are desperate Smith was out just before lunch when he was innings. But a world record sixth-wicket to win the game.” (bottom) for an LBW decision on India’s Rohit Sharma (third left) on the second day of their crick- caught behind off Umesh Yadav ending his 208- et Test match. —AP stand of 365 by Kane Williamson and BJ The tourists started the final day at 45 ball knock spiced with 15 fours. Watling turned the game in New Zealand’s for one with the options of playing for a He has 698 runs in the series at an average of pitch for India’s bowlers with Shami finishing The tourists have won only one of their favor, leaving Craig and quick bowlers Trent face-saving draw or playing for a win to 139.6, placing him third behind Bradman (715) with five for 112 off 28.3 overs. last 22 Tests overseas and have been suc- Boult and Doug Bracewell to polish off Sri save the series after losing the first Test in and Ricky Ponting (706) for most runs in a series India have already lost the Border-Gavaskar cessful in only one of their 10 Tests at the Lanka on the final day. “For so long we were Christchurch by eight wickets. Faint hopes against India. Trophy with Australia holding an unassailable 2- Sydney Cricket Ground, that sole victory miles behind the game and it took some- of a remarkable win vanished early when Smith is having an extraordinary purple 0 lead following wins in Adelaide and Brisbane. coming 37 years ago. —AFP thing pretty special for us to get out of Boult removed nightwatchman Dhammika patch and has now scored six centuries in the trouble firstly and then be allowed to dic- Prasad for six before continuing his domi- first innings of his last seven Tests at home. SCOREBOARD tate play,” New Zealand captain Brendon nance of Sangakkara to dismiss the Sri Watson again missed out on what would McCullum said. Lankan legend for five. have been only his fifth Test century when, on a SYDNEY: Scoreboard at the close of play on the second day of the fourth Test between Australia and India New Zealand sensed the win was on Bracewell finished the pre-lunch session flat SCG wicket, he had another brain snap and at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday: when both Sangakkara and Angelo with the crucial wicket of Kaushal Silva for hoisted Mohammed Shami straight to Mathews fell before lunch on the final day. 50 and then Mathews for eight with the Sri Ravichandran Ashwin at deep midwicket for 81. Australia 1st innings (overnight 348 for 2) Shami 28.3-3-112-5, Ashwin 47-8-142-1, Raina 16-3- “Both guys (are) capable of winning games Lankan skipper well caught one-handed by Watson has now scored 24 half-centuries but C. Rogers b Shami 95 53-0 Did not bat: M. Starc, N. Lyon, J. Hazlewood on their own, so to be able to get both of a diving Williamson in the gully. Williamson just four tons in 56 Tests, with his last Test hun- D. Warner c Vijay b Ashwin 101 those guys was huge and certainly at the was back in action after lunch to partner dred coming against England in Perth in S. Watson c Ashwin b Shami 81 India 1st innings lunch break we knew we were in with a big Craig in the dismissal of Prasanna December 2013. He toiled for 250 minutes and S. Smith c Saha b Yadav 117 M. Vijay c Haddin b Starc 0 sniff of being able to close out the game.” Jayawardene for 10 as the spinner came faced 183 balls in putting on 196 runs for the S. Marsh c Saha b Shami 73 There remained a question mark, how- into his own with a three-wicket burst. He L. Rahul not out 31 third wicket with Smith. J. Burns c Rahul b Shami 58 R. Sharma not out 40 ever, over Sangakkara’s caught behind dis- removed Dinesh Chandimal (13) and B. Haddin not out 9 Shaun Marsh added 73 to his 99 in Extras 0 missal. New Zealand wicketkeeper Watling Rangana Herath in successive balls. Melbourne before he was caught behind off R. Harris c Ashwin b Shami 25 Total (1 wicket, 25 overs) 71 did not initially join the appeal which was Bracewell celebrated his recall to the Shami nearing tea. Marsh batted for 116 balls Extras (lb6, w7) 13 turned down. New Zealand team after 14 months in the with nine fours and a six. Total (7 wickets dec, 152.3 overs) 572 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Vijay) However, McCullum sought a review wilderness with two for 25 and ran out Joe Burns, playing in his second Test, was Fall of wickets: 1-200 (Warner), 2-204 (Rogers), 3-400 Bowling: Starc 6-2-17-1, Harris 7-1-17-0, Hazlewood and it took multiple replays before the third Suranga Lakmal for six. Boult, New well caught by Rahul in the deep for 58 off 114 (Watson), 4-415 (Smith), 5-529 (Marsh), 6-546 4-1-10-0, Lyon 8-1-27-0 umpire Bruce Oxenford of Australia was Zealand’s premier bowler, finished with two balls and Ryan Harris roused the crowd with a (Burns), 7-572 (Harris) To bat: V. Kohli, A. Rahane, S. Raina, W. Saha, R. convinced the technology showed there for 55. New Zealand have now won four lusty 25 off nine balls before the declaration. Bowling: Kumar 34-5-122-0, Yadav 27-5-137-1 (6w), Ashwin, M. Shami, U. Yadav, B. Kumar. was the faintest nick. and drawn two of their last six series, last It was hard going on the unresponsive SCG Mathews, who needed his in-form bats- tasting a series defeat away against man at the crease to have a chance to save England in May 2013.—AFP SCOREBOARD Sohail in Pakistan squad for World Cup WELLINGTON: Scoreboard at the close yesterday on day five of the second Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve in Wellington: KARACHI: Fast bowler Sohail Khan earned a ets in the five tests against Australia and New before in Australia and New Zealand.” New Zealand 1st innings 221 (K. Williamson D. Chandimalc Watling b Craig 13 surprise recall to the Pakistan squad for the Zealand recently in the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan will be without two of their most 69; N. Pradeep 4-63, S. Lakmal R. Herathlbw Craig 0 World Cup while selectors omitted senior play- Misbah-ul-Haq had also recovered from a experienced spinners at the tournament as 3-71) S. Lakmalrun out (Bracewell) 6 ers Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal from their hamstring injury he sustained last month while Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez have Sri Lanka 1st innings 356 (K. Sangakkara 203, N. Pradeep b Southee 1 final 15-member list yesterday. The 30-year-old playing against New Zealand in the UAE and been suspended from bowling in international D. Chandimal 67; J. Neesham Extras (b8 lb6, w3, nb1) 18 Sohail was picked for his strong performances would lead the team at the Feb. 14-March 29 cricket for illegal actions. 3-42, D. Bracewell 3-93) Total (10 wickets, 72.4 overs) 196 in domestic cricket this season, chief selector tournament in Australia and New Zealand, Hafeez, however, was included as a specialist New Zealand 2nd innings 524-5 dec (K. Fall of wicket: 1-42 (Karunaratne), 2-51 Moin Khan told reporters in Karachi. Moin added. opener and Moin said he would undergo Williamson 242 not out, B. Watling (Prasad), 3-61 (Sangakkara), 4-94 “We have picked a full battery of pace “He (Misbah) says he is gaining fitness and another bowling test prior to the tournament. 142 not out; N. Pradeep 3-117) (Silva), 5-110 (Mathews), 6-133 (Jayawardene), bowlers while our spin bowling department is he is an experienced player so we are confident “We have picked only two specialist openers 7-156 (Chandimal), 8-156 Sri Lanka 2nd innings (overnight 45-1) also led by the experienced Shahid Afridi and he will be ready for the World Cup,” Moin while wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed will be the (Herath), 9-189 (Lakmal), 10-196 (Pradeep) D. Karunaratne c Rutherford b Craig 17 includes legspinner Yasir Shah,” Moin said. added. reserve opener when required,” Moin added. Bowling: Boult 21-2-55-2 (1w), Southee 17.4-6- K. Silva c Craig b Bracewell 50 Right-arm bowler Sohail has played two “The selectors have done a lot of homework Pakistan squad: Mohammad Hafeez, 41-1, Bracewell 13-3-25-2 tests and five one-day internationals but last in selecting this squad and we are confident Ahmed Shehzad, Younus Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq D. Prasadc Neesham b Boult 6 (1nb, 2w), Craig 18-8-53-4, Rutherford 1-0-2-0, K. Sangakkara c Watling b Boult 5 represented Pakistan in Zimbabwe in 2011. this side will put up a good performance in the (captain), Harris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Williamson 2-0-6-0 Yasir also played his only ODI against World Cup. Maqsood, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, L. Thirimanne not out 62 Toss: Sri Lanka A. Mathews c Williamson b Bracewell 8 Zimbabwe on the same tour. “We have lot of expectations from this squad Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Sohail Khan, Result: New Zealand won by 193 runs The leg-spinner, however, bagged 27 wick- specially the youngsters who have not played Wahab Riaz, Ehsan Adil, Yasir Shah. —Reuters P. Jayawardene c Williamson b Craig 10 Series: New Zealand won 2-0 Sri Lanka gamble on Malinga COLOMBO: Sri Lanka have included pace the Feb. 14-March 29 World Cup. spearhead Lasith Malinga in their 15-man The 2011 World Cup runners-up, who squad for the Cricket World Cup despite lost to India in the final, also included off- concerns over his fitness after ankle sur- spinner Sachithra Senanayake, who was gery, the country’s cricket board said yes- recently cleared to bowl after remedial terday. The mercurial Malinga had left work on his action. ankle surgery in September and missed The team will be led by all-rounder the team’s one-day series against India Angelo Mathews with left-handed bats- and England. man Lahiru Thirimanne as his deputy. The Malinga is expected to return in the island nation will play two warm-up later stages of the seven match ODI series games, against South Africa and against New Zealand, which starts in Zimbabwe, before their opening match of Christchurch on Sunday, and was includ- the tournament against co-hosts New ed in the World Cup squad, subject to fit- Zealand on Feb. 14. ness, the Sri Lanka board said in a statement. Squad: The 31-year-old Malinga, whose york- Angelo Mathews (captain), Tillakaratne ers delivered with a sling-shot action at Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela times makes him almost unplayable, will Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne (vice- be crucial for Sri Lanka’s chances in the captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Karunaratne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Zealand. Fast bowler Shaminda Eranga Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga was the only name missing from the 16- (subject to fitness), Dhammika Prasad, member squad that will play in the ODI Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath, series in New Zealand as a warm-up for Sachithra Senanayake.—Reuters CAPE TOWN: South Africa AB de Villiers (center front) forming part of the fifteen member Cricket World Cup 2015 team pose for team photo. —AP p17 2_Layout 1 1/7/15 10:50 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 SPORTS

NEW YORK: In this combination of photos Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz (left to right) speak during their news conferences after being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015. —AP Time to allow Rose back in baseball

LAS VEGAS: Pete Rose didn’t want it to be ting on games, and almost that long since the out by now that selling signed balls with the games, no one questions his numbers as they where he spends most of his afternoons chat- about him, not on a day when four new mem- Hall of Fame adjusted its rules to keep him off inscription “I’m sorry I bet on baseball” isn’t do those of several players who were on the ting with fans and signing merchandise they bers were elected to baseball’s most exclusive the ballot. Rose thought when commissioner going to get him off the banned list. latest Hall of Fame ballots. buy. club. Bart Giamatti issued the ban that it would Yes, he bet on baseball, though he says it Those numbers more than speak for them- A signed 8x10 of Rose sliding head-first Good picks all, Rose said, though he would include a chance to apply for reinstatement, was always on his team to win when he was selves. Rose played more games (3,562) than into third base is $75, while the apology base- have liked to see Mike Piazza get in, too. He but 25 years later there’s been no sign that managing the Cincinnati Reds. And, yes, he any other major leaguer, had more hits than ball goes for $299. For $199 fans can get believes Piazza was the best hitting catcher baseball will welcome him back. continued to deny it until finally admitting it in any other player (4,256). He played in six World another baseball with the inscription “Hits: ever, which says something because Rose Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens may some- a 2004 book that infuriated many in the sport. Series, winning three, and hustled every step 4,256. Steroids: 0” on it. played alongside the best catcher ever in day find their way into the hall despite being But he’d like to hold out a little hope that of the way. He’ll be in Cooperstown this summer as he Johnny Bench on the Big Red Machine. poster boys for the steroid era. Time has a way his lifetime sentence won’t last the rest of his He didn’t pump steroids into his body to hit almost always is, though not for the actual “Let’s talk about them, not me,” Rose said. of healing all wounds, even those that were life. He’d like to think that one January day not more home runs. He never tried to fix a World induction ceremony itself. Like many other for- “Why take away from the four inductees? It self-inflicted, and their monster numbers may too far in the future he will be on a long over- Series; not even a spring training game. mer players, he sets up shop that week to sell would be like those policemen turning their impress some more voters a few years down due Hall of Fame ballot himself. “I’m not eligi- Yes, his original ban was rightly imposed as his merchandise to fans and the sons of fans backs on the mayor at the funerals in New the road. ble, though I’d like to be eligible,” Rose said. a deterrent against someone else trying to fix who once watched him play. It’s good money York.” But time is running out on Rose. He’ll be 74 “I’m the one that messed up, but if I’m ever put games themselves. But after all these years, his on a busy week, and Rose isn’t going to apolo- Invariably, though, the talk returned to in April and there’s been no indication so far on the ballot I’ll be very happy about it.” punishment no longer fits the crime. gize for being there. It’s what he does for a liv- baseball’s all-time hit king. Had to, because from Rob Manfred that he will be any more So would a lot of Pete Rose fans, who can’t Rose watched the latest selections Tuesday, ing, and the reason he finally had to cut short there’s a big gap in Cooperstown where his agreeable to Rose’s reinstatement when he help but wonder why the juicers who made a applauding the election of Pedro Martinez, a conversation about an induction of his own Hall of Fame plaque should be. takes over from Bud Selig as commissioner lat- mockery of the sport are still welcome in base- John Smoltz, Craig Biggio and Randy Johnson that will probably never come. “I’ve got two It’s been a quarter-century since Rose er this month than Selig himself was. ball while Rose is on the outside looking in. No to the hall. He then headed to work at the Art people waiting in line right now,” he said. agreed to a lifetime ban from the sport for bet- Rose understands that. He’s also figured matter how you feel about him betting on of Music collectibles store at the Mandalay Bay “Could be busy day.”—AP

NBA results/standings

Eastern Conference Western Conference Atlantic Division Northwest Division W L PCT GB Portland 27 8 .771 - Toronto 24 10 .706 - Oklahoma City 17 18 .486 10 Brooklyn 16 18 .471 8 Denver 15 20 .429 12 Boston 11 21 .344 12 Utah 12 23 .343 15 Philadelphia 5 28 .152 18.5 Minnesota 5 28 .152 21 NY Knicks 5 32 .135 20.5 Pacific Division Central Division Golden State 27 5 .844 - Chicago 25 10 .714 - LA Clippers 23 12 .657 5.5 Cleveland 19 16 .543 6 Phoenix 21 16 .568 8.5 Milwaukee 18 18 .500 7.5 Indiana 14 22 .389 11.5 Sacramento 14 20 .412 14 Detroit 11 23 .324 13.5 LA Lakers 11 24 .314 17.5

Southeast Division Southwest Division Atlanta 26 8 .765 - Memphis 25 9 .735 - Washington 23 11 .676 3 Dallas 26 10 .722 - Miami 15 20 .429 11.5 Houston 23 11 .676 2 Orlando 13 24 .351 14.5 San Antonio 21 15 .583 5 Charlotte 12 24 .333 15 New Orleans 17 17 .500 8 Czech Republic win women’s biathlon

OBERHOF: The Czech Republic won a between Marine Bolliet, Marie Dorin women’s biathlon World Cup relay yes- Habert, Justine Braisaz and Anais terday, with host Germany finishing Bescond. The Belarus team led by three- 10th. Eva Puskarcikova, Gabriela time Olympic gold medalist Darya Soukalova, Jitka Landova and Veronika Domracheva was third, 1:06.8 behind. Vitkova missed only seven targets and Nadzeya Pisareva had to complete one avoided any penalty rounds before win- penalty round for Belarus. ning the 4x6-kilometer race in 1 hour, Germany got off to a bad start when 16 minutes, 56 seconds. Luise Kummer missed three targets “I was not sure about my shape for and had to undergo a penalty lap. The the first race after Christmas. Early in hosts finished 3:31.0 behind. “All the the race I had a lot of energy, but on excitement and expectation definitely the last loop I was so tired. I just wanted played a role,” the 21-year-old Kummer to see the finish line,” Soukalova said. said, acknowledging the pressure. The France was second, 8.9 seconds men’s 4x7.5K relay is scheduled for behind, with eight missed targets today. —AP

SAN ANTONIO: Spurs’ Cory Joseph (right) passes as Detroit Pistons’ Greg Monroe defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game. —AP Pistons down Spurs

SAN ANTONIO: Detroit scored four points in winning streak to six games. Suns to the win. Isaiah Thomas added 19 and the final 11 seconds, rallying for a 105-104 Drummond and Monroe dominated the Goran Dragic 16 for the Suns, who have victory over the San Antonio Spurs on inside, but it was Jennings who punctuated scored a 100 or more points for nine straight Tuesday. With just eight seconds left, that effort for the Pistons (11-23). San games. Brandon Knight scored 26 and Brandon Jennings collected an errant Antonio point guard Tony Parker played just Giannis Antetokounmpo added 16 for the inbounds pass and drove the length of the 13 minutes in his return from a five-game Bucks, who lost their fourth straight at home. court for the winning basket with 0.1 sec- absence due to a strained left hamstring. The Suns have won nine of the last 11 and onds remaining. opened the four-game road trip with their GERMANY: Veronika Vitkova of Czech Republic (left) celebrates as she crosses the fin- Andre Drummond had 20 points and 17 SUNS 102, BUCKS 96 third consecutive victory. They also upped ish line in front of Anais Bescond of France during the women’s 4x6 kilometers relay rebounds and Greg Monroe added 17 points Markieff Morris scored 26 points and their record to 8-1 over Eastern Conference race at the Biathlon World Cup in Oberhof. —AP and 11 rebounds as the Pistons pushed their grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Phoenix opponents.—Reuters THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 SPORTS Former FIFA ref slams Premier League officials

LONDON: The standards of some Cup final as well as matches in the who himself was on the receiving end “I was with a group of FIFA referees Hackett said of the referees. “At the Premier League referees were “bor- European Championship and Olympic of a reckless challenge,” he said. from Nigeria who watched with moment, these guys are performing dering on appalling” during matches Games in 1988, said on his blog “You “It is unbelievable that a so-called amazement. Do you think I took joy in well below the level.” over the busy holiday period, accord- Are The Ref” he counted “over 20 top referee should make such a mis- that?” Marriner is one of the five refer- However, PGMOL countered that ing to former FIFA referee Keith major errors” during the Christmas take. “I see standards falling. Over the ees identified by Hackett who should the accuracy of decision-making by Hackett, who has named five referees period. Christmas period, it reached stan- no longer officiate Premier League referees in the Premier League was he claims should be dropped. He cited the “stupid” red card dards that were bordering on matches after the end of this season. currently at an all-time high. Their fig- The organisation that controls the shown to Swansea City’s Wayne appalling.” He continued: “There was a As well as Marriner he named Mike ures say accuracy on major decisions referees, Professional Game Match Routledge at Queens Park Rangers by pretty poor performance from Andre Jones, Lee Mason, Chris Foy and Lee was up to 95 percent from 94.1 per- Officials Limited (PGMOL) has reject- Anthony Taylor on New Year’s Day and Marriner in the Manchester City v Probert, who refereed last season’s FA cent, accuracy on decisions in the ed Hackett’s claims, saying standards which has since been overturned, as Everton game (on Dec. 6). First of all, Cup final, adding that his successor as penalty box stood at 98 percent, and had risen since he stepped down as being of particular concern. “The lat- the failure to spot a challenge that the head of PGMOL, Mike Riley, offsides were now 99 percent accu- head in 2010. est big game decision error was the resulted in Sergio Aguero having to should be replaced. rate, compared to 92 percent when Hackett, who refereed the 1981 FA stupid dismissal of Wayne Routledge, go off, then a non-penalty decision. “You can’t live on your reputation,” Hackett left PGMOL.—Reuters Match-fixing scrutiny for Asian Cup matches

SYDNEY: Fears of match-fixing will lurk in the to Malaysia. No suspicious betting patterns years we ponder if there was anything suspi- background at the Asian Cup as the stain of were detected. cious behind it,” Ferguson said. corruption proves hard to shift despite efforts And in November, Saudi club Al Hilal cried “Highly sophisticated logarithmic models to clean up football. foul over their AFC Champions League final derive most betting markets these days,” he While most attention will focus on the big defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers after a added. “There will always be room for human matches in Australia, games between smaller string of penalty appeals were waved away. adjustment on top of that... but particularly teams will also be under scrutiny for potential in-play, the models will accurately predict manipulation by illicit betting rings. ALARM BELLS what each team’s respective chances are. Swiss-based Sportradar, which has a part- Ferguson, a former head of education at “When markets deviate from this and nership with the Asian Football Confederation bookmakers Betfair who runs the Sport is heavy monetary support continues to force (AFC), will monitor for unusual betting pat- Made for Betting website, said the risk of prices further away from numbers derived terns once the tournament starts tomorrow. match-fixing at the Asian Cup was “fairly low”, from databases of tens of thousands of Smaller teams, where players are usually given the event’s high profile and anti-corrup- matches, alarm bells ring.”—AFP paid less, are considered more vulnerable to tion efforts in Australia. match-fixers who may offer them bribes to But organisers will remain on their guard. throw a match. In September, Sportradar said betting pat- “Any time you have meaningless matches, terns showed a strong likelihood of fixed foot- Matches on TV pool games where the result means nothing, ball matches at the Asian Games. (Local Timings) or teams where the players are poorly reward- Elsewhere, Japan’s coach Javier Aguirre will CHINA: In a file picture taken on February 28, 2014, former Lyon and Marseille boss ed... there is a risk,” betting industry expert appear in a Spanish court in February over Alain Perrin (right) talks to a player as he takes part in a training session for China’s Scott Ferguson told AFP. Match-fixing, along accusations of match-fixing in 2011, when he Spain Copa del Rey national football team. —AFP with doping, is one of the biggest threats to was in charge at Zaragoza. the integrity of sport and is fuelled by a multi- Major scandals have been uncovered in Granada V Sevilla 22:00 billion dollar illegal betting industry. many countries in Asia, including China, beIN SPORTS 3 HD Perrin spices up A crackdown on several fronts has yielded where officials were jailed in a mass clean-up, beIN SPORTS 11 HD results, with scandals uncovered in Australia and South Korea, where a player committed and England and a leading suspect now suicide following revelations of fixing in the K- beIN SPORTS 14 HD China challenge detained for more than a year in Singapore. League. But incidents persist, creating the damag- Monitoring betting is a key weapon in the Friday SYDNEY: China are hoping a young line- tures seven players from Guangzhou ing perception that any unusual results-espe- fight against fixed matches, giving an instant Barcelona V Elche 0:00 up and a new coach will bring a change Evergrande, including their captain and cially in hotspot Asia-have been manipulated. indication of whether a shock result is legiti- beIN SPORTS 2 HD of fortunes as they bid to reach the talisman Zheng Zhi, their only represen- Last month, Vietnamese football officials mate or down to foul play. beIN SPORTS 11 HD raised concerns about their own national “Shock results do actually happen, given a Asian Cup knock-out stages for the first tative aged more than 30. beIN SPORTS 14 HD time in more than a decade. Striker Yang Xu was selected along team after their AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final loss large enough sample size. It’s only in recent The world’s most populous nation is with Gao Lin, whose goals helped one of football’s biggest under-achievers Guangzhou win last year’s Champions but recent success at club level provides League as well as a fourth straight a glimmer of hope for Alain Perrin’s side. domestic title this season. China, with a population of 1.3 billion Perrin’s first game in charge was and ever-expanding financial muscle, China’s final qualifier, a 3-1 loss to Iraq in have mystifyingly stalled since reaching March when Zhang Xizhe’s second-half their first and only World Cup in 2002. penalty was enough to see them squeak They came perilously close to missing through on goal difference. their first Asian Cup in 11 editions, but But China have lost only one of their scraped through on goal difference as 10 friendlies since, a 3-1 defeat to Mali, the best-performing third-placed team and have carved out wins against in the qualifying groups. Macedonia, Kuwait, Paraguay and However, Guangzhou Evergrande Thailand. earned respect last year when they Their task looks challenging but not became China’s first winners of the AFC insurmountable in Group B, where they Champions League, shepherded by will compete with Uzbekistan, three- World Cup-winning coach Marcello time winners Saudi Arabia and North Lippi. Korea for one of two quarter-final slots. Now Perrin, formerly of Lyon and However, China’s exclusively home- Portsmouth, will try to steer China past based squad remain largely untested the group stage for the first time since and 1-1 home draws against Jordan 2004, when they reached the final on and New Zealand suggest they may home soil. struggle to break down solid opposi- The 58-year-old Frenchman arrived in tion. “We are not the favorite, we do February at the helm of a side in flux not have the best chance,” Perrin said, after the sacking of expensively hired ex- when asked about China’s Asian Cup Real Madrid and Spain boss Jose chances. “What I know is that the play- Antonio Camacho. ers are ready to give the best they can... Perrin’s first competitive squad fea- anything is possible.” —AFP UAE hoping for safe hands from Naser

DUBAI: There is no question Majed In 2001, he threw a rock at a linesman Naser has the talent to fill the void of and assaulted the referee during a youth BRAZIL: In a file picture taken on June 21, 2014, Iran’s Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz reacts during the Group F football match. —AFP absent United Arab Emirates captain Ali team match for home town side Fujairah Khaseif at the Asian Cup but can the but that did not prevent Al Wasl stepping notoriously hot-headed goalkeeper keep in to sign him a few seasons later. Keeping Queiroz was his cool in the pressure cooker environ- He was handed a 13-match ban for ment? assaulting a linesman in 2007 and then a The 30-year-old Al Ahli stopper, who is further 17 games in 2012 for slapping an also a policeman, has one of the longest opposing manager on the back of the vital for Iran- Dejagah charge sheets in Asian football. From head at the end of a league match, which head-butting opponents, slapping man- led to the 2007 Gulf Cup winner agers, throwing chairs on the field and MELBOURNE: Retaining master coach Carlos the country as well, for the young players Emirates and Qatar. In a regime pressured by announcing his retirement from the even assaulting a referee, Naser has rou- Queiroz was not only a boon for Iran’s because he is a really good coach and I think political and economic sanctions, Iranian game. He swiftly retracted that prema- tinely masked his goalkeeping talents national soccer team but a coup for the he can help the team a lot. authorities have struggled to find willing ture decision but only two months later, with his failure to keep his temper in game in the Middle Eastern nation, accord- “We had the whole world (watching) at opponents for a team who have played just with former Argentina great and fellow check. Foolish behavior indeed by a man ing to midfielder Ashkan Dejagah. the World Cup and we have a good spirit two matches, a 1-0 win over South Korea and hot-head Diego Maradona as his manag- born on April 1. In spite of the issues, Former Portugal and Real Madrid manag- together. Carlos knows what to do. “He’s Sunday’s 1-0 warmup victory over Gulf er, he head-butted an opponent 10 min- UAE coach Mahdi Ali saw fit to include er Queiroz will guide his under-prepared but worked for a lot of big teams, he’s worked neighbours Iraq. utes into a Gulf Club Champions League Naser in his squad for this month’s Asian highly fancied side into the Asian Cup finals with stars. Other Asian Cup finalists have played six Cup in Australia after a year-long ban for final match and was banned for six in Australia, seeking to harness the team So I’m really proud to be a player for him.”I friendlies. Queiroz lamented in an interview spitting at a referee was overturned in months. spirit that won admiration at the World Cup think it’s the same with the other players, I with Australia’s SBS broadcaster on Tuesday November. A new start came with a shock move last year. think we can learn a lot from him and will that his team, the highest-ranked in the tour- A place in the 23 raised questions for to Al Ahli and he played a handful of some but then skipper and first choice Getting Queiroz to commit was tortuous, continue to.” nament at 51 in the world, was the worst games in their title-winning campaign with the coach declaring his relationship prepared of all the finalists. Khaseif pulled out to complete national last term before earning the surprise service just as the team boarded their with Iranian soccer authorities a “one-sided LACK OF FRIENDLIES Dejagah, 28, who switched from English recall for a third Asian Cup after several marriage” when he announced he would The 61-year-old Queiroz has worked with Championship side Fulham to play in Qatar fight to Australia and Naser was sudden- years out of the international fold. ly first choice. “He promised to abide by step down after the tournament in Brazil. Iran since 2011, turning an outfit short of last year, said it was no exaggeration. “We’ve He is expected to start in their Group our rules and training regimes, and that In September, he put pen to paper to the world class talent into a highly disciplined, played just one friendly game to now,” he C opener against Qatar on Sunday before he will keep out of trouble,” Ali said of applause of most Iranian soccer fans and defensive unit that held Argentina at the said. “This is very important to the teams to Naser’s inclusion. matches against Bahrain and Iran and he declared his team had hopes of winning “a World Cup until an outstanding stoppage have friendly games and have good camps. I “We want to benefit from his presence was relishing yet another second chance. medal” at the Asian Cup. time winner by Lionel Messi. don’t know. I was also surprised. Why just and it’s a chance for him to prove that he “It is a new challenge for me,” the “It was really, really important he re- The delay in his signing cramped Iran’s one friendly game, but it’s like that. is up to the responsibility.” Ali’s is a famil- goalkeeper said. “What had happened signed,” Dejagah, one of the team’s highest- preparations, which have also suffered from “If you see the other teams like Qatar, iar statement echoed by many of Naser’s earlier with my behavior is behind me. I profile players, told Reuters in an interview a lack of friendly matches in the lead-up to Emirates, they’ve had a lot of friendly games, previous coaches as they tried to help am looking forward to give my best for before training in Melbourne. the tournament where they will play Group C I think 16 or something. But the team is him following previous indiscretions. my team and my country.” —Reuters “Not just for us but really important for opponents Bahrain, the United Arab ready, we work hard.”—Reuters THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 SPORTS LA Galaxy confirm Gerrard’s arrival

LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Galaxy sport. “Steven will be an excellent example confirmed yesterday that Liverpool captain to our young players and we’re excited to Steven Gerrard will join their roster as a add him and his leadership to an already designated player in July. The 34-year-old talented roster.” midfielder will join up with the Major The Galaxy won their fifth MLS title in League Soccer side at the end of the December and have a vacancy to fill thanks Premier League season, pending receipt of to the retirement of longtime star Landon a visa and international transfer certificate. Donovan. “I’m very excited to begin the next chapter Donovan’s departure left the Galaxy of my career in the United States with LA with a vacant designated-player berth, Galaxy,” Gerrard said on the LA Galaxy web- which they can use to sign high-priced site. stars with relief from salary cap constraints. “The Galaxy are the most successful club Speaking to the Los Angeles Times in an in Major League Soccer history and I am article published on Wednesday, Gerrard looking forward to competing for more described the move as a “match made in championships in the years to come.” heaven”. The terms of the deal were not specified, Galaxy president Klein praised club but Gerrard is believed to have signed an owner Philip Anschutz for helping push 18-month contract, which British media through the move for Gerrard, who is one reports suggest will be worth around £6 of the most iconic players in the globally million ($9.1 million, 7.6 million euros). popular Premier League. Gerrard announced last Friday that he “The LA Galaxy continue to compete for will leave Liverpool at the end of the cur- championships and strive for unparalleled rent campaign, ending a 25-year associa- success each year, and signing Steven is tion with the club that has seen him make another example of Mr. Anschutz’s contin- 696 appearances and score 182 goals. ued commitment to the growth of soccer The move to the Galaxy will reunite him in Los Angeles and North America,” Klein with his old Liverpool team-mate Robbie said. Keane and see him follow in the footsteps Gerrard famously inspired Liverpool to INCHEON: In this Sept. 19, 2014 file photo, Palestinian football players warm-up during a training session at the Asian Games athletes’ village in of former England colleague David glory in the 2005 Champions League final, Incheon. —AP Beckham, who spent five years at the when they came from 3-0 down to beat AC California club. “My discussions with (head Milan on penalties, and has also won two coach) Bruce Arena and (president) Chris FA Cups, three League Cups and the UEFA Klein were extremely positive and the Cup. But he has never won the Premier Palestinian team aim future of the team is very bright,” Gerrard League title, with Liverpool having narrow- added. ly lost out to Manchester City last season. “I am committed to helping the LA He won 119 caps for England and cap- Galaxy compete for trophies and to having tained his country at three major tourna- an impact in Los Angeles and I will give my ments before retiring from international for knockout stage all for the club. football after last year’s World Cup. “In the meantime, I will continue to give In an interview with a British regional everything for Liverpool for the remainder newspaper, Gerrard explained that he had AUSTRALIA: While it didn’t generate anything at previous Asian Games, but in South Korea group Hamas. of this season before joining up with the decided to leave Liverpool after manager remotely like the attention of Germany’s 7-1 they topped a group containing Tajikistan, Israel has cited concerns about possible Galaxy.” Brendan Rodgers told him he was no thrashing of Brazil at the World Cup, the Singapore and Oman. Finishing first was reward- attacks by Palestinian militants as the main rea- Galaxy coach Arena said: “We’re very longer guaranteed a starting place. “I’ve Palestinian team’s 1-0 victory over the ed with a second-round match against Japan, son for sweeping restrictions on movement that pleased to acquire a player of Steven’s cal- never wanted to be a squad player,” Gerrard Philippines in the AFC Challenge Cup final may resulting in a 4-0 defeat. affect most Palestinians, including athletes. iber, experience and character. “He is one of told the Liverpool Echo. “If I was missing have been one of the most significant interna- The senior squad was in good form leading To be competitive, much depends on the the most decorated players in the world games now, I’d be sitting out even more tional football results of 2014. into the trip Down Under, with wins over Taiwan, experience of the Palestinian players who live and will join our team with a wealth of suc- next season. I knew it would get worse and The teams, both outside the top 100, met at India, Pakistan and India in friendlies, a 0-0 draw abroad. Ashraf Nu’man, who scored the only cess playing at the highest level of the worse as time went on.”—AFP the Maldives in May, with the winner guaranteed with China and a 1-0 loss to Uzbekistan. goal of the AFC Challenge Cup final against the a spot at the Asian Cup. And so it was a momen- There have been issues. Not only will the Philippines, plays for Al Faisaly in Saudi Arabia. tous win for the fledgling Palestinian team. team be without the injured Swedish-based “Arab football has improved a lot in the past And that set the newcomers on course for a midfielder Imad Zatara in Australia, but Jamal 10 years, the situation is better in this area than big debut against defending champion Japan at Mahmoud quit as coach in September after in East Asia and this is our dream to go to the Newcastle, Australia, next Monday. three successful years in charge for reasons that World Cup,” the Nu’man told Australia’s SBS net- While the Palestinians are outsiders against are still not completely clear. Al Hamad, who had work. “We watched how the Algerian side played continental heavyweight Japan, subsequent spent the previous two years as technical direc- in the World Cup at a high level and no-one group games against Iraq and Jordan will likely tor for the national federation was appointed as expected that; this is the big dream for us and at be more important in determining whether the the replacement. the same time it’s not impossible.” Cup rookies can surprise a continent by making On top of the changes and challenges of Avoiding defeat in the opening game against the last eight. working with limited facilities, the team must Japan would be considered a major success. The “Japan is the best team in the group,” coach constantly deal with the political and security big game comes against 2007 champion Iraq, a Ahmad Al Hassan said after arriving in Australia. difficulties at home. talented but unpredictable team - as it demon- “The chances of the other three teams, however, All but six players in the 23-man squad are strated when finishing bottom of its group dur- are equal and we will be trying our best to get based in the Palestinian territories. Holding ing November’s Gulf Cup. That failure led the the best results for Palestine.” training camps and traveling overseas has been Iraqi FA to hire a new coach. Following that is a Following victory in the AFC Challenge Cup, problematic due to difficulties obtaining per- group game against Jordan, also getting to grips the Palestinians performed strongly at the Asian mits. The Palestinian federation has complained with a new coach. Former English international Games; a largely under-23 tournament that fea- about Israeli travel restrictions on some of its Ray Wilkins, a one-time midfield star for tures more countries than any other Asian com- players in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, a terri- Manchester United and Milan, was appointed in petition. The Palestinians had never won a game tory ruled by the Palestinian Islamic militant September. —AP

N Korea’s hopes hit by coach ban

SYDNEY: North Korea’s latest flirtation with the Asian Cup threatens to be a brief and potentially tempestuous one with their coach banned over a fist-shaking rant against officials. The North’s footballers famously became media darlings by stunning Italy 1-0 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in 1966, returning to Pyongyang as national heroes. But they could struggle in Australia after Yun Jong-Su was suspended for one year by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for venting his spleen after losing to hosts South Yaya Toure Korea in the final of the Asian Games last October. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has led a propaganda drive aimed at transforming the Yaya Toure heads for isolated country into a “sports superpower”, Kim himself bestowing tactical advice to ath- fourth African award letes and coaches on how to bring glory to the SPAIN: Barcelona’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu gestures during a press conference at the state. North Korea will be making only their Camp Nou stadium. Bartomeu has announced the club will hold a presidential election at the fourth appearance at the Asian Cup, the secre- end of the current season. —AP LAGOS: Manchester City’s Yaya Toure is on have to wait another year to end the tive communist state first entering the compe- course to win a record-equalling fourth drought for Nigeria at the African player of tition in Kuwait in 1980, where they were beat- straight African Player of the Year Award the year award. No Nigerian has won since en in the semi-finals by bitter rivals South Barcelona president calls today. Nwankwo Kanu in 1999. Korea. Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has also Gabon skipper Aubameyang has shone They face a tough Group B opener against elections at end of season won the Confederation of African Football for German club Borussia Dortmund while Uzbekistan in Sydney on January 10, before award four times. But Toure will be the first ensuring his country also qualify for this games against Saudi Arabia and China, but the MADRID: Barcelona president Josep Maria ed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. to get the trophy four years in a row. year’s Cup of Nations. absence of Yun will inevitably cause problems Bartomeu has called club elections for the end of On Monday, Bartomeu sacked sporing director The Ivory Coast skipper is up against They reached the last eight three years three months after their silver medal at the the season in a bid to ease the tension surround- Andoni Zubizarreta and former captain Carles Nigeria captain Vincent Enyeama and ago when they jointly hosted the tourna- Asian Games. ing the embattled Catalan club. Puyol resigned from his position as Zubizarreta’s Gabon star striker Pierre-Emerick ment with Equatorial Guinea. The votes of His tirade of abuse against match officials, Bartomeu took over as president a year ago assistant. Aubameyang for the biggest individual the 54 national coaches in Africa and their after South Korea scored a stoppage-time win- after Sandro Rossell resigned following the con- Barca’s turbulent start to 2015 on and off the accolade in African football. technical directors will decide the winner. ner, unsurprisingly incurred the wrath of the troversial signing of Brazilian striker Neymar pitch began with a shock 1-0 defeat to David “Nigerians would want Vincent to win Algerians Akram Djahnit and El Hedi AFC, who also banned player Kim Yong-Il for which led to the club being accused of tax fraud. Moyes’s Real Sociedad on Sunday after coach Luis the award, but it will be Yaya Toure again,” Belamieri will jostle Firmin Mubele six months for serious misconduct as the red “I have called this press conference to say that Enrique had left nearly 300 million euros of talent, predicted former Nigeria international Ndombe from Democratic Republic of mist descended. we have called elections for the end of the season including Lionel Messi and Neymar on the bench. Jonathan Akpoborie. Congo for the Player of the Year based in North Korea will hope Swiss-based pair Pak “Yaya has been fantastic all through the Africa. to reduce the tension that surrounds the club The two South American stars had only Kwang-Ryong and Cha Jong-Hyok can help year winning the English Premier League Djahnit and Belamieri helped Entente which I think is disproportionate and doesn’t cor- returned to Spain on Friday after being given two steady the rudder, but the fear is the side title with Manchester City. “He has been Setif to win the CAF Champions League, respond to the reality of the club,” Bartomeu said extra days holiday than the rest of the squad dur- could implode as they did at the 2010 World consistent. He drives the Manchester City while Ndombe starred for beaten finalists yesterday. ing the winter break. Cup when a 7-0 pummelling by Cristiano attack. And even when that machinery is AS Vita. “It is better than the mandates are completed, Messi then sparked rumours he could leave Ronaldo’s Portugal capped a miserable tourna- stuck, he scores vital goals that have decid- Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala will be favourite but it is clear that in recent weeks the level of ten- the club he joined at the age of 13 when he ed games in their favour. to be crowned Africa’s woman player for ment. Pyongyang frequently lavishes cars and sion hasn’t been right. We will keep managing missed an open training session with the club’s “He has been the stand-out African play- 2014. The youngster is ahead of apartments on athletes who bring glory to the things as we had prevised and will not change fans on Monday, citing a stomach bug, and then state, but media reports claimed the players er of the past year by a mile.” Toure was piv- Cameroon’s Annette Ndom and compatriot our programme.” “We want to present ourselves followed Chelsea players Thibaut Courtois and and coaching staff who flopped in South otal as Manchester City won the English Desire Oparanozie. for re-election. Things are positive, we started in Flilipe Luis as well as the London club’s official Africa were subjected to a six-hour public Premier League, featured at the World Cup She could also scoop the Youth Player 2010 and we want to continue.” account on the social networking site Instagram. inquisition for “betraying” North Korea’s ideo- even if Ivory Coast disappointed, and Award ahead of fellow Nigerian Sunday Former Barca president Joan Laporta, who logical struggle and punished by being sent to However, Bartomeu strongly denied claims in helped his country reach this month’s Uchechi and Cameroon goalkeeper Fabrice oversaw two Champions League triumphs in his Barcelona sports daily Sport that a request from Africa Cup of Nations finals. Ondoa, who features for the Barcelona work on a building site. North Korea crashed out at the group stage previous spell in charge of the club between 2003 Enrique to discipline the Argentine for missing Toure has made himself the heartbeat of reserves but has now installed himself as and 2010, has been strongly linked with a return the training session had been rejected by the the Manchester City team challenging for his country’s No. 1 shot stopper. at the 2011 Asian Cup but caretaker coach Jo to the top job at the Camp Nou but is yet to for- club. “That story is completely false. Whoever sent the English title and the Champions The Rivers Angels striker has done Tong-Sop, who also led the side in Qatar, mally declare himself as a candidate. it did so with the intention to damage the club.” League. He is also the main inspiration for enough to clinch the award as she was the expects improvement from the side, despite Ivory Coast following the retirement from Most Valuable Player at the Under 20 World the turmoil surrounding his successor. The current board’s mandate was due to run Bartomeu also dismissed suggestions that international football of Didier Drogba. Cup as well as the African Women’s “Physically we weren’t up to standard last until 2016, but Bartomeu has come under fire in Messi could leave the club having signed a new Enyeama has been a consistent per- Championship in Namibia last year. Ndom time,” said Jo. “It is important for us to show recent weeks after Barca’s appeal against a one- contract to keep him at the Camp Nou until 2018 former for Lille and Nigeria, but the best won a league and cup double with Rivers we have developed and improved on the year transfer ban by FIFA for irregularities in the in May. “Messi had a contract until 2018. He is goalkeeper in France for year 2014 may Angels this year.—AFP weaknesses of our side in 2011.” —AFP signing of players under the age of 16 was reject- happy and content, so we are calm.”—AFP Perrin spices up Palestinian China challenge team aim for knockout stage

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 201518 19 Smith joins greats as Aussies pressure India Page 16

DOHA: Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball to Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine during the Qatar ATP Open Tennis tournament. — AP Djokovic eases into Qatar q-finals

DOHA: World number one Novak Djokovic took a sig- focus and nicely controlled aggression. “I have never when they are presented and also be prepared for at Seventh seed Karlovic fired 17 aces in a straight sets nificant step towards winning a tournament in the played here before but I shall definitely be coming back least one tie-break.” Djokovic’s performance on win over Nikoloz Basilashvili, a qualifier from Georgia, opening week of the season for the first time in eight next year,” said the man who is playing in the first week Wednesday was not perfect. which carried him to a career total of 9,041. years when he brushed aside the challenge of Sergiy of the ATP World Tour for only the third time. “And I’m Several times he turned his head away in irritation That is not only the most aces of any active player Stakhovsky. feeling better.” after mistiming with his ground strokes. But he always but Karlovic is now a mere 33 behind Andy Roddick, the The Serbian’s 6-2, 6-1 win over the Ukrainian carried That medical news is probably the most important rectified the damage, and often dealt with Stakhovsky’s former US Open champion whose total is the second him to the quarter-finals of the Qatar Open and enabled piece of progress for the man who has won the net rushes with calmly venomous counter-punching, highest of all time. him to avoid a potential banana skin, especially in the Australian Open four times and very much wants to win making volleying a hazardous business. For Karlovic to overtake that this week may be asking aftermath of the illness which almost prevented him the title back this month after his shock loss to Stan By the second set his confidence was growing and a little too much, but achieving it this month looks very competing, Wawrinka in last year’s quarter-finals. by the fourth game the outcome was no longer in possible. Stakhovsky, who likes to attack the net much more Djokovic next faces Ivo Karlovic for a place in the doubt. Djokovic held for 4-1 with two aces and returned The greatest ace cruncher of all time is Karlovic’s than is fashionable these days, is unusually dangerous semi-finals. “The key is to try to get as many returns serve well enough in the following game to pressure Croatian compatriot Goran Ivanisevic, the former when the adrenaline is flowing, and is best known for back in play,” Djokovic said of facing the big-serving Stakhovsky into self-destructive ground stroke errors. Wimbledon champion, with 10,183. his upset of Roger Federer at Wimbledon 18 months Croat. He ended with first service statistics showing that he “It’s my ambition to overtake Goran before I retire,” ago. “Also there will probably be some games where he’s had landed 66 percent of them in court, winning 85 per- the 35-year-old said, grinning broadly. Third-seeded On yesterday though there were only brief moments going to serve two, three aces. “I have to accept that, cent of the points when he did. His capacity to do that Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic eased past Blaz when something like that seemed possible-in the sev- but these particular matches, when you play somebody made him formidably solid once he was in front. Kavcic of Slovenia 6-1, 6-2 while Spanish fourth seed enth game when Stakhovsky earned three break back that serves that well, one of the best all-time servers in Djokovic finished with an imperious drive volley, a David Ferrer defeated compatriot Fernando Verdasco 6- points and might have pulled the first set back to parity. tennis history, then you just need to wait and be patient big smile, and some words in Serbian to a group of flag- 3, 6-2. — AFP But Djokovic played all three of them with excellent and hope that you can capitalise on the opportunities waving supporters which brought a raucous response. Nishikori Wawrinka defeats Coric CHENNAI: Top seed Stanislas Wawrinka with a break in the 10th game and then opened his campaign in the new sea- broke the 18-year-old Ymer again in the downs son with a 6-1, 6-4 demolition of sixth game of the second set to clinch teenager Borna Coric of Croatia to victory. cruise into the ATP Chennai Open quar- “I think I played a good match,” said Johnson ter-finals yesterday. The Swiss world Muller. “I was in control and did not number four gave the 18-year-old Coric allow him many openings. It’s nice to a tennis lesson as he began the defence start the year this way.” BRISBANE: Japanese star Kei going on.” Nishikori said his success of his title in the $450,000 event on the Fourth seed David Goffin of Belgium Nishikori enjoyed a solid start to in 2014 had given him a huge centre court of the Numgambakkam overcame a mid-match loss of form to the year when he downed boost heading into the new sea- Tennis Centre. struggle past Richardas Berankis of American Steve Johnson 6-4, 7-5 in son. Wawrinka, who was among the top Lithuania in three sets 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 the second round of the Brisbane “I have a lot of confidence on four seeds given a bye into the second (7/1). International yesterday. Fifth seed the court because I feel more com- round, showed no signs of rustiness Having romped through the first set Nishikori, who received a first fortable,” he said. “My strokes, and against the 95th-ranked Croatian, the in 16 minutes, Goffin suddenly began round bye, was never in any real my serve is getting better. “Outside youngest player in the top 100. making unforced errors from the base- trouble against Johnson despite of the court maybe it’s different Wawrinka ran up a 5-0 lead in the line and served erratically to allow being made to work hard for the than before, but on the court it’s first set and broke Coric in the seventh Berankis to draw level. win. always same what I have to do-just game of the second set to win, but not The 22nd-ranked Goffin failed to Nishikori enjoyed a break- try to concentrate on what I have before he had wasted four match hold his serve while serving for the through year in 2014, winning four to do, like good preparation and points with lazy returns from the base- match at 5-3 in the decider, but played tournaments and making the final good practice and play just 100 line. the tie-breaker well to move ahead. of the US Open. He broke the percent on the court.” BRISBANE: Kei Nishikori of Japan reacts after winning a point in “I am really happy to start this way,” “I really don’t know what went American once in each set and The world number five will now his match against Steve Johnson of the US during the Brisbane said Wawrinka, who will defend his wrong,” the 24-year-old Goffin said. “I faced just two break points on his take on either Bernard Tomic or International tennis tournament. — AP Australian Open title later in the month. was myself surprised by my high level own serve early in the second. Thanasi Kokkinakis in the quarter- which saw momentum swing back the quarter-finals after the “I played a solid, aggressive match. I of play in the first set, but then a bad made him run around and my back- service game at the start of the second Afterwards he gave himself a finals. Fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov and forth between the two, who Slovakian upset seventh seed and hand worked well. This is a good sign set made it difficult for me. “Probably it pass mark for his first outing in was given a huge scare by regularly practice together. former finalist Alexandr and very satisfying. was my first match of the season and 2015.”I thought it was pretty good-I Frenchman Jeremy Chardy before Chardy had two match points Dolgopolov 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (9/7). “For sure Coric is a good player. He is my legs were not ready. served really well, I think. I saved a scraping through 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 but couldn’t convert either, then In the women’s draw, seventh young and has already made his mark. But I am sure I will play better on couple of break points with good (10/8). saved two himself before Dimitrov seed Carla Suarez Navarro came It was not easy out there. That is why I Friday. I just have to be consistent.” serves, and had a couple of aces,” Chardy was a clear frontrunner finally clinched the match in two back from losing the first set to am happy with the way I played today.” Goffin’s quarter-final opponent will be Nishikori said. “He was hitting good in the first set, with his booming hours 28 minutes. down Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 5-7, 6-3, Wawrinka will next play eighth seed Austrian Andreas Haider-Maurer, who serves, so it was really tough to forehand wreaking havoc, before “We practice together so there 6-4, while qualifying lucky loser Alla Gilles Muller of Luxembourg for a place came from behind to oust Jiri Vesely of return them, but maybe I could be the Bulgarian clawed his way back are no secrets when it comes to Kudryavtseva continued her good in the semi-finals. the Czech Republic 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 6-4. a little bit better with my return in the second. He broke Chardy’s each other’s game,” Dimitrov said. run when she beat Czech Karolina Muller, 31, still looking for his first The tournament, a warm-up for the game. serve in the ninth game then held “He played an outstanding set-and- Pliskova 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Estonia’s Kaia title after 14 years on the circuit, Australian Open in Melbourne from “But it’s my first tournament, to level the match at a set apiece. a-half but I stayed positive Kanepi, the 2012 champion, beat brushed aside Swedish teenager Elias January 19, will earn the winner on first match of the year, so I tried to Games went with serve in the throughout the match.” American qualifier Madison Ymer 6-4, 6-2 in an hour and 19 min- Sunday $73,400 and 250 ranking play a little better as the match was third, ensuring a dramatic tiebreak Dimitrov plays Martin Klizan in Brengle 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). — AFP utes. Muller wrapped up the first set points. — AFP GCC markets end 2014 on a weaker footing

Page 22 Business Workers: The poor orphans of the US economic boom THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 Page 25 European airlines ‘cannot keep up’: Qatar KD 1 million Al-Danah draw today at Grand Avenue Airways chief Page 26 Page 23

ATHENNS: A man walks in front of the national library of Greece in Athens yesterday. Greece’s borrowing rate soared above the symbolic level of 10 percent as investors shunned the bond over fears the country could leave the euro- zone if an anti-austerity party wins a January 25 election. —AFP Euro-zone in deflation territory ECB faces challenge as prices plunge

BRUSSELS: The euro-zone slipped into deflationary territo- European Central Bank to act more boldly to prop up the reverse the trend quickly. The usually cautious ECB has gram at its policy meeting later this month,” Loynes said. ry for the first time since 2009 after prices dropped in single currency. already cut interest rates to all-time lows but is now consid- “But it’s too late to save the eurozone from a period of December, official figures showed yesterday, challenging The European Commission insisted yesterday that “tem- ering the possibility of large-scale purchases of sovereign deflation - and possibly a long and damaging one,” he the ECB to take action to avert a new economic crisis in porary negative” prices were different from true long-term debt, so-called “quantitative easing” or QE. added. The European Union’s data agency Eurostat also Europe. deflation. In a deflationary spiral, businesses and house- reported that unemployment remained at 11.5 percent in Inflation in the single currency area was at minus 0.2 holds delay purchases, throttling demand, triggering reces- Low oil prices November, unchanged from October, though the actual percent last month, dragged down by plummeting oil sion and causing companies to lay off workers. Energy prices in the euro-zone, which added Lithuania number of job-seekers increased for the third month run- prices and signalling big problems ahead with renewed cri- Spokeswoman Annika Breidthardt said low inflation on January 1, sank a huge 6.3 percent in December, greater ning. The rise indicated “that prolonged muted euro-zone sis in debt-plagued Greece also on the horizon. World would “continue for the short term, but we expect it to pick than a fall of 2.6 percent a month earlier, when inflation economic activity and recent more fragile business confi- stocks nosedived and the euro struck nine-year lows up again once the economy gradually strengthens and was a still positive 0.3 percent. Oil prices have plummeted dence are currently weighing down on labor markets,” said against the dollar this week on renewed fears of a Greek wages rise.” in recent weeks, as OPEC maintains its production levels Howard Archer, chief economist at IHS Global Insight. The exit from the eurozone if poll-leading leftists win snap elec- Analysts were more pessimistic, however. “December’s despite weak demand. euro-zone added 34,000 job-seekers in November, reach- tions this month in Athens. The last time consumer prices sharp drop ... could herald the start of a prolonged and All other sectors were stable, with prices in the food and ing 18.39 million, though this was down 522,000 from a fell in October 2009 was at the height of the global finan- damaging bout of deflation in the currency union, which beverage sector as well as industrial goods unchanged. But year ago and below the record of just over 19 million cial crisis. may in turn threaten to re-ignite the region’s debt crisis,” even at stable levels, inflation remains well below the ECB reached in June 2013. said Jonathan Loynes, economist of Capital Economics in target of just under two percent, and bank head Mario The jobs picture was alarmingly varied across the euro- Analysts pessimistic London. Draghi will be under pressure to act. zone with Germany at a near-record low 4.9 percent and Amid the instability, the first confirmed sign of a fall in Deflation is officially defined by prices falling over a pro- “Overall, the inflation figures pile yet more pressure Greece at a lower but still very high 25.7 percent, according consumer prices since the last crisis could force the longed period, and the ECB is now under pressure to onto the ECB to deliver a sizeable quantitative easing pro- to the latest data available. — AFP Dubai leads gains as Oil plunge a ‘golden Gulf markets rebound opportunity’ for Asia SINGAPORE: The plunge in crude prices will give a much- the window of opportunity and face public resistance to needed boost to Asia’s oil-guzzling economies and provides removal of fuel subsidies if oil prices strengthen significantly MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS governments a “golden opportunity” to implement crucial in future years”. Previous efforts in Indonesia to slash fuel sub- structural reforms such as cutting expensive energy subsidies, sidies sparked violent protests, but the country’s new presi- DUBAI: Most Gulf stock markets rebounded yesterday after suf- ery on strong trading volume. Earlier this week, it fell 8.6 percent. analysts say. A slowdown in the key export markets of Europe, dent Joko Widodo has vowed to tackle the problem despite fering sharp losses earlier in the week because of the renewed Shares in blue-chip real estate developer Emaar Properties China and Japan, the end of US stimulus measures, and an risks to his popularity. slide in oil prices. Brent futures have fallen more than 10 per- jumped 5.4 percent while builder Arabtec Holding surged 8.9 expected US rate hike-fuelling a flight of foreign cash in Widodo, who took office in October, wants the money cent this week to their lowest levels since the spring of 2009, percent. “I think what’s happening now is because of the exces- search of better returns-has left some governments having to diverted to overhauling infrastructure and helping the coun- and briefly dropped below $50 per barrel yesterday. However, sive sell-offs that we have seen in the last few days,” said Ali make tough decisions to get back on track. But experts say try’s poorest. An attempt by former Indonesian president some investors have decided that Gulf equities are oversold Adou, portfolio manager at The National Investor in Abu Dhabi. lower oil prices would ease inflationary pressures throughout Suharto to reduce the subsidies triggered riots that helped and have now returned to the markets as buyers, temporarily at “Definitely, lower oil prices will affect the region but if you much of Asia, allowing many central banks to either keep end his three-decade dictatorship in 1998. least. take into account the valuations, companies are already trading monetary policy on hold or reduce interest rates. India also experienced similar protests in the past when it Saudi Arabia’s main index rose 0.9 percent with most stocks at cheap multiples.” And the Asian Development Bank last month said devel- tried to cut the subsidies-diverted government funds used to in the black, including petrochemical producers such as Saudi But investors will need some time to get used to oil’s volatili- oping countries could see an additional 0.5 percentage point artificially keep fuel prices low. Basic Industries, the kingdom’s biggest listed company, which ty after three years of stable and high prices, he said. Some said of growth on average this year if oil prices remain low. Removing the payouts allows market forces to determine added 1.6 percent. Trading turnover has increased to active lev- the bourses’ rebound could be short-lived. “I don’t think this is an However reforms are needed, analysts say, and among the prices and free them from political manipulation. The softer els in the past two trading days, a positive technical sign. indication of a change of trend,” most crucial and controversial is the removal of fuel subsidies, crude prices will also provide some respite for the region’s oil- Retailer Jarir Marketing edged up 0.4 percent after it report- said Sanyalak Manibhandu, manager of research at Abu which in the past been the catalysts for sometimes violent reliant economies, facing global headwinds from slowing in ed a 25.5 percent jump in fourth-quarter net profit and a strong Dhabi’s NBAD Securities. “This is a bit of a bounce in a continuing protests across the spectrum, from the impoverished to the their key export markets. rise in revenues - results that were in line with analyst estimates downtrend.” More sustainable gains could occur ahead of corpo- region’s growing middle class. Biswas said “most of the Asian economies are large net and indicated that lower oil prices have not so far hurt the over- rate dividend announcements which will start coming in closer While global equity markets are being strafed by a contin- importers of oil and gas, and will benefit from lower oil import all Saudi economy. to the end of January, he said. uing slump in the prices of black gold-they have fallen more costs and significantly reduced fuel costs for consumers”. Riyadh-based Albilad Capital maintained its “overweight” rec- Abu Dhabi’s index gained 2.6 percent, Qatar rose 0.7 percent than 50 percent since June to five-and-a-half-year lows-ana- “This positive boost helps to mitigate the negative effects ommendation for Jarir on Wednesday and forecast 2015 net and Kuwait edged up 0.4 percent. lysts said countries should grab the opportunity and move of China’s moderating growth rate and Japan’s slump back profit growth at 27.5 percent, saying: “We do not expect a signifi- Shares in Kuwait’s Al Qurain Holding tumbled their daily 10 now. into recession in late 2014,” he said. cant impact from lower oil prices in 2015 as the government percent limit after the firm’s shareholders decided to delist it Malaysia, Indonesia and India have already made cut to Analysts expect India, Asia’s third largest economy, to be a sustains its huge investment in mega infrastructure projects.” from the bourse, disappointed with the stock’s performance. the populist but economically disastrous subsidies, which major beneficiary as it imports nearly 80 percent of its oil Kuwait’s market underperformed the region last year, partly have contributed to government fiscal deficits. Shang-Jin Wei, needs. Like China and South Korea, the lower prices should UAE because of investors’ frustration with the slow implementation chief economist at the Manila-based ADB, said in a statement keep inflation in check and allow the central bank to imple- Dubai’s bourse, which had suffered more than others of development projects. Another local firm, Pearl of Kuwait Real that easing oil prices “present a golden opportunity” for oil- ment much-needed interest rate cuts with less fear of stoking because it is traditionally volatile and many investors are lever- Estate, will delist on January 25. Egypt’s bourse was closed for importing countries to introduce the reforms. inflation. Among the top winners is the airline sector, while aged, closed 4.4 percent higher at 3,600 points in a broad recov- the Coptic Christmas holiday. — Reuters And Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific chief economist at global shipping and energy-intensive heavy manufacturing indus- consultancy IHS, warned if they fail to move, leaders “will miss tries such as steel will benefit across the region. — AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 BUSINESS GCC markets end 2014 on a weaker footing

