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THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 RAJAB 9, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Sheep prices Court removes Determination, Dzeko sends stable Thai PM anger as ‘born 100-goal prior to Yingluck free’ South City to brink Ramadan3 from office7 Africans10 vote of20 title Mall meeting cancelled Max 41º Min 23º as activists call protest High Tide 06:20 & 16:27 Opposition urges mass demos after grilling scrapped Low Tide 11:12 & 23:57 40 PAGES NO: 16159 150 FILS By B Izzak and A Saleh

UK names KUWAIT: A meeting organized by the National Assembly that was scheduled to be held at The Avenues mall today and was due to be attended by the National Assembly new envoy speaker and the prime minister was cancelled, apparently after activists called for a protest gathering. MP Yacoub Al- Sane, who organized the meeting to examine the public to Kuwait response to new schemes being discussed for wages and end of service indemnity, told reporters yesterday that the LONDON: Matthew James Lodge has been appointed Avenues’ administration was not welcome to holding politi- Britain’s ambassador to Kuwait in succession to Frank cal events at the mall. Baker, who will be transferring to another diplomatic As a result, it was decided to hold the event with the service appointment, the British Foreign and attendance of National Assembly employees only without Commonwealth Office announced yesterday. Lodge the speaker or prime minister. Sane said the public opinion will take up his appointment during Sept 2014. “I am poll will be held today and tomorrow at the Avenues and honoured and privileged to be appointed as Her the speaker and premier will attend part of the event at the Majesty’s Ambassador National Assembly. Assembly Speaker Marzouk Al-Ghanem to the State of Kuwait. said he was informed by Sane that the Avenues’ administra- The United Kingdom tion did not favour holding political events at the mall and and Kuwait enjoy very accordingly the event has been changed for employees close ties and strong only. historical, business, The move came after a large number of activists called social and cultural con- on Twitter for a gathering at the same time when the prime nections. I look forward minister and the speaker were due to be present. The cam- to building on those paign urged youth activists to gather in order to protest strong foundations,” against the unprecedented scrapping of a grilling against said Lodge. the prime minister, which has already triggered the resigna- Matthew Lodge Lodge joined the tion of five MPs. Opposition leader and former MP Musallam Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1996. His FCO Al-Barrak strongly lashed out at Ghanem, charging that “he career has focused on Europe and the Middle East, escaped from the people after calling off the event”. involving work on conflict and security issues (includ- In a related development, opposition figures called for ing Afghanistan and Iraq) and postings in Tbilisi, Athens, mass protests against the government and the speaker after Paris, and the UK EU Representation in Brussels. Lodge the scrapping of the grilling. Speaking at a gathering has served as ambassador to Finland (2010-2013) and KUWAIT: Former MP Faisal Al-Mislem speaks during an Tuesday night, former MPs Mohammad Al-Dallal and Faisal Deputy Head of Mission in Baghdad (2007). Prior to join- opposition meeting late Tuesday. (Inset) MPs Ali Al-Rashed Al-Mislem said it was time for people to start protesting ing the FCO, Lodge spent 10 years as an officer in the and Safa Al-Hashem make their first public appearance late against what is happening in the country, “especially the vio- Royal Marines. He is married with two sons. Tuesday since the two officially submitted their resigna- lation of the constitution and corruption”. tions on Sunday. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh Continued on Page 15 Gulf inches closer to customs union Oman may cut petrol subsidies

KUWAIT: The energy-rich Gulf states uting customs revenues, which has been agreed yesterday to resolve hurdles the biggest hurdle. Saudi hospital obstructing implementation of a long- He told reporters the GCC secretariat delayed customs union, particularly rev- has been asked to “conduct studies to chief sacked enue sharing, Kuwait’s finance minister make the mechanism clearer”. Those said. Leaders of the six-nation Gulf studies and related issues will be RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s acting health minister has Cooperation Council have set Jan 1 to reviewed by the ministers at a meeting in announced the sacking of the head of a Jeddah hospital implement the customs union, first Kuwait City in September, added Saleh, where a spike in MERS infections among medical staff launched in 2003 and delayed on several whose country currently holds the GCC’s sparked panic among the public. And as two more deaths occasions to resolve hurdles. Anas Al- rotating presidency. The Gulf states uni- were announced from the Middle East Respiratory Saleh said after a day-long meeting of fied their customs tariff at 5.0 percent Syndrome coronavirus, which some researchers think finance ministers that there had been over a decade ago, but their steps HOMS: Syrian government forces stand at a checkpoint, decorated with pictures of may originate in camels, Adel Fakieh also announced an agreement on all points of the agenda, toward union have been very slow. President Bashar Al-Assad and Syrian flags, leading to the Jab al-Jandali district of this awareness campaign to help stop the disease’s spread. including on the mechanism for distrib- Continued on Page 15 central city yesterday after government forces regained control of the city. — AFP The campaign urges people not only to follow strict measures of hygiene, but specifically to avoid sick Syrian rebels evacuate camels and refrain from eating raw camel meat or drink- ing unboiled camel milk. Fakieh had already made such ‘capital of revolution’ a recommendation last week. In contrast, the campaign says cooked meat and boiled milk from camels are HOMS, Syria: The evacuation of rebel- effectively turns over the city once harmless. held parts of Syria’s Homs began yester- dubbed the “capital of the revolution” to Fakieh said on Twitter late Tuesday that he had sacked day under an unprecedented deal which government control ahead of a June 3 the head of King Fahd Hospital, the largest in the Red Sea hands back control to the government election expected to return President city of Jeddah, after inspecting the emergency room weeks before the presidential election. Bashar Al-Assad to office. there. The Jeddah hospital was temporarily shut last After nearly two years of government The evacuation began at around 10 month after several medics were infected by MERS. And siege, weary civilians and rebel forces am (0700 GMT), with three buses carry- panic there prompted at least four doctors to resign in made their way out of the shelled-out ing civilians and fighters, some of them mid-April after they refused to treat MERS patients for fear ruins of the Old City and surrounding wounded, departing from the devastat- of infection. KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh attends a Gulf Cooperation areas on buses taking them to opposi- ed Old City. Continued on Page 15 tion-held territory to the north. The deal Continued on Page 15 Council finance ministers’ meeting yesterday. — Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh in the news

Investment Dar makes 5,600-year-old tomb Lebanon expects Gulf discovered in Egypt Leading Cypriot new offer to creditors to end travel warning Sufi leader dies KUWAIT: Investment Dar, the Kuwaiti firm which CAIRO: Egypt said yesterday archaeologists have DUBAI: Gulf Arab states will scrap by the end of the NICOSIA: Sheikh Muhammad Nazim Adil Al-Qubrusi Al- holds a stake in luxury carmaker Aston Martin, said unearthed a 5,600-year-old preserved tomb and mummy month a travel warning for citizens thinking of visiting Haqqani, a leading figure of Sufism, the mystical branch yesterday it had made a settlement-in-kind offer to predating the pharaonic First Dynasty, a discovery that will Lebanon, in a sign of improving relations with the new of Islam, died yesterday at the age of 92 in the north of creditors, in the latest of a long line of restructurings shed new light on the pre-dynastic era. The tomb was Lebanese government, its tourism minister said yester- ethnically-divided Cyprus. at the company. Investment Dar is one of several local built before the rule of king Narmer, the founder of the day. The GCC once provided the bulk of Lebanon’s Sheikh Nazim was leader of the financial firms which struggled to refinance debt as First Dynasty who unified Upper and Lower Egypt in the tourism revenue but last June warned citizens against Naqshbandi-Haqqani Sufi order. the global economic crisis hit in 2008. It has also been visiting as Syria’s civil war fuelled sectarian violence in 31th century BC, the antiquities ministry said in a state- embroiled in a legal case over a stake in Kuwait’s ment. The tomb was discovered in the Kom al-Ahmar Born in Larnaca, Cyprus, on April its smaller neighbour. “Unofficially it has been lifted. 23, 1922, Sheikh Nazim travelled Boubyan Bank. In a statement, it said the new offer When people talk to the authorities they tell them: ‘You region, between Luxor and Aswan, on the site of ancient to Europe in the 1970s and to was presented to creditors at a meeting in Dubai yes- can go to Lebanon’,” Lebanese Tourism Minister Michel Hierakonpolis, the city of the falcon, which was the capital terday, and that it was optional and voluntary. The Pharaon told Reuters in a telephone interview. “Now of the Kingdom of Upper Egypt. The archaeologists found the US in the 1990s where he offer is an alternative to a proposal Dar made under a we’re waiting for the (official) green light. We see this an ivory statue of a bearded man and the mummy of the gained many followers. Known KD 1 billion ($3.6 billion) debt restructuring plan will be before the end of the month. Because of some tomb’s owner, who appeared to have died in his late for his modesty, patience and agreed in 2011. Giving reasons for the new settlement misunderstanding with the (former) government and teenage years, the ministry said. They also found 10 ivory cheerful demeanor, Sheikh Sheikh Nazim offer, Investment Dar said it had originally hoped that some deterioration (in relations) they avoided coming combs as well as tools, blades and arrowheads, it said. The Nazim teachings focused on one of its “major assets” would have been returned to to Lebanon last year,” said Pharaon. “The government is tomb’s preserved state will provide new information on Islamic moral values. Later in life, Sheikh Nazim would it by now through the Kuwaiti judicial system, but that really tight on security, with strong international sup- pre-dynastic rituals, said Renee Friedman, the head of the receive guests at his home in Lefke, Cyprus. Sheikh Nazim this had not happened. port for stability in Lebanon.” multinational archeological team. married in 1941 and had four children. LOCAL THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Habits change as summer starts

By Nawara Fattahova soon as the temperature hikes and I feel that sum- mer has arrived, I service my boat and jet ski. I also KUWAIT: Summer is here, and sun-seekers are check the tyres of my car and mostly replace them preparing to make the most of it. Salem, 28, has in the beginning of the season,” he told Kuwait some technical issues to tackle before the summer Times. season starts. “I love sea sports, and own a boat The beach is a priority for 30-year-old Sara. “At and a jet ski to fully enjoy the summertime. As the beginning of each summer, I shop for the beach, including a new swimsuit, bag, sunscreen for the face, body and lips, slippers and sometimes sunglasses. Besides the beach, I also buy summer outfits. Losing weight is a priority before the sum- mer season, to be fit for the beach,” she pointed out. Spring cleaning is also a must for Sara. “When summer arrives, I place winter clothes in storage. Sometimes I give away old clothing to charity. The same applies to shoes. I also change the carpet, as I store the heavy one and bring out the lighter car- pet. I also fumigate the house,” added Sara. Suhaila grooms her pet to help it face the sear- ing heat. “I trim the hair of my Persian cat at the beginning of each summer season. It’s better for him, as in summer he loses more hair and will feel fresh and light, and the hair will grow stronger,” she noted. “After about five or six months of not using air- conditioning, it is full of dust and dirt, in addition to the possibility of malfunctioning, so I clean and fix it every year,” said Yousef. “I also clean my car’s AC and check if it needs a refill. I also service my car,” he explained. Manal has simple habits. She switches off the KUWAIT: IOM Director-General William Lacy Swing presenting the honorary plaque to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- water boiler and buys sunshade for her car. Ahmed Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. awaits the summer to watch blockbusters and foot- ball. “Summer is related to superhero movies, and the World Cup too is always held during the sum- KUWAIT: A young girl enjoys playing at a water IOM honors Amir for mer, and many people change their travel plans park in Kuwait. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat just to watch it,” he stated. global generosity Kuwait hosts seminar Deep gratitude, appreciation on cultural heritage KUWAIT: International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director- and Minister of Planning. General William Lacy Swing paid a special visit to the State of Kuwait Director-General Swing was accompanied by a delegation com- KUWAIT: A second seminar by the committee to Kuwaiti and Arab heritages as means of promoting to express his deep gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the prised of Iman Ereiqat, IOM Kuwait Chief of Mission; Hassan preserve cultural heritage in Arab societies was sustained development. Indicating the long rela- Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for the generous con- Abdolmonem, Senior Regional Advisor for the MENA and GCC Region; held yesterday here with the participation of tionship between Kuwait and UNESCO, the latter’s tribution to IOM humanitarian operations during the Syria crisis. Adela Al-Mishari, Programs Coordinator; and Saba Al-Fuhaid, External Kuwait National Council for Culture, Arts, and representative at yesterday’s seminar Cecile Director-General Swing presented the Amir with an honorary IOM Relations Officer. Letters, the UNESCO, and the ALECSO. Duvalle praised the convening of the seminar in plaque in recognition of His Highness’ global philanthropy and gen- Meanwhile, the Amir received at Bayan Palace yesterday Chairman In a speech at the outset of the seminar, secre- Kuwait and said that it showed Kuwait’s earnest- erosity. In May 2012, IOM was the first international organization to of the Arab Family Organization Jamal Bin Obaid Al-Bah, and members tary general of the Council Ali Alyouha stressed the ness in adhering to the agreement it had signed to honor the Amir with a commemorative medal for his global humani- of AFO board of directors. fact that the reason for forming the committee preserve the cultural heritage of the country. tarian efforts. He is the only Arab leader to have received this award. During the meeting, the AFO delegation presented His Highness was to ensure that aspects of Kuwaiti cultural her- Spanning three days, the seminar is attended Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and the Amir with the first Arab world prize for humanitarian endeavor itage were kept intact if not enhanced more. by a bevy of specialists who will assess the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, was also in attendance during the meeting, and societal enhancement, in appreciation for his continuous efforts in Agreeing with him was representative of ALEC- efforts in the region to preserve the cultural her- held at the Seif Palace in Kuwait City. supporting Arab family and boosting its status and value. They also SO at the seminar Dr Hayat Qurmazi who empha- itages and review the experiences of some Arab During his visit, Director-General Swing and the IOM delegation presented His Highness with an invitation to attend the honoring cer- sized the imperative to protect all aspects of countries in that regard. — KUNA also met with Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim, Speaker of the Kuwait National emony. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Assembly, and Hind Al-Sabeeh, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah. THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 LOCAL

Photo of the day

KUWAIT: Able motorists parking in spaces reserved for those with special needs is common in Kuwait, but placing trash and trash bins in such spots surely raises a stink. This photo was taken on the beach across the National Assembly.— Photo by Sherif Ismail

KUWAIT: Scenes from the Al-Rai Sheep Market yesterday.—Photos by Ben Garcia Sheep prices stable prior to Ramadan Buying whole sheep a popular choice

By Ben Garcia origins: Kuwait (KD 120), Saudi Arabia (KD 110), Iran (KD 65- for his family. Kuwait Times saw him yesterday meticulously tasty than sheep coming from other countries. Probably 70), New Zealand (KD 60), Australia (KD 55), Iraq (KD 75) and choosing a sheep which he wanted to share with his 10 fam- Kuwaiti sheep are fed with good hay and organic feed, we KUWAIT: Kuwait Times visited the sheep market in Al-Rai to Egypt (KD 95) while the mixed Kuwaiti breed is tagged at KD ily members. Khalid visits the sheep market every other don’t know the rest,” he speculated. check the prices and supply expected during the month of 60. Wednesday to buy a whole, live sheep. From the sheep market, Khalid will now take his pur- Ramadan. Ramadan is expected to commence on June 28 The live sheep market is located in two separate loca- “I usually come on Wednesdays because I can have time chased sheep to the slaughterhouse. “They’ll check the con- and the current prices seemed to be untouched from tions, one in Al-Rai and another in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area. to select the best for my family meal. There are fewer cus- dition of the sheep; vets are stationed there at the slaughter months back. “There is no change of price from last month Buying whole sheep is a popular choice for Kuwaiti and tomers and people attending the sheep can help customers house. If there’s any disease, they’ll give us the receipt to and even a few months back. We are not expecting expatriate families during the month of Ramadan. The meat properly. If you come here Thursdays or Fridays, you’ll be dis- return the sheep and they’ll replace the sheep with a new changes of prices even in Ramadan,” stated attendant is fresher and often a portion is given to charity. The meat appointed because they won’t help properly,” he added. one. The sick sheep will be destroyed eventually,” Khalid Manzour. can also be cheaper compared to processed meat readily Abu Khalid selected Kuwaiti sheep among other sheep at mentioned. Here is the price list of whole sheep being sold in the available at the supermarket. the market stalls. Asked why he bought Kuwaiti sheep Kuwait imports around 1 million to 1.5 million live sheep, sheep market in Al-Rai as of yesterday based on the sheep’s Abu Khalid was at the Al Rai Sheep Market buying food rather than sheep from abroad, he replied: “They are more the majority of which come from Australia. Prices of basic commodities

By Nawara Fattahova

KUWAIT: Following complaints by consumers of seasonal price hikes, especially dur- ing the holy month of Ramadan, or even without any occasion, Kuwait Times decided to go shopping for some basic commodities to compare prices on a weekly basis. This reporter went to one of the co-ops and bought samples of fruit and meat as these are the commodities that see price hikes during Ramadan. Half a kg of fresh minced meat cost KD 1.375 One kg of fresh local chicken cost KD 1.410 One kg of local cucumbers cost 145 fils One kg of local tomatoes cost 330 fils One kg of Turkish lemons cost 770 fils Kuwait Times will be following the prices of these foodstuffs to check if any increases occur during the period until the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. KUWAIT: Opposition leaders (right to left) Mubarak Al-Waalan, Khalid Al-Sultan, Ahmad Al-Saadoun, Faisal Al-Mislim and Mohammad Al-Dallal attend Follow Kuwait Times next week to read the next investigation report. an opposition gathering in Al-Dallal diwaniya in Rawdha yesterday. —- Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Price are the same in all co-ops, thus may differ in other supermarkets. Kuwait eyes 15% subsidy CMA amendment drop in two years ‘very sensitive’

KUWAIT: Kuwait needs to reduce subsidies proposals. The committee makes sure that KUWAIT: Commerce and Industry Minister Abdelmohsen Al- by at least 15 percent within two years any recommendation it makes contains Mudej said what was published two days ago about the Capital through a criteria that maintains subsidiza- gradual rationalization of subsidies that Market Authority law was from professional consultations reached tion rates for basic services. leaves little impact on Kuwaitis and expatri- by an advisory committee that was formed for this purpose, and This was reported by Annahar daily yes- ates alike, said the sources who spoke on the submitted a memo that will be sent to the legislative committee. Mudej added that what he said is not his personal opinion, but terday quoting Finance Ministry sources who condition of anonymity. the opinion of specialized professional entities, and what will be said that there is ‘general agreement’ over They added that energy is likely the first approved is what will be agreed upon at the National Assembly. this proposal among members of a commit- stop where rationalization is expected to be He said that the amendment of the Capital Market Authority is tee formed to study ways by which the gov- enforced. Energy subsidization costs KD 2.5 very sensitive because it is related to people’s needs, while at the ernment cuts its generous subsidization pro- billion annually, an amount that the sources same time, views of all those interested in the amendment cannot gram with limited social impact. described as ‘very large’. be ignored. He said the finance committee at the National The same daily reported earlier that the Kuwait pays around KD 5.4 billion annual- Assembly will listen to all opinions and proposals without excep- committee was scheduled to meet this week ly for subsidization that includes fuel, energy, tion, adding there is no private interest for anyone in regards to in order to resume discussions on multiple construction material and food. amending the law, rather public interests are dominant and so all opinions will be heard. THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 LOCAL

kuwait digest kuwait digest Help protect History repeats environment itself! Assetmbly By Iqbal Al-Ahmed confidence in By Thaar Al-Rasheedi t is the only green spot in the area, among the government istory repeats itself’, we always say whenever cement blocks and stone towers, as well as the something happens over and over again. Iasphalt that surrounds it. A spot where you can ‘HHowever, in our present situation, a parlia- feel coolness from the humid land and oxygen com- mentary dissolution will cloud our political life for the ing out of its trees. The municipal park at the end of fifth time in less than three years during which four consecutive parliaments were dissolved. Fahd Al-Salem Street will leave us soon. A park that The 2009 Assembly was dissolved in November Al-Anbaa is as old as that area will depart us with pain after 2011; the February 2012 Assembly was nullified in the destructive machines demolish it. Natural beau- June the same year; the Dec 2012 parliament was also ty, trees and plants that give us whatever is left of nullified by a constitutional court verdict in March cool air and pure oxygen will be replaced with ugly 2013. The July 2013 parliament has experienced the cement floors where cars will be stuffed with their same twice. The first one was while waiting for the fuel, pollution and heat of their metal. constitutional court ruling in December 2013 and now This is a decision that is backward and does not when political incidents are accelerating. One can only respect the environment or humans who are in dire say that history does repeat itself. This repetition of dissolutions is almost identical with different reasons. need to return to nature, while environment protec- Regardless of fogginess clouding our political arena tion societies and all those who are related to the and the ongoing political conflict, I do not think that issue are deeply asleep. It is a crime that needs to be dissolution is a wise choice for either power. It is confronted with our bodies. The green spots in my always a ruled-out option because the political situa- country are almost extinct after concrete has tion is not suitable for either side to take radical meas- crawled into every space. ures on solving the problem.

This is a decision that is kuwait digest Regardless of fogginess backward and does not ‘Warnings’ not enough clouding our political arena respect the environment and the ongoing political or humans who are in By Abdellatif Al-Duaij conflict, I do not think that dire need to return to he main topic in the latest issue of Al-Taleeah approaching catastrophe. There is no doubt that the dissolution is a wise choice nature. magazine warned about the country’s financial authority is incapable, and it is not wise to rely on it to Tsituation under the headline “Kuwait savings will deal with this difficult situation, especially after the for either power. go with the wind within four years”. Taleeah discussed siege and isolation it found itself in due to its support- local and international reports and statistics to reach ers abandoning it, or their coup against it, while oppos- Though many observers believe that dissolution If the municipal council respected human rights this scary truth. According to Taleeah, 2017 will be the ing national powers joined the nonsense opposition or year when Kuwait declares bankruptcy and see deficit was satisfied with neutral stands at best. was due and that all indicators lead to it, there is no in finding parking lots that meet their needs, it realistic political reason to do it. Though five lawmak- should have a law that does not allow any building, in the state. In fact, and in my view, this is a great turn- The stand of the Democratic Forum is a serious start around in Taleeah’s stand, or the Democratic Forum to to correct previous stands. But it will be an incomplete ers have already resigned, by-elections will be normal- regardless of its size - a house, villa, building or a be accurate, especially that they did not hold the gov- step or useless if the Democratic Forum does not acti- ly run and this parliament will, at least, last for another parliamentary term because some political issues are ministry - to be built without having parking in the ernment responsible alone for squandering wealth or vate its latest stand and take positive steps to face the still unsolved and a parliamentary dissolution at the basement, and the state should help in building it. the expected dry-up. catastrophe it warned against. Here, we do not find an time being will only over-complicate the political cri- This may help reduce the ugly scene of cars violat- The stand of the Democratic Forum seemed more establishment or an individual better than Dr Ahmad ing traffic laws, violating the yellow and black curb, sis. In short, I mean that the current parliament is one objective than before, as Taleeah was satisfied with Al-Khateeb to directly take over the duty of national of the political dues that have been shadowing politi- climbing over pavements and keeping people from warning and blowing the caution whistle towards the rescue, by insisting on holding a national conference to cal conflicts and by dissolving it, we will lose an impor- going about their business, especially since the coming tragic situation, without holding corruption or show its importance and seriousness, and ask all politi- tant side of the equation, which will only complicate number of cars is way too much. public funds thieves responsible, as was the case cal powers and groups to put forward practical solu- things for both the government and the parliament. It There might be such a law, but it is on paper only, before or by “former pro-government” people these tions to face the upcoming catastrophe. is necessary to keep it until the ongoing political con- just like many, many laws in this country. I hope, days. The situation is more than difficult, and the future of flict is over and concluded by reaching a compromise from the bottom of my heart, that those interested Despite that, I believe warning and printing are not the coming generations and even current ones is in satisfying all parties. strongly face this anti-environment project and help enough, and the Democratic Forum should not stop at danger. What is wanted is to let go of current differences Yes, indeed. Some people are pushing towards dis- all the people who benefit from its pure and clean warning and draw attention to the horrifying future - and forget the alleged conspiracy rumors, or the alleged solving the parliament with the aim of complicating rather it may be time for the national democratic pow- theft of a wealth that will dry to start with, for the sake atmosphere. the political situation while others are defending its ers to bear their responsibility and take the initiative in of national unity to face the coming catastrophe. —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas resumption as part of the current political dilemma. confronting the tragic economic situation or the —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa

in my view Irate over new banking rules

By Abdullah H. Erakat btisam Rashid says she felt uncomfortable two months ago also applies to income earned by Palestinians in the US,” said when her Palestinian bank asked her to prove her US citi- Al-Wazir. In Israel and in Jordan, a treaty provides that tax paid Izenship. Uneasiness turned to surprise when the bank in Israel can be applied to US tax liabilities and vice-versa. But employee asked her when she last filed an American tax the US has not yet signed a similar treaty with the Palestinian return. Silent, Rashid listened to him explain that he was ‘sim- Authority. ply’ gathering information for the United States Treasury “This is torture and needs a solution,” Palestinian economist Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Jafar Sadaqa said. “Palestinian officials should not forget that “It sounded so scandalous,” Rashid, 29, said. ‘these are Palestinians who hold American citizenship and they The Palestinian Monetary Authority (PMA) has given need protection.’ instructions to its banks to ask customers for a copy of their “The PA, Ministry of Finance, National Economy Ministry American passport or Green Card, birth certificate and social and the PMA should talk to the US about a solution regarding security number. the double taxes,” said Sadaqa who has been writing and Israeli banks are also asking their clients with US citizenship reporting on the Palestinian economy for nearly 20 years. to fill out the same forms, as part of FACTA, the US Foreign Sae’d Dakkak, Al-Bireh Branch Manager with the Egyptian Account Tax Compliance Act. The goal is to stop money laun- Arab Land Bank says his bank received instructions from the dering, although many US citizens in both Israel and the West PA a year ago. He said that “some Palestinian-Americans don’t Bank fear the real goal is to find tax evaders. Although legally care and sign without hesitation.” required to, many US citizens in both areas do not file “Whoever gives the correct information, will sleep comfort- American tax returns. ably,” Dakkad said. “Anyone who doesn’t want to, will sign (the “We have issued regulation in the Palestinian Territories forms) sooner or later. We give them a deadline to think about (West Bank and Gaza) to the banks to start the compliance it. If they sign, great. If they don’t sign, we are going to close process but it’s a bit difficult because it requires system their accounts.” changes, special programming and updating the files of all the Several Palestinians in Ramallah said they do not intend to customers,” PMA Governor Jihad Al Wazir said. comply with the new regulations. Although preparations have been underway for two years “Hell no,” said Osama Mustafa, a US citizen. “What jurisdic- now, dual citizens were shocked to be asked by their tion does America have here? Why would they need that Palestinian banks to fill out two forms-an “Authorization to Use access? I would take my money out and go to a different bank,” and Declare form,’ which authorizes the customer’s bank to dis- the Ramallah filmmaker said. close any information to the IRS Speaking on condition of and a W-9 Request for Taxpayer anonymity, a Palestinian bank Identification Number and manager said that his bank is fac- Certification. The goal is to stop money ing a number of difficulties. “It’s not that the Palestinian “No one wants to fill out the banks decided they wanted to laundering, although forms,” he said. “And then when send W8 forms to the IRS,” Al-Wazir many US citizens in both we ask our customers for identifi- said. The US government is forcing cation, what’s to prove that the American citizens or Green Card Israel and the West Bank person handing me his holders around the world to Palestinian identity card does not report their incomes. “If they don’t fear the real goal is to find have an American passport (or like to report, any transfers, tax evaders. Green Card)? There’s just no way through the American banking to tell,” he said. system, they can withhold 30% of “If somebody lies...and if the the transfer amounts,” said Al- customer says ‘no, I’m not a US cit- Wazir. A US Treasury spokesperson confirmed this in an email izen, there’s no evidence that he is a US citizen, we believe the on condition of anonymity. “We cannot comment on any customer,” Al-Wazir said. “But if the bank knows willingly that ongoing negotiations (with the Palestinian Authority). he’s an American citizen and it does not report it, the bank However, generally, financial institutions in jurisdictions that could fall foul by US jurisdiction and that could damage the have not signed intergovernmental approaches (IGAs) with bank’s position or some litigation in the future,” said Al-Wazir, the United States must register with the IRS and enter into a who is going on as his sixth year as a PMA governor. If the so-called Foreign Financial Institute Agreement or be subject Palestinians are to remain a part of the global financial system to 30 percent withholding on certain payments from the US” Al-Wazir says they are compelled to comply. Politically he says “As they report in the United States about their income, it shows ‘Palestine’s’ ability to function as a state. they should add their reported income in the West Bank and “We had to work extra hard to show all these international Gaza to their tax declaration,” said PMA Governor Al-Wazir. bankers strong compliance, strong regulation, regulatory Rashid says the bank told her if she did not fill out the nec- framework of the Palestinian banking system and now it is well essary forms, she would not get certain services from the bank. known that the Palestinian banking system is one of the best She was also worried that it might be ‘damaging to my in the Arab world,” Al-Wazir said, taking a moment to boast American financial matters.’ about the Palestinian government’s very strong anti-launder- “I want to be a good citizen, even if that requires me to get ing regime. But Palestinian Americans are only now realizing the shorter end of the stick,” Rashid said. That means double that statehood recognition comes with a price. taxation. “What do you (the bank) want with all of this (tax-related) “The double taxation happens because we do not have a information? What’s the point? Your job is holding my money. tax treaty with the US. So income is taxed in both jurisdictions. Surname, my first name and that’s it,” duel citizen Salah Shbak Thus we need to have a tax agreement with the US and this said. —The Media Line THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 LOCAL News in brief

MoE to pass amendments KUWAIT: Well-informed educational sources said that Education Ministry undersecretary Mariam Al-Wetaid is due to pass a decree on amending rules on handling absenteeism in primary schools, noting that the new decision would take effect at the beginning of the next school year (2014-2015). The directors’ council met assistant undersecretary for public education Dr Khaled Al- Rasheed and discussed the issue in addition to suggestions concerning school days, vacations and exam timing for the next school year. Meanwhile, informed sources said that an educa- tional zone director had an argument with direc- tors of schools under his purview during a meet- ing with them to discussing maintenance needs at their schools. The sources added that school directors rejected the director’s threats.

Death for two expats KUWAIT: The criminal court sentenced two expatriates to death for killing their compatriot in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh following a financial dispute over KD 20. The victim, a 53-year-old-Egyptian, died after receiving a bullet in his chest at the real estate office where he worked. Meanwhile, the comprehensive court postponed a case by former minister Rola Dashti against former MP Musallam Al-Barrak in which she demanded a civil compensation of KD 250,000 following over KUWAIT: Ambassador of the Republic of Poland Grzegorz Olszak held a reception to commemorate the May 3, 1971 adoption of the Constitution at the spoiled food. The court set June 3 for the Radisson Blu hotel in the Abdul Hussein Marafie Grand ballroom. The event was attended by dignitaries, diplomats and other notable personalities in defence to present its documents. Kuwait. —Photos by Joseph Shagra New detour KUWAIT: A new detour will be opened on Khalid Farwaniya hospital takes MERS precautions Al-Marzouq Road (Second Ring Road) for those coming from Gamal Abdulnasser Street across Masks distributed to patients residential Shuwaikh, the traffic department announced. Meanwhile the Arab Traffic Week has KUWAIT: Farwaniya Hospital distributed masks to patients in the The answers will undoubtedly become known over time. But for the region, he said, he has been impressed by how knowledgeable started with the message “together towards a healthcare workers there are about infection control. “And now we emergency department as a precautionary measure after discover- now, the key question which bears on many of the others remains: safe traffic environment for all” until May 10. ing two suspected cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Why are we seeing such a dramatic explosion of cases? There are “a have this striking and concerning increase in the number of health- Assistant undersecretary for traffic affairs (MERS). Sources said the two patients were isolated and are being couple” of possible explanations for the recent explosion in cases care workers affected,” he said. tested. They said that doctors and nurses were asked to wash their but none of them is definitive and it’s likely none stands alone, Indeed, the single American so far affected by MERS was a Abdelfattah Al-Ali said motorists should comply hands thoroughly after examining the patients. Lucey said. healthcare worker in his 60s who had been working in Riyadh, the with traffic rules, and that all efforts must be capital of Saudi Arabia. Lucey said either personnel are not adher- made to stop traffic accidents to limit the nega- More questions than answers: Why now? Why the Uptick? ing strictly enough to infection control guidelines or the virus is tive effects resulting from them. After nearly two years that saw about 15 cases of MERS per The first thing that jumps to mind is that the virus has changed finding a way around them. Either scenario is a worry. But again, he month, the number of cases started to climb dramatically in late and mutated so that it transmits more efficiently. But recent work asked, “why only now?” If there’s a bright spot, it’s that the virus has affected only a rela- Co-ops law hearing March and early April. The reason for the increase in cases is not clear, by German virologist Christian Drosten, MD, of the University of KUWAIT: Well-informed sources at the Ministry but research does not suggest that the virus has mutated so that it Bonn Medical Centre, seems to show that’s not the case. Drosten tive handful of people - perhaps 500 cases in a region with a popu- transmits more efficiently. The explosion in cases of MERS in recent and colleagues sequenced the virus isolated from some of the cas- lation of 40 or 50 million - and it doesn’t seem to spread very effi- of Social Affairs and Labor said that the constitu- weeks raises a simple question: Why? Or more precisely, why now? es early in the recent surge and found the genes were almost iden- ciently. While there has been some human-to-human transmission, tional court has set a final hearing to be held on More than 250 cases have been reported by Saudi Arabia since tical to those seen earlier in the outbreak. there is no documented case of a longer chain, according to May 28 to give its final decision about the con- March 22 - more than half of the 421 cases reported to date by the In particular, the gene for the part of the so-called spike protein William Schaffner, MD, of Vanderbilt University in Nashville. “The stitutionality of article 3 of law 118/2013 per- Middle East nation. Saudi Arabia is the center of the outbreak, and that binds to human cells was unchanged. Indeed, Drosten told risk of acquiring MERS is much, much lower than the risk of acquir- taining amendments of decree 24/1979 of co- ing influenza,” he told MedPage Today. “There has not yet been depending on whose numbers are used, there have been about Science magazine: “You really have to look quite hard to find any op societies. 500 cases reported globally with at least some level of confirma- changes at all.” Lucey told MedPage Today that work suggests the documented person-to-person-to-person transmission.” Without tion. But only Saudi Arabia has more than 50 cases, and most other virus hasn’t mutated, but doesn’t rule such changes out. “It’s prelim- some connection to the Middle East, he said, an individual’s risk of countries have only a handful. inary in my view,” he said. “It’s possible that the part of the virus catching MERS is “little”. —Med Page Today The recent jump was “certainly unexpected”, said Daniel Lucey, they sequenced is not the part that has mutated.” MD, an infectious diseases specialist at Georgetown University It’s also possible that the virus has a seasonal variation, much Medical Center in Washington, DC. Lucey, who joined the battle like influenza, Lucey said, although less marked. Indeed, the earliest against the SARS coronavirus more than a decade ago, has been cases, discovered retrospectively after the virus was identified in following MERS closely and has visited the Middle East several Sept 2012, occurred in April of that year. And last year, there was times during the outbreak. He, like other experts, is highly con- also a spike in cases in April. scious of the risk that the virus could go global and very aware of Finally, there’s increased testing. Until recently, Saudi Arabia and several important gaps in the scientific understanding of MERS. other countries in the region tested only people who came in with unexplained respiratory illness, following the World Health What Do We Know? Organization’s case definition. Now they are testing contacts of Much is known, of course. The virus is a distant cousin of the confirmed cases, which might expand the number of people with SARS coronavirus. Its genes have been sequenced and tests for confirmed - but asymptomatic - infection. Indeed, over the recent infection created. It is not very efficiently transmitted from person weeks, Saudi Arabia’s status reports have routinely included one or to person. But much is also unknown. There is, for instance, no spe- two cases a day without symptoms. “There are a lot more people cific treatment or vaccine. And the natural history of the disease being tested,” Lucey says, “so I think that’s true.” remains unclear. In the early months of the outbreak, the virus had But they would not be tested if there was not an underlying a very high fatality rate and it is still hovering around 30 percent, groundswell of confirmed cases, he says, so that increased testing despite an increased number of confirmed cases without symp- is just part of the explanation. Parenthetically, the increased testing, toms. which is often followed by hospital admission and isolation, is imposing an immense burden on hospitals in Jeddah, the center of Among the open questions: a large cluster of cases, Drosten said. l Do asymptomatic people whose infection is only detected by sensitive tests remain without symptoms? Or do some go on to The Healthcare Connection have disease? If so, how many? Also puzzling is that the April clusters have tended to have their l Are asymptomatic people infectious? Or does contagion basis in hospitals among healthcare workers. In the earliest cases, require respiratory symptoms to get the MERS virus into the that was natural - healthcare workers didn’t know what they were surrounding environment? dealing with and several were infected. Since then, though, the l How is transmission occurring - droplet and airborne infection protocols for dealing with possible MERS cases have been clear - alone, or can surfaces serve as transmission routes? full barrier precautions, isolation, the whole nine yards. l What’s the original source of the infection? And what’s the route “There is no more important question in my view” than why from the original host to humans? healthcare workers are getting infected, Lucey said. In his trips to THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 LOCAL Former policeman in custody for mugging Man beats maid to ‘take revenge’ KUWAIT: A former police officer was arrested revenge after discovering that the maid used a Attempted murder over muggings he committed using a first lieu- high-heeled shoe to molest his child, according Salmiya police are looking to arrest a man who tenant’s uniform. The suspect was arrested fol- to his statements. The public prosecution faces murder attempt charges pressed by his ex- lowing investigations after the Criminal released the maid on a KD 50 bail, and ordered wife. The woman was hospitalized with several Investigations Department received information that she be returned to her employer. In the broken bones and bruises, and later headed to that a man who was dismissed from the police meantime, the employer was remanded in the the Salmiya police station to file a case. She said force was committing muggings. The man was public prosecution’s custody pending further that her ex-husband pushed her from the win- caught in Ardhiya driving a sports car that police action. dow of her third-floor apartment after he came later discovered was stolen. Police found a gun, there to talk over unsettled issues. Investigations cash and fake IDs in his possession. He was taken Rapists at large are ongoing. for questioning during which he admitted to A search is on for two men accused of raping forging the police ID of his brother, an officer at a domestic worker in Ardhiya. In her statements ‘Party host’ questioned the Kuwait City Investigations Department. He to local police, the Asian woman said that she A man was released on parole after he was was referred to the authorities for further action. met two compatriots who offered her a lift from questioned over plans to host a party at his yacht. (Rai) Mirqab - where she had gone to visit some Detectives were able to identify the man through Meanwhile, a policeman was arrested while friends - back to her employer’s house in investigations following multiple complaints driving under the influence of alcohol. The arrest Ardhiya. She agreed, and the suspects drove to about a public invitation for a yacht party. The happened following a car chase after the man Ardhiya, but instead of dropping her at her invitation made through social networks request- ignored orders to pull over by patrol police. desired destination, they headed to a remote ed women only invitees, and that a male guest Police found two bottles of homebrewed liquor location where they raped her and escaped, must be accompanied with a female companion with the policeman; a lieutenant colonel at the according to her statements. The woman was in order to be allowed in. The man, an expatriate, Public Security Department. rushed to the police station by her employer was held briefly at the Criminal Investigations after she walked back home and told him what Department, then released after signing a paper Brutal assault happened. A case was filed. in which he pledges commitment to the Kuwaiti A man faces charges after he admitted brutal- society’s values and traditions. ly assaulting his domestic worker after accusa- Maid accused of theft tions that she sexually assaulted his daughter. Investigations are ongoing in a case involving Fugitives nabbed Police headed to Jahra Hospital after medical a woman who accused her domestic helper of Police arrested 16 fugitives during crackdowns staff reported that a domestic worker was admit- stealing KD 10,800 that the maid denies. The carried out Monday and Tuesday in Sulaibiya and ted with severe injuries. The Asian woman was bedoon woman told officers at the Taima police Kabd. The suspects are wanted to serve time in diagnosed with a broken pelvis and several station that she discovered that the money had prison ranging from 5 to 15 years over charges KUWAIT: Kuwait fire Services Department participated in a crisis manage- bruises. Police summoned her sponsor after she disappeared from her bedroom locker, and that include drug offenses and battery assault. ment conference and exhibition organised by Remsco Company at JW said that he beat her. The man, a Gulf national, accused her maid of theft. The maid denied the They were referred to the proper authorities Marriott hotel yesterday. —Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun admitted using violence against the maid. He accusations, and argued that employer does not pending preparations to be taken to the Central indicated however that he wanted to take have evidence against her. Prison. Foreign Ministry backs Meteorologist issues locust swarm alert relief efforts KUWAIT: Kuwait is expecting unwelcomed guests next week - swarms are expected to be considerably large compared to recent years, of desert locusts are set to arrive to the country due to climate change according to forecasts by “some environmental and agricultural KUWAIT: Director of the follow-up and coordina- ering is to discuss current challenges and princi- and increased temperature, a veteran meteorologist said. The swarms groups”, said Dr Saleh Al-Ojairi in a statement Monday. tion division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ples relating to humanitarian work, coordinate the The amount of the locusts could be reminiscent to swarms that hit Khaled Al-Maghames said yesterday his ministry relief efforts and share experience,” Al-Maghames Kuwait in 1931, Ojairi warned. “Daba (small locust) swarms used to shoulders the responsibility for backing and pro- said. He appreciated the contributions of the IICO creep into our lands and leave considerable damage,” he recalled. “We tecting the Kuwaiti relief efforts. to the humanitarian work on the local and interna- could not do anything back then but pray and hope that the plague Kuwait’s relief aid to the disaster-hit areas across tional scales over the last three decades since its the world reflect the humanitarian and civilized foundation at the behest of late Amir Sheikh Jaber goes away.” nature of the country, Al-Maghames said. He made Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. “The Foreign Ministry Most recent reports from Saudi Arabia had reported that swarms of the remarks in the opening speech to the First encourages the local fund-raising agencies to locusts coming from Sudan have reached the Qassim and Hail regions Kuwait International Forum for Humanitarian work and share experience with the ICRC’s region- north of the kingdom. Meanwhile, several environmentalists in Kuwait Workers, being organized by the Kuwait-based al delegation in order to maximize benefit from have argued recently that the swarms are not expected to reach the regional delegation of the International Committee humanitarian work,” Ambassador Al-Maghames country. of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the GCC countries in col- pointed out. But news about locust swarms are not always bad in Kuwait where laboration with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, “Our ambitions go beyond organizing confer- many consider the insect a source of food. “Locusts used to be boiled the Direct Aid, the Patients’ Help Fund Society, the ences, courses and workshops to building true in large bowls filled with water and salt, then eaten immediately,” Ojairi General Secretariat of Endowment, Zakat House partnerships with the international aid agencies in said, adding that the Safat Square used to be the main station where and Rahma International Society, at the headquar- order to carry out major local and international locusts were sold in the past after they were collected and placed in ters of the International Islamic Charity relief projects and deliver the noble message of the large bags. Organization (IICO). “The aim of the two-day gath- charitable organizations,” he went on. —KUNA

DOHA: The ‘Journey of Hope’ boat and its crew pictured before its departure from Doha. ‘Journey of Hope’ heads to Abu Dhabi

DOHA: Kuwait-sponsored ‘Journey of Qatari officials. 260,000km on an estimated 210 day- Hope’ boat yesterday departed Doha, Al-Bader also praised Kuwait’s long expedition. its second stop, heading to Abu Dhabi embassy role during the visit, including The trip is being supported and within its 19-country tour, part of efforts in coordinating meetings with sponsored by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait’s keenness to shed light on Qatari officials. Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- people with mental disabilities. Al-Bader added that their next stop Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the The stop in Doha achieved its goals will be Abu Dhabi and they will stay for Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak following fruitful meetings with Qatari four days for maintenance, before Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. officials in charge of people with dis- heading to Muscat. Qatari Minister of Labor and Social abilities, Kuwait Charge d’Affaires in The locally-made 27-metre-long Affairs Dr Abdullah Al-Khulaifi praised Qatar Turki Khaled Al-Mekrad said. vessel will stop in 19 countries and 22 the humanitarian role played by the Al-Mekrad added Qatari entities ports of call, through the surrounding ‘Journey of Hope’ in highlighting showed great deal of interests of the Gulf region and Europe, ending at Kuwait’s keenness in people with men- journey and the humanitarian role it Washington DC. It will do this over tal disabilities. —KUNA was undertaking to highlighting awareness about people with disabili- ties, including the goal to encourage them to blend into society. The Kuwaiti official expressed appreciation to Qatari institutes, among them foreign and interior ministries, coast guard, and Qatari people, Special Needs Society, Ministry of Works, Qatari Culture and Education Institute, and Qatari Media for their interest in and coverage of ‘Journey of Hope.’ Kuwait Military Attache Col Anwar Khaled Al-Nuwaif expressed his thanks to Qatari officials for facilitating entrance and departure of ‘Journey of Hope’ boat, noting that the Qatari naval forces have demonstrated great cooperation with the boat crew. For his part, Journey of Hope’s leader Jasem Al-Rushaid Al-Bader said that their stop in Qatar was exceptional with a very warm reception from the THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Boko Haram kills Anger, determination as South Africa votes hundreds

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BANGKOK: (Left) Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra holds a rose given by her supporters yesterday. (Right) An anti-government supporter blows a whistle during a protest yesterday. — AFP/AP Thai PM removed from office Supporters of PM and opposition prepare mass rallies BANGKOK: A Thai court ordered Prime Minister Yingluck “From now on, no matter what situation I am in, I will walk tics and are demanding reform of the electoral system Shinawatra to step down yesterday after finding her guilty on the path of democracy. I am sad that I will not be able to before new polls. The main leader of the protests, Suthep of abusing her power, prolonging a political crisis that has serve you after this.” Thaugsuban, later told supporters to prepare for a big rally led to violent protests and brought the economy close to Despite her removal from power, there is no obvious tomorrow. “We can no longer let this illegitimate party rule recession. The decision is bound to anger supporters of end in sight to the turmoil in Thailand, with protesters this country,” he said. Yingluck, but the court did allow ministers not implicated opposed to Yingluck and her government still pushing for Ongoing turmoil would make matters worse for in the case against her to stay in office, a decision that political reforms before new elections. The judge who Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, already suffering could take some of the sting out of any backlash on the delivered the verdict at the Constitutional Court said from weak exports, a year-long slump in industrial output, a streets. Yingluck had abused her position by transferring a security drop in tourism and a caretaker government with curtailed After the ruling, the cabinet said Commerce Minister chief to another post in 2011 so that a relative could bene- powers. The army, which has staged numerous coups since Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan, who is also a deputy fit from subsequent job moves. the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, has stayed out of the prime minister, would replace Yingluck, and the caretaker The court ruled that nine ministers linked to the case turmoil, as has King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The king, who is government would press ahead with plans for a July 20 should step down but others could remain, leaving 86, has intervened to defuse previous crises but has not election. The caretaker government’s responsibility now is Yingluck’s ruling party in charge of a caretaker govern- commented since this one blew up late last year. to organize an election as soon as possible,” said ment. Yingluck, a businesswoman until entering politics to The divide between the poor and what they see as the Niwatthamrong, a former executive in a company owned lead her party to victory in a 2011 election, was not in establishment elite represents a collapse of a traditional by Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck’s brother and himself a for- court yesterday. Thaksin, based in Dubai, was unavailable order in Thailand at a time when people have begun to mer prime minister who was ousted by the military in for comment. Financial markets took the ruling in their broach the hitherto taboo topic of succession. Crown 2006. stride. The stock market had fallen as much as 1.1 percent Prince Vajiralongkorn does not command the same “I hope the political situation will not heat up after this,” early on as investors worried about unrest if Yingluck’s devotion as his father, the world’s longest-reigning Niwatthamrong said of the court ruling. Thailand’s pro- whole cabinet had been forced out, but the index ended monarch. — Reuters tracted political crisis broadly pits Bangkok’s middle class down just 0.1 percent. The baht was barely changed at and royalist establishment against mainly poor, rural sup- 32.37 per dollar. porters of Yingluck and Thaksin, who lives in exile to avoid a 2008 jail sentence for abuse of power. Yingluck, who Protests will go on faced six months of sometimes deadly protests in the capi- Yingluck’s supporters accuse the Constitutional Court of tal, Bangkok, aimed at toppling her government and end- bias in ruling against governments loyal to Thaksin. In ing the considerable political influence of her brother, 2008, the court forced two prime ministers linked to thanked the Thai people in a televised news conference. Thaksin from office. “We were bracing ourselves for this verdict. Everything our enemies do is to cripple the demo- Walk in path of democracy cratic process,” said Jatuporn Prompan, the leader of pro- “Throughout my time as prime minister I have given my Shinawatra “red shirt” activists. “The court chose a middle all to my work for the benefit of my countrymen... I have way today.” never committed any unlawful acts as I have been accused Asked about a vow to resist Yingluck’s removal that had of doing,” Yingluck said, smiling and outwardly upbeat. raised fears of violence, Jatuporn replied: “There is no rea- son why we should take up arms. We will rally peacefully as planned on May 10.” In Thailand, the prime minister is normally elected by the lower house of parliament, but that was dissolved in December when Yingluck called a snap election to try to defuse protests. From that point, she headed a caretaker adminis- tration with limited powers. The election in February was disrupted and later declared void by the Constitutional Court. Yingluck and the Election Commission agreed last week a new ballot should be held on July 20, but the date has not been formally approved and it is bound to be opposed by protesters. Thaksin or his loyalists have won every election since 2001 and would prob- ably win again. The former telecoms tycoon won huge support in rural areas and among the urban poor with populist policies such as cheap healthcare and loans. But his enemies say he is a corrupt crony capitalist who buys elections and harbors republican sympathies, which he denies.

