SUBSCRIPTION

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 RAJAB 23, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net

US weighs more military aid Min 19º Max 34º for Saudis over Yemen war High Tide 07:12 & 16:57 Low Tide Mattis says US wants ‘strong’ Saudi Arabia, warns of Yemen ‘Hezbollah’ 11:38 40 PAGES NO: 17204 150 FILS RIYADH: The United States is considering ways to boost mili- conspiracy theories tary support for the Saudi-led fight against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen, believing military pressure is needed to prod the militants into a negotiated end to the conflict, US Petty problems officials said yesterday. The US already is helping the Saudis by providing intelligence and aerial refueling of their com- bat aircraft. But the coalition, which also includes the United Arab Emirates, has failed to defeat the rebels known as the Houthis. The rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, and much of northern Yemen in 2014. International calls for an end to the conflict are intensify- By Badrya Darwish ing amid rising casualties. Health groups warn the Arab world’s poorest country is on the brink of famine. But the Trump administration is considering how to help the Saudis advance their campaign, according to officials, who briefed [email protected] reporters on condition they not be quoted by name. The assistance could involve more intelligence support but won’t include a commitment of US ground troops, they said, adding that any moves would reflect the administration’s ately, I’ve noticed that since the past few years, effort to aggressively counter what it sees as Iran’s malign corruption and petty bribery have become a way influence across the region. Lof life in Kuwait. We never experienced this in Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who met King Salman Kuwait in the previous decades. Corruption is now and other top Saudi officials Tuesday and yesterday, has endemic in the public sector. When you go to process complained about Iran sending missiles to the Houthis, RIYADH: Saudi King Salman meets US Defense Secretary James Mattis yesterday. — AP any paperwork - which is your right and required by who’ve then used them to fire across the Yemen’s border law - it is the duty of the employee, whoever he or she into Saudi Arabia. “Everywhere you look, if there’s trou- is, to do it. But you feel that they are not encouraged to ble in the region, you find Iran,” Mattis said after his accomplish your task efficiently and quickly, unless Panel finalizes sports law meetings yesterday. “So right now what we’re seeing is you bring a small present or pay something. This is the nations in the region and others elsewhere trying to what is called petty bribery. By B Izzak He said it was agreed that the government will checkmate Iran and the amount of disruption and insta- At a glance, you say OK - KD 5 or KD 10 - what’s send a copy of the draft legislation to the International bility they can cause.” the big deal if I finish my paperwork quickly and KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s youth and sports Olympic Committee before it is sent to the Assembly Before visiting Riyadh, Mattis said the administration’s avoid delays and the repeated comings and goings committee and the government yesterday agreed on a for approval. Fadhl expected that there will be no goal in Yemen was to help arrange a United Nations-bro- objection from the IOC, since its opinion is included in and wasting time, because this is what happens. draft sports law aimed at lifting the 18-month interna- kered peace negotiation. A prospective coalition attack on tional suspension on Kuwaiti sports. Rapporteur of the the draft law, adding that the legislation was prepared You run to 100 departments to sign a paper and the Houthi-held port of Hoedida, Yemen, has been put off many times they tell you come back tomorrow or in committee MP Ahmad Al-Fadhl said the panel dis- in such a way that it complies with international sports amid concern it would cut off international relief supplies. the afternoon or after an hour. But if you know how cussed with State Minister for Youth Affairs Khaled Al- charters and at the same time does not contradict US officials said yesterday work is underway to determine to ‘adjust’ things, paperwork can get done more Roudhan the final details of the draft law after review- with the Kuwaiti constitution and laws. how to retake Hoedida without hurting aid efforts. quickly, at the same moment. ing a government draft and six proposals by lawmakers. Continued on Page 13 Continued on Page 13 This is where the danger lies. It starts like this, and slowly it becomes required. The employee psy- chologically starts to feel like it’s not his duty to do this work - he needs an incentive outside of his salary. And he starts building his life on that ‘extra’ coming from here and there. If you think about societies where petty official bribery takes hold, you will be saddened. They are impossible to improve. Many Third World countries suffer from a terrible infestation of petty bribery. The problem spreads quickly amongst employees and results in hindering advances in the society and effi- ciency on all scales. I’m worried for the generations to come, because if this grows and continues to spread - it looks like it’s escalating, not stopping - then the next generations will adopt it as the norm, a natural way of life or process. No ethics, no principles, no religion - whatever you want to call it. I don’t think any religion approves of bribery, be it Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, etc, etc. But me, as a Muslim, I know for a fact that bribery is totally forbidden and is a sin. According to a Sahih Al- Bukhari hadith, Abdullah bin Amur narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Allah cursed the briber (rashi) and bribe-taker (murtashi).” Emirates trims US flights over weak demand