NBK ECONOMIC REPORT

KUWAIT: GCC equity markets ended GCC markets got off to a strong due correction, triggered mainly by in 2014. The rise in volumes was par- 2014 on a weaker footing than at the start in 2014. A positive economic growing security concerns in Iraq ticularly significant in UAE and Qatar start of the year. Supported by a favor- outlook and the strong fiscal positions but also by other country and mar- as fresh liquidity entered these mar- able economic outlook, regional mar- of most GCC economies supported by ket specific factors. Nevertheless, by kets in anticipation of the MSCI kets rallied during most of the year. high oil prices made these regional the end of 3Q14, GCC equities upgrade. GCC daily traded volumes However, the decline in oil prices later markets attractive, especially when seemed to still be heading towards averaged $2.8 billion in 4Q14, up 56 in the year sent global and GCC mar- compared to emerging economies registering a solid performance for percent compared to 4Q13. the year with year- to- date (ytd) gains reaching 50 percent and 32 Kuwait equities percent for UAE and Qatar respec- The performance of the local tively and 23 percent for the S&P bourse in 2014 was more or less in GCC index. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 line with regional peers. However, the and the S&P emerging markets index rally and the 4Q14 correction were were up a mere 7 percent and 3 per- less pronounced than in most of the cent, respectively. other markets. The value-weighted index closed the year down 3.1 per- Oil price impact cent. Smaller caps took a harder hit as The sharp decline in oil prices later evident in the performance of the in the year led to a more serious cor- price-index which was off 13.4 per- rection in 4Q14, wiping out most of cent in 2014. The market’s capitaliza- the gains made earlier in 2014. With tion shed more than KD 250 million to oil prices falling by as much as 50 per- close the year at KD 29.5 billion. cent, worries about fiscal positions, Volumes were also lower in 2014 com- breakeven oil prices and the impact pared to the year before. On a more on government spending became the positive note, foreign interest in the focus of GCC investors and took a toll local market saw a notable improve- on regional markets. The S&P GCC ment, thanks to an increase in shed 18 percent in the last quarter of Kuwait’s weight in some “frontier mar- the year as a result. Markets also ket” benchmarks. became jittery in the last quarter of KSE had been making some decent the year with unusually large daily gains for most of 2014 supported by a changes. Market volatility in 4Q14 positive economic outlook. Economic increased evidently in comparison to growth is expected to maintain an the previous three quarters of the accelerating trend thanks to the gov- year. All GCC markets were down in ernment’s spending plans and the 4Q14, though not all were hurt equal- implementation of the new five-year ly. Losses ranged between 21 percent development plan. Before the correc- in Dubai to 4 percent in Bahrain. tion brought about by the decline in Higher valuations in some markets are oil prices, the value-weighted index likely to have contributed to some of was up 9 percent and the market had the variance in the correction of GCC gained more than KD 3 billion in capi- markets. For example, the Dubai talization. index had increased by 50 percent In 4Q14, all indices lost ground as during the first three quarters of the the drop in oil prices became more year compared to a more modest 18 sustained. The value-weighted index percent in Bahrain. and the K15 retreated 11.2 percent Volatility also seems to explain the and 12 percent, respectively. The price variance in the size of losses incurred index was down 14.3 percent. The by regional markets in the last quarter unimpressive corporate profit results of 2014. Most regional markets have for 3Q14 only put further pressure on historically had similar volatilities. In the market. contrast, Dubai has always exhibited Performance across the various higher levels of volatility which seem sectors was mixed. The consumer to provide some explanation for that goods and insurance sectors were the market’s more pronounced reaction best performers, both up 11.3 percent to the drop in oil prices. on the year. Meanwhile, telecommuni- Fiscal strength also seems to cation stocks saw the weakest per- explain why some markets were more formance, off 17.7 percent. The bank- affected by the recent correction. ing sector closed the year up 0.8 per- Generally, markets with more abun- cent. dant reserves as measured by net Trading volumes also declined in reserves as a percent of GDP, includ- 2014. The value of traded shares ing Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait, recorded a daily average of KD 29 mil- which provided them with buffers lion in 2014, down 44 percent from against a period of lower oil prices, 2013’s average. saw less pronounced declines than The year appeared to benefit from those with weaker fiscal positions, a decent increase in inflows of foreign particularly Dubai and Oman. money into the market. The monthly volumes data reveals that the share of Market reactions non-Kuwaiti buyers averaged 15 per- The importance of oil and gas cent in the first eleven months of the companies in individual equity mar- year compared to a 9 percent average kets also appeared to explain some of in 2013. Data for December is not yet the variance in the magnitude of mar- available. One factor was the fact that ket reactions. This was particularly vis- Kuwait’s share of some “frontier mar- ible in Saudi Arabia, where oil and gas ket” benchmarks increased, a conse- companies account for 19 percent of quence of the UAE and Qatar becom- market capitalization; as a result, ing “emerging markets”. Saudi equities saw the second worst performance after Dubai. The Omani Positive steps market also has a relatively high con- The year saw some positive steps centration of oil and gas companies, towards improving the governance which might explain its rank as the and regulatory structure of Kuwait’s kets on a major correction eroding that continued to show signs of weak- third worst performer. By contrast, financial markets. Revisions to the most of their gains. The S&P 500 is up ness. Regional markets also received a Bahrain saw the smallest market bylaws of the Capital Market a mere 1 percent on the year, a far cry strong boost from the decision by decline despite having one of the Authority (CMA) and a new gover- from the 23 percent gain it registered MSCI to upgrade the UAE and Qatar to weakest fiscal positions, thanks in part nance law have been seen as positive during the first three quarters of the “emerging market” status from “fron- to a more diversified economy and moves that will improve the overall year. GCC markets’ capitalization tier markets. having no listed oil and gas compa- attractiveness of the market, encour- stood at $1 trillion having added $89 By mid-year, markets went nies. aging new investment and engender- billion in 2014. through what was seen as an over- Liquidity in the market picked up ing confidence in the market.

EXCHANGE RATES

Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 South African Rand 0.019131 0.027631 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Thai Bhat 9.885 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001860 0.002440 Turkish Lira 131.225 Taiwan 0.009126 0.009306 Japanese Yen 2.460 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Thai Baht 0.008636 0.009186 Indian Rupees 4.658 Australian Dollar 231.31 229.31 Canadian Dollar 253.86 254.86 Pakistani Rupees 2.913 Arab Swiss Franc 295.89 293.89 Bahrain Exchange Company Srilankan Rupees 2.227 Bahraini Dinar 0.774840 0.782840 Nepali Rupees 2.908 Euro 353.27 354.27 US Dollar 294.65 297.65 Egyptian Pound 0.038789 0.041889 Singapore Dollar 224.280 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Iranian Riyal 0.000081 0.000083 Hongkong Dollar 37.933 Sterling Pound 450.33 453.33 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000195 0.000255 Bangladesh Taka 3.763 Japanese Yen 2.51 2.53 Belgian Franc 0.007673 0.008673 Jordanian Dinar 0.411385 0.418885 Philippine Peso 6.605 Bangladesh Taka 3.775 4.045 British Pound 0.439006 0.448006 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Thai Baht 8.946 Indian Rupee 4.631 4.931 Czech Korune 0.004648 0.016648 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.229 2.664 Lebanese Pound 0.000146 0.000246 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Danish Krone 0.042960 0.047960 Nepali Rupee 2.898 3.433 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024055 0.048055 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Euro 0.344064 0.352064 Pakistani Rupee 2.928 2.790 Nigerian Naira 0.001198 0.001833 Norwegian Krone 0.034012 0.039212 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 80.07 80.53 Omani Riyal 0.759044 0.764724 Bahraini Dinar 782.03 784.10 Romanian Leu 0.084488 0.084488 Qatar Riyal 0.080195 0.081408 Saudi Riyal 78.498 Slovakia 0.008642 0.018642 Qatari Riyal 80.871 Egyptian Pound 41.08 41.68 Saudi Riyal 0.077910 0.078610 Swedish Krona 0.033159 0.038159 Omani Riyal 764.880 Jordanian Dinar 418.66 424.31 Syrian Pound 0.001747 0.001967 Swiss Franc 0.284537 0.294736 Bahraini Dinar 781.850 Omani Riyal 764.12 771.42 Tunisian Dinar 0.153410 0.161410 UAE Dirham 80.166 Qatari Riyal 81.14 81.69 Turkish Lira 0.126100 0.133100 Turkish Lira 0.126100 0.133100 Saudi Riyal 78.49 78.89 UAE Dirhams 0.079214 0.080363 ARAB COUNTRIES Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001330 0.001410 Egyptian Pound - Cash 42.250 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australian Dollar 0.229343 0.240843 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 41.069 New Zealand Dollar 0.221822 0.231322 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.374 America Tunisian Dinar 158.880 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Canadian Dollar 0.243646 0.252146 Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 415.430 US Dollar 291.750 US Dollars 0.290450 0.295150 Canadian Dollar 260.085 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.975 US Dollars Mint 0.290950 0.295150 Sterling Pound 456.630 CurrencyTransfer Rate (Per 1000) Syrian Lira 2.098 Euro 366.500 US Dollar 293.950 Morocco Dirham 330.620 Swiss Frank 303.035 Asia Bangladesh Taka 0.003452 0.004052 Euro 351.450 Bahrain Dinar 775.760 Pound Sterlng 447.150 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 79.330 Chinese Yuan 0.046010 0.049510 Canadian Dollar 249.900 US Dollar Transfer 294.250 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035892 0.038642 Euro 358.130 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Indian Rupee 0.004343 0.004744 Indian Rupee 4.650 Sterling Pound 459.320 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Egyptian Pound 41.095 Canadian dollar 255.980 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Japanese Yen 0.002403 0.002583 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.223 Turkish lira 126.180 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Kenyan Shilling 0.003278 0.003278 Bangladesh Taka 3.749 Swiss Franc 300.260 Indian Rupees 4.716 Korean Won 0.000258 0.000273 Philippines Peso 6.528 Australian Dollar 243.640 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Malaysian Ringgit 0.079957 0.085957 Pakistan Rupee 2.920 US Dollar Buying 293.050 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 Nepalese Rupee 0.003011 0.003181 Bahraini Dinar 782.700 Philippines Pesso 6.481 UAE Dirham 80.050 GOLD Cyprus pound 715.865 Pakistan Rupee 0.002760 0.003040 20 gram 238.100 Japanese Yen 3.480 Philippine Peso 0.006500 0.006780 Saudi Riyal 78.500 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 10 gram 121.740 Syrian Pound 2.710 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 61.560 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Singapore Dollar 0.217558 0.223558 BUSINESS THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 Price fall to push oil industry into ‘recession’

NEW YORK: The oil price plunge will force energy ate across other industries. US Steel plans to lay off projects more modest declines in spending in Asia But Societe Generale Tuesday slashed its earn- companies to slash capital spending in North hundreds of workers due to lower petroleum indus- and Latin America. ings estimates for oil services companies, predicting America, Europe and Asia in 2015, investment bank try demand for pipes, a union source said Tuesday. Investment in Russia will be trimmed by 10 per- that “the oversupply situation will pressure the oil- Evercore IS said Tuesday. About 750 workers are expected to lose their jobs, cent or more due to lower prices as well as interna- field environment well into 2016.” But investment will continue to rise in Africa and according to US media. Evercore said the oil indus- tional sanctions on Russia. However, Middle East Oil-services companies Halliburton (-0.9 per- the Middle East as producers in those areas seek to try is contending with lower cashflow and a lack of capital spending is expected to rise 15 percent, with cent), Schlumberger (-2.1 percent) and Weatherford boost long-term output in the flooded global oil access to capital. Independents are especially vul- Saudi Arabia proceeding with a number of high- International (-0.7 percent) continued to drop market. Evercore estimated that oil companies nerable. As a result, companies are cutting back cost natural gas projects and Kuwait working to Tuesday in parallel with crude prices. would cut spending on exploration and production especially in high-cost Arctic drilling and in boost its crude output to four million barrels a day Evercore’s projections were based on replies to a globally this year by 10-15 percent, and by 25-30 Canadian oil sands projects, as well as on some US in 2020 from about three million now. survey on company spending plans that was begun percent in North America. “To sum it up, a sharp shale ventures. Arctic projects require oil prices of The report said African spending would rise by in November, when the US price was still above $70 recession is coming to the global oilfield,” said about $115-122 a barrel to break even, while six percent in 2015, thanks to strong investment in a barrel. James West, an oilfield services analyst at Canadian oil sands and deepwater developments Angola and Algeria. Survey responses showed 2015 capital spending Evercore, after surveying 300 global oil and gas can require $90 a barrel. Many US shale develop- declining by 11 percent in North American and 2.1 companies on their 2015 spending plans. The ments can withstand a somewhat lower price, but Oil services slump percent in international markets. However, West report shows the impact of the steep drop in oil Evercore said a sustained fall to $60 a barrel or The Evercore report showed a sector grappling said because oil prices have continued to sink since prices. US oil prices Tuesday closed at $47.93, down below would force companies to curtail operations. with uncertainty at how low oil prices would fall the survey was launched, its numbers “grossly” from nearly $107 in June. and for how long. Companies in the sector based underestimate the scale of likely spending cuts. The London benchmark, Brent crude, has fallen Spending their capital budgets on an average 2015 price of Indeed, in December 15 companies revised from $115 a barrel to less than $52 Tuesday. Evercore also expects capital spending in Europe $78 a barrel, implying the industry sees a rally in down their capital spending plans by an average of The oil-price crash is also beginning to reverber- to fall by 20 percent due to cuts in the North Sea. It crude prices later in 2015. 38 percent. — AFP Oil to fall until major Asian firms feel benefit

SINGAPORE: Oil prices will continue to credit crunch crisis in 2008-09. Another drag drop as high production meets weak on oil comes from the dollar. With the US demand and a strong US dollar pressures Federal Reserve expected to raise interest crude, and markets will only pick up once rates this year for the first time since 2006, major manufacturing economies particular- supported by healthy growth, the dollar is ly in Asia feel the benefit of cheaper energy. likely to keep strengthening, putting more Oil prices have halved since last June to pressure on oil markets as European and near 6-year lows as economic growth stut- Asian currencies fall. ters, and analysts say that a building supply glut means prices are set to fall further BOON FOR CONSUMERS before any rebound. While the immediate outlook for oil On the supply side, downward pressure remains weak, analysts say cheaper fuel on oil has come from a boom in US shale oil costs for households and businesses should output and, more recently, by the at some point support demand, especially Qatar Airways flight stewardesses pose for a photo on a newAirbus A350XWB at the Doha international airport in Doha yesterday. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting in manufacturing-led economies. Countries’ (OPEC) decision not to cut output “The collapse in oil prices looks set to in support of prices, and instead try to wipe out the Gulf’s external surpluses next European airlines ‘cannot defend market share against North year, leaving China and the euro-zone as American shale by offering discounts. the world’s major surplus economies,” “The risks to oil prices remain skewed to Capital Economics said in December. the downside in the near term,” ANZ Bank Citi noted that lower oil prices could save keep up’: Qatar Airways chief said yesterday. “(US) shale producers won’t China more than 1 percent of GDP on start feeling the pinch for another six imports, helping boost consumption. In months. In addition, there is the prospect of Japan, cheaper fuel costs will not only ben- further supply increases from highly efit large industry, but also help reduce an Airline to cut surcharge following oil price drop stressed OPEC members such as Libya, enormous deficit, triggered in part by soar- Nigeria and Venezuela, which could place ing fuel imports following the shutdown of further downward pressure on prices,” the its nuclear power plants after the 2011 DOHA: Qatar Airways chief Akbar Al-Baker boast- bank added. Fukushima reactor meltdown. ed yesterday that European carriers “cannot keep There’s also more oil in the system as For India, Asia’s No.3 economy, lower oil up” with competition from Gulf carriers, as his fast- slowing economies are using less and as imports will also be a boon. “Growth growing airline welcomed the first Airbus A350 energy efficiency improves. In Asia, Japan is prospects have improved ... as lower oil plane. Doha-based Qatar Airways, along with battling recession, while in China, the com- prices will allow households and businesses Dubai’s Emirates and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad are “the modity boom driver in recent years, to increase spending and the central bank fastest growing carriers,” Baker told a press confer- demand is slowing as the world’s second- to loosen monetary policy,” research firm ence in Doha. biggest economy shifts from energy-inten- PIRA Energy said. “This is why we are creating a lot of concern for sive construction to consumer-fuelled Analysts say oil prices will bottom out the European airlines who cannot keep up. We in growth. and start to rise again - part of the so-called the Gulf are leading the aviation industry today,” he Citi this week predicted China’s crude oil commodity supercycle - once some produc- said. Qatar Airways revealed in Doha yesterday the imports would grow more slowly this year, ers scale back production to adjust to falling world’s first Airbus A350 XWB commercial jet, little adding that “anyone hoping for China to prices and major manufacturing centres more than a week before the plane makes its maid- drive a rebound in oil prices is likely to be begin to feel the economic benefits of en flight-from Doha to Frankfurt. disappointed.” Adding to the slack in Asia is cheaper energy and again start using Baker pledged to expand the service soon to that Europe has yet to recover from its post- more.— Reuters other European cities and New York. The three Gulf carriers have snatched a sizable share of the long- haul travel sector, turning their home cities into Obama chooses community major hubs on routes to Asia and Australasia. They are major clients of aircraft manufacturers, with extensive lists of orders from Boeing and Airbus. banker for Fed board In November, Baker took a swipe at legacy carri- WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama expertise from various roles, particularly ers, accusing them of being “inefficient” and pro- will nominate Allan Landon, a communi- as a community banker. I’m confident tected by EU policies. The A350 XWB (extra wide DOHA: Akbar Al Baker (center), CEO of Qatar Airways, speaks during a press conference for a ty banker from Hawaii, to join the Federal that he will serve our country well.” body) is the newest model to roll off the European new Airbus A350XWB at the Doha international airport in Doha yesterday. — AFP photos Reserve board of governors, the White Landon, whose nomination is expected jet maker’s production line and is the first entirely Surcharge “So as now the price is going down, the airline House announced Tuesday. to easily pass the US Senate, would fill new plane to be showcased by one of the world’s Qatar Airways will cut its fuel surcharge follow- will now again get into profitability. This does not Landon, 66, served as chairman and one of two vacancies on the seven-mem- two biggest aircraft makers since Boeing unveiled ing the plunge in crude oil prices, the company’s mean that if the fuel price went down 50 percent, chief executive of Bank of Hawaii ber Fed board, which is led by chair Janet its “Dreamliner” four years ago. chief executive said. we have to start reducing the ticket by 50 percent.” Corporation from 2004 to 2010, and at Yellen. The proposed nomination was Its makers claim the plane’s design is revolution- “As far as the fuel price reduction is concerned, Airlines in China have cut fuel surcharges in other positions in the bank for the four cheered by bankers, often at odds with ary, because of its fuel efficiency and relative quiet- there will be no reduction in the ticket fare, but response to lower oil prices. The British govern- years prior to that. the Fed’s increased toughness in regulat- ness, and will be the last completely new commer- there will be a reduction in the fuel surcharge that ment has also called on airlines to pass on the ben- He was also chief financial officer of ing the sector. cial airliner developed over the next two decades. we were charging,” Akbar Al Baker told a news con- efits to consumers. First American Corp. and its subsidiary, “Allan Landon’s background and expe- Hailing the commercial airliner as a “majestic mas- ference. He declined to comment on exactly how In December, the International Air Transport First American National Bank, from 1998 rience would help ensure the Federal terpiece” and the aviation “design of the decade”, much the cut would be or when it would be imple- Association (IATA), which represents around 250 to 2000. “Allan Landon has the proven Reserve has a full perspective on both Baker said it would soon be rolled out beyond mented. Al-Baker said the cut would not be directly airlines, said falling fuel prices and stronger eco- experience, judgment and deep knowl- bank regulatory issues and broader eco- Germany. Qatar Airways, which will be the only air- related to a percentage drop in crude prices of nomic growth means global airlines will report edge of the financial system to serve at nomic policy. Community banks help line to fly A350s for the foreseeable future, has more than 50 percent since June. their strongest profit margin in more than five the Federal Reserve during this impor- spur economic growth and job creation bought 80 of the planes and Baker told AFP that he “Please keep in mind that when the fuel price years in 2015. tant time for our economy,” Obama said in cities and towns across our nation,” expected “aircraft number eight” would be the one rose to $100 a barrel and over, the airline was in the Airlines’ spend on fuel will drop to $192 billion in a statement. said Frank Keating, president of the used for the New York route. All 80 planes will have negative territory as far as its finance was con- in 2015, from an expected $204 billion this year, “He brings decades of leadership and American Bankers Association. — AFP been received by Qatar Airways by the 2020s. cerned,” Al-Baker said. IATA said. — Agencies Nissan targets growth in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO: Nissan plans to but we shall continue to invest,” three-cylinder, 1.0-liter model to be maintain investment and increase Carlos Ghosn told a press confer- built at the Resende plant in Rio its share in the Brazilian auto market ence in Rio. state where Nissan has invested 100 despite a 7.15 percent drop in car “A seven percent drop in sales in million reais ($37 million) over the sales across the country last year, 2014 did not lift enthusiasm but we past year. Ghosn said he believed a the firm’s chief executive said have no doubts as to Brazil’s poten- stagnant global market will Tuesday. “We are disappointed in tial,” said Ghosn. He spoke on the rebound this year “on demand where the Brazilian market stands sidelines of the launch of a new which will rise between two and three percent, albeit with imbalance between certain markets. “The European market will continue to recover in 2015 but Russia, Japan and perhaps Brazil will be weak points,” said Brazil-born Ghosn, though he forecast Brazil would “remain stable.” Nissan sees potential in Brazil, South America’s largest auto market, which according to 2012 figures, boasted just 179 automobiles per 1,000 inhabitants. Japan’s Nissan currently accounts for a 2.5 percent share in the Brazilian auto market. “That is well below our global average of 6.5 percent,” said Ghosn, who is targeting a 3.3 percent share in 2015. Brazil is the world’s fifth largest auto market behind China, the United States, Japan and Germany. Earlier Tuesday, Brazil’s auto dealership association Fenabrave announced sales in the world’s seventh largest economy fell KOLKATA: Indian finance minister, Arun Jaitley (left) lights a traditional 7.15 percent last year to 3.5 million lamp as chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee (right) and busi- units, the sector’s worst showing in ness leaders look on during the inauguration of the two-day Bengal Global five years. — AFP Business Summit 2015 in Kolkata yesterday. — AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 Global stocks rise on stimulus hopes

LONDON: European stocks led global mar- it nevertheless puts pressure on the ly watched ahead of Friday’s official monthly as demand weakened and supplies ended flat at 16,885.33 and Seoul’s Kospi kets higher yesterday after weak inflation fig- European Central to provide more stimulus, payrolls report, which can set the market stayed high. Lower energy costs should edged up 0.1 percent to 1,883.83. Hong ures for the euro-zone suggested the curren- as inflation remains low even when discount- tone for a week or two. Meanwhile, the be positive for economic growth but Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.8 percent to cy bloc can expect more stimulus. Oil prices ing oil costs. Many analysts expect the bank Federal Reserve releases minutes from its there is also concern the deep plunge is 23,681.26. The Shanghai Composite stabilized after nearing six-year lows. KEEP- to start buying government bonds, a form of December interest-rate meeting later in the a sign of weakness in the world econo- Index rose 0.7 percent to 3,373.95 but ING SCORE: Germany’s DAX was up 1.2 per- stimulus known as quantitative easing, possi- day. After last month’s meeting, the Fed said my. Sydney’s S&P/ASX 200 shed 0.2 percent cent at 9,580.50 and France’s CAC-40 rose 1.3 bly as soon as this month. The euro fell after it will be “patient” in deciding when to raise ASIA’S DAY: Earlier, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 to 5,353.60. — AP percent to 4,136.00. Britain’s FTSE 100 the inflation figures, to $1.1834 from $1.1890 interest rates. The Fed is expected to this year advanced 1.2 percent to 6,442.04. Wall Street the day before. raise interest rates for the first time since the looked set to recoup some of the previous ANALYST TAKE: “The inflation figures pile 2008 financial crisis. day’s losses. Dow and S&P 500 futures both yet more pressure on the ECB to deliver a OIL: Oil prices also remain in focus follow- added 0.6 percent. sizeable quantitative easing program at its ing the sharp drops recorded over the past EURO PRICES: An official report showed policy meeting later this month,” said few months. On Wednesday, the price of oil that consumer prices in the euro-zone fell on Jonathan Loynes, chief European economist stabilized after nearing a six-year low. The an annual basis in December for the first time at Capital Economics. benchmark US futures contract was up 30 since 2009. The 0.2 percent drop was mainly US WATCH: Investors will keep an eye on cents at $48.23 a barrel in electronic trading due to a slump in global oil prices, something hiring figures due later in the US from the on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It has that could help consumers immediately. But ADP payrolls processor. The figures are close- dropped 47 percent in the past three months

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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrates fifth successive sales record