Big rally coming up The anti-government protesters say they want to end Thaksin’s hold over poli- THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Lebanese lawmakers fail to choose president

BEIRUT: Lebanese lawmakers failed for a majority from parliament’s 128 deputies. there will be a vacuum,” one prominent deadlock comes less than two months old Syrian war on security and the econ- third time to choose a president yester- But tensions worsened by the increas- political source who asked not to be after Prime Minister Tammam Salam omy, as well as deal with perennial issues day, raising fears the seat will remain ingly sectarian war in neighboring Syria, named said. ended a year-long government vacuum like electricity outages, decaying infra- vacant after President Michel Suleiman’s where Sunni rebels are fighting to over- “While the issue may move at a faster by winning a vote of confidence in his structure and public sector wage dis- term expires in less than three weeks. throw Hezbollah ally President Bashar Al- pace after May 25, agreeing on a presi- new cabinet. putes. “The call to elect a president is as Parliament speaker Nabih Berri called a Assad, have hardened the stalemate dent could take time, perhaps months.” Speaking to Lebanese radio, lawmak- great as Lebanon’s needs,” Maronite new session on May 15, but politicians between the two sides. Last month former warlord Samir er Marwan Hamadeh said Salam’s gov- church leaders said in a statement after a said they expected disagreements over Hezbollah and the Sunni Future Geagea, a longtime opponent of Assad, ernment would assume presidential monthly meeting. “We are worried by Suleiman’s replacement could drag on Movement have failed to agree on a can- won the backing of deputies in his functions in the event Suleiman left talk by some lawmakers about a vacu- for months after he leaves office on May didate and Lebanon’s Maronite March 14 bloc but obtained only 48 office before a replacement was found. um. It as if they are announcing their 25. Christians, granted the presidency under votes compared to the 52 blank slips “There’s nothing new in the presidential own deficiencies.” Former army chief Any candidate would likely have to the country’s confessional power sharing returned by March 8 lawmakers. election file unless something dramatic Michel Aoun, who is part of the March 8 garner some support from the two main system, are split between the two Yesterday’s vote was called off after and unexpected happens,” he said. “The alliance, has said he will stand for presi- political blocs - Shiite Muslim Hezbollah’s camps. “The continuing lack of quorum March 8 deputies boycotted the session, vacuum will happen after May 25.” dent if there is a consensus to support March 8 alliance and the rival Sunni-led indicates that a president will not be leaving it without the two-thirds quorum Lebanon badly needs leadership to him, but so far no such agreement has March 14 coalition - to win the necessary elected before May 25, and therefore needed for the vote to go ahead. The cope with the fallout of the three-year- emerged. —Reuters In West Bank, conflict stalls sewage solution

JERUSALEM: Israeli settlers and mayor of the village of Silwad. say they rarely receive such approvals. Palestinians in the West Bank rarely Joint efforts on environmental matters mix, but authorities are hoping their Tug of war like wastewater treatment are also com- sewage will. The Jewish settlement of Saleh said Israeli officials, for their part, plicated by the need for such projects to Ofra and neighboring Palestinian vil- refused to approve a German-funded receive the approval of a joint lages currently dump their sewage wastewater facility for the area villages Palestinian-Israeli water committee. into valleys, threatening to contami- because it would not serve the Israeli set- Israel began building the treatment nate a critical underground water tlement. Maj Guy Inbar, a spokesman for plant in 2008 in a verdant, untilled valley aquifer. So Israeli authorities are Israel’s civil administration in the West near Ofra. In 2009, Palestinian landown- advancing plans to solve the environ- Bank, said he was unfamiliar with the ers petitioned Israel’s supreme court to mental mess with a new treatment claim. In the meantime, the sewage stop construction, and the court put a plant serving both communities. keeps flowing. “Over the last 40 years, no temporary stop to the building. In 2011, But in the contentious West Bank, one really cared about the Palestinian vil- the court ordered the state not to contin- politics can be just as dirty as the lages surrounding Ofra,” said Shlomy ue building the plant until it could be sewage. The treatment plant was origi- Zachary, an Israeli attorney representing done legally. After three years of plan- nally intended to serve the Jewish set- Palestinian owners of the land where the ning, Israel’s civil administration in the tlement only, but Israel’s supreme Israeli plant stands half-completed. “Now, West Bank said that the project is now in court halted its construction three in order to shed some quasi-legality on advanced planning stages and would be years ago after determining that it was this purification plant, there are attempts presented for government approval in being built on private Palestinian land. to show or to present that this purifica- the coming days. “When the construction According to Israeli rulings and tion plant will serve the Palestinian vil- is completed, the facility will be available international law, private land in occu- lages.” The tug of war over the sewage also for the use of surrounding pied territory cannot be confiscated treatment plant reflects the greater fight for Palestinian villages,” it said in a statement. FALLUJAH: Iraqi residents inspect damages yesterday following shellings by government forces in an for a public works project unless it control in the West Bank. For Palestinians, The plan is to build an additional area of Fallujah held by anti-government fighters. —AFP benefits the local Palestinian popula- the West Bank is the heart of a future state, facility, alongside the plant already half- tion as well. So Israeli authorities are but for Israel the land is significant to Jewish built for Ofra, to serve those villages. It is now trying to legalize the land grab by heritage and security. Since Israel captured unclear if the court will allow Ofra’s retrofitting the plant to serve area the West Bank in 1967, it has built more sewage to be treated at the plant if Saudi liberal sentenced to Palestinian villages, not just Ofra, than 100 settlements there, complicating Palestinian villages refuse to hook up to located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) any future withdrawal. US-mediated peace it. The entire area is in desperate need of north of Jerusalem. talks between Palestinians and Israelis end- a sewage solution - about 55 million 10 years jail, 1,000 lashes But Palestinian officials refuse to ed last week with no progress on the fate of cubic meters (72 million cubic yards) go cooperate, so as not to lend a hand to the West Bank. untreated yearly, said Gidon Bromberg Israel’s settlement enterprise. “The Israel has exclusive control of some of the environmental advocacy group Saudi crackdown on dissidents continues Palestinian villages were asked to join in 60 percent of the West Bank, including Friends of the Earth Middle East. Most of DUBAI: A court in Saudi Arabia has prosecutor had demanded a harsher tation of religious law rather than on a this project with the settlement, but all the area of Ofra and its surrounding vil- that sewage comes from east Jerusalem, sentenced the editor of an Internet penalty, Sabq reported. The ruling is written legal code or on precedent. the villages around rejected the offer fol- lages. Planning and construction for which Israel captured in 1967 and forum he founded to discuss the role subject to appeal. Rattled by the uprisings that desta- lowing the instructions of the Palestinian Palestinian villages in these areas must annexed - a move that was never inter- of religion in the conservative Islamic The prosecution had demanded bilized the Middle East in recent years, leadership,” said Abed Rahman Saleh, receive Israeli approval, but Palestinians nationally recognized. —AP kingdom to 10 years in jail and 1,000 that Badawi be tried for apostasy, a Riyadh intensified a crackdown on lashes, Saudi media reported yester- charge which carries the death penal- domestic dissent with arrests and day. Raif Badawi, who started the ty in Saudi Arabia. The judge in last prosecutions. In April, prominent “Free Saudi Liberals” website, was year’s trial had dismissed the apostasy Saudi rights lawyer and activist originally sentenced to seven years in charges. Badawi was arrested in June Waleed Abu Al-Khair was detained prison and 600 lashes in July last year, 2012 and charged with cyber crime incommunicado after appearing in but an appeals court overturned the and disobeying his father - a crime in court in Riyadh on sedition charges, sentence and ordered a retrial. Saudi Arabia. according to his wife. Also in April, a Apart from imposing a stiffer sen- His website included articles that Saudi court sentenced an unidentified tence on Badawi in his retrial, the were critical of senior religious figures activist to six years in jail on charges judge at the criminal court in the Red such as Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, including taking part in illegal demon- Sea City of Jeddah also fined him one according to Human Rights Watch. The strations and organizing women’s million riyals ($266,600). Badawi’s world’s top oil exporter follows the protests. Another was sentenced to website has been closed since his first strict Wahhabi school of Islam and three years in jail for spreading lies trial. His lawyers said yesterday’s sen- applies Islamic law, sharia. Judges base against King Abdullah and inciting the tence was too harsh although the their decisions on their own interpre- public against him. —Reuters Cannabis ‘destroys’ Tunisia young lives

TUNIS: Tunisia’s tough law on Before they thought those who were harmful, especially for adolescent cannabis use, laying down jail terms arrested were scum. Now they’re brains, it can destroy a huge number of at least one year, is “destroying increasingly aware that it can happen of brain cells.” A reform under consid- lives” and overcrowding prisons, to anyone, whatever their level of eration would authorize judges to according to a group of activists urg- education or social background.” take mitigating circumstances into ing reform. Since the law was passed While attitudes may be evolving, account before passing judgment, more than 20 years ago, “tens of thou- efforts to reform the law are eyed with said Ben Salah. sands of Tunisians have been convict- suspicion in Tunisia, where cannabis But Ghazi Mrabet, Al-Sajin 52’s ed,” the group said in an open letter to users are still considered criminals by lawyer, said the whole system was the government. “But the number of the majority of the population. resistant to change because of a lucra- people sentenced and the number of Outspoken politician and business- tive business connected to cannabis- users continue to grow, proving that man Hechmi Hamdi, whose party related arrests. “People come to see this law is not a deterrent. It has came second in 2011 legislative elec- me whose child has been arrested for failed,” said the group, named Al-Sajin tions, has called on the government (cannabis) use who are ready to do 52 (or Prisoner 52) as the law is called. to declare a “state of emergency” in anything to prevent them going to Smoking “zatla”, or cannabis resin, the fight against cannabis. “The grow- jail,” including paying bribes to police is punishable by between one and ing use of zatla in educational estab- and magistrates, the lawyer explained five years in jail, with the same law lishments threatens the future of a to AFP. prohibiting judges from passing large part of the youth, who are the “When I refuse, they turn to other lighter sentences for extenuating cir- hope of tomorrow,” he said. lawyers, who, according to what cumstances. As a result, more than clients tell me, who make sure the half of the 13,000 people in pre-trial Reforms to ‘humanize’ urine test is negative or the name dis- detention, and around one third of Health ministry director general appears from police reports,” he said. Tunisia’s 11,000 convicts were arrested Nabil Ben Salah said the health and At the other end of the spectrum, for drugs abuse, and cannabis in par- justice ministries are trying to “some judges end up with tears in ticular, according to UN figures. One “humanize” the legislation, although their eyes as they deliver the verdict” young Tunisian who spent more than decriminalizing the drug is not an because they have to hand down jail seven months in jail is haunted by the option. “People tend to trivialize the terms, he said, calling for a national experience three years on. effects of cannabis whereas it’s very debate. —AFP “You smoke a joint and you find yourself in the same cell as a guy who murdered and another who raped,” said the ex-convict, requesting anonymity. “I smoke cannabis regular- ly, but I’m a good guy and I come from a family with no criminal history. Prison was my phobia, and since I did time I always think about it,” he told AFP. The activists insist their group is not calling for the drug to be legalized because, according to Amal Amraoui, one of its founders, “the aim should be something achievable, and attitudes are not ready for that.” “But we want the prison sentence to be abolished, whether it be reduced to a fine, or the jail term replaced by a suspended sen- tence, by community service,” said the 25-year-old, who lamented the stud- ies and careers “broken” by prison. CAIRO: Egypt’s presidential candidate Hamdeen Sabahi shakes “People are beginning to realize. hands with a supporter during a campaign rally yesterday. —AP THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Boko Haram kills hundreds Police offer $300,000 for information on missing schoolgirls

KANO: A new Boko Haram massacre has Town ‘completely burnt’ have been burnt. The market in the announced that a team of military has also pledged assistance. Analysts killed hundreds in Nigeria’s northeast, a Islamist fighters riding in armored town which attracts traders from all over experts had been sent to help Nigeria’s said Jonathan’s acceptance of Western senator said yesterday, as police offered trucks and on motorcycles stormed the area... has been completely burnt,” rescue mission. British Prime Minister military assistance suggested an admis- $300,000 dollars for information leading Gamboru Ngala after midday on the senator said. Gamboru Ngala has David Cameron yesterday condemned sion he can no longer manage the Boko to the rescue of more than 200 school- Monday. Survivors said the extremists been attacked repeatedly in the past, the kidnappers as “pure evil” as his office Haram uprising without help. As well as girls held hostage by the Islamists. The overran the town making it too danger- but Abba said “this (was) the worst Boko said Britain was sending a team of mounting pressure over the kidnap- latest insurgent attack targeted the pings, Nigeria has been hit by a spate of town of Gamboru Ngala on the border bombings. with Cameroon, where gunmen this Just a few hours before the mass week razed scores of buildings and fired abduction in Chibok, a blast ripped on civilians as they tried to flee. Area through a crowded bus station on the Senator Ahmed Zanna put the death toll outskirts of Abuja, killing 75 people in at 300, citing information provided by the deadliest attack to hit the capital. A locals, in an account supported by copycat bombing at the same station numerous residents. killed 19 people on May 1. To contain Zanna said the town had been left the violence, Jonathan has imposed a unguarded because the soldiers based state of emergency in Boko Haram’s there had been redeployed north northeast stronghold where he sent towards Lake Chad in an effort to rescue thousands of troops to flush out the more than 200 girls kidnapped by Boko insurgents, but critics say the offensive Haram on April 14. The shocking mass has achieved almost nothing. Efforts by abduction has sparked global outrage prominent northern leaders to negoti- and offers of help from the United ate a ceasefire have been publicly reject- States, Britain, France and China. ed by Shekau. Nigeria’s response to the kidnappings has been widely criticised, including by World meet overshadowed activists and parents of the hostages Jonathan had hoped that a World who say the military’s search operation Economic Forum summit which opens in has been inept so far. Abuja yesterday would highlight Nigeria’s The police on Monday offered 50 mil- economic progress and underline its lion naira ($300,000, 215,000 euros) for recent emergence as Africa’s biggest any information leading to the girls’ res- economy. Meeting Jonathan in Abuja cue. President Goodluck Jonathan’s ahead of the summit, China’s Li pledged administration has sought to appear stronger cooperation with Nigeria, more engaged with the plight of the Africa’s top oil producer, but public focus hostages in recent days, especially after has remained fixed on Boko Haram. Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau Amid the outrage over the kidnap- released a video threatening to sell the pings and the twin attack just a few kilo- girls as “slaves.” meters from central Abuja, Nigeria has In a second kidnapping, eleven more promised the World Economic Forum girls aged 12 to 15 years were seized ABUJA: One of the mothers of the missing Chibok school girls wipes her tears as she cries during a rally by civ- will be kept safe by the 6,000 troops Sunday from Gwoza, an area not far il society groups pressing for the release of the girls. —AP deployed across the capital. “That show from Chibok and also in Borno state, of force may keep the delegates safe, Boko Haram’s base. The group’s five-year ous for locals to immediately return. Haram attack (the town) has seen.” experts to help with the kidnap but Nigeria’s deeply troubled govern- uprising has killed thousands across When the Islamists left, residents went response. ment cannot protect its people, attract Africa’s most populous country and top back to a town that was “littered” with West joins hostage search French Foreign Minister Laurent investment and lead the country to its economy, with many questioning dead bodies, Musa Abba, a witness, US President Barack Obama has Fabius said a “special team” was at full potential if it cannot contain a viru- whether Nigeria has the capacity to con- told AFP. described the Chibok abductions as Nigeria’s disposal, while Jonathan said lent insurgency,” the New York Times tain the violence. “All economic and business centres “heartbreaking” and “outrageous”, and that visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said in an editorial yesterday. —AFP

LVIV: A man sleeps under an anti-war poster depicting Russian president Vladimir Putin with a bomb as a mustache yesterday. —AFP After 10 years as president, Putin’s ratings soar high MOSCOW: Intelligent, competent, experi- a second engine of support,” said political enced, decisive and attractive - that is how analyst Pavel Salin. Russians view Vladimir Putin, who celebrated Moscow seized Crimea from Ukraine, argu- a decade as president yesterday amid high ing that it had to protect ethnic Russians, after tension with the West over Ukraine, and slow- Kiev’s pro-Russian president, Viktor ing economic growth. In spite of Western Yanukovich, was overthrown by protesters in anger at what Washington and Brussels say is February. Data from Levada and VTsIOM indi- Moscow’s active role in fomenting Ukraine’s cates broad support among unrest, opinion polls show Putin has success- Russians for Putin’s policy on Ukraine, fully used the crisis in the ex-Soviet state to including the formal annexation of Crimea on rally support at home. March 21, and Putin’s drive to re-establish A late April survey by the independent Moscow’s influence over some of its ex-Soviet Levada pollster put support for the former neighbors. Levada’s figures indicated that a KGB spy at 82 percent, its highest since late vast majority of Russians thought that taking 2010. The state-funded VTsIOM last month back Crimea proved Russia was “returning to found that 61-66 percent said they trusted its traditional role of a major global power”. Putin, the highest since at least January 2006. Respondents reported feeling pride, joy and a Just 3 percent mistrusted Putin, the lowest sense of justice. since November 2010. VTsIOM said Russians appreciated Putin for his decisiveness, intelli- “Right to intervene” gence, competence and experience, among Most of those polled by Levada accepted other factors. Moscow’s line that it had the right to intervene It also said 8 percent were positively influ- in former Soviet states to protect Russians and enced by the physique of the 61-year-old Russian-speakers, more than two decades Putin, shown on state television in recent after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Thirty- years hunting, swimming and riding, some- four percent did not think Russia had such a times bare-chested. Putin returned to the right - but still thought it had acted worthily in Kremlin for a third term as president in 2012 Crimea, and within international law. following mass street protests against his rule Only 4 percent agreed with the statement in a country he has dominated as head of that what happened in Crimea was an illegal state or prime minister since the final day of annexation and intervention in a sovereign 1999. country, and 15 percent thought annexing Crimea was evidence of Putin’s “increasing Protests stifled adventurism”. Russia has pledged to spend bil- Since then, the Kremlin has gradually sti- lions on reviving Crimea’s underdeveloped fled the protest movement, and VTsIOM said economy, and Levada said only a third of less than a fifth of those polled expected Russians were “absolutely not ready” to bear more popular protests, a steep decline from this cost. late 2013. But the polls show that it is the With the Kremlin using its tight control Ukraine crisis that has boosted Putin’s popu- over mainstream media to push its take on larity close to the record highs of his first two Ukraine, there is little space for dissenting terms in the Kremlin in 2000-2008, when he opinions to be aired widely. Still, Salin said a presided over an economic boom. drop in Putin’s ratings was inevitable at some In annexing Crimea - handed to Ukraine in point, as Russia’s once-booming economy 1954 by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev - hovers on the brink of recession, with a Putin has tapped into Russians’ national pride prospect of further Western sanctions over and a widespread feeling that the Black Sea Ukraine. “The Crimean euphoria will end in peninsula was Russian anyway. “Until now, six months - maybe with state propaganda Russians had hailed Putin as an experienced and the Kremlin’s ‘information war’ it will go guarantor of stability. Now he has managed on for a year - but then his ratings will have to to harness the feelings surrounding Crimea as fall.” —Reuters INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 LGBT Arab-Americans find room of their own in NYC

NEW YORK: With a loud hiccup and a hand healthy gay Muslim community does exist. over her mouth in coy embarrassment, “It piqued his interest,” Radwan said, that Madame Tayoush mimics Lebanese diva people could be gay and live a full life - that Sabah in her performance of the sultry classic “there were others like me.” His father, Abraham “Atshana” - or “I’m Thirsty” - as Arab-Americans Radwan, originally from Port Said, Egypt, said hoot and cheer. The burst of a trumpet vibrato that he believes sexuality is a private matter sends her into a dramatic swoon, basking but that he is thankful for being in a country under applause and the warmth of stage where people have the conversation. lights. The low neckline of her halter gown expos- Giving up identity for safety es a hairy chest. Madame Tayoush is a man in “Here in America we have an open heart,” drag, performing at a Tarab NYC event, at he said. “In Egypt we hide it; no one talks which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender about it.” Makhay said his struggle began Arab-Americans can celebrate without judg- when gossip reached his mother from the ment both their sexual orientation and Arab Chaldean community in his native Detroit. culture - a slice of society with customs that When he was 19, his mom gave him an ulti- seldom allow for discussion of sex and gender. matum - “be straight or move out.” Makhay left “I was craving community because there home. was this idea that I could only be one identity “I felt unsafe” because, he said, after Sept at a time,” said Tarab creator Bashar Makhay, 11 some Americans couldn’t separate Arab or who is Chaldean-Iraqi, American, Catholic and Muslim from terrorist. “I was willing to give up gay. He said he created Tarab - a series of par- parts of my identity to be in a safe space.” To ties, beach gatherings and other events for find acceptance in gay society, he stopped LGBT Arabs and Middle Easterners in New York speaking Arabic. With light skin and green City - because the community needed to be eyes, he could pass as white. The local gay organized. The program will celebrate its sec- center couldn’t address his cultural needs, and ond anniversary with an event Saturday. the Arab center couldn’t help on his sexuality. Until Tarab came along, one of the few out- But soon, he discovered he didn’t want to talk lets for LGBT Middle Easterners in New York to a counselor - he just wanted someone who City was a monthly, more than 10-year-old understood him. Makhay, who is trained in party called Habibi. A handful of parties are nonprofit management, eventually moved to also held in Arab-dense cities such as Los New York City and in 2012 created Tarab, NTOLWANE: Women wave fists as South African president and leader of the African National Congress (ANC), Jacob Zuma (unseen) arrives to Angeles and Detroit, but Tarab is doing more named for a type of soulful Arabic music. cast his vote in Ntolwane, rural KwaZulu Natal province yetedray. — AP than throwing a party - it is run by New York Tarab isn’t for everyone. Some US Arabs don’t City’s LGBT Arab community and seeks to see a problem with living a double life, said build a community outside of the nightclub Amireh Kharchala, who attended Tarab with ‘Born free’ S Africans vote scene. her girlfriend. She told about a female friend It’s not clear how many LGBT Arab- who married a man while still in a long-term Americans there are. But among an estimated same-sex relationship. The woman cares for Zuma’s popularity dented by Nkandla scandal 3.5 million Arab-Americans, they can find her husband as a companion and as the father themselves isolated. Attendance at Tarab aver- of her 1-year-old son, Kharchala said. “They ages about 100 per event, Makhay said. Adam see America has a desire to have this narrative BEKKERSDAL: Twenty years after South Africans of election authorities said in a statement that the spending $23 million (17 million euros) of taxpayers’ Radwan, of Brooklyn, said people from Tarab that if you’re in the closet, you feel conflicted,” all colors wowed the world by voting to end election nationally was “proceeding smoothly”. And money to upgrade his private home. helped him show his Egyptian father that a she said. But “she’s fine with it.” — AP apartheid, they shrugged off sporadic violence and in Bekkersdal, residents vowed not to be dissuaded Throughout the campaign the ANC has relied flocked to the polls yesterday for another landmark from voting. They poured into the township’s 15 heavily on past anti-apartheid glories and on the election. The African National Congress (ANC) of lib- polling centers, many on foot and some pushed in outpouring of grief over the death in December of eration icon Nelson Mandela is expected to win a wheelchairs and wheelbarrows. its former leader Mandela to shore up support. “Do fifth term in power, but the election is being closely In the cool early morning mist, some voters it for Madiba, Vote ANC!” read one prominent cam- watched for the votes of the “born frees” and danced in celebration amid the charred husk of the paign poster, referring to the late statesman’s clan expected gains by parties to both the left and right. polling station, disregarding the detritus of the pre- name. Some 25 million voters were registered for the vious night’s anger. “We should fight with our votes, For first time voter Nonhlahla, aged 20, that elections, still determined to exercise their hard- let our votes do the talking, not violence,” said message resonated. “I am proud that I will be voting won freedom at more than 22,000 polling centers Mziwamadoda Ngceke, proudly sporting the pur- for the ANC,” she said. “I am in a free South Africa despite mounting anger over joblessness, inequali- ple-blue indelible mark on his right thumb that because of the ANC.” But throughout the campaign ty and corruption. “People died for this right. They showed he had voted. Casting his ballot in his the party’s heroic past has collided with South must not waste it,” said Nobel peace laureate home village of Nkandla, President Jacob Zuma Africa’s harsh present, with the ANC unable to Desmond Tutu, a liberation struggle veteran who expressed hope that “all voters will cast their votes assuage anger over a spate of graft scandals, high has said openly he will not vote for the ANC this without any problems because this is our right, unemployment and poor basic services. time. But, referring to unrest in countries such as which we fought for.” Many commentators have billed this election as Ukraine and South Sudan he added: “I’m so glad we the last to be dominated by the memory of can still vote relatively peacefully. Wonderful.”The ‘Do it for Madiba’ apartheid. A new generation of South Africans- eve of the ballot was marred by some isolated inci- The 72-year-old president said he expected the numbering around two million, with around dents of violence, with police and 1,850 troops “results will be very good” but conceded the elec- 646,000 registered to vote-were born after the end deployed to several areas to keep order. tion campaign had been “very challenging.” The of apartheid and will cast their ballots for the first ANC is expected to win more than 60 percent of the time. Polls show many of these “born-free” voters ‘This is our right’ popular vote, but it is also likely to see its share of are disaffected with the country’s current crop of In Bekkersdal near Soweto, protesters threw the vote slide for a second successive election. leaders and are willing to consider the centrist NEW YORK: In this photo, Bashar Makhay poses for a photo in his apartment in the rocks at police vehicles and set fire to a polling sta- Zuma has been a lightning rod for criticism of the opposition Democratic Alliance or left-wing fire- Brooklyn borough of New York. — AP tion. But an umbrella group of police, military and ANC and has been pilloried for the government brand Julius Malema.—AFP Gun culture ‘way out of balance’: Clinton

WASHINGTON: Hillary Rodham Clinton ater. “I think again we’re way out of bal- recent National Rifle Association confer- said Tuesday the nation’s gun culture ance. I think that we’ve got to rein in ence in Indianapolis, for example, GOP has gotten “way out of balance” and the what has become an almost article of Gov Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, a poten- US needs to rein in the notion that “any- faith that anybody can have a gun any- tial 2016 candidate, said Clinton and body can have a gun, anywhere, any- where, anytime,” Clinton said. “And I Vice President Joe Biden considered the time.” don’t believe that is in the best interest Second Amendment to be little more The former secretary of state and of the vast majority of people. And I than “a phrase from a speech writer.” potential 2016 Democratic presidential think you can say that and still support candidate said the idea that anyone can the right of people to own guns.” No rule of law have a gun is not in the “best interest of The Democratic-controlled Senate Clinton told attendees at the mental the vast majority of people.” But she said voted against legislation pushed by health conference that “at the rate we’re that approach does not conflict with the President Barack Obama last year that going, we’re going to have so many peo- rights of people to own firearms. would have expanded background ple with guns everywhere, fully licensed, Clinton waded into the polarizing checks for firearm purchases to gun fully validated” in settings like movie issue of gun politics during an appear- shows and online sales. theaters where shootings have arisen ance at the National Council for The legislation came in the after- over seemingly mundane things like Behavioral Health conference in Oxon math of the deadly Sandy Hook elemen- loud gum chewing or cellphone use. Hill, Maryland, pointing to recent shoot- tary school shootings in Connecticut. If “That’s what happens in the countries ings that involved teens who had been Clinton runs for president, her views on I’ve visited where there is no rule of law playing loud music and chewing gum gun control would clash with and no self-control and that is some- and a separate incident involving the Republicans, who have largely opposed thing that we cannot just let go without typing of text messages in a movie the- efforts to tighten gun laws. During a paying attention,” she said. —AP Southwest faces hotter conditions

FLAGSTAFF: Hotter, drier conditions in the ment of wastewater and desalination. Arizona and New Mexico forests. already drought-stricken Southwest are Wildfires and bark beetles: The number Heat waves: More than 90 percent of expected to further stress the region’s water of acres scorched by wildfires could double people living in the Southwest make their supply, threatening specialty crops and in the southern Rockies and increase by 74 homes in cities, a figure higher than in any making forests more vulnerable to wildfires percent in California due to climate change, other region in the US. Rising temperatures and tree-killing insects. The Obama admin- driving up firefighting costs, threatening leave people struggling to keep cool, result- istration released the National Climate public health and damaging homes and the ing in skyrocketing demand for electricity Assessment on Tuesday. Among the high- economy. and widespread power outages. California, lights in the Southwestern US, which The report highlights the 2003 Grand Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado and include California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Prix Fire in Southern California, which Arizona have seen some their warmest sum- Colorado and New Mexico, are: caused $1.2 billion in damage. Drought and mer months on record in recent years. Agriculture: Artichokes, olives and apri- warmer temperatures also prompt out- Consecutive days of scorching heat also can cots might not be as visually pleasing as breaks of bark beetles, making the land- be deadly, particularly among the elderly drought and extreme weather continue to scape even more vulnerable. From 1984 to and people illegally crossing the border take a toll on the crops grown primarily in 2008, wildfires and bark beetles have com- from Mexico. The nation’s highest rates of California. A combination of longer frost- bined to kill trees across 20 percent of heat-related deaths are in Arizona. — AP free seasons, less frequent blasts of cold air and more heat waves is projected to intensi- fy, leading to faster ripening. The report says farmers might not be able to adapt quickly enough. Trees that bear nuts and fruit that need winter chills will have lower yields. Vegetables grown in the warmer seasons might not be viable under hotter condi- tions. Water supply: Southwestern cities know they must conserve water, but the report says that alone won’t be enough to meet demand. Drier winters and early snowmelts are threatening the region’s water supplies. The flow of water in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the Colorado and Rio Grande rivers and the Great Basin were 5 percent to 37 percent lower between 2001 and 2010 than average flows in the 20th century. As water utilities across the Southwest try to prepare for the effects of LOVELAND: In this file photo, a slurry bomber drops fire retardant on a climate change, key strategies for boosting burning ridge as the sun sets behind it as a wildfire burns west of Loveland, supply will include expanding the treat- Colo. — AP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Pakistan police question American after FBI arrest

KARACHI: Police in Pakistan questioned an to carry bullets aboard the plane. The offi- American yesterday after US authorities said cial said authorities are hopeful the situa- an FBI agent on an anti-corruption taskforce tion will be resolved soon with the agent’s had been arrested there, officials said. The release. arrest marked the latest incident to trouble The official, who did not provide the relations between Pakistan and the US, two agent’s name or age, spoke on condition of uneasy allies since the Sept 11 terror anonymity because of the diplomatic sensi- attacks. Pakistani police officer Rao Anwaar tivities of the case. Pakistani television chan- declined to say whether the detained nels aired footage yesterday of police pre- American was the FBI agent. He said investi- senting the American in court Tuesday, gators hadn’t received any written evidence which allowed the investigators to question proving the man worked for the US him for four days. The footage showed the Embassy in Pakistan. man in handcuffs, wearing a blue lining The American arrived in Karachi on May shirt while standing in the dock. 1 and was detained Monday when he was Washington needs Pakistan’s help fight- about to board a flight for Islamabad, ing Al-Qaeda and stabilizing neighboring Anwaar said. He said officials found the man Afghanistan, as NATO uses Pakistani roads carrying ammunition and three knives, as to supply its troops. However, relations well as electronic devices that were being have strained over a series of incidents. CIA examined. “We have sent his laptop and contractor Raymond Davis shot and killed other gadgets for forensic examination,” two Pakistani men in Lahore in January Anwaar said. He declined to comment fur- 2011. The US unilaterally killed Osama bin ther. A law enforcement official in the US Laden in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad identified the man as an FBI agent and said in May 2011 and American forces acciden- he was in Pakistan as part of a multi-agency, tally killed 24 Pakistani troops along the anti-corruption program. The official said Afghan border the same year. US drones the agent appears to have made a mistake strikes in the country also have angered and that there’s no indication he was trying Pakistanis. — AP

AMETHI: An elderly Indian woman interacts with India’s ruling Congress party Vice President Rahul Gandhi outside a polling station yesterday. — AP Gandhis fend off Modi as India’s poll nears climax Modi’s BJP gains in most populous state

AMETHI: India’s Nehru-Gandhi dynasty faced a etables to sending our children to private count of 200 seats. In the best case, they forecast battle yesterday to defend one of its bastions schools,” said Pandey, echoing complaints by 240, which would be enough, with the BJP’s from increasingly confident opposition leader locals that government schools have shut. India’s allies, for a working majority. Pundits caution Narendra Modi in the penultimate round of the eighth round of voting sees 64 seats being con- however that results are hard to predict in India’s country’s five-week general election. Modi’s tested. Fifteen are in Uttar Pradesh, which sends first-past-the-post electoral system. And, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), sensing that its the largest contingent of 80 for the 543 seats up although a record number of Indians may vote, coalition could well be within reach of claiming a for grabs in staggered voting for the lower house higher turnout has in the past not always been parliamentary majority, has ramped up a crusade of parliament. A further 25 are at stake in Andhra linked to opposition gains. against Sonia Gandhi and her 43-year-old son Pradesh, which helped the Congress-led govern- Rahul who lead the ruling Congress party. ment to a majority in 2009, but may now swing Politics of anger The son of a tea-stall owner has made it his decisively away amid anger over the handling of Modi’s advance could be tempered by identi- mission to end the grip on politics of the a split of the southeastern coastal state into two ty politics, with his Hindu-centric ideology limit- Gandhis, descendents of India’s first prime minis- parts. Himalayan villagers trekked to the polls in ing the BJP’s voter potential across swathes of ter Jawaharlal Nehru who have ruled for most of Himachal Pradesh, while there was more vio- India. His handling as chief minister of Gujarat of KARACHI: Pakistani policemen escort an alleged US FBI agent as they leave the local the time since independence in 1947. On lence further north in mainly-Muslim Kashmir, Hindu-Muslim riots in 2002 in which more than court in Karachi. — AFP Monday, he poured scorn on the family for failing where many separatist sympathizers are observ- 1,000 people died has also entrenched suspicion to modernize India. The Gandhis stand from two ing a poll boycott. In one incident, a reserve among minority groups, especially Muslims, who family bastions in Uttar Pradesh state, home to policeman was injured by a bomb planted at a make up 13 percent of the population. Clashes on Kashmir’s one in six of India’s 815 million voters. Anger over voting station, police said. Modi, 63, has denied wrongdoing and a poverty and a collapse of services could weaken Supreme Court inquiry found no case to answer. Rahul’s grip on the rural seat of Amethi that was Project 272 “Modi is playing the politics of anger, this is not final election day voting yesterday. BJP sources say internal polling shows that the culture of Amethi,” said Mohammad Shafi, an P D Pandey, a long-time Congress supporter, the party has made big gains so far, while one electrician and a Muslim. Shafi said there could BARAMULLA: Protesters and stance on national security mainly Buddhist area of said he had switched to the BJP, if only to give a survey this week for NDTV news suggested that have been more development in Amethi, but the police clashed but streets issues including Kashmir, are Ladakh high in the Himalayas wake-up call to Rahul. “There are 10 votes in my the BJP may double its share of the vote in the threat from Modi was far greater. “He couldn’t were otherwise largely set to win the national elec- of the Kashmir region was also family. Six of them will go to Modi, four for Rahul. areas of Uttar Pradesh that have yet to be con- protect people in Gujarat, how can he protect deserted yesterday in the tion after a decade of voting yesterday. Some 64 He will win but we will make him cry before he tested. Modi made a campaign stop in Amethi on the rest of the country?” Local Congress agents final day of voting in Kashmir Congress party rule. seats throughout the country wins,” said Pandey, who queued in temperatures Monday to launch a personal attack on Rahul arrived at the polling station asking for the num- for the national election, as Thousands of extra soldiers were up for grabs in the penul- of over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) to and Sonia Gandhi. He seeks to crown his bid for ber of votes that had been cast. “There is some boycott calls and fears of vio- and police, along with sniffer timate stage of the election, vote at a local college. power in the holy Ganges city of Varanasi, which nervousness about the Modi wave that BJP lence kept many voters away. dogs to detect explosives, which wraps up on May 12 votes on the election’s final day next Monday. claims, but we will win,” said Sethu Prasad Shukla, Turnout in the Kashmir Valley were on patrol in Kashmir, with results announced four Lot at stake Results are due May 16. While the BJP itself a local Congress party official. “The people of constituency voting was while officials have said some days later. — AFP “Then he will understand the pain. We strug- expects to fall short of the 272 seats it needs for a Amethi are not going to break their ties with the about 30 percent two hours 600 “miscreants” were round- gle every day for everything, from buying veg- majority, party sources forecast a minimum seat family.”— Reuters before polls closed. ed up ahead of voting to pre- Police fired tear gas at a vent violent protests. crowd calling for a boycott of Although streets were the election in the town of deserted in the towns, voters Baramulla where resentment turned out in villages else- against Indian rule of the where in Baramulla con- region runs deep, an AFP cor- stituency, where some hold respondent said. “These elec- out hope that a new govern- tions give these (Indian) ment could bring much- forces the right to humiliate needed development. “I us, kill us and work against know about the boycott us. That is why I protest,” said called by separatists, but Nazir Ahmed, who works on they are not the ones who an orchard, in Baramulla. can help us get roads and A grenade exploded at a good water supply,” said 70- polling station outside the year-old Abdul Ahad, a resi- town but no one was injured, dent of Panzinara village, a security official told AFP on after casting his vote. condition of anonymity. “We need people to talk Turnout across the entire about us where it matters.” A Kashmir Valley in the 2009 resident of Dangerpora vil- election was 30 percent and lage said as he waited to many fear this year could be vote: “We will not achieve worse after separatist rebels anything by fighting. All shot dead several local offi- issues can be solved if we cials in a warning to residents have peace.” About a dozen against voting. Turnout in the rebel groups have since 1989 previous two days of ballot- been fighting Indian forces, ing elsewhere in the valley either for independence or was 25.6 percent and 28 per- for merger of the territory cent. India has long strug- with neighboring Pakistan. gled to bring Muslim-majori- The fighting has left tens of ty Kashmir into the main- thousands dead, most of stream election process, and them civilians. past polls have also been Kashmir was divided marred by violence and low between India and Pakistan turnout. soon after the two countries, Hindu nationalist hardlin- who both claim the Himalayan er Narendra Modi and his region in full, gained inde- opposition Bharatiya Janata pendence from Britain in 1947. Party, which takes a strong Along with Baramulla, the

SRINAGAR: Kashmiri women display the indelible ink mark on their fingers after casting their votes, outside a polling station yesterday. — AP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 25 hurt as fire, blasts rock Philippine army HQ

MANILA: A ball of fire and explosions ripped and firemen running and shouting for help on a treated for various injuries at the army hospital. through a munitions depot at the Philippine football field strewn with injured colleagues, tree “We were hit by flying bricks and broken glass as army’s headquarters near the financial district in branches and other debris. Colleagues shouted we retreated from the building,” volunteer Manila Manila yesterday, injuring 25 people, mostly sol- at a fireman in a fire retardant suit who vainly fireman Agrifino Santos told AFP. The 40-year-old diers and firemen, officials said. The blaze is sus- tried to pull his fire hose out of the inferno while fireman said his team was dispatched from a pected of triggering the blasts that rained bul- soldiers and other firemen loaded injured col- nearby district and were trying to put out the lets, broken bricks, pieces of concrete, glass and leagues into an ambulance and an army truck. late morning blaze when the huge explosion tree branches at the sprawling Fort Bonifacio The building is surrounded by trees and is occurred. site, they added. located a few minutes’ drive from the Makati “We hit the ground immediately but we got “I was a few meters (yards) away when the fire financial district. Detoyato said a barracks nearby hit nonetheless,” said Santos, his head heavily broke and caused a loud explosion,” army was used as quarters by army explosives experts bandaged and his back scorched after his shirt spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Noel Detoyato who respond to bomb alerts and similar emer- ignited. His six colleagues had apparently less told reporters. He put the updated toll at 25 gencies in the capital. The cause of the blaze was serious cuts on their legs and hands. Philippine injured, many of them soldiers as well as fire- being investigated, he added. Detoyato said the Army deputy spokesman Captain Anthony fighters who were trying to put out a blaze at the army had ordered the evacuation of nearby Bacus told reporters he was in a nearby building isolated munitions depot when the entire build- offices and commercial buildings as a precau- when he heard a series of small blasts “like fire- ing suddenly exploded in orange flame. tion, though no more explosions occurred and crackers” shortly after the fire alert was raised. Footage by local television network ABS-CBN the fire was eventually put out. “After about 15 minutes there was a huge explo- MANILA: Fireman Agrifino Santos (center) is treated at a Philippine army hospital yester- showed the main explosion, followed by soldiers An AFP photographer saw seven men being sion,” he added. — AP day. — AFP S Korea warns N Korea over new nuclear test S Koreans reluctant to shoulder unification cost

NEW YORK: South Korea’s foreign minister warned la.” He reiterated President Park Geun-hye’s proposals cation with North Korea, almost half have no inter- North Korea on Tuesday that the cost of keeping and last month to reunify Korea, which has been divided est in helping cover the massive estimated finan- testing nuclear weapons will be so high that it could along the world’s most heavily fortified border since cial cost, a survey said yesterday. The poll of 1,001 threaten the survival of Kim Jong Un’s regime. Yun the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice, not people found that 72 percent backed the idea of a Byung-se told a standing-room audience of diplomats, a peace treaty. “It takes two to tango,” he said. “We unified Korean peninsula, although 46 percent UN officials and Korea-watchers at the International hope North Korea will respond positively to our gen- said the merger should be a “gradual” rather than Peace Institute that the North will pay “the heaviest uine proposals.” swift process. But when it came to paying for it, price” in new sanctions if it defies the international 44.3 percent said they had no interest in sharing community and goes ahead with a new nuclear test. Tectonic shifts the cost. Many experts - and the South Korean government - Yun said South Korea “recognizes that our journey Around 54 percent said they would be willing SOUTH CHINA SEA: In this video image, Vietnamese surveillance ship crew members had suspected the North would conduct its fourth for reunification will be long and bumpy” but he said a to contribute, but only 22 percent would cough up stand near the side of the ship, allegedly damaged after being rammed by a Chinese ship, nuclear test during President Barack Obama’s recent nuclear-free and unified Korea would alleviate security more than 50,000 won ($48) a year. The survey, in the South China Sea, off Vietnam’s coast yesterday. — AP visit to Seoul. North Korea has said it still may go threats in northeast Asia and stabilize the region. “The released by the Unification Ministry, was commis- ahead and test a new kind of nuclear device following geopolitical plate of the region is going through what sioned by a research institute at Seoul National China rammed ships as Obama’s visit. I would call tectonic shifts,” he said. “We are witnessing University and conducted by a polling firm “Our assessment is that North Korea is ready to a rising China, a resurgent Japan, an assertive Russia between November 28 and December 16. undertake a test whenever they make the necessary and an anachronistic North Korea which is simultane- Forecasting the cost of unification is an almost tensions surge: Vietnam political decision,” Yun said. A call to North Korea’s UN ously pursuing nuclear weapons and economic devel- meaningless task, given the large number of possi- Mission seeking comment was not answered. He opment.” ble scenarios under which a merger might occur. HANOI: Vietnam said yesterday a Chinese ves- Chinese fishing boat around 7 a.m. on Tuesday explained that a new test “will make a great impact on Yun said conflicts over history, territory and mar- As a result, estimates vary wildly, with the only sel intentionally rammed two of its ships in a off Half Moon Shoal in the Spratly Islands. the strategic landscape in our part of the world” and itime security, among others, are raising concerns real consensus being it would be far from cheap. part of the disputed South China Sea where The boat has 11 crew and police found could undermine the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, “that even a military confrontation owing to miscalcu- Last year the South Korean Finance Ministry said Beijing has deployed a giant oil rig, sending about 350 turtles in the vessel, some of which the cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament lations may become a reality.” At the heart of these reunification-assuming it took place in 2020 — tensions spiraling in the region. The foreign were already dead, a police report said, adding efforts. North Korea has pulled out of the treaty. conflicts, he said, is “a trust deficit.” Yun said that’s why would cost up to seven percent of South Korea’s ministry in Hanoi said the collisions took place that a Philippine boat with crew was also South Korea is seeking to unify the two Koreas and annual GDP for a period of 10 years. That would on Sunday and caused considerable damage to seized, and found to have 70 turtles on board. Cost of having nuke weapons build a new Asia and a new world. mean something in the region of 85 trillion won the Vietnamese ships. Six people sustained Several species of sea turtles are protected Faced with this challenge, Yun said South Korea Yun said he is “rather optimistic about this unifica- ($83 billion) a year for 10 years-and that’s assum- minor injuries, it said. “On May 4, Chinese ships under Philippine law. Maritime police are now has been making intensive diplomatic efforts to deter tion” because there are changes inside North Korea ing a peaceful unification scenario, which is by no intentionally rammed two Vietnamese Sea towing the boats to Puerto Princesa town on the North from carrying out a new test with the other and many changes outside including China and Russia means assured. Guard vessels,” said Tran Duy Hai, a foreign min- the island of Palawan where appropriate parties to the stalled six-party nuclear talks aimed at now saying publicly for the first time that they are in President Park Geun-Hye has offered a counter- istry official and deputy head of Vietnam’s charges will be filed against them, Vargas said. reining in the North’s nuclear program, Security favor of peaceful reunification of the Koreas. “We have narrative by talking up the “bonanza” to be reaped national border committee. China said the Philippines had to release the Council members, the European Union and Asian to be prepared for that possibility, or any scenario that from reunification through the marriage of the “Chinese ships, with air support, sought to boat and the fishermen. “China’s Foreign nations. will be unfolding in the coming months and years,” he South’s capital and technology with the North’s intimidate Vietnamese vessels. Water cannon Ministry and China’s ambassador to the In the event of a new test, he said, the UN Security said human and natural resources. But such an opti- was used,” he told a news conference in Hanoi. Philippines have made representations to the Council must fill all loopholes in the four rounds of He recalled the day 23 years ago when East mistic outlook has struggled to gain traction, Six other ships were also hit, other officials said, Philippines side, demanding that it provide a sanctions it has already imposed on the North over its Germany and West Germany replaced their two especially among young South Koreans. North and but not as badly. Dozens of navy and coast- rational explanation and immediately release nuclear and ballistic missile programs and individual nameplates at the United Nations with a single name- South Korea came into being as separate states in guard vessels from both countries are in the the people and the vessel”, ministry spokes- countries must take similar tough measures. As long plate that said Germany. “Likewise, I do believe the day 1948 and the area where China has deployed the giant rig, woman Hua said. “We once again warn the as North Korea relies on nuclear weapons to make is approaching, perhaps much faster than we may all 1950-53 Korean war sealed the division. Vietnamese officials have said. “No shots have Philippines not to take any provocative actions,” threats, Yun warned, “then we, South Korea, together realize, for the two Koreas to replace their respective Reunification has been a stated priority for both been fired yet,” said a Vietnamese navy official, she said, adding that China had “indisputable with our partners in the Security Council, will make the nameplates with one single nameplate that simply Seoul and Pyongyang since then, and is who could not be identified because he was sovereignty” over the Spratly Islands. There are cost of having these nuclear weapons very very high, says Korea,” Yun said. enshrined in both their constitutions. But the not authorized to speak to media. “Vietnam frequent tensions in the South China Sea very very heavy, so that could backfire to the regime - emotional tug is weaker among younger genera- won’t fire unless China fires first.” between China and the other claimant nations, the survival of the regime.” Forecasting cost of unification tions who grew up in a divided peninsula and The tensions between the two Communist particularly Vietnam and the Philippines, both At the same time, Yun stressed that South Korean is In another development, while more than 70 see the North more as a foreign country than a nations come as both are trying to put aside of which say Beijing has harassed their ships in seeking to build a peaceful and “new Korean peninsu- percent of South Koreans support eventual unifi- lost part of their own. — Agencies border disputes and the memories of a brief the waters there. While there are frequent but bloody border war in 1979. Vietnam is usu- stand-offs between fishermen and the various ally careful about public comments against claimant states in the South China Sea, the China, with which it had bilateral trade surpass- actual detention of Chinese fishermen or the ing $50 billion in 2013. However, Hanoi has seizure of a boat is rare. strongly condemned the operation of the drilling rig in what it says are its waters in the Not commercially driven South China Sea, and told China’s state-run oil An oil industry official in China said the company CNOOC to remove it. deployment of the rig owned by China’s CNOOC oil company to waters near Vietnam Obama promoting strategic ‘pivot’ appeared to be a political decision rather than The United States has also criticized the a commercial one. “This reflected the will of the move. The row comes days after US President central government and is also related to the Barack Obama visited Asia to underline his US strategy on Asia,” said the official, who spoke commitment to allies there, including Japan on condition of anonymity because of the sen- and the Philippines, both locked in territorial sitivity of the issue. disputes with China. Obama, promoting a “It is not commercially driven. It is also not strategic “pivot” toward the Asia-Pacific region, like CNOOC has set a big exploration blueprint also visited South Korea and Malaysia, but not for the region.” However, Wu Shicun, president China. China has not yet responded to the of the National Institute for South China Sea Vietnamese allegations of ramming, but Studies, a government think-tank in the south- Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying ern province of Hainan, said China was unlikely said earlier yesterday that the deployment of to pay much heed to Vietnamese concerns. “If the rig had nothing to do with the United we stop our work there as soon as Vietnam States, or Vietnam. “The United States has no shouts, China will not be able to achieve any- right to complain about China’s activities within thing in the South China Sea,” Wu said. “We the scope of its own sovereignty,” she said. have lost a precious opportunity to drill for oil China claims almost the entire South China Sea, and gas in the Spratlys. Also this time we are rejecting rival claims from Vietnam, the drilling in Xisha (Paracel Islands), not Nansha Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei. (Spratlys), there is no territorial dispute there. I think China will keep moving ahead with its Tensions with Philippines plan (in Xisha), no matter what Vietnam says Tensions are also brewing in another part of and does.” Tran Duy Hai, the Vietnamese foreign the South China Sea where Beijing has ministry official, raised the possibility of Hanoi demanded the Philippines release a Chinese taking the dispute to international arbitration. fishing boat and its crew seized on Tuesday. “We cannot exclude any measures, including Chief Superintendent Noel Vargas of the international legal action, as long as it is peace- SEOUL: A girl with a man puts a paper ship she made to pay tribute to the victims and missing passengers of the sunken ferry Sewol at a group Philippine National Police Maritime Group said ful. “We are a peace-loving nation that has memorial altar yesterday. — AP a maritime police patrol apprehended a experienced many wars,” he said.—Reuters S Korea lowers survivor count in ferry disaster