DUBAI: Emirates, the Middle East’s biggest airline, said yesterday it is cutting flights to the United States because of a drop in demand caused by tougher US security meas- ures and Trump administration attempts to ban travelers from Muslim-majority nations. The decision by the Dubai government-owned carrier is the strongest sign yet that the new measures imposed on US-bound travelers from the Mideast are taking a financial toll on fast-growing Gulf carriers that have expanded rapidly in the United States. Dubai was one of 10 cities in Muslim-majority coun- tries affected by a ban on laptops and other personal electronics in carry-on luggage aboard US-bound flights. Continued on Page 13 LOCAL THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other top state officials attend the closing ceremony of the Kuwait international Quran contest. —Amiri Diwan photos

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah poses after receiving an artwork presented to him as a memento. A participant recites verses from the Holy Quran.

Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Mohammad Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah honors participants during the ceremony. Jabri delivers a speech. Amir attends, patronizes Kuwait Int’l Quran contest ceremony 125 participants from 70 countries ‘gathered for the love of the Holy Quran’

KUWAIT: The closing ceremony of the Kuwait Mohammad Al-Jabri and members of the con- of Cassation and Constitutional Court Justice Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali always supported spreading the teaching of Islam international Quran contest was held in Bayan test’s committee. Yousef Al-Mutawa’a, Acting National Assembly Jarrah Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and and Quran memorization throughout the years. Palace yesterday, with the attendance and The ceremony was attended by His Highness Speaker Essa Al-Kandari, President of the Minister of Interior Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al- Meanwhile, Minister Jabri said the contest brought patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Supreme Judicial Council, First Deputy Prime Sabah and senior military officials. together 125 participants from 70 countries, gath- Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Upon arrival, Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh In a speech at the event, head of the contest’s ering for the love of the Holy Quran. He added that His Highness Sheikh Sabah was received by Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy judging panel Mohammad Mandakar thanked His the competition saw a large media coverage with Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, President Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Highness the Amir for patronizing the competi- about five million viewers and another 14 million Minister of State for Municipal Affairs of the Supreme Judicial Council, head of the Court Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, tion. He noted that Al-Sabah ruling family had followers on the internet. —KUNA

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Al-Sabah and the visiting Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and trade Peter Szijjarto exchange one Hamad Al-Sabah (right) speaks during a joint press conference with his German counterpart Sigmar of three documents they signed yesterday. —KUNA Gabriel. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Kuwait, Hungary ink German foreign minister hails economic relations with Kuwait