Bespoke personalization at highest-ever levels. • US biggest individual market

KUWAIT: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has yesterday revealed Germany up by 30 percent, while in Asia Pacific, Australia record sales results for a fifth consecutive year, with grew by 75 percent, Japan by 60 percent and Korea 20 per- 4,063cars sold globally during 2014. This exceptional result cent. In the Middle East, highlights included Bahrain (up 50 means that sales have more than quadrupled since 2009. percent), Kuwait (up 45 percent) and Oman (up 27 per- Strong sales were reported worldwide, with double- cent).Emerging markets such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan digit growth in most regions, North America (up 30 per- and Vietnam all showed promising growth. cent),the Middle East(up 20 percent) and Europe (up 40 The best-selling Rolls-Royce dealership in 2014 was percent).The United States remained the company’s most Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Abu Dhabi.As part of the marque’s significant individual market. Rolls-Royce’s home market, commitment to long-term sustainable growth, sixnew the United Kingdom, is the company’s fourth largest indi- dealerships were opened in 2014, including Mexico City, vidual market(up 13 percent). Calgary, Canada and Gold Coast, Australia. A total of Europesaw strong growth in a number of markets with 127dealerships are now in operationand further expansion is planned for 2015. Torsten Muller, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “This fifth consecutive record year saw Rolls-Royce Motor Cars break through the 4,000 car sales level for the first time in its 111-year history. The result confirms that our strategy of balanced, sustainable and prof- itable growth is delivering and that Rolls-Royce remains the world’s leading luxury goods brand. This extraordinary success has been built on strong foundations: pinnacle products, dedicated people and a commitment to ensuring a balanced global sales picture.” Sales were driven by strong orders for Ghost Series II, launched in November, and Wraith, which enjoyed its first full year of sales, while the incomparable Phantom remains the company’s pinnacle product. Bespoke Collections including Waterspeed, Pinnacle Travel and Metropolitan, and unique creations such as the Maharaja Phantom Drophead CoupÈ contributed to Rolls- Royce sustaining its leadership of the industry in the area cars, the company has created over 200 new permanent said, “Rolls-Royce motor cars are famous throughout the of individualisation. In 2014, Rolls-Royce once again sold jobs in the past 18 months. More than 1,500 people are world with increasing numbers now exported abroad. The more cars in the +Euros200,000net segment than any oth- now employed at the Home of Rolls-Royce. skill and dedication of its workers here in Britain has led to er manufacturer. 2014 also marked the first year in which Further evidence of Rolls-Royce’s commitment to another very successful year.” every Phantom, and the great majority of Ghost and Wraith expansion in Great Britain came in September when the “The UK’s automotive industry is thriving with a new car models, left the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood in West company announced plans for its new Technology and rolling off the production line every 20 seconds, and Sussex, Englandwith significant Bespoke personalisation. A Logistics Centre at Bognor Regis, close to Goodwood. increasing levels of investment that’s helping to secure record number of customers spent personal one-on-one Construction of the new 30,000m2facility, which is due to local jobs. Through our industrial strategy we are backing time with Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke design consultants com- open in 2016, is well underway and around 200 new and companies like Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as they go from missioning their personalised vehicles. existing staff in technical and logistics roles will be strength to strength, giving them the right environment to To meet such strong demand, particularly for Bespoke employed at the Centre. Business Secretary, Vince Cable invest with confidence and create high-skilled jobs”. Spanish economy shows signs Workers: The poor orphans of the US economic boom of getting back on track WASHINGTON: It is one of the contradic- after inflation is taken into account-have tions of the US economic boom: the been flat or even falling for decades,” said MADRID: Fewer Spaniards stood in jobless queues the ability to find work in the coming months,” said In November retail sales posted a 1.9 percent unemployment rate has fallen to the low- Pew’s Drew DeSilver. The one comforting in 2014, consumer spending rose and banks boost- Labour Minister Fatima Banez of the ruling conser- increase over the same year-ago period. est level in six years, but workers’ wages aspect is that inflation remains weak, not ed lending-all signs pointing to Spain’s economy vative government which faces regional and leg- New car sales-a key measure of demand- have remained almost flat. eating away more of workers’ household getting back on track after six years of a gruelling islative elections this year. One in two Spaniards, 51 jumped 18 percent in 2014 to 855,308 vehicles, the The anomaly is troubling enough that purchasing power. financial crisis. The number of people registered as percent, believe their personal economic situation best annual performance since 2010, helped in it has sparked questions about whether According to a number of experts, the unemployed in 2014 dipped by 253,627 to 4.45 will improve or at least remain stable in 2015, part by a government subsidy scheme, according the economy’s rebound from the 2008- contradiction of economic growth and million, the labour ministry said this week. according to a survey by DYM Market research to carmakers association Anfac. Government bor- 2009 recession is all that strong. “Why is stagnant wages exposes certain flaws in It was the second consecutive yearly drop since published last week by online newspaper El rowing costs are down and banks, which were sad- wage growth so slow?” the Federal the jobs market. “The labor market is a decade-long property bubble burst in 2008, Confidencial. dled with bad debt after the property crash in Reserve’s San Francisco branch asked in a much weaker than it appears to be just throwing millions of people out of work. While the Those who fear that the new year will be one of 2008, also appear more willing to lend, the Bank of research study Monday, calling the stub- by looking at the unemployment rate,” unemployment rate — which is calculated differ- economic difficulty fell to 36 percent from 51 per- Spain said in its latest bulletin on the state of the bornness of wages amid surging growth said Kelly Ross, deputy director of the ently-was 23.67 percent in the third quarter, one of cent during the same time a year earlier. economy. “unusual behavior”, economically speak- policy department at the AFL-CIO labor the highest rates in the industrialised world, the The growing optimism has also spurred a shop- A tax reform which came into effect in January ing. In theory, the sharp fall in the jobless federation. dip in the jobless numbers last year gives a ray of ping spree. Sales over the Christmas season, which may also give the economy a boost. It will reduce rate from 10 percent in October 2009 to hope to job seekers, many of whom have seen in Spain ended on Tuesday on the Feast of the the tax bill of the lowest-income groups on aver- 5.8 percent today should have sparked Waning union power their unemployment benefits run out. Epiphany when gifts are traditionally opened, are age by 320 euros ($385) per household per year, firm rises in the pay for the average The market is not as tight as the official “Today there is greater confidence in Spain in expected to post their biggest rise in seven years. according to the government. —AFP American worker. With the supply of avail- jobless rate suggests. The official jobless able workers falling, they should be in the numbers do not include the rise of people Low oil price position of forcing employers to pay more. stuck in temporary jobs and those who But the reality is that paychecks have have dropped out of the jobs market in to help Turkish barely risen, measured against inflation. discouragement. The Economic Policy “In real terms, wages have been about flat, Institute in Washington estimates those inflation growing less than labor productivity,” said would add another 5.7 million Americans Fed Chair Janet Yellen last August, and to the official unemployed number of 9.1 ISTANBUL: Turkish inflation could drop to nothing has changed since then. In million. The rise in the power of finance around 5 percent in 2015 and the current November the annual growth of wages and capital in the US economy and the account deficit could fall to as little as 3 per- was just 2.1 percent, compared to the 3.9 weakness of workers’ unions has also con- cent of national output if oil prices stay low, percent rise in 2007 before the crisis. tributed to the problem, according to Ross. Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said on tele- According to the San Francisco Fed “With the decline of unions, we don’t vision yesterday. In separate comments study, some 15 percent of Americans saw have the ability to translate higher profits broadcast live on television, Deputy Prime no wage gain in the year to November into higher growth in wages,” he said. A Minister Ali Babacan said inflation could drop 2014, compared to 12 percent in 2007. rise in the official federal minimum wage to 6 percent as soon as March barring major Even while celebrating the fall in the rate, stuck at the current level since 2009, foreign exchange volatility. Oil prices have jobless rate, the White House itself point- could help push paychecks higher. But slumped to their lowest point in nearly six ed to the problem in December. the administration of President Barack years, helping reduce Turkey’s above-target Obama has faced tough opposition to inflation rate and mammoth current account Longstanding challenges such a move in the Republican-dominat- deficit by lowering manufacturing costs and “There is more work to be done to fur- ed Congress. LYON: A woman walks past a shop advertising the start of the January sales yesterday in ther boost wage growth and address An increase “would have a limited Lyon, on the first day of the winter sales. — AFP the country’s energy import bill. Consumer prices rose 8.17 percent year- longer-standing challenges around both effect given the low minimum wage rate,” on-year in 2014, lower than the central bank the quality of jobs and the growth of Ioana Marinescu, an economist at the Economy chief says France and most economists had expected but still wages,” it said. Indeed, in constant dollars University of Chicago, said. But a spark to above the government’s target. Markets were the average hourly salary of $20.67 is wages could come from the strength of is open for business unmoved by the ministers’ comments, with barely higher than the $19.18 of 1964. the economy and the rising optimism of the lira easing to 2.3290 against the dollar by The problem is worse for those workers employers about the future. According to on the lower ends of the pay scale. Since Careerbuilder, the online job search site, LAS VEGAS: France’s economy minister says he’s Macron is a controversial figure within his 0928 GMT from 2.3209 late on Tuesday. 2000, the 10 percent of workers on the 82 percent of businesses expect to raise “surprised” at reports that the British economy is Socialist Party, where opponents fear he is push- The Istanbul share index fell 0.2 percent to bottom of the scale have seen their week- wages this year, compared to 73 percent now bigger than the French - but acknowledges ing France too far toward an American-style mod- 86,735 points. The benchmark 10-year gov- ly paychecks shrink 3.7 percent when last year. the need for big changes in his country to reinvig- el that doesn’t do enough to protect workers and ernment bond yield eased to 7.59 percent measured against inflation, according to a “There is always a delay between the orate hiring and investment. Emmanuel Macron, the needy. from 7.71 on Tuesday. Simsek also said the recent study by the Pew Research Center. fall in unemployment and the rise in speaking to The Associated Press at a major elec- He said late Tuesday that France is “struggling” government expects a further 1.3 billion Those at the top of the scale of wage salaries, and it appears that this period of tronics show in Las Vegas, says France’s economy to restart growth but there is “no official state- ($560 million) in 2015 revenue from an workers saw gains of 9.7 percent. “For adjustment is near its end,” predicted needs “more disruption” and to “accelerate our ment” confirming a report in Le Figaro newspaper increase in tobacco tax and 500 million lira most US workers, real wages — that is, Marinescu. — AFP efforts for competitiveness” via lower taxes. that Britain’s GDP had outstripped France’s. — AP from a tax hike on alcoholic beverages following new levies imposed on Jan 1. — Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 US stocks rise on data, European stimulus hopes

NEW YORK: Wall Street stocks jumped in early trade yes- shrank sharply to its smallest size in nearly a year, while products giant Monsanto rose 1.3 percent after fiscal first- for the second quarter by 10 cents to 86 cents per share terday on solid US economic data, joining European equi- the private sector added 241,000 jobs in December, up quarter earnings came in at 47 cents per share, above the based on Micron’s latest data. Keurig Green Mountain ties, which rose on stimulus hopes. About 30 minutes into from 227,000 in November. Equity markets in Britain, 35 cents projected by analysts. jumped 5.8 percent after announcing a venture with Dr trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average stood at France and Germany all rose about one percent or more Department-store chain J.C. Penney jumped 19.5 Pepper Snapple Group to market a home beverage sys- 17,544.10, up 172.46 points (0.99 percent). after weak euro-zone inflation data sparked speculation percent as comparable sales for the key holiday shopping tem. Dr Pepper Snapple rose 1.0percent. Bond prices fell. The broad-based S&P 500 gained 19.46 (0.97 per- the European Central Bank will enact stimulus measures. period in November and December rose 3.7 percent com- The yield on the 10-year US Treasury rose to 1.98 percent cent) at 2,022.07, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Yesterday’s gains helped reverse deep declines in the first pared with a year ago. Chipmaker Micron Technology lost from 1.94 percent Tuesday, while the 30-year advanced to Index rose 39.56 (0.96 percent) to 4,636.13. Economic trading days of 2015 on worries about plummeting oil 2.5 percent after it offered a mixed outlook for the upcom- 2.55 percent from 2.50 percent. Bond prices and yields news came in better than expected: The US trade deficit prices and euro-zone political instability. Agricultural ing quarter. Morgan Stanley trimmed its earnings forecast move inversely. — AFP Gulf Bank promises an exciting start to 2015 with Al-Danah

KD1 million draw today at Grand Avenue

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah draw has holder with a minimum of KD200 main- enthralled the public over the years and is tained in their account before the closing set to make an even bigger impact in 2015. date is eligible and automatically entered The upcoming KD1 million Al-Danah draw into the Al-Danah draws. The conditions of will take place at the Grand Avenue today, opening an Al-Danah account are very sim- today (8 January 2015) at 6.30 pm, where ple as no salary transfer is required. Minors an exciting event will be hosted by a sur- require their parents or their legal guardian prise guest of honor. to open the account on their behalf. The highly anticipated KD1 million Al- Al-Danah also offers a number of unique Danah draw, where one lucky winner will services including the Al-Danah Deposit Only ATM card, which helps account hold- ers deposit their money at their convenience; as well as the Al-Danah online calcu- lator to help customers calculate their chances of becoming an Al-Danah winner. The Al-Danah account additionally provides loyalty chances, in which all chances SEATTLE: A container ship is moored at the Port of Seattle’s seaport on the Duwamish Waterway, south of downtown Seattle. The Commerce customers accrued in the previous year are Department released international trade data for November yesterday. — AP be announced, will be held with the pres- added to that of the following year; there- ence of a representative from the Ministry fore, the total chances an existing customer of Commerce. Two additional winners will had at the end of 2014 will be added to be announced; that being the winner of his/her 2015 chances. US trade deficit falls to the KD250, 000 cash prize along with the For further information, customers are winner of the KD50, 000 cash prize respec- advised to visit one of Gulf Bank’s 58 tively. As the exciting event progresses branches or call the Customer Contact throughout the evening, the Bank will also Center on 1805805 or log on to www.e- $39.0bn in November unveil to the audience the Al-Danah draw gulfbank.com/aldanah for more informa- line-up for 2015. Every Al-Danah account tion about the event and Al-Danah. Private payrolls rise 241,000 in December

Jamal Al-Barrak appointed KIB’s WASHINGTON: The US trade deficit fell to an 11- pated in the third quarter. But with lower gasoline of crude oil imports was the lowest since February month low in November as declining crude oil prices and a tightening labor market expected to 1994. The average import oil price dropped to GM, Investment Department prices curbed the import bill, eclipsing a drop in provide a tailwind to consumer spending, the out- $82.95 per barrel in November, the lowest since KUWAIT: Following Central Bank of ness strategy aiming to provide the best exports that could be related to a labor dispute at look is bullish for the economy in 2015. December 2010, from $88.47 in October. Kuwait’s approval, Kuwait International products and services to its customers by one of the nation’s key ports. Other data yesterday The firming labor market was underscored by Lower oil prices should help to temper the Bank has appointed Jamal Hamad Al- recruiting outstanding professionals. showed private employers stepped up hiring last the ADP National Employment Report, which impact of non-petroleum imports, which are Barrak as General Manager of the bank’s Al-Barrak will oversee KIB’s growing month, a sign the US economy was still sailing showed private payrolls increased 241,000 in expected to rise because of strengthening domes- Investment Department. investment efforts in the local and global along despite slowing growth abroad. December after rising 227,000 in November, tic demand and a firming dollar. Exports fell 1.0 capital markets thus consolidating the The Commerce Department said the trade gap The report, jointly developed with Moody’s percent to $196.4 billion in November. Both bank’s market position and aiding in narrowed 7.7 percent to $39 billion, the smallest Analytics, came ahead of the government’s more exports and imports might have been hobbled by delivering greater value to shareholders since December 2013. When adjusted for inflation, comprehensive nonfarm payrolls report on Friday, a labor dispute at West Coast ports, which has been in compliance with Islamic Sharia. the deficit fell to $47.8 billion from $50.1 billion in which includes both public and private sector cited by businesses as causing delays in the move- “It brings me great pride to be with an October, probably not enough to change views employment. US stock index futures extended ment of goods. excellent team at Kuwait International trade would be a drag on fourth-quarter gross gains on the employment report. The dollar was The decline in exports could also be an early Bank, a successful and fast-growing domestic product. Trade contributed 0.8 percent- trading higher against a basket of currencies. sign that a slowing global economy was starting to financial institution with a bold vision for age point to the third quarter’s robust 5.0 percent In November, imports dropped 2.2 percent to undercut demand for US-made goods. the Kuwaiti banking sector,” said Al- annualized growth pace, which was the fastest in $235.4 billion, the lowest since last February. The Exports to the European Union fell 7.7 percent, Barrak in a press statement. Al-Barrak 11 years. value of petroleum imports was the lowest since while those to Canada and Mexico - the main US brings with him a rich investment bank- Growth estimates for the fourth quarter are cur- August 2009, pushing the petroleum deficit to its trading partners - also dropped sharply. Exports to ing background stretching back to 1999. rently between a 2.5 percent and 3.0 percent rate. lowest level in nearly 11 years. A domestic energy Japan tumbled 9.7 percent. Exports to China fell 3.9 He previously held numerous manage- In addition to trade, inventory accumulation is also boom has enabled the United States to reduce its percent, while imports from China dropped 6.9 ment positions at Gulf Bank, notably expected to restrict growth after businesses dependence on foreign oil, easing pressure on the percent, leaving the politically sensitive trade gap Head of Investment, Executive Director of restocked warehouses faster than had been antici- current account deficit. In November, the quantity down 8.0 percent at $29.9 billion. — Reuters Portfolio Management, Assistant General Manager of Investment Banking and Assistant General Manager of Corporate Finance. He holds an MBA from Bentley A welcome statement issued by KIB’s University in Boston, United States, and upper management stressed that Al- has attended management programs at Barrak’snew position falls within the Harvard Business School in Boston and framework of the bank’s ambitious busi- INSEAD Business School in France.

Al-Tijaria inks deal for opening ‘Caribou Coffee’ in Al-Tijaria Mall

KUWAIT: Altijaria announced signing of a Dream Factory cheesecakes to satisfy all Contract with Gulf Coffee Company for tastes and desires. It also has a specialized opening a new branch of Caribou Coffee in section for healthy and low calories food the ground floor of Al-Tijaria Mall - One of “Light” a registered trademark, including Al-Tijaria’s properties located in Kuwait City sandwiches, salads and desserts. - Soor Street. In this context, Hamad Al-Sayer - The opening of Caribou Coffee in Al- General Manager of Gulf Coffee Company Tijaria Mall is considered an added value for has stated that the company is pleased to coffee and short breaks lovers during shop- open its new branch in Al-Tijaria Tower - ping. The coffee shop will have outside and considering it one of the most famous and inside seating areas in the ground floor of unique towers in Kuwait City. He also the mall. added that the decision of opening this Mohammed Farouq Al-Abdull Rahim - new branch comes in line within the BERLIN: Bicycle riders pass sales posters displayed at a department store in Berlin yesterday. Plunging energy costs have caused consumer Property Management Department Deputy Company’s future plans to expand in differ- prices in the euro-one to fall annually for the first time since 2009, official figures showed. — AP Manager has stated that the signing of this ent areas of Kuwait serving the best coffee. new contract comes in line with our strate- He also emphasized on Caribou’s ongoing gy and commitment to constantly develop efforts to provide the best service thru a German labor market undaunted our properties and serve our customers. highly trained staff. Caribou is also special- It’s worth mentioning that Caribou ized by maintaining the highest hygiene Coffee is distinguished by the variety of its standards thru a global company including by economic weakness menu filled with wide options of salads and its equipment and preparation areas. FRANKFURT: The German labor market contin- casting a shadow over the eurozone as a whole, for the second month in a row in November, ued to shine in December, shrugging off current although most commentators believe the fallout new data showed yesterday. And that was “good economic weakness, with unemployment now from that will remain limited. news for private consumption growth in the at its lowest level since unification, official data Sentiment indicators are tentatively pointing fourth quarter,” Gareis said. Berenberg Bank chief showed yesterday. The number of people regis- up again. And Germany averted a new recession economist Holger Schmieding agreed. tered as unemployed in Europe’s biggest econo- when gross domestic product (GDP) expanded “Germany apparently had an excellent start my fell by a seasonally-adjusted 27,000 to 2.841 by a modest 0.1 percent in the third quarter. to the Christmas shopping million in December, the Federal Labour Office Private and government consumption is cur- season. Although the data are volatile and said. That is the lowest number since December rently keeping the German economic engine subject to revision, that points to a major gain in 1991, although the jobless total came close to ticking over, while falling investment is prevent- German private consumption in the fourth quar- these levels in early 2012. The unemployment ing a more broad-based recovery, the latest GDP ter,” he said. “Helped by the massive tailwind rate-which measures the jobless total against data showed. from low oil prices, German private consump- the working population as a whole-slipped to GDP “is likely to have expanded only slightly tion will likely be a major pillar of German and 6.5 percent in December from 6.6 percent in again in the fourth quarter,” the labor office said, euro-zone growth in 2015,” the economist said. November in seasonally-adjusted terms, the but added that “slightly stronger growth can be Nevertheless, Germany must not become office calculated. expected during the course of 2015.” complacent, Schmieding warned. The introduc- The jobless rate has never been lower since tion of a national minimum wage from January 1 Germany reunited in 1990 after the fall of the ‘Great resilience’ “is undermining the very basis of its labour mar- Berlin Wall the previous year. Natixis economist Johannes Gareis said the ket success,” he said. Postbank economist Thilo “The labour market continued to develop German labour market “has shown great Heidrich also felt that the falling trend in unem- favourably, independent of the weak economy,” resilience in the course of 2014... and exhibits no ployment would not be able to maintain its cur- the labour office said. “The trend in employment signs of spillovers from the current slowdown in rent momentum. remains pointed upwards.” economic growth.” For 2014 as a whole, the jobless total aver- The German economy, Europe’s powerhouse, In fact, the buoyant labour market “contin- aged 2.898 million and the jobless rate stood at has lost some of its shine in recent months as ues to be reliable driver of Germany’s growth,” 6.7 percent, the lowest level since unification. uncertainty resulting from geopolitical crises boosting household confidence and supporting But that could rise slightly in 2015, even if it such as Ukraine undermined the outlook for wage growth and thus private consumption, the would remain very low from an historical point recovery. The new political crisis in Greece is also expert argued. Retail sales, for example, climbed of view, Heidrich predicted. — AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 technology

Sony CEO sees no financial impact from cyber attack

LAS VEGAS: Sony Corp Chief Executive which the U.S. government has blamed fiscal year.” following threats of violence from hack- Seth Rogen and James Franco, including Kazuo Hirai on Tuesday said he does not on North Korea. Sony’s network was Sony Pictures said “The Interview,” ers opposed to the film. That decision an estimated $30 million to $40 million expect the November cyber attack on crippled by hackers as the company pre- which cost $44 million to make, has drew pointed criticism, including from marketing bill. the company’s film studio to have a sig- pared to release “The Interview,” a come- brought in $31 million in online, cable President Barack Obama, that Sony had On Monday, Hirai praised employees nificant financial impact, two weeks dy about a fictional plot to assassinate and satellite sales and was downloaded caved to hackers. and partners of the Hollywood movie after the studio rolled out the movie at North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The 4.3 million times between Dec. 24 and Within a week, the studio struck deals studio for standing up to “extortionist the heart of the attack. attack was followed by online leaks of Jan. 4. with small movie theaters that said they efforts” of hackers, his first public com- The studio, Sony Pictures unreleased movies and emails that It has earned another $5 million at were keen to defend free expression and ments on the attack launched on Nov Entertainment, said separately that the caused embarrassment to executives. 580 independent theaters showing the with technology giants like Google Inc 21. film, “The Interview,” has generated rev- “We are still reviewing the effects of the movie in North America. Sony’s unprece- for a simultaneous online release on Sony Pictures may need several more enue of $36 million. cyber attack,” Hirai told reporters. dented simultaneous release in cinemas sites like YouTube Movies. Apple’s iStore weeks to rebuild its computer network Hirai told reporters at the Consumer “However, I do not see it as something and online came together after it can- came aboard a few days later, as did after what has been deemed as the most Electronics Show in Las Vegas that he that will cause a material upheaval on celed the planned Christmas Day wide major pay TV providers. destructive cyber attack on a company had signed off on all major decisions by Sony Pictures business operations, basi- release of “The Interview” because major It is still unclear if Sony Pictures will on US soil. North Korea has denied it is the company in response to the attack, cally, in terms of results for the current movie theater chains refused to screen it recoup the costs of the film, starring behind the attack. — Reuters Launch of SpaceX rocket from Florida called off