SEOUL: Three weeks after South Korea’s ferry tragedy, been recovered, and divers are searching for 35 more Tidal currents, a frequent obstacle for divers, are fore- Gang-raped Indonesian the government yesterday said it miscounted the people. More than 80 percent of the dead are students cast to be weak until then. Chung has offered to resign number of survivors, the latest of many missteps that from a single high school near Seoul who were on a amid public anger over the government’s handling of may be caned publicly have eroded the nation’s confidence in its leaders. trip to southern Jeju island. the sinking. President Park Geun-hye has accepted his Coast guard chief Kim Suk-kyoon said only 172 people Families of the victims and many other South resignation offer but asked him to stay in his post for BANDA ACEH: An Indonesian woman Shariah law in the district, Ibrahim Latief, survived the April 16 sinking of the ferry Sewol - not Koreans have been highly critical of the government’s the time being as the government was dealing with who was gang-raped by men who said the two could be punished with 174, as the government had been saying since April handling of the rescue effort, and the regulatory fail- the aftermath of the sinking. Searches have been accused her of having extramarital sex nine strokes of a cane for violating reli- 18. Kim said one of the survivors was accidentally list- ures that may have allowed the disaster to happen. hampered by strong currents, bad weather and float- may be caned publicly for violating gious law, pending an investigation. ed twice, and he blamed the other mistake on an inac- Shortly after the sinking, officials announced that 368 ing debris inside the ship. A civilian diver fell uncon- Islamic law, an official said yesterday. Indonesia, the world’s most populous curate report by a passenger. people were saved, giving scores of families false scious while searching and died on Tuesday, the first The 25-year-old widow said she was Muslim nation of 240 million people, has Another coast guard officer said the passenger hope. There is evidence not only that the ship was fatality among divers mobilized since the sinking. raped by eight men who allegedly a policy of secularism but allows Aceh, a falsely told authorities he had been traveling with overloaded with cargo, but that the agency responsi- Kim, the coast guard chief, said many victims of the found her having sex with a married predominantly Muslim province on the someone who had sneaked on board and therefore ble for ensuring passenger safety has incorrect infor- sinking crowded together into two cabins far more man in her house. The men reportedly northern tip of Sumatra, to implement a was not on the ship’s list of passengers. The officer mation about how much the ship could safely carry. than had been booked into the rooms. Of the 269 beat the man, doused the two with version of Sharia Islamic law. spoke on condition of anonymity because she wasn’t The lengthy, difficult underwater search for bodies bodies retrieved, he said, 235 were wearing life jackets. sewage, and then turned them over to Police have arrested three of the eight authorized to speak to media on the matter. She said off South Korea’s southern coast has deepened the All 15 surviving crew members involved in the ferry’s Islamic police in conservative Aceh men, including a 13-year-old boy, and the passenger later told officials he gave wrong infor- anguish of families of missing people, who have been navigation have been arrested, accused of negligence province. are hunting for the others, Latief said. He mation because he had “lost track of things.” camping out at a nearby port waiting for the news of and failing to protect passengers. Improper stowage The alleged attack occurred early added that the men would be tried Kim also said there are two more missing passen- their loved ones. Prime Minister Chung Hong-won and overloading of cargo is suspected as a possible Thursday in Lhokbani, a village in East under the criminal code, which can carry gers than authorities previously knew about. Both are told a Cabinet Council meeting that officials must reason the ferry sank, and four employees at the ship’s Aceh district. The head of Islamic a maximum penalty of 15 years. — AP Chinese nationals. That change raises the number of work with “resolve to finish searches” by Saturday to owner who handled cargo on the Sewol have also people feared dead to 304. So far 269 bodies have help ease the suffering of relatives of missing people. been arrested. — AP

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Issues Baltics can keep lights on if Russia turns off the gas

By Aija Krutaine and Andrius Sytas

stonia, Lithuania and Latvia depend on Russia for all their gas imports, but they each have defences Ein place to ensure sufficient energy supplies if Moscow cuts off gas exports in an escalation of the Ukraine crisis. Russia’s Gazprom has threatened to cut supplies to Ukraine in June if it receives no payment toward the billions of euros it owes. Gazprom supplies about 30 percent of Europe’s gas and ships about half of that via Ukraine. For the Baltics, however, the long-feared risk that Russia could use energy as a political weapon has encouraged them to come up with alternatives. These countries, therefore, have been some of the most vocal critics of what they see as Russian expansion- China attacks up as militants raise stakes ism, pressing the European Union to adopt tougher sanctions in the crisis. Estonia, out of all EU members, By Kelly Olsen caught after a slashing attack that in 2009. China has vowed repeated and coming years”. Many other experts, of the Sunni Islamist movements was the second least dependent on energy imports after injured six people at a station in the crackdowns on violence in Xinjiang, however, question the influence of the worldwide. “It’s marginal even com- Denmark in 2012, data from Estonia’s statistics office series of shocking attacks in southern city of Guangzhou, police most recently during a visit last week TIP, a shadowy group that has released pared to a group like (Nigeria’s) Boko showed. Its main fuel for power generation in 2012 was China signals a calculated bid said, further fraying nerves. by President Xi Jinping, his first since videos praising attacks in China but has Haram, which is usually described as a shale oil at 81 percent, while renewables contributed Aby militants from mainly Raffaello Pantucci, an expert at the assuming office last year. He promised yet explicitly to claim responsibility for marginal part of Al-Qaeda,” he said. another 15.2 percent. Latvia’s underground storage can Muslim Xinjiang to raise the profile of Royal United Services Institute in “decisive actions” against terrorism them. Nor, for that matter, has anyone hold as much as 2.3 billion cubic metres of gas for with- their confrontation with Beijing - London, called the apparent change and called the Kashgar area the “front else, said Sean Roberts, an expert on ‘Self-fulfilling Prophecy’ drawal, far exceeding its consumption of 1.5 bcm in whatever the cost, analysts say. Their in tactics a “worrying development” by line in anti-terrorist efforts”. Uighurs at George Washington The night after the Urumqi violence, 2013. After a mild winter, it still holds some reserves and violent campaign, which was long militants who saw themselves as “part It borders Central Asia, from where University in the US. Beijing police held anti-terror drills at a will soon start injecting gas again. In an extreme case, it concentrated against security authori- of an oppressed people who are not some - including Beijing - say radicals of “Even if there is an organisation key railway station in the centre of the can also withdraw the gas stored to keep the pressure in ties within the resource-rich region, being recognised and supported”. the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) and behind the attacks, it would likely be a capital. Chinese authorities have yet to the reservoir, known as buffer gas, of which there is has since late last year spread to civil- “Obviously, people don’t think that East Turkestan Islamic Movement homegrown organisation as opposed attribute a motive for the Guangzhou enough to meet its demand for a year. “There are no ian targets both inside Xinjiang and far their message is getting through and (ETIM), influenced by Al Qaeda, inspire to an international organisation incident. But Mao Shoulong, a profes- indications at the moment that Russia is planning to cut beyond. A fiery vehicle crash in that they’re being heard,” he told AFP. and even orchestrate violence in China. because for an international group, sor at Beijing’s Renmin University, said natural gas supply for Latvia,” Prime Minister Laimdota Beijing’s Tiananmen Square - symbolic “If they’re not being heard, then you Rohan Gunaratna, professor of security there would be some claim to take escalating violence was sure to be met Straujuma told Reuters. heart of the Chinese state - last have to make a louder sound. “There studies at Nanyang Technological credit,” Roberts told AFP. “A lot of terror- with stronger measures by the govern- Lithuania expects to start importing liquefied natural October was followed by a horrific may be some negative repercussions University in Singapore, welcomed Xi’s ism doesn’t require much organisation ment. “The general reaction is likely gas (LNG) in 2015 by sea via a floating terminal called knife assault in March at a railway sta- but the negative repercussions in comments as long overdue. “China at all,” he added, citing last year’s Boston that vigilance will be tightened nation- “Independence”. “If Russia considers cutting gas supplies tion in the southern city of Kunming. some way will only feed the narrative now faces a very significant threat from Marathon bombings. The US attack wide.” he said. “More police will be to Lithuania, it will really need to hurry,” said Gitanas In what many in China dubbed the that you’re trying to advance.” terrorism emanating from the ideology was “much more sophisticated than added and more training will be done.” Nauseda, chief economist at Lithuanian bank SEB. country’s “9/11”, 29 died and 143 were and also by the training infrastructure anything in these train stations, but yet Ultimately, though, a harsher response “Because any such cut will be meaningless by this wounded in the bloody attack. Last No Claim of Responsibility that the Turkestan Islamic Party has it seems quite clear that it was just the to the escalation is unlikely to prove a December, when the LNG import terminal will be opera- week assailants using knives and Tensions in Xinjiang have sim- established in North Waziristan” in work of two people and there was no deterrent, according to Pantucci. “All of tional in Klaipeda.” Furthermore, the Kaliningrad exclave, explosive devices attached to their mered for decades, with the Muslim Pakistan’s tribal areas, he said. The TIP “is outside organisation behind it”, Roberts that is only going to exacerbate the home to Moscow’s Baltic sea fleet, depends on gas sup- bodies attacked a train station in Uighurs in the far western region currently recruiting, currently radicalis- said. tensions and the sense of alienation in plies that pass through Lithuania. Last year the news sur- Urumqi, Xinjiang’s capital, resulting in claiming discrimination in religious ing a number of Uighurs to conduct Scott Harold, a China expert with the community,” he said. “So it’s kind of faced, however, that Russia is building gas storage in three deaths - including two alleged practices and jobs in the face of immi- terrorist attacks”, he told AFP, describing US think tank Rand Corporation, told a self-fulfilling prophecy in some ways. Kaliningrad to meet its needs for two to four weeks. attackers - and 79 wounded. And on gration by China’s Han majority. About the recent incidents as “milestones” that AFP: “ETIM is not central in any way to From both sides it sort of feeds off each “That indicates that Russia is preparing for something,” Tuesday a lone attacker was shot and 200 people died in inter-ethnic rioting heralded more “in the coming months the broad concerns of Al Qaeda or any other.” —AFP said Arvydas Sekmokas, Lithuania’s former energy minis- ter. “But we are very close to crossing a line, when our energy dependence on Russia will be reduced signifi- Hamas ‘forced’ into Palestinian unity deal cantly.” By Adel Zaanoun headquartered in the West Bank. An alliance enjoys the popularity that brought it victory Bank for a transitional period, an official said Existential Threat with the PLO would help Hamas gain “inter- in 2006 Palestinian legislative elections. Sunday. Last week, a former head of Israel’s Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite has said the nprecedented pressure on Hamas, national recognition and acceptance without “Hamas has realised it can’t reconcile its sta- Mossad spy service said the Jewish state ability to import LNG would put an end to the “existen- from both Israel’s blockade of Gaza having to make political concessions on its tus of liberation and resistance movement should take advantage of Hamas’ current tial threat” of dependence on Russian energy. The Uand a hostile Egypt, forced the Islamist own, such as recognising the state of Israel,” with the harsh reality of politics, especially weakness by either eradicating it or opening planned floating import terminal could meet about two- movement to accept reconciliation terms dic- Habib said. given regional developments,” said Walid al- some form of dialogue. thirds of its 2013 consumption of 2.7 bcm, and its capac- tated by Palestinian president Mahmud Mudallal, politics professor at the Islamic “This is the moment the Israeli govern- ity could later be increased to 4 bcm a year. Analysts say Abbas, analysts say. But Hamas’s sub- ‘Burden’ of Government University of Gaza. “The feeling inside the ment should consider eradicating Hamas by Gazprom is helping Lithuania attract potential LNG sup- servience to the Palestine Liberation Hamas refuses to recognise Israel and its movement is that it would be better to quit storm. Nobody will come to its assistance, pliers by charging the highest price in Europe at $460- Organisation (PLO) in the context of the unity charter calls for the eventual destruction of power and just keep military and security nobody will awaken global public opinion to $490 per 1,000 cubic meters last year, compared with deal could work to its advantage, allowing it the EU average of $370-$380. “High Russian pipeline gas to return to its militant roots, freed from the prices are helping to attract LNG sellers, because in case responsibilities of governance. Hamas and of low prices, LNG would be uncompetitive,” said Reinis the Western-backed PLO, which is dominated Aboltins, an analyst at Riga-based think-tank Providus. by Abbas’ secular Fatah party, signed a sur- Latvia, whose gas prices are lower than Lithuania’s, prise reconciliation agreement on April 23 in has been less willing to challenge Gazprom’s monopoly, a bid to end years of bitter and sometime delaying gas market liberalization until April 2017. bloody rivalry. Under terms of the deal, the “Latvia’s lawmakers were scared that Russia could two sides would work together to form an increase gas prices and that voters would punish the rul- “independent government” of technocrats, to ing coalition by voting for a pro-Russian Harmony be headed by Abbas, that would pave the Center party,” said Juris Ozolins, former energy minister way for long-delayed elections. Abbas has and former adviser to the European Commission. Russia insisted the government will follow his policy may be reluctant to cut supplies to the Baltics in part of recognising Israel, rejecting violence and because such a move could push them further towards abiding by past peace agreements. Hamas energy independence. For Estonia, the smallest Baltic has insisted however that as a movement it state, gas accounted for only about 10 percent of its remains committed to Israel’s destruction, energy supply, or 0.7 bcm, in 2012. No data was avail- and it’s unclear how it would reconcile that able for 2013. “Estonia is largely self-sufficient in energy stance with support for such a government. terms and is able to meet its electricity and heat needs from domestic sources,” the International Energy Agency Easing the Pressure said in a report last September. Katja Yafimava, a Pressure on Hamas has been growing London-based analyst from the Oxford Institute for steadily since last July, when the Egyptian Energy Studies, said the Baltic states should not fear gas army ousted Islamist president Mohamed cuts as long as they pay the bills on time. “The likelihood Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood. Hamas is of Gazprom cutting gas to the Baltics, as well as to any the Palestinian offshoot of the Brotherhood other country - provided that the gas is being paid for in and had warm relations with Morsi. After line with the contracts - is next to zero,” she added. Morsi’s ouster, Egypt began destroying hun- Aboltins in Riga disagreed. “If the EU imposes hard eco- dreds of tunnels along the Gaza border used nomic sanctions on Russia, there is a high probability to import construction materials, fuel, arms that Moscow will strike back.” —Reuters and money, plunging the besieged Strip into its worst-ever energy crisis and exacerbating an already-dire humanitarian situation. “The fall of the Brotherhood in Egypt and All articles appearing on these its effect on Gaza with the closure of tunnels Hamas prime minister in the Gaza Strip Ismail Haniya reads the daily Al-Quds newspaper at his office in Gaza City. pages are the personal opinion of and the border crossing, as well as resultant financial difficulties, forced Hamas to seek a Gaza’s Hamas rulers yesterday permitted the veteran West Bank newspaper to be distributed in the coastal territory the writers. Kuwait Times takes no solution,” said Naji Sharab, politics professor for the first time in six years, taking a new step toward implementing a reconciliation deal with the rival West Bank responsibility for views expressed at Gaza’s Al-Azhar University. “The movement government. The return of the independent daily generated excitement in Gaza City, and all 1,500 copies that were therein. Kuwait Times invites read- moved towards reconciliation as the best delivered yesterday quickly sold out. —AP option” to relieve that pressure, he told AFP. ers to voice their opinions. Please Hani Habib, a Gaza-based political analyst, the Jewish state. The movement’s acceptance forces active on the ground.” save it,” Efraim Halevy wrote in Yediot send submissions via email to: opin- said the blow dealt to the Brotherhood in of an agreement that could see it cede power Last week, Hamas’s overseas deputy Aharonot newspaper. But given the blood- [email protected] or via snail Egypt had helped the Hamas leadership both “proves that being in government was a bur- Mussa Abu Marzuk said there would be “no shed that would involve, the other option in Gaza and abroad to “push radicals in the den that sapped its energy and popularity,” question” of disarming the movement’s was for Israel to “talk to the rival at precisely mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. movement to accept reconciliation.” The unity Hamas official Ahmad Yusef said. Hamas armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam the time that it is in an inferior position”. “If The editor reserves the right to edit deal could give the Islamist movement a new found itself unable to pay the salaries of near- Brigades. But Hamas security forces may end Israel does not capitalise on this rare opportu- any submission as necessary. lease on life by handing over the challenging ly half its 50,000 government employees after up working hand-in-hand with some 3,000 nity ... Hamas will survive and again grow task of governing Gaza to an administration Egypt’s political sea-change, and it no longer Palestinian Authority forces from the West stronger.” —AFP THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 NEWS

A cyclist passes a loyalist mural in East Belfast in Northern Ireland yesterday. — AP Israeli spying on US at alarming level

WASHINGTON: Israel spies on the United States more onage - folks coming over here on trade missions or with son” from the case of Jonathan Pollard, a US naval analyst and clearly, these are false accusations,” he said. “Israel than any other ally does and these activities have reached Israeli companies working in collaboration with American who was arrested in Washington in 1985 and sentenced took a decision 30 years ago and has upheld it ever since, an alarming level, Newsweek magazine reported yester- companies, [or] intelligence operatives being run directly to life in jail for spying on the United States for Israel. His not to spy against the United States, not to recruit agents day. The main targets are US industrial and technical by the government, which I assume meant out of the arrest sparked a crisis in ties that only ended with Israel in the US, not to gather intelligence in the US.” Steinitz secrets, the weekly said, quoting classified briefings on [Israeli] Embassy.” promising to end all espionage activities on US soil. said he would be joining high-level US-Israel strategic legislation that would make it easier for Israeli citizens to Israel’s espionage activities in America are unrivaled Yuval Steinitz, Israeli minister of intelligence and strate- talks today with US National Security Adviser Susan Rice, get visas to enter America. Newsweek said a congression- and go far beyond activities by other close allies, such as gic affairs, told public radio that Israel had stuck to that who met yesterday with Prime Minister Benjamin al staffer familiar with a briefing last January called the Germany, France, Britain and Japan, counter-intelligence pledge. “I tell you as intelligence minister, unequivocally Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres. — AFP testimony “very sobering ... alarming ... even terrifying”, agents told members of the House Judiciary and Foreign and quoted another as saying the behavior was “damag- Affairs committees, Newsweek said. “I don’t think anyone ing”. was surprised by these revelations,” the former aide was Mall meeting cancelled as activists call... “No other country close to the United States continues quoted as saying. “But when you step back and hear ... to cross the line on espionage like the Israelis do,” said a that there are no other countries taking advantage of our Continued from Page 1 boycotting of elections under the current system as a ‘duty’. former congressional staffer who attended another classi- security relationship the way the Israelis are for espionage He called for public demonstrations to coincide with by- fied briefing in late 2013, according to Newsweek. It said purposes, it is quite shocking.” Islamic Constitutional Member Dallal insisted that the elections expected late June to replace five MPs who that briefing was one of several in recent months given by Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman rejected the opposition will not accept state institutions to come under resigned from the parliament. the Department of Homeland Security, the State allegations. “We’re talking about lies and falsehood, sim- the control of a single authority. “It is not acceptable for Other opposition figures who attended the event includ- Department, the FBI and the National Counterintelligence ply libel which is baseless and unfounded,” he said. Kuwaitis to see the parliament become a joke and parlia- ed former speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun, as well as former Directorate. Lieberman added Israel was not involved in any form of mentary committees become useless,” he said. Dallal urged MPs Khaled Al-Sultan, Jamaan Al-Harbash, Mubarak Al- The former congressional staffer said the intelligence espionage against the United States, either direct or indi- judges in Kuwait’s courts to discuss the judiciary’s independ- Waalan and Abdurahman Al-Anjari. agencies did not give specifics, but cited “industrial espi- rect in nature. The minister said Israel had “learned its les- ence “and intervention of the [executive and legislative] Separately, MP Ali Al-Rashed hosted a dinner Tuesday authorities in the judicial authority’s affairs”. that was also attended by MP Safa Al-Hashem, making their Former MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei said that corruption in first public appearance since the two officially submitted Saudi hospital chief sacked Kuwait originated from the marginalization of three institu- their resignations on Sunday. During the gathering, Rashed tions that protects state properties - the Public Prosecution, reiterated his decision to retire from parliamentary life, and Continued from Page 1 a five-day mission to the kingdom to assist in assessing the Central Tenders Committee and the Audit Bureau. “The CTC praised his colleague for her decision “that proves that she recent increase in the number of people infected in Jeddah. became a place to pass prearranged tenders, especially ran for parliament eying what is best for Kuwait”. Nearly a week later, Riyadh dismissed the health minister It said the experts had visited two main hospitals and those with a seven-figure value,” he said. “The Audit Bureau Hashem said her decision to quit came in protest of the and appointed Fakieh, who is labour minister, to take over found that the increase in cases are “due to breaches in has meanwhile become void and a decoration in the state, government’s control over the parliament. “When I found the health portfolio on an acting basis. WHO’s recommended infection prevention and control while the public prosecution’s role is marginalized.” voices in the parliament being silenced, and conspiracy Fakieh, who has repeatedly promised “transparency” over measures.” At the same time, it said the recent increase in Tabtabaei also used ‘decoration’ and ‘cartoonish’ to describe between the executive and legislative authorities to bury MERS, said he has replaced the head of the hospital and his numbers of infections does not suggest a “significant change the current Assembly, as he reiterated the opposition’s main constitutional tools (referring to the scrapping of the prime assistants. “The new team will immediately take up its duties,” in the transmissibility of the virus”. Nor is there any evidence demand of adopting a full parliamentary system in Kuwait. minister’s grilling), I could not stay,” she said. he tweeted, adding that “the ministry will take all decisive “of sustained human-to-human transmission in the commu- “We need an active parliament that handles the state’s In another development, Housing Minister Yasser Abul measures to achieve its goals in preserving the health of nity and the transmission pattern overall remained funds,” he argued. said the ministry has accepted a proposal by the Assembly’s members of society.” Yesterday, health officials announced unchanged”. “The majority of human-to-human infections Mislem claimed that any attempts to achieve reform housing committee calling on the housing authority to two more deaths from MERS, bringing the toll to 117. The occurred in healthcare facilities,” it said, adding that “one under the current system are destined to fail. “Reform from build complete housing projects including power genera- victims were a 68-year-old woman in Jeddah, the kingdom’s quarter of all cases have been healthcare workers”. The team inside the parliament failed in 2009 when [the opposition] tors. About the government accepting a proposal to build a commercial capital, and a 60-year-old man died in Madinah. called for improving “knowledge and attitudes” of health care consisted of 22 MPs,” he said. “We went to the Kuwaiti peo- new city in Khairan with 35,000 units, the minister said the Saudi Arabia has reported 431 infections since MERS first workers about MERS. ple afterwards, and the people toppled the Cabinet through project is already present in the government plan to build appeared in its eastern region in September 2012 before MERS is considered a deadlier but less-transmissible the Irada Square demonstrations.” Mislem also promoted 12,000 units every year over the next five years to help spreading across the kingdom. Fakieh said last week that cousin of the SARS virus that erupted in Asia in 2003 and the Opposition Coalition’s initiative for reform, describing resolve the chronic housing problem. measures to contain the spread of MERS would be infected 8,273 people, nine percent of whom died. There are announced in the coming days” as Western experts and rep- no vaccines or antiviral treatments for MERS, a disease with a resentatives of the World Health Organisation met in Riyadh. mortality rate of more than 40 percent that experts are still Gulf inches closer to customs union The WHO said yesterday a team of its experts had completed struggling to understand. -— Agencies Continued from Page 1 Qatar, accusing Doha of not abiding by a deal to not interfere in each others’ internal affairs. Syrian rebels evacuate ‘capital of revolution’ Ministers also discussed completing requirements Meanwhile, Oman’s government is looking closely at for their common market and monetary union, both of cutting costly subsidies, with petrol an obvious target, Continued from Page 1 siege, and in spite of this, the international community which have been rescheduled a number of times. the minister for financial affairs said yesterday, as the did nothing.” At the meeting’s opening, Saleh called on members country grapples with rising pressure on its public Videos posted online by opposition activists showed The evacuation deal, mediated by Iran’s ambassador to make concessions “in order to reach an agreed for- finances. The sultanate ramped up state spending by a group of fighters, some with their faces covered, walk- to Syria, includes the release of a number of hostages mula that guarantees the rights of all (Gulf) states”. He more than 27 percent from 2011 to 2013. The money ing in a line towards green buses. They carried back- being held by opposition fighters in the northern city of urged the completion of requirements for the customs went to welfare, public-sector wages and tens of thou- packs and light weapons as they boarded the buses, Aleppo. Under the agreement, fighters will also allow union, “particularly ... distribution of customs revenues, sands of new state jobs after protests demanding under the gaze of regime police and accompanied by a aid into two Shiite majority towns in Aleppo province, protection of local agents and protectionism for some employment and an end to corruption. white UN car. By late afternoon around 400 of the Nubol and Zahraa, where some 45,000 people are goods.” For his part, GCC secretary general Abdullatif Al- But realizing the deteriorating health of public approximately 1,200 people believed to be in the Old under rebel siege. A rebel spokesman in Aleppo said 36 Zayani urged members to facilitate free movement of finances, the small non-OPEC oil exporter has shifted City had left, according to the Syrian Observatory for hostages, including “11 Iranians, some Lebanese, and national and foreign goods to allow the January dead- towards a more cautious policy in 2014. It is budgeting Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group. the rest Syrians” would be handed over. By late yester- line to be met. for spending of 13.5 billion rials ($35.1 billion), slightly Governor Talal Al-Barazi told AFP a third and possibly day afternoon, 15 had already been transferred, said the The calls come at a time when GCC states are locked less than in 2013. Asked what steps the government a fourth convoy were set to leave the city before night- source. He also said vehicles carrying aid had started to in a political dispute that could hurt economic integra- would take to make its budget more sustainable, fall, with the operation continuing today morning. State enter Nubol and Zahraa. tion projects. But Saleh insisted that these disputes did Darwish Al-Balushi said that subsidies were an obvious television meanwhile quoted Assad as saying: “The state Once the Homs operation is complete, the govern- not affect the meeting. When the customs union was target. “Petrol is one of them, the obvious one of course, supports processes of national reconciliation in all ment will control all but one major area of the city. At launched at the start of 2003, full implementation was because now there is a huge gap between prices that regions because it wants to stop the bloodbath.” Rebels the start of Syria’s uprising in March 2011, Homs came envisaged within three years. But questions over rev- are implemented today and international prices,” he told and activists struck a more defiant tone. “So long as we to be known as the “capital of the revolution” because of enues, dumping and protectionism have caused repeat- reporters, in some of his first comments on the topic. are alive, we will continue to fight it,” activist Abu Bilal its massive anti-regime protests. And after the rebels ed delays. A 2010 deadline came and went when the “We have to calculate all the issues that are related. took up arms in response to a brutal government crack- told AFP as he prepared to leave the Old City. energy-rich bloc failed to agree on the sharing of tariff These subsidies are social objectives, so we have to The evacuees are being transferred to the rebel-held down, the city gained iconic status among the opposi- revenues and experienced difficulties in meeting World strike a balance between the monetary side of it and town of Dar al-Kebira, 20 km from Homs. Wael, an tion for resisting multiple offensives. During a nearly activist in the northern Homs province village of two-year government blockade, which left around Trade Organisation rules. the social impact,” he said on the sidelines of the finance Termaaleh, told AFP he had received some of the evac- 3,000 people trapped, food and medical supplies dwin- Options for a revenue distribution formula previously ministers meeting. Asked when Oman was going to uees. “I asked one of my friends, who is now resting in dled, leaving residents to survive on little more than mentioned by GCC officials have included dividing rev- decide on potential changes to subsidy levels, Balushi my house, and he said to me that he felt hungry, and in herbs in the final months of the blockade. enue from customs according to the level of imports, said: “It’s an exercise that is going on. It could be this pain and tearful over leaving Homs,” he said. “He said he In February, a UN-Red Crescent operation successful- population or the share of gross domestic product of year, it could be next year.” felt his soul being pulled out of his body as he left ly evacuated around 1,400 people and delivered limited individual countries. Other problems hampering a full How Oman deals with the subsidies bill will be rele- Homs.” aid to the besieged areas. But hundreds of fighters and customs union have included the sometimes slow and vant to other states in the Gulf Arab region that provide Activists distributed photographs showing fighters wounded people unable to make it to evacuation inefficient customs clearance process at borders. In reduced-cost petrol and electricity to their residents. weeping, and a man kneeling down and kissing the points were left behind, and government forces 2012, customs caused a queue of thousands of trucks to Kuwait plans to report the findings of its own subsidies ground before departing. The Observatory’s Rami Abdel launched a fresh assault last month. Many of those build up in the desert heat at a border crossing review later this year. Subsidies on petroleum products Rahman said the withdrawal was “a propaganda victory evacuated in February moved to the rebel-held Waer between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It took several in Oman rose 5.5 percent to 1.0 billion rials in 2012, for the regime, because Homs holds a symbolic place in district. Negotiations are underway for a similar deal to weeks to reduce the logjam. In March the GCC suffered accounting for 53 percent of the overall 1.9 billion rials the Syrian revolution”. He also told AFP “the resistance be implemented there, according to government and one of its worst rifts in its history when Saudi Arabia, of state support for the private sector, a central bank (by Homs’ rebels) was legendary, despite two years of opposition officials. — AFP Bahrain and the UAE withdrew their ambassadors from report showed last year. — Agencies THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 SPORTS

Kaneria denies spot-fixing Cycling quotas for Rio Major headache for Loew BERLIN: Germany coach Joachim Loew is set to announce a provisional World Cup KARACHI: Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria said yesterday he would contin- LONDON: Two athletes per nation will be allowed to compete in the ue to fight his life ban from cricket after losing a second appeal in a London court this squad today but he knows it may not be his best possible team as injuries and a men’s and women’s individual Sprint and Keirin at the Rio 2016 slump in form have hit key players at the worst possible time. week. On Tuesday, Britain’s High Court rejected Kaneria’s bid to overturn the ban Olympic Games, a change from London 2012 when just one in each imposed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in June 2012 for encouraging a Loew had said back in March he wanted only the fittest players team-mate to bowl badly on purpose as part of a spot-fixing scam. event was permitted. on his squad for the tournament in Brazil where they will face a The ECB had charged Kaneria, then playing for Essex, with Team GB were forced to pick between the world’s top-two sprint hot and humid climate made worse by the earlier kickoff inducing team-mate Mervyn Westfield to “deliberately con- specialists, Jason Kenny and Chris Hoy, four years ago before set- times and the long travel distances between matches. cede” runs in an English county limited overs match against tling on Kenny who took gold. But with players such as playmaker Bastian Schweinsteiger and top scorer Miroslav Klose still far from Durham in 2010. The ban was then subsequently applied After conducting a review process, UCI, cycling’s governing body, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have agreed the their best, Loew may have to make some tough decisions globally by the International Cricket Council and Kaneria today. Germany have been drawn in Group G along with lost an appeal with the ECB disciplinary panel in July last qualification systems for the four cycling disciplines - Road, Track, the United States, Ghana and Portugal at the tournament year. BMX and Mountain Bike. starting in June. Kaneria took legal action, claiming the panel had Under the changes announced by UCI president Brian Cookson “At the moment we have only seven or eight players who been wrong both to uphold the life ban and to order him yesterday, three more nations will be able to participate in BMX with are in top form,” Loew told Stern magazine yesterday. “This to pay ECB legal costs of £200,000 ($339,000). the minimum age of competing reduced to 18, while road quota whole situation is causing some headache. But after Kaneria’s second attempts at having the places through the Africa Tour have increased from five to nine. “Klose, (Sami) Khedira, (Mario) Gomez, (Ilkay) Guendogan, ban lifted were rejected on Tuesday, ECB chief execu- “I am delighted that the cycling qualification systems for the Rio Schweinsteiger, they are all players who are pillars in our team tive David Collier urged the 33-year-old to publicly 2016 Olympic Games have now been approved,” Cookson, who was but they lack match rhythm,” he said. Holding midfielder admit his guilt and apologise. “Accept appointed UCI president in September, said in a statement. Khedira is only just back from a cruciate ligament tear guilt? They (the ECB) should first pres- last year while midfielder Guendogan is unlikely to ent the evidence against me,” an “I am particularly pleased that we can look forward to more make the cut given he has not played since August last adamant Kaneria told AFP. —AFP nations competing in BMX and that extra quota places have been year due to a back injury. —Reuters Pirates see off Giants

PITTSBURGH: Starling Marte was called out, tying single, rallying the Diamondbacks past then ruled safe on a replay review with two the Brewers. Evan Marshall (1-0) pitched 1 1- outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, lift- 3 innings of scoreless relief in his major ing the Pittsburgh Pirates over San Francisco league debut for the victory. Addison Reed 2-1 Tuesday night and ending the Giants’ six- pitched a scoreless ninth inning to record game winning streak. his ninth save in 10 opportunities. Paul It was 1-all when Marte tripled off the Goldschmidt and Chris Owings also home- right-field wall against Tim Hudson. Marte red for Arizona, which has won five of its last slid into third, got up and bolted home seven games on the road. Brandon Kintzler when the relay from second baseman Ehire (1-1) gave up the three runs in the eighth. Adrianza skipped by third baseman Pablo Goldschmidt hit a two-run homer in the Sandoval. Sandoval recovered to throw first inning off Milwaukee starter Marco home and plate umpire Quinn Wolcott ini- Estrada. The Brewers scored for five runs in tially ruled Marte was tagged by San the bottom half off Josh Collmenter. Francisco catcher Buster Posey. A brief review showed Marte’s right hand touched BLUE JAYS 6, PHILLIES 5 the plate before Posey tagged his chest. Juan Francisco’s sacrifice fly in the 10th Tony Watson (3-0) worked one inning. inning lifted the Blue Jays to a win over the Marte scored both Pittsburgh runs and Ike Phillies. Cody Asche hit a game-tying grand Davis added two hits. Hudson (4-2) allowed slam in the sixth to help the Phillies rally two runs on five hits in 8 2-3 innings, striking from a 5-0 deficit, but they were swept in a out five and walking one. two-game portion of a four-game, home- and-home interleague series. The teams DETROIT: Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera hits a two-run double against the Houston Astros in the eighth inning of a baseball game. — AP MARLINS 3, METS 0 meet Wednesday night in Toronto. Henderson Alvarez pitched a six-hitter for Edwin Encarnacion and Colby Rasmus his second shutout this season, and the went deep for the Blue Jays. Marcus Tigers rout Astros Marlins won again at home, beating the Stroman (1-0) pitched 1 1-3 scoreless Mets. Miami improved to a major league- innings for his first career win. Aaron Loup best 16-5 at Marlins Park, and is 7-1 on its got the final two outs for his second save. DETROIT: Miguel Cabrera homered for his first of four hits current homestand with one game left. They and four RBIs, Robbie Ray gave up one run in his debut and MLB results/standings clinched the series and have won seven of WHITE SOX 5, CUBS 1 the Detroit Tigers routed the Houston Astros 11-4 Tuesday their eight home series - the Marlins are 2-10 Gordon Beckham’s tiebreaking homer in night for their season-high seventh straight win. Houston, Cleveland 4, Minnesota 2; LA Dodgers 8, Washington 3; Toronto 6, Philadelphia 5 (10 Innings); on the road. the eighth inning helped the White Sox beat which has the worst record in the majors, lost its fourth in a Pittsburgh 2, San Francisco 1; Detroit 11, Houston 4; Boston 4, Cincinnati 3 (12 Innings); Atlanta Alvarez (2-2) struck out seven, walked the rival Cubs. Beckham was 1 for 6 in the 2, St. Louis 1; Miami 3, NY Mets 0; Baltimore 5, Tampa Bay 3; Chicago White Sox 5, Chicago Cubs none and threw 111 pitches. His only other White Sox’s 3-1, 12-inning win Monday over row and sixth in seven games. Ray (1-0) gave up one run, 1; Arizona 7, Milwaukee 5; Colorado 12, Texas 1; NY Yankees 4, LA Angels 3; Seattle 8, Oakland 3; victory this year was a complete-game 7-0 the Cubs, but he matched a career high with five hits, a walk and struck out five in 5 1-3 innings in his first Kansas City 3, San Diego 1 (11 Innings). victory over Seattle on April 19. He now has four hits Tuesday. The fourth one, on a 1-2 game in the majors. Brett Oberholtzer (0-6) allowed four four career shutouts, including a no-hitter pitch with two outs from Neil Ramirez (0-1), runs on nine hits, two sacrifice flies and a walk over six American League National League against Detroit on the final day of last sea- gave Beckham his first homer of the season innings. Eastern Division Eastern Division son. Casey McGehee had a pair of RBI sin- and the White Sox the lead, one they held to W L PCT GB Atlanta 18 14 .563 - gles. Bartolo Colon (2-5) took the loss. He sweep the two-game series at Wrigley Field. INDIANS 4, TWINS 2 Baltimore 16 14 .533 - Miami 18 15 .545 0.5 also went 0 for 2, striking out both times, The teams start a two-game series Josh Tomlin earned his first major league win since 2012, NY Yankees 17 15 .531 - Washington 18 15 .545 0.5 leaving Mets pitchers at 0 for 56 this season Wednesday across town at US Cellular Field. pitching into the seventh inning and leading the Indians Boston 16 17 .485 1.5 NY Mets 16 16 .500 2 with 30 strikeouts. Moises Sierra had a career-high four hits for past the Twins. Toronto 16 17 .485 1.5 Philadelphia 15 16 .484 2.5 the White Sox, starting in place of Adam Tomlin (1-0) allowed one run and four hits in 6 2-3 Tampa Bay 15 18 .455 2.5 Central Division BRAVES 2, CARDINALS 1 Dunn who was scratched about 30 minutes innings. He was called up from Triple-A Columbus before Central Division Milwaukee 22 12 .647 - Justin Upton homered and scored the before the first pitch because of a bruised Detroit 19 9 .679 - the game after missing most of last year while recovering St. Louis 17 17 .500 5 tiebreaking run on Chris Johnson’s eighth- right calf. Dunn did pinch-hit for reliever Chicago White Sox 17 17 .500 5 from Tommy John surgery. Cincinnati 15 17 .469 6 inning single, and the Braves beat the Zach Putnam in the eighth and grounded Tomlin struck out four, walked one and won for the first Minnesota 15 16 .484 5.5 Cardinals to end their seven-game skid. out to short. Putnam (1-0) got the win. Kansas City 15 17 .469 6 Pittsburgh 13 20 .394 8.5 time since July 5, 2012, with the Indians. He had his elbow Chicago Cubs 11 20 .355 9.5 Braves right-hander Gavin Floyd was operation the next month. Cleveland 14 19 .424 7.5 Western Division Western Division impressive in his season debut, allowing one ROYALS 3, PADRES 1 The right-hander took a two-hit shutout into the seventh run on six hits in seven innings. Floyd made Alex Gordon singled in the go-ahead run Oakland 19 14 .576 - San Francisco 21 12 .636 - before Chris Colabello homered. Samuel Deduno (0-2) his first major league start since April 27, with one out in the 11th inning and pinch- Seattle 16 15 .516 2 Colorado 21 14 .600 1 allowed four runs in five innings in his first start of the sea- 2013, for the White Sox against Tampa Bay. hitter Billy Butler followed with an RBI dou- Texas 17 16 .515 2 LA Dodgers 19 15 .559 2.5 He had season-ending Tommy John surgery ble for the Royals, who beat San Diego to son. LA Angels 16 16 .500 2.5 San Diego 15 19 .441 6.5 10 days later, and his comeback included six snap their season-high five-game losing Houston 10 23 .303 9 Arizona 12 24 .333 10.5 minor league rehab starts this year. streak. Eric Hosmer started the winning rally ORIOLES 5, RAYS 3 David Carpenter (2-0) had two strikeouts when he hit a leadoff double to center off Ryan Flaherty and Nick Markakis both drove in a run after in a perfect eighth. Craig Kimbrel had two Nick Vincent (0-1). Gordon singled to right a power outage in the eighth inning and the Orioles beat strikeouts in a perfect ninth for his ninth with one out and Hosmer beat the throw the Rays. The 19-minute delay came after a series of lights save. St. Louis left-hander Tyler Lyons home with a headfirst slide, touching the went out at Tropicana Field. The outage was soon after allowed only one run on four hits, including plate with his left hand. Steve Clevenger’s one-out double off Joel Peralta (1-2) put Upton’s homer, in six innings. Butler then doubled in Gordon. Wade runners on second third. Davis (2-1) pitched two innings of one-hit After Steve Pearce walked, an RBI single by Flaherty and DODGERS 8, NATIONALS 3 ball for for the victory, striking out four. Greg Markakis’ run-scoring grounder gave Baltimore the two-run Clayton Kershaw pitched seven shutout Holland, who blew the save Monday night, lead. Tampa Bay pulled even at 3 when Ben Zobrist hit a sac- innings in his first outing since opening day, pitched the 11th for his eighth save in nine rifice fly off Darren O’Day (1-0) in the seventh. and Hanley Ramirez and Drew Butera home- chances. red as the Dodgers defeated the Nationals. YANKEES 4, ANGELS 3 Kershaw (2-0) was stubborn in his return ROCKIES 12, RANGERS 1 Brian Roberts hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the ninth after missing 32 games, allowing nine hits Carlos Gonzalez had five of Colorado’s inning, and the Yankees beat the Angels 4-3 for just their but striking out nine without a walk. The season-high 21 hits and Nolan Arenado second victory in seven games. two-time NL Cy Young winner had been on made several slick plays at third base on a Roberts had an early RBI single before he connected with the disabled list for the first time in his night he extended his hitting streak to 26 two outs against Ernesto Frieri (0-3), putting his first homer career, sidelined by a strained back muscle games as the Rockies routed the Rangers. after winning March 22 in the major league It’s the third time in Gonzalez’s career he’s with his new club into the elevated right field stands at opener in Australia. The Dodgers kept out- had five hits in a game. Arenado waited until Angel Stadium. fielder Yasiel Puig out for the second straight his final at-bat in the seventh to extend his Mike Trout tripled and scored the tying run on Albert game since he crashed into an outfield wall streak, lacing an RBI double that hit just Pujols’ two-out single off Shawn Kelley (1-2) in the eighth in the ninth inning Sunday at Miami. inside the left-field line. He’s one away from inning for the Angels, who had won five of seven on their Jayson Werth had four hits for the tying the team record of 27 set by Michael nine-game homestand. Nationals. Blake Treinen (0-1), making his Cuddyer last season. Alfonso Soriano had an RBI single in the eighth inning for first major league start, allowed three Juan Nicasio (4-1) got through five the Yankees. David Robertson pitched the ninth for his fifth unearned runs in five-plus innings. innings without his best command, giving save. up two hits and one run. He also walked a MONTREAL: Canadiens right wing Dale Weise (22) scores the third goal against Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) during second period in Game DIAMONDBACKS 7, BREWERS 5 season-high five. Robbie Ross Jr. (1-3) had a MARINERS 8, ATHLETICS 3 3 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series. — AP Aaron Hill hit a two-run homer in the rough outing as he allowed six runs and 12 Rookie Roenis Elias struck out six while pitching into the eighth inning after Miguel Montero had a hits in 5 1-3 innings.— AP seventh to win consecutive starts for the first time, Justin Smoak drove in three runs and the Mariners beat the Canadiens, Wild grab Athletics for their season-best fourth straight victory. Smoak hit an RBI double and Dustin Ackley an RBI single in the first to back Elias (3-2), who followed up a 10-strikeout NHL playoff victories gem at Yankee Stadium his last time out with another MONTREAL: PK Subban, Dale Weise and attacks, while Carey Price made 26 saves. impressive start. Lars Eller each had a goal and an assist as the Patrice Bergeron and Andrej Meszaros The Mariners jumped on Jesse Chavez (2-1) to take a Montreal Canadiens beat the Boston Bruins scored for the Bruins, who outshot Montreal quick first-inning lead for the second straight game against 4-2 on Tuesday to take the lead in their NHL 28-26. At St. Paul, Minnesota, Ilya Bryzgalov the A’s - and Seattle scored all three of its first-inning runs Eastern Conference semifinal. The Canadiens made 19 saves for his first shutout in the with two outs on the way to its ninth win in 11 games over- are up 2-1 with Game 4 set for today in playoffs in eight years as the Blackhawks had all. Montreal. In the day’s other playoff, Erik their series lead whittled to 2-1 with their Haula and Mikael Granlund scored goals less first loss in 21/2 weeks. INTERLEAGUE than 3 minutes apart early in the third period Zach Parise sealed the win with a power- RED SOX 4, REDS 3 as the Minnesota Wild recovered from a slug- play goal, the first in 25 chances for the Wild Grady Sizemore lined one off the Green Monster to gish start for a 4-0 victory over the Chicago over their last two playoff series against the score the game-winning run in the 12th inning and the Blackhawks in Game 3 of the Western Blackhawks. Then Granlund tacked on an Red Sox beat the Reds. It was the longest game between Conference semifinals. empty-netter with 1:17 left. Game 4 is tomor- the two teams since the Red Sox won Game 6 of the Subban, the 2013 Norris trophy winner as row in Minnesota. Corey Crawford stopped 1975 World Series on Carlton Fisk’s 12th-inning homer. the NHL’s top defenseman, has two points in only 14 shots for the Blackhawks, who each of the three games of the series and 11 dropped their first two games to St. Louis in Craig Breslow (1-0) pitched one inning of scoreless relief points in seven playoff games so far. the last round before winning four in a row. for the win. Logan Ondrusek (0-2) took the loss. He Tomas Plekanec also scored for the Since losing to the Blues on April 19, they pitched a scoreless 11th but gave up singles to David Canadiens, who were outplayed for long took the lead in all six games and outscored PITTSBURGH: Pirates’ Starling Marte (left) scores ahead of the tag by San Francisco Ortiz and Mike Napoli before Sizemore hit a liner off the stretches but made the most of quick-strike their opponents 23-9.—AP Giants catcher Buster Posey in the ninth inning of a baseball game. — AP left field Wall. — AP SPORTS THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Photo of the day Woeful Texans look beyond top draft pick