CAPE CANAVERAL: A SpaceX rocket flown, slashing launch costs. “This would launch from Florida was canceled because have an impact on the entire industry,” of a last-minute technical glitch on SpaceX Vice President Hans Koenigsmann Tuesday, delaying a cargo run to the told reporters. International Space Station and a pioneer- Founder and Chief Executive Officer ing attempt to fly the discarded booster Elon Musk previously estimated the chance back to Earth, officials said. of a successful landing on the first try at 50 The company, whose full name is Space percent. “I pretty much made that up,” Musk Exploration Technologies, was on track for said in an interview on Reddit a few hours a predawn liftoff of its 14th Falcon rocket. before Tuesday’s launch attempt. “I have The Falcon 9 carries a Dragon cargo ship no idea.” filled with supplies for the space station, a The Dragon capsule is loaded with more permanently staffed research laboratory than 5,100 pounds (2,313 kg) of food, sup- that flies about 260 miles (418 km) above plies and equipment. The station, which Earth. But with less than two minutes left supports rotating crews of six astronauts on the countdown clock, the launch from and cosmonauts, has a four-to-six-month Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was called supply of such necessities, NASA station off when a computer detected a possible program manager Mike Suffredini told problem with a piece of equipment in the reporters before Tuesday’s launch attempt. rocket’s upper-stage motor, said NASA The capsule also holds a fruit fly experi- launch commentator George Diller. ment designed for immune system studies Technical and weather-related delays and an instrument to be mounted outside are not uncommon. If the latest problem the station to measure clouds and aerosols can be found and fixed, the next launch in Earth’s atmosphere. attempt could come on Friday, with the NASA hired SpaceX, along with Orbital freighter reaching the station on Sunday. Sciences Corp to fly cargo to the $100 bil- Once the Dragon cargo ship is sent on lion station, a project of 15 nations, after LOS ANGELES: This June 2013 video frame grab shows a cat named Beans playing a game called Catzilla on an iPad. — AP its way to the station, SpaceX intends to the space shuttles were retired in 2011. use the rocket’s discarded 14-story first Hawthorne, California-based SpaceX stage for an unprecedented test. The already has made five flights to the orbital Tablet apps let cats catch booster will use leftover fuel to relight outpost, including a test flight and four of some of its engines, breaking its fall back 12 planned operational missions under its through the atmosphere and positioning $1.6 billion NASA contract. itself to touch down on a 300-by-100-foot The privately owned company had critters in cyberspace (91-by-30-meter) platform stationed off hoped to fly again in December, but Florida’s east coast. delayed the mission after a routine If successful, the test will mark a signifi- prelaunch firing of the main engines shut LOS ANGELES: When Laura Fritz’s felines play couldn’t care less. stalk, pounce and bite the iPad, so she took it cant step in SpaceX’s quest to develop down early. That problem has since been with her iPad, her fat cat loses the urge to eat, Maxie and Brutus work together on the app away. “I did not want the device ruined or her rockets that can be refurbished and re- resolved, SpaceX said. — Reuters her scaredy-cat loses his fear and her youngest “Paint for Cats,” chasing a mouse and leaving a hurt from biting too hard,” Rittmuller said. Even just loses interest. trail of splattered paint where they have pawed, cats at shelters are joining the tech trend. If you’ve had enough time to play with the rubbed, jumped or made other marks with their When the Society for the Prevention of Don’t sound the death tablet you got for the holidays, try turning the movements. Many cat owners see the results as Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles received a cou- device over to your tech-savvy cat. Every cat art worthy of sharing on social media, so the app ple of used tablets two years ago, the shelter app, no matter the maker, has something for allows people to email the creations. decided to see if any of their homeless cats were knell for the PC just yet felines to electronically track, stalk or hunt, such It is among three popular apps created by T.J. hiding inner artists. as mice, bugs or laser dots. Fuller and Nate Murray’s Los Angeles company Two of them, dubbed Pawblo Picasso and LAS VEGAS: A year ago, pundits were are popping up in high-end desktops and “Cats are attracted to things that move, and Hiccup. The company also features a mouse Frida Catlo, created abstract art that looked like declaring the personal computer dead. laptops. Intel vice president Navin Shenoy that is the ‘magic’ for most of the apps,” said Dr. chasing game called “Game for Cats” and mon- fuzzy circles, and the organization turned it into Smartphones and tablets were cannibaliz- said his company’s “RealSense” camera can Bonnie Beaver, a professor at Texas A&M ster crushing game dubbed “Catzilla.” sellable notecards. ing sales, and the once-revolutionary PC recognize its owner’s face and unlock a PC University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and There are several cat apps on the market. Those trading up to a newer model tablet seemed unnecessary - and boring. without requiring a typed password. Intel is executive director of the American College of “Pocket Pond” for Android tablets allows cats to should consider donating used devices to shel- Sure, a smartphone is great for checking also promoting software that uses the cam- Veterinary Behaviorists. follow fish or dragonflies with their paws. ters, said Ana Bustilloz, spokeswoman for the emails, snapping photos and playing era in games that respond to a player’s “The motion in most apps is jerky and quick, Friskies’ “Cat Fishing” also taps into the fish organization. People give food, kitty litter and games. Tablets are perfect for watching head or hand movements. much like an insect,” she said, adding that any theme for Android and Apple devices. blankets, but many don’t think of animal shelters videos and shopping online. But don’t PC makers are borrowing ideas from sound component would quickly be eclipsed by Some people worry about damage to the when it comes to tech equipment, she said. count the PC out just yet. Manufacturers tablets, with laptops that are increasingly the draw of movement. devices, but claws won’t hurt the screen, said Back at the Fritz house, the cats work out their are crafting high-resolution, curved screens thin and lightweight, with longer battery Every cat is different, but if they’re like two of Fuller, who ran many tests. But nobody has test- problems with the tablet. The 21-pound Brutus is for desktops and other new features you life. Dell’s new XPS 13 notebook has a Fritz’s, they will love pawing the screen to catch ed for teeth, and Karen Rittmuller of Salem, only motivated by food and refuses to exercise, can’t get in a hand-held device, while try- screen that extends nearly to the edge of critters, which breaks anxious Maxie out of his Massachusetts, found a problem with a bite. so “Paint for Cats” gets him to move, Fritz said. ing new laptop designs that mimic the the frame, like the screen on many tablets. shell and gives hefty Mr. Brutus a way to exer- Rittmuller tried to get her calico cat Pixel to “Maxie is scared of everything that moves. But tablet’s appeal. By eliminating wider borders, Dell says it cise, said Fritz of Waltham, Massachusetts. But live up to her high-tech name, so she down- when he’s painting, he becomes a different cat ... “For the last couple of years, mobile can fit a larger screen into a smaller frame. they may be like her youngest, Pansy Rose, who loaded “Game for Cats,” but her pet will only and really gets into it,” she said. — AP devices have been the hot commodity,” Several companies have hybrid or con- acknowledges Dell executive Neil Hand. vertible devices that resemble a tablet with “But we’re seeing a re-emergence of inno- a physical keyboard attached. Lenovo, the vation in the PC space.” Chinese company that has become the Drone market resembles For years, PC innovation consisted most- world’s biggest seller of PCs, is rolling out ly of putting faster processors or a bigger several new models of its Yoga hybrid, first hard-drive inside the same basic box. That introduced last year, with a keyboard that didn’t really matter when the personal fully folds back so you can hold the display Silicon Valley’s early days computer was a mostly unchallenged com- like a tablet. modity. Global PC shipments peaked at Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing told The DANVERS: To see the future of drones, head up more than 365 million units in 2011. But Associated Press in an interview that the the hill at the intersection of Industrial Drive and then sales fell off dramatically as tablets new “convertible” hybrids will eventually Electronics Avenue. Inside a bland brick office stole hearts and wallets. PC sales plunged replace the laptop computer for most peo- building, the team at CyPhy is working on teth- 10 percent in 2013 alone, according to ple, because they are lighter and have ered machines that can fly nonstop for days and research firm Gartner Inc., marking the longer battery life. “Now it’s only a cost pocket-sized drones for search-and-rescue mis- worst annual decline in the industry’s histo- issue,” he said. Many of the new hybrids are sions. ry. They slipped a little further last year, to priced well above $500, while cheaper lap- It’s not a fancy building. There’s no giant aero- about 314 million units. PC makers say they tops are available. “We definitely should space or defense company here in Danvers, north understand the need to evolve, and at the bring the cost down,” he added. of Boston. Just small teams of computer scientists annual gadget show International CES in ASUS on Monday announced a new and mechanical engineers working in spaces Las Vegas this week are showing off many series called the Transformer Book Chi, with called “The Playpen,” “The Den” and “The new features aimed at wooing back con- lightweight keyboards that can detach Department of Failed Good Intentions.” sumers. completely by unsnapping a magnetic In many ways, the nascent drone industry looks Depth-sensing cameras, for example, hinge. — AP a lot like the personal computer industry did in its infancy. The money to fuel development is coming largely from entrepreneurs’ own checkbooks. “They get just enough money to make a proto- SHENZHEN: In this Monday, Dec. 15, 2014 photo, a staff member from DJI Technology Co. type, get it out the door and get a couple of demonstrates the remote flying with his Phantom 2 Vision+ drone. Founded in 2009 by an clients,” says Maryanna Saenko, an analyst with the engineer with a childhood love of radio-controlled model planes, DJI has become the leading science and technology consulting firm Lux supplier in the fast-growing market for civilian drones - possibly the first Chinese brand to Research. achieve No. 1 status in a global consumer product. — AP When the Federal Aviation Administration announces rules opening U.S. airspace to some The largest recipient of investor dollars in the drones or drone cameras. commercial drones, more investors are expected drone world - at $40 million - has been Airware of Mike Abbott, a general partner at Kleiner to get on board. But until then, many venture cap- San Francisco, which is building an operating sys- Perkins, says the real power of drones is the large italists say, drones remain too risky and too expen- tem to let drones and their added components amount of data they can collect. Even so, he sive to bet on. work together. The industry for small drones is hedges his enthusiasm. CyPhy Works is one of the few manufactures to potentially larger than the defense industry “and “I’d like to think it will be life altering,” Abbott attract deep pockets. It raised $10 million in ven- certainly more interesting and beneficial to socie- says. “But time will tell.” For Greiner and CyPhy, ture capital, but that’s probably because founder ty,” says Airware CEO Johnathan Downey. there’s a deeper, philosophical approach. She talks Helen Greiner has a proven track record with Venture capital firms generally prefer investing about the ability of robots to empower humans robotics. She was one of the co-founders of in industries with low infrastructure costs, such as and make their lives better. Drones are the next iRobot, the company behind the Roomba vacu- developers of smartphone apps or security soft- logical step. They can fly in an “unobstructed high- uming robot as well as military robots that helped ware. They want a quick return, and the govern- way” just above the trees and power lines. U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan remotely deto- ment’s prohibition on most drones means the “You can solve a mobility problem easier nate bombs. drone industry can’t offer that. because they don’t have to deal with all that stuff Even with that money, CyPhy - pronounced But the company has grabbed the attention of on the ground,” says Greiner, who wears a tiny toy “sci-fi” - is still a small company that often uses big-name investors like GE Ventures and Kleiner robot, dangling from her necklace. “It’s almost like LAS VEGAS: Sony Xperia Z3 tablet and smartphones are displayed in water at the Greiner’s house for staff barbeques and meetings Perkins Caufield & Byers. It helps that Airware is you are cheating. Drones will come before fully Sony booth during a news conference at the International CES. — AP over pizza. one of the few companies not actually building automated cars.” — AP THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Life expectancy for type 1 diabetes may be improving

NEW YORK: On average, people with people there with type 1 diabetes died selves, there was still about an eight type 1 diabetes die 11 to 13 years earlier an average of 15 to 20 years earlier than year gap in life expectancy, the than people without the condition, nondiabetics. A 1970s report put the researchers found. “It’s important to according to a new study from Scotland. decrease in life expectancy at 27 years stress that these are averages,” said While the news may be disheartening for for type 1 diabetics in the US, and a Colhoun. “Some people with type 1 dia- people with type 1 diabetes, the study’s 1980s report from New Zealand put it at betes will achieve a very long life senior researcher said the new results 16.5 years. expectancy and some people will have a are more encouraging than previous short life expectancy. These are esti- estimates that found larger gaps in life National data mates.” expectancies. An important message is “They’re mostly very old,” Colhoun Overall, the largest contributer to loss that the difference in life expectancy is said of the estimates. She said the cor- of life expectancy was heart disease. narrowing, said Dr Helen Colhoun of the rect information is important, because it People who died younger than age 50 University Of Dundee School Of shows how far care for type 1 diabetes were more likely to die of more short- Medicine in Scotland. “It’s not zero,” she has come. For the new study, the lived problems, however. Those include said. “The goal is to get it to zero.” researchers used national data from diabetic comas and ketoacidosis, which Among people with type 1 diabetes, Scotland on 24,691 people diagnosed is when the body begins to break down formerly known as juvenile diabetes, the with type 1 diabetes from 2008 to 2010. fat and starts producing toxic acids. body’s immune system destroys insulin- From that data, they estimated that producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin men with type 1 diabetes would live Kidney health removes sugar from the bloodstream so about 11 fewer years than men without Colhoun said the new results empha- it can be used for energy. Instead, those the condition. Women with type 1 dia- size the need for people with type 1 dia- people need to inject insulin and pay betes would live about 13 fewer years betes to have tight control of their who maintained tight control over their and the futures of people with type 1 special attention to their blood sugar - than those without the condition. At blood sugar levels. Additionally, they blood sugar levels for seven years, with diabetes,” said Dr Lori Laffel of the Joslin or glucose - levels. Untreated, type 1 dia- age 20, for example, people with type 1 should control their risk factors for heart 730 people who did not maintain rigor- Diabetes Center in Boston. As for the betes can lead to heart, blood vessel, diabetes could expect to live, on aver- disease. “For type 1 diabetes, the key ous control over their sugar levels. paper from Scotland, Laffel, who co- kidney, eye, and nerve damage. age, to age 66 (for men) or 68 (for thing is really glycemic control, because Overall, people who maintained tight authored an editorial accompanying the About 29.1 million Americans have women). Those without type 1 diabetes, it in turn determines your kidney health control over their blood sugar were less new studies, said it shows how much diabetes, according to the Centers for however, would on average live to ages - for example - which in turn has a big likely to die over 27 years, compared to better life expectancy is, compared to Disease Control and Prevention. About 5 77 (for men) or 81 (for women). impact on cardiovascular health,” she those who did not. previous estimates. There’s ongoing percent of those have type 1 diabetes. Even among people with type 1 dia- said. “It provides optimism that while we research to implement current tools and The researchers write in JAMA that betes and preserved kidney function, In a second study in the same jour- don’t have a way to cure diabetes, at future advances to narrow the gap to according to earlier data from the UK, who presumably took care of them- nal, researchers compared 711 people least we have a way to preserve health zero, she said. — Reuters China regulator to strengthen ‘grim’ food, drug safety control

SHANGHAI: Food and drug safety in China is on its website after a meeting in Beijing this struggle to deal with China’s fragmented food “grim” and will get stronger oversight, the food week. Safety scares have affected the reputations supply chains. The regulator said China would and drug regulator said yesterday, after a series and China sales of global companies from US look to attract more personnel, standardize train- of scares last year hit the reputations of global fast-food chains McDonald’s and Yum Brands Inc ing methods and promote greater cooperation firms such as McDonald’s Corp and Wal-Mart to retailers such as Wal-Mart and France’s between regions. Stores Inc. The China Food and Drug Carrefour SA. The government has struggled to restore con- Administration has struggled to control a string China will increase “active” regulation to pre- fidence in its $1 trillion food processing industry of high-profile scandals over the years, from don- vent food and drug safety scares, with more on- since six infants died in 2008 after drinking adul- key meat products tainted with fox, heavy metals site inspections, random tests and unannounced terated milk, creating a space for imported goods in baby food and allegations of expired meat visits, the regulator said. The quality of personnel, which are often seen as safer and of higher quali- sold to fast-food chains. legal structures, management methods and ty. Food safety laws are incomplete and responsi- “We must soberly recognize the current foun- technological aspects were all currently insuffi- bility to enforce them is unclear, making it diffi- dations of China’s food and drug safety are still cient, it said. Regulators overseeing the country’s cult for regulators to do their jobs, Gao Guan, weak, with new and old risks together creating a food industry are thinly stretched, company deputy secretary-general of the ChinaMeat grim situation,” the regulator said in a statement executives told Reuters, and inspectors often Association, told Reuters last year. — Reuters LIBERIA: File photo shows Red cross workers, wearing protective suits, get ready during a burial for victims of the virus, in Monrovia, on January 5, 2015.—AFP Experts meet in Geneva to review Ebola vaccines GENEVA: Experts will gather in Geneva tre of the outbreak. There is no licensed today to review progress on possible vac- treatment or vaccine for Ebola, and the cines against the deadly Ebola virus, the WHO has endorsed rushing potential ones World Health Organization said yesterday. through trials in a bid to stem the epidem- The international health community is des- ic. Human trials have begun on three pos- perately trying to find a vaccine to fight the sible vaccines, with Johnson & Johnson virus, which continues to rage in west announcing Tuesday that its proposed vac- Africa where it has killed more than 8,200 cine was being tested on volunteers in people. Today’s high-level meeting will be a Britain. follow-up to a conference held in October Another experimental vaccine, ChAd3, and will provide an update on the safety made by Britain’s GlaxoSmithKline, is and efficacy of the possible vaccines under- undergoing clinical tests in Switzerland, going clinical trials. Mali, Britain and the United States. A third Participants, including health officials, promising candidate, the VSV-ZEBOV, man- vaccine manufacturers and government ufactured by the Public Health Agency of representatives from the hardest-hit coun- Canada and licenced by US firm NewLink tries will also review available financing to Genetics, is also being tested in the United bring promising candidate vaccines to the States, Canada, Germany and Gabon. market. They will also look at ways to Tests of VSV-ZEBOV on volunteers in ensure the broadest possible access once a Switzerland were meanwhile briefly sus- safe and efficient vaccine is found. pended late last year over concerns over And they will discuss preparations for unexpected side-effects, but resumed this Phase III efficacy trials in Guinea, Sierra week after the doses being injected were Leone and Libera, which are at the epicen- reduced. — AFP Complications from in-vitro fertilization are rare in US NEW YORK: Complications from fertility of every 10,000 cycles. treatments involving implantation of fresh Complications may be underreported in embryos are uncommon, at least for the first this database, but the numbers are encour- few months of a cycle, according to a new aging, the authors write. “The results suggest Gastric bypass may analysis of US data. “The results were not sur- that ART treatment is relatively safe and that prising and are very reassuring,” said Dr reported complications remain very rare,” Jennifer F. Kawwass of Emory University Kawwass said. Even when a woman under- School of Medicine in Atlanta, who worked goes multiple cycles, her absolute risk of any save lives over time on the study. “The results suggest that complication is still very low, she said. (Assisted Reproductive Technology) treatment is relatively safe and that reported Better management complications remain very rare,” she told “To only have roughly one percent com- ‘10 percent of the gastric bypass group had died’ Reuters Health by email. Assisted plication risk is really quite phenomenal I Reproductive Technology (ART) includes think,” said Dr. Mark V. Sauer, chief of the NEW YORK: In a small long-term study, obese tle difference in the first two years after the sur- the most popular bariatric operation in 2014, procedures in which egg and sperm are both Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at patients who had gastric bypass surgery were gery (three years for diabetes patients). But by but the current study only looked at gastric handled, as in in-vitro fertilization. Columbia University Medical Center in New half as likely to die as those who didn’t have the ten years of follow-up, 6.5 percent of the sur- bypass, an older procedure. The study used data from the US Centers York City “What we who practice this type of surgery, researchers found. They saw little differ- gery patients had died, compared to almost 13 for Disease Control and Prevention National medicine know is, it’s getting better, it’s get- ence in death rates for the first two to three percent of the patients who did not have the Severe obesity ART Surveillance System. Between 2000 and ting less complicated, we’re seeing better years, but 10 years after gastric bypass surgery, surgery. “Unfortunately for those (new) procedures 2011, the database included more than one management of known risks, and the big even diabetic patients had significantly better the data is only three or four years old, so we million ART cycles. Part of ART involved using one still is OHSS,” Sauer, who was not survival if they had the surgery. Insurance companies just didn’t have any patients that we could fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries involved in the new study, told Reuters “There’s really limited long-term follow-up When the researchers looked just at patients include in this type of study to be able to go out into producing multiple eggs at once. Health by phone. data, especially comparing bariatric surgery to with diabetes, they found that 10 percent of the 10 years,” he said. Martin Gulliford, a bariatric The researchers looked for complications Though OHSS itself is not usually a seri- no surgery or the usual medical care,” Dr Peter gastric bypass group had died, compared to 19 researcher at King’s College London in the UK, from procedures to stimulate and extract ous complication, it can become serious “if Hallowell, the study’s senior author, told Reuters percent of the matched non-surgery patients. “If said there is growing appreciation of the poten- eggs from the mother, and from implanting it’s poorly managed,” said Dr Dominique de Health. “We’re hoping to fill that void with a you’ve tried dieting, exercise and medical man- tial of surgery for severe obesity. “In the short- fresh embryos created from the mother’s Ziegler, who heads the Division of study like this,” said Hallowell, a surgeon with agement and that’s all failed, then you really term, weight loss surgery procedures may be own egg or from a donor. The most common Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Virginia Health System in should consider a surgical option - especially if associated with substantial weight loss and complication was ovarian hyperstimulation UniversitÈ Paris Descartes. When the mother Charlottesville. you have diabetes,” Hallowell said. remission of diabetes in up to 60 percent of syndrome (OHSS), essentially an overdose of is in pain, her partner may panic and take her During a gastric bypass operation, a surgeon Currently, only one or two percent of patients,” Gulliford told Reuters Health in an those medications. It can cause ovaries to to a local community hospital or emergency divides the stomach into two portions and con- patients who are eligible for weight loss surgery email. become swollen and painful, and in severe room, especially if they don’t live near the nects the smaller upper portion directly to the ever have it, he noted. “We really have a long However, less is known about long-term out- cases can involve rapid weight gain, vomit- fertility clinic, he said. small intestine. The National Institutes of Health way to go both to educate the public, educate comes, said Gulliford, who was not involved in ing and shortness of breath, according to the The condition should be treated by giv- says patients may be candidates for weight-loss legislatures and educate (insurance companies) the new study. He said the new findings must National Institutes of Health. ing fluids and draining the abdomen of fluid surgery, or bariatric surgery, if their body mass that this is safe, it’s effective, and it increases be treated with some caution, as there were About 154 in every 10,000 cycles of ART that leaked from the ovaries. A doctor who is index (BMI) is 40 or above, or 35 or more along long-term survival,” he said. Hallowell said only 26 patients who died in the surgical group, using the mother’s own egg resulted in a not familiar with OHSS may see her symp- with diabetes or hypertension. bariatric surgery is really quite safe. and 51 in the control group. report of OHSS, according to results in toms and do the opposite: administer a BMI is a measure of weight relative to height. “The current data of what we consider ‘early “Despite the carefully conducted matching JAMA. The number was lower for donor diuretic, which will further deteriorate kid- A BMI of 30 to 39.9 is considered obese, and 40 mortality’ in the first 30 days is basically about procedure, there may have been unmeasured eggs. Mild cases of OHSS do not require ney function and make the situation worse, or above is severe, or morbid, obesity. As report- two people in about 1000, which is less than the differences between the two groups, other than treatment, but severe ones may require hos- he said. “The case that doesn’t go right is ed in the American Journal of Surgery, the study mortality rate associated with having a gallblad- surgery, that influenced patient outcomes,” he pitalization. Bleeding, infections, severe likely to happen in community hospital,” de team carefully matched 430 obese patients who der removed and it’s getting down on the order added. Nevertheless, Gulliford said, the new OHSS, adverse reactions to other medica- Ziegler said. “If something wrong happens, had gastric bypass surgery to another 401 of having your appendix removed,” he said. data add to earlier findings that suggest weight tions or anesthesia, hospitalization and don’t go to the local hospital, come to us, or patients who did not have gastric bypass, but There are different types of bariatric proce- loss surgery may be associated with lower mor- maternal death all occurred in less than 10 call us.” — Reuters were otherwise very similar. They found very lit- dures. Hallowell said sleeve gastrectomy was tality in people with severe obesity. — Reuters THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Sun may determine FDA clears wider use of rapid test for influenza

lifespan at birth NEW YORK: As the United States grapples with a flu season that has killed 21 people so far, the Food and Drug PARIS: Could the Sun be your lucky-or unlucky- Administration on Tuesday cleared the way for greater use star? In an unusual study published yesterday, of a molecular test designed to quickly detect the presence Norwegian scientists said people born during of the virus in a nasal swab. The test, made by Alere Inc, can periods of solar calm may live longer, as much as now be used in a wide variety of clinical settings, including five years on average, than those who enter the doctors’ offices, emergency rooms, clinics and other health- world when the Sun is feisty. The team overlaid care facilities. Previously, it could only be used in a limited demographic data of Norwegians born between number of laboratories. 1676 and 1878 with observations of the Sun. The The FDA first cleared the Alere i influenza A & B test in June as a prescription-only device, categorizing the test as lifespan of those born in periods of solar maxi- moderately complex and therefore not to be used widely. mum-interludes marked by powerful flares and The agency said it agreed to allow wider use of the test geomagnetic storms-was “5.2 years shorter” on after the company submitted data showing its ease of use average than those born during a solar mini- and low risk of false results when used by untrained opera- mum, they found. tors. “Solar activity at birth decreased the probabili- “Today’s decision allows the first nucleic acid-based test ty of survival to adulthood,” thus truncating aver- to be available in clinical settings that previously could not age lifespan, according to the paper published in use this technology,” said Alberto Gutierrez, director of the FDA’s Office of in Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health. the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Nucleic acid tests are designed to detect the presence of There was a stronger effect on girls than boys, it genetic material from the virus. Alere’s test produces results said. The Sun has cycles that last 11 years, give or in as little as 15 minutes and can be conducted in front of take, from one period of greatest activity or solar the patient. maximum, to the next. Solar maxima are marked Flu symptoms are caused by two types of virus: Type A by an increase in sunspots, solar flares and coro- and Type B. Infections can range from mild to severe. More nal mass ejections that can disrupt radio commu- than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with flu-related complications each year, according to the nications and electrical power on Earth, damage CDC. Shares of Alere rose 1.4 percent to close at $37.25 on satellites and disturb navigational equipment. the New York Stock Exchange. — Reuters Solar activity is also linked to levels of ultraviolet radiation-an environmental stressor known to affect survival and reproductive performance, Binge drinking most possibly by causing cell and DNA damage, Shell, villagers agree to $83.5 according to the study authors. likely to kill middle-aged million for huge oil spill Americans, CDC says Fertility reduced ATLANTA: It’s not college students or teenagers but rather The team, from the Norwegian University of JOHANNESBURG: Oil giant Shell has middle-aged Americans who are most likely to die from Science and Technology, based their study on agreed to pay a Nigerian fishing com- drinking too much alcohol too quickly, according to a study demographic data from church records of some munity 55 million pounds (about $83.5 released by the US Centers for Disease Control and 8,600 individuals from two different mid- million) for the worst oil spill in Nigeria, Prevention on Tuesday. an unprecedented settlement that Norwegian populations, one poor and one An average of six people die each day in the United experts say could open a floodgate of States from alcohol poisoning or excessively high levels of wealthy. This was matched to maps of historical litigation there and abroad. Yesterday’s alcohol in the blood, which is typically caused by binge solar cycles. On top of lifespan, being born in a agreement ends a three-year legal bat- drinking, the federal study found. Three out of four of those solar maximum period also “significantly tle in Britain over two spills in 2008 that who died were between the ages of 35 and 64, the study reduced” fertility for women born into the poor destroyed thousands of hectares found, countering the popular perception that young peo- category, but not for wealthier women or for (acres) of mangroves and the fish and ple are more likely than their elders to die from binge drink- men, said the authors. shellfish that sustained villagers of the ing. Only 5.1 percent of the deaths were drinkers between Bodo community in Nigeria’s southern the ages of 15 and 24, the study found. “We show for the first time that not only infant Niger Delta. “Contrary to conventional wisdom, there is a lot of binge survival and thus lifespan but also fertility is sta- It “is thought to be one of the drinking going on by people who are post college-age,” the tistically associated with solar activity at birth,” largest payouts to an entire communi- study’s co-author, Robert Brewer, told reporters. “We were they wrote. It was not clear whether the same ty following environmental damage,” surprised by these findings.” would necessarily hold true for people born in said Martyn Day of the claimants’ The CDC defines binge drinking as consuming four or the modern era. One explanation could be ultra- London lawyers, Leigh Day & Co. “We more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men on a single occasion. Fewer than a third of the people who died of violet-induced degradation of the B vitamin hope that in future Shell will properly NIGERIA: In this Sunday June 20, 2010 file photo, men walk in an oil slick cov- consider claims such as these from the ering a creek near Bodo City in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. — AP photos alcohol poisoning were considered alcoholics, the study folate, a shortage of which before birth has been outset and that this method of com- found. Analyzing death certificate data from 2010 through linked to higher rates of illness and death, the pensation, with each affected individ- 2012, researchers found that an average of 2,200 people, team theorized. ual being compensated, will act as a more than half of them white males, died from alcohol poi- “Our findings suggest that maternal exposure template for Shell in future cases” in soning each year. State death rates ranged from a low of 5.3 deaths per mil- to solar activity during gestation can affect the Nigeria and elsewhere. Shell Nigeria is 55 percent owned by the Nigerian gov- lion residents in Alabama to a high of 46.5 deaths per million fitness of female children,” the authors wrote. residents in Alaska. The regions with the highest death rates ernment. George Frynas, who has “The effect of socio-economic status on the rela- were the Great Plains, the West and New England. “Living in researched and published for 20 years tionship between solar activity and fertility sug- geographically isolated rural areas might increase the likeli- about community conflict and litiga- hood that a person with alcohol poisoning will not be found gests that high-status pregnant women were tion, said the agreement has “enor- better able to avoid the adverse effects of high before death or that timely emergency medical services will mous importance” that “may open the not be available,” the researchers wrote. — Reuters solar activity”-possibly by staying out of the Sun floodgates for other communities or because a healthier diet curbed the harm. The around the world to sue companies.” team did not have data about how early or late Lawyers around the world will be New rules to curb into a solar maximum event the children were watching closely and looking for ways to bring more cases to US and UK born-a limitation of the study. ‘epidemic’ of cesarean courts because the amounts involved And they could not fully distinguish between are so huge, he said. The last prece- NIGERIA: In this Sunday June 20, 2010, file photo, a cameraman films births in Brazil pre- or post-natal exposure to ultraviolet light. dent-setting case saw Shell paying mangroves destroyed by an oil spill in creeks of Bodo City, in Nigeria’s oil- Further investigation is needed, they said, to test compensation of just over $300,000 in rich Niger Delta. RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s health minister has unveiled new whether the results were repeated in people of Nigeria in 1994. Frynas is a professor at rules aimed at stemming what he calls an “epidemic of cesare- different skin colours, and those living at differ- Britain’s Middlesex University Business tem only to come away with a pittance, Press that villagers are discussing set- ans” by private health care providers and promoting natural ent latitudes. “This study is the first to emphasize School. Murtala Touray of IHS Country Frynas said. Touray called yesterday’s ting up as petty traders and other small births. Arthur Chioro says health insurance companies will Risk said Nigerian courts could now be agreement a significant and prece- businesses until their environment is have to provide users with information about the percentage the importance of UVR (ultraviolet radiation) in inundated with similar compensation dent-setting development that “will restored. Under the agreement, some of cesareans performed by individual doctors and hospitals. early life,” the authors said. “UVR is a global stres- litigation. create huge expectations among the 15,600 fishermen and farmers get 2,200 The ministry says in a statement issued Tuesday that 84 sor with potential ecological impacts and the Nigeria’s oil-rich southern Niger communities of instant transformation pounds ($3,340) in a country where the percent of births covered by private health plans now are future levels of UVR are expected to increase due Delta suffers hundreds of oil spills of their lives from poverty to opu- minimum monthly wage is less than cesareans. That compares to 40 percent in Brazil’s public hos- to climate change and variation in atmospheric every year and villagers have been in lence.” $100. About $30.4 million awarded to pitals. Chioro says the ministry is treating the heavy number ozone.” — AFP conflict with oil companies for Bodo community leader Chief the community in the settlement will be of cesareans as a public health problem. Nearly 24 million decades. Typically, victims spend years Sylvester Kogbara described more mod- used to provide needed basic services, Brazilian women have private health plans that cover obstet- battling a corrupt Nigerian court sys- est aspirations. He told The Associated Kogbara said. — AP ric services. — AP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

Bijoya udzapan Parishad hold celebrations

ijoya udzapan Parishad held its 10th The event was presided over by the gave inspiring speech which all of the audi- The Prime event was different melodious did the same in previous years. Annual remarkable celebration of Bijoya parishad’s President Satya Ranjan Sarkar. The ence was so delighted and they were achieve songs, dances drama presented by Parishad’s The whole program was anchored by BPunormiloni - 2014 and 44 victory day welcome address and inspiring speech was the pure knowledge of the Geeta and Bijoya. artist and artists from the Thakur Anukul Debasish Dasgupta and Sathi Paike, Phani of Bangladesh in a befitting manner on 26th delivered by Mohit Ranjan Das, the General The Chief guest of the event Eng Chandra. A children Drama and for the first Bhushan Kuri and Sarmistha Barua. The pro- November at Carmel School Auditorium, Secretary of this Parishad in which he thanked Khondakar Abduf Hannan, Heroic freedom time another talk drama show performance gram ended with an enjoyable dinner. Khaitan which was a graced by a large number all concerned for their dedicated support and fighter and delegated Engineer of Mujibnagar presented to the delight of the audience. of expatriates, distinguished guests and digni- contribution which made the venture a great Government Engineering core in 1971 deliv- To Commemorate the remarkable occasion taries from different multinational communi- success. ered a motivating speech on the essence of of Bijoya -2014 and 44 Victory day a souvenir ties. The Chief advisor Joydev Sutradhar also Bijoya and victory day. was brought out in this year as the Parishad

Jatiya Party Kuwait marks 29th Anniversary

atiya party Kuwait branch celebrated their the holy Quran, recited by Moiulana Adbul Asrak Ali Ferdous, Foyaj Kamal, Shahab uddin 29th anniversary on January 1, 2015 and Ahad; Along Sadek Husain, Eng. Kazi Monjurul and Shohid Islam Papul. JPublic exposure of newly elected executive Alam, Businessman Shohid Islam (Papul), Social political and cultural organization lead- committee members of the party was held at Shahab Uddin, Ashrak Ali Ferdous. ers, electronic and news media journalist com- Abbasiya Community Hall. A discussion meeting That followed the jubilant Public introduction munity activities and organizers attended the and followed by a cultural and musical show. of the newly elected executive committee of the program. Mahmud Au Hajee the re-elected president party. In his including speech Mohamed Ali Hajee of Jatiya Party Kuwait branch presided over the Saber Hussain - Romij Uddin Vandari, Sapan extended heartily thanks to all dignitaries, invi- program and presented by new elected secre- Sakil - Naser uddin, Faruk Ahmed, Abdul tees and prayer for the good wealth of the tary Hazrat Au Mollik Joint Secretary Murad Khalique, Robi Khanoon, Syed Mahidur Rahman “Pallibandhu” H M Earshad and betterment of Hussain Chy, joint secretary Sopan Sakil. The Sunder Ali, Luthfur Rahrnan Ludai Miah, Sadek the national as well. program began with recitation of verses from Hussain, Eng Kazi Monguiul Alam, Md Ismail,

98.4 UFM FB friends celebrated Christmas and New Year at Hi Dine Restaurant hall, Jleeb. Chitragupt Society Kuwait, holds Gala New Year gathering

he society wishes all its mem- The celebrations for the new year bers and families a very happy this season are planned on Friday 9th Tand prosperous new year. January starting 10 am and lasting Chitragupt Society, Kuwait, fondly whole day. called CGK, is a society of Indian CGK invites all Kayasthas Indian Kayasthas belonging to various nationals to join the celebrations. The regions in the country. The objective Is contact persons are Harish Saxena to promote Indian culture in foreign (69950135), Vivek Srivastava land. It holds at least four functions in (66664038) and Alok Nigam a year including that for I-loll and (66065768) or send SMS on 50857705 Diwali with a lot of fanfare. Nurturing or mail on of children to develop a strong per- [email protected]. sonality has always been a special One of us shall get back to you. They theme Also, members share their will guide new corners about the views on various issues of topical objectives of the society and getting Interest. A very forward looking envi- the membership. ronment exists. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

The Scientific Center hosted the premier of ‘Titans of the Ice Age’ movie, the latest documentary screened at the facility’s IMAX theater. The movie begins showing today. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

AICA registered with Indian Embassy AWARE brings US nder the Patronage of Usman Siddiqui, Singh. poetes. AICA (All India Cultural Association) was reg- • Jauhar Kanpuri - Is an international senior • Nadeem Farrukh - Is an international Urdu speaker for Interfaith Uistered with Indian Embassy. This organiza- Urdu poet. poet and famous for Nizamat in GCC countries. tion is actively involved in Organizing Occasional • Tahir Faraz - Is an international Urdu poet. • Sikandar Hayat Gadbad - Famous for Funny Harmony Week lecture programs on day to day basis for the welfare and • Shabeena Adeeb - Very famous and senior Shayari’s betterment of Indian community in Kuwait. internation udru poetes. • Hasan Kazmi - Urdu poet and famous anchor or the Occasion of the UN A Cultural Evening of Ghazal and Poetry organ- • AM Turaz - Is an Indian lyricist in Bollywood. He on ETV. Interfaith Harmony week, the first ized by UCK (Wing of AICA) on 28th February 2014 has written the lyrics of many Bollywood films. The Usman Minai - Is an insternational Urdu poet. • week of February, The AWARE was great success, and this year All India Cultural unforgettable “Guzaarish” of 2010 Tera Zikr, Udi and • Farooq Adil - Is an insternational Urdu poet. F Association(AICA) will be celebrating the occasion Kabhi Jo badal Barse being the most popular and Executive committee members Osama Farooqi , Center is organizing a series of lectures of Republic Day of India, to mark this occasion a loved trackes panned by him. Sanjay Saxena, and Ali Memon have shown there with the participation of the famed grand Mushaira (Poet’s meet-Umsayi Shahria) will • Naeem Akhtar Khadmi - Is an international pleasure and heartfelt wishes for the success of the speaker and YouTube personality Rev be organized on 30th Jan, 2015. Urdu poet. Grand Mushaira. Deborah Lindsay (First Community The program would be held at Salmiya Indian • Mumtaz Naseem - Is an international Urdu Church, Ohio), famous for her efforts in Model School (SIMS). building bridges between Christians The Chief Guest for the occasion is Prominent and Muslims across the United States. Bollywood Personality Mahesh Bhatt (Film director, Join us as we come together to pro- Producer and Screenwriter of Indian Film industry). mote mutual respect and understand- Bhatt is one of the keenest and most literary per- ing through Dialogue. The AWARE sonalities in the industry currently. Center (Advocate for Westerners-Arab Convener Mohammed Aamir has informed that Relations center) is a non-profit, non- Famous Poets from Indian subcontinent will be governmental, and non-political participating in the event will be as follows: organization working for promoting Rev Deborah Lindsay • Dr Rahat Indori - Is an emiment Urdu language positive, constructive relations poet and a Bollywood lyricists and he has written between Westerners and Arabs by Lesher at AWAREs inauguration cere- 43 songs. organizing social activities and infor- • Wasim Barelvi - Is an Urdu poet, his ghazals are mony in October 2003. Over the years, mation services related to Arab and AWARE has built a reputation as a con- very popular. He has been awarded the Firak Islamic culture. “It is through culture International award. Barelvi is Vice Chairman of the sistent, trusted, and reliable resource that we preserve our heritage, that we National Council for Promotion of Urdu language. for westerners in Kuwait. • Dr Nawaz Deobandi - Urdu poet and lyricist express our creativity and that we famous ghazal “Yaad Nahi Kya Kya” sung by Jagjit share our individuality with the world,” said Assistant Manager Dr Teresa The Sultan Center introduces JAC J5 Saloon Car at Shuwaikh Branch

or the first time in Kuwait and for a one week period China with Japanese technology, the car features high Automotive. expanding its range of available products to include auto- started from January 6th, customers are now able to quality design, engineering and reliability. According to, Bassam Zantout -Commercial and mobiles, TSC has definitely raised the bar of the services Fpurchase a 2015 JAC J5 saloon car from TSC To insure JAC Motors’ customers’ peace of mind; the car Operations Director for TSC; “The Sultan Center is pleased found at any retail store, transforming our branches to be a Wholesale Center Shuwaikh at an unbelievable price of KD comes complete with a 3 year’s manufacturer’s warranty or to partner with Ali Alghanim and Sons with the introduc- one-stop- shop in which customers can find everything 1,999 the lowest price all over Kuwait. 100,000 km (whichever comes first). Customers can also be tion of the JAC J5 at TSC Wholesale Center -Shuwaikh”. they need “All Under One Roof”. Launched by Ali Alghanim and Sons Automotive, JAC J5 assured they will receive high-quality after-sales service Zantout said “TSC has always been the pioneer in provid- is manufactured by Anhui Jianghuai Automobile from with a dedicated service center by Ali Alghanim and Sons ing unique products and services for all of its customers; by THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

Kardashians 17:25 Keep It In The Family 15:00 White Collar 02:30 E! News 18:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 16:00 Emmerdale 03:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 19:10 Coronation Street 16:30 Coronation Street 04:00 Live From The Red Carpet 19:35 Big Star’s Little Star 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:00 E!ES 20:30 Tricked 18:00 C.S.I. 00:30 Eastenders 00:20 Dynamo: Top Ten Moments 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 21:25 Keep It In The Family 19:00 Suits 01:00 Doctors 01:10 Dynamo: Revealed Miami 22:20 Coronation Street 20:00 The Flash 01:30 Being Erica 02:00 Fast N’ Loud 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take 22:50 Emmerdale 21:00 American Idol 02:10 DCI Banks: Aftermath 02:50 Auction Hunters Miami 23:15 Emmerdale 22:00 24: Live Another Day 02:55 Saxondale 03:15 The Liquidator 07:50 Style Star 23:45 Murdoch Mysteries 23:00 Supernatural 03:25 Money 03:40 Dukes Of Haggle 08:20 E! 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Garvin 08:00 American Warships-PG15 01:40 Baking Mad With Eric Jimmy Fallon 09:45 Star Trek Into Darkness 03:45 Art Attack 11:35 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 05:30 My Boys Lanlard 04:10 Jungle Junction 12:00 Chopped 12:00 Into The Blue-PG15 02:05 Celebrity MasterChef 06:00 Til Death 14:00 Safe-PG15 04:20 Jungle Junction 12:50 Siba’s Table 06:30 Welcome To The Family 02:35 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 04:35 Jungle Junction 13:15 Jenny Morris Cooks The 16:00 Tactical Force-PG15 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 18:00 Star Trek Into Darkness Living 04:45 Jungle Junction Riviera 08:00 New Girl 03:00 Bargain Hunt 05:00 Art Attack 13:40 Mystery Diners 20:15 Haywire-PG15 HIT AND RUN OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 08:30 My Boys 22:00 Hit And Run-18 03:45 Come Dine With Me 05:25 Art Attack 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 09:00 Back In The Game 17:30 The Armstrong Lie-PG15 10:00 Marvel’s Ultimate Avengers 20:19 MSNBC The Last Word W/ 04:10 The Little Paris Kitchen 05:50 Mouk 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 09:30 Melissa & Joey 20:00 Captain Phillips-PG15 II-PG Lawrence O’Donnell 04:35 The Planners 06:00 Dog With A Blog 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 10:00 Baby Daddy 22:30 The French Connection II 12:00 Red Sky-PG15 21:00 Live MSNBC Ronan Farrow 05:25 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 06:25 Liv And Maddie 15:45 Farm Kings 10:30 Welcome To The Family 14:00 Salmon Fishing In The Daily 06:50 So Random 16:35 Chopped 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring Taylor Yemen-PG15 07:15 I Didn’t Do It 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks The Jimmy Fallon 00:00 Three Men And A Baby 05:50 Nigellissima 16:00 The Good Doctor-PG15 07:40 Jessie Riviera 12:00 Til Death 02:00 Proof Of Love-PG15 06:20 Baking Mad With Eric 18:00 Red 2-PG15 08:05 Austin & Ally 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite 12:30 New Girl 04:00 The Little Rascals Save The Lanlard 01:00 Drinking Buddies-PG15 20:00 Runner Runner-PG15 08:30 Girl Meets World 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 13:00 My Boys Day-PG 00:00 Hero Indian Super League 06:40 Celebrity MasterChef 03:00 Grand Piano-PG15 22:00 I, Frankenstein-PG15 08:55 Suite Life On Deck 18:40 Siba’s Table 13:30 Welcome To The Family 06:00 Standing Ovation-PG15 Highlights 05:00 Labor Day-PG15 07:10 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 09:20 Wizards Of Waverly Place 19:05 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 14:00 About A Boy 08:00 See Spot Run-PG15 02:30 Ryder Cup Official Film 07:00 Turbo-PG Living 09:45 Hannah Montana 19:30 Mystery Diners 14:30 Melissa & Joey 10:00 Three Men And A Baby 04:00 PDC World Darts 09:00 Between Us-PG15 07:35 The Little Paris Kitchen 10:10 That’s So Raven 19:55 Burger Land 15:00 Baby Daddy 12:00 Keeping The Faith-PG15 Championship 11:00 A Family Reunion-PG15 08:00 Bargain Hunt 10:35 Double Teamed 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 14:15 Mystery, Alaska-PG15 00:00 Live MSNBC Now With Alex 07:00 Sevens World Series 13:00 Dream House-PG15 08:45 Come Dine With Me 12:15 Austin & Ally 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes Stewart 16:30 See Spot Run-PG15 Wagner Highlights 15:00 The Lone Ranger-PG15 09:10 The Planners 12:40 Jessie 22:00 Amazing Wedding Cakes 16:00 Two And A Half Men 18:30 Sweet Home Alabama-PG15 01:00 Live MSNBC The Ed Show 08:30 Top 14 Highlights 18:00 Between Us-PG15 10:00 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 13:05 I Didn’t Do It 22:50 Siba’s Table 16:30 Til Death 20:30 Life Happens-PG15 02:00 Live MSNBC Politicsnation 09:00 Futbol Mundial 23:15 Siba’s Table 20:00 Lay The Favorite-PG15 Taylor 13:30 So Random 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 22:15 Knocked Up-18 03:00 Live NBC Nightly News 09:30 Trans World Sport 13:55 Liv And Maddie 23:40 Burger Land 22:00 We’re The Millers-18 10:25 Nigellissima 18:00 The Neighbors 03:30 ABC World News With David 10:30 Inside The PGA Tour 14:20 The Adventures Of Disney 10:50 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 18:30 How I Met Your Mother Muir 11:30 Live PGA European Tour Fairies 04:00 Live MSNBC All In With Chris 13:30 Hero Indian Super League Living 19:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 14:55 Jessie 19:30 Young & Hungry Hayes Highlights 11:15 Celebrity MasterChef 15:20 I Didn’t Do It 14:00 Trans World Sport 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 01:00 The Sapphires-PG15 05:00 Live MSNBC The Rachel 11:45 Delicious Iceland 15:45 Liv And Maddie 15:00 European Tour Weekly 00:40 The Hungry Sailors Jimmy Fallon 03:00 Inescapable-PG15 Maddow Show 12:10 The Little Paris Kitchen 16:10 Austin & Ally 01:00 Wheelers 15:30 Live PGA European Tour 01:30 Celebrity Exposed: Richard 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 05:00 Lost Christmas-PG15 06:00 Live MSNBC The Last Word 12:35 Bargain Hunt 16:35 Girl Meets World 02:45 Home Alone 18:30 Inside The PGA Tour Young Photography Stewart 07:00 Heaven’s Door-PG W/ Lawrence O’Donnell 13:20 Come Dine With Me 17:00 I Didn’t Do It 04:30 Barbie Fairytopia 19:00 European Tour Weekly 02:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Two And A Half Men 09:00 Jobs-PG15 07:00 NBC Nightly News 17:25 Jessie 06:00 Blue Elephant 19:30 Trans World Sport 13:45 The Planners 02:25 Emmerdale 22:00 Family Guy 11:00 Lost Christmas-PG15 07:30 ABC World News With David 14:35 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 17:50 Code: 9 02:55 Coronation Street 22:30 The League 08:00 Twigson Muir 20:30 Futbol Mundial 18:15 Dog With A Blog 13:00 Phantom-PG15 09:45 Imaginum Taylor 03:25 The Great Fire 23:00 Louie 15:00 Struck By Lightning-PG15 07:57 NBC Nightly News 15:00 Nigellissima 18:40 Good Luck Charlie 04:20 Chasing Shadows 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 11:15 Unstable Fables: The 08:18 ABC World News With David 19:05 I Didn’t Do It 16:45 Jobs-PG15 Goldilocks & The Three Bears 15:25 Delicious Iceland 05:15 Murdoch Mysteries 19:00 Pawn-PG15 Muir 19:30 Liv And Maddie 06:10 The Jonathan Ross Show 12:45 Twigson 08:39 Live ABC Nightline 15:55 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 21:00 At Any Price-PG15 01:00 Fedex Cup Playoffs Official 19:55 Austin & Ally 07:05 Celebrity Exposed: Richard 14:15 The Missing Lynx 09:06 MSNBC The Rachel Maddow Living 23:00 On The Road-R Film 20:20 Wizards Of Waverly Place Young Photography 16:00 Garfield’s Fun Fest Show 16:20 Celebrity MasterChef 03:00 Live NHL 20:45 Suite Life On Deck 07:30 The Great Fire 18:00 Imaginum 10:00 MSNBC The Last Word W/ 00:00 White Collar 06:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 16:50 Bargain Hunt 21:10 Hannah Montana 08:25 Chasing Shadows 20:00 The Missing Lynx Lawrence O’Donnell 02:00 Legends 06:30 Futbol Mundial 17:35 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 21:35 That’s So Raven 09:20 The Chase 22:00 Marvel’s Thor: Tales Of 11:00 Live ABC World News Now 03:00 Supernatural 07:00 NFL Gameday Taylor 22:00 Suite Life On Deck 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries Asgaard 11:30 Live ABC World News Now 04:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 07:30 Fedex Cup Playoffs Official 18:00 Come Dine With Me 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 11:10 Emmerdale 05:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 23:30 Garfield’s Fun Fest 12:00 Live NBC Early Today 00:30 The French Connection- Film 18:25 The Planners 22:50 Shake It Up 11:35 Emmerdale 06:00 White Collar 12:30 Live ABC America This 02:15 White Palace-18 11:00 PDC World Darts 19:15 Marbella Mansions 23:10 Wolfblood 12:00 Coronation Street 07:00 Helix Morning 04:00 The Fifth Estate-PG15 Championship 20:00 Food Glorious Food 12:30 The Hungry Sailors 08:00 C.S.I. 13:00 Live ABC America This 06:30 The Count Of Monte Cristo 14:00 Top 14 Highlights 13:25 The Jonathan Ross Show 10:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter Morning 20:45 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 09:00 Beastly-PG15 14:30 HSBC Sevens World Series 14:20 Celebrity Exposed: Richard 11:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 14:30 MSNBC First Look 21:10 Sweet Baby James 10:30 Eastwood Directs: The 00:30 The Smurfs 2-PG Highlights Young Photography 12:00 Emmerdale 15:00 Live NBC Today Show 21:35 Celebrity MasterChef Untold Story-PG15 02:30 Austenland-PG15 18:00 WWE Bottomline 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 12:30 Coronation Street 18:57 MSNBC Hardball W/ Chris 22:25 Bargain Hunt 11:45 The Next Three Days-PG15 04:30 Red Sky-PG15 19:00 WWE NXT 00:00 House Of DVF 15:35 Big Star’s Little Star 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Matthews 23:10 Come Dine With Me 14:15 Faces In The Crowd-PG15 06:30 Marvel’s Ultimate Avengers I 20:00 WWE Main Event 01:00 Extreme Close-Up 16:30 Tricked 14:00 C.S.I. 08:00 The Good Doctor-PG15 19:38 MSNBC The Rachel Maddow 23:35 Planet Cake 01:30 Keeping Up With The 16:00 Beastly-PG15 Show 21:00 NFL Road To The Playoffs

I, FRANKENSTEIN ON OSN MOVIES PREMIERE HD Classifieds

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME MATRIMONIAL

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME I, Lasya Priya, Holder of Pajero jeep, newly paint, FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY Indian Passport No: Z model 1996, color red, pass- 2519965, D/o Soma ing Sept 2015, use by a (08/01/2015 TO 14/01/2015) Sundara Rao Maddukuri lady. Call: 66152130. have changed my name as 8-1-2015 SHARQIA-1 Lasya Priya Maddukuri and 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:00 PM MUHALAB-3 shall hence forth my name NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 1:45 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 12:45 PM be known / called as Lasya THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 3:45 PM SEVENTH SON 3:00 PM SITUATION VACANT NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 5:15 PM Priya Maddukuri. This is for 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 8:00 PM SEVENTH SON 7:30 PM kind information of all con- Required a driver for a THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM SEVENTH SON 9:45 PM cerned. THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:15 AM SEVENTH SON 12:05 AM Kuwaiti family. Has a valid 8-1-2015 driving license, has experi- SHARQIA-2 FANAR-1 ence in Kuwait, speaks I, Thiru Sakthivel R. SEVENTH SON-3D 11:45 AM AUTOMATA 12:30 PM English. Tel: 90030691. SEVENTH SON 2:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 2:30 PM (Hindu) holder of Indian SEVENTH SON-3D 4:00 PM AUTOMATA 4:15 PM Passport No. E6574227, (C 4899) SEVENTH SON 6:15 PM UNBROKEN 6:15 PM SEVENTH SON-3D 8:15 PM VICE 9:00 PM Subbaiyapillai street, SEVENTH SON 10:30 PM AUTOMATA 11:00 PM Pattukkottai, Thanjavur, A well experienced cook SEVENTH SON 12:45 AM AUTOMATA 1:00 AM Tamil Nadu, has been con- for a family house in verted Islam with the name Kuwait. Tel: 90030691. SHARQIA-3 FANAR-2 LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 11:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 11:30 AM R. Abdul Nazeer. (C 4901) (C 4899) THE IMITATION GAME 1:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 1:45 PM 7-1-2015 5-1-2014 THE IMITATION GAME 3:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 3:45 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 5:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 5:45 PM THE IMITATION GAME 7:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 7:45 PM ACCOMMODATION THE IMITATION GAME 9:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM MATRIMONIAL THE IMITATION GAME 12:05 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:15 AM Sharing accommodation in MUHALAB-1 FANAR-3 Sharhabel Hawally for sin- RC Christian boy, aged 29, NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:15 PM THE IMITATION GAME 11:45 AM gle / couple Filipino avail- native of Chalakkudy, 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 2:30 PM THE IMITATION GAME 2:15 PM able from January 5, 2015, presently settled in Prayer timings THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 4:15 PM VICE 4:45 PM with TFC. Please contact Wyanadu Dist, Kerala, work- NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 6:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 8:15 PM THE IMITATION GAME 8:30 PM mobile 51080902. (C 4902) ing in Kuwait as Computer Fajr: 05:19 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:30 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 10:45 PM 8-1-2015 Engineer, seeking proposals 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:45 AM THE IMITATION GAME 12:45 AM from parents of working Shorook 06:44 Sharing accommodation girls in Kuwait. Contact: MUHALAB-2 MARINA-1 Duhr: 11:55 THE IMITATION GAME 11:30 AM INTO THE WOODS 11:30 AM available in a flat at Jabriya, [email protected] THE IMITATION GAME 1:45 PM THE IMITATION GAME 2:15 PM area - 10 near Jabriya Indian (C 4900) Asr: 14:47 LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 4:00 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 4:30 PM School for decent working 6-1-2015 THE IMITATION GAME 5:45 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 6:15 PM ladies or couple from Maghrib: 17:06 THE IMITATION GAME 8:00 PM VICE 8:00 PM VICE 10:15 PM THE IMITATION GAME 10:00 PM February-2015. Contact: Isha: 18:28 THE IMITATION GAME 12:15 AM THE IMITATION GAME 12:15 AM 99300513. (C 4898) 5-1-2015

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 8/1/2015 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 KAC 617 Doha 15:00 BBC 043 Dhaka 00:05 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 KAC 502 Beirut 00:05 MPH 951 Amsterdam 14:35 Departure Flights on Thursday 8/1/2015 QTR 8647 Doha 15:05 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 Airlines Flt Route Time QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KNE 470 Jeddah 14:55 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 AGY 685 Sohag 15:15 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 OMA 645 Muscat 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 THY 767 Istanbul 15:20 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:35 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:55 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 JZR 175 Dubai 15:20 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 KNE 471 Jeddah 15:50 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 KAC 546 Alexandria 01:10 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 OMA 646 Muscat 16:00 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 MPH 951 Dubai/SIN 16:05 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 NCR 630 OAI 16:00 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 KAC 501 Beirut 16:15 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:15 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 JZR 553 Alexandria 02:45 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 JZR 257 Beirut 16:30 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:15 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 JZR 156 Dubai 17:35 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 UAL 982 IAD 17:55 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 TSY 170 Bahrain 05:40 AFG 415 Kabul 18:30 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 118 New York 18:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 QTR 1073 Doha 18:20 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 JZR 240 Amman 07:15 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 IRA 673 Ahwaz 07:50 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 NCR 601 Dubai 19:00 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:55 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 BAW 156 London 08:45 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 IRA 672 Ahwaz 08:50 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15 IRA 667 Esfahan 08:10 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 AFG 415 Jeddah 19:30 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 JZR 256 Beirut 09:05 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 IRA 668 Mashhad 09:10 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 19:45 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 KAC 104 London 19:55 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:05 IZG 4161 Mashhad 11:10 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 ABY 123 Sharjah 20:35 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 ABY 124 Sharjah 21:15 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 JZR 174 Dubai 10:45 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 TBZ 5483 Mashhad 11:50 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 TSY 171 Bahrain 21:50 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 SYR 341 Damascus 12:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 TAR 328 Tunis/Dubai 12:15 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 IZG 4162 Mashhad 12:10 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 JZR 241 Amman 12:55 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 157 Dubai 22:10 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 QTR 8646 Doha 13:35 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:15 TBZ 5484 Mashhad 12:50 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 SYR 342 Damascus 13:00 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:30 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 AGY 680 Alexandria 14:15 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10 TAR 327 Tunis 13:05 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 THY 766 Istanbul 14:20 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 QTR 1072 Doha 14:20 AGY 684 Sohag 23:20 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 543 Cairo 23:20 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 CROSSWORD 778 STAR TRACK

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

Your moods may fluctuate as much as the weather. This is not a good time You display an urge to be recognized by co-workers for your hard work. to make any concrete decisions about a relationship or a business deal. Rather, it’s best Your work as a whole may come under review. You may want to look at this review as a to find where you can do your best work and get to it. This is a good day for heavy men- way to learn how to secure yourself in the profession you are in, or perhaps look at some tal work that requires discipline; take frequent breaks. An innovative career move may be future possibilities. You do not want a temporary situation that will simply pay the bills; in the works for next month and now may be the best time to make your plans. You have you may be looking for something that will make you feel worthy of your day’s work a deep desire for personal freedom and may seek out friends who are unusual or uncon- effort. There is a break from your past thinking and you will soon be ready to discuss the ventional in their social behavior. This evening you could be seeking release from the next step of advancement with a supervisor. You will find business dealings particularly strictures you see society placing on you, careful. You attract a new love interest, but oth- fruitful at this time. This is also a good time to foster a sense of togetherness and team er energies seem to be in conflict, it will be of short duration-easy does it. play among loved ones. Expressing affection should come easily.