NEW YORK: No matter who is selected today with the first ue. “There are two positions that I never think you can have pick in the National Football League Draft, the Houston too many of: corners and tackles. You are always looking to Texans are confident they can rebuild after a woeful 2-14 improve the depth on both sides of the ball up front. We season. The Texans own the first selection in the annual want to be a bigger, faster, stronger football team.” allocation of collegiate talent by virtue of having the NFL’s While the Texans, who lost their last 14 games of last worst record last year, but with 11 overall picks in the season, are in the market for a quarterback, talented three-day event, Houston is counting on more than one passers are expected to be available later in the draft. player for help. Texans coach Bill O’Brien, hired January 3 to replace the “It was very painful to get here, but now that we have fired Gary Kubiak, says the Texans will take a quarterback at lived it for a while and prepared this way, it’s a very, very some point, just not when it will happen. advantageous place to be because it gives us a chance to “I see the strengths and weaknesses with every one of really impact our team,” Texans vice president and general these guys,” O’Brien said. “I don’t see where there’s one or manager Rick Smith said. two or three guys that are light years ahead of the rest.” Smith says he knows who he wants to select with the That opens the door for the top overall pick for top choice, the Texans’ third number one selection in 13 Jadeveon Clowney, a defensive end from South Carolina, drafts, but is open to trade offers. University of Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack or Auburn “We’re going to be open to all possibilities,” Smith said. University offensive tackle Greg Robinson. Clowney made The St. Louis Rams are set to select second overall, fol- 162 tackles with 29 sacks and 11 forced fumbles. Many lowed in order by Jacksonville, Cleveland and Oakland. The prognosticators have lined up Clowney for the Texans as a pressure, tension and drama of the situation were drawn rare mix of size and speed and O’Brien has praised him upon by Hollywood for the current film “Draft Day”, with without promising to pick him. Kevin Costner playing a fictional character in the hot seat “When the game is on the line, he plays hard,” O’Brien of making the decisions that could make or break a team. said of Clowney. “He’s an explosive player. He’s a productive “This is the opportunity to really improve our team and player. He’s an instinctive player.” build on the foundation that is already in place,” Smith said. Robinson has the size and footwork to protect the blind Mikkel Bech Jensen races during a photoshoot at the speedway “It’s not so much about the first pick. It’s the first pick in side of a quarterback, a valued skill given the speed and center in Glums, Denmark . —www.redbull.com each round. It’s a valuable spot to be in. Because you either strength of defenders trying to tackle NFL passers, while get the top player on your board three different times or Mack made 100 tackles with 10 sacks, three interceptions Cyclists gear for you get the opportunity to move down and add more val- and five forced fumbles last season. — AFP Giro d’Italia

MILAN: The 97th edition of the Giro d’Italia starts tomorrow in year’s Giro d’Italia, but there are a couple keen to impress on Belfast with 198 cyclists participating in the opening team home turf. Two relatives of Irish cycling great Stephen Roche time trial in the Northern Irish capital.The Italian Grand Tour are riding in this year’s race although Roche doesn’t expect ends June 1 in the northeastern port city of Trieste, and there either, son Nicolas or nephew Dan Martin, to emulate his 1987 are a number of potential winners. The Giro has several com- victory. “Nicolas or Dan are both quite capable of finishing in pelling stages, including the return of the grueling Stelvio the first five,” Roche said. “To go into the top three is also possi- climb after it was cancelled last year due to bad weather. Here ble, but from there on it’ll be very difficult. are five things to know about this year’s race: “Dan is quite capable of just switching it on some day and getting a stage win, whereas Nicolas concentrates so much for GRANDE PARTENZA the GC (general classification), he misses out sometimes on As has become tradition every other year, the Giro d’Italia good opportunities. Nicolas could do a top five and maybe will start outside Italy. However, this is the first time that the get a stage win. I would put my money on Dan for a stage Grande Partenza - or the Big Start - will take place outside of win.” mainland Europe, with Belfast the departure point. The Giro begins with a time time trial in Belfast. The city is also the start HISTORY and finish point for Saturday’s 218-kilometer (135-mile) leg, The Giro d’Italia first took place in 1909, and was the brain- which takes in picturesque rock formation, the Giant’s child of struggling Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport’s Causeway. The following day starts in Armagh before crossing desire to increase sales. It was following on from L’Auto’s the border into the Republic of Ireland and finishing in Dublin. organization of the Tour de France and was eager to beat rival Pink banners, bunting and flags have been put up to match paper Corriere della Sera, which was also planning to create a the color of the leader’s jersey, while public buildings have cycling race around Italy. Gazzetta dello Sport continues to been illuminated with pink projections and even sheep have organize and sponsor the Giro, and its link with the presti- been painted. gious race is the reason for the association with the color pink as the newspaper is printed on pink paper. ABSENT STARS The 1909 race featured eight stages with an average dis- Defending champion Vincenzo Nibali, 2008 winner Alberto tance of more than 300 kilometers (186 miles), compared to MIAMI: Heat’s Chris Bosh (left) passes as Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Garnett (2) defends in the first half of Game 1 in an Eastern Contador, reigning Tour de France winner Chris Froome and the 183-kilometer (114-mile) average stage length this year. Conference semifinal basketball game. — AP his Sky teammate Bradley Wiggins are all skipping the Italian Some 115 cyclists crossed the finish line out of 115 starters classic to focus on this year’s Tour de France. Richie Porte also in 1909. The first edition was decided on points and won by had to pull out of Sky’s squad due to a lack of form and illness. Luigi Ganna. Had it been a time-based event, Giovanni Two of the favorites - Tour runner-up Nairo Quintana and Rossignoli - who finished fourth - would have won, while Heat and Spurs roll Spanish rider Joaquin Rodriguez - have never won a Grand Ganna would have been third. This year’s race is dedicated to Tour. Australian’s Cadel Evans - the 2011 Tour de France winner Marco Pantani on the 10th anniversary of the Italian who finished third in last year’s Giro d’Italia - is also among climber’s death. MIAMI: Defending champion Miami and perennial power San against Aldridge that Splitter established. Belinelli finished 3 the list of potential winners following his impressive victory at Antonio asserted their claims to the NBA title with authorita- for 5 from 3-point range, leading the Spurs’ bench to leap to the Giro del Trentino. “We’ve got a strong team backing me FACTS AND FIGURES tive wins on Tuesday in the opening games of their NBA sec- their feet in loud celebration after the Italian guard’s struggles and I hope to do well,” Evans said. “We’ll see how the legs go The route covers more than 3,200 kilometres (1,990 ond-round playoff series. Miami was too good for its bogey in the opening series. After going just 4 for 7 on 3-pointers against the other guys before saying how much I like the miles), with 427.6km of it spent in the Republic of Ireland team Brooklyn, beating the Nets 107-86, while San Antonio against Dallas, Belinelli opened the game by hitting his first route. “But the route is hard, the Giro is always the hardest and Northern Ireland. There are 21 stages and three rest led from start to finish in beating Portland 116-92. LeBron three attempts from long range. — AP Grand Tour route. There are a lot of mountain finishes and I days. This year’s Giro is seen as balanced, with three time tri- James scored 22 points and Ray Allen added 19 as Miami know I’ve got to be up there for three weeks and be good in als, eight finishes for sprinters and nine hilly or mountain remained undefeated this postseason. Brooklyn had beaten the mountain time trial and individual time trial too.” stages. The Giro has been won by an Italian 68 times. Four the Heat narrowly in all four of their previous meeting this IOC inks $7.65 previous winners are competing in this edition: Italians season. Chris Bosh scored 15 points and grabbed 11 IRISH HOPES Michele Scarponi, Ivan Basso and Damiano Cunego and rebounds, Dwyane Wade finished with 14 points and Mario An Irish cyclist is unlikely to emerge triumphant from this Canadian Ryder Hesjedal. — AP Chalmers had 12 for Miami, which recorded at least one regu- billion US TV lar-season win against every team except Brooklyn, losing four times by a total of 12 points. Deron Williams and Joe Johnson scored 17 points each for the Nets, who got only eight from deal with NBC Paul Pierce and no points from Kevin Garnett in 16 minutes. Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is today. NEW YORK: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) A 24-9 run in the third quarter blew things open for the and US broadcaster NBC-Universal announced yesterday Heat, who hadn’t played in eight days after sweeping they have reached an American television rights deal Charlotte in the opening round. James finished 10 for 15 from worth $7.65 billion that runs from 2021 through the 2032 the field and Allen - who had never faced his former Boston Olympics. “Big 3” compatriots Pierce and Garnett in the playoffs - was 4 The deal announced by NBC Universal was hailed by of 7 in 3 pointers. Miami’s lead was 55-52 early in the third IOC president Thomas Bach as ensuring the Olympic move- quarter after a 3-pointer by Williams, and every indication was ment long-term operating income. that the Heat and Nets - who played three one-point games “This agreement is excellent news for the entire and a double-overtime affair in the regular season - were Olympic movement as it helps to ensure its financial securi- heading down to the wire again. ty in the long term, in particular future host cities of the San Antonio’s Tony Parker had 33 points and nine assists as Olympic Games, the athletes of the 204 National Olympic the Spurs bullied a younger Portland and won 116-92. Kawhi Committees and the International Sports Federations,” Leonard had 16 points and Tim Duncan added 12 points and Bach said. 11 rebounds for San Antonio. More importantly for the Spurs, The unprecedented long-term contract also has an their bench contributed mightily after being virtually non- additional $100 million signing bonus for the promotion of existent in the series against Dallas. Olympism and Olympic values between 2015 and 2020. Marco Belinelli had 19 points and the Australian connec- “The IOC has worked in close partnership with NBC for tion of Aron Baynes and Patty Mills had 10 points apiece. The many decades, and we are thrilled we will continue to work Spurs had their most complete game of the postseason, play- with them through to 2032,” Bach said. ing with the flair and fluidity that resulted in the league’s best NBC had bought rights in 2011 to all US Olympic broad- regular season record. Portland, meanwhile, didn’t come close cast coverage through 2020. The network has shown every to resembling the confident and sharp-shooting group that Winter Olympics to US audiences since 2002 and every upset Houston in the opening round. Summer Olympics to American viewers since 1992. LaMarcus Aldridge had 32 points and 14 rebounds and The 2016 Summer Olympics will be staged in Rio de Damian Lillard had 17 points for Portland, but the All-Star duo Janeiro, Brazil, while the 2020 Olympics are set for Tokyo. combined for just 17 points in the first half as San Antonio The 2018 Winter Olympics will be staged in Pyeongchang, built a 26-point lead. Duncan left the game with 4 minutes South Korea. Host sites beyond that have yet to be deter- remaining in the first quarter after picking up two quick fouls, mined. American companies are some of the largest finan- but the Spurs increased their lead in his absence thanks to big cial backers of the Olympics and advertising during the bench contributions. Games fetches some of the largest sales prices of any pro- Baynes had an immediate impact after playing only the gramming because of high viewership, even when the BRESCIA: In this May 26, 2013, file photo, Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali (center) wearing the pink jersey of the overall leader, final 6 minutes of San Antonio’s Game 7 victory over Dallas. He Olympics are staged on the other side of the world. —AFP pedals alongside teammates during the last stage of the Giro d’Italia, Tour of Italy cycling race. — AP scored four points quickly and continued the physical defense Ex-IPL boss Modi vows comeback despite ban

NEW DELHI: Lalit Modi, the disgraced founder of the Indian announcement, suspended the Rajasthan state association try’s general election ends next week when the ruling of the popular Twenty20 league. Premier League, vowed yesterday to fight to return to cricket until further notice. Modi lashed out at the BCCI over Congress party are expected to be thrown from power follow- The 50-year-old scion of a business family, who is also administration despite being banned for life from holding any Tuesday’s decision, saying it was unfairly punishing the ing a decade in charge. “I will be back soon,” Modi said. being investigated by the current government on corruption position in the sport. Rajasthan association because of a long-running personal “I am sure under a new government there will be no witch and money-laundering charges, has in the past denied all Modi, who is exiled in London after his passport was grudge against him. “If they have a problem with Modi, we hunt like... under the existing one. There is not a single allegations against him. The IPL, which began in 2008, is cur- revoked by the Indian government over corruption allega- can deal with that separately,” Modi told the Cricinfo website chargesheet filed against me in the last four years.” rently embroiled in a spot-fixing and betting scandal, which tions, was finally on Tuesday named president of the from London. “But they just can’t suspend the association. I The BCCI had imposed a life ban on Modi from holding any has caused the Supreme Court to force BCCI chief N. Rajasthan Cricket Association following elections last year. have won a democratic election. They just can’t say we don’t cricket post after finding him guilty of “serious” acts of indisci- Srinivasan to stand down until investigations are completed. But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which like his face, so ban him. pline and misconduct over allegations that he had siphoned International news organisations, including Agence France- banned Modi for life last September, refused to recognise the “I have been in a war with the BCCI for four years. I have off funds. The life ban came a little over three years after Modi Presse, suspended their on-field coverage of matches hosted results shortly after the Supreme Court allowed them to be won the first battle, but there are many more battles to be was removed as Indian Premier League chairman and BCCI by the BCCI after the board imposed restrictions on picture announced. The BCCI, which had been trying to block the won.” Modi said he would likely return to India after the coun- vice-president following the end in 2010 of the third edition agencies. — AFP SPORTS THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Hamilton ready to make his move on Rosberg

BARCELONA: Formula One’s European season kicks off in fifth on the grid, and arrives buoyed by his first podium Spain this weekend with Lewis Hamilton on a roll and appearance of the season in China last month when he fin- ready to wrest the championship lead from Mercedes team ished third and way ahead of team mate Kimi Raikkonen. mate Nico Rosberg. Hamilton has never won a grand prix The Spaniard, who also won his home race with Renault in Spain but, after racking up three successive victories for in 2006, can expect an improved car and huge support the first time, the 2008 world champion can break new from the local crowd but Mercedes have not been standing boundaries at the Circuit de Catalunya on Sunday. “I’m in a still either. good place right now and I’m hoping that this will be the The dominant team, who have taken every pole posi- year,” said the Briton, who is four points behind Rosberg tion so far and won every race, have also been working flat despite winning three races to the German’s one. out to make their car even better. “The circuit is fantastic, our car has performed well so “Our aim must be to increase the advantage we enjoyed far and I’m really looking forward to a good race.” Rosberg at the last race in China,” said Mercedes motorsport head was on pole in Spain last year but has also never won there. Toto Wolff. Barcelona, the fifth round of the 19-race season that “If we are to build a sustained level of success in this ends in Abu Dhabi in November, could also see the first big sport, any small advantage must be seen as a platform shake-up of the pecking order after the opening ‘flyaways’ upon which to build a bigger advantage.” in Asia and the Middle East. While Hamilton and Rosberg have been out on their The return to the sport’s European roots, and its most own, the gap between the rest of the midfield pack has fervent fans, sees the teams back in their palatial paddock been far closer and that pecking order could be in for a ‘motorhomes’ and represents something of a fresh start. reshuffle in Barcelona. All the teams plan to bring upgrades and Renault, who The question is which of Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, power Red Bull and their four times world champion Force India or Williams will make the bigger step. “Spain is a Sebastian Vettel, are confident they can bring much more good leveller,” said Rob Smedley, head of vehicle dynamics to the party after a difficult start to the season. at Williams, whose solid results so far have only hinted at “There are significant improvements to the software the car’s untapped potential. that should further enhance driveability and therefore “We have got a big step coming in all areas of the car,” overall performance,” said Remi Taffin, Renault’s head of added the Briton. McLaren have failed to score a point in track operations. their last two outings after a strong start in Australia and MADRID: Rafael Nadal from Spain returns the ball during a Madrid Open tennis tournament match against Juan Monaco “With three weeks between China and Spain we’ve have dropped to fifth overall. They too are hopeful a corner from Argentina. — AP made a huge amount of progress and in fact this race may has been turned. well show that the ‘engine race’ is a lot closer.” If that is the “We know the areas where our package falls short, and case, then predictions that Mercedes will run away with the we’ve taken steps - both short- and long-term - to address Nadal and Serena ease season could be premature. those,” said Racing Director Eric Boullier. “While not all of those will be in evidence in Barcelona ALONSO AT HOME this weekend, they mark the start of a fresh push and spirit Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso won in Spain last year, from within the whole organisation.”— Reuters into last 16 in Madrid

MADRID: World number one Rafael Nadal dismissed lin- n’t convert on two break points and Williams needed just gering doubts over his recent form with a resounding 6-1, one chance to seal the only break of the set, before serving 6-0 win over Juan Monaco to reach the third round of the out the match to set up a third round meeting with Spain’s Madrid Masters yesterday. Monaco failed to win a game on Carla Suarez Navarro. Williams wore heavy strapping on her serve all match as Nadal, who suffered shock defeats in left leg throughout the match, but insisted there is no seri- Monte Carlo and Barcelona, rolled off 10 straight games to ous injury to worry about. seal victory in little over an hour. “It’s okay. I was just taping it to make sure it stays kind of He now meets Finland’s Jarkko Nieminen. “Obviously warm and ready. I just had some issues and went preven- once you lose a match it takes a bit longer to find the confi- tive to make sure I didn’t make anything worse,” she said. dence in your movement and your shots,” admitted the 13- “I’m literally taking it one day, one match at a time, and time Grand Slam champion. “Once it went to 4-1 in the first not putting any pressure on myself here.” Fourth seed set I felt I played a lot better and I am happy with the way I Simona Halep also had a comfortable passage into round felt on court today.” three as she saw off Spain’s Lara Arruabarrena 6-4, 6-4. Nadal is the only top four seed remaining in the men’s However, there was disappointment for 13th seed draw as Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer withdrew due Caroline Wozniacki as she was beaten in straight sets 6-3, to injury and family reasons respectively, while Stanislas 6-3 by Italian Roberta Vinci. Elsewhere, world number six Wawrinka lost to Austrian qualifier Dominic Thiem on Thomas Berdych stretched his perfect record against South Tuesday. However, the Spaniard insists he has not been dis- African Kevin Anderson to 11-0 with a 6-1, 6-4 win. tracted by the draw appearing to open up perfectly for a “I always like to play here. The courts are great, very well fourth title in Madrid. prepared. It’s a bit faster because of the altitude, which “In the past two tournaments I didn’t get to the rounds suits my game well and means I can serve well and play where I would have played those players anyway. “At this aggressively,” said the Czech number one. “I think we have level all the opponents are difficult and next I will face similar games, but I can always find something extra and Jarkko who has huge experience form being on the tour so that’s the difference. It’s also probably a mental thing as many years. “I congratulate Roger on becoming a father well now.” again and wish Novak the best in his recovery.” Serena Ninth seed John Isner of the United States sealed victo- Williams also cruised into the last 16 of the WTA Madrid ry with the only break of serve in the match to overcome Open with a 6-2, 6-3 thrashing of China’s Peng Shuai. The Australia’s Marinko Matosevic 7-6 (11/9), 6-7 (5/7), 7-5. 17-time Grand Slam champion powered through the first Polish lucky loser Lukasz Kubot made the most of SILVERSTONE: In this Saturday, June 29, 2013, file photo, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain (left) cele- set against the world number 42 for the loss of just one Federer’s withdrawal by beating Frenchman Gilles Simon 7- brates after winning the pole position, along with his teammate Nico Rosberg (right) of Germany who finished second point on her own serve. 5, 2-6, 6-4 and Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis also advanced with a following the qualifying session at the Silverstone circuit. — AP Peng showed more resistence in the second, but could- 6-3, 6-4 win over Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov. —AFP

Takayama retains IBF crown Clermont hires first female coach in OSAKA: Japan’s Katsunari Takayama With fast-changing footwork, Takayama retained his International Boxing Federation dominated the fight against his left-handed minimumweight title yesterday, beating challenger. A flurry of blows to the face and French pro game compatriot Shin Ono with a unanimous deci- body sent Ono sliding down from the ropes sion by the judges. to the floor in the 10th round. Takayama FRANCE: Players from French second-division club Clermont Takayama, a former World Boxing Council staggered him to the verge of a knockout welcomed the appointment of Helena Costa, the first woman minimumweight champion who also once with more punches until the bell saved Ono. to coach a men’s professional football team in France. held the World Boxing Association interim In the final round, Ono buckled down after Clermont announced the hiring for next season yesterday title, knocked down Ono twice in the 10th taking more blows for a count of eight. on its website, adding “this nomination should help Clermont and 12th rounds at the Prefectural “Ono’s rhythm made me struggle hard enter into a new era,” and that she will work closely with Gymnasium in the western city of Osaka. until the middle stage. I am glad I could win developing the club’s youth team players. The length of the It was Takayama’s second successful through,” said Takayama, who hopes to fight contract and financial terms were not revealed. defence of the 47.6-kilogramme class title, World Boxing Organisation minimumweight The 36-year-old Costa, a Portuguese, previously worked which he claimed by outpointing Mexico’s (mini-flyweight) champion Francisco with the youth setup at Benfica, and coached the women’s Mario Rodriguez in March last year. Rodriguez Jr. to unify the titles. national teams of Qatar and Iran, as well as scouting for The 30-year-old’s record improved to 27 “I have come back to the ring at home Scottish club Celtic. She will replace Regis Brouard, who has wins, 10 of them by knockout, and six losses. because I want to win titles in four different Clermont in 14th place with two matches remaining. “She has For the 31-year-old Ono, the 10th IBF con- organisations,” said Takayama, who has built already worked alongside men in the professional world (of tender, it was his sixth defeat against 17 wins, his career abroad. He gave up his Japanese football) so she knows how it works,” Clermont striker Remy two of them inside the distance, and two professional boxing licence in late 2009 to Dugimont said. “No one has any experience of this, sure, but if draws. American judges Hilton Whitaker and concentrate on fighting abroad, but regained it’s worked elsewhere, why wouldn’t it work here? Of course it Eddie Hernandez scored the fight 115-111 in the licence in July last year after winning the will feel a bit strange at first, but that will only last a few days.” Takayama’s favour while Poland’s Pawel IBF crown. “I want to work harder still for that OSAKA: Champion Katsunari Takayama (left) of Japan lands his left hook on his Defender Anthony Lippini said it was a natural progression to Kardyni recorded it at 117-109. purpose.”— AFP compatriot Shin Ono (right) at the IBF minimum weight title match. — AFP see women coaching in men’s football, and was looking for- ward to the first training session. “I spoke to the physio about it, and we spoke about the time when the first women entered into the army, which was a very macho environment,” Lippini said. “It was a shock at Amnat keeps IBF flyweight title first but, now, women in the army has become normal. It might become the same in football. I can’t wait to start the season to discover this. I’m really curious.” OSAKA: Thailand’s unbeaten Amnat winner of world titles in three different Clermont president Claude Michy played down the signif- Ruenroeng defeated former world champi- divisions. Instead, he had his first defeat icance of the appointment. “You have to look at things the on Kazuto Ioka with a 2-1 decision yester- after winning his last 14 matches, nine of right way. There are women in F1 (Formula One) and also in day to retain his International Boxing them inside the distance. politics,” Michy told L’Equipe’s website. “When you take up a Federation flyweight title and deal the In 2011, he won the unified World sport, the objective is to do as well as possible.” Japanese his first loss. Boxing Council and World Boxing Bruno Bini, the France women’s coach, says competence Amnat-taking advantage of a longer Association minimumweight title as well as should always come before gender. “I’m surprised by the reach-displayed a variety of blows that the WBA light-flyweight crown. name, but not by the fact a woman can coach,” he said. prevented Ioka from boring in with a high “I did not sense a huge difference in our “Besides, I don’t see why a woman can’t coach a team in divi- guard, leaving him to contemplate his first strengths,” the Japanese said. “But I realised sion two or division one.” defeat in 15 matches as a professional. anew how difficult it is to reign in three Scottish champion Celtic praised the news. “We would like There was no knockdown in the 12- divisions. There must be lessons I can learn to congratulate Helena sincerely on taking up this new role,” round bout at the Prefectural Gymnasium from defeat. I will use them and definitely Celtic said on its website. “She did an excellent job for us, and in the western Japan city of Osaka as come back.” we know she will give her new position the same high level Amnat defended the 50.8-kilogramme With a nine-centimetre reach advan- of commitment and dedication which she gave to Celtic.” class title for the first time. tage, the Thai champion kept Ioka at bay Italian third-division side Viterbese hired a woman in The 34-year-old became champion in with sharp left jabs, right uppercuts and 1999, Carolina Morace, a prolific striker in women’s Serie A January when he outpointed Filipino other kinds of blows from the opening during the 1980s and 90s. But she resigned after two match- Rocky Fuentes in a bout for the title vacat- bell. At times, Amnat switched from right- es. Many women have worked as administators and match ed by South African Moruti Mthalane. handed to left-handed style, lowered his officials in the men’s game, including in Germany, France, Polish and American judges Pawel guard and danced around to outfox the Italy and England. Most have faced sexism. Kardyni and Eddie Hernandez scored the Japanese whose punches did not seem to Three years ago, Sian Massey ran the line in an English fight 119-108 and 115-112 in the Thai carry much steam. Premier League game and was on the receiving end of sexist champion’s favour. Hilton Whitaker saw In the third and fourth rounds, the comments from two TV analysts: Sky Sports commentator Ioka as the winner by 114-113. Thai’s sharp right uppercuts caught Ioka’s Andy Gray was sacked, and presenter Richard Keys resigned. “I was convinced of victory. Ioka came jaw. The champion slowed down and often This year, Swedish journalist Johanna Franden from out fighting but could not come inside resorted to crafty clinches in the later Aftonbladet reported sexist comments made to her by Paris possibly because he was afraid of my rounds. Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc when she asked him a uppercuts as I kept attacking,” Amnat said. In the 10th round, Amnat was slapped question about tactics. In widely reported comments, Blanc The Thai’s unblemished record with a one-point deduction for clinching. responded, “Women talking football tactics, it’s so beautiful,” OSAKA: Champion Amnat Ruenroeng (left) of Thailand and Japanese challenger Kazuto stretched to 13 wins, five of them by Ioka’s left body blow in the 11th round was before adding, “You know what 4-3-3 means, don’t you?” — AP Ioka (right) exchange blows during the IBF flyweight title match. Amnat defeated Ioka by knockout. A win would have made 25- one of his few punches that surprised the decision 2-1. — AFP year-old Ioka, the ninth IBF contender, the champion.—AFP SPORTS THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 United past and future see off Hull

Man United 3

Hull 1

MANCHESTER: Teenage debutant James Wilson scored twice as Manchester United rang out the old and ushered in the new in a 3-1 win at home to Hull City on Tuesday. While the 18-year-old Wilson intro- duced himself to Old Trafford, captain Nemanja Vidic made his last home appearance, and there was also a late NAPLES: Napoli’s Slovakian forward Marek Hamsik (right) vies with Cagliari’s cameo from United great Ryan Giggs that Roberto Colombo during the Italian League football match. — AFP may have been a farewell. Vidic will join Inter Milan on a free transfer after United’s last game at Southampton on Sunday, while 40-year-old Giggs, currently the Napoli clinch interim manager, will shortly be out of contract. In an on-pitch address after the final CL playoff spot whistle, Giggs told the crowd: “We know it’s been tough this season and over the ITALY: Napoli clinched a third-place finish second-placed AS Roma have already years we’ve been spoilt with the success in Serie A and a Champions League qualify- made sure of the automatic group stage we’ve had, but you’ve always supported ing spot after they beat Cagliari 3-0 and places. the team and the staff and I’m sure in the rivals Fiorentina lost 4-3 at home to Fiorentina (61 points) have qualified for coming years we’ll bring you more suc- Sassuolo on Tuesday. the Europa League leaving Inter Milan (57), cess. “You’ve seen a little glimpse of the Teenage forward Domenico Berardi Torino (55), AC Milan and Parma (54), future. We always play attractive football. scored a 20-minute hat-trick in the first half Verona and Lazio (53) to battle for the two Keep supporting us, and the good times to guide Serie A debutants Sassuolo to a remaining places. will come back soon.” LONDON: Manchester United’s English striker James Wilson (right) celebrates scoring his second win which lifted them two points above Berardi, 19, opened his account with a For the last home game of his interim goal with Manchester United’s Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini (left) during the English the relegation zone with two games to 23rd minute penalty, finished off a counter- role, ahead of the anticipated appoint- Premier League football match against Hull City. — AFP play. Substitute Giuseppe Rossi was on tar- attack nine minutes later and scored again ment of Louis van Gaal, Giggs gave a nod get for fourth-placed Fiorentina on his Serie from a narrow angle three minutes before to the club’s traditions by picking both A comeback after suffering a knee injury in the break, taking his tally for his debut top- Wilson and 20-year-old Tom Lawrence. January. flight season to 16. Wilson scored once in each half, with sub- Atletico Madrid owner Napoli and Cagliari played a pedestrian Gonzalo Rodriguez pulled one back just stitute Robin van Persie adding a late opening half hour before Dries Mertens before the hour only for Nicola Sansone to third after Matty Fryatt had replied for FA fired the hosts ahead with a 33rd minute make it 4-1 seven minutes later. Cup finalists Hull. A Europa League place unveils Atletico Kolkata penalty and Goran Pandev added another Rossi came on in the 65th minute and remains an unlikely target for United, who before halftime. needed just seven minutes to make his need to beat Southampton and hope Marek Hamsik missed another penalty mark, scoring after a one-two with Borja Tottenham Hotspur lose to Aston Villa, KOLKATA: The owner of Spanish giants Atletico agement giant IMG. Players’ lists have not been for Napoli in the 56th minute, after Cagliari Valero. Juan Cuadrado pulled another but they at least signed off with a positive Madrid predicted exciting times for football in revealed but among those who have been men- goalkeeper Marco Silvestri had been sent back two minutes later. Rossi made his home result after a wretched campaign. cricket-mad India yesterday as he revealed one of tioned are ageing stars like former France and In his own post-game speech, Vidic off, but midfielder Blerim Dzemaili scored comeback this season after being side- the teams lining up in a controversial new league Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, Argentina’s retired said: “I had so many great times here. It is the third one minute later. lined for nearly two years with a knee would be called Atletico Kolkata. hard to speak because of the emotions. marksman Hernan Crespo and ex-Manchester Rafael Benitez’s Napoli, who won the injury and scored 14 goals before suffer- The Spanish club, who are in the final of this United forward Dwight Yorke. Italian Cup on Saturday, have 72 points ing another, less serious injury, in “Most importantly, I would like to thank the players, the manager and all the year’s Champions League and top of La Liga, are Atletico Madrid will share the ownership of from 36 games and will go into the fourth January. Sassulo, 16th in the 20-team co-owners of the Kolkata franchise in the newly- the Kolkata franchise with former Indian cricket qualifying round of next season’s table, have 31 points followed by Chievo coaches. Thank you for everything and especially to the fans. You have been fan- created Indian Super League (ISL) that kicks off in captain Sourav Ganguly and three city-based Champions League, the final round before (30), Bologna (29), Catania (26) and September. “This is an exciting time to be in businessmen. the group stage. Champions Juventus and Livorno (25). — Reuters tastic to me all these years.” Giggs chose to name himself and Vidic among the India,” owner Miguel Marin told reporters as the Other team owners in the league, to be United substitutes, and yet the biggest franchise’s name was announced at a press con- broadcast by the Rupert Murdoch-owned Star surprise on the team-sheet was the pres- ference. TV network, include cricket icon Sachin Swansea put their ence of debutants Wilson and Lawrence “We are very excited at the prospect of creat- Tendulkar and Bollywood stars Salman Khan, in the hosts’ starting XI. Vidic made his ing connection with one of the largest demo- Ranbir Kapoor and John Abraham. The league entrance earlier than anticipated in the graphics for football globally,” Marin added. “Our has already run into fierce opposition from 22nd minute, but it came after Phil Jones joint ownership of the club is testimony to our India’s football top clubs, who say it will threat- faith in Monk was forced off with a shoulder injury that commitment to the Kolkata franchise. Through en their existence and ruin the existing national will be of concern to England coach Roy this franchise, the club will work to improve the I-League domestic competition. Last year simi- LONDON: Swansea have appointed Garry Monk basis. “As we look forward to our fourth season in Hodgson. as their new permanent manager on a three- the Premier League we all agreed that we need- game in India.” Atletico are the only prominent lar plans by football officials in West Bengal The versatile defender was taken to international club linked to the ISL, which will state-for a franchise-based league featuring fad- year contract, the English Premier League club ed to get back to basics and reinforce the princi- hospital after leaving the field following announced yesterday. ples that have brought us success in recent see eight city-based teams compete against ing stars like Argentina’s Crespo and Italy’s Fabio an aerial collision with Maynor Figueroa, each from mid-September until the end of Cannavaro-failed to take off. India, ranked a low- The former Swans defender had been in years. “Garry represents all the strong values we but Wilson’s 31st-minute opener helped November. ly 145th in the world and 25th in Asia, has seen caretaker charge since the Welsh club sacked hold so dearly as a football club and everyone is to lift the mood. Organised by the All India Football Federation, a surge in football’s popularity due to live televi- Denmark great Michael Laudrup in February. looking forward to working with him. Adnan Januzaj’s right-wing free-kick And with Monk succeeding in his key task of “We have all been impressed with his work- was headed down at the back post by the league is being backed by India’s Reliance sion coverage of matches played around the preserving Swansea’s top-flight status-they are rate and commitment since taking over the reins Marouane Fellaini and the teenager dis- Industries, which is controlled by the country’s globe, especially from the English Premier six points clear of the relegation zone ahead of in February and how he adapted in very difficult played the instincts of a striker several richest man Mukesh Ambani, and by sports man- League. — AFP Sunday’s final round of matches-he has now circumstances to secure the points we needed years his senior to score with a crisp left- been given the job on a full-time basis. “It is the to remain in the top-flight. “Garry will work with foot half-volley. Hull failed to muster a sin- proudest moment of my career. I’m honoured the current staff to refocus and improve the gle shot in the first half and manager the club thinks so highly of me to give me this playing squad over the summer in order to build Steve Bruce, the former United captain, chance,” Monk told swanseacityfc.net. “It’s the a strong, competitive team for another big chal- reacted by introducing Fryatt and Yannick opportunity of a lifetime-and one I fully intend lenge that lies ahead next season.”— AFP Sagbo at the interval, but the hosts to take. I have had a taste of the job for the last remained on top. Wilson claimed his sec- three months and it’s something I’ve really ond goal in the 61st minute and Januzaj, enjoyed,” the 35-year-old added. “Now I’m really United’s one consistent source of inven- looking forward to the next phase in my life and tion, was the architect, streaking down the club’s progression. “I’ll be looking to stamp the right flank and teeing up Fellaini. my authority on the squad and the club-and The Belgian’s poked shot was blocked take it forward. “I have a plan in my mind and by Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, but with the help of the chairman and the board Wilson was on hand to tuck the rebound how to implement it. away. “I have been given a massive responsibility to There was to be no hat-trick for the manage this proud football club but I have man of the hour, however, as Giggs elect- always been a person that enjoys and relishes ed to introduce Van Persie in his place responsibility, so I am looking forward to the shortly after Fryatt had reduced the challenge. “I have been at this football club for arrears with a dipping shot from 25 yards. 10 years and I know what Swansea City means Giggs was the next man to enter the fray, to everyone in the community-and beyond. earning a standing ovation as he came on “That’s what will drive me on to produce a suc- in place of Lawrence to make his 963rd cessful team that plays attractive and attacking appearance for the club. There were cries football. I want everyone connected to this club from the crowd of “Shoot!” whenever he to be proud of the team,” added Monk, who will touched the ball, but although he could be assisted by current coach Josep (Pep) Clotet. not crown the occasion with a goal, he Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins welcomed did contribute an assist of sorts. A typical- Monk’s full-time appointment by saying: “We are ly incisive pass in the 86th minute found delighted to confirm Garry as our new first-team Van Persie, who lashed home at the sec- manager. “As a board of directors we carefully SWANSEA: In this file picture taken on March 2, 2014, Swansea City’s English Head ond attempt after his first effort came considered our next step because it was a very back off a defender. An injury-time free- important decision for our football club. “But Coach Garry Monk looks on before the KOLKATA: Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly (left) and owner and CEO of football English Premier League football match kick presented an opportunity for a per- having gone through that process we unani- fect ending, but although Giggs got the club Atletico Madrid, Miguel Angel Marin unveil the name plate during a press conference to mously agreed that the timing was right for against Crystal Palace at The Liberty announce the name of Kolkata franchise ‘Atletico De Kolkata’ of the Indian Super League (ISL) in Stadium. — AFP ball up and over the wall, Jakupovic foiled Garry to be offered the job on a permanent him with a flying save. — AFP Kolkata. — AFP FIFA ‘been through hell’ over World Cup — Valcke

LAUSANNE: FIFA have ‘been through hell’ over this sum- because the whole of FIFA is based around the success of “If I can pass on just one official message, it is that Turning his attentions to Qatar in 2022, Valcke insisted mer’s World Cup in Brazil, according to general secretary the World Cup. If the World Cup is a failure then we, FIFA, Russia should not believe that delivering a stadium on the World Cup would be played in winter. “The World Cup Jerome Valcke. are in trouble.” May 15 is a point of reference. I hope they will respect the will be played in winter, I think everyone has said that “In Brazil there are certain politicians who are against One of the main concerns has been consistent delays timings.” and repeated it. the World Cup, and the fact is that we’ve been through to the completion of stadiums. FIFA had set a December However, Valcke admitted that certain works, for “Now we need to know when in winter it will be hell, essentially because in Brazil you have three political deadline but this has been forced to be extended as sev- example in the town of Cuiaba, would not be finished by played and the executive committee will try to reply to levels and there has been a change-there was an election eral of the stadiums simply hadn’t been completed. “We the time the tournament starts. “I’m not saying every- that in March 2015.” He added that the tournament and we’re not necessarily talking with the same people should have received the stadiums in December, we’ll thing will be finished. would be played in eight stadiums rather than the usual (as before) — it was difficult to keep repeating the same receive them on May 15 (less than a month before the “But when it comes to the stadiums, after everything 12. “I was the first person to speak with Qatar to say that message,” Valcke said on Tuesday evening at a forum in World Cup kicks off),” added the Frenchman, second in that’s been said, having reduced our expectations and there is no sense in having 12 or 10; eight is the right Lausanne. command at FIFA behind president Sepp Blatter. our needs, we’ll have what is necessary to ensure that for number of stadiums for the size of the country,” he “It’s not FIFA that is organising the World Cup in Brazil “It’s a little bit later than expected but we know how the journalists, teams, fans and officials, there will be a added. FIFA rules state that an organising country must but Brazil which is organising the World Cup in 12 towns. to adapt.” Valcke, however, warned 2018 World Cup hosts World Cup that remains, I hope, especially if the drama of have at least eight stadiums with at least one of those “We’re supporting Brazil to ensure that it’s a success Russia that such leniency would not be repeated. 1950 can be erased for Brazil, an exceptional memory.” able to hold a minimum of 80,000 people. — AFP Heat and Nadal and Serena Spurs roll ease into last 17 1618 in Madrid

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

Hamilton ready to make his move on Rosberg Page 18

LONDON: Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko (centre) celebrates after scoring his first goal against Aston Villa during their English remierP League soccer match at the Etihad Stadium. — AP Dzeko sends City to brink of title

Manuel Pellegrini, who has already led Aguero, they quickly forced Villa back. extended by a dipping Kolarov free-kick the club to success in the League Cup. David Silva had an early penalty claim moments later. EPL results/standings Man City 4 “Now we can talk about the title. We dismissed after being clipped by Ashley With half an hour to play Pellegrini must win the last game against West Westwood, while Villa goalkeeper Brad introduced striker Jovetic in place of Manchester City 4 (Dzeko 64, 72, Jovetic 89, Toure 90) Aston Villa Ham.” On Toure’s storming solo goal, Guzan had to save at his near post from midfielder James Milner, and moments 0; Sunderland 2 (Colback 13, Borini 31) West Brom 0 Pellegrini added: “The power of Yaya is Aleksandar Kolarov and block a close- later the home fans’ increasingly desper- English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, Aston Villa 0 unbelievable. One hundred goals in the range Toure effort. Vincent Kompany ate prayers were answered. won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Premier League is a good amount of headed wide after beating Guzan to a After an hour of frustration, the move Man City 37 26 5 6 100 37 83 goals.” corner and Samir Nasri curled off-target that brought the goal was one of arrest- Liverpool 37 25 6 6 99 49 81 MANCHESTER: Manchester City are Pellegrini’s side lead Liverpool by only following a one-two with Silva, but as the ing simplicity. Silva’s pass down the Chelsea 37 24 7 6 69 26 79 two points, but they can afford to draw nervousness among the home support inside-right channel freed Zabaleta, who Arsenal 37 23 7 7 66 41 76 within touching distance of the Premier Everton 37 20 9 8 59 39 69 League title after overwhelming Aston on the final day because they have a grew, so Villa began to threaten. centred for Dzeko to sweep home his goal-difference advantage of +13 over Jordan Bowery volleyed wide from an fourth goal in three games. It was five in Spurs 37 20 6 11 52 51 66 Villa 4-0 yesterday to close within a point Man Utd 37 19 6 12 63 42 63 of the championship. Brendan Rodger’s men, who host Andreas Weimann cross and Weimann three minutes later, with the tall Bosnian Southampton 37 15 10 12 53 45 55 Villa resisted until the 64th minute at a Newcastle United. While Liverpool and himself then gave the hosts an uncom- striker tapping home after Guzan had Newcastle 37 15 4 18 42 57 49 sodden Etihad Stadium, but a quick-fire Chelsea have slipped up spectacularly in fortable moment by surging away from saved from Nasri to set the stage for Stoke 37 12 11 14 43 51 47 C Palace 37 13 5 19 31 46 44 Edin Dzeko brace put the hosts ahead recent weeks, City have now won four Zabaleta on a one-man counter-attack, another title party at the Etihad on games in succession, and they will have only to shoot wide. City soon regained Sunday afternoon. West Ham 37 11 7 19 40 49 40 and late goals from Stevan Jovetic and Swansea 37 10 9 18 51 53 39 Yaya Toure took City’s goal tally to 100 in Chelsea’s Premier League record of 103 the upper hand, but Silva scuffed his Villa threatened to set up a nail-biting Sunderland 37 10 8 19 40 57 38 the league. goals in their sights against West Ham. shot from Zabaleta’s cut-back and Nasri finale when Weimann saw a header hit Aston Villa 37 10 8 19 39 58 38 City’s victory eliminates third-place “We kept the belief when we were in could only prod wide from an inviting the bar and bounce on the line, but Hull 37 10 7 20 38 51 37 Chelsea from the title race and means third place, and now we are here,” said Zabaleta cross in first-half stoppage time. Jovetic settled any remaining nerves in West Brom 37 7 15 15 42 57 36 Norwich 37 8 9 20 28 60 33 that they will be champions for the sec- City right-back Pablo Zabaleta. “We have With nothing to play for, Villa’s the 89th minute by steering home from a great chance and hopefully on Sunday approach was unapologetically conser- Toure’s pass. There was still time for Toure Fulham 37 9 4 24 38 83 31 ond time in three years if they avoid — relegated defeat at home to West Ham United on we can celebrate the title.” vative, and there was no change to their to apply a stunning coup de grace in Cardiff 37 7 9 21 31 72 30 Sunday. In his programme notes, Pellegrini approach in the second period. stoppage time, powering through the — relegated “I was absolutely sure if we continued had demanded “focus and complete con- Kompany was unable to get enough heart of the Villa defence from halfway Note: Top four teams qualify for next season’s Champions centration” from his players, and despite purchase on an overhead kick to trouble and firing past Guzan to bring up his 20th League; fifth-place team qualifies for Europa League; bottom to play the same way we would find the three teams relegated toChampionship space to score a goal,” said City manager the absence of injured top scorer Sergio Guzan, but the Villa goalkeeper was fully league goal of the campaign. — AFP Real’s title hopes fade Sunderland seal MADRID: Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes were scoring streak of late with his fifth goal in four great escape all but ended as they conceded five minutes from games as his dipping free-kick had to much time to draw 1-1 away to Valladolid yesterday. power for Jaime in the Valladolid goal. get the win tonight makes it feel good, I feel Sergio Ramos’ free-kick had given Madrid the Ramos could even have had a second before relief. It’s been a long, tough season. “Gus lead 10 minutes before half-time, but Humberto half-time as his header from Luka Modric’s cor- Poyet has been brilliant since he came in. He Sunderland 2 Osorio’s late header rounded off a horrible ner flew just wide. The visitors had to withstand is positive and gives us belief. We had spells evening for the visitors as Cristiano Ronaldo also some concerted pressure from Valladolid in the where we struggled but we’ve managed to hobbled off with an injury in the first 10 minutes second period as Guerra saw an acrobatic over- pull it out of the bag somehow.” putting his participation in the Champions head kick fly inches past 25 minutes from time. A few weeks earlier Uruguayan manager West Brom 0 League final in doubt. And the hosts finally got their reward when Poyet said his side needed a “miracle” to stay The draw leaves Real four points behind lead- Alvario Rubio’s corner from the right was pow- up but that was duly achieved as the Black ers Atletico Madrid and a point adrift of Barcelona ered into the far corner of the net by Osorio. Cats won four Premier League matches in a with two games to play. Real will be mathemati- The result could have been even better for SUNDERLAND: Sunderland completed row for the first time since December 2000. cally out of the title race should Atletico win at Valladolid as Zakara Bergditch led a three-on- their great escape from what had seemed Colback gave Sunderland an 18th- home to Malaga on Sunday and Atletico could be one counter-attack moments later, but the certain relegation when a 2-0 win at home minute lead when he turned Marcos crowned champions for the first time in 18 years Frenchman’s final pass was cut out by the cov- SPAIN: Real Madrid’s midfielder Isco, during a to West Bromwich Albion yesterday Alonso’s near-post cross past goalkeeper should Barcelona also drop points away to Elche. ering Pepe. —AFP Spanish League soccer match. — AP ensured they’d be playing Premier League Ben Foster. And the Stadium of Light Madrid captain Iker Casillas was back in goal football next season. erupted with joy some 18 minutes later in a La Liga match for the first time in 17 Spanish League results/standings First-half Goals from Jack Colback and when Borini volleyed in his ninth goal of months, but he nearly had to pick the ball out of Fabio Borini saw Sunderland to their fourth the season. his net after just five minutes when Javi Guerra’s Valladolid 1 (Osorio 85) Real Madrid 1 (Ramos 35) successive win, a result that took the north- Sunderland might even have had a third header from close range clipped the outside of east side five points clear of the relegation goal midway through the second half but Spanish League table after yesterday’s match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): the post. zone ahead of Sunday’s final round of substitute Jozy Altidore shot wide when Madrid then suffered a huge blow when Atletico Madrid 36 28 4 4 75 24 88 Malaga 36 11 8 17 37 45 41 matches. well-placed as the hosts missed the chance Ronaldo limped off to be replaced by Alvaro Barcelona 36 27 4 5 99 32 85 Elche 36 9 12 15 29 47 39 RealMadrid 36 26 6 4101 35 84 Granada 36 11 5 20 31 54 38 Victory for Gus Poyet’s men all but rele- to put the game beyond West Brom’s reach. Morata. The Portuguese punched the top of the Athletic Bilbao 36 20 8 8 65 38 68 Almeria 36 10 6 20 41 71 36 gated Norwich, who have only a slim mathe- But Pepe Mel’s visitors were unable to capi- dugout in frustration as he left the field and Sevilla 36 17 9 10 66 50 60 Getafe 36 9 9 18 32 53 36 Real Sociedad 36 16 10 10 60 52 58 Valladolid 36 7 15 14 35 55 36 matical chance of not joining already-down talise on Altidore’s mistake. Defeat meant could now miss the rest of Real’s season, includ- Villarreal 36 15 8 13 54 43 53 Osasuna 36 9 8 19 29 60 35 Cardiff and Fulham in the second-tier the Midlands club were still not mathemati- ing the Champions League final against Atletico Valencia 36 12 10 14 49 50 46 Real Betis 36 5 7 23 31 72 22 Championship next season. cally safe from the drop, although their vast- on May 24. Celta Vigo 36 13 7 16 46 52 46 — relegated Levante 36 10 12 14 33 42 45 Notes: Top four teams qualify for next season’s “After the Tottenham and Everton games ly superior goal difference compared to that In Ronaldo’s absence Sergio Ramos took on Vallecano 36 13 4 19 45 74 43 Champions League; fifth to seventh place teams qualify everyone wrote us off but I think that helped of relegation rivals Norwich should preserve free-kick duties and continued his tremendous Espanyol 36 11 8 17 39 47 41 for Europa League; bottom three teams relegated. us,” midfielder Colback told Sky Sports. “To their top-flight status. — AFP KIPCO announces 20% rise in profit

Page 26 Business Indian microlender trumps billionaires THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Page 25 Air France unveils luxury Alibaba’s deal-making ripples across Silicon Valley first-class seat Page 26 Page 25

HYDERABAD: Indian laborers sort mangoes at a fruit market in Hyderabad, India yesterday. — AP India dines on quality mangoes after EU ban European Union bans imports of mangoes from India