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

Your creative mind is busy working overtime-it is a good time to lead the This is a good day for making plans-your mind is clear. You have energy way on a project. You may actively be concerned about the welfare of others in your busi- that is best applied to work or matters of finance. Focus on getting ahead in some way. ness or people who work under you. Try listening to their needs before deciding for your- Your vigor and confidence are strong. Those around you are watching and you may self how best to help them. You have a good understanding of the thoughts and emo- receive credit for your deeds, even though you are not seeking it-past or present. Ideas tions of co-workers and employees. Sudden conflicts that flare up or decisions that need and thoughts will have greater meaning and form just now. You may be very eloquent or to be made should undergo your consideration. Helping friends and relating to their true forceful in speaking or communicating-people will understand just what you mean. You feelings can be accomplished with little effort on your part. Hold fast to friends and fami- feel generous toward your loved ones and this reflects back on you. Engaging in social ly; they are a great source of strength. Networking in social situations may be an impor- activity, while fun, may be best put off until a more promising time. This evening is a tant activity this evening. There is an opportunity to make a new friend. good time to read a romantic book or take in a movie.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You know that tending to the needs of others is part and parcel of what it You will most likely be full of energy at this time and ready to take on the takes to be successful. You will do your fair share in making sure others get world. You show your positive, practical and realistic side this morning. what they need-including your boss. This is a great time to be with others in a work or Your expectation for success is high. Of course, you may be sensing that the times are ACROSS prescribed death for almost every offense (cir- play atmosphere. You may be the one that can fill the requirements for a particular job. 1. A barrier constructed to contain the flow or ca 7th century BC). changing to reevaluate your financial standing and revise your holdings or investments. Your directional abilities are in high focus. Engage your curiosity this afternoon because water or to keep out the sea. 2. A communist state in Indochina on the This is an excellent time to sit down alone and get many things accomplished. The practi- your imagination and creativity are at their best. New ideas are easily understood and 4. Extinct order of jawless vertebrates. South China Sea. cal use of your time and energy will most certainly pay, bringing good times to all. bring interesting and exciting rewards. Make the most of this exciting day. Make sure you 12. Blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria 3. Hardened sugary exudation of various Relating with old chums is extremely pleasant this afternoon. The blend of your creative get plenty of exercise throughout this month-this is a good day to begin. Physical intima- energy with a partner’s practicality could prove most rewarding. Failure to unify may cy is especially rewarding with your beloved. and fungi. trees. cause unwanted problems. A most compatible person comes into your life this evening. 15. A nucleic acid that transmits genetic infor- 4. A soft yellow malleable ductile (trivalent mation from DNA to the cytoplasm. and univalent) metallic element. 16. Having removed clothing. 5. The compass point that is midway between 17. The sense organ for hearing and equilibri- north and northwest. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) um. 6. A soft white precious univalent metallic ele- You might like to be in control of a relationship and you may look for ways to 18. A former copper coin of Pakistan. ment having the highest electrical and ther- Finish, rather than start. You have the mental concentration and discipline 20. Marked by or showing unaffected simplic- mal conductivity of any metal. manipulate your way around to gaining that control, at least for a short to work out the fine details to complete a past project. You may not want to block out the while. If you really want control, just be you. The planets are all in place to draw positive ity and lack of guile or worldly experience. 7. The capital and largest city of Yemen. broad borders of a new project this day. Your communicative powers may be a bit attention toward your direction. You are successful in completing any projects you began 22. Any plant of the genus Canna having 8. Acting like a clown or buffoon. pinched; it would be best to put off any negotiations requiring personal contact. You may last year. There may be a meeting later today with new ideas to share. When lots of people large sheathing leaves and clusters of large 9. In the same place (used when citing a refer- think you are seeing an entire picture. Step back and take a better look-you will like what gather to help with progressive ideas, surprises happen that promise a fruitful outcome. If showy flowers. ence). you see. Also, make sure you have complete information before gambling with an invest- you are in retail, a new sales technique will catch the eye of a potential buyer. If you are in 25. Open-heart surgery in which the rib cage 10. Resist or confront with resistance. ment. This is a good day to help others. You are in touch with your feelings and very lov- service, a new uniform or some thoughtful addition to your service may bring you mone- is opened and a section of a blood vessel is 11. A public promotion of some product or ing-this is a good time to call old friends or spend time with loved ones. tary results. This is a positive time. grafted from the aorta to the coronary artery service. to bypass the blocked section of the coronary 12. Flightless New Zealand rail of thievish dis- artery and improve the blood supply to the position having short wings each with a spur Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) heart. used in fighting. 26. Of or relating to Oman or its people. 13. An aggressive remark directed at a person You seem empowered with zest and enthusiasm to accomplish many Now marks a time when you must be judicious in personal decisions about 27. A body of (usually fresh) water surrounded like a missile and intended to have a telling things. Today you decide to focus on the higher aspects of life-the big picture-pesky assets. Your hard work to double your income will pay off soon because of your willingness by land. effect. details are a waste of time. You may have the desire for further education just now. Just to take on extra work for a few months. Use caution in how you loan your income to oth- remember to be positive with others. This is a pleasant day of optimism and a feeling of ers. It may seem that your emotions are taking over in all your dealings with others. This 29. Type genus of the Amiidae. 14. A steep rugged rock or cliff. can cloud reason, so probably it is not the best day for delicate deal making or objective 31. Covered with paving material. 19. Reports of the work of a society or learned generosity toward all, regardless of the weather. Working with close associates should prove favorable. Also, this is a timely period to clear up differences between a friend and decisions. It also is not a day when you feel like standing up to the world alone-so you 36. Tropical woody herb with showy yellow body etc. would appreciate a little warmth and nurturing from those closest to you. You are more you, perhaps, by speaking your mind. This friend needs to know your viewpoint but make flowers and flat pods. 21. (Greek mythology) Sea nymph who was a than willing to repay them in kind. Make adjustments in your schedule so that you will be it short and sweet. There are lots of emotional and sentimental energies available to able to exercise with a friend. Relating with old chums is pleasant. 39. An important seaport on the Island of daughter of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys. inspire you now. Many agreements are reached. Cebu in the Philippines. 23. An anticipated outcome that is intended 42. A city in southwestern Switzerland at the or that guides your planned actions. western end of Lake Geneva. 24. (Scottish) Bluish-black or gray-blue. Virgo (August 23-September 22) 43. Deciduous round-headed Asiatic tree 28. Water frozen in the solid state. Pisces (February 19-March 20) widely grown in mild climates as an ornamen- 30. The United Nations agency concerned tal for its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant with civil aviation. You may feel as though you could conquer the world today. This is a great Working with a partner can be most rewarding now. It is important at this time to have a realistic understanding of your own and your partner’s abilities and yellow-green flowers followed by hanging 32. Moving quickly and lightly. time to get things done as quickly as possible. This should be one of those very welcome days during which you feel good and so does everyone else. Be sure to keep an open strengths. You are more interested in making money through rational, intellectual process- clusters of fleshy orange-red berries. 33. Cause to run off the tracks. mind about ideas and proposals-paying attention to the details involved. Use the confi- es than with brute, physical actions now. Also, you may show more of an interest in cultur- 45. (Sumerian) Water god and god of wisdom. 34. Evergreen Indian shrub with vivid yellow dence you feel now to get the most pressing projects at work completed-there is consid- al or literary affairs regarding the spending of money than with just merely collecting 47. A theocratic republic in the Middle East in flowers whose bark is used in tanning. erable success yet to be enjoyed. You feel nothing but warmth, generosity and affection material goods. You are good at understanding the thoughts and emotions of co-workers western Asia. 35. Wildly disordered. toward everybody around you and they in turn reflect it all back to you. Your benevolence and employees. Supervising could be in your future. Sudden conflicts that flare up or deci- 48. A sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow). 37. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man. extends to strangers as well-everyone you attract will be in a good mood. Relations with sions that need to be made should undergo your consideration along with others. Helping friends move is a laugh a minute this afternoon. 49. Amino acid that is formed in the liver and 38. A populous province in northeastern partners are both easygoing and rewarding. converted into dopamine in the brain. China. 51. Being nine more than forty. 40. The hair growing on the lower part of a 52. An Iranian language spoken in man's face. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution Afghanistan. 41. An organization of independent states to 53. An organization of countries formed in promote international peace and security. 1961 to agree on a common policy for the 44. A state in the Rocky Mountains. sale of petroleum. 46. A case for containing a set of articles. 55. Feeling or showing extreme anger. 50. A three-tone Chadic language. 57. A plant hormone promoting elongation of 54. A genus of Pyralidae. stems and roots. 56. The residue that remains when something 58. Sole genus of the family Naiadaceae. is burned. 60. A doctor's degree in dental surgery. 59. A member of the Himalayan people living 63. Tropical woody herb with showy yellow in Nepal and Tibet who are famous for their flowers and flat pods. skill as mountaineers. 65. Extremely exciting as if by alcohol or a nar- 61. A federal agency established to regulate cotic. the release of new foods and health-related 67. A cut of pork ribs with much of the meat products. trimmed off. 62. Produced by crossbreeding. 71. An esoteric or occult matter that is tradi- 64. A colorless and odorless inert gas. tionally secret. 66. Jordan's port. 75. An avalanche volcanic water and mud 68. An informal term for a father. down the slopes of a volcano. 69. According to the Old Testament he was a 76. Molten rock in the earth's crust. pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel 79. The basic unit of money in Cambodia. (9th century BC). 80. A federal agency established to coordi- 70. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in nate programs aimed at reducing pollution the Dali region of Yunnan. and protecting the environment. 72. An officer who acts as military assistant to 81. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling). a more senior officer. 83. A material effigy that is worshipped as a 73. A historical area and former kingdom in god. northwestern Spain. 84. A light touch or stroke. 74. A friendly nation. 85. A member of the Caddo people who for- 77. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which merly lived in the Dakotas west of the the pilot is talked down by ground control Missouri river. using precision approach radar. 86. Declare untrue. 78. The month following February and pre- ceding April. DOWN 82. A trivalent metallic element of the rare 1. Athenian lawmaker whose code of laws earth group. Yesterday’s Solution

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FEATURES Despite detente, search for art looted in Cuba could take years hen Gil Marmol and his fami- tioned off to the public or smuggled think of ‘How am I going to deal with ly fled Cuba in 1961 the revo- overseas, mostly to Europe, either by going back to Cuba? Am I going to Wlutionary government seized corrupt Cuban officials or by the gov- get anything back?’” 17 paintings that they left behind, ernment itself when it needed hard She says she tells potential clients including two watercolors by Mexico’s currency, art experts say. While politi- that it is too early to know how Cuban Diego Rivera. Years later, he discov- cal change in Cuba will take years politics will play out but that now is a ered that one of the works was smug- despite improved relations with the good time to start assembling docu- gled abroad and then sold at auction United States, Cuban Americans hope ments proving ownership. In a few in New York in 1995 to an unknown that Havana will eventually return cases over the years, auctioneers have buyer. That was the only real trace of confiscated homes, businesses and mediated between the original own- the Marmols’ collection, just some of artwork or compensate them. ers of valuable items seized in Cuba the artwork confiscated in the early The art seized ranges from family and later buyers of the confiscated years of the revolution that will prove portraits of little financial value to works to resolve claims. No one has a difficult to recover even as the island Cuban and European paintings from definitive dollar figure for the artwork, normalizes relations with the United the 19th and early 20th centuries, antiques and other valuable assets States. Mastrapa said. One wealthy family, the seized in Cuba. Cuban Americans like Marmol Fanjuls, lost an art collection valued at could be fighting for decades more to up to $60 million. It included more Fruitless search win back paintings and other artwork than a dozen works by Spanish Before making any claims, Cuban lost in Cuba due to protracted legal impressionist Joaquin Sorolla and a Americans first have to find their art. struggles and because many of the Michelangelo pencil drawing. Exile Marmol, 61, tried to track down items have disappeared. “I encourage his family’s paintings after his father people to seek their property ... but Hundreds of claims died in 2009 but it was a frustrating finding movable items like paintings There could be hundreds of claims search. The Dallas-based businessman or jewelry is particularly difficult,” said for works of art as Cuba and the located only one piece: the painting Tania Mastrapa, a consultant on prop- United States restore relations, said “Hombre Cargando Alcatraces” by erty rights in former Communist Mari-Claudia Jimenez, a New York Rivera. He discovered through search- countries. lawyer who specializes in trying to ing the Internet and speaking to a For example, descendants of White recover confiscated art from Cuba. But friend in the auction world that the Russians who lost property in the the government and courts in the painting had been sold by Sotheby’s Russian Revolution a century ago are United States are limited in what they in New York for $145,500 in 1995. still trying to recover paintings to this can do to win reimbursement for art- He said Sotheby’s refused to tell Puppets from ‘Coraline,’ ‘The day, she said. In the early 1960s, spe- work, businesses and property owned him who bought the painting cialized Cuban government teams by individual Cuban Americans as because of client confidentiality but sealed the homes of wealthy exiles most of them were not US citizens they wrote to the buyer to point out and took away paintings, antiques when they fled Cuba. his claim of ownership. “The purchaser Boxtrolls’ offered at auction and jewelry. Some of the goods, such Cuban exiles might have to wait responded that he did not recognize as one of the world’s largest collec- until Cuba opens up and then go to the painting, that he had no record of he stop-motion animators behind films that include of Coraline wearing her star sweater from the 2009 film tions of Napoleonic memorabilia that court there to seek restitution. “We purchasing it and he maintained this “Coraline” and “The Boxtrolls” will be auctioning pup- and the 11-inch-tall puppet of Eggs, the main character was amassed by sugar baron Julio get calls once every few months from position,” said Marmol. Sotheby’s in Tpets, models, props and sets from its archives for the from “The Boxtrolls,” released last year. Travis Knight, presi- Lobo, were housed in Cuban muse- someone who is looking to recover New York confirmed Marmol’s version first time. Dallas-based Heritage Auctions will offer the dent and chief executive of Oregon-based Laika, says the ums where they remain. The Cuban their artwork and certainly I think of events but declined to comment items from Laika Studios on Feb 12 in Beverly Hills, company’s pleased to open the vaults for fans. He says, government says it now owns works there has been an increase in those further.—Reuters California. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The “These are beautiful, unique and handcrafted works of art like that because they were aban- calls lately,” said Jimenez, of law firm Art of Elysium, a nonprofit arts organization. of the highest order.”—AP doned. Herrick, Feinstein LLP. “People are Items going up for auction include a 12-inch-tall puppet Other confiscated pieces were auc- starting to ready themselves to try to

In this photo taken Sept 8, 2014, Rosa Bouglione speaks in her apartment Photo shows an art piece depicting Rosa and her husband during their cir- Rosa Bouglione, 103, sits with her son Emilien in her apartment in Paris. in Paris, France. —AP photos cus days, in her Paris apartment. Wed in a lion’s cage: Circus queen active at 103 adame Rosa appears at the circus apartment door- dren and great grandchildren, survived two world wars and somehow named Jackie. She and her husband once turned and Hayworth who had flown in from Hollywood to attend way in sparkling diamonds, red lipstick and a walk- the Nazi occupation. But the matriarch of the Winter Circus up at a top hotel with the baby primate placed in the hat the circus perform beneath the Eiffel Tower. Madame Rosa Ming frame - and sits down beside her leopard skin never let the petty trials of the 20th century spoil her zest box. The footman said, “Gosh. Madame’s hats are pretty met Callas, who loved the circus, many times, and had a rug. “That’s Mickey,” exclaims the 103-year-old doyenne of for life. She married her husband in a lions’ cage instead of a heavy,’ said Rosa, chuckling and saying that for the month close relationship with Baker, who died in 1975. Europe’s most famous circus, pointing to all that remains of church. She remembers advising the pastor against enter- they were at the hotel no one noticed the gorilla in the “She was a friend. Amazing,” Rosa says, adding that she her former pet. “He died of old age. We had him a long time,” ing the den for fear he’d get eaten by the big cats and not room. used to share costume ideas with the black icon that went she says nostalgically, while offering a visitor one of her lux- finish the service. The couple’s foul-mouthed parrot, Coco, was equally on to become a global star for her ground-breaking banana ury Swiss chocolates. Soon, anecdotes from the matriarch of loved, but less jovial. He lived to 45 and would squawk pro- dance. There’s a slight sadness when she reminisces over Paris’ famed Winter Circus come pouring out: how she got Memory aid fanities at Rosa, if he was ever ignored. “I cannot tell you characters in her old stories. “They’re all dead. ... They’re all married in a lion’s den, once entered a posh hotel carrying a Her protective elephant respected the sanctity of this what he would call me... (Parrots) are very, very intelligent. dead,” Rosa repeats several times, sighing in front of the baby primate in a hat box, and helped raise a parrot known marriage so much that he once squashed Callas in retribu- He could speak very fluently,” she said. Her stories are fan- portrait of her husband, who died decades ago. for its foul use of the French language. tion for getting too close to her husband after one show. tastical, but photos, pictures and her son bear witness. Take But now that her huge family includes contortionists, The great Madame Rosa is now considered the big top’s “The elephant practically knocked her over. ... He was jeal- for instance her sea voyage to Latin America with her circus acrobats, jugglers, and lion tamers in the popular annual most eccentric, and oldest, character. Born Rosa Van Been to ous,” said Rosa, with a laugh that makes her look decades in the 50’s. In scenes reminiscent of “The Life of Pi,” she says Winter Circus spectacle, their many theatrical get-togethers a performing family in Belgium just in time for Christmas in younger. Laughter, it becomes apparent, is this incredible there was a freak storm, which caused the captain to order stop her dwelling on the past. She says the secrets of her 1910, two years before the Titanic sank, she went on to find woman’s life-line: the memories and anecdotes she’s told a that the 12 elephants be thrown overboard to save the ship eternal youth include hard work, sleeping very little and fame and success in Paris by marrying businessman Joseph thousand times still make her wrinkled face light up with a from sinking. deadly animals. “I’ve always, always been with lions, with Bouglione, whose claim to fame was buying the Winter touching naivety when she remembers a punchline or con- panthers, with wolves, with hyenas,” she says. “I was never Circus in 1934. She’s now a French celebrity in her own right. jures up an image that had been sitting for years undusted A global star scared.” As the interview concludes, Madame Rosa can’t She was close friends with Josephine Baker, the in her memory archive. Her son, who was aboard, calls it a “miracle” when sud- resist revealing one more secret of her longevity. “Fries,” she American-born French dancer, singer and actress. Madame Nevertheless, she feels the need to bring along to the denly the storm subsided and the boat remained afloat with said, and paused. “I’m Belgian.”—AP Rosa also rubbed shoulders with opera diva Maria Callas interview her 80-year-old son Emilien as her “memory aid” the animals safe. “That was an adventure,” says Madame and actresses Ingrid Bergman and Rita Hayworth - and out- to help her fill in the gaps. Once she gets started, the stories Rosa. Then there were the celebrities. “So many, so many,” lived them all. Madame Rosa, who now has 54 grandchil- pour out. There was her other “child” - a male gorilla she says her son, who remembers sitting with stars Bergman

This undated image released by Julien’s Auctions, shows the “Lisa Marie,” a Convair 880, one of two of the private This undated image released by Julien’s Auctions, shows the “Hound Dog II,” a Lockheed JetStar. jets belonging to musician Elvis Presley and on display at Graceland in Memphis Tennessee. —AFP photos Elvis Presley’s private jets up for auction wo of Elvis Presley’s private jets are up Los Angeles auction house Julien’s, in a ing OKC Partnership to put ads in specialist acquired the Lisa Marie in April 1975, two tem. Formerly operated by Delta Air Lines, the for auction after spending three decades statement, anticipated sealed bids to come aviation magazines looking for buyers. With years before his death, for $250,000, then Convair 880 — in its day a rival to the iconic Ton display at his Graceland estate in from collectors, aviation enthusiasts and no reasonable offers coming in, and the expi- spent lavishly to customize it to his own speci- Boeing 707 — was sold by Presley’s father in Memphis, Tennessee. Neither the vintage entrepreneurs who might put the planes on ration of the joint venture agreement in April fications. Its 29-seat interior features a master 1978. It changed hands several times before it Convair 880, dubbed the Lisa Marie after show elsewhere. Since the 1980s, the two jets- drawing ever closer, OKC Partnership opted for suite with forward lounge, conference room, was towed alongside the smaller TriStar to Presley’s daughter, or smaller Lockheed which belong to OKC Partnership of Memphis an auction instead. private club room and suite, and a bathroom Graceland. Julien’s Auctions said it would JetStar, known as Hound Dog II, are deemed have been on display at Graceland under a “They’re not flyable airplanes. They’re really with gold faucets and wash basin. accept sealed bids for the aircraft until airworthy. But for devout fans of the King of joint venture agreement with Elvis Presley celebrity memorabilia,” a source familiar with Entertainment on what the entertainer February 2 — and it will be up to the buyer to Rock ‘n’ Roll, who would have been 80 this Enterprises. the aircraft told AFP on Tuesday on condition liked to call “the pride of Elvis Presley Airways” pick them up and move them to a new Thursday, the two aircraft have afforded a Last year, Elvis Presley Enterprises said it of anonymity. Elvis Presley Enterprises did not was provided by a 52-speaker sound system home.—AFP unique glimpse into his jet-setting lifestyle. would not renew that arrangement, prompt- return an email request for comment. Presley and a four-television in-flight video tape sys- lifestyle THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 FEATURES How to choose the right shampoo

t is surely can be frustrating to figure out which bad for your hair. Your shampoo needs to be changed shampoo is the right one for you with all these up every few months, because after a while, your hair Ioptions and brands in the market. Shampoos can and scalp starts getting used to one type of shampoo come really cheap or really expensive, and both can be or conditioner that it will no longer work as good as it used to. It’s important that you know the type of hair you have as well as the ingredients in the shampoo you choose to use, maybe then you’ll have a better understanding to what works better for you.

Some ingredients that you should look out for and avoid: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/ Sodium Laureth Sulfate: This ingredient is found in almost every shampoo because it helps to foam and cleanse. However, what people don’t know is that when these ingredients are processed they become cancerous. An easier way to remember what to avoid is that if you ever read through the ingredients behind the shampoo/conditioner bottle, try to avoid products that contain ingredients that end with “eth”.

Sodium Chloride: This is just salt; basically it’s used to thicken your shampoo. Salt may also cause dryness on your scalp, which will lead to flaking - not cute.

Glycol: This is used to combine products in a formula, they are also known to be cancerous and extremely dangerous.

Hydrolysed Collagen: The trick with collagen is that our skin can’t absorb it because the molecule is too large. very light-weight and smelled great! keting hype drifts you away from what is necessary. Huge brands claim that collagen is used to strengthen Educating yourself to know exactly what you’re Essential oils, raw ingredients and fruits are actually your hair, which is non-sense. It isn’t dangerous, but it is using on your head, on your skin and even what you way healthier for your scalp and hair. When ingredients safer to avoid it. For ingredients to actually work, our bod- are consuming in your body is the first and most are processed and mixed together they can sometimes ies need to synthesize it. important step to knowing what is healthy and useful become cancerous and more harmful than beneficial. Those are some ingredients that I’ve tried to avoid for you and what is harmful. Not everything works the Take good care of your hair because it’s very difficult recently, only because I wanted to cut out the same way on everyone, each body is different, and for it to go back to what it first was. extremely strong and dangerous ingredients that reacts differently to various ingredients. Avoiding hard Love, might dry out and harm my hair. Avoiding those chemicals is always safer for you. Sometimes the mar- Fouz xo strong chemicals will result in having stronger and healthier hair. Those heavy masks and treatments might be helpful every once in a while, but for the long-run they can really wear out your hair.

You are what you eat If you are suffering from hair loss, you might want to reconsider your diet and what you’re taking in to your body. You are what you eat, and if you are living off of burgers, pizzas, and junk food it won’t help with not only your hair, but it will weaken the strands in your hair, mess up your skin and nails too. I’m not saying that having a healthy diet alone will give you the healthiest hair, but it sure does help a lot. Nioxin Shampoo is a huge hair care brand which aims at keeping your scalp at its healthiest and to improve the hair that you have left, as well as improving blood circulation in your scalp to stimulate hair growth. You might also want to use shampoos that have rosemary and mint in them to help hair growth. On the other hand, if you have oily hair, you might want to purchase shampoos that contain more citruses and acid to help dry out your scalp and allows it to breathe. I once went through a period of time where my hair would easily become oily, which was difficult because excessive hair washing can also ruin your hair, so I had no medium. I purchased Opalis shampoo for oily hair and it really did work for a while, then my hair was back to its normal state. Another shampoo that works wonders is Aubrey Green Tea shampoo, it was Eucerin AtopiControl breaks the vicious Right at Home circle of Atopic Dermatitis - in a gentle way Feather motifs ave you or your baby ever expe- Patients want gentle yet effective effective on compromised skin and a rienced Atopic Dermatitis symp- treatments safe treatment in acute phases of mild Htoms? Eucerin offers you the Eucerin Research understands the to moderate Atopic Dermatitis. The solution with the launch of the skin and combines its knowledge to application of this cream can even take off as a AtopiControl cleansing, caring and meet consumer needs and preferences reduce the need for topical medication active range of products. The range with the development of effective such as hydrocortisone and immedi- includes the Eucerin(r) Acute Care products. “An increasing number of ately relieves itching. Its formula com- Cream to use during acute phases and adult Atopic Dermatitis patients and bines four active ingredients: the Body Care Lotion, the Bath & especially mothers of infant patients The formula with trend in decor Cleansing Oil and the Face Care Cream are looking for gentle and safe yet Menthoxypropanediol soothes itchy to use during symptom-free phases, all effective dermocosmetic skin care solu- skin. Licochalcone A, which is extracted of which are gentle enough for use on tions which help to alleviate the symp- from the licorice root, has a calming hen you think of a feather, what comes to sensitive baby skin. Collectively, these toms of the acute phase and might and anti-inflammatory effect. Anti-bac- mind? Peacock plumage in flamboyant, iridescent products reflect a unique, holistic even represent an alternative to topical terial Decanediol combats staphylococ- Wblues? Or maybe a leafy glade full of forest creatures approach which effectively alleviates medication such as hydrocortisone,” cus aureus, the bacteria that activates and woodsy hues? The natural beauty and extraordinary vari- symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis. says Dr Gitta Neufang. The most recent inflammatory processes in Atopic ety of bird feathers have made them a decor trend. The motif Dermatitis. Omega-6 fatty acids really took flight last fall in both fashion and home, and feath- obtained from evening primrose and ers are now emerging in spring decor collections, too. grape seed oil stabilize the skin’s natu- Christina McCombs, an interior designer in Lake Mary, Florida, ral lipid barrier. says she’s seeing all sorts of feathers in everything from table- Basic Cleansing and Care: extends top accessories to fabrics and wall coverings. the Atopic Dermatitis ‘remission’ phases “In recent years, we’ve seen a big resurgence of nature This photo provided by Anthropologie shows a chande- There is no cure for Atopic influencing design, feathers definitely being part of it,” she lier crafted from brass feathers that makes a striking says. “Feathers symbolize new beginnings and lightness, mak- Dermatitis. However, it does go into statement. — AP photos remission. During these non-acute ing them a perfect addition to decor for the New Year.” A look at some places where feathers have come home to roost: At phases, the skin seems just to be dry, feather motif on tufted wool, in Anthropologie, there’s a chandelier crafted out of welded red and slightly scaly but still needs cream on a deep eggplant back- brass feathers and a shower curtain with a falling feather quill ground. Tempaper’s Feathers special care and this is where the pattern. Michael Aram’s limited-edition feather sculptures, Eucerin AtopiControl basic cleansing removable wallpaper features a inspired by his fantasy of finding a large feather during a for- feather print on either a silver or and care products come into use. The est walk, are rendered in nickel-plated bronze. line includes a Body Care Lotion, the golden “Twilight” background. Jayson Home’s evocative series of Instagram-y feather Archival DÈcor has black-and- Bath & Cleansing Oil and the Face Care photographs printed on handmade paper are quiet, rustic, Cream. “Regular application of these white striped feather ele- modern wall art. Speaking more loudly at the other end of ments photoprinted on pil- products can extend the flare-free the style spectrum is a colorful tray with decoupaged lows or offered as framed phases and reduce symptoms like dry- feathers on a gold metallic background. Pillows encrust- dÈcor. This photo provided by ness, scaliness and uncomfortable skin ed with actual rooster feathers, in gold or ebony, are And at Pottery Barn, Jayson Home shows roos- tension,” explains Dr Gitta Neufang. playfully exuberant. feather silhouettes Up to five percent of the adult pop- product to be developed by Eucerin The Eucerin AtopiControl basic Feathers are printed in soft blues and greens on become bold graphic ter feathers that are dyed ulation and one in five to ten children scientists using advanced technology cleansing and care formula combines birch wood, creating a forest of sorts, at West Elm. art on white paper, a deep ebony hue, then around the world are Atopic Dermatitis on the basis of intensive research and two active ingredients which provide Watercolored feather medallions look like dream framed in inky black. affixed to a linen-backed sufferers where 90 percent of these the very latest knowledge is Eucerin with regular use long-term improve- catchers on an organic cotton duvet cover and sham. Is your own creativity pillow to create a striking people first experience this chronic, AtopiControl. ment of atopic skin conditions: Omega- “I’ve seen a huge feather influence in fabrics and wall ready to take wing? work of art. non-infectious skin disease before they Acute Care Cream: An innovative, 6 fatty acids obtained from evening coverings,” McCombs says, citing Mary McDonald’s McCombs says, reach the age of five. “The symptoms effective product primrose and grape seed oil stabilize new collection for Schumacher, in particular. “One of my favorite uses for the feather motif, and McDonald’s Firenze design is based on a Florentine of scaly, inflamed areas of skin and In the acute phases of Atopic the skin’s natural lipid barrier. probably the easiest, is wall art. I love doing a photo col- marbled paper. “While it’s not blatantly a feather motif, Licochalcone A from the licorice lage of matted and framed feathers. This is a simple DIY extreme itching are the visible side of Dermatitis, patients are plagued by the inspiration is subtle and timeless,” McCombs says. Atopic Dermatitis. What people don’t itching, inflammation and in severe root down-regulates inflammatory project that anyone can incorporate into their home and “I’d love to make a bold statement with this and put it make a chic statement.” For a simple how-to - using see- see, though, is the effect that it has on cases by weeping sores. According to mediators and reduces redness. All on some fabulous window treatments.” French wall-cov- the psyche. Many people with Atopic Dr Gitta Neufang, “Patients, especially Eucerin AtopiControl skin care prod- through frames from a crafts store and feathers either erings firm Elitis has an ethereal collection of feathery found or purchased - go to www.chapterfriday.com . —AP Dermatitis feel restricted, unattractive children, suffer greatly as a result of ucts are free from parabens, colorants prints, including Euraquilo and Tramontane. John Nolan’s and rejected. Children, in particular, are these symptoms. They can keep them and fragrances. Their efficacy and skin peacock window curtain has featherly flair, with a large, exposed to peer prejudice and teasing,” awake at night and scratching only tolerance has been verified in clinical colour-saturated print. And designer Thomas Paul uses birds explains Dr Gitta Neufang, Head of makes things worse.” and dermatological studies and all and feathers as frequent inspiration, in groovy ‘70s-style This photo provided by Michael Aram shows a Research Eucerin Actives. The Eucerin Acute Care Cream is products are suitable for babies. designs, chic damask, and toile-like patterns for pillows and nickelplated feather sculpture that is an arrest- napkins. His Feather rug features an oversize frond-like ing example of the motif. LIFESTYLE38 THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 MUSIC & MOVIES Timbaland gives Lee Daniels’ ‘Empire’ hip-hop cred