MUMBAI: Indians are feasting on some of selling for 150-550 rupees ($2.50-$9) a kilo- goes while living abroad and now I am see- on the government website has not attract- the world’s most succulent mangoes after gram, about $2-3 below prices last week. ing the same quality here.” But the EU ban ed enough electronic signatures to force a in the the European Union banned imports of the And sellers say they expect the prices to fall is likely to disappoint legions of Indian government review. She said seasonal jobs news fruit from India this month, producing a even further. Mangoes start arriving in mango fans in Britain, an EU member will be lost because of the EU’s refusal to glut and rock-bottom prices for local con- Indian markets in April, providing a juicy, nation where the fruit has become popular consider a compromise, such as vapor heat JPMorgan closing accounts sumers. Starting May 1, the EU banned delicious respite from summer tempera- not only in the substantial Indian commu- treatment of all Indian mangoes before imports of Indian mangoes including the tures and humidity as they start climbing nity but also among foodies who look for- they are brought to Britain to assure they NEW YORK: JPMorgan Chase & Co is closing the Alphonso, considered the king of all the to oppressive levels. Piles of mangoes are ward to the 10-week Alphonso mango sea- are pest free. “We are frustrated,” she said. accounts of current and former foreign government mango varieties grown in South Asia, cooled in refrigerators or buckets of ice- son, said Jenny Linford, known for her “It’s a short season. We can’t afford to wait officials in an attempt to avoid the compliance costs because a large number of shipments were cold water or pureed to create refreshing London Food Chronicles blog. weeks and weeks for a response. We are associated with them, the Financial Times reported on contaminated with fruit flies. The pests are drinks that cut through the scorching heat. She said the Alphonso mango has a told there’ll be a debate in Parliament; I Tuesday. The ban by the largest US bank by assets, considered a threat to crops grown in The Alphonso, with its golden yellow unique texture, aroma and flavor hope it happens.” which affects 3,500 accounts, has prompted former Europe. flesh and distinct aroma, is a favorite and is unmatched by other varieties. “They are Indian mango exporters are worried, as Colombia finance minister Jose Antonio Ocampo to “Those jittery Europeans have taken fright especially prized because the best varieties valued and celebrated,” she said. She said well. They say they may lose the hold they accuse it of discrimination in a complaint to the con- at some fruit flies in our mango exports, flies are either exported or prohibitively expen- mangoes found in British supermarkets are have over European markets. Alphonso sumer regulator, the report said. According to the FT which they fear will wreak havoc on their sive. This year, however, the stores in the often dreadful, rock hard and with little fla- mangos are sold from mid-April through article, JPMorgan said it was closing the Chase tomatoes and cucumbers,” the Times of India crowded lanes of Mumbai’s Crawford mar- vor, while mangoes sold in smaller Indian June. Exporters are likely to lose 500-600 accounts and stopping the credit cards of the officials wrote in a gleeful editorial. “Imagine sacrific- ket are piled high with crates and baskets markets are extremely tasty and less million rupees ($8-10 million) in business, because of increased compliance costs. Banks are ing the king of fruits for salad!” For years, the of perfectly ripe Alphonso. Deepak expensive. “The ban has serious implica- according to Sanjay Pansare, a fruit obliged to subject accounts of “politically exposed per- Alphonso mangoes had been out of the Kanulkar and his family are now gorging on tions for Asian green grocers in London,” exporter in Mumbai. “The loss of money sons” to added scrutiny. Ocampo, an economist who reach of most Indians as the best of the fruit the delicious fruit. “There is difference in she said. this season isn’t our biggest fear. We are was also nominated to become World Bank president, was shipped to the supermarkets of Europe the size and texture. The moment you Monica Bhandari, whose family business worried that we may lose the export mar- has written to the US Consumer Financial Protection and other parts of the world where it com- touch it, you feel the difference. Fruity Fresh depends on the short ket that the Alphonso mango has cap- Bureau to complain that he was a victim of discrimina- manded a premium price. When you cut it, you get this aroma Alphonso mango season, is petitioning the tured.” The Indian government is also try- tion, the FT report states. In Mumbai, the capital of the main which fills the room. The taste is definitely British government to overturn the ban. So ing to work out a way to have the ban Alphonso growing region, the fruit is now superior,” he said. “I have had these man- far, however, the “e-petition” she has posted revoked. — AP S&P to face lawsuit SYDNEY: A court decision in Australia yesterday cleared the way for 91 church groups, councils and charities to resume a damages claim against Standard UAE, Qatar, Egypt markets retreat; Air Arabia surges & Poor’s over hundreds of millions of dollars they lost on synthetic derivatives. Bentham IMF Australia, a pub- licly-listed company that funds large legal claims, filed MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS a case on behalf of the groups last year over losses they suffered on investments rated AAA by S&P which DUBAI: Bourses in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar will change in the coming weeks.” Even as they were sold by Lehman Brothers prior to the global and Egypt pulled back yesterday as investors booked profits in property stocks, Dubai’s investors financial crisis. The ratings agency applied to have the booked profits after solid gains and a strong earn- continued to chase Air Arabia whose shares jumped claim set aside on the grounds that it was an abuse of ings season. Dubai’s benchmark fell 1.3 percent after 7.5 percent and were the second most traded on the process, had no prospect of success and the US-based rising in the four previous sessions, as most real exchange. “Dubai’s benchmark is up 57 percent year- S&P should not be required to submit to the Australian estate stocks retreated while trading volume slightly to-date and as of two days ago Air Arabia was down courts. But Federal Court Justice Stephen Rares reject- increased compared with Tuesday. 13 percent,” said Amer Khan, senior executive officer ed all three arguments on Wednesday, clearing the Emaar Properties slid 0.5 percent, Deyaar at SHUAA Asset Management. “It is not surprising way for the damages claim to proceed. Development shed 3.0 percent and Union that it gets picked up, it was probably the most Properties fell 4.0 percent, even after reporting an high-profile laggard in Dubai.” Abu Dhabi’s bourse Credit Agricole profit soar eightfold jump in first-quarter profit. All three stocks slid 0.5 percent, largely on the banking sector. PARIS: French bank Credit Agricole reported a net have made gains in the high double digits or even profit leap in the first quarter, saying that its regional triple digits this year. The market’s slide was ampli- Qatar and Egypt banks and investment arm had done well. The parent fied by Mashreqbank, which fell 6.7 percent. Despite Qatar’s benchmark slid 0.3 percent on marginally and quoted holding company for the collection of its heavy weighting in the index, the stock has limit- lower volume compared to the previous session. regional banks, Credit Agricole SA (CASA), said that net ed liquidity and usually moves in large swings. Qatar Gas Transport Co (Nakilat) was the main drag, profit in the first quarter had risen by 30.0 percent to Analysts say Dubai is unlikely to see an extended falling 3.2 percent. Qatar National Bank fell 0.8 per- 868 million euros ($1.2 billion). This was better than revival at least until early June when its upgrade to cent and Barwa Real Estate was down 2.1 percent expected by analysts polled by the Bloomberg finan- emerging market status by index compiler MSCI despite announcing a $2 billion Barwa City project cial news agency, who had expected on average a fig- brings in money from more foreign funds. MSCI will sale to the state welfare fund. Egypt’s bourse ure of 848 million euros. The price of shares in the par- move Dubai, along with Abu Dhabi and Qatar, to the slipped 0.5 percent as investors sold some of last ent entity surged by 3.20 percent to 11.46 euros in emerging market index from the frontier market month’s top-performing stocks. Shares in Global morning trading to head the French CAC 40 index index at the end of this month. “I don’t think that it is Telecom fell 3.7 percent and developer Talat which was down 0.40 percent. The regional banking time for a correction, the momentum is very good, Mostafa Group was down 2.1 percent. Developer group operations raised net profit by 15.0 percent to you have more and more money coming into the SODIC topped the daily trading volume and was WASHINGTON: Federal Reserve Bank Chairwoman Janet Yellen testi- 1.42 billion euros. The chief executive of CASA, Jean- market,” said Sebastien Henin, head of asset man- also the biggest loser as its shares fell 4.2 percent. fies to the Joint Economic Committee during a hearing entitled ‘The Paul Chifflet, told a telephone press conference: “Our agement at The National Investor. The company’s shares jumped last month after it Economic Outlook,’ on Capitol Hill yesterday. Yellen said that the econ- results are good even though the economy is sluggish.” “For sure, we have noticed more volatility in the signed a dispute settlement with Egypt’s govern- omy is on track for solid growth this quarter but remains concerned market but I cannot see any reasons why the trend ment. — Reuters about the housing sector. — AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Closing Japan gender gap could boost GDP ‘Womenomics’ report estimates 12.5% rise

TOKYO: Japan could boost its GDP by 12.5 per- “Japan must become a place where women not only of longer-term economic stagnation, cent if it closes the gender gap and gets more shine,” has been a mantra in a number of but of economic contraction and lower stan- women into the workforce, a new report says. speeches in which he has said he wants women dards of living as well,” the report said. The The finding, by Goldman Sachs, echoes calls by to account for 30 percent of leading positions report, an update of one issued in 2010, which economists and Japan’s prime minister for more by 2020, the year Tokyo hosts the Summer put the potential boon at 15 percent, called for opportunities for women, in a bid to lessen the Olympics. Most commentators believe the tar- a number of reforms. impact of a shrinking and greying population. “If get is highly ambitious-the rate is currently Among suggestions were the deregulation Japan’s female employment rate as of 2013 (62.5 around 11 percent in the private sector, and of the daycare/nursing care sectors, amend- percent) rose to that of males (80.6 percent), this lower than that in the public sector. Economists ments to tax and social security codes, and would add 7.1 million employees to the work- agree that Japan’s well-educated women are a mandated gender-related corporate disclosures. force,” Goldman Sachs Group said. huge source of untapped potential, with many “Perhaps one of the greatest barriers to higher “We estimate the absolute level of Japan’s dropping out of the workforce when they have Japanese female employment is Japanese soci- GDP could be lifted by as much as 12.5 percent,” children and few returning to their careers. ety itself,” the report said. In a 2012 Cabinet the financial giant’s Japanese arm said in its lat- Japan’s birthrate is one of the world’s lowest Office survey, 52 percent of the Japanese est “Womenomics” report. The potential increase at around 1.4 percent. The nation’s population is respondents stated that women should stay at is among the highest in the world, but lags expected to shrink by nearly 40 percent by 2060 home and men should work, up 10 percentage Greece, at 18 percent, and Italy at 16 percent. in the worst-case scenario. “Since the three key points from the previous survey in 2009. “In Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said he is deter- determinants for economic growth are labor, order to help change the mindset, much work mined to make better use of Japan’s potential capital and productivity, Japan’s severe demo- needs to be done to dispel myths and encour- TOKYO: A woman uses her mobile phone before a share prices board in Tokyo yester- female workers as part of his strategy to revital- graphic headwinds mean that unless radical age greater gender equality at home,” the report day. — AFP ize the country’s underperforming economy. steps are taken quickly, the nation faces the risk said. — AFP

Egypt’s economy Desert ceremony seen meeting celebrates China, growth target Turkmenistan gas axis

CAIRO: Egypt’s economy will grow 2.1 percent this BAGTYARLYK FIELD: China cemented its position as the top fiscal year, the lower end of the government’s tar- importer of Turkmen gas, ahead of Russia, at a ceremony yesterday geted range, according to economists polled by to open a new plant at a major field, attended by the Turkmen Reuters, who raised their forecasts from a quarter president seated on a lavishly gilt throne. The desert nation sits on ago. Street violence and political turmoil since an the world’s fourth-largest reserves of natural gas and rising exports uprising toppled autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011 to China have powered its economic growth to annual rates of have hammered the economy of 85 million people over 10 percent. The newly opened processing plant at the and hurt its chances of recovery as foreign Bagtyarlyk field feeds a major pipeline to China. investors and tourists have fled. The consensus of Turkmen President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, a 56-year- 10 economists polled by Reuters over the past two professional dentist titled “Arkadag” (“The Patron”) and the focus of weeks was for growth of 2.1 percent in the fiscal a flourishing personality cult, will visit China next week to year to the end of June 2014. That is slightly higher strengthen ties with the world’s largest energy consumer. Turkmen officials did not disclose the details of his visit. “Much-esteemed than the 2.0 percent forecast given by a Reuters President! Hundreds of millions of Chinese are enthusiastically poll conducted in January. The Egyptian govern- waiting for your visit,” Deng Minmin, China National Petroleum ment is targeting growth of 2.0-2.5 percent this fis- Corp (CNPC) general manager in charge of the Turkmenistan cal year. branch, told Berdymukhamedov. The survey suggested growth would accelerate Bagtyarlyk, with reserves estimated at 1.3 trillion cubic metres to 3.2 percent in the year to June 2015, within of gas, is one of several Turkmen fields feeding the 7,000-km range of the government’s forecast of 3 to 3.4 per- China-bound pipeline, which was built in 2009. Turkmen gas cent, but slightly below the 3.3 percent predicted exports to Russia have nosedived by three quarters in recent years. in a Reuters poll in January. Egypt’s economy grew Turkmenistan also sells small amounts of natural gas to neighbor- 2.1 percent in the year to end-June 2013. ing Iran. “Bagtyarlyk has to date absorbed a total of $4 billion in Supported by more than $12 billion in aid from investment,” said Berdymukhamedov from his podium, after arriv- Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab ing by helicopter at the field set among sun-scorched sand dunes. Emirates and Kuwait, Egypt has launched two stim- “The construction of this new gas processing plant totaled over ulus packages of around 30 billion Egyptian $600 million,” he said. pounds ($4.3 billion) apiece. The government is The plant was built by CNPC which has the exclusive right to under pressure to cut energy and food subsidies develop Turkmenistan’s lucrative onshore gas deposits. The presi- which eat up a quarter of the state’s budget and dent then pressed his palm against the touch screen of a giant contributed to a swelling deficit that reached computer to symbolically set the plant in motion. CNPC data dis- around 14 percent of GDP last fiscal year. TOKYO: Pedestrians walk past a shop of Japanese mobile communication giant Softbank in Tokyo tributed to media said that between Dec. 14, 2009, and April 30, The country’s foreign reserves have also come yesterday. — AFP 2014, Turkmenistan had supplied 78.3 billion cubic metres (bcm) under pressure as the country has been running of gas to the China-bound pipeline. Bagtyarlyk had accounted for down its hard currency reserves to prop up the 21.5 bcm of this. SoftBank’s profit surges While no precise official data published, Turkmen officials said Egyptian pound. Reserves stood at $17.4 billion on condition of anonymity that Turkmen exports to China were set in March against around $36 billion before the TOKYO: Japan’s SoftBank said yesterday net profit in with T-Mobile as it looks to take on AT&T and Verizon to reach some 25 bcm this year, rising from about 20 bcm in 2013. 2011 uprising. The poll also predicted inflation the past fiscal year surged 41.5 percent to a record in the massive US market. The plant, built by CNPC and located near the Uzbek border will $5.18 billion-making it the country’s most profitable However, such as move would face intense scruti- would reach 10 percent by the end of the fiscal process 9 bcm of natural gas a year. With Bagtyarlyk’s new capaci- year, and 9.7 percent by end-June 2015. Annual mobile phone firm. The company said the net profit ny from wary US regulators; a prior effort to sell T- of 527.04 billion yen ($5.18 billion) was boosted by a Mobile to AT&T was shot down by regulators in 2011. ty, Turkmen gas exports to China will reach 40 bcm in 2016, a inflation reached its highest rate in nearly four Turkmen official told Reuters. They will swell more to 65 bcm by years in November but has been falling back 108.2 percent surge in sales to 6.67 trillion yen, which Softbank last year also took a majority stake in Finnish game maker Supercell, creator of the popular 2020, after gas from the Galkynbysh field, the world’s second since then. Urban consumer inflation stood at 9.8 was helped by its first income from newly acquired US giant Sprint Nextel. Also driving sales was strong “Clash of Clans”, last year, when it also became the largest natural gas deposit, will start flowing. In September, China’s percent annually in March, unchanged from the demand for Apple’s iPhone in the Japanese market, top shareholder of Japanese game developer President Xi Jinping and Berdymukhamedov launched a gas pro- previous month. Core inflation stood at 9.9 per- where SoftBank led rivals. Softbank embarked on a GungHo Online Entertainment. In the current year to cessing plant at Galkynysh, whose fuel will fill the future “Line D” of cent in the same month from 9.7 percent in series of buy-outs last year, most notably that of March 2015, SoftBank said it expected an operating the existing China-bound pipeline which will run across February. — Reuters Sprint, the third biggest US carrier, in a deal worth profit of 1.0 trillion yen on sales of 8.0 trillion. It did Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. — Reuters almost $22 billion. It is now looking to merge Sprint not provide a net profit forecast. — AFP EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.900 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 Nepalese Rupees 3.880 Singapore Dollar 0.221606 0.227606 South African Rand 0.021029 0.029529 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.040 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001842 0.002422 Japanese Yen 2.757 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 45.395 Australian Dollar 266.18 263.18 Taiwan 0.009185 0.009365 Indian Rupees 4.682 Canadian Dollar 259.80 260.80 Thai Bhat 9.680 Pakistani Rupees 2.851 Thai Baht 0.008369 0.008919 Swiss Franc 324.89 322.89 Turkish Lira 134.045 Srilankan Rupees 2.154 Euro 393.61 394.61 Nepali Rupees 2.933 Arab Singapore Dollar 226.120 US Dollar 281.45 284.45 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.740892 0.748892 Hongkong Dollar 36.345 Sterling Pound 477.29 480.29 Egyptian Pound 0.036365 0.039465 Bangladesh Taka 3.623 Japanese Yen 2.82 2.84 Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000079 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Philippine Peso 6.331 Bangladesh Taka 3.626 3.896 Iraqi Dinar 0.000180 0.000240 Thai Baht 8.716 Indian Rupee 4.654 4.954 Europe Belgian Franc 0.007321 0.008321 Jordanian Dinar 0.393164 0.400664 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.156 2.591 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Nepali Rupee 2.914 3.449 British Pound 0.468834 0.477834 Czech Korune 0.006155 0.018155 Lebanese Pound 0.000137 0.000237 Pakistani Rupee 2.880 2.790 Moroccan Dirhams 0.025225 0.049225 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 76.70 77.16 Danish Krone 0.048290 0.053290 Nigerian Naira 0.001189 0.001824 Saudi Riyal 75.163 Bahraini Dinar 749.11 751.18 Euro 0.385519 0.393519 Norwegian Krone 0.043395 0.048595 Omani Riyal 0.725785 0.731465 Qatari Riyal 77.446 Egyptian Pound 39.65 40.25 Romanian Leu 0.081297 0.81297 Qatar Riyal 0.076680 0.077893 Omani Riyal 732.200 Jordanian Dinar 400.57 406.22 Slovakia 0.008048 0.018048 Saudi Riyal 0.074497 0.075197 Bahraini Dinar 748.640 Omani Riyal 731.95 739.25 Swedish Krona 0.039238 0.044238 Syrian Pound 0.001747 0.001967 UAE Dirham 76.761 Qatari Riyal 77.72 78.27 Swiss Franc 0.314833 0.325033 Tunisian Dinar 0.172319 0.180319 Saudi Riyal 75.18 75.58 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.133273 0.140273 Turkish Lira 0.133273 0.140273 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.320 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd UAE Dirhams 0.075728 0.076877 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.530 Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001279 0.001359 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.315 Australian Dollar 0.252955 0.264455 New Zealand Dollar 0.237951 0.247451 Tunisian Dinar 176.920 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 398.040 America Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 281.500 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.891 Canadian Dollar 0.251432 0.259932 Canadian Dollar 259.510 Syrian Lira 2.009 US Dollars 0.277650 0.282000 Sterling Pound 475.750 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 35.574 US Dollars Mint 0.278150 0.282000 Euro 391.810 US Dollar 281.150 Swiss Frank 320.975 Euro 392.250 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Asia Bahrain Dinar 749.235 Pound Sterlng 476.000 US Dollar Transfer 281.750 Bangladesh Taka 0.003280 0.003880 UAE Dirhams 76.620 Euro 394.170 Chinese Yuan 0.043977 0.047477 Canadian Dollar 258.000 Qatari Riyals 78.200 Sterling Pound 478.690 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034241 0.036991 Indian Rupee 4.680 Saudi Riyals 75.340 Canadian dollar 259.440 Indian Rupee 0.004323 0.004724 Egyptian Pound 39.510 Jordanian Dinar 396.715 Turkish lira 134.040 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000020 0.000026 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.152 Egyptian Pound 40.115 Swiss Franc 323.850 Japanese Yen 0.002672 0.002852 Bangladesh Taka 3.618 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.154 Australian Dollar 263.440 Kenyan Shilling 0.003321 0.003321 Philippines Peso 6.335 Indian Rupees 4.679 US Dollar Buying 280.550 Korean Won 0.000264 0.000279 Pakistan Rupee 2.848 Pakistani Rupees 2.852 Malaysian Ringgit 0.082477 0.088477 Bahraini Dinar 748.800 Bangladesh Taka 3.622 GOLD Nepalese Rupee 0.002996 0.003166 UAE Dirham 76.550 Philippines Pesso 6.322 20 Gram 242.500 Pakistan Rupee 0.002651 0.002931 Saudi Riyal 75.100 Cyprus pound 691.420 10 Gram 122.750 Philippine Peso 0.006320 0.006600 5 Gram 63.050 Japanese Yen 3.750 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 HSBC reveals sliding profits

LONDON: Bank giant HSBC said yesterday that its to cut costs by a further $2.0 billion to $3.0 billion latest earnings as French bank Societe Generale net profit slid 18 percent in the first quarter as lower between 2014 and 2016. HSBC shares were trading announced today a sharp profit setback for the first revenues offset cost-cutting, but added that bad down 1.13 percent at 597.3 pence in the wake of the quarter, blaming a big fall in the value of its assets in debt charges fell. Profit after tax stood at $5.069 bil- earnings update on London’s benchmark FTSE 100 Russia, its second-biggest market for high-street lion (3.64 billion euros) in the three months to the index, which was showing a loss of 0.36 percent at banking. end of March. That compared with $6.211 billion in 6,774.15 points by mid-morning. “With the excep- On Tuesday, Britain’s scandal-hit Barclays bank the first quarter of 2013, the British bank said in an tion of Commercial Banking, all (HSBC) units have revealed that its first-quarter profit almost halved at earnings statement. “In the first quarter we main- found the going tough as has been the case for its embattled investment banking arm, where the tained control of costs,” HSBC chief executive Stuart many of its global competitors,” Richard Hunter, group is set to axe jobs in a major shake-up. Today, Gulliver said in the statement. He added that “rev- head of equities Hargreaves Lansdown Stockbrokers Barclays will present plans to shrink the struggling enue was lower than the previous year’s first quarter, said following the update. investment banking division in a bid to boost prof- which benefited from a number of specific items” “More positively, impairments fell, the capital itability and repair the group’s tarnished reputation. and said that “loan impairment charges fell”. cushion remains robust and, from an investment The bank is still seeking to fix a reputation badly Revenue dropped 8.0 percent to $15.71 billion, perspective, the dividend yield of 5.1 percent is damaged by its role in the Libor interest rate-rigging while pre-tax profit was down 20 percent at $6.785 attractive given the current interest rate environ- scandal of 2012. Along with HSBC and other banks, billion. ment. “In addition, the bank remains heavily Barclays is being probed also over possible manipu- The Asia-focused lender is pushing on with its exposed to the perceived longer term potential of lation of foreign exchange trade. HSBC gave no savings program, having announced last year plans the Asian region,” Hunter added. HSBC reported its update regarding the investigation yesterday— AFP HONG KONG: Two men walk past an HSBC branch office in Hong Kong yesterday.— AP World’s No 1 security firm posts 4.8% rise in revenue Emerging markets growth helps boost G4S

LONDON: G4S, the world’s biggest security firm, worth 440 million pounds ($748 million) annually not tagged at all. Following a repayment of 108.9 said strong demand in emerging markets helped in the quarter, including retail contracts in the million pounds and a commitment to improve group revenue rise 4.8 percent in its first-quarter United States and Brazil, a port security consul- scrutiny of its contracts, Britain lifted the ban in as it looks to bounce back from a series of scan- tancy in the Middle East and a work program April, although the tagging scandal remains the dals that have severely damaged its reputation deal with the UK government. Cantor Fitzgerald subject of a Serious Fraud Office probe. and profits. The British group is in the middle of analyst Caroline de La Soujeole said G4S had had Reputational recovery aside, Ashley overhauling its sprawling 125-country business, “a good start to the year”, but she left her fore- Almanza, chief executive since last June, has shaking up management, cutting costs, improv- casts unchanged and its rating on ‘Hold’. On moved to cement control over G4S by pushing ing customer service and restructuring weak divi- Monday, Securitas, the world’s No 2 security for better integration of its numerous acquired sions to help revive its fortunes. Yesterday it said group which makes over half its sales in Europe, businesses and to cut costs by sharing services revenue for the three months to March 31 grew posted a surprise fall in first-quarter core earn- such as IT and human resources. Its balance FRANKFURT: A graffiti is painted on a fence around the construction site of the new head- 4.8 percent, with organic growth up from 4.5 per- ings, hit by higher labor costs in Spain. sheet has also been boosted by a share sale, quarters of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Germany yesterday. The ECB is sup- cent in its fourth quarter to 5.0 percent, in line while the firm is restructuring its UK and Ireland posed to move into the building by the end of 2014. — AP with forecasts. Growth was led by a 16 percent Scandals cash security arm and has identified other units revenue rise in emerging markets, which already Having failed to provide enough security to improve or sell in favor of investment in make up 37 percent of group turnover and are a guards for the London 2012 Olympics, G4S suf- high-growth developing markets. Shares in Heavy load of new rules key focus for expansion. Revenue in developed fered another scandal last July when, alongside G4S, which in March posted an 85 percent fall regions was flat on a year ago. rival Serco, it was banned from new UK govern- in 2013 group operating profit after charges to for EU securities market Operating profit for the period was up slightly ment work after being found to have charged for 56 million pounds, were up 1.8 percent to 244.7 on 2013, the firm said, adding it had won work monitoring criminals who were dead, in prison or pence at 0759 GMT. — Reuters LONDON: The biggest shake-up in the passed through a clearing house, a third European Union securities market is only party backed by a default fund to ensure half way complete with a heavy load of the trade is completed even if one side of new rules yet to come, a top EU regulator the deal goes bust. said yesterday. The 2007-09 financial crisis, Uncleared swaps are seen as riskier by which forced governments to shore up regulators. “The solution will respect the EU banks, unleashed a wave of new market law as there is a requirement for frontload- and banking rules which are only now ing, but at the same time it will give cer- being rolled out to make the financial sys- tainty to stakeholders,” Maijoor told Reuters tem safer and shield taxpayers in future on the sidelines of the conference. Banks crises. Steven Maijoor, chairman of the are hoping ESMA will rule that only swaps European Securities and Markets Authority that have a long time to expiry should be (ESMA), the EU watchdog which writes affected, meaning that most if not all out- rules to apply EU reforms, said the focus standing contracts could escape the rule. was shifting to implementation and super- ESMA is set to say around the end of this vision, which were just as important as year which swaps must be cleared, a basic lawmaking. “It’s the biggest overhaul process that involves consultation with the of financial markets in history,” Maijoor told industry and the European Parliament last- a conference held by AFME, a European ing 6-9 months. banking industry association. If a cleared swaps contract becomes less But the complexity is such that ESMA frequently traded, ESMA would be able to will have to issue urgent guidance for mar- scrap mandatory clearing but this process kets in derivatives such as credit default would also take 6-9 months under the EU law. swaps, interest rate swaps and commodity Maijoor hopes to find a faster way to make swaps. Maijoor said ESMA would say in such a determination. “In some cases we coming days how banks should deal with might need to react more quickly and a tech- “frontloading”, or a requirement for swaps nical standard is not the instrument which already in circulation to be cleared if that allows such a quick intervention,” Maijoor told class of product is later deemed to require the conference. He hoped that ESMA would mandatory clearing. Banks are unsure over have authorized all clearing houses by the how to price swaps as uncleared swaps end of this year, as required under the new face higher margining charges than swaps EU derivatives law. — Reuters LISBON: People stand at Lisbon’s Cais das Colunas, Columns Dock, by the Tagus riverbank. The dock, that was for centuries the port of entry to the city, is nowadays a popular location for locals and tourists to relax or take photographs. — AP Most Swedes doomed to die with their mortgages Lisbon graced by record

STOCKHOLM: Most Swedes with a home income. In households with the lowest mortgage are doomed to die before income, the debt is more than four times cruise passenger arrivals repaying their debt, according to a study higher. Besides mortgages, which published yesterday by Sweden’s central account for 95 percent of their debt, Tourism accounts for 10% of Portugal economy bank. With help from the borrowers, the Swedes are not big borrowers. central bank compared the incomes and In a country with a low unemploy- LISBON: A record 13,000 passengers disembarked ships operated by Carnival Corp’s Cunard, has removing the cap on simultaneous boarding and loan repayments of almost four million ment rate compared to the rest of on Tuesday in the port of Lisbon from the tower- only ever happened in New York and in their disembarkation for travelers with luggage. people-or 52 percent of Sweden’s adult Europe and where most of its residents ing hulls of cruise ships, including Cunard Line’s home port of Southampton. “This encounter, the Tourism in Portugal, which boasts Atlantic population-between 2010 and 2013. The are homeowners, households want to gigantic trio of “Queens” making a rare joint fact that Cunard has chosen Lisbon to promote beaches, historic sights and premium golf cours- study revealed that the debt of 25 per- take advantage of record-low interest stopover in a nod to the destination’s growing itself, is a big honor and an acknowledgement of es, has received a boost in the last few years part- cent of them grows every year, while for rates, contributing to a constant rise in popularity. Tourism has been an important ele- Lisbon as a major tourism destination whose ly due to turmoil in some popular holiday desti- 15 percent, their debt stays the same the price of property. The International ment in helping Portugal’s economy emerge last appeal keeps increasing,” said Andreia Ventura, a nations, such as Egypt and Tunisia. But competi- year after year. Monetary Fund has warned Sweden sev- year from its worst recession since the 1970s, alle- Port of Lisbon board member. tive prices for travel, food and hotels as well as The remaining 60 percent pay back eral times about the risks for its financial viating its high unemployment rate from record Aside from the tourists, the liners and another rave reviews in the media and travel websites also their mortgages at a very slow pace. “If system, which collapsed in the 1990s highs of over 16 percent by generating jobs in three cruise ships moored in the Tagus estuary provided a boost for the Portuguese capital. the borrowers who have reduced their after a housing bubble burst. In January, tourism centers like Lisbon, Porto and the south- port beneath the hilly landscape of the elegant, Lisbon has been named Europe’s Leading City debts over this period continue to Economy Nobel Prize laureate Paul ern region of Algarve. Tourism-related revenues luminous city carry a small army of 5,000 crew, Break Destination according to the latest World reduce these debts at the same rate, on Krugman said that Sweden “probably” account for more than 10 percent of the country’s many of whom also disembarked in Lisbon. Travel Awards, while Urban City Guides puts average they will be free of debt in about had a new bubble. Other economists gross domestic product that shrank in full-year Authorities estimate the visitors would spend at Lisbon as the fourth most beautiful city in the 100 years,” according to the calculations contradict him, arguing that Swedish 2013, but is expected to grow 1.2 percent this least 1.4 million euros ($1.94 million) in one day - world after Venice, Paris and Prague. Portugal is of central bank economists Jakob households have strong savings and year, just as Portugal exits an international bailout. a welcome boost to local trade. Ventura added also No 6 on its list of the most beautiful coun- Windstrand and Dilan Oelcer. On aver- many assets aside from real estate, and The so-called Royal Rendezvous, including the that the port and cruise line operators hope that a tries. A record 8.3 million foreign visitors stayed in age, Swedes with mortgages hold a debt that the price increase is due to insuffi- Queen Mary 2 - the largest ocean liner ever built - new passenger terminal to be built by 2016 Portuguese hotels last year and the numbers 3.7 times higher than their annual cient construction of new homes. — AFP the Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, all cruise would make Lisbon even more attractive by have been rising so far in 2014. — Reuters Bulgaria car parts boom brings hope to EU poorest state

RUSE: In its glory days, Ruse, a town along the Danube river trad- deter businesses. These problems could stop the sector from domestic product. ing at Bulgaria as an option for green field projects, said Wiese, ing route, was a thriving economic hub that was home to becoming a game changer for the economy and are also what left More firms are planning either to expand operations or enter drawing new investment away from more established car making Bulgaria’s first chamber of commerce and known as ‘little Vienna’ Bulgaria on the sidelines in a car production boom that started in the market for the first time. France’s Montupet recently built a countries. The average Bulgarian labour cost per worker is 3.70 for its Austrian-style buildings. A hundred years on and after the 1990s in countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic and second production unit, while Johnson Controls has more than euro an hour, compared to 7.20 for Poland, 7.90 for Hungary and decades economic decline under Communism, its location on the Slovakia. 500 engineers in Sofia that design instrument panels and infotain- 8.60 for Slovakia, Wiese said, citing German government statistics. southeastern edge of Europe, near Turkey and bordering But that is slowly changing, as more and more component ment systems. Global part suppliers like US firm Sensata, Canada’s “In that regard, Bulgaria has some attractiveness as a low cost pro- Romania, is helping attract investors such as Witte Automotive, a makers are attracted by Bulgaria’s location, low taxes and labor Magna International, Japan’s Yazaki and Sumitomo Electric have duction base, particularly for labor-intense operations” said Wiese, German car part maker that supplies majors including Ford. costs, and a currency pegged to the euro. The government is hop- set up operations. a Senior Director and car expert. “And many of the ‘first wave’ Witte is one of dozens of foreign companies, from Japan to ing to undercut Bulgaria’s wealthier peers in Central and Eastern Eastern European places like Czech Republic, or Hungary, or South Africa, driving an auto component manufacturing boom Europe in the same way that these countries had previously Cheap labor Slovenia, they’ve already become more costly. And as suppliers that could lift the fortunes of the European Union’s poorest mem- undercut the West. As a sign of the changing times, Witte’s A shift in car production from Western Europe to East has pro- are establishing additional locations, they will always look for ways ber. Bulgaria is hungry for new, sustainable foreign investment Bulgaria unit will move to a much larger factory this year. It plans pelled the economies of countries formerly behind the Iron to optimize labor costs amongst other criteria.” after a real estate bubble burst during the financial crisis in 2009. to double its existing workforce of around 260 workers and Curtain, from Slovakia to Romania, where Renault’s Dacia cars Another boon for investors is that Bulgaria has a rich history, “The industry is growing, and the interest is growing too,” said Till expects sales to rise to more than 25 million euros ($35 million) in have become a major export. Bulgaria, which unlike others has no dating back to Communist times, of electronics and computer Truckenmueller, the chairman of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, an 2014, from modest beginnings of less than 1 million euros in long history of car production, has failed to attract any car maker engineering. That helped companies such as Belgium’s EPIQ - industry group, in an interview in Sofia. “There are decisions by 2010. beyond China’s Great Wall Motor Co Ltd, which set up a modestly- acquired by the Philippine firm IMI three years ago - which set up the big players in the past several years to have new plants here.” “The group will grow, definitely quite significantly, and the sized plant with a local partner in the town of Lovech in 2012. an electronics-focused car parts factory in 1997, whose sales have “We are working on bringing a car manufacturer here,” he said. main growth will be here in Bulgaria,” said Tomas Jindra, Witte’s The difference in production costs is still too narrow for exist- jumped 30 percent in 2013 alone. When the company first arrived, “Be sure, if we convince one, then the automotive industry here Bulgaria CEO said at the company’s Ruse factory. Similarly, exports ing auto parts manufacturers to close down factories in, say, the EPIQ found a ready-made talent pool of engineers in the town of will explode.” Bulgaria may still be years away from attaining the in the sector overall have doubled to around 1 billion euros in the Czech Republic and move them to Bulgaria, according to Jens Botevgrad, after a local state-run electronics factory went bank- holy grail of attracting a major car manufacturer because structur- past five years, Bulgarian industry officials say, making up about Wiese of the global advisory firm AlixPartners. But it’s convenient rupt in 1995, IMI’s Bulgaria managing director Eric De Candido al problems, such as red tape, poor infrastructure and training 4.5 percent of total exports and 2.5 percent of the country’s gross location and cheap labor mean that car part makers are now look- told Reuters.—Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Tech stumble, Ukraine crisis hit shares Dollar falls against the safe-haven yen LONDON: European and Asian shares Stewart, investment manager at Newton retreated and the dollar fell against the Investment Management. “Almost certainty safe-haven yen yesterday as an overnight we will see bubbles.” The US currency lost drop in US tech stocks and the deepening ground against the euro as well as the yen. Ukraine crisis hurt global market senti- The common currency was boosted on ment. Twitter shares tumbled 17.8 percent Tuesday by upbeat PMI readings in Spain to $31.85 after the expiration of a six- and Italy. The euro was at $1.3925 yester- month lock-up period that had restricted day, hovering within distance of an eight- the sale of about 82 percent of the firm’s week high of $1.3952 hit on Tuesday. The outstanding stock. Ukraine is experiencing US dollar index, which measures the green- its deadliest week since a separatist upris- back against six major currencies, stood at ing began in its mainly Russian-speaking 79.13 after falling on Tuesday to 79.06, its eastern region, leaving less room for peace lowest in more than six months. Immediate efforts. focus for the dollar was on US Federal European shares fell 0.35 percent and Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s congressional European tech stocks also fell 0.35 percent testimony later. towards three-month lows, heading for Yellen is widely expected to maintain a their first five-day losing streak in seven dovish policy stance, doing little to arrest month. France’s No 2 listed bank Societe the recent fall of the dollar, which has Generale booked a 525 million euro ($731 shown a limited response to positive eco- million) writedown on the value of its nomic data. “Fed Chair Yellen is likely to Russian unit Rosbank, blaming heightened dodge any questions pertaining to the spe- uncertainty and a decline in the Russian cific timing of interest rate rises, given the rouble. Its shares fell 2 percent. furor after her suggestion at a press confer- Danish brewer Carlsberg, one of ence in March that rates might rise about Europe’s blue-chips with the highest expo- six months after asset purchases end,” ana- sure to Russia, fell 2.2 percent as it partly lysts at Capital Economics wrote in a note blamed currency volatility in Russia for a to clients. Expectations that the Federal fall in its first-quarter operating profit. The Reserve will not raise interest rates soon in dollar, which has lost about 0.5 percent addition to safe-haven bids have kept US against the yen so far this week, weakened Treasury yields low, hurting the dollar. to 101.40 yen, its lowest since April 14. In The US Treasury 10-year note yielded Asia, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific 2.579 percent, after the yield touched a shares outside Japan fell 0.7 percent yester- three-month trough of 2.57 percent on day after touching its lowest point since Friday. German Bund futures rose 17 ticks to April 2. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 144.84, and peripheral debt yields were 1.4 percent to a one-week low on Tuesday. trading around multi-year or record lows. In The S&P 500 fell 0.9 percent but remains the commodities markets, oil rose after within striking distance of a record high hit crude stocks decreased, defying expecta- a month ago. tions for an increase, with geopolitical risks helping put a floor under prices. US crude Dollar weakness was up 0.7 percent at $100.20 a barrel. Easy monetary policy in the developed Nickel hovered near a 15-month high as world is causing market imbalances, ana- worries persisted about supply from major lysts said. “It looks like we’re mirroring the producers Russia and Indonesia, while past cycles - addressing over-indebtedness stainless steel buyers also fuelled the rally. problems with more debt, printing money Safe-haven gold rose to $1,312.20 an ounce, and pushing up asset prices,” said Iain approaching three-week highs. — Reuters

TOKYO: Pedestrians pass before a share prices board in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP Brent above $107

LONDON: Brent crude edged further said yesterday they would not deal with above $107 a barrel yesterday, under- new Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeq, pinned by rising tensions in Ukraine, despite an agreement last month to though its premium over US prices nar- reopen four eastern oil ports. Protests at rowed after an industry report showed a Libya’s major oilfields and ports have dec- sharp draw in inventories in the world’s imated its oil production from around 1.4 largest oil consumer. Brent rose 21 cents million bpd until mid-2013 to just over to $107.28 a barrel by 0952 GMT, after 200,000 bpd, and slowed exports to a ending the previous session 66 cents low- trickle. Unrest also hit oil infrastructure in er. US crude rose 88 cents to $100.36 a Yemen where assailants blew up its main barrel, on course for its biggest one-day oil export pipeline, halting crude flows. gain since early April. The Brent-WTI The 270-mile pipeline carried crude from spread narrowed to $6.90 a barrel, the the Maarib fields in central Yemen to the smallest gap in more than a week. Crude Ras Isa oil terminal in the Red Sea. inventories in the United States fell by 1.8 million barrels last week, albeit from Risk of Ukraine civil war record high levels, the American Heightening tensions in Ukraine and Petroleum Institute (API) said late on the possibility of the country slipping into Tuesday, going against analyst expecta- civil war also helped lift oil markets, as tions for a 1.4-million-barrel gain. traders weighed the risk of supply disrup- The API said stocks at the Cushing, tions from Russia, the world’s second- Oklahoma delivery hub of the US oil largest oil exporter. Peace efforts in futures contract - known as West Texas Ukraine seemed less likely as both sup- Intermediate (WTI) - fell by 1.5 million porters of Russia and of a united Ukraine barrels. “WTI has found some support accused each other of tearing the country from the API numbers, the fall in total apart, as violence spread to the eastern stocks and also a strong decline in port of Mariupol. The Obama administra- Cushing stocks,” Commerzbank analyst tion is working on new sanctions to Carsten Fritsch said. “Brent should benefit impose on Russia if it ramps up aggression more from Ukraine,” he added, due to its against Ukraine, such as preventing elec- closer proximity to the region and role as tions from taking place in much of the the international seaborne benchmark. country or recognizing another separatist Investors are awaiting confirmation of the referendum, US officials said on Tuesday. API numbers from the US government’s While gas and oil supplies have not been Energy Information Administration, which significantly disrupted by the Ukraine situ- releases its more closely watched data lat- ation so far, traders and analysts say the er. risk remains that the United States and Brent found further support from ten- European Union could target the Russian sions in Libya, where rebels occupying energy industry, or Moscow could choose major oil ports in the east of the country to restrict exports. — Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Air France unveils its luxury first-class seat BEIJING: Air France unveiled its new first- days after the Emirati airline Etihad class seat in Shanghai yesterday, fuelling an revealed a first-class sofa that converts into international luxury-armchair race to win a bed extending 2.04 meters long and 66 over Asia’s rising number of high fliers. The centimeters wide, which will go into Airbus airline’s “haute couture” suite will feature a A380 and Boeing 787 planes. seat that reclines into a bed stretching 2.01 Singapore Airlines currently boasts the meters long and 77 centimeters across (6 ft most spacious first-class seat, which it 7 ins and 30 inches) - one of the most spa- revealed in July last year at 2.08 meters by 90 cious in the world. A total of 76 such seats centimeters. First class occupies just a sliver will be fitted into Boeing 777-300 jets at a of the air-travel market, with Air France’s cost of 50 million euros ($70 million), the 52,000 such customers a year representing company said as it showed off the new an occupancy rate of 38 percent, 0.3 percent offering in an expenses-paid trip for jour- of total long-haul passengers and 1.8 per- nalists to China’s commercial hub. cent of long-haul revenue, said Bruno Air travel in Asia is set to take off as Matheu, head of Air France’s passenger busi- growing middle classes take to the skies, ness. But with return ticket prices averaging prompting increasing competition for well- 9,000 euros ($12,500) across the company’s heeled passengers, and industry expert network the luxury seats are highly prof- Didier Brechemier, of the Roland Berger itable and he said they “generate more rev- Strategy consultancy, said that “first class is enue than if we filled that space with econo- a tool in terms of image”. The launch came my or business-class seats”. — AFP Australia’s Fairfax to slash another 80 jobs SYDNEY: Struggling Australian newspa- 2012 by announcing it was sacking hun- per group Fairfax revealed yesterday that dreds of staff and putting its newspa- another 80 editorial and photo positions pers-the only serious rival to Rupert are set to be axed, including at The Murdoch’s vast Australian News Corp. SHANGHAI: Air France attendant show off the seats on the airline’s Boeing 777-300 jets, in Shanghai yesterday. — AFP Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in holdings-behind a paywall. Melbourne. In a note to staff, managing Like many media groups, they have director of Australian Publishing Media at struggled with the transition to digital in Fairfax Allen Williams said 35 editorial a bid to combat sliding print advertising Siemens chief unveils a positions, along with 30 photo jobs and and circulation revenues. The journalists’ 15 in lifestyle sections would likely go. union said the latest redundancies repre- “The changes we are proposing are sented “an assault on the quality journal- similar to the more progressive and effi- ism that has been the hallmark” of Fairfax long-awaited overhaul cient models being used by other media for more than a century and showed the organizations around the world,” Williams company was incapable of deciding on said in the note seen by AFP. “We must production arrangements and sticking deliver our high-quality content in the with them. “The only decision the com- Siemens says won’t be forced into bid for Alstom most efficient way possible.” The arrange- pany seems capable of making is to keep ments would see more copy-editing and cutting staff,” said Christopher Warren BERLIN: German engineering giant Siemens by 1000 GMT, slightly outperforming a flat pride at a company that has lagged its biggest com- page layout work done by external con- from the Media, Entertainment, Arts unveiled a long-awaited restructuring yesterday in European industrials index and German benchmark petitors in terms of innovation and profitability. tractors with production jobs going from Alliance (MEAA). a bid to catch up with more profitable rivals and DAX. But according to Reuters data, the company Siemens posted an EBITDA margin of 10.5 percent Sydney and Melbourne by year end. “When do we reach the point of no said it would not be forced into making an offer for still trades at a 7.3 percent discount to its major last year, falling short of Swiss engineer ABB’s 14.8 Under the proposal, the lifestyle-ori- return? Why isn’t more effort being made the energy assets of French rival Alstom. The European peers on a 12-month forward EV/EBITDA percent and GE’s 18.9 percent, according to ented Life Media would restructure some to protect and promote editorial quality Munich-based firm’s Chief Executive Joe Kaeser has basis. Thomson Reuters data. The presentation at the vast of its divisions to make greater use of and utilise smarter ways of working? At been working on the new strategy since taking “Siemensstadt” industrial complex-built in the early freelancers to deliver editorial content what point does Fairfax stop being a power last summer following a boardroom coup Alstom & Putin decades of the 20th century and site of Siemens while on the images side, more work will news organisation and merely become a that pushed out his predecessor Peter Loescher The revamp comes as Siemens mulls a formal headquarters between the two world wars-is a sign be outsourced to external service commissioning agency that outsources after a series of profit warnings. offer for the energy business of French rival Alstom, of Kaeser’s determination to take the company back provider Getty Images. “Our photograph- everything it does?” Last August, Fairfax Ahead of Kaeser’s presentation at the firm’s his- which is already the target of a bid from US giant to its proud roots. Siemens was founded in 1847 in ic needs across all platforms continue to reported annual revenues were down 8.2 toric “Siemensstadt” site in Berlin, the company General Electric. Berlin as an electrical telegraph company. be commissioned by editorial however percent at Aus$2.0 billion but chief Greg posted weaker-than-expected earnings for its fiscal The French government views the GE bid with most assignments will be facilitated by Hywood said the company was “meeting second quarter, hit by charges in its energy busi- scepticism and has encouraged Siemens to enter Canada transmission hit Getty photographers for our publica- or surpassing all critical milestones” in its ness, and announced a series of smaller deals. the race despite lingering resentments between the For the fiscal second quarter ended March 31, tions,” the note said. Fairfax sent shock- transition online, which has also seen its Siemens said it was buying energy assets from European rivals over the German firm’s push to snap total sector profit, or operating profit, came in at waves through Australia’s media sector in mastheads go tabloid. — AFP Rolls-Royce for 950 million euros ($1.32 billion) and up Alstom assets a decade ago when it was forced 1.57 billion euros on revenues of 17.45 billion, miss- transferring a majority stake in its Austrian metals to accept a state bailout. ing consensus. According to a Reuters poll, analysts business to Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for Kaeser said he had discussed a possible combi- had expected profit of 1.7 billion euros on revenues undisclosed terms. nation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, of 18.1 billion. Profit in the energy sector tumbled Indian microlender As part of the overhaul, dubbed “Vision 2020” whose government has sent positive signals about 54 percent to 255 million euros, largely due to 310 the company is also streamlining its divisional struc- it, and would not be considering an offer for the million euros in project charges related to two high- trumps billionaires ture, publicly listing its hearing aids business and Alstom business unless he was serious. voltage direct current transmission (HVDC) projects separating out management of its healthcare busi- But he made clear that a decision to make an in Canada. Chief Financial Officer Ralf Thomas said ness, a move several analysts said could be a first offer would “not be forced on us” and said Siemens, he could not rule out further charges on the project A race to change banking step towards a spin-off. Asked about the future of which has been given four weeks to study Alstom’s over the course of the year. “The scale of these healthcare, Kaeser praised the business and made finances before committing. Kaeser also expressed ongoing losses is surprising - it remains the key NEW DELHI: Chandra Shekhar Ghosh is a organisations where he saw close-up clear a spin-off was not on the near-term agenda, regret for referring to the crisis in Ukraine as “short- weakness in the group, and despite management man in a hurry since he beat India’s financial exploitation of the poor by moneylenders but suggested capital markets could be tapped in term turbulences” when he paid a controversial visit changes (removal of two divisional CEOs) the prob- titans to win a prized banking license for his who charge up to 200 percent a year for the future if big acquisitions were required. to Russian President Vladimir Putin in late March. lems persist,” said Morgan Stanley analyst Ben microfinance firm that lends to poor borrow- loans. Dismayed by the predatory loan sharks, The steps are aimed at strengthening Siemens’ “The situation has escalated and I am very con- Uglow. Kaeser acknowledged that the second quar- ers. The founder of Bandhan Financial he created in 2001 a small lending outfit with focus on electrification, automation and digitalisa- cerned about developments,” he said. Under former ter showed Siemens still had a lot to do to improve Services-Bandhan means “bonding”-must 200,000 rupees ($3,300) in capital and two tion-processes to help industrial companies pro- CEO Loescher, Siemens went on an aggressive drive its operating performance. Siemens confirmed a transform his microfinance company into a employees. At first he borrowed from friends duce more efficiently. Taken together, they are for growth, leaving it lumbered with a complex goal to increase earnings per share by at least 15 bank in just 18 months to serve India’s mil- to have funds to lend. But he finally got his expected to deliver productivity gains of 1 billion portfolio of businesses. percent in the current fiscal year, but said it was no lions of “unbanked poor” under the license big break when the state-run Small Industries euros per year from the end of fiscal 2016. Siemens Kaeser, 56, a 34-year veteran of Siemens who longer providing an operating profit target for the terms. “For a microfinance company, getting Development Bank of India put up capital- shares, which pushed to a six-year high above 100 previously served as its finance chief, is boosting entire group, and instead offering margin target a banking license is like achieving the Holy allowing him to expand his loan portfolio. euros earlier this year, rose 1.4 percent to 95.3 euros employee share ownership and trying to restore ranges for its individual divisions. — Reuters Grail,” Ghosh told AFP in an interview. India’s Bandhan slowly became India’s largest central bank created a stir last month when it microfinancier, focusing on the northeast and handed one of its first banking licences in a then expanding across the country. “I’m not decade to the microfinancier based in the an economist, I’m not a banker-I learn from Limes are a hot commodity eastern city of Kolkata, bypassing heavy- my customers,” he said. weight contenders such as billionaire tycoon Ghosh recruited poor people to run his Anil Ambani. branches, declaring only they “understood in US as prices skyrocket The second licence went to India’s biggest poverty” and could identify the needy. As lender to road projects, IDFC. Reserve Bank of Bandhan becomes a bank, Ghosh said some India governor Raghuram Rajan wants these staff will need training to deal with more WASHINGTON: Sitting in a Mexican bar in the new banks to penetrate poverty-hit rural sophisticated financial products. Just three- US capital, Maria complained that “using lemon areas to promote lending and saving among fifths of his employees reached the final instead of lime in a margarita is like using onions farmers, small businesses and others whom grade in school. “Having a degree has never instead of garlic.” But lemon margaritas just traditional banks have been reluctant to been the most important qualification for a might be coming to a cantina near you, thanks serve. Just 35 percent of India’s adults have job with us,” Ghosh said. to the skyrocketing price of limes. “The prices bank accounts, a rate the central bank calls started to shoot up in March. Before, a case of “pathetic”. Ghosh aims to open nearly 700 Back from the brink 200 limes cost us $45. Then it jumped to $85. bank branches in 22 states and start with at The beauty of becoming a bank means Today, it’s worth $160,” said Joahna Hernandez, least 10 million savings accounts. Under the cheaper lending rates. Now, as a microfi- manager of Casa Oaxaca, a Mexican restaurant licence conditions, one in four branches must nancier, Bandhan must borrow from other in Washington. Raising the price of margaritas, be in towns with fewer than 10,000 people. financial institutions to make loans, which the traditional Mexican cocktail made from But Ghosh plans to go further, setting up 80 means its interest rates are as high as 22 per- tequila and lime juice, is out of the question, percent of his branches in rural areas, cent annually. But as a bank Bandhan will Hernandez said, because the restaurant doesn’t although there will also be “signature” have its own resources from depositors. It is a want to scare off customers. But bottles of branches in cities to raise Bandhan’s profile. “virtuous circle and means we’ll be able to Corona, the popular Mexican beer, no longer lend at rates in the lower teens,” explained come garnished with a slice of lime. “Now we Humble beginnings Ghosh. Ghosh will attempt to use Bandhan’s use slices of lemons,” she said. The 53-year-old has come a long way from 5.2-million borrowers to build his savings “It’s not the same thing,” sighed Maria, sipping serving in his father’s candy store. Money was account base. He already has a 57-billion- her drink. But her friend Luis disagrees. “It doesn’t scarce at home when Ghosh was growing up, rupee loan portfolio and a staff of 12,961 matter to me, as long as there is alcohol in it.” At but he earned a master’s degree in statistics. working in his more than 2,100 microfinance “Don Juan,” a popular bistro where Salvadoran He then worked for non-governmental branches. —AFP and Mexican immigrants hang out amid high decibel music, Juanita has another solution. “Limes are so expensive, we’ve had to use con- centrate” for cocktails, confided the waitress. “And now, customers have to ask for lime slices, or else we won’t offer them to them.” Around 95 percent of the limes consumed in the United States come from Mexico. And when the supply dries up, the problem spreads across the US.

Trafficking in limes WASHINGTON: Employees at the Mexican restaurant Casa Oaxaca mix drinks in Washington, The lime shortage can be traced to multiple DC. — AFP sources, including a surge in fungal and disease already did with avocados,” Hernandez The dearth of limes is hitting hard for problems, exacerbated by heavy rains and flood- explained. “They appropriate the crops and con- Americans, avid consumers of Mexican cuisine. ing in the Mexican states of Oaxaca, Veracruz trol whole communities. They are trying to con- “To the Mexican cuisine, limes are essential. and Michoacan, said Jonathan Crane, University trol lime production,” she said. The cartels also Absolutely,” said Lou Temprosa, head chef at of Florida professor and an expert on citrus fruit. benefit from the fact that the United States is no Centro DF, a Washington institution. The green “Weather increases fungal problems, so the longer imposing quality standards on imported fruit is a crucial ingredient in many dishes, flooding causes disease problems of the roots, limes. Crane speculated the lime trade was an including guacamole, salsa, and ceviche-a tradi- high humidity and rainfall causes disease prob- attempt to launder drug money through a legiti- tional concoction of raw fish marinated in lime lem of the flowers and the leaves and the fruits. mate export. If “there’s no quality standard, I juice. “There are other ways to get around that,” You have a combination of weather disaster and would pick any lime possible and sell it and Temprosa said, but it’s nothing like “the real diseases,” he explained. But perhaps more disas- make big money,” he said. Then, as distributors thing.” He vowed his restaurant won’t change its trously, Mexican drug cartels have begun to see saw the looming shortage, said Hernandez, they dishes, despite the shortage. But meanwhile, KOLKATA: Founder-director of Bandhan Chandra Shekhar Ghosh poses inside his a previously untapped value in the lime trade. “hoarded the little supply they had and now sell “our prices have not gone up, (and) we pay the office in Kolkata. — AFP Traffickers are doing with limes “what they them at the highest price possible.” bill,” he sighed. — AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Alibaba’s deal-making ripples across Silicon Valley

SAN FRANCISCO: Alibaba Group Holding Ltd may Alibaba in 2003. Alibaba investments may also help them financially.” tions with stock. “Having a liquid currency is very, be making its debut on Wall Street later this sum- in its inevitable landing on US soil, whenever that Mitch Lasky, a partner at Benchmark Capital who very helpful,” Tsai said in an interview. “We’ll be stick- mer, but it’s certainly no stranger to the investors of may be, he said: “They want them to soften the has co-invested with Chinese giant Tencent ing very close to our knitting, staying very true to Silicon Valley. In the past 18 months, the Chinese e- beach.” Holdings and has held conversations with Alibaba, our core business, e-commerce.” Tsai’s eyes and ears commerce giant has burrowed its way into the For instance, Alibaba made a $202 million invest- noted that Chinese companies often take 10 to 30 in California are Zeisser, who heads Alibaba’s US Valley’s exclusive investment circles, snapping up ment for a 39 percent stake in 2-day shipping serv- percent stakes in other firms, even marginally com- investments group, and Peter Stern, a former Credit sizeable stakes and board seats in fast-growing ice Shoprunner, in October. The membership-based petitive ones, to build a “network of alliances.” It’s Suisse banker. The US investment team, formed in startups that could provide strategic advantages for shipping plan is a rival to Amazon Prime that works “unusual for us but it’s not unusual for them...to cre- October, initially worked out of Alibaba’s Santa Clara when, not if, the company challenges Amazon.com with dozens of US retailers. Alibaba’s intention was ate a network of strategic bonds,” Lasky said. Then office but is planning to open an office in downtown Inc or eBay Inc on their home turf. to learn about US online shopping, the country’s dis- there’s also a political element: Chinese companies San Francisco. A US investment team headed by cable magnate tribution infrastructure, and potentially build rela- tend to be sensitive to the potential for a public or Alibaba’s investments have so far emerged from a John Malone’s former dealmaker, Michael Zeisser, tionships with retailers without exposing itself regulatory backlash that could complicate cross-bor- tight network of influential contacts. Jerry Yang, the targets stakes in e-commerce, mobile and logistics- directly to the famously ruthless Seattle giant, a der acquisitions. “They are concerned about the Yahoo co-founder who negotiated Yahoo’s invest- focused companies which combine online and Shoprunner executive said. “They can’t grow in optics of Chinese companies of buying American ment in Alibaba in 2005, introduced Tango to offline operations, people familiar with the US oper- China forever,” said Fiona Dias, chief strategy officer companies outright,” Lasky said. “There’s a political Alibaba executives last year, a source close to Tango ations said. Alibaba’s vision for the world’s largest at Shoprunner. “They’re certainly not going to be cost, even if it’s unspoken.” said. Fanatics and Shoprunner are both partially consumer market has been the subject of intense invited to play in Amazon or eBay’s sandbox,” she owned by billionaire businessman Michael Rubin, industry speculation. Silicon Valley insiders who said. “But in an indirect way they can learn and ‘Liquid currency’ who has long known Masayoshi Son, the Softbank have held discussions with the company, which han- observe from hundreds of large retailers.” Alibaba has closely guarded its ambitions for the founder who owns a slice of Alibaba. Alibaba was dles more online transactions than Amazon and Alibaba’s shopping spree has picked up pace in United States and executives have privately played introduced to Quixey through GGV Capital, a ven- eBay combined, say its US deals are central to its the past year, and broadened into other areas such down suggestions it would take Amazon head-on. ture capital firm with a longstanding Chinese prac- strategy of becoming the world’s dominant e-tailer. as mobile. Its investments have included luxury e- But there’s little question that investments in the tice that invested in Alibaba in 2003, Kagan said. The growing pool of investments give Alibaba a commerce site 1stDibs; a 20 percent stake in mobile United States are a high priority, people familiar with Quixey’s Kagan believed Alibaba would give him glimpse into a swathe of Silicon Valley’s cutting- messaging app Tango, for which it has paid $217 the company say. In late 2012, executive vice-chair- the latitude to grow independently for years. But he edge technologies; they yield insights into an unfa- million; and ridesharing firm Lyft. By acquiring man and IPO architect Joe Tsai flew to California to pointed to UCWeb, a Chinese mobile search compa- miliar market; and they help build a web of alliances minority stakes, Alibaba’s playbook has differed from discuss an investment in Quixey, a startup that ny in which Alibaba invested in 2009. That seemed a and connections, industry insiders say. “They want what’s typical of large tech firms like Google or makes a search engine for mobile apps, said Quixey passive investment until last week, when the two the optionality to see if a technology or trend takes Facebook, which prefer to buy startups outright. founder Tomer Kagan. Kagan accepted funding parties unveiled a joint venture to challenge Baidu off in the U.S., or to see if it’s applicable to bring back “They want to have an early look at what’s happen- within 30 days of first meeting Alibaba representa- in China’s $2.5 billion mobile search market. “That’s home,” said Hany Nada, a founding partner of GGV ing in innovation,” said one VC investor in Lyft. “I tives. In March, Tsai told Reuters the IPO gives the kind of five-year plays they’ll make,” said Kagan. Capital, a venture capital firm that invested in don’t think these investments move the needle for Alibaba the financial muscle to fund more acquisi- “They’re highly strategic, highly patient.”— Reuters KIPCO announces 20% rise in profit

KUWAIT: KIPCO - the Kuwait Projects lion) reported for the first three months of Company - has announced a net profit of KD last year. 10.3 million ($36.6 million), or 7.14 fils ($2.54 The company saw a 23% increase in oper- cents) per share for the first three months of ating profit before provisions for the first 2014 - an increase of 20 per cent on the KD quarter of 2014 to KD 34 million ($121 mil- 8.6 million ($30.2 million) profit, or 6.04 fils lion) from KD 27.7 million ($97 million) reported in the first quarter of 2013. KIPCO’s consolidated assets increased in the first quarter of 2014 to KD 9 billion ($32 billion) from KD 8.6 billion ($30.5 billion) at year-end 2013. Tariq AbdulSalam, KIPCO’s Chief Executive Officer - Investments, said KIPCO’s first quarter results reflected the company’s profit expectations outlined in its Shafafiyah Investor’s Forum: “As we announced in our recent Shafafiyah Investors’ Forum, our first quarter results reflect the continued double-digit profit growth that we expect from the com- pany’s core businesses in 2014. The financial services and media segments of our business have reported profit increases of 12% and 211% compared to the first three month of Tariq Abdulsalam 2013, while our manufacturing segment prof- it rose 43% for the same period. This has ($2.12 cents) per share, reported in the same resulted in an overall year-on-year increase of period last year. KIPCO’s total revenue for the 19% in revenue and a 20% rise in profitability. first three months of 2014 increased by 19 These growth trends across our operating Self Service - the Way of the per cent to KD 137 million ($486 million) sectors are an indication of the positive per- compared to the KD 115 million ($404 mil- formance we expect for 2014.” Sainsbury vows to future for Kuwait residents KUWAIT: Long gone are the days when going olutionary concept of electronic bag tags, and we British Airways offers a number of time-saving abroad meant visiting an agent to book travel provide self-service bag drops and self-tagging sta- services for passengers, including easy and simple outperform rivals arrangements. More and more travelers across tions at London Heathrow to minimize queuing and online check-in via ba.com 24 hours before depar- Kuwait are embracing online travel preparation by ensure a seamless airport experience. ture. A bespoke mobile app adapted for iPhone, booking and checking in online. A recent survey We have also introduced pioneering technology Android, Blackberry and Windows phone is also LONDON: British grocer J Sainsbury said it Spencer are also gaining share. conducted by British Airways indicates that 75 per- in Europe, which allows passengers to use handheld available for download, in which full travel manage- was well-equipped to cope with the rise of British consumers are shopping around to cent of Kuwait’s residents book their flights online, electronic devices from the moment they board to ment from booking to check-in and boarding pass discounters and price cuts by major rivals, save money and are wasting less, shying away with the majority of passengers from the region the second they leave the aircraft. Mobile interaction acquisition is at the travellers’ fingertips at any given even though a 5.3 percent increase in annual from big weekly shops and buying little and booking directly through airline websites such as is such an integral part of our customers’ everyday moment; giving tech-savvy regional travellers the profit represented its weakest growth in near- often in local convenience stores or online. ba.com. The allure of technology isn’t limited to just life and we are delighted to be the first airline in power to take control of their journey from wherev- ly a decade. Britain’s grocery market is grow- Tesco, Asda and Morrisons have been cutting booking their journey though; more than half the Europe to offer this capability.” er they may be. ing at its lowest rate for 11 years as price infla- prices to try to combat the discounters, with passengers who travel from Kuwait utilize time-sav- tion slows and stagnant wages keep con- Morrisons firing the latest salvo last week ing services such as online check-in and seat choice. sumer spending in check. The “big four” gro- with reductions averaging 17 percent on The results of the British Airways survey point cers - market leader Tesco, Wal-Mart’s Asda, 1,200 products. Analysts have expressed con- towards a growing trend in the travel industry for Sainsbury’s and Morrisons - are all being out- cern about a possible contagion of price cuts people to save time and money with the use of paced by sales growth at discounters Aldi and hitting margins and earnings across the mobile technology. In addition to booking and Lidl. Upmarket chains Waitrose and Marks & industry. —Reuters checking in online, the survey highlights that an increasing number of travelers in the Middle East are opting to use a mobile boarding pass when catching a flight. S&P affirms Across the region, one in six travelers have already made the switch to a digital boarding pass, lessening the risk of forgetting papers at home. Paolo de Renzis, British Airways area commercial NBK ratings manager for the Middle East and Central Asia, said: “At British Airways we keep close track of innovation KUWAIT: Standard & Poor’s, the interna- take advantage of new business opportuni- trends to foresee our customers’ upcoming needs, tional credit rating agency, affirmed the ties as the Kuwaiti government’s develop- as it’s important for us to ensure that we continue to long-term credit ratings of National Bank of ment plan begins to gain traction in 2014 provide a high quality, seamless and smooth travel Kuwait (NBK) at A+ with a Stable Outlook. with more infrastructure projects being experience. “Always on the lookout for the next In its latest report on NBK, Standard & tendered than in previous years. industry innovation, we are currently trialing the rev- Poor’s pointed out that NBK’s major rating Moody’s stressed that NBK is one of the strengths include its leading commercial few local banks with the capacity to struc- position in the domestic market, strong ture and underwrite large capital market Etihad Airways ATM stand capitalization on the back of good earning transactions and is also a leader in trade capacity, and more resilient asset quality finance. NBK has historically acted as lead- than that of its peers. financer for the majority of public contracts The agency added that NBK’s business awarded to foreign companies, and the displays latest innovations position is strong and will remain stable, bank’s size places it in a preferential position underpinned by its leading position in to exploit larger credit opportunities com- DUBAI: In Dubai at the Arabian Travel Market yester- In every part of the business, our team continues to lutionary First Apartments, which are fully private Kuwait, long track record of good and sta- pared to its domestic peers. NBK has consis- day, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United achieve excellence through innovation and determi- suites with a separate reclining lounge seat and full ble performance, as well as good and expe- tently been awarded the highest credit rat- Arab Emirates, publicly showcased the latest develop- nation,” Hogan said. length bed, as well as chilled mini-bar, personal vanity rienced management. Standard & Poor’s ings in the region by the major international ments in air travel with its new innovative, premium The Residence by Etihad is located in the forward unit and wardrobe. The First Suite on the Etihad cabins aboard the airline’s Airbus A380 and Boeing upper deck of the A380, accommodating one or two Airways B787 offers guests an enhanced suite with assessed NBK’s capital and earnings as rating agencies: Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s B787 Dreamliner aircraft. While each of ground-break- people and comes with a dedicated and professional- chilled mini-bar, complete privacy and centre seats, “strong”. Earlier last month, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings. NBK is the only Arab bank ing new cabins were on display at Etihad Airways’ ly trained personal butler. The A380 also features revo- which can be joined to create a double bed. Investors Service also said in its credit opin- to be listed among the world’s 50 safest striking stand, The Residence by Etihad, with its three- ion report that NBK is well positioned to banks eight times in a row. room private cabin, offering a living room, double bedroom and ensuite shower room, proved to be the centre of interest. The stand opened just hours after Etihad Airways was named as the Middle East’s Leading Airline for the eighth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards Middle East. Etihad Airways was also named the Middle East’s Leading Airline - First Class and the Middle East’s Leading Cabin Crew. At a separate cere- mony for the 2014 Business Traveller Middle East Awards, also held last night, Etihad Airways took home the titles for the Airline with the Best Economy Class and Airline with the Best Frequent Flyer Program. Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, said: “The new living spaces on display at the Arabian Travel Market today redefine inflight product and services to a new standard in commercial aviation. “We are delivering the most advanced airline cabins in the industry, with unparal- leled quality and style, and importantly at competitive prices across all three cabins. “Etihad Airways’ World Travel Awards and Business Traveler Awards once DUBAI: Etihad Airways’ stand at the 2014 Arabian Travel Market in Dubai showcasing its pre- again reflect the airline’s commitment to be the best. mium cabins and economy smart seat aboard the A380 and B787 Dreamliner aircraft. technology THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

Do-it-yourselfers inspire hardware renaissance

SAN FRANCISCO: In the shadow of Internet mono- Knitting to robotics Mark Zuckerberg of hardware.” Miura-Ko said. Released in 2013, Pebble devices helped set the liths such as Facebook, Google and Twitter, it’s easy to From families to entrepreneurs, growing num- tone in an emerging smartwatch category and com- forget that Silicon Valley got its start from hard-scrab- bers of people are rolling up their sleeves and dis- The end game? petes with products from tech heavyweights like ble tinkerers building radios, microchips and other covering how much easier it has become to make To be sure, funding for software startups - from Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm, and it raised devices. Now, a proliferation of high-tech but afford- things with their hands. The advent of community enterprise application developers to more con- over $10 million on Kickstarter. Kickstarter funders able manufacturing tools and new sources of funding workshops, often called hackerspaces, allow like- sumer-friendly mobile apps - dwarfs hardware also backed Oculus Rift. Semiconductor companies are empowering a generation of handy entrepre- minded people to collaborate on everything from investments. It may take years for hardware to excite including Atmel, ARM Holdings and Intel Corp now neurs and laying the foundation for a hardware ren- knitting to drones and often provide industrial tools investors the way it once did. Dealing with suppliers, sponsor maker events and workshops, hoping per- aissance. - including laser-cutters and 3D printers - too expen- assembly lines, transport, warehousing and retailers haps to happen upon the next Steve Jobs. Even the Inventors are working on projects as varied as sive for most people to buy on their own. still make the hardware business daunting com- White House is planning its own maker-meetup this drones, improved artificial limbs, smart jewelry and TechShop, one of the largest in its field, charges pared with software for many would-be entrepre- year. It wants public schools to create more hacker- handheld devices for detecting gluten in food. members a monthly fee for classes and access to neurs in Silicon Valley. spaces, and for universities to let students submit Google in January acquired four-year-old smart ther- tools, and has grown to eight locations around the But interest is rising. According to the National maker projects as part of their applications, like the mostat maker Nest Labs for $3.2 billion. Facebook in country and 6,000 members since its first outlet Venture Capital Association, investments in various Massachusetts Institute of Technology started doing March spent $2 billion on virtual reality headset start- opened in 2006. While hackerspaces have existed for up Oculus Rift, founded by a college dropout in his years in Europe and are expanding in Asia, northern parents’ garage. 3D printer maker MakerBot California’s technology legacy has made it a maker Industries was sold for $400 million in 2013 to Mecca. Today’s do-it-yourselfers follow a storied tra- Stratasys Inc - just three years after it was cofounded dition in the San Francisco Bay area, where amateurs by a former art teacher. dabbled with early radios a century ago and elec- All of them embody the growing focus on hard- tronics enthusiasts in the 1970s formed the ware and the so-called “Maker movement” sweeping Homebrew Computer Club, a group whose mem- northern California and, in a smaller way, Europe and bers included Apple Inc co-founder Steve Wozniak. other countries. Renewed interest in tinkering with Maker festivals have become major venues for objects - versus apps or software - is attracting more hobbyists to show off their projects and hob-nob. In money from investors and fostering a growing num- 2006, 22,000 people descended on magazine pub- ber of workshops, where aspiring inventors can get lisher Maker Media’s first “Maker Faire” in Silicon their hands on computerized milling machines and Valley, a cross between a science fair and jamboree other high-end tools. for adults. Since then, its events have expanded “Two and a half years ago when we were started, it across the United States and into Japan and Europe was rough,” said Jeremy Conrad, co-founder of with a total of 530,000 attendees at affiliated fairs Lemnos Labs, an incubator that provides funding, last year. The flagship annual shindig in San Mateo, tools and guidance for startups working on physical California, is on May 17 and 18. products. “Now we have more relationships with ven- Most makers are hobbyists, but a handful sell ture capitalists who are interested in hardware than their wares to friends or online and an even smaller we have companies to fund.” The growing wave of do- group aspires to win backing from investors, or from it-yourselfers may hold the key to manufacturing crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo, innovation. President Barack Obama sees children to manufacture their products. Take theater techni- who are “makers of things, not just consumers of cian Andrew Rutter, who took laser-cutting classes things” as a step toward rebuilding a withered US through the maker community in San Francisco manufacturing industry. soon after immigrating from Britain in 2010. He used A decade ago, free, open-source code slashed the his new skill to build a high-end 3D printer and soon cost and complexity of starting a software company, after launched Type A Machines, which has grown to CALIFORNIA: Independent games tailored for the PlayStation platform are spotlighted on a comput- sparking a boom in Internet and social media start- 21 employees and sold over 500 of the devices, er screen at the PlayStation campus in the Silicon Valley city of San Mateo, California. — AFP ups founded by twenty-something, self-taught pro- assembling many of them at a former Caterpillar fac- grammers. Now hardware is catching up to the open- tory. categories of computer- and electronics-related last year. Products of the do-it-yourself movement - source revolution, with common standards and a cul- “There is a large percentage of people out there startups grew 24 percent last year to $843 million better 3D printing, laser cutters, water jets and other ture that encourages the sharing of designs and who have ideas and want to make stuff, but they lack after falling 26 percent in 2012. The group does not tools - will help the United States safeguard and building blocks that save inventors the time and the training and access to equipment to do it,” the track a specific “hardware” category. Kickstarter is extend its lead in advanced manufacturing, said expense of reinventing the wheel. Take the palm- 33-year old said. Ann Miura-Ko, a self-professed tin- another popular venue for makers seeking funding. Christine Furstoss, who is in charge of manufactur- sized “Arduino” computer board, ubiquitous in the kerer and partner at Floodgate, which invests in ear- Since the crowdsourcing platform’s 2009 launch, ing R&D at General Electric. “We’re proud of our maker movement. The roughly $20 item was devel- ly-stage startups, believes nostalgia for the Valley more than $116 million has been raised for more manufacturing heritage, but we don’t invent every- oped for students, offering low price and relatively days of old plays a role in the Maker boom. “Just the than 1,400 technology-related projects, of which the thing,” Furstoss said of GE, which has opened some easy programming. Arduino lets do-it-yourselfers same way you have kids who have been coding for majority have been hardware gadgets. Eric of its patent catalog, including technology for cool- snap together and program interchangeable compo- 10 years at the age of 16, you’re going to see kids Migicovsky cobbled together a prototype of his ing jets and computerized scooters, to inventors. nents such as GPS chips and motor controllers to run who have been making stuff for 10 years at the age Pebble smartwatch using an Arduino board and an “The spirit and tools of the maker movement are everything from robots to cocktail mixers. of 16. If you see that, you’ll know we’re ready for the old cellphone screen. something we want to engage with.”— Reuters Iran President Rouhani vetoes WhatsApp ban Twitter sinks to new low as ‘lockup’ expires

TEHRAN: Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has vetoed a plan to rising from its $26 offering price to more than $70, but has been ban WhatsApp, following a row over censorship of the popular hurt by concerns about slowing growth and doubts on prof- messaging application, media reports said yesterday. Access to itability. Trip Chowdhry, analyst at Global Equities Research, said social networks, including Twitter and Facebook, are routinely Twitter is under pressure on several fronts. “Engagement on blocked by Iranian authorities, as are other websites considered Twitter is falling,” Chowdhry said. “And there seems to be a shift un-Islamic or detrimental to the regime. The policy is con- in the industry from public toward private communication. So tentious and the move to filter WhatsApp has caused a rupture more people are using WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, between Rouhani’s administration and a 13-member committee Snapchat, WeChat and others. Twitter is not well-positioned for responsible for Internet censorship. this change.” The reformist Sharq daily reported that Rouhani has ordered Jon Ogg at the specialized blog 24/7 Wall Street suggested the WhatsApp ban, proposed shortly after Facebook bought the the worst may not be over for Twitter, saying it still has a lofty messaging service for $19 billion in February, be stopped. “The market value. “What stands out is that Twitter’s market cap is still issue of banning WhatsApp was raised. The president has almost $20 billion, and that is after hitting a new low,” he said. “It ordered a halt on (banning) the site,” Telecommunications is also still worth about 16 times expected 2014 sales and closer Minister Mahmoud Vaezi was quoted as saying by Sharq. “Until to 10 times 2015 sales. On expected earnings, Twitter trades at the time that we have a replacement for these sites, the govern- more than 1,000 times expected 2014 earnings and only 165 ment opposes filtering them,” he added. According to an official times expected 2015 earnings per share.” Twitter said in a regula- at the telecommunications ministry, the ban was approved by tory filing in March that “the market price of our common stock LOS ANGELES: Attendees play video games on the Nintendo 3DS at the Nintendo Wii U software showcase during the Committee for Determining Criminal Web Content, but it could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of the E3 game show in Los Angeles. — AP was not implemented. our common stock in the market, and the perception that these In separate comments, the committee secretary Abdolsamad sales could occur may also depress the market price of our com- Khorramabadi this week told several local media outlets: “One of mon stock.” — Agencies Nintendo sinks to loss the reasons for approving the filtering of WhatsApp was the adaptation of this software by (Mark) Zuckerberg, the American Zionist manager of blocked site Facebook.” The committee has Jack Ma - English on lagging Wii U sales yet to decide if it wants to ban other smartphone applications, including Instagram-also owned by Facebook-and Viber. teacher turned TOKYO: Nintendo Co sank to a loss for the fiscal year ended ingly switch to smartphones and other devices to play games. Government officials have voiced support for lifting the wider March as sales of its Wii U game machine continued to lag, but The Wii U has a touch-screen tablet controller called GamePad ban on social media. Rouhani has promised greater tolerance on Internet visionary the Japanese manufacturer of Pokemon and Super Mario and a TV-watching feature called TVii. Lowering the machine’s social, cultural and media issues a vow that helped him beat his games promised yesterday to return to profit this year. Kyoto- price during the past fiscal year has been sufficient to revive conservative opponents in the presidential election last year. But SHANGHAI: After being knocked back by US venture capi- based Nintendo reported a 23.2 billion yen ($229 million) loss, sales. Adding to its woes, Nintendo acknowledged that for the the president continues to face resistance from hardliners. talists in 1999, cash-strapped Chinese entrepreneur Jack Ma a reversal from a 7 billion yen profit eked out the previous year. fiscal year ended March its relatively popular 3DS handheld persuaded friends to give him $60,000 to start an e-com- Annual sales fell 10 percent to 571.7 billion yen ($5.6 billion). It also did not sell as well as it had expected. Sinking to new low merce firm called Alibaba. Fifteen years later the company is did not break down quarterly numbers. Wii U sales have fallen The dismal results come despite a favorable exchange rate, Meanwhile, Twitter shares have plunged to new lows, under an Internet giant and Ma, a former English teacher, is among short of company forecasts. In January, Nintendo lowered its which has in the past dramatically helped Nintendo earnings. pressure after the expiration of the so-called lockup period, the topmost ranks of China’s super-rich with wealth estimat- Wii U sales projection for the fiscal year through March from 9 The yen has been weakening, and that works as a plus for which banned sales by company insiders after its public offering. ed at $8.4 billion by Forbes magazine. million to less than a third of that at 2.8 million units. Japanese exporters. Still, Nintendo forecast a return to profit The stock sank 17.8 percent to close at $31.85, the lowest level On Tuesday, Alibaba filed documents for a US stock list- Nintendo’s actual results were even worse than the lowered for the fiscal year through March 2015, at 20 billion yen ($197 since the Twitter initial public offering (IPO) last November. ing, widely expected to be one of the largest offerings in his- projection at 2.72 million. million), with sales expected to grow 3 percent to 590 billion Under US securities lockup rules, some insiders were barred tory. Analysts say the offer could raise around $15 billion, The company remained upbeat and said it expects to sell yen ($5.8 billion). Some analysts have been anticipating a from selling for a period of time after the social network’s IPO. putting it on par with Facebook’s $16 billion IPO in 2012. 3.6 million Wii U machines for the fiscal year through March change of strategy for Nintendo, urging it to start offering its The lockup expired on Tuesday, but Twitter co-founders Jack Alibaba Group includes Tmall.com for business-to-consumer 2015, helped by the planned release of popular games for the games on smartphones, tablets and other devices, instead of Dorsey and Evan Williams and chief executive Dick Costolo indi- transactions and Taobao, China’s most popular online con- machine, such as “Mario Kart 8” and “Super Smash Bros.” Sales focusing only on machines devoted to gaming. But the compa- cated they have no short-term plan to sell their shares. sumer marketplace with hundreds of millions of products projections have been lowered repeatedly as people increas- ny has so far brushed off such advice. — AP Twitter made a spectacular Wall Street debut in November, and services listed. Ma, now 49, gave up his university teach- ing job after discovering the Internet. Seeing an opportunity for small businesses to buy and Chromebooks get a boost sell their goods online, he started Alibaba, initially running the company out of his apartment in the eastern city of from chip-computer giants Hangzhou. “The first time I used the Internet, I touched on the keyboard and I find ‘well, this is something I believe, it is SAN FRANCISCO: Google’s drive to put the future “We have seen significant momentum and trac- something that is going to change the world and change of personal computing firmly in the Internet tion on the Chrome side of the house,” Rodrigue China’,” Ma once told CNN. Ma has inspired strong devotion “cloud” got a boost on Tuesday from chip titan said. “Because of that, we have taken a look else- among his employees and users, drawing comparisons with Intel and hardware giants including Lenovo. The where at the growth of Chrome.” Chrome chal- late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs-although he practices a leading computer maker joined Acer, Dell, Toshiba, lenges the traditional model of installing and more open management style. Hewlett-Packard, Asus, and LG Electronics to intro- maintaining programs on machines, instead let- A devotee of t’ai chi, he has made references to Chinese duce an array of new Chromebooks, many pow- ting devices serve as doorways to applications or martial arts in both business strategy and corporate culture. ered by newer-generation Intel chips that promise services hosted at data centers connected to the Porter Erisman, a former Alibaba employee who made a improved performance and battery life. “Intel has Internet. Chromebooks are also known for bar- documentary about the firm, “Crocodile in the Yangtze”, said: been a strong partner since the inception of gain prices. For example, Lenovo models will “What Silicon Valley is known for, he embodies a lot of that Chromebooks,” Intel mobile client platforms group start at $279. Shifting operating software to with Chinese characteristics-that spirit of openness, risk-tak- vice president Navin Shenoy said at a press event banks of servers online means that Google ing, innovation.” showcasing new models. The array of updates programs and fends off hackers and Ma graduated from the Hangzhou Teachers’ Institute Chromebooks coming to market included the first malicious software. This is particularly appealing with a major in English-language education, and went on to one from Lenovo aimed directly at the consumer in the education market, where teachers prefer teach at another university in the city, where Alibaba is still market. China-based Lenovo is the world’s leading to focus on lessons instead of tech trouble-shoot- headquartered. Chinese state media have burnished his personal computer company. ing and schools typically face tight budgets, Popularity of a Lenovo Chromebook tailored according to Rodrigue. “We saw today the LOS ANGELES: A Google Shopping Express van is seen at Google headquarters in Los rags-to-riches story, saying his parents were poorly educated for students in schools prompted the company tremendous amount of variety that is coming,” Angeles, California. The same day delivery program, which started in San Francisco, and his father depended on a monthly retirement allowance to create a model for use outside of class, accord- Google product management vice president is expanding to West Los Angeles and Manhattan and will offer free unlimited deliv- of just $40 to support the family. —AFP ing to Lenovo “ambassador” Ashley Rodrigue. Caesar Sengupta said at the press event. —AFP ery for the first six months for new sign ups. — AFP THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Studies find ‘young’ blood rejuvenates aging mice ‘Don’t try this at home’

NEW YORK: If Mickey Mouse is feeling time, scientists have a warning for do-it- aged mice. Those that got the young mice than old. That protein, called younger mice produced more blood ves- his age at 86, scientists may have found yourselfers. “Don’t try this at home,” said blood did better in learning and memory GDF11, is also found in human blood and sels and blood flow in the brain. just the tonic: the blood of younger mice. Saul Villeda of the University of tests than the mice given the older its concentration also appears to decline Injections of GDF11 had a similar effect. Older mice got stronger, exercised California, San Francisco, an author of blood. For example, they performed bet- with age, said Amy Wagers, an author on Lee Rubin, a study author, said those longer and performed better mentally one of three papers published online ter at recalling where to find a sub- both papers. On average, aging mice that results suggest further work may lead to after they were injected with blood from Sunday by the journals Nature Medicine merged platform in a maze. got injections of it showed greater grip a way to treat age-related mental decline young mice, or even just with a sub- and Science. Villeda said the researchers are trying strength and more endurance on a and perhaps dementia in people. stance that’s more abundant in younger He worked with mice that were to figure out what’s in the young blood treadmill than untreated mice. Wagers and Villeda said it’s not clear blood. roughly the equivalent of people in their that made the difference. whether GDF11 explains the results of Someday, if more research goes well, 20s and 60s. Researchers repeatedly The two other papers, from Harvard Blood flow Villeda’s study. Wagers said she suspects this may lead to a way to treat some infir- injected the older mice with blood from University, focused on a substance that is The Harvard scientists also found that other substances in blood can also help mities of old age in people. In the mean- either the younger animals or other more abundant in the blood of younger exposing older mice to the blood of aging animals. — AFP Haiti confirms 14 cases of mosquito-borne virus

PORT-AU-PRINCE: A mosquito-borne Duperval said in an interview with Radio virus that has spread rapidly through the Metropole that the government would Caribbean since it was documented in the soon begin airing public health advisories region for the first time in December has on the radio to alert people to the symp- been confirmed in Haiti, a government offi- toms, which can include a sharp fever, cial said yesterday. headache and joint pain. Authorities have confirmed 14 cases of The arrival of the virus in Haiti was the chikungunya virus in Haiti, Health expected. In the neighboring Dominican Minister Florence Guillaume Duperval said. Republic, authorities have confirmed at least 150-200 cases since it was detected there in March. The often painful illness most common- ly found in Asia and Africa was first detect- ed in December in tiny St. Martin. It was the first time that local transmis- sion of chikungunya had been reported in the Americas. Since then, it has spread to nearly a dozen other islands and French Guiana, an overseas department of France on the northern shoulder of South PORT-AU-PRINCE: An aedes aegypti America. The illness is rarely fatal and most mosquito is shown on human skin. chikungunya patients recover within a Health officials in the Dominican week. Some people experience joint pain Republic said that the mosquito-borne for months to years. There is no vaccine and chikungunya virus has spread widely it is spread by the pervasive Aedes aegypti since making its first appearance in the mosquito, which also transmits dengue country. —AP fever in the region. — AP Uruguay’s president signs

marijuana legalization rules SAN ANGELO: Texas State Park police officer Thomas Bigham walks across the cracked lake bed of Fisher Lake in San Angelo. Global warming is MONTEVIDEO: Uruguay’s President Jose Buyers must be 18 or older, residents rapidly turning America into a stormy and dangerous place, with rising seas and disasters upending lives from flood-stricken Florida to the Mujica yesterday signed off on regula- of Uruguay, and must register with wildfire-ravaged West. — AP tions for his country’s landmark legaliza- authorities. tion of its marijuana market. Officials said customers can buy up to The small South American country in 10 grams of marijuana a week at a price Climate change December became the first in the world of 20 to 22 pesos (about $0.90) per gram. to announce that it would regulate the Mujica, 78, is a leftist former guerrilla market for cannabis and its derivatives, a and medical doctor who leaves office this bold move by authorities frustrated with year.Heavily criticized by the United losing resources to fighting drug traffick- Nations’ International Narcotics Control already affecting US ing. The new rules state that the officially Board (INCB), Uruguay’s marijuana experi- sanctioned marijuana will have a 15 per- ment is being closely followed by coun- cent concentration of tetrahydrocannabi- tries eager to find an alternative to the WASHINGTON: When it came time to deliver a new lecture everybody else about low-flow toilets.” decades we’ve been collecting the dots about climate nol (THC) — the plant’s main psychoac- expensive and violent ‘war on drugs’ spear- federal report detailing what global warming is doing Since taking office, Obama has not proposed a change; now we’re connecting those dots.” In a White tive ingredient-and come in five varieties. headed by the United States. — AFP to America and the dire forecast for the future, specific tax on fossil fuel emissions. He has proposed a House conference call with reporters, National President Barack Obama turned to the pros who regu- system that caps emissions and allows companies to Climatic Data Center Director Tom Karl said his two larly deliver the bad news about wild weather: TV trade carbon pollution credits, but it has failed in biggest concerns were flooding from sea level rise on meteorologists. Congress. Republican Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana the U.S. coastlines - especially for the low-lying cities “We want to emphasize to the public, this is not said the report was supposed to be scientific but “it’s of Miami; Norfolk, Virginia; and Portsmouth, New some distant problem of the future. This is a problem more of a political one used to justify government Hampshire - and drought, heat waves and prolonged that is affecting Americans right now,” Obama told overreach.” And leaders in the fossil fuel industry, fire seasons in the Southwest. “Today” show weathercaster Al Roker. “Whether it which is responsible for a large amount of the heat- Even though the nation’s average temperature has means increased flooding, greater vulnerability to trapping carbon dioxide, said their energy is needed risen by between 1.3 and 1.9 degrees since record- drought, more severe wildfires - all these things are and America can’t afford to cut back. “Whether you keeping began in 1895, it’s in the big, wild weather having an impact on Americans as we speak.” agree or disagree with the report, the question is: where the average person feels climate change the Climate change’s assorted harms “are expected to What are you going to do about it? To us that is a most, said co-author Katharine Hayhoe, a Texas Tech become increasingly disruptive across the nation major question,” said Charlie Drevna, president of the University climate scientist. Extreme weather hits us in throughout this century and beyond,” the National American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers. He the pocketbook and can be seen with our own eyes, Climate Assessment concluded, emphasizing the called the report “overblown.” she said. The report says the intensity, frequency and impact of too-wild weather as well as simple warming. The report - it’s full of figures, charts and other duration of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes have Still, it’s not too late to prevent the worst of climate research-generated graphics - includes 3,096 foot- increased since the early 1980s, but it is still uncertain change, says the 840-page report, which the Obama notes referring to other mostly peer-reviewed how much of that is from man-made warming. Winter administration is highlighting as it tries to jump-start research. It was written by more than 250 scientists storms have increased in frequency and intensity and often-stalled efforts to curb heat-trapping gases. Said and government officials, starting in 2012. A draft was have shifted northward since the 1950s, it says. Also, White House science adviser John Holdren, “It’s a released in January 2013, but this version has been heavy downpours are increasing - by 71 percent in the good-news story about the many opportunities to reviewed by more scientists, including twice by the Northeast. Heat waves, such as those in Texas in 2011 take cost-effective actions to reduce the damage.” National Academy of Sciences, which called it “reason- and the Midwest in 2012, are projected to intensify Release of the report, the third edition of a con- able” and “a valuable resource.” nationwide. gressionally mandated study, gives Obama an oppor- Environmental groups praised the report. “If we Droughts in the Southwest are expected to get tunity to ground his campaign against climate change don’t slam the brakes on the carbon pollution driving stronger. Sea level has risen 8 inches since 1880 and is in science and numbers, endeavoring to blunt the climate change, we’re dooming ourselves and our projected to rise between 1 foot and 4 feet by 2100. WELLINGTON: New Zealand Health Minister Tony Ryall talks about designer drugs arguments of those who question the idea and children to more intense heat waves, destructive Climate data center chief Karl highlighted the increase yesterday in Wellington.The South Pacific nation has reversed course on allowing human contributions to such changes. Later this sum- floods and storms and surging sea levels,” said Frances in downpours. He said last week’s drenching, when some designer drugs to be legally sold after a public outcry about the toll they were mer, the administration plans to propose new regula- Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Pensacola, Florida, got up to 2 feet of rain in one storm taking. — AP tions restricting gases that come from existing coal- Council. Scientists and the White House called it the and parts of the East had 3 inches in one day, is what fired power plants. most detailed and U.S.-focused scientific report on he’s talking about. The report says “climate change global warming. threatens human health and well-being in many Designer drugs banned in Valuable resource ways.” Those include smoke-filled air from wildfires, Not everyone is convinced. Some fossil energy Biggest concerns smoggy air from pollution, and more diseases from New Zealand after outcry groups, conservative think tanks and Republican sen- The report looks at regional and state-level effects tainted food, water, mosquitoes and ticks. And the ators immediately assailed the report as “alarmist.” of global warming, compared with recent reports ragweed pollen season has lengthened. Flooding WELLINGTON: New Zealand yesterday complaints, no records of harm, no belief Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of from the United Nations that lumped all of North alone may cost $325 billion by the year 2100 in one of reversed course on allowing some design- that any of these substances caused any Kentucky said Obama was likely to “use the platform America together. “All Americans will find things that the worst-case scenarios, with $130 billion of that in er drugs to be legally sold after a public concern,” said Health Minister Tony Ryall to renew his call for a national energy tax. And I’m sure matter to them in this report,” said scientist Jerry Florida, the report says. Already the droughts and heat outcry about the toll they were taking. in an interview with The Associated Press. he’ll get loud cheers from liberal elites - from the kind Melillo of the Marine Biological Laboratory, who waves of 2011 and 2012 have added about $10 billion A law change effective Thursday will “What’s become quite clear in the subse- of people who leave a giant carbon footprint and then chaired the science committee that wrote it. “For to farm costs, the report says. — AP ban the sale and possession of all synthet- quent nine months or so is that they were ic drugs. That ends the sale of 36 sub- causing harm.” stances, many of which had been Ryall said manufacturers would need designed to mimic marijuana. Five other to decide if they wanted to pursue the Settlement seeks $100m substances were banned earlier this year. approval protocols but he would be hap- The changes come after some people py if they didn’t. said the drugs were addictive and were “It’s not going to worry me if someone fund for meningitis victims causing community disorder and vio- doesn’t want to do it because of the cost lence. Tens of thousands of people signed or anything, because actually I don’t think BOSTON: A settlement filed with a federal bankruptcy judge would cre- Sobol said he hoped the court would approve the plan by the end of various petitions opposing the drugs or we should have these substances if we ate a fund of more than $100 million to compensate victims of a nation- the year, with distributions to victims beginning in early 2015. plans to test them on animals. can avoid it,” he said. wide meningitis outbreak linked to a Massachusetts pharmacy, lawyers “There was unimaginable human death and suffering that cannot be The country last year gained interna- Ryall said health officials had been sur- said yesterday. compensated for in money no matter how much it would be,” he added. tional attention after enacting a novel prised to find the size of the market for The outbreak, blamed on a tainted steroid produced by the New Court proceedings new law that allowed those synthetic the drugs, estimated at about 140 million England Compounding Center, sickened more than 750 people in 20 The money would be distributed among families of those who died, drugs thought to be low-risk to be sold New Zealand dollars ($122 million) a year. states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said; 64 people those who sustained serious injuries after being injected with the steroid while waiting for pharmaceutical-style He said health professionals will help the died. The company surrendered its license after the 2012 outbreak, and other creditors. The victims developed fungal meningitis, an inflam- testing. 200 people known to have become which hit Michigan, Tennessee and Indiana the hardest, and later filed mation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, or other infections. The law still allows manufacturers to severely addicted to the drugs. for bankruptcy. The settlement was filed nearly five months after lawyers reached an sell the drugs if they can prove them low- Like many countries, New Zealand has The settlement, which must be approved by Judge Henry Boroff, was agreement in principal. risk after rigorous testing. But health offi- been inundated with designer drugs in reached between the owners of the company and court-appointed Moore said the objective of the negotiations was to resolve claims cials have yet to develop testing proto- recent years and often has found itself a bankruptcy trustee Paul Moore. It calls for the company’s owners to pay against the company without lengthy court proceedings, and he praised cols. And manufacturers may find the hur- step behind the manufacturers. Once a $50 million into the fund, with its insurers contributing another $25 mil- shareholders for their commitment to reaching a settlement that would dles insurmountable after lawmakers on drug is declared illegal, a maker often lion. The agreement would allow the owners to seek $20 million in tax benefit victims. A group of shareholders, in a statement, acknowledged Wednesday also banned the use of ani- alters its composition slightly to create a refunds, which also would be contributed to the fund, along with the that no amount of money could adequately compensate the families. mals in testing the products. new, legal compound. Ryall believes the proceeds of the proposed sale of an affiliated company, Ameridose, “This will bring hope to the lives of so many victims who lost loved new rules will stop that from happening. bringing the total of the fund to more than $100 million. ones and those who still are suffering the consequences from this horri- Interim licenses Other drugs like marijuana and Attorney Thomas Sobol, representing victims who sued the ble disaster,” said Anne Andrews, a California attorney who served as co- Framingham-based compounding pharmacy, said the settlement is chair of a committee representing unsecured creditors of the company. “The mistake at the passing of this leg- cocaine were already illegal in New “another important step in a frustratingly long process to get fair com- No criminal charges have been lodged in the case. The company’s islation was that 41 products were given Zealand and not subject to the law pensation to hundreds of victims of the meningitis outbreak.” owners have denied wrongdoing or liability. — AP interim licenses because there’d been no changes. — AP

WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

CAP hosts art exhibition

ontemporary Art Platform (The Art ments of history piling up on one another mere abstractions. But the orientation and and Museum of America in Massachusetts. Song Fusion, and Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Room) is set to host an art exhibition like an unstoppable vortex, as in Carved movement add purpose, the suggestion of He has works permanently on display at the Road Ensemble. He has performed at the Ccalled ‘Once Removed’ by artist History. Or take, for example, Rebuilding chaos and creation, a suggestion that Gyumri Museum of Armenia, St Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Chelsea Kevork Mourad from May 12 to June 11, the Tower of Babel. Here, an entire collec- implies the accumulation of history, the Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City Museum of Art, the Bronx Museum of Art, 2014. The opening reception is on May 11 tion of barely discernable objects swirls in passage of time, the inevitability of change” and, many other private and public collec- the Rhode Island School of Design, the between 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The event is held an upside-down funnel shape, drawn - Amy Rosenberg. tions. Chess Festival of Mexico City, The Armenian in collaboration with Fatina Al-Sayed. upward by some supreme force. Is that a Kevork Mourad was born in 1970 in His first experiment in the technique of Center for Contemporary Experimental Art “Kevork Mourad’s paintings carry a sense book, a church, a woman’s figure? Are those Kamechli, Syria from Armenian origin. He live visual performance that became his in Yerevan, Le Festival du Monde Arabe in of history, each one describing a timeline ancient ruins? It’s impossible to tell for sure, received his MFA in 1996 from the Yerevan defining medium started with the Gyumri Montreal, the Stillwater Festival, the Nara from the ancient past to the abstract future but what’s clear is that the same force Institute of Fine Arts in Armenia. Mourad is biennial, in which he performed with trom- Museum in Japan, the Art Institute of and containing suggestions of the conflict, drawing these objects upward is spinning both a painter and visual performer, his bonist David Minassian. Mourad has Chicago, the Rubin Museum of Art, Harvard violence, sadness, passion, and, for better them so furiously that they’re losing their paintings have been exhibited in solo worked with many world class musicians, University, Lincoln Center Atrium, the or for worse, humanity that define the shapes, melting into whatever matter it was shows at Gallery Z, in Providence Rhode Among them are Kinan Azmeh, Ezequiel American Museum of Natural History, the course of that timeline. As often as not, the that made them all in the first place. Island since 2002, as well as the Sasoontsi Vinao, Tambuco, Brooklyn Rider, Mari Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Central timeline as Mourad envisions it is a vertical Without the vertical feel and the sense of Gallery in California, at the Palace of Fine Kimura, Ken Ueno, Liubo Borissov, Eve Park’s Summer stage with the Silk Road one, the abstract and more concrete ele- motion, these melting forms might be Arts in San Francisco, the Armenian Library Beglarian, Rami Khalife, Maya Trio, SYOTOS, Ensemble and Bobby McFerrin.