ee Daniels, co-creator of Fox’s new needle drops and score, but, Daniels stress- series “Empire,” is the first to admit that es, “The story drives the music, the music Lmusically he’s “stuck in the world of doesn’t drive the story. That was very Diana Ross and Donna Summer,” so the important to me that we’re not just pop- director of “Precious” and “The Butler” may ping out musical numbers for the sake of at first seem an odd choice to helm a week- popping out musical numbers.” ly primetime soap opera devoted to hip- “Glee” helped teach Fox how to inte- hop. But with multiple Grammy-winning grate music into a show while remaining producer-rapper Timbaland signed on as true to the plot, says Geoff Bywater, Fox’s executive music producer, Daniels is free to senior VP of TV Music, adding because focus on the gasp-inducing storylines that “Empire” is a series about the music biz and propel this melodramatic cross among because of access to Timbaland’s star-stud- “King Lear,” “Glee,” “Nashville,” and his ded Rolodex-expect real artists to drop by. favorite show as a child: “I was obsessed “We want to make the world of ‘Empire’ almost feel like a real music-breathing entity,” he says. Given the tremendous amount of music in the show-the pilot has more than 12 songs-Bywater says, “It’s all hands on deck” for each episode. As scripts are written, holes are left for original songs. “It takes a while to write a song according to the story notes or emotions that the song needs to help accomplish,” he says. “We have to have those songs ready to go before anyone can step in front of a camera.” Though the show will use outside writers, Timbaland’s team gets first crack at the tunes. Then after the episodes are shot, any licensed songs and composer Fil Eisler’s score are added. Bywater declines to dis- Lee Daniels close the show’s music budget, but adds that since there is so much original music, with ‘Dynasty’ as a kid, and I wanted to “We don’t have to pay licensing fees for a Will ‘The Interview,’ ‘Game of Thrones’ bring that back to my TV world.” lot of the ‘big moment’ music.” Fox owns “Empire,” which debuts Jan 7 after the publishing on the songs written for the “American Idol,” centers around hip-hop show, so it will benefit from additional mogul Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard). exploitation of the material. To that end, shake up the movie business? After discovering he has a terminal illness, Fox has linked with Columbia Records for a the patriarch pits his three sons against music marketing plan that draws upon the he Interview” has managed to rise buy. News reports that “The Interview” and its Interview” will not be. Unlike “The Interview,” the each other as they compete to take over tremendously successful template the two phoenix-like from the wreckage of its plot centering on the assassination of Kim Jong- release of “Game of Thrones” is complementary, the New York-based company (though the partners launched for “Glee.” “Ttheatrical debut on the strength of its un had inspired North Korea to breach Sony’s not threatening. show is filmed in Chicago). Add in his video-on-demand and digital rentals and sales. cyber defenses and leak company emails and scheming ex-wife/ex-jailbird Cookie (Taraji Compilation albums Despite being at the center of a massive corpo- financial information resulted in weeks of Promotional aspect P. Henson), who has designs on the busi- To build excitement for “Empire’s” debut, rate hacking attack and the source of terrorist breathless media coverage. The film’s cancella- Movie theaters believe that limiting their ness herself, and there’s plenty of sudsy Columbia released on iTunes the series’ first threats, the film has brought in an impressive tion and resurrection turned it into a rallying exclusive access to a film by hastening its home drama to go around. “Empire’s” co-creator, original song, “No Apologies,” performed by $31 million from online retailers, cable, telco and point for free speech advocates. entertainment debut is an existential challenge writer Danny Strong (Imagine’s Brian Grazer Jussie Smollett and Bryshere Gray, who satellite providers in its first eleven days. It to their business model. Why hit the multiplexes serves as executive producer), first present- play Lyon’s two youngest sons. Smollett’s appears to be the biggest simultaneous on- Limited run when you can wait a few weeks to see it at ed the idea as a movie, but Daniels felt it character, Jamal, is an R&B singer, demand and theatrical release in history, easily “It’s not replicable,” said Seth Willenson, a stu- home? However, the episodes of “Game of was better suited for TV. while Gray plays Hakeem, a rapper. “We trumping past high-water marks such as dio consultant. “It’s trying to create a paradigm Thrones” have already been aired and they will “There was something about the wanted to give people an idea of what’s “Arbitrage” and “The Bachelorette.” “It’s a huge when it’s just an exception to the rule.” The furor bring people into theaters in January, which is longevity of the story that excited me and coming,” says Shawn Holiday, Columbia out-performer, but what it lacked in exposure around “The Interview” threatened to overshad- traditionally a slow period for the industry. watching this (idea) grow that I wouldn’t Records senior VP of A&R. Like “Glee” through a big theatrical run, it gained in front ow another intriguing and promising experi- Because they’ve been shown, it won’t encourage have been able to do in film. In theater and and “Nashville,” a handful of songs from page coverage in every paper in the country,” ment in exhibition-Imax’s decision to run HBO subscribers to cut the cord, something that film, the director is king,” says Daniels. “They “Empire” will be released on iTunes imme- said Tom Adams, a home entertainment analyst episodes of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” on its could undermine its revenues. There are a limit- really want me to be happy at Fox, but I diately following each episode. and president of Tom Adams Research. screens for a limited run this month along with ed number of Imax screens, so the promotional have a lot of people to answer to and they Additionally, compilation albums are on Its success is precedent-shattering. However, an exclusive peek at the show’s upcoming sea- aspect of the event will be more important than have a lot of input and that’s a different tap-the first is slated to drop in early May as the film will not burst open the doors on a brave son. It’s the kind of test that’s unlikely to threat- its grosses. thing to understand.” Daniels says the con- the last show of the season airs-and there’s new world of film distribution to make it safe for en theater chains, unlike Imax’s earlier flirtation “It’s unique premium content that fits in well flicted, driven Lyon isn’t based on any par- even the possibility of individual albums major productions with big name stars to piggy- with releasing a sequel to “Crouching Tiger, with Imax’s core fanboy audience and for HBO ticular music impresario; rather, he’s a com- from Smollett and Bryshere’s characters, back on their theatrical release by premiering in Hidden Dragon” in conjunction with its Netflix it’s a great marketing tool to reach non-sub- posite of “my dad, me and several celebri- according to Holiday. the home at the same time. The circumstances debut. scribers,” said Eric Handler, an analyst with MKM ties that I know. He’s based on several real Daniels, who directed the pilot, has nev- surrounding it are too unique. By the time “The Content, preferably of the irresistible variety, Partners. Both events demonstrate that old estate moguls that I know of African- er been shy about expressing his opinion, Interview” was pulled from major theater chains is what drives people to get up off their couches, barriers are collapsing and the movie business American descent. He’s the American or generating controversy. With refreshing and then reconstructed as a limited art house power off their cellphones and retreat to the remains in flux. “The Interview’s” strong sales dream.” candor, he says his stake in “Empire” is all and independent release it was deep into a confines of a theater for a few hours. At this and rentals indicate that the public has about the Benjamins-to quote the Puff national marketing and promotional campaign. point, television shows such as “Homeland” and embraced the convenience of digital film distri- Drive the story Daddy rap hit. “I get a nice little piece of Films that opt to premiere on-demand do not “The Walking Dead” inspire just as ardent a fan bution, while “Game of Thrones’” Imax premiere “Empire” also marks the first series for money from movie to movie, but I have typically have a $30 million marketing spend base as many blockbuster films. Other networks reflects the cinematic quality of many major Timbaland, best known for his work with friends that do what I do in television and behind them. The economics don’t justify it. have reached out to Imax about possible collab- television programs. Change isn’t just coming. Jay Z, Justin Timberlake and Rihanna. they’re gazillionaires. I was like, ‘Danny, Plus, the film had the kind of awareness orations, suggesting that the “Game of Thrones” It’s here.—Reuters Daniels called Timbaland out of the blue. what the hell, let’s try to make the money around it that studios can’t and wouldn’t want to launch could be the kind of pioneer that “The “In three days, he gave me some music that for once.’ That was the motivation, I’m was just astounding, and I said ‘Done’,” embarrassed to say.”—Reuters Daniels says. Like ABC’s “Nashville,” “Empire” is filled with live performances, licensed Cuoco-Sweeting apologizes Hart on Sony cyber-hack: for comments on feminism aley Cuoco (KWOH’-koh)-Sweeting says she’s sorry ‘It’s not that serious to me’ if people were offended by her recent comments In this Dec 18, 2014, on feminism. The 29-year-old actress was quoted in evin Hart says the Sony cyber- K file photo, Redbook magazine as saying she enjoys cooking for and attack will not have lasting con- Kaley Ksequences on him or the enter- “serving” her husband, Ryan Sweeting, and was “never Cuoco- tainment industry. The actor-comedi- that feminist girl demanding equality.” In an interview Sweeting an, who was mentioned in a dis- Monday for her upcoming film, “The Wedding Ringer,” arrives at paraging way in leaked emails, says Cuoco-Sweeting said her answers were taken out of con- The People “things happen” in business, but “it text. Magazine has nothing to do with the entertain- She said she simply meant that she feels lucky “to Awards at ers.” While promoting his Sony come- have a career, really build myself as an independent the Beverly dy “The Wedding Ringer” Monday, woman ... be able to serve my husband and have a fami- Hilton hotel Hart summed up the attack as “a ly.” She also said she never wants to offend anyone, “but in Beverly bump in their road,” adding “it’s not it happens and I’m really sorry.” Cuoco-Sweeting stars Hills, that serious to me. That’s their deal.” with Kevin Hart and Josh Gad in “Wedding Ringer,” a Calif.—AP In one email, Clint Culpepper, comedy about a best man-for-hire. She also stars on CBS’ president of Sony’s Screen Gems unit, “The Big Bang Theory.”—AP called Hart a “whore” for asking for compensation for tweets. In a separate exchange, producer Scott Rudin and Sony Pictures co-chair Amy Pascal riffed about President Obama The top 10 songs and albums on the iTunes Store liking films with black casts, including Hart. “Ringer,” starring Hart as a best Top Songs man for hire, opens Jan 16.—AP 1. Uptown Funk (feat Bruno Mars), Mark Ronson 2. Blank Space, Taylor Swift 3. Take Me to Church, Hozier 4. Thinking Out Loud, Ed Sheeran 5. Lips Are Movin, Meghan Trainor 6. Shake It Off, Taylor Swift 7. All About That Bass, Meghan Trainor Drake, Black Keys, Weird Al to 8. Centuries, Fall Out Boy 9. Only One (feat. Paul McCartney), Kanye West perform at Governors Ball 10. I’m Not the Only One, Sam Smith apper Drake is on the festival circuit: He’s Rheadlining Coachella in April and will also perform at New York’s Governors Ball in June. Drake will be joined by the Top Albums Black Keys, “Weird Al” 1. 1989, Taylor Swift Yankovic and Lana Del Rey 2. Guardians of the Galaxy: (Aweso.), Various Artists in New York from June 5 to 3. 2014 Forest Hills Drive, J. Cole June 7 on Randall’s Island. 4. In the Lonely Hour, Sam Smith Tickets for the fifth 5. The Pinkprint, Nicki Minaj annual three-day 6. x, Ed Sheeran Governors Ball Music 7. Into the Woods (Original Motio.), Various Artists Festival go on sale 8. The Young OG Project, Fabolous Wednesday. Other perform- 9. Frozen , Various Artists ers include Bjork, 10. Annie (Original Motion Picture.), Various Artists.-AP Deadmau5, Florence + the Machine, Charli XCX, My Morning Jacket and Ryan Adams.—AP lifestyle THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 MUSIC & MOVIES Morocco approves Exodus film, after offending sections cut he Ridley Scott biblical epic “Exodus,” that was banned in TMorocco for violating Islamic precepts, will be shown once again in this North African country after the studio agreed to remove the offending passages. The Moroccan Cinematography Center issued a statement late Tuesday explaining that the film, which recounts the story of Moses, could now be shown in theaters after Fox Studios and director Ridley Scott took out dialogue implying one of the characters represented God. “They went ahead and made the desired change, removing two audio passages that alluded to the personi- fication of the Divine,” the statement said. On Dec 27, the Morocco Cinematography Center told theaters to stop showing the film after a review board objected to the scene where Moses receives his revelation from a figure that could be interpret- ed as representing God. In the movie, Moses asks the child “who are you?” The child responds, “I am,” suggesting it is a representation of God. In Islam, figural representa- tions of God are forbidden. The board’s move prompted criticisms over freedom of expression by film- makers and politicians in Morocco. Morocco has a more liberal attitude toward Western films than other countries and Egypt. “Exodus” was nal banning was not censorship, as ignoring the sentiments of citizens, countries in the region and the ban banned by Egypt and the United Arab many claimed, but a matter of respect particularly religious ones,” it said. An A file picture taken on December 26, 2014 shows people walking past a bill- was unusual. Censorship of scenes Emirates, which claimed it was histori- for people’s beliefs. “This shows that uncut version of the film has been board for the Hollywood biblical epic movie “Exodus: Gods and Kings” dis- offending religious or cultural mores cally inaccurate. In its statement, the the respect for freedom of creation, available for weeks on pirated DVDs played in the Moroccan capital Rabat. — AFP is common in the conservative Gulf film center maintained that the origi- like all freedoms, does not mean sold in the streets. — AFP Stars of ‘Unbroken,’ ‘Whiplash’ vie A Minute With: Carmen Ejogo as Coretta for BAFTA’s Rising Star Award Scott King in ‘Selma’ t’s rare for an actress to play the same being the emotional core of the movie nbroken’ star Jack O’Connell and and Academy Award-nominated film “The character twice but Carmen Ejogo, and how Martin makes the choices he “Whiplash” lead Miles Teller are among the Descendants.” She established herself as a rising Iwho played Coretta Scott King in the makes, that wasn’t there. ‘Unominees for BAFTA’s Rising Star Award, Hollywood actress when she was cast as Beatrice, the HBO movie “Boycott”, portrays her again which were announced yesterday. The award, which leading heroine in action adventure film “Divergent.” in the 1960s civil rights era movie Q: You played Coretta Scott King in is sponsored by EE, recognizes actors or actresses Woodley has received critical acclaim for her por- “Selma”, to be released in US theaters a 2001 HBO movie about the 1955 bus who “have demonstrated exceptional talent, and are trayal of a young cancer patient in the witty yet heart nationwide on Friday. boycotts. What was different the sec- destined to be bright stars in the future of cinema.” breaking love story “The Fault in our Stars.” Amazingly, Ejogo says early versions ond time around? The other nominees are Shailene Woodley, Margot Woodley’s TV credits include “The Secret Life of the of the “Selma” script had no role for the A: Coretta was a completely different Robbie and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. O’Connell first came American Teenager,” “Felicity: An American Girl wife of Martin Luther King J Ejogo, 41, of woman by 1965. There is a burden about to public attention in the UK TV series “Skins,” which Adventure,” and recurring roles on “Crossing Jordan,” Scottish and Nigerian heritage, talked her of what she could have been and ran from 2009. In 2013, he took the lead in British “The O.C.” and “Jack & Bobby.” She received a with Reuters about how she approached what she has become, the aspirations for indie film “Starred Up,” playing Eric, a violent repro- 2012 Independent Spirit Award for supporting the part. the marriage, the unspoken knowing bate prematurely transferred to an adult prison. The actress, a National Board of Review Award for sup- that Martin doesn’t have long with her. I role earned him a best actor nomination at last year’s porting actress, a Golden Globe nomination, and a feel strongly that they knew it was going to end badly, and we are only three years away from that moment (his 1968 assassination) in this film.

Q: What pressure is there in playing such an iconic figure? A: I think being British has been very Jack O’Connell helpful to me because I didn’t go to school learning about Coretta as being the most important female in black history ... I was able to embrace the full scope of the woman, the frailty, the good and the bad, and recognize ultimately that I wouldn’t be doing her a disservice by presenting those things, but I would be doing her a favor.

Q: How do you think “Selma” will be perceived by the black community or by the US audience, if there is a dis- Carmen Ejogo tinction? A: I hope it’s the same reaction in that Margot Robbie Miles Teller Q: It’s hard to believe there was no it really serves as an inspiration. I think Coretta because the relationship that this film will prove to be as inspiring Critics Choice Award nomination. She will soon be between her and Martin is so central to the people that are picketing outside Chris Rock: starring in “Insurgent” and “Allegient,” as the final two to this movie. Walmart trying to get workers’ rights, the instalments of the “Divergent” trilogy, and will this A: (Director) Ava DuVernay added people on the streets of Hong Kong, and ‘Scott Rudin is not a year begin filming the lead female role opposite some genius ideas, including the idea of Iran, and Ukraine. And I am so excited Joseph Gordon Levitt in Oliver Stone’s next movie putting Coretta in the film. There was no that this film will be as inspiring to a racist. Scott Rudin “Snowden.” Coretta in the original script. Maybe one black person in Ferguson, Missouri as to a Robbie was first recognized for her role as Donna telephone call scene. But in terms of white kid in middle America. — Reuters hates everybody’ Shailene Woodley Freedman in soap opera “Neighbors.” Her breakthrough role was in Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of British Independent Film Award. He also received Wall Street,” in which she stars as the female lead hris Rock finally opened up about his critical acclaim for his punchy portrayal of Private “Top Five” producer Scott Rudin on opposite Leonardo DiCaprio. In February, she will star Gary Hook in “‘71,” for which he was nominated for a as an up-and-coming con artist opposite Will Smith US Renews Efforts to Extradite CTuesday night-in typical Chris Rock British Independent Film Award last year. The thriller, in “Focus.” Mbatha-Raw’s first major film role was in fashion. While accepting the Spotlight Award based on the civil strife in Belfast, was in competition at the National Board of Review ceremony in 2011’s “Larry Crowne,” directed by Tom Hanks and co- Roman Polanski from Poland at the Berlin Film Festival before being screened in starring Julia Roberts. New York, the 49- year-old comedian Toronto. Most recently, O’Connell took the lead role explained to the audience that Rudin, who in Angelina Jolie’s “Unbroken,” a chronicle of the life made racially charged comments last month Voted by the public of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was tak- In 2013, she starred alongside Willem Dafoe and about President Obama in several leaked en prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II. emails to Sony’s Amy Pascal, wasn’t really Anton Yelchin in Stephen Sommers’ “Odd Thomas.” In O’Connell has also appeared in “Private Peaceful” the same year, she played the title role of Dido Belle, prejudiced as much as he was just nasty. (2012) and “300: Rise of an Empire” (2014). He has “Scott Rudin is not a racist. Scott Rudin Britain’s first mixed-race aristocrat, in the period dra- recently been awarded Breakthrough Performance ma film “Belle,” alongside Tom Wilkinson and Emily hates everybody,” he told the laughing audi- by the National Board of Review for “Starred Up” and ence. “He’s not here because he hates all of Watson. The role earned her the best actress award “Unbroken,” and has been nominated by the London and a nomination for Most Promising Newcomer at you!” Tuesday’s remarks were the first time Critics’ Circle as best British actor. Later this year, he Rock has specifically mentioned the produc- last year’s British Independent Film Awards. Mbatha- appears in “Tulip Fever,” alongside Christoph Waltz Raw took on a very different role for Gina Prince- er of his new movie following the “scary” and Holliday Grainger. Teller made his feature film cyber-attack on Sony. “Read my emails,” he Bythwood’s “Beyond the Lights” as Noni, a present debut opposite Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole,” day pop singer torn between love, success and find- said to the New York Times. “I say offensive which is adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning things for a living.” Introduced by pal and ing her authentic self in an exploitative industry, play, and has established himself in the past year steered by her ambitious mother, played by Minnie fellow comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Rock began with roles in “Whiplash” and “Divergent.” “Whiplash” his speech by saying that he thought NBR Driver. Mbatha-Raw’s television credits include he US has renewed its efforts to passports, and under the terms of the received the Grand Jury Prize and audience award at “Spooks,” “Doctor Who,” “Marple - Ordeal by extradite Roman Polanski from extradition treaty between the US and stood for the “National Black Review.” the Sundance Film Festival, and Teller’s intense per- He also went on to poke fun at animated Innocence,” “Bonekickers” and “Fallout.” She has also TPoland. Prosecutors in Los Angeles Poland, Poland is not obliged to extradite formance as a struggling drumming student landed appeared on stage as Ophelia opposite Jude Law’s have submitted a request to Poland’s pros- its own citizens, but it could if it wished. movies after “Lego” picked up the trophy for him a best actor nomination for the Gotham Awards. best original screenplay. “They all say, ‘We Hamlet. ecutor general for the director’s extradi- Given Poland’s need to lean on US military The Rising Star Award is the only award at the tion. This request has been forwarded to support to counter-balance the threat from made something that was more than an ani- Breakthrough success mated movie.’ No you f-ing didn’t.” “I did British Academy Film Awards to be voted for by the the authorities in Krakow, where Polanski its neighbor Russia, it may feel obliged to Teller will play Mr Fantastic in “The Fantastic Four” has been living while he prepares to shoot play ball. In 2009, Polanski was taken into ‘Madagascar.’ I cashed a check and got the f- public. The winner will be announced at the BAFTAs with Michael B Jordan, Kate Mara and Jamie Bell, his film “An Officer and a Spy.” This follows police custody in Switzerland after the US out of there.” He also said that he auditioned on Feb 8. The jury who selected the nominees com- which will be released later this year. Teller’s previous prised deputy chair of BAFTA’s Film Committee, an attempt by the US authorities to get submitted an arrest warrant, but an to play Dr. Martin Luther King Jr for director Polanski sent back to the States in October, attempt by the US to have him extradited film credits include “Footloose,” “Project X,” “21 & Pippa Harris, actress Alice Eve, director Dexter Ava Duvernay. “I would have done ‘Selma,’ when Polish prosecutors rejected a request later failed. Polanski pleaded guilty to hav- Over,” “The Spectacular Now” and “That Awkward Fletcher, film critic James King, casting director Nina but she didn’t pick me,” he said. “I came in to arrest Polanski when he attended the ing sex with 13-year-old Samantha Geimer Moment,” in which he starred alongside Zac Efron. Gold, producer Parminder Vir, producer Debra and looked like I had marched. Nothing. Not Woodley found breakthrough success for her per- opening of a Jewish museum in Warsaw. in the US in 1977, but left the country in a freaking thing.” — Reuters Hayward, director Susanna White and producer Marc Polanski holds both Polish and French 1978 before sentencing. — Reuters formance opposite George Clooney in the BAFTA Samuelson. — Reuters Morocco approves Exodus film, after offending sections cut

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 39

The piecePop “Roboter” of the German band Kraftwerk‘robots’ is performed during a concert at the Neue Nationalgalerie (New National GallerKraftwerky) museum in Berlin on January 6, 2015. — AFP photos kick off shows at Berlin landmark

erman electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk kicked off eight nights of concerts at an iconic Berlin museum GTuesday with a multimedia performance of their classic album “Autobahn”. Founding member Ralf Huetter, 68, collabo- rated with other artists to make 3D films to be projected in the signature glass-and-steel shell of the Neue Nationalgalerie (New National Gallery) while the quartet performed its trailblaz- ing brand of “industrial folk music”.

the Tate Modern in London and Akasaka Blitz in Tokyo. The Berlin dates mark the biggest spectacle staged by the band in the German capital in a decade. Kraftwerk, founded in 1968, are credited with paving the way for acts ranging from Depeche Mode, New Order and Human League to Coldplay and Daft Punk. The notoriously reclusive band, based in the western city of Duesseldorf, has always shunned celebrity and even invented robot avatars to distance themselves from their The stunning modernist temple by Bauhaus architect Mies on-stage personas. the show an exclusive experience for 1,700 guests. The four said recently. More experimental art troupe than pop band, van der Rohe is hosting the back-to-back shows before it closes “There’s no pop band in the history of the music industry band members, dressed in skin-tight body suits accented with Kraftwerk, which means power station in German, picked up a for several years for renovation. Kraftwerk’s concerts have been that has shown so little interest in being pop stars,” Berlin’s daily fluorescent grid patterns, stood at illuminated podiums, each Grammy lifetime achievement award last year. sold out since November and come on the heels of other high- Morgenpost said. The museum also opened in 1968, near equipped with a synthesizer. Fans say the band has managed to Their lyrics about the growing dominance of technology in concept outings at the Sydney Opera House, New York’s MoMA, where the Berlin Wall cleaved the city until a quarter-century stay cutting-edge. “They were always ahead of their time with daily life and the omnipresence of machines are widely seen as ago. It has since become a beloved cultural institution and their modern sound and minimalist lyrics,” said Claus Boelicke, prescient in a hyperconnected world. Calling their musicians tourist magnet. Britain’s David Chipperfield is managing the 48, who works for a German charity. “audio operators”, founders Huetter and Florian Schneider overhaul of the architectural landmark with the aim, he has “Their music is so catchy and the staging is so cool and very aimed to break with the pop music brought by the US and said, of making the repairs imperceptible when they are com- funny actually,” said Friederike Schilbach, 34, who works in pub- British occupying forces to create a new German sound. “These Singapore firm pleted. lishing and discovered Kraftwerk in the 1990s. “I think some- unapproachable marionettes were the opposite of the blues-no Its collection of modern masterpieces by the likes of Pablo times people abroad got their humor more than Germans did.” warmth, no sex, no extroverted expressions. They were not the launches mobile app Picasso, Andy Warhol, Henry Moore and Gerhard Richter will be children of James Brown and Coca-Cola,” news magazine Der placed in storage or on loan in the meantime. The museum said ‘No warmth, no sex’ Spiegel wrote this week. the Kraftwerk performances marked “a wonderful encounter The enthusiastic, mostly middle-aged crowd cheered hits Schneider announced he was leaving the band in 2008 and for halal foodies between pioneers of the electronic age with a great visionary of like “Das Model” and “Wir sind die Roboter” (We are the robots), Huetter is the only original member remaining. Music critic Kai public space”. Each night will showcase a different album, most which won the group an international cult following. “Nearly all Mueller said Kraftwerk’s uber-German sensibility played to Singapore-based company yesterday launched made in the band’s 1970s and 1980s heyday, followed by a the new genres of pop music that developed in the following stereotypes that resonated abroad. “Maybe they showed the a mobile application that enables Muslim food- greatest hits set. Opaque black curtains covered the Neue decades-hip-hop, electro, Miami bass, house, techno, dubstep... world what we Germans were capable of: precision, excellence Aies and travelers to share halal restaurant dis- Nationalgalerie’s famous floor-to-ceiling front windows to keep were influenced by Kraftwerk,” German weekly Zeit Magazin and yes, robot tears,” he said. — AFP coveries around the world. The free “HalalTrip” app, available for Apple iOS and Android devices, enables users to take and upload photos of halal dishes, write comments and share them through social media. Clicking on a photo gives details about the dish as well as the location of the restaurant. The app, which has English and Arabic interfaces, also uses a traveler’s location to display photos of halal dishes served in nearby restaurants. The term halal is used for food, products and services that comply with Islamic requirements. “Halal food is one of the biggest drivers of tourism for the Muslim market,” said Fazal Bahardeen, chief executive of HalalTrip, part of a Muslim-oriented business group called CrescentRating. “When travelling, one of the main concerns of Muslims is halal food. What we did is to bring in a social media element into discovering halal food and making it more fun and more intuitive,” he told AFP. Fazal predicted the Muslim travel market would be worth $192 billion a year globally by 2020, up from $140 billion in 2013. — AFP