OSN hosts Meet & Greet Dasman Diabetes Institute holds for Ben 10 fans in Kuwait

medical campaign at Sharq Mall SN, the region’s leading pay-TV network, and the the mall today and tomorrow from 5 pm to 10 pm and flagbearer for children’s entertainment in the on May 10, from 3 pm to 8 pm. Children can also take arek Aleryan, Director of PR and Media at DDI ment of a life-threatening condition known as diabetic OMiddle East and North Africa, is giving ardent fans delight in numerous Ben 10-themed activities including announced that the Pharmacotherapy Services ketoacidosis through identifying and recognizing one of of Cartoon Network’s beloved child hero, Ben 10, the face painting, live colouring stations, and action-packed TDepartment in collaboration with the Public the primary symptoms of the condition such as night opportunity to meet and greet with their favourite star. performances. Ben 10 will also visit The Avenues Mall on Relations and Media Services, as well as the Clinical bedwetting. The event will involve various activities Followers of the hit television May 29 and 30. OSN continues to Services Departments of the Dasman Diabetes Institute including blood-sugar screening services in addition to series across Kuwait will be able to bring world-class entertainment will launch the seventh community outreach activity, distribution of educational material. Clinical pharmacists meet with their idol and pose for to children and families across the “Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Prevention Campaign” at and medical information specialists will be available to photographs. Held at Al-Bairaq Middle East and North Africa. Most Sharq mall in Kuwait city today from 10 am till 6 pm. This answer the questions of the visitors regarding DKA and Mall, OSN will provide children recently, the network hosted a campaign aims to enhance the awareness of the public in Diabetes in general. Dasman Diabetes Institute is a non- with the chance to interact with region-wide tour of Marvel’s Kuwait about the signs of an early diagnosis of Type 1 profit affiliate of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement Humungousaur, the famous char- Spider-Man, Iron Man, and The Diabetes in children to avoid or to minimize the develop- of Sciences (KFAS). acter from Ben 10. Kids can visit Hulk. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa celebrates a series of firsts Luxury hotel receives ‘Kuwait’s Leading Business Hotel 2014’ award from WTA umeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Kuwait’s an impressive selection of six restaurants, cafÈs and idyllic resort, is delighted to have won its first lounges. Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa also Jindustry award after being voted ‘Kuwait’s offers conference and banquet facilities that make it Leading Business Hotel’ for 2014 at the prestigious a perfect venue for meetings and events. 2014 World Travel Awards (WTA). The award, which Its centerpiece, the ‘Badriah’, is the largest ball- was presented at the WTA’s Middle East Gala room in Kuwait and is complemented by Al-Reef, a Ceremony in Dubai, coincides with the hotel’s first hidden haven, ideal for VIP events, board meetings, anniversary. “We are proud and delighted to have small social events and cocktail receptions. The hotel been voted as the Leading Business Hotel in Kuwait,” also has two meeting halls, the Messilah ballrooms Sheikha Entesar Salem Tareq Mohammad said newly appointed General Manager Hakan one and two, which can flexibly provide five break- Al-Ali Al-Sabah Petek. “Such recognition is truly reflective of the lux- out rooms for meetings and exhibitions. ury hotel brand’s consistency in delivering service Furthermore, Dewan, comprises five break-out Kuwait Song Festival announced excellence to all our guests. This achievement would rooms for board meetings and social events. not have been made possible without the tireless A complete destination for business and leisure he Kuwait Song Festival is an opportunity to discover talent in Kuwait in fields that efforts of the hotel’s hardworking colleagues. I wish travelers in Kuwait, the luxurious beachfront devel- include singing, composing, lyrics and distribution, Chairperson Sheikha Entesar to thank and congratulate them for a job very well opment offers the most sought after Talise Spa, the TSalem Al-Ali Al-Sabah said. Sheikha Entesar also announced that registration for the done.” Sinbad’s Kids Club and the Scene Teens Club, floodlit competition takes place between May 15-22, 2014. Participants can contribute by singing Apart from its 407 elegantly appointed guest tennis court, two swimming pools and 200 meters of traditional or new songs, she added. Head of the organizing committee, Tariq Mohammad, rooms that include 316 rooms and suites, 79 residen- private beach, providing guests of all ages with fun said that the festival will take place annually in order to showcase Kuwaiti talent. General Manager Hakan Petek tial suites and 12 private and luxurious villas, there is activities.

BSK Festival of Achievement and Graduation 2014

he British School of Kuwait celebrated 36 ed the Leadership Award to Abbas Ali, the throughout the world. Ambassadors of Austria, cemented the already strong links between were treated to a series of musical treats from the years at the forefront of British education, Council of International School’s Award (CIS) to Australia, Canada, Egypt and Switzerland pre- Britain and Kuwait. BSK String Orchestra (Prelude from Carmen), La Twhen parents and dignitaries gathered in Ishita Handa and the much coveted Director’s sented language awards for German, English, In reply the BSK Principal, Paul Shropshire, Camerata (First movement from Bach’s Double the magnificent splendor of the Futouh Ballroom Award to Head Boy Dario Gelevski. Guests also Russian, Arabic and French. Guest speaker Dr delivered his state of the school address which Violin Concerto) and Chamber Ensemble(Henry at the Regency Hotel to laud the many wonder- included British Ambassador Frank Baker OBE, Khalid spoke very warmly about the breath and included an outline of the latest developments in V111’s Pastime with Good Company) Head stu- ful achievements which the past academic year who officiated at the Year 11 Graduation and standard of education which BSK parents had BSK’s virtual learning environment. All students in dents Ankita Handa and Dario Gelevsky brought has brought. BSK was privileged to have Dr presented the Service Award to Clarisse Furtado. chosen for their children by sending them to the Primary phase now utilize iPad technology to the evening to a close with a vote of thanks to the Khalid Al-Rasheed, Assistant Undersecretary for BSK Chairman, Sadiq Al-Mutawa, welcomed the BSK. Ambassador Baker developed this theme by access a wide range of interactive learning appli- Director, Vera Al-Mutawa and the Festival of General Education, as patron for this most glit- graduates of the class of 2014 and urged them to referring to B for British, S for School and K for cations. All secondary students use a laptop com- Achievement and Graduation Ceremony 2014 tering occasion in the school calendar. Dr Khalid continue their great efforts as they set out to Kuwait as he underlined how the wide curricu- puter as easily as a pencil or a pen. Achievement came to a rousing finale with a salute to the par- officiated at the Sixth Form Graduation, present- take up places in universities and colleges lum and extra-curricular activities of the school in the creative arts was also celebrated. Guests ents and staff of The British School of Kuwait.

FSIS students showcase talent in musical

lementary students at Fawzia Sultan International that was later transformed in to a Disney motion picture. proud to see that the hard work and months of relentless appreciate all the support we received from parents School (FSIS) performed their latest musical play, Flying to and from the island of Neverland, and splashing practice by our students in collaboration with their teach- throughout the Peter Pan journey, and we look forward to Etitled Peter Pan, an adaptation of the original piece, through the Mermaid Lagoon, all students were given the ers, have paid off, and are reflected in this wonderful play turning in more exciting performances in the future.” that showcased students’ talents in dancing, singing and opportunity to take part in the play and perform their that we all had the honor to enjoy. I would like to congrat- This is the first year that every single elementary staff acting before an audience of parents and staff members. own lines on stage. ulate our elementary students and faculty members on and students participated in a musical, as it included a Every other year, the elementary department presents The musical show comprised 12 scenes including vari- their tremendous accomplishment, and for allowing us to total of 36 students and 18 staff members, who all had an a new play, a project that was first introduced seven years ous performances taken from the original piece. With the relive one of the most enjoyable piece of literature in his- essential part in the play. Through selling tickets and host- ago by a fifth grade teacher at FSIS, who believed in giving guidance of teachers and staff members, students created tory.” ing a bake sale, the elementary department was able to students the opportunity to participate in an extra cur- their very own version of the play, while retelling the fun Parents were supportive of additional hours put by stu- raise funds for the musical. The production took several riculum activity that includes drama and music. adventures of Peter Pan, Wendy Darling, Tinker Bell and dents during late rehearsals. They also helped their chil- months of preparation in which students rehearsed and Elementary students showed off their acting talents Captain Hook. dren study their lines and some even volunteered to help practiced continuously with their teachers to bring on the while reliving the events of J M Barrie’s famous 1904 play FSIS Director, Tania Callaway, said: “I am extremely with costumes and makeup. Callaway added: “We also best performances possible on that day. TV PROGRAMS THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

04:40 Lost And Sold 05:05 How It’s Made 05:30 How Stuff’s Made 06:00 Bear Grylls: Escape From Hell ‘Palo Alto’ review: Franco’s 00:45 I’m Alive 07:00 You Have Been Warned 01:35 Untamed & Uncut 07:50 Finding Bigfoot 00:00 80s: The Decade That Made Us compassionate look at 02:25 Lion Man: One World African 08:40 Fast N’ Loud 01:00 Hard Time Safari 09:30 Border Security 02:00 Brave New World a teenage wasteland 03:15 Natural World 09:55 Baggage Battles 03:00 Situation Critical 04:55 Animal Cops Phoenix 10:20 Lost And Sold 04:00 The Indestructibles aving the last name “Coppola” doesn’t automatically 05:45 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 10:45 How It’s Made 05:00 Naked Science 2.5 make you a filmmaker of note - Exhibit A: “A 06:35 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 11:10 How Stuff’s Made 06:00 Megastructures Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III” - but 07:00 Escape To Chimp Eden H 11:35 Treehouse Masters 07:00 Rebuilding Titanic first-time writer-director Gia Coppola does the family name 07:25 Weird Creatures With Nick 12:25 You Have Been Warned 08:0080s: The Decade That Made Us proud with “Palo Alto,” a compassionate examination of Baker 13:15 Mythbusters 09:00 Hard Time bewildered suburban teens. 08:15 The Magic Of The Big Blue 14:05 Border Security 10:00 Street Monkeys Adapting the book of stories by the ever-busy James 09:10 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 14:30 Baggage Battles 11:00 Situation Critical Franco (who appears here in the supporting role of a soc- 10:05 Lion Man: One World African 14:55 Lost And Sold 12:00 The Indestructibles cer coach who gets too involved with one of his stu- Safari 15:20 World’s Biggest Ship 13:00 Naked Science 2.5 dents), Coppola doesn’t let these kids off the hook for 11:00 Animal Precinct 16:10 Fast N’ Loud 14:00 Megastructures their stupid decisions, of which they make many, but 11:55 Escape To Chimp Eden 17:00 Flying Wild Alaska 15:00 80s Greatest she’s not judging them for their folly, either. Unchecked 12:20 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 17:50 Wheeler Dealers 16:0080s: The Decade That Made Us privilege and clueless parents are trotted out as part of 12:50 ER Vets 18:40 You Have Been Warned 17:00 Hard Time the problem, but Coppola seems more interested in 13:15 ER Vets 19:30 Bear Grylls: Escape From Hell 18:00 Brave New World exploring human frailty and vulnerability than she is in 13:45 Austin Stevens Adventures 20:20 How It’s Made 19:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime digging for a social statement. 14:40 Lion Man: One World African 20:45 How Stuff’s Made Odyssey It’s an effective tactic, and as a result the film calls to Safari 21:10 Baggage Battles 20:00 Stonehenge Decoded mind earlier classics of angst-filed youths lashing out, 15:30 Treehouse Masters 21:35 Lost And Sold from the cult gem “Over the Edge” to Coppola’s aunt 16:30 The Magic Of The Big Blue Sofia’s debut feature “The Virgin Suicides.” Emma Roberts, 17:25 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner playing a more awkward and gangly adolescent than 18:20 Journey Of Life we’ve ever seen her portray, stars as April, a high school 19:15 Call Of The Wildman senior dealing with the usual dilemmas about boys and 20:10 Swimming With Monsters: 00:20 Animal Fight Club 00:00 Chelsea Lately 01:10 Monster Fish school and the future. She likes Teddy (the cherubic Jack Steve Backshall 00:30 The Dance Scene Kilmer), but the night they connect emotionally, he gets 21:05 Lion Man: One World African 02:00 Ultimate Predators GPU 00:55 The Spin Crowd 02:50 Dead or Alive really drunk at a party and goes into a bedroom with Safari 01:25 Style Star Emily (Zoe Levin), a girl so desperate to be loved that she 22:00 Call Of The Wildman 03:45 Maneater Manhunt 02:20 E! Investigates 04:40 Built For The Kill makes herself too available sexually. 03:15 Extreme Close-Up 05:35 Ultimate Predators GPU 04:10 E!ES 06:30 Dead or Alive 06:00 THS 07:25 Maneater Manhunt 07:50 Style Star 08:20 Monster Fish 00:05 Doctors 08:20 E! News 09:15 Man Hunt 00:35 Silk 09:15 Opening Act 10:10 World’s Weirdest 01:30 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 10:15 Married To Jonas 11:05 World’s Deadliest Killers 02:15 Twenty Twelve 10:40 Chasing The Saturdays 12:00 Shark Gangs 02:45 Stolen 11:10 Eric And Jessie: Game On 12:55 Ultimate Predators GPU 04:15 The Weakest Link 12:05 E! News 13:50 Dead or Alive 05:00 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 14:45 Maneater Manhunt 05:20 The Green Balloon Club 13:35 E! Entertainment Special 15:40 Monster Fish 05:45 Poetry Pie 14:30 Style Star 16:35 Man Hunt 05:50 Gigglebiz 15:00 Keeping Up With The 17:30 Anaconda: Queen Of The 06:05 Bobinogs Kardashians Serpent 06:15 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 18:25 Animals Gone Wild 06:35 The Green Balloon Club 18:00 E! News 19:20 Ultimate Predators GPU 07:00 Poetry Pie 19:00 The E! True Hollywood Story 20:10 Dead or Alive 07:05 Gigglebiz 20:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 21:00 Maneater Manhunt STEEL MAGNOLIAS ON OSN MOVIES KIDS 07:20 Bobinogs 21:00 Fashion Police 21:50 Monster Fish 07:25 After You’ve Gone 21:30 The Fabulist 22:40 Man Hunt 18:00 Last Man Standing 07:00 IPL Highlights 08:00 Twenty Twelve 22:00 Party On 18:30 New Girl 08:00 IPL Highlights 08:30 Absolutely Fabulous 22:30 E! News 19:00 The Mindy Project 09:00 ICC Cricket 360 09:00 Eastenders 19:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 09:30 IPL Highlights 09:30 Doctors 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 00:45 Amour-PG15 10:30 IPL Highlights 10:00 The Weakest Link Jimmy Fallon 03:00 Unforgettable-18 11:30 IPL Highlights 12:30 IPL Highlights 10:45 King George & Queen Mary 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 05:00 Crazy / Beautiful-PG15 07:15 Earth-PG15 13:30 ICC Cricket 360 11:40 After You’ve Gone Stewart Stewart 09:00 Wild Card-PG15 14:00 IPL Highlights 12:10 Absolutely Fabulous 01:00 The Colbert Report 21:30 The Colbert Report CHOICE HD 11:00 Here On Earth-PG15 15:00 IPL Highlights 12:40 Twenty Twelve 00:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 01:30 Sean Saves The World 13:00 Atlas Shrugged-PG15 16:00 IPL Highlights 13:10 Eastenders 01:30 Emmerdale 02:00 Brickleberry 15:00 Of Two Minds-PG15 17:00 ICC Cricket 360 13:40 Doctors 02:25 Coronation Street 02:30 Weeds 17:00 Here On Earth-PG15 17:30 Live IPL 03:00 The Simpsons 14:10 The Weakest Link 02:55 Come Dine With Me Ireland 00:00 Almost Human 19:00 Murder On The Home Front- 21:00 ICC Cricket 360 Driving home drunk, Teddy gets into a car accident 14:55 King George & Queen Mary 03:25 Vera 03:30 Back In The Game 01:00 House Of Cards PG15 21:30 IPL Highlights and has to serve community service. (Francis Ford 15:50 After You’ve Gone 05:15 May The Best House Win 04:00 Seinfeld 02:00 American Horror Story: 21:00 All The King’s Men-PG15 22:30 IPL Coppola provides the offscreen voice of the judge who 16:20 Lark Rise To Candleford Abroad 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring Coven 23:15 The Best Man-PG15 hands down the sentence.) Teddy’s lack of hanging-out Jimmy Fallon 17:15 Eastenders 06:10 The Jonathan Ross Show 03:00 Nip/Tuck availability annoys his friend Fred (Nat Wolff), who winds 05:30 My Boys 17:45 Doctors 07:05 Come Dine With Me Ireland 04:00 Scandal up hooking up with Emily himself. Meanwhile, April’s 18:15 The Weakest Link 06:00 The Goodwin Games 05:00 Once Upon A Time coach (Franco) starts putting the moves on his young 07:30 Vera 06:30 Friends 19:00 My Hero 06:00 Almost Human charge. 09:20 May The Best House Win 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 01:15 Fright Night 2: New Blood-18 00:05 The Split 19:30 The Cafe 07:00 Betrayal Abroad 08:00 Seinfeld 08:00 Zero Hour 03:00 Steel Magnolias-PG15 01:40 Cool Hand Luke 20:00 The Children Indie clichés 10:15 Doc Martin 08:30 My Boys 09:00 Scandal 05:00 Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds 03:50 The Split 20:45 Love Life 11:10 Emmerdale 09:00 The Simpsons 10:00 Betrayal Away-PG 05:20 TCM Presents Under...-PG (For those keeping score at home: Gia Coppola is 21:30 The Vicar Of Dibley 12:00 Coronation Street 09:30 The Mindy Project 11:00 Once Upon A Time 07:00 Gnomeo & Juliet-PG 05:55 TCM Presents Under The...-PG Francis’ granddaughter, Roberts is Eric’s daughter and 22:00 Incredible Journeys With 12:30 The Jonathan Ross Show 10:00 Modern Family 12:00 Emmerdale 09:00 The Guilt Trip-PG15 06:25 TCM Presents Under...-U Julia’s niece, Kilmer is the son of Val - who plays April’s Steve Leonard 13:25 May The Best House Win 10:30 Friends 12:30 Coronation Street 11:00 Zambezia-PG 07:00 The Trouble With Girls-FAM bohemian stepfather - and Joanne Whalley, and Wolff is 22:50 The Weakest Link Abroad 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 13:00 The Chateau Meroux-PG15 08:40 Seven Brides For Seven the son of “thirtysomething” star Polly Draper.) Coppola 15:00 Gambit-PG15 23:35 The Cafe 14:20 Doc Martin Jimmy Fallon 14:00 Zero Hour Brothers-FAM indulges in a few indie clichÈs (at one point, April sticks 17:00 The Guilt Trip-PG15 10:20 Grand Prix-PG 15:10 Come Dine With Me Ireland 12:00 The Goodwin Games 15:00 Graceland her hand out the window of a moving car and makes a 18:45 The Mortal Instruments: City 13:05 Captain Sindbad-FAM 15:35 The Chase 12:30 Seinfeld 16:00 Emmerdale wave motion, a stock shot that Andy Samberg brilliantly 16:30 Coronation Street Of Bones-PG15 14:30 Flipper-FAM 16:30 Four Weddings UK 13:00 My Boys lampooned on the Spirit Awards a few years ago), but 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 21:00 A Good Day To Die Hard- 16:00 Bells Are Ringing-FAM 17:25 The Hungry Sailors 13:30 Friends PG15 these kids seem real: sometimes you want to smack them 14:00 Back In The Game 18:00 Zero Hour 18:05 Designing Woman-FAM 18:20 Doc Martin 23:00 The Haunting In Connecticut 20:00 Never So Few-PG in the head, sometimes you want to give them a big hug 14:30 The Mindy Project 19:00 Necessary Roughness 19:10 Coronation Street 2: Ghosts Of Georgia-18 22:00 The Champ-PG and protect them from a world they don’t seem ready to 15:00 Modern Family 20:00 American Idol 00:30 Treehouse Masters 19:35 The Chase face. Roberts is 23 and Franco is 36, but her body lan- 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 22:00 Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D 01:20 You Have Been Warned 20:30 Four Weddings UK guage and mode of dress here makes the age gap seem Stewart 02:10 Mythbusters much larger, accentuating the creepiness of the soccer 21:25 The Hungry Sailors 16:00 The Colbert Report coach’s intentions. The actress has made a career out of 03:00 You Have Been Warned 22:20 Coronation Street 16:30 The Goodwin Games 03:50 Border Security 22:50 Emmerdale 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 00:00 The Call playing precocious and self-assured characters, going all 04:15 Baggage Battles 23:45 Doc Martin 02:00 Mirror Mirror 00:00 Storage Wars the way back to “Nancy Drew,” but this feels like her most 00:00 Hobo With A Shotgun 04:00 Chimpanzee 00:30 Pawn Stars naturalistic teen portrayal: gawky, uncertain, blooming 02:00 Abraham Lincoln: Vampire 06:00 The Call 01:00 Swamp People and easily shattered. Hunter 08:00 House At The End Of The 02:00 Mountain Men Jack Kilmer makes his acting debut here, and I hope 04:00 Resident Evil: Damnation Street 03:00 Storage Wars 03:30 Storage Wars more filmmakers can provide roles this interesting to a 06:00 The Expatriate 10:00 Jesse Stone: Benefit Of The performer who comes off as very natural and instinctive. 10:00 Meteor Storm 04:00 Pawn Stars Doubt Whatever it is he’s currently got, here’s hoping the movies 11:45 Broken Path 12:00 The Incredible Burt 05:00 Ancient Aliens 13:30 Skyfall 06:00 Storage Wars Texas don’t beat it out of him. Wolff, on the other hand, is a lifer, Wonderstone with credits going back to the “Naked Brothers Band” TV 16:00 Meteor Storm 14:00 Dangerous Attraction 06:30 Counting Cars 17:45 Legendary Amazons 16:00 House At The End Of The 07:00 Swamp People show, but he also comes off as interestingly conflicted; he 19:30 Skyfall Street 08:00 American Restoration commits awful acts, but Fred is no two-dimensional vil- 22:00 Heebie Jeebies 18:00 Trouble With The Curve 08:30 Cajun Pawn Stars lain. As Emily, Levin delivers a lot of what her character’s 20:00 Hope Springs 09:00 Storage Wars Texas going through via her expressive eyes, and Coppola puts 22:00 The Watch 09:30 Counting Cars the character through the wringer without exploiting the 10:00 Pawn Stars actress or the audience’s need to watch young women 10:30 Pawn Stars 11:00 Storage Wars get abused. I don’t want to oversell “Palo Alto”; it’s a film 00:00 Abraham Lincoln: Vampire that successfully travels in a very established genre, and Hunter-18 11:30 Storage Wars 12:00 Swamp People its successes have more to do with doing something well 02:00 Resident Evil: Damnation-18 00:00 Super Rugby than doing something new. But it’s the kind of first film, 02:00 European Tour Weekly 13:00 Ancient Aliens 04:00 The Expatriate-PG15 both for the writer-director and for Jack Kilmer, that 08:00 Meteor Storm-PG15 02:30 Inside The PGA Tour 14:00 Mountain Men 09:45 Broken Path-PG15 03:00 International Rugby League 15:00 Swamp People makes me eager to see what comes next. — Reuters 11:30 Skyfall-PG15 05:00 International Rugby League 16:00 Swamp People 14:00 Meteor Storm-PG15 07:00 Super Rugby 17:00 Pawn Stars 15:45 Legendary Amazons-PG15 09:00 Super Rugby 17:30 Pawn Stars 17:30 Skyfall-PG15 11:00 European Tour Weekly 18:00 Storage Wars AwesomenessTV to 20:00 Heebie Jeebies-PG15 11:30 Inside The PGA Tour 18:30 Storage Wars 22:00 Deep Rising-PG15 12:00 International Rugby League 19:00 Swamp People produce movie with Vine 14:00 Seven World Series 20:00 Mountain Men 15:30 HSBC Sevens World Series 21:00 Pawn Stars stars Grier, Dallas 18:30 Golfing World 21:30 Storage Wars 22:00 Ultimate Wheels 19:30 This is PGA Tour wesomenessTV CEO Brian Robbins will make a 00:00 Cottage Country-PG15 20:00 Live PGA Tour 23:00 American Restoration 02:00 Office Space-PG15 23:30 American Restoration movie with Nash Grier and Cameron Dallas, two 04:00 Mad Buddies-PG15 Aof the most popular personalities on Twitter’s 05:45 Think Like A Man-PG15 TLC HD Vine video service. Robbins directed movies such as 08:00 Father Of The Bride Part II- 00:10 Hoarding: Buried Alive “Varsity Blues” and “Hardball” before founding 01:00 42 Stone Mum ‚Äì One Year PG15 03:30 Trans World Sport AwesomenessTV, one of the largest networks of online Later 10:00 Paranorman-PG 04:30 European Tour Weekly 01:50 Bizarre ER video channels in the world. 12:00 Mad Buddies-PG15 05:00 Inside the PGA Tour 02:15 Bizarre ER Robbins, a successful TV and film producer, 14:00 4 Wedding Planners-PG15 05:30 Futbol Mundial 02:40 Sister Wives switched his focus to digital media after producing a 16:00 Paranorman-PG 06:00 Champions Tour Highlights 03:05 Sister Wives movie with YouTube star Fred (real name Lucas 18:00 Fun Size-PG15 07:00 Golfing World 03:30 I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant 20:00 Rock Of Ages-PG15 08:00 Total Rugby Cruikshank). That movie spawned several sequels, and 03:55 Long Island Medium 22:15 Cottage Country-PG15 08:30 Sevens World Series Robbins is betting Vine stars can deliver a similar fol- 04:20 Say Yes To The Dress Highlights lowing. “Nash and Cam have really authentic voices 04:45 Say Yes To The Dress 12:00 Golfing World and a strong connection with their audience, which is 05:10 Toddlers & Tiaras 13:00 Super Rugby 06:00 Oprah: Behind The Scenes why we’re so excited they are going to be part of the 15:00 Super Rugby 07:00 What Not To Wear AwesomenessTV family,” Robbins said in a statement. 17:00 NHL 07:50 Brides Of Beverly Hills “Making a movie is a natural next step for them. They 01:00 Resistance 19:00 WWE NXT 08:15 Brides Of Beverly Hills 03:00 Love And Honor 20:00 Trans World Sport already have a dedicated fan base.” 08:40 Something Borrowed, 05:00 Flower Girl 21:00 Live Premier League Darts Grier and Dallas boast more than 11 million follow- 07:00 Me And You Something New ers combined on the popular video platform, which 09:00 Resistance 09:05 Something Borrowed, supports only short-form video. Grier also boasts 3.5 11:00 Love And Honor Something New 13:00 Arctic Blast 09:30 Toddlers & Tiaras million followers across Twitter and Instagram. The two 15:00 Salmon Fishing In The Yemen 10:20 Say Yes To The Dress young actors will also introduce their YouTube chan- 17:00 The Lady 01:00 IPL 10:45 Say Yes To The Dress nels to AwesomenessTV’s network and rely on the 19:15 The Tall Man 04:30 ICC Cricket 360 11:10 Cake Boss company for helping them secure sponsors and adver- 21:00 Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy 05:00 IPL Highlights 11:35 Jon & Kate Plus 8 tisers. — Reuters THE EXPATRIATE ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 23:15 Side Effects 06:00 IPL Highlights 12:00 Little People, Big World Classifieds

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (08/05/2014 TO 14/05/2014)

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 8/5/2014 JZR 779 Jeddah 14:20 Departure Flights on Thursday 8/5/2014 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 741 Dammam 14:35 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 QTR 1079 Doha 14:55 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:40 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:20 FDB 058 Dubai 15:00 JZR 267 Beirut 00:25 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:35 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05 JZR 539 Cairo 00:30 KNE 460 Riyadh 15:05 KLM 411 Amsterdam 00:55 KAC 673 Dubai 15:05 DLH 637 Dammam 00:35 KNE 470 Jeddah 15:35 JZR 502 Luxor 01:30 KAC 617 Doha 15:30 JZR 555 Alexandria 01:25 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 DLH 637 Frankfurt 01:35 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:35 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:25 MPH 093 Amsterdam 15:40 THY 773 Istanbul 02:20 KNE 481 Taif 15:50 MSC 403 Asyut 01:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:50 MSC 404 Asyut 02:30 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 SAI 441 Lahore 01:35 KAC 672 Dubai 16:00 SAI 442 Lahore 02:35 JZR 188 Dubai 15:50 THY 764 Istanbul 01:40 KAC 118 New York 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:55 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 JZR 535 Cairo 16:05 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 GFA 211 Bahrain 01:55 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 FDB 068 Dubai 03:45 KNE 471 Jeddah 16:30 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 RJA 640 Amman 16:20 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:30 JZR 125 Bahrain 16:25 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:20 OMA 646 Muscat 16:50 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:35 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:45 QTR 1077 Doha 04:25 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:50 JZR 560 Sohag 04:50 MPH 093 Dubai/SIN 17:10 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 KAC 562 Amman 16:50 MSC 406 Sohag 05:00 QTR 1073 Doha 17:20 UAE 857 Dubai 16:55 RJA 641 Amman 17:20 QTR 1076 Doha 03:25 QTR 1085 Doha 05:20 JZR 538 Cairo 17:40 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:00 JZR 175 Dubai 17:10 THY 765 Istanbul 06:00 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:45 THY 770 Istanbul 04:35 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 JAI 575 Abu Dhabi/Kochi 06:30 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:50 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 UAL 982 IAD 17:25 RJA 643 Amman 06:35 UAE 858 Dubai 18:15 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:15 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 IRA 673 Ahwaz 06:20 KAC 742 Dammam 17:35 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:00 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 BAW 157 London 06:35 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 JZR 240 Amman 07:05 JZR 156 Dubai 18:20 GEC 8367 Sharjah 06:55 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 17:45 IRA 672 Ahwaz 07:20 UAL 982 Bahrain 18:40 KAC 382 Delhi 07:30 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 KAC 537 Sohag 08:00 JZR 238 Amman 18:45 JZR 503 Luxor 07:40 TAR 328 Tunis/Dubai 18:05 BAW 156 London 08:25 TAR 328 Tunis 18:55 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 KAC 542 Cairo 18:15 GEC 8367 Frankfurt 08:35 FDB 064 Dubai 19:10 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:50 QTR 1080 Doha 18:25 JZR 778 Jeddah 08:45 QTR 1081 Doha 19:25 QTR 1086 Doha 07:55 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 ABY 120 Sharjah 19:40 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 FDB 063 Dubai 18:30 QTR 1087 Doha 08:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:00 KAC 104 London 18:45 KAC 789 Jeddah 09:00 AXB 394 Kozhikode 19:55 KAC 382 Delhi 08:00 AXB 393 Kozhikode 18:55 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 FDB 052 Dubai 20:10 KAC 352 Kochi 08:05 ABY 129 Sharjah 19:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:30 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 KAC 618 Doha 19:00 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:35 JAI 571 Mumbai 20:35 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 FDB 5062 Dubai 20:50 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 FDB 051 Dubai 19:10 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:00 KAC 331 Trivandrum 20:50 ABY 125 Sharjah 08:50 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:15 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:55 KAC 502 Beirut 19:20 FDB 056 Dubai 10:15 OMA 648 Muscat 20:55 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:00 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 KAC 101 London/New York 10:25 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 KAC 351 Kochi 21:05 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:30 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:35 IZG 4162 Mashhad 10:40 FDB 055 Dubai 09:35 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 OMA 647 Muscat 19:55 JZR 552 Alexandria 21:15 IZG 4161 Mashhad 09:40 FDB 5061 Dubai 20:05 KAC 671 Dubai 11:20 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:30 MSR 5510 Beirut 09:45 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 KAC 561 Amman 11:25 KAC 543 Cairo 21:30 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:15 KAC 541 Cairo 11:30 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 QTR 8646 Doha 10:30 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 21:55 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:30 KAC 501 Beirut 11:40 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:55 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 KLM 417 Amsterdam 20:55 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:45 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 561 Sohag 11:15 KNE 480 Taif 21:00 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 MSC 405 Sohag 11:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 QTR 8646 Beirut 12:00 UAE 860 Dubai 22:25 FDB 8059 Dubai 11:55 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 JZR 174 Dubai 12:05 KAC 381 Delhi 22:30 SYR 341 Damascus 12:05 QTR 1074 Doha 21:30 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:15 QTR 1075 Doha 22:40 TBZ 5483 Mashhad 12:30 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:20 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:40 JZR 241 Amman 12:40 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 FDB 8060 Dubai 12:45 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:45 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 THY 6512 Istanbul 22:10 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 MSR 5511 Cairo 22:45 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 FDB 059 Dubai 22:10 SYR 342 Damascus 13:05 FDB 060 Dubai 22:55 MSR 579 Sohag 13:05 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:25 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 KAC 203 Lahore 23:10 THY 766 Istanbul 13:10 UAL 981 Bahrain 22:40 JZR 124 Bahrain 13:30 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:35 KAC 538 Sohag 13:40 JZR 157 Dubai 22:55 TBZ 5484 Mashhad 13:45 THY 6512 Istanbul 23:40 QTR 1078 Doha 13:45 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 MSR 580 Sohag 13:50 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:40 FDB 057 Dubai 13:50 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:20 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:50 KAC 790 Jeddah 14:15 THY 772 Istanbul 23:45 THY 767 Istanbul 14:10 JZR 528 Asyut 23:50 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

CROSSWORD 541 STAR TRACK

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

Uncertainty about professional matters can lead to an increased deter- A number of visitors could come to your home today, Libra, and a num- mination to get ahead, Aries, despite confusion as to how to do it exact- ber of fascinating subjects could come up in the course of your conver- ly. It might be wise to do some research, organize all your information, sation. Some interesting ideas might come directly or indirectly from and use that to formulate a plan of action. The resulting advancement these discussions. You might want to put them to use formulating plans may be slow moving, but it’s sure and steady. A wealth of experience of action to make your future more fulfilling. Professional, financial, and that enriches your life should follow. spiritual opportunities could all open up for you. Go for it!

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

The opportunity to travel, perhaps with friends or a group you belong Some short trips in your neighborhood and contact with neighbors or to, could come your way today, Taurus. Discussions with others could visitors to your community could bring some interesting information lead to the confirmation of practical arrangements. You might also seek your way, Scorpio. It gets you thinking about ways to improve your to advance your education, as your intellect is especially active now. socioeconomic status and probably your professional standing. Whatever new experiences come your way could lead to new paths, Spiritual and philosophical discussions could also take place. In addi- interests, and opportunities. Don’t let doubts or fears get in your way. tion, your insights can prove as valuable as any outside information. Trust your intuition and follow your heart.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

An increased focus, clarity of mind, and sense of concentration could A talent for interior decoration that you may or may not have been lead to success in career matters and increased income, Gemini. aware of could inspire you to do some work on your home. You’ll proba- ACROSS DOWN Intuition can provide practical guidance to help you advance. A male bly consider a lot of different options and make long lists of possibili- 1. A book of the New Testament. 1. Make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose. ties, Sagittarius. Discussions with friends and family members can bring 5. A bag used for carrying money and small per- 2. A roll of tobacco for smoking. friend might give you some good advice with regard to savings plans, investments, or a more efficient use of resources. This could be a fruitful new ideas to mind. You might want to take a chance and try something sonal items or accessories (especially by 3. The capital of Nationalist China. a little different. Go to it and have fun. women). 4. Having an oblique or slanted direction. day that opens new doors for you. Make the most of it! 12. A constellation in the southern hemisphere 5. A lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in near Telescopium and Norma. the blood. 15. The face of a timepiece. 6. Garlic mayonnaise. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. A picture (or series of pictures) representing 7. Swedish chemist remembered for his inven- Cancer (June 21-July 22) a continuous scene. tion of dynamite and for the bequest that creat- 17. Characteristic of a mob. ed the Nobel prizes (1833-1896). 18. A fee charged for exchanging currencies. 8. The phenomenon of resistance to motion Invitations to attend social events, perhaps business related, could Spiritual and intellectual matters may be very much on your mind, 19. Of or relating to or affecting a lobe. through a fluid. bring surprising results, Cancer. You might meet more than one person Capricorn. A lot of ideas could have come your way, although until now 20. Sports equipment that is worn on the feet to 9. United States writer of poems and plays who shares some of your interests, and these people could become they may not have been very focused. Today, however, your mind enable the wearer to glide along on wheels and about racial conflict (born in 1934). friends. Expect some interesting practical and philosophical discus- should be clear enough to write down your thoughts and read the to be propelled by the alternate actions of the 10. Before noon. sions. An opportunity to travel abroad or to a distant state might open legs. works of others in order to gain more insight. The possibility of a short 11. The state of matter distinguished from the up for you. This could prove to be a most exciting and stimulating day. trip out of town could also arise. Enjoy your day. 22. An informal term for a father. solid and liquid states by. 24. Established by or founded upon law or offi- 12. Italian violin maker in Cremona. cial or accepted rules. 13. A unit of weight used in some Moslem 26. The elapsed time it takes for a signal to trav- countries near the Mediterranean. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) el from Earth to a spacecraft (or other body) and 14. Assist or encourage, usually in some wrong- back to the starting point. doing. 27. A wooden peg that is used to fasten timbers 21. A village of huts for native Africans in south- in shipbuilding. ern Africa. While you may not have been feeling quite your usual self over the past Although your mind may have been a bit clouded over the past few 29. A family of Sino-Tibetan languages spoken days, today the fog should clear and you’ll feel more focused. Money in southeastern Asia. 23. Used of a single unit or thing. day or two, Leo, today you’re likely to be feeling mentally and physically 31. The content of cognition. 25. Soft white semisolid fat obtained by render- stronger and more focused. You could discuss new ideas for future proj- matters might need some attention, Aquarius, and you’re in just the ing the fatty tissue of the hog v 1. 32. A particular geographical region of indefi- ects, either personal or business, and formulate plans of action. Your right space to dig in and take care of them. Once practical matters are nite boundary (usually serving some special 28. An associate degree in applied science. settled, however, this is a great day for spiritual studies or meditation. 30. Lacking or deprive of the sense of hearing financial future could be on your mind. This is the day to look into ways purpose or distinguished by its people or cul- to ensure it. Enjoy your day. Creative projects can also benefit from your increased concentration. ture or geography). wholly or in part. 35. A public promotion of some product or 33. The vital principle or animating force within service. living things. 37. Any branch of Shinto other than Kokka. 34. The basic unit of money in Indonesia. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 41. A metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 36. Bar temporarily. 10 liters. 38. A colorless explosive liquid that is volatile 42. A radioactive transuranic element that is and poisonous and foul-smelling. similar to uranium. 39. Relating to the Urdu language. A date with a significant other could bring up discussions about plans Stimulation that you could receive today from group activities might 43. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a 40. Fear resulting from the awareness of danger. for the future, Virgo. Talk could run the gamut of all your concerns, from open doors to a wealth of rich experiences, Pisces. Your innate organiz- skewer usually with vegetables. 44. A small pellet fired from an air rifle or BB the practical to the artistic to business to philosophical matters. The ing talents may be called upon. Discussions with others lead to a new 46. Agency of the United States government gun. overall impact of this might be that it brings the two of you closer understanding of social, spiritual, or political philosophies and expand charged with mediating disputes between 45. Yellow-fever mosquitos. together. You might decide to partner on some kind of creative project. your intellectual horizons. An increased ability to concentrate can lead management and labor. 47. (Scottish) Bluish-black or gray-blue. to success with whatever you try to accomplish. Go for it! 49. A French abbot. 48. The language of the nomadic Lapp people 51. (British) An open river valley (in a hilly area). in northern Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula. 53. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali 50. A Dravidian language spoken in south cen- earth group. tral India. Word Search Yesterday Solution 54. (Zoroastrianism) Title for benevolent deities. 52. An informal term for a father. 57. A republic in southwestern Asia. 55. Genus of New Zealand mat-forming herbs 60. United States civil rights leader whose col- or subshrubs. lege registration caused riots in traditionally 56. An accidental hole that allows something segregated Mississippi (born in 1933). (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape. 62. Port city on southern Honshu on Osaka Bay. 58. Large high frilly cap with a full crown. 63. A plant hormone promoting elongation of 59. Small tree of dry open parts of southern stems and roots. Africa having erect angled branches suggesting 64. A white linen liturgical vestment with candelabra. sleeves. 61. An abundance of material possessions and 66. German statesman under whose leadership resources. Germany was united (1815-1898). 65. Rock that in its molten form (as magma) 73. United States anarchist (born in Italy) who issues from volcanos. with Bartolomeo Vanzetti was convicted of 67. A youth subculture that began in London in murder and in spite of world-wide protest was the early 1960s. executed (1891-1927). 68. Fleshy and usually brightly colored cover of 74. The first of three divisions of the Hebrew some seeds that develops from the ovule stalk Scriptures comprising the first five books of the and partially or entirely envelopes the seed. Old Testament considered as a unit. 69. Tear down so as to make flat with the 76. A sudden loss of consciousness resulting ground. when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel 70. Large elliptical brightly colored deep-sea leads to oxygen lack in the brain. fish of Atlantic and Pacific and Mediterranean. 77. Add oxygen to or combine with oxygen. 71. A small cake leavened with yeast. 79. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad. 72. A republic in the Middle East in western 80. An accidental happening. Asia. 81. An acute and highly contagious viral disease 75. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized marked by distinct red spots followed by a rash. by behavioral and learning disorders. 82. East Indian tree bearing a profusion of 78. A colorless odorless inert gaseous element intense vermilion velvet-textured blooms and occurring in the earth's atmosphere in trace yielding a yellow dye. amounts. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 information

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 Al-Madeena 22418714 Al-Shuhada 22545171 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Al-Shuwaikh 24810598 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Al-Nuzha 22545171 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Sabhan 24742838 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Al-Helaly 22434853 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Al-Faiha 22545051 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967

Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Al-Farwaniya 24711433 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Al-Sulaibikhat 24316983 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Al-Fahaheel 23927002 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh 24316983 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Ahmadi 23980088 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Al-Mangaf 23711183 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Al-Shuaiba 23262845 Rawda 22517733

Adaliya 22517144 Al-Jahra 25610011 Khaldiya 24848075 Al-Salmiya 25616368 Kaifan 24849807 Shamiya 24848913 INTERNATIONAL Shuwaikh 24814507 CALLS Abdullah Salem 22549134

Nuzha 22526804 Afghanistan 0093 Iran 0098 Albania 00355 Iraq 00964 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Algeria 00213 Ireland 00353 Qadsiya 22515088 Andorra 00376 Italy 0039 Angola 00244 Ivory Coast 00225 Dasmah 22532265 Anguilla 001264 Jamaica 001876 Antiga 001268 Japan 0081 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Argentina 0054 Jordan 00962 Shaab 22518752 Armenia 00374 Kazakhstan 007 Australia 0061 Kenya 00254 Qibla 22459381 Austria 0043 Kiribati 00686 Bahamas 001242 Kuwait 00965 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Bahrain 00973 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Mirqab 22456536 Bangladesh 00880 Laos 00856 Barbados 001246 Latvia 00371 Sharq 22465401 Belarus 00375 Lebanon 00961 Belgium 0032 Liberia 00231 Salmiya 25746401 Belize 00501 Libya 00218 Jabriya 25316254 Benin 00229 Lithuania 00370 Bermuda 001441 Luxembourg 00352 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Bhutan 00975 Macau 00853 Bolivia 00591 Macedonia 00389 Bayan 25388462 Bosnia 00387 Madagascar 00261 Mishref 25381200 Botswana 00267 Majorca 0034 Brazil 0055 Malawi 00265 W Hawally 22630786 Brunei 00673 Malaysia 0060 Bulgaria 00359 Maldives 00960 Sabah 24810221 Burkina 00226 Mali 00223 Jahra 24770319 Burundi 00257 Malta 00356 Cambodia 00855 Marshall Islands 00692 New Jahra 24575755 Cameroon 00237 Martinique 00596 Canada 001 Mauritania 00222 West Jahra 24772608 Cape Verde 00238 Mauritius 00230 South Jahra 24775066 Cayman Islands 001345 Mayotte 00269 Central African 00236 Mexico 0052 North Jahra 24775992 Chad 00235 Micronesia 00691 Chile 0056 Moldova 00373 North Jleeb 24311795 China 0086 Monaco 00377 Ardhiya 24884079 Colombia 0057 Mongolia 00976 Comoros 00269 Montserrat 001664 Firdous 24892674 Congo 00242 Morocco 00212 Cook Islands 00682 Mozambique 00258 Omariya 24719048 Costa Rica 00506 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 N Khaitan 24710044 Croatia 00385 Namibia 00264 Cuba 0053 Nepal 00977 Fintas 23900322 Cyprus 00357 Netherlands (Holland) Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 0031 Czech Republic 00420 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Denmark 0045 New Caledonia 00687 Diego Garcia 00246 New Zealand 0064 PRIVATE CLINICS Djibouti 00253 Nicaragua 00505 Dominica 001767 Nigar 00227 Dominican Republic 001809 Nigeria 00234 Ecuador 00593 Niue 00683 Egypt 0020 Norfolk Island 00672 El Salvador 00503 Northern Ireland (UK) Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Endocrinologist England (UK) 0044 0044 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Equatorial Guinea 00240 North Korea 00850 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Eritrea 00291 Norway 0047 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Estonia 00372 Oman 00968 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Ethiopia 00251 Pakistan 0092 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Falkland Islands 00500 Palau 00680 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Faroe Islands 00298 Panama 00507 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Fiji 00679 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Finland 00358 Paraguay 00595 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 (1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 France 0033 Peru 0051 French Guiana 00594 Philippines 0063 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, Rheumatologists: French Polynesia 00689 Poland 0048 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 FRCS (Canada) 25655535 Gabon 00241 Portugal 00351 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dentists Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Gambia 00220 Puerto Rico 001787 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Georgia 00995 Qatar 00974 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Germany 0049 Romania 0040 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ghana 00233 Russian Federation 007 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Gibraltar 00350 Rwanda 00250 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Greece 0030 Saint Helena 00290 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Greenland 00299 Saint Kitts 001869 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Grenada 001473 Saint Lucia 001758 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Guadeloupe 00590 Saint Pierre 00508 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Guam 001671 Saint Vincent 001784 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Guatemala 00502 Samoa US 00684 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Guinea 00224 Samoa West 00685 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Guyana 00592 San Marino 00378 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Haiti 00509 Sao Tone 00239 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Saudi Arabia 00966 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Honduras 00504 Scotland (UK) 0044 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Hong Kong 00852 Senegal 00221 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Hungary 0036 Seychelles 00284 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sierra Leone 00232 Soor Center Iceland 00354 Singapore 0065 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 India 0091 Slovakia 00421 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 Indian Ocean 00873 Slovenia 00386 Indonesia 0062 Solomon Islands 00677 lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 GOSSIP lay EatC ShaileneWoodleyLovesto

hailene Woodley is either the healthiest actress in Hollywood, or she belongs in an episode of “My Strange Addiction.” The “Divergent” star, who will next be seen falling in love with Ansel Elgort in “The Fault in Our Stars,” told David Letterman that Sshe regularly eats clay, specially ordered from Colorado. “Clay is one of my favorites, because if you look at indigenous cul- tures around the world, people are eating clay almost daily. It’s just a part of their diet,” Woodley said while educating Letterman. “Pregnant women in a lot of other countries eat clay, too, because it’s really good for their bodies while the baby’s growing. I’m not joking, look it up.” While she couldn’t explain the difference between clay and dirt, she did seem to know exactly why she’s eating a teaspoon worth of clay every day and making toothpaste out of it. “It’s not like taking a vitamin where you get the bene- fits of the vitamin in your body,” Woodley continued. “Clay binds to other material in your body and helps your body excrete those materials, that are not necessarily the best for you. Like toxins and heavy metals and whatnot.” Shakira: Rihanna is the sexiest woman alive hakira thinks Rihanna is the “sexiest woman alive”. The ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ hitmaker collaborated with the pop star on recent track ‘Can’t SRemember To Forget You’ and described the experience as “amaz- ing.” Talking about appearing in the sexy music video for the song, Shakira told Magic FM: “The thing about Rihanna is that she is such a natural, she doesn’t need a camera to be in front of her to react like she does ... she is like that every second of the day. “In my case, I need a countdown to be Keys to front Givenchy sexy but she’s just like that the whole time, that’s her. She is without a doubt the sexiest woman alive!” The 37-year-old singer, who has released her self-titled 10th album after taking a break from music, claims Rihanna, 26, is not only one of the best performers in the world, but she’s also just “the girl next door.” She explained: “She is very humble and sweet and warm and that made it super easy - the interaction between the two of perfume ad us.” Meanwhile, Shakira is also a judge on the US version of ‘The Voice’ and says there is “real fun banter” between her and fellow judges Usher and licia Keys has become the new face of Parfums Givenchy. The ‘Girl On Adam Levine from Maroon 5. She added: “There is [also] a serious aspect Fire’ singer has scored her first ever beauty contract with the French to the job - mentoring the new talent and new artists. But also, hanging Olsen surprised by Afashion house’s perfume division and will front the campaign for their out with these guys, is like hanging out with 13 year old boys! - I’m the latest scent, which is due to be unveiled this September. She said to WWD: “I’m most mature one there and I’m about 16!” honored to introduce the world to the newest scent by Givenchy. Givenchy has long been one of the world’s most iconic luxury fashion houses, and a personal Godzilla technicalities favourite of mine.” Alicia joins the likes of Amanda Seyfried, who is the current face of their classic Very IrrÈsistible scent, Justin Timberlake, who fronted their lizabeth Olsen didn’t realize how “technical” Play ads, and Uma Thurman, the star of Ange ou Demon Le Secret commercials. ‘Godzilla’ would be. The brunette beauty hits the Parfums Givenchy has a long his- Ebig screen in the forthcoming sci-fi production tory of using famous faces for its and insists filming scenes with the titular monster campaigns. In 1958, Hubert de were different to previous work. She explained: “I got Givenchy made history by asking someone a megaphone saying Monster 1 Monster 2 Hollywood movie star Audrey and then Lizzie and then you turn around and you’re Hepburn to represent his fra- like ‘Oh that’s my action shot’. It was more technical grance, L’Interdit, rather than a than I thought.” The 25-year-old actress, who plays Elle conventional model. The deal Brody, insists the adventure goes back to its “roots” marks a new direction for Alicia which is faithful to the Japanese Toho series. Olsen after her one-year partnership said: “This film really roots it back to the reason it was with BlackBerry came to an end in created. A very much so political voice for Japan in January, concluding her tenure as 1934 post World War 2 and it’s going back to that kind the telephone brand’s global cre- of conspiracy theory. But it’s so much fun and I get to ative director. play a mother and military wife and a nurse - being a good caretaker.” Although she hasn’t seen it in 3D Olsen insists those kinds of films used to be “harmful” to her eyes. Talking on the ‘Late Show with David Letterman’, she said: “I haven’t seen it in that way yet [3D iMax].” Show host David exclaimed: “That’s the way to see it for God’s sake.” Olsen replied: “3D used to give me a headache and I think they figured something out somewhere where it’s actually really fun and not so harmful for your eyes.”

Christopher Mintz-Plasse praises Zac Efron

hristopher Mintz-Plasse thinks Zac Efron’s fans will be surprised by his Cperformance in ‘Bad Neighbours’. The 24-year-old actor stars alongside the ‘High School Musical’ heartthrob in the upcoming comedy and has confessed he thinks Efron’s fans will be surprised to see how well he suits the genre. Quizzed on how his co-star Allen casts Stone in next film Seth Rogen and producer Evan Goldberg pushed the boundaries in the film, Mintz- oody Allen has cast Emma Stone in his next film. It seems the filmmak- Plasse told Collider: “I think the biggest er has found a new muse in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ actress, thing that they did in this, or the biggest Wapproaching her for a role in his as yet untitled upcoming project stretch or biggest person, was Zac because before their current movie ‘Magic in the Moonlight’ has even been released. this is the craziest thing he’s ever done.”Him Allen has also tapped Joaquin Phoenix for the mystery film, which he is expect- swearing, making jokes and having sex with ed to write, direct and produce for a July start date, according to The girls on screen is the craziest thing he’s ever done, and I think Hollywood Reporter. The notoriously secretive director is famed for becoming people are going to see it and at first they’re going to be like, attached to stars including Scarlett Johansson and Dianne Wiest, casting them ‘Oh, hey, it’s Zac’, and then I think they’re going to realise how in several of his films in the past. Stone is currently promoting her new super- hilarious he is and how talented he is.” Mintz-Plasse - who is hero movie, ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’, which stars her real-life boyfriend best known for playing McLovin’ in 2007 hit comedy Andrew Garfield. The 25-year-old actress will next be seen opposite Colin Firth ‘Superbad’ - admitted that having seen the film, he can’t in Allen’s romantic comedy ‘Magic in the Moonlight’, which is due out this July. imagine anyone else doing a better job than Efron. He added: The plot focuses on an Englishman in 1920s France who gets roped into uncov- “He’s great in this movie. No one else could have done it.” ering a possible swindle. Allen’s last film ‘Blue Jasmine’ landed Cate Blanchett a lead actress Oscar and Sally Hawkins a best supporting actress nomination. Eminemto headline Wembley Stadium minem is set to play London’s Wembley Stadium this summer. The ‘Lose Yourself’ rapper is return- Eing to the UK for the first time since 2001 and has chosen to perform at the massive venue on July 11 Lily Allen: Miley Cyrus’ London show was legendary after his original Hyde Park show wasn’t given the royal seal of approval. He announced the news on Zane ily Allen thought Miley Cyrus’ London show was “legendary”. The ‘Hard Out Here’ Lowe’s BBC Radio 1 show yesterday evening saying: “I singer went to see the ‘Wrecking Ball’ star who resumed her ‘Bangerz’ world tour heard that I wasn’t going to be approved to play in Lat The O2 last night after having several weeks off due to a serious allergic reac- Hyde Park and it made me even more excited to play in tion to an antibiotic, and she defended Miley’s sexual stage antics. Speaking on ‘Loose London this summer. “The easiest way to get me to do something is to tell me I can’t do it. Thanks to the Royal Women’, she told the panel: “It was by far the best show I’ve seen at The O2. I love her. Parks for making it all possible... for Wembley.” Eminem “She’s been doing it for so long you know, since she was like two, she’s just got this will be the first rapper ever to headline the venue and presence that is so natural. “Things going wrong all over the place and the way she his next single ‘Headlights’ from his latest album, ‘The was dealing with it was just brilliant and funny and entertaining. “Yes there was a lot of Marshall Mathers LP 2’, is going to be released to coin- swearing and inappropriate stuff going on but she’s Miley Cyrus, you know that’s going cide with the show. The star is also doing a mini US sta- to happen.” Quizzed by the panel about Miley being a role model for young girls and dium tour with Rihanna this summer, ‘The Monster’, simulating sex acts on stage, Lily said: “I don’t think it really matters [what her message which will take them to LA, New Jersey and Detroit. He is], just let it be, she is what she is. “If you don’t like it don’t go. She’s not running for explained that he prefers to perform big one-off gigs Prime Minister or president. “It was quite extreme but if you can talk to your kids and these days rather than spending months on the road. explain to them afterwards that maybe she’s being a little bit silly and showing off and Eminem added: “I’m not saying I’ll never be ready for that’s not how to behave.” Lily, who has just released her new album ‘Sheezus’ after a that again, but right now, this is what’s working for me.” four-year hiatus, said she often gets asked about being a role model herself in inter- Tickets for the Wembley show go on sale this Friday views and can’t understand why young girls would aspire to be like her. She said: “Why May 9 at 9 am. —Bang Showbiz would you want mad pop stars to be role models for your children? Mums and aunts and sisters, they are role models.” lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 Features

Migration steals magic from China’s mountain shamans

This photo taken on February 3, 2014 shows Chinese shaman Chinese shaman Zhao Fucheng at his Qiuka village home in Guangxi Province. Zhao Fucheng thumbing through an ancient text said to pre- dict the future at his Qiuka village home in Guangxi Province. —AFP photos Chinese shaman resplendent in a dark suit and green cloth hat thumbed yellowing pages said Ato predict the future- but mass migration to cities means the prospects for his own profession look bleak. “To see a spirit, you have to practice the ancient rituals,” said Zhao Fucheng, 74, who claims he commu- nicates with the spirit world from his wooden hut in southwestern Guangxi province. He is one of the esti- mated thousands of shamans-locally known as “spirit masters”-who are called on as healers in a centuries- old tradition among ethnic groups in the region. “If something bad is going to happen to you soon, and your luck is running out, I can change your luck,” Zhao said, who belongs to the Yao ethnic minority. “If medi- cine doesn’t work, then you need to ask a spirit.” Zhao- who lives in the remote village of Qiuka, accessible by a dirt track which rises high over mountains patterned with rice fields-receives a steady stream of villagers who profess to believe in spirits. “Sometimes if you go to the hospital and see a doctor and it doesn’t work, you need to look for a spir- it master,” said 38-year-old farmer Zhao Jintai, who like Chinese shaman Zhao Fucheng thumbing through a text said to predict the future at Chinese shaman Zhao Fucheng thumbing through an ancient text. many in the village are surnamed Zhao but not relat- his Qiuka village home in Guangxi Province. ed to the shaman. “Spirits will make you ill, but they won’t eat you or anything like that,” offered Zhao agreed to make predictions for a visitor. Armed with tious” practices in which spirit masters were beaten ‘The spirits have left’ village, you can’t earn much doing this,” shaman Zhao Deqing, 13. He admires the motorbikes that older the client’s date of birth and wearing reading glasses, and abused. Shamans in Qiuka said they hid their But in the mountain villages of Guangxi one sec- Jintai said. He looked at his middle-aged son, who peers drive back from their jobs in nearby towns, and he scrutinized a lunar calendar printed in red ink. books during the turmoil, retrieving them only when tion of the population is visible by its absence-young remains in the village due to an industrial accident but plans to leave the village as soon as school finishes. Mouthing a series of calculations, he reached for a campaigns relaxed in the 1980s. people. Nearly all of the remote village’s youth leave claims “not to believe” in the magic practiced by his When he does, Zhao will join the largest migration in book he says is hundreds of years old, its crumbling Demand for their services surged in the following after graduating middle school, looking for work in father. Yang Shengwen, a local researcher who has human history-which has seen more than 300 million pages lined with Chinese characters. “When you reach decades as market reforms undermined China’s public cities which pay better than local jobs in farming or studied shamanic traditions in the region, said the Chinese people move to cities over the last 15 years- 39, things won’t go smoothly for you,” he declared, as healthcare system and medical costs skyrocketed. forestry. China is set to add 300 million to its urban practice would suffer as villages empty. “Shamanism and leave the elderly shaman behind. his increasingly red-faced client nodded. The shaman Even in a tiny village like Qiuka, with just a few hun- population over the next decade, a process bound to hasn’t vanished, but it’s a trend we are worried about, pointed his dirt-caked fingernails at the characters, dred residents, several men identify themselves as leave thousands of villages virtually empty. especially because of young people going to cities to ‘Nothing to be scared about’ reading aloud and adding: “It’s nothing to be scared spirit masters. “People will look for me if they get sick,” Shamans in Qiuka said they feared no one would work,” he said. “In 30 years, they will be there, but after The shaman Zhao says he specializes in healing about”. Zhao Fukai, a grey-haired man in his 60s said, cradling learn the rites passed down to them. Village traditions that, it’s hard to say.” From his mountaintop perch, and telling fortunes. “I do some communicating with The Cultural Revolution, a decade of political a thick yellowed tome. “Ancient people left us this elsewhere, from theatre to martial arts, face the same Zhao admitted seeing fewer patients in recent years, ghosts, beating drums and blowing cow horns I can upheaval launched in 1966 by China’s then-leader book,” he said, adding: “To attract spirits, you need to threat of extinction as China urbanizes. “You can obvi- giving a cryptic explanation. “The spirits have left, so I do the little things,” he said. On a spring morning he Mao Zedong, saw violent campaigns against “supersti- use blood. It can be a little scary.” ously make much more money working outside the communicate with them less,” he said. —AFP Ask a designer: Tips for Flea-Market shoppers

he arrival of spring means that flea markets are decor-Lee Kleinhelter of the Atlanta-based design Time travel reopening for business around the country. firm and retail store Pieces-tell how they do it. Rummerfield occasionally finds signed artwork and TShoppers will hunt for treasures amid acres of ceramics by noteworthy artists at flea markets and used goods. A few will come home with just the right When to go antique malls. “It is amazing to see what people cast vintage art or quirky piece of furniture to make their Winter and early spring are perfect for flea-market away,” she says. “I personally hunt for Sasha Brastoff home more beautiful. shopping, says Flynn. “Since ‘thrifting’ and ‘antiquing’ ceramics because of his unique California heritage as a Jaime Rummerfield, co-founder of Woodson & are often associated with gorgeous weather and set decorator and artist.” She has also found vintage Rummerfield’s House of Design in Los Angeles, some- weekend shenanigans, many people shy away from Billy Haines chairs and Gio Ponti lighting at flea mar- times mixes flea-market finds with high-end new fur- hunting for their vintage finds when it’s cold or kets. So read up on the designers and artists from your This photo provided by Brian Patrick Flynn, to nishings to decorate the homes of her celebrity gloomy,” he notes, so go now and go early. “I usually favorite periods, and then hunt for their work or ensure safety, the designer Flynn had this 1960s era clients. “The beauty of flea markets,” she says, “is you show up just as the flea market opens to ensure I see impressive knockoffs. A single flea market might offer glass and chrome chandelier found for $150 at a flea never know what you will find. There’s nothing like every new item as it’s put out on display,” he says. goods from every decade of the 20th century. Can you market rewired before installing it in a dining room. being outdoors or in a place off the beaten path rum- “When you wait until the end of a flea market’s run to put a lamp from the 1970s on a table from 1950? Yes, if maging through old treasures.” check out its stuff, you’re likely to find mostly left- the shapes and colors work well together, Kleinhelter thing to hunt for: “Hands down, upholstery is the best Los Angeles-based interior designer Brian Patrick overs, things priced too highly which others passed says. If your home has contemporary decor, deal to walk away with at flea markets. Just make sure Flynn, creator of the FlynnsideOut design blog, also over, or things that are just way too taste-specific for Rummerfield says it can be powerful to add one state- you train your eye to pay no attention to the existing hunts for vintage pieces: “I shop second-hand regard- most people to make offers on.” ment piece-a side table, say, or a light fixture-from a fabrics,” Flynn says. “Zero in on the lines of the frames less of my project’s budget or client’s level of taste,” previous era. But “a little bit goes a long way. Use vin- instead.” Kleinhelter agrees: “I usually gravitate toward he says. “Vintage and thrift is the best way to add tage in moderation with contemporary spaces,” the bones and frames of vintage pieces, and I make one-of-a-kind flair to a space without insanely high Rummerfield says. “It will highlight the uniqueness of them my own by adding fun fabric or lacquering the cost.” the vintage item. You don’t necessarily want to live in a base.” The same goes for lighting. Buy it if you love it, but There is luck involved, of course. But skill also plays time capsule.” get the wiring updated by a professional. Flynn usually a role. As you browse crowded tables of used things estimates an extra $50 to $75 per fixture for updating this spring, how can you find the treasures that will Fixer-uppers the wiring, so keep that cost in mind as you bargain. give your home an infusion of style while avoiding You may assume that old upholstered furniture decorating disasters? Here, Flynn, Rummerfield and should be avoided, especially if the fabric looks dirty or Mix and match another interior designer who shops for vintage damaged. But these designers say it’s actually a great Be on the lookout for pieces you can use together. “You don’t need multiples of the same chair or sofa to make a room work,” Flynn says. “Stick with those which have similar scale and proportion, then recover them in the same fabric.” Once you get home, use flea mar- ket finds sparingly, Flynn says, mixing them in with the pieces you already own: “A few big pieces mixed with some smaller ones added to your existing stuff can instantly take an unfinished space and make it feel way more finished and remarkably personal.”

Money advice “The best way to get an amazing deal is to buy a bunch of different items from the same vendor,” says Flynn. “This way, they can actually lower their prices since you’re guaranteeing them more sales, which in turn also makes their packing up and leaving much easier.” You should bargain, but don’t go so low that you’ll insult the seller. “If something is marked $185, it’s probably not ide- al to offer $50,” Flynn says. One option is to negotiate for In this photo provided by Brian Patrick a 25 percent to 35 percent discount. And do bring cash. Flynn/Flynnside Out Blog, after finding this 1960s In this photo the designer Flynn says that just “Mom and pop dealers don’t have the luxury of taking In this photo provided by Brian Patrick Flynn//Flynnside Out sectional for $300 at a flea market, the designer Flynn adding one or two vintage touches, like this 1970s credit cards due to the charges acquired,” Flynn says. “If Blog, the designer Flynn furnished this Atlanta loft strictly splurged to have it refinished in high-gloss charcoal chrome rocker, to a space can instantly add a sense you bring enough cash with you, you’re more likely to be using vintage seating found at flea markets. —AP photos lacquer to highlight its interesting chinoiserie detail. of history to a room. able to negotiate successfully.” —AP lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 MUSIC & MOVIES

In this April 24, 2014 photo, film director Bob Yari, left, with a black cap works with actors Joely Richardson, top left, Giovanni Ribisi, top second left, and Adrian Sparks, top third left, while shooting the movie ‘Papa’ in the bay of Havana, Cuba. (Right) Cuban supporting actors wait for their scene during the shooting the movie “Papa” in Havana, Cuba. — AP photos Hemingway picture a rare Hollywood moment in Cuba ebels allied with a young Fidel Castro where he fished,” director Bob Yari said. “It’s all ing from a list one day, an open-water shoot burst into the street outside Havana’s here, so trying to duplicate it somewhere else was delayed.Cuba’s scarce and creaky Internet RGovernment Palace as soldiers loyal to was not very appealing.”Shooting began in service forced the crew to return to the yester- strongman Fulgencio Batista rain gunfire from March and wrapped over the weekend on the year practice of slipping the day’s call sheets above. Steps away, Ernest Hemingway and a joint Canadian-Cuban-American production, under hotel room doors, rather than sending young journalist friend dive for cover behind a with the island’s governmental film institute them by email. parked car. An international film crew in recent known as ICAIC providing location support, Much of the equipment had to be brought weeks has been re-enacting this and other his- period costumes and local actors. in from overseas to guarantee high production toric scenes in the streets of Havana for “Papa,” values. But the payoff was the opportunity to a biopic about the budding friendship Father figure shoot in a city that has in many ways remained between Hemingway and the reporter in the “Papa” came to Cuba under a US Treasury frozen in the 1950s, with classic American turbulent Cuba of the 1950s. Department license exempting it from most automobiles from the era readily available to embargo restrictions. The film’s makers said provide a historic backdrop. there was a cap on how much they could “It’s been chaotic. Every day there’s a new spend, but would not say how much or release drama,” said English actor Joely Richardson overall budget figures. For licensing purposes (“Nip/Tuck,” “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”), the movie qualified as a documentary, since it who plays Hemingway’s fourth wife, Mary. “It’s depicts a firsthand account of real events that been so nutty. But you know what? It’s up took place here. So it’s unlikely just any there with my best experiences. It’s been fan- Hollywood blockbuster would get the same tastic.” Petitclerc went on to a long career as a permission in the future. journalist and writer of books, TV shows and Though the title derives from the Nobel Cuban supporting actors wait for their scene during the shooting of the movie “Papa” in movies, including the screenplay for “Islands in Prize-winning novelist’s nickname, the movie Havana, Cuba. the Stream,” based on the Hemingway novel of is based on an autobiographical script by is a prank by one of his pals. permission to shoot inside Hemingway’s for- the same name. He died in 2006. Denne Bart Petitclerc, who is played by “Good letter, kid,” says Hemingway. “You like mer estate, Finca Vigia, today considered such Giovanni Ribisi (“Avatar,” “Saving Private Ryan”). to fish?”Before long, Ed is on a boat with his a shrine that tourists aren’t even allowed Gap between two cultures Actor Giovanni Ribisi while shooting the Hemingway is portrayed by theater and screen idol, and the two strike up a friendship that inside and must peer in through the windows. Hemingway lived in Cuba from 1939 to movie “Papa” in Havana, Cuba. veteran Adrian Sparks. would last until Hemingway’s 1961 suicide. Sparks who has played Hemingway on stage 1960 and wrote much of “The Old Man and the Petitclerc was abandoned by his father as a since 2005, confessed to something of a spiri- Sea” and other works here, and islanders claim Years in the making, producers say it is the young boy, fell in love with Hemingway’s writ- Magical experience tual connection to the writer and said it was a him as much as Americans do. The two coun- first full-length feature film with a Hollywood ing and later came to see him as a father fig- The film crew got access to some of magical experience portraying him in the land tries’ mutual affection for Hemingway is director and actors to be shot in the country ure. While working for the Miami Herald in the Havana’s most iconic locales, including the for- he loved. among the few things they agree on. Cuba since the 1959 revolution. Due to decades of ill 1950s, Petitclerc wrote a letter to Hemingway mer Government Palace, which long ago was “To be playing a section of the film where and the US have cooperated multiple times to will between the two countries and professing his admiration. He didn’t intend to turned into a museum celebrating Castro’s rev- he’s struggling with writer’s block, I’m stand- preserve his writings and belongings - so it’s Washington’s 52-year-long embargo, other send it, but his girlfriend found it and dropped olution. At the majestic Grand Theater, which ing on exactly the square foot of ground that not surprising the first Hollywood feature to movies ostensibly set here, such as “The it in the mail. is closed for restoration, a sumptuous salon he stood on, with his typewriter in front of me, shoot in Cuba is about him. Godfather Part II” and 1990’s “Havana,” were On a recent Saturday, a reading room at the was tricked out to look like the bar of the playing the scene. It wasn’t acting, it was chan- “Hemingway was probably the most promi- filmed in stand-in locations like the Dominican University of Havana library stood in for the Ambos Mundos hotel where Hemingway fre- neling,” Sparks said. “It was just allowing him to nent American to make Cuba his home, and I Republic. Herald newsroom. Cuban extras milled about quently stayed. In this scene, Ed is tipped off come through.” There have also been some think the people of Cuba to this day cherish “It was an absolute passion to actually in slim ties and saddle shoes, long skirts and by notorious mobster Santo Trafficante (James only-in-Cuba moments of frustration. In a him and love him,” said Yari (“Crash,” “The make it in Cuba where everything that is in the horn-rimmed glasses. Vintage typewriters Remar; “Django Unchained,” “Dexter”) that FBI country with a history of high-seas defections, Illusionist”). “And hopefully this film will script happened, where the finca (farm) is clacked away. The scene retells the moment director J. Edgar Hoover has it out for something as simple as getting on a boat become an addition to that component of where (Hemingway) lived, where his boat was, when Petitclerc, known as “Ed” in the movie, Hemingway. requires official approval. bridging this gap between two cultures and all the spots from the Morro castle to Cojimar fields a fateful phone call that at first he thinks Producers even secured unprecedented So when cast members’ names were miss- two peoples that have drifted apart.” — AP ‘Da Vinci’s Demons’ renewed, with ‘X-Files’ and ‘Breaking Bad’ vet as Showrunner tarz has announced a third sea- son of David S Goyer’s drama S“Da Vinci’s Demons,” and announced that “X-Files” and “Breaking Bad” veteran John Shiban will take over as the showrunner. Shiban will also serve as an executive producer. During his stint on the cele- brated Fox series, he wrote or co- Actor/musicians wrote more than twenty episodes and Sam Palladio and served as executive producer. He Jonathan Jackson joined AMC’s “Breaking Bad” as a con- of the cast of sulting producer in its second season, ‘Nashville’ perform writing several episodes of the at Best Buy Theater acclaimed series. “Breaking Bad” was in New York created by fellow “X-Files” vet Vince City. —AFP Gilligan. Shiban also served as executive with John Shiban joining the ranks as have been invaluable and will contin- producer and showrunner of AMC’s executive producer and showrunner,” ue to be for what we have ahead,” said “Hell on Wheels.” Goyer (The “Dark said Carmi Zlotnik, managing director Goyer. “I’ve been a fan of John’s work Universal’s ‘Mummy’ reboot Knight” trilogy) will continue to serve of Starz. “David S. Goyer’s vision of da for some time and I’m excited to add as executive producer on “Da Vinci’s Vinci’s journey continues to entertain his voice to the mix.” “I’m thrilled to be Demons,” which follows the “untold” fans, taking them deeper into the joining the amazing creative team loses ‘Mama’ director Muschetti story of genius artist and inventor world of ‘Da Vinci’s Demons’ where behind ‘Da Vinci’s Demons,’” said Leonardo da Vinci during his early there is still much more story to tell.” Shiban. “Starz and Adjacent have giv- ama” director Andy Muschetti has exited Mummy.” When Len Wiseman was previously attached to years in Renaissance Florence. “I’m very proud of this modern en us an amazing playground to play Universal’s reboot of “The Mummy” due to direct “The Mummy,” he indicated that Kurtzman and “We’re excited to continue take on the endlessly fascinating in - I can’t wait to dig further into the ‘Mcreative differences, TheWrap has learned. Orci were envisioning a darker, scarier take on the Leonardo da Vinci’s adventures with a Leonardo da Vinci - everyone from the untold history of Leonardo da Vinci.” Jon Spaihts wrote the current draft of the script, which “Mummy” mythology that would still appeal to all audi- third season of ‘Da Vinci’s Demons’ writers, directors, cast and all the crew — Reuters reimagined “The Mummy” franchise in modern day with ences. Apparently, the project has changed direction, as Muschetti wanted to deliver a darker take rather than the four-quadrant, more family-friendly action-adven- ture blockbuster that Universal now has in mind. After his Jessica Chastain-led horror movie “Mama” Women directors and writers lose became a surprise hit, grossing $147 million worldwide for Universal, the studio quickly attached Muschetti to direct an adaptation of Josh Malerman’s novel “Bird Box,” ground in Indie film as numbers decline which is being produced by Scott Stuber’s Bluegrass omen filmmakers have largely been frozen out of the ematographers dropped three, to 10 percent. A dive into the Films. Muschetti was forced to leave “Bird Box” when the studio world, and their numbers are now falling in the numbers finds that things are a bit better for women documen- opportunity to direct “The Mummy” presented itself - a Windependent film realm as well. The Center for the tarians, though again, only producers and executive producers major job for an up-and-coming filmmaker. Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State U. saw their share of the jobs increase. Now that Muschetti is no longer aboard “The analyzed the lineups of 23 different prestigious film festivals Women were producers on 39 percent of documentaries Andy Mummy,” the door remains open for him to return to that took place between May 2013 and 2014, with alarming and 30 percent of narrative films, while they directed 28 per- Muschetti “Bird Box,” though Universal is also considering him for findings. cent of docs and just 18 percent of narratives. They wrote 23 several other high-profile projects. Universal has been Overall, the percentage of women working in key positions percent of docs and just 21 percent of features. Only 20 percent mining its catalogue of classic monsters and “The (i.e., producers, executive producers, cinematographers and edited docs (down seven percent) and 12 percent shot them new characters not seen in previous iterations and a Mummy” plays an important role in the studio’s ambi- editors) on movies held at 26 percent, the same as 2011-2012. (down five percent); 19 percent edited features (down from 23 protagonist imbued with a human personality. tious master plan, as the original trilogy grossed $1.25 However, women comprised just 23 percent of directors, down percent) and just seven percent were cinematographers. As Sean Daniel is producing the planned tentpole with billion worldwide. Universal released “The Wolfman” in from 29 percent in 2011-12, and 22 percent of writers, down low as these numbers look, they are massive compared to the from 24 percent in 11-12. Things looked a bit better on the pro- number of women working for studios: Just one of the big Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who recently parted 2010 and has “Dracula Untold” scheduled for release in ducing side; women producers inched up two points to 33 per- summer films coming out this year will be directed by a ways regarding feature projects, though their split is October. Muschetti is repped by WME and attorney cent and exec producers also rose a deuce to 27 percent. woman, and only six percent of the highest grossing films unrelated to Muschetti’s amicable exit from “The George T. Hayum. — Reuters Editors were down a full five points, to 20 percent, while cin- released last year were helmed by a woman. — Reuters lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 MUSIC & MOVIES Eurovision winner says bad planning behind tepid sales

Icelandic band Pollapnk perform during the Eurovision 2014 semi-final, on May 6, 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The final of the competition will be held in the Danish capital on May 10, 2014. —AFP photos espite winning hands down at last petition’s winners remains the exception and my bookers,” she added. winning song,” Danish deejay and TV personal- ants, the final is the first time their song is year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Danish rather than the rule. ity Dan Rachlin told tabloid Ekstra-Bladet last heard by the vast majority of the audience, Dsinger Emmelie de Forest has struggled And like many of her predecessors, the elfin Where has she been? year. “She sings really well, but she just hasn’t making it easy to forget. “The Eurovision stage to find commercial success in her native 21-year-old singer-set to once again perform One Danish tabloid even said she would made any music that came close to the win- is virtually their only platform. Other than that, Denmark. “I had too much to think about. You barefoot before an audience of 125 million tel- stage “a comeback” at this year’s Dansk Melodi ning track,” he added. Branding her critic “an all that remains is hard work afterwards,” have so much to think about when you win evision viewers-has struggled to convert her Grand Prix, the competition that each year old washed-up deejay who isn’t particularly Soerensen said. “And that can be extremely Eurovision,” said de Forest, who this year will maximum 12-point score into album sales. determines the country’s Eurovision entry, successful himself”, de Forest said she doesn’t difficult because there are so many people perform the official Eurovision theme, her lat- While her winning number “Only Teardrops” begging the question: Where had she been? “I “listen to what other people say”. vying for a spot in the limelight.” est single “Rainmaker”, at Saturday’s final in went on to become a top 20 hit in several have travelled so much since Eurovision. The The past year has seen her come of age, The Danish artist said that after this year’s Copenhagen. European countries, a follow-up single failed three months after were fully booked and I’ve she said. “I think I’ve become much better at final, she would continue working on her new As fans from around the world descend on to make the charts and last year she had to been to 25 different countries over the past handling stress, more independent and better album, which will see her collaborating with the Danish capital, the city has converted its cancel a tour of Denmark and Germany. year,” she said. Most of that time was spent in at making big decisions about my career,” she American songwriter MoZella, who co-wrote main shopping street into a buzzing Flagging ticket sales “were part of the rea- Germany and Sweden, where the competition said. The chairman of Eurovision fan club Miley Cyrus’s hit “Wrecking Ball”. After down- “Eurovision Fan Mile” and several top hotels son”, she admitted. “There were some people is taken relatively seriously, especially com- OGAE Denmark, Johann Soerensen, said he ing only one White Russian at last year’s hectic have already said they are fully booked for the around me who maybe should have handled pared with countries like France and Britain, thought de Forest was a fantastic performer event, this time like much of the rest of event. But 40 years after Swedish disco group things a little bit better, but they didn’t, so I which tend to enter performers who are and that he hoped her new single would kick- Europe-she plans to party. “After the final I Abba used the annual glitz-fest to launch one had to cancel,” she said. “Sometimes you have unknown or past their prime. “It doesn’t sur- start her career. have one week’s holiday. I haven’t had a holi- of the most lucrative careers in the history of to let other people take over and I can’t man- prise me that she’s been unable to sell tickets. Parlaying a Eurovision win into commercial day in almost one and a half years, so I can pop music, commercial success for the com- age everything, so I have to trust my manager The only song you know by Emmelie is the success is difficult because for most contest- party after I’ve sung,” she said. — AFP ‘Gravity’ director shakes up Mexico’s oil debate

lfonso Cuaron, the Oscar-winning director of Revolutionary Party (PRI) made clear that the legis- sci-fi thriller “Gravity,” is bringing his star lation was in the hands of Congress, where the Apower to Mexico’s very earthly debate over constitutional changes passed in December with controversial energy reform-and getting the presi- the backing of the conservation National Action dent’s attention. Cuaron, who has not lived in Party (PAN). Mexico for years, has taken out full-page newspa- “Welcome to the debate. But the discussion is in per advertisements twice in the past week to chal- the field of the legislature,” said David Penchyna, lenge President Enrique Pena Nieto to explain the chairman of the Senate Energy Committee. “This is benefits of the legislation. not a movie. This is real life,” said Penchyna, a PRI Last week, he asked the president 10 questions member. Deputy Energy Minister Lourdes Melgar about the constitutional overhaul, which was agreed that lawmakers will be the ones deciding. approved by Congress in December and will open “This issue must be debated and resolved in up the state-run energy sector to foreign investment Congress. It is up to the legislators. All discussions for the first time since 1938. Pena Nieto thanked are public and open,” Melgar told reporters on Cuaron on Twitter for asking “questions that enrich Tuesday. In his last missive, Cuaron wrote that the the debate and that will help to know with more televised debates were needed because of the precision the benefits” of the reform. The govern- “poor democratic” process that led to the passage This Jan 31, 2014 photo shows plush Disney characters piled up in a display at a Disney ment then responded to the questions, insisting of the constitutional changes in December. Store in Saugus, Mass. — AP that the reform would benefit the nation by lower- At the time, leftist lawmakers were angry that ing energy costs, creating jobs and reversing a the PRI had fast-tracked the legislation by skipping steady drop in oil production. But Cuaron pressed debates in committees to bring it to the full floor. It on, publishing a new letter on Monday asking Pena took just 10 days for the legislation to go from bill Disney Q2 earnings beat Nieto to organize three televised debates with politi- to Pena Nieto’s desk for his signature. Edna Jaime, cians, experts and “independent voices.” Cuaron’s director of the political analysis institute Mexico incursion came as lawmakers prepare to debate the Evalua, said Cuaron’s questions echo the “wide Street, helped by ‘Frozen’ “secondary” legislation that will lay out the details of skepticism among Mexicans” regarding the bene- isney on Tuesday posted second-quarter cent to $1.92 billion, or $1.08 per share, from the new law.His initiative was welcomed by the fits of the reform. earnings that beat Wall Street forecasts, $1.51 billion, or 83 cents per share, in the same opposition and artists including fellow film stars “These are questions that many Mexicans are helped by the home video sales of block- period a year ago. Excluding charges for foreign Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, who had leading also making,” Jaime told AFP. “We have found D buster movies “Frozen” and “Thor: The Dark exchange losses and restructuring, adjusted Mexican film director Alfonso Cuaron and roles in his 2001 film “Y Tu Mama Tambien.” someone who has given an organized expression World.” Both films showed the power of buying earnings came to $1.11 per share, beating the 96 Sheherazade Goldsmith arrive at the White of our doubts, someone who has a reputation, who multibillion-dollar content brands. “Thor” comes cents expected by analysts polled by FactSet. House Correspondentsí Association (WHCA) ‘This is not a movie’ will be listened to within and outside Mexico,” she from Disney’s $4 billion purchase of Marvel Revenue grew 10 percent to $11.65 billion, annual dinner in Washington. — AFP But Pena Nieto’s centrist Institutional said. —AFP Entertainment in 2009. “Frozen” was a direct trumping the $11.25 billion analysts expected. result of adding creative talent from Pixar after The biggest surprise was the strength of the Cyrus and Martin to perform Disney bought it for $7.4 billion in 2006. When movie studio, which saw revenue increase by 35 combined with its $4 billion acquisition of percent to $1.8 billion and operating income Lucasfilm in 2012 and the release of three more quadruple to $475 million. at Billboard Music Awards installments in the “Star Wars” franchise starting in December 2015, Disney CEO Bob Iger said he Ratings were down et ready for another eyebrow-raising per- Cyrus and Martin join a list of performers that expects the motion-picture business to grow, “It was a good clean beat from the studio,” said formance from Miley Cyrus. The “Can’t Be already included 5 Seconds of summer, Florida fueled by international sales, bucking the indus- Brett Harriss, an analyst with Gabelli & Co. “All the GTamed” singer/controversy magnet has Georgia Line, Imagine Dragons, Jennifer Lopez, trywide decline in disc sales and a low-growth other divisions were solid.” Revenue from Disney’s joined the performers’ roster for the 2014 John Legend and more. Presenters at this year’s domestic theatrical market. TV business rose 4 percent to $5.13 billion, and Billboard Music Awards, as has Ricky Martin, Dick event will include Kelly Rowland, Kendall Jenner, “The strategy of making branded movies is operating income rose 15 percent to $2.13 billion. Clark Productions and Billboard said Tuesday. Jordin Sparks, Mark Cuban and Pete Wentz. This definitely working, and I think that we really are The company said audience ratings were down at Cyrus is a finalist in eight Billboard awards cate- year’s ceremony will air live from the MGM Grand just seeing the beginnings of it in terms of their both ESPN and ABC, but it got higher prices for gories this year, including Top Artist, Top Female Theater in Las Vegas Sunday May 18 at 8 pm ET impact on the company,” Iger said. Net income in commercial time. Harriss took that as a “bullish” Artist and Top Streaming Artist. on ABC. — Reuters Ricky Martin and Miley Cyrus the three months through March jumped 27 per- sign for future advertising sales. —AP Musical theater workshop becomes a Broadway engine n a room in a lower Manhattan skyscraper, a and clever lyrics but wonders who is making cheese group with his wife, composer Kristen Anderson- musical is being born, song by song. Standing at in post-apocalyptic Philadelphia. Another wonders Lopez, whom he met at the workshop. Ia piano is an up-and-coming songwriting team, to whom exactly the song is being sung. Someone Shows nurtured by the program include “A presenting a new tune called “Think of Cheese” else wants to know what the song’s function is in Chorus Line,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Nine,” “Once from its fledgling show “Afterland,” which takes the show. Still another hates the title. On This Island,” “Ragtime,” “Avenue Q” and “Next To place outside post-apocalyptic Philadelphia. Velez and Hathaway graciously take the criticism Normal.” Six musicals currently playing on Broadway Composer and co-lyricist Benjamin Velez launches and sit down. There are five more songs to be pre- were authored or co-authored by members of the into a flamenco-flavored ditty. “See the cheese, see sented on this day, including a tune about a 12- BMI Workshop: “Aladdin,” “Newsies,” “The Book of the cheese/See the Parmesan is snowing/On the year-old science-obsessed girl in the 1950s trying to Mormon,” “Violet,” “If/Then” and “Rocky.” trees/Ooh, la-la/Smell that pungent odor blowing,” be cool, and a song sung by a woman who has “We don’t tell people what to write or how to sings Velez, as his co-writer Kathryn Hathaway looks found foot-fetish porn on her husband’s computer. write or even what style to write in. But we do on, somewhat nervously. This class is part of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical teach and talk a lot about how musicals are put Some two dozen fellow lyricists, playwrights and Theatre Workshop, and judging by its track record together,” says writer and lyricist Patrick Cook, the composers fill the seats, all hoping to join the list of as a top-notch incubator of musicals, there’s a good program’s director, who is a former workshop stu- musical heavyweights who have gone through this chance that in a few years there will be a new dent. “We’re one of the only places that actually classroom process, including Alan Menken, Lynn Broadway show with a song about post-apocalyptic talks about the craft of musical theater and how Ahrens, Steve Flaherty, Maury Yeston, Tom Kitt, cheese. it’s a different craft than almost every other art Brian Yorkey and Amanda Green. The song over, it’s “It gives writers something that is very hard to form,” he adds. The BMI workshops started in 1961 time for the young composers to face the music. come by: an audience every week,” says “The Book and its three-year program goes from learning the Hands go up in the class. One student comple- of Mormon” co-writer Bobby Lopez, who for the last This image released by Polk & Co shows Sutton Foster, second right, and Annie Golden, basics of songwriting to the creation of full-length ments the team on a song with spectacular music three years has helped moderate the advanced right, during a performance of ‘Violet’ in New York. —AP musicals. —AP Cyrus and Martin to perform at Billboard 39Music Awards THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

This photo shows sewage water which has been dumped into the Arabian Gulf near Shuwaikh in Kuwait. National Geographic website published this image to illustrate environmental damage. — Photo by Sherif Ismail Ramesh Narayan records Arabic song in Kuwait for his new film By Sajeev K Peter female character, played by Lena, submits to because of the power of music. It gives me the Almighty Allah. The other song in ‘Alif’ is inexplicable experiences and feelings,” enowned Indian music director Pandit sung by Narayan’s daughter Madhushree. Ramesh Narayan arrived in Kuwait on Chasing the monsoon RTuesday to record an Arabic song for the Evolution Reminiscing about one of his favorite new movie ‘Alif’ that tells the story of three Today, Ramesh Narayan is a resounding ragas-the ‘Malhar’-Narayan said he could nar- generations of Muslim women in India. In the name in the Hindustani music circle. Although rate several exciting experiences of rendering film Narayan renders ‘Bismillahi Innana, Narju born into a family of Carnatic musicians, it was the raga. In Kochi, people organized a concert Luthfa Rabbana’, a song composed by the in Hindustani music that Narayan found his some ten years ago titled, ‘Chasing the maestro himself in Arabic style and purity. passion, and his foray into Hindustani music Monsoon’ in order to ‘invoke the rain gods’. “This song may be a good example of Indo- began under the tutelage of maestro Pandit “When organizers approached me I told them Arab musical harmony. No doubt, there are a Jasraj of the ‘Mewati Gharana’. that I would sing a raga of rain although I was- lot of similarities between Indian and Arabic Equally dexterous with the sitar, he was the n’t sure it would really rain. I rendered a song music and some subtle nuances of Hindustani fond disciple of Satchidananda Phadke - him- in ‘Dhulia malhar,’ one of the fifty varieties of ragas are present in Arabic music as well,” said self a well-known disciple of the maestro malhars. And unbelievably it started pouring Pandit Ramesh Narayan in an interview with Pandit Ravi Shankar. After having completed down heavily,” he recalled. Kuwait Times. his ‘Visharad’ course in Hindustani vocal from He also recollected how it rained when he “Though the song is based on a popular the renowned Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva rendered the ‘miya malhar’ raga during a con- Hindustani raga ‘Mishra Bhairava,’ I chose to Mahavidyalaya, his deep passion for the style cert in Abu Dhabi. “It was an open air theatre record it in Kuwait to give the song an original led him to the doyen Padma Bhushan Pt Jasraj. and it started raining after 15-20 minutes of Arabic flavor. “‘Bhairava’ is an international “I learned music under several gurus until I singing.” scale and it is present even in the Arab tradi- came across Pandit Jasraj in 1983. It was a Ramesh Narayan is currently active with tion. A few Kuwaiti artists are collaborating milestone in my life. When I became his disci- Musician Pandit Ramesh Narayan during the interview. — Photo by Sajeev K Peter live concerts and musical shows. He is also with me; my voice recording and final mix ple, my only intention was to know more ately poignant ‘bhajan’. gharana, Narayan secured a place for himself busy with some movies. Post-production work were done in a Kuwait studio to ensure the about music, not to become a Hindustani “Music is not to be taught nor learnt, rather in the Guinness Book of World Records. In is currently progressing for films correct slang and Arab flavor”, Narayan said. singer,” he said. It was under Pandit Jasraj that it is to be imbibed and acquired from the another feat, he sang for 36 hours ceaselessly ‘Ottamandaram’, ‘White Boys,’ and ‘Ennum The Arabic influence on Indian music has Narayan learnt the subtleties and the finer guru,” he said quoting the examples of great and found an entry in the Limca Book of World Ninte Moytheen’. Another film ‘Paattukaaran,’ been quite evident ever since the Mughal era nuances of the riveting ‘Mewati Gharana’ tradi- masters such as Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Records. (The Singer), narrates the life story of musical although the structure and ragas always tion. Powerfully evocative, his ‘bandishes’ Mian Tansen, Thyagaraja Bagavathar, and Explaining the rationale behind the non- legend Kozhikod Abdulkhader. remained quintessentially Indian. (songs) are creatively charged explorations of Dakhinamoorthy Swamy. stop concert, Narayan said: “It was not to set Ramesh Narayan will present a ‘jugalband- ‘Alif’, directed by N K Muhammed Koya fea- the fine aesthetics of classical music. Drawing Recently with a momentous 30-hour con- records. It was a dedication to my guru. The hi’ of vocal and flute (fusion music) as part of a tures Kalabhavan Mani and Lena in the lead rich from the tradition of his guru, Pandit cert, sung without a break-given as a tribute to attempt is to complete a cycle of different Gulf tour in partnership with well-known roles. The song sequence depicts the penulti- Narayan can effortlessly meander through the his late father Narayana Bhagavathar and to time spheres representing different ragas. flautist Ronu Majumdar in Bahrain and Kuwait mate scene in the movie in which the central nuances of a lofty ‘khayal’ or render a passion- Pandit Motiram - an exponent of the Mewati When I render a raga, I derive vital energy on September 26 and 27 respectively. Circus acrobat willing to do hair-hanging again ne of eight circus acrobats who plunged about 20 feet happy.” Pitard said it had been a normal performance Sunday. heard her say that she couldn’t feel her legs.” The paramedics to the ground during a hair-hanging act witnessed by The curtain dropped to reveal the eight women suspended in instructed her to lie down. Othousands says she’ll perform the stunt again. “For me, the air, but it went wrong when they did their third leg posi- Pitard described her injuries, including fractures on her you gotta get back up and do it again,” Samantha Pitard told tion. “We heard a huge crack, huge noise, and then we were spine, a cut on her head that required three stitches and a The Associated Press after being released from a hospital just plummeting to the ground,” she said. “It was very fast. I badly bitten tongue, as minor. Local investigators are turning Tuesday. Pitard and seven other acrobats were in an act remember everything.” over the broken clip and other material to federal workplace described as a “human chandelier,” hanging from an apparatus The 350-pound chandelier landed on them. She said res- safety authorities. Fire investigator Paul Doughty said they by their hair. They were injured during a Sunday performance cue crews got to them quickly to free them from the appara- have narrowed down the cause of the broken clip to two pos- of the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey circus when a clip at tus, then gave them medical attention. “I was sitting up, and sibilities: a manufacturing defect or improper use. the top of the chandelier-like apparatus snapped, dropping once I caught my breath, I was looking at all the girls,” she said. them to the ground. “I wanted to know that everybody was OK. I saw my troupe Right hair, weight and muscle The other women are still hospitalized and Pitard said she leader (Viktoriya Medeiros), she was right next to me, and I The circus inspected its equipment Monday night when it plans to stay in Providence to support her friends as they work loaded up in Providence and planned another inspection to regain their health. Then she’d like to return to the circus. when it unloaded in Hartford, Connecticut, where it performs “I’m hoping to join back up with the tour and show the world next, said Stephen Payne, a spokesman for Feld that I’m OK, and I’m hoping some of the other girls will do the Entertainment, Ringling’s parent company. The hair act won’t same,” she said. Pitard, 23, a native of Champaign, Illinois, said be performed there, the company said. Pitard said she she’s the only one of the troupe who can walk on her own. The became interested in being in the circus as a child during a others need assistance or haven’t tried to walk because camp that offered a circus program. She later attended the they’re undergoing operations. But she said the others are New England Center for Circus Arts and learned aerial acrobat expected to fully recover and are in good spirits after receiv- skills. She joined Ringling Bros as a clown in November 2012 ing an outpouring of support, including get well cards from and later was invited to join the highly specialized hair-hang- children who witnessed the accident. About 3,900 people ing act. were in the audience. “You have to have the right hair and the right weight and the right muscle,” she said. She trained for months to develop Big accident the act being performed Sunday, which has the acrobats “Every single one of us in the troupe, every single circus doing spins and other moves while hanging from their hair. performer, knows that they are risking their lives every time Her favorite part is holding two other performers up with her Photo shows Samantha Pitard performs a heel hang they go out there to perform or practice,” she said. “We hope it hair. “It’s an amazing feeling to know I’m holding two girls, two from the lyra (aerial hoop) during the Ringling Bros and doesn’t happen, but we know that we are taking that risk, and In this undated family photo, Samantha Pitard, left, grown women, by my hair,” she said. “There’s just something Barnum & Bailey Legends pre-show. we love it enough to take that risk every day to make people poses for a photo with Andrey Medeiros. — AP photos very, very cool about it.” —AP