3 cooperation memos By Faten Omar He stressed the great role and efforts Kuwait achieve development. He said exerted by Kuwait on the Yemeni crisis. Germany is Kuwait’s strong trading part- KUWAIT: The German foreign minister He said Germany feels responsible for ner in the European Union, where the Amir receives letter from Hungarian President hailed long-standing and distinguished providing support, which would boost average trading volume between economic relations between Germany international and regional efforts to Germany and Kuwait is about $1.5 bil- KUWAIT: The State of Kuwait and between the State of Kuwait Ministry handed His Highness the Amir a letter and Kuwait, adding that Germany resolve the problem. “If the countries of lion annually, while Kuwaiti investments Hungary inked yesterday documents of Foreign Affairs and the Hungarian from President of Hungary Janos Ader would like to strengthen this successful the world contribute as much as in Germany hit $31.5 billion. He stressed stipulating organization of high-level Ministry of Foreign Affairs and regarding bilateral relations. The letter relationship. “Kuwait is important for the Kuwait’s contribution towards humani- that Kuwaitis are looking forward to bilateral consultations, cooperation in Commerce, another memo for cooper- also included an invitation for His Federal Republic of Germany,” Sigmar tarian action, progress would be signifi- boosting cooperation in all sectors. sports and education and sciences. The ation in the sports sectors in addition Highness Sheikh Sabah to visit Gabriel said during a joint press confer- cant,” Gabriel said. “Germany provided big contribu- inking of the documents came after to a program for educational and sci- Hungary. The meeting was attended ence with his Kuwaiti counterpart He said Germany wants to con- tions to help Syrians during the three First Deputy Prime Minister and entific cooperation between the by Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah at the tribute to strengthening security in Iraq conferences hosted by Kuwait in 2013, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Kuwaiti Ministry of Higher Education Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah. foreign ministry on Tuesday, stressing by training security and police forces to 2014 and 2015, in addition to the Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the Hungarian Ministry of Human Later, His Highness the Prime the importance of selecting Kuwait as achieve stability in liberated areas and London and Brussels conferences,” he hosted the visiting Hungarian Minister Resources for the years 2017, 2018 and Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- the first leg of his trip to the Middle East. rebuilding and maintaining Iraq’s unity. noted. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled of Foreign Affairs and trade Peter 2019. Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Hamad Al-Sabah received Szijjarto and On bilateral talks with Sheikh Sabah He revealed that there would be a praised the German role in finding Szijjarto, holding official talks on held a luncheon in honor of the guests his accompanying delegation, in the Al-Khaled, he said opinions were chance during the Gulf consultative peaceful solutions to several regional cementing cooperation in key sectors, at the Foreign Ministry headquarters. presence of Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled. exchanged on many issues in the summit in mid-May to discuss means of and international issues. On Iran, he issues of joint concern as well a region- Senior ministry officials attended it. The meeting was attended by head of region. “We have common positions creating a platform for this dialogue. said: “We and GCC countries are con- al and international affairs. Earlier yesterday, His Highness the His Highness the Prime Minister’s regarding the Syrian crisis in finding a Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled lauded the vinced that Iran is a key country in the The two sides during the concluded Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Diwan Sheikha Etimad Khaled Al- peaceful solution and involving all par- strategic relations with Germany that region, and the existence of normal talks signed three documents; a mem- Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and ties to the conflict,” he said, referring to were established more than 50 years relations between Iran and GCC states orandum of understanding (MoU) on Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, accompanied Ambassador of Kuwait to Hungary Dr Russia and the United States, as well as ago. He also expressed appreciation for would benefit our countries and the holding bilateral consultations by Szijjarto. The Hungarian Minister Hamad Bu-Rahama. —KUNA Gulf-Iran consultations. the key role by Germany in helping region generally.” LOCAL THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Food Bank Assistant CEO Mishaal Al-Ansari speaks during the press conference. Kuwaiti Food Bank Assistant CEO Mishaal Al-Ansari presents a memento to Saveco. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Kuwaiti Food Bank, Saveco launch clothes bank project Charity coupons, training courses for 5,700 families

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Food Bank and Saveco have recently announced launching a charity project that aims to help 5,700 needy families. The proj- ect contains a clothes bank, charity coupons and training courses at Saveco’s food academy. Saveco’s Chief Executive Officer Noor Faisal Al-Qatami said: “It is part of Saveco’s social responsibility to give back to the community we are part of. There are many activities we have tak- en part in order to achieve this goal. Today, we are announcing a major community partnership with the Kuwaiti Food Bank to launch the clothes bank, where our customers buy clothes and put them in a dedi- cated box placed after the cashier counters at our stores, in order to be Kuwaiti Food Bank Assistant CEO Mishaal Al-Ansari (center) distributed by the Kuwaiti Food House speaks with Saveco’s Martin Daly (left) as Kuwaiti Food Bank’s to needy families, along with the char- Salem Al-Hamar looks on. ity coupons initiative. In addition to this, we are launching food academy Assistant CEO Mishaal Al-Ansari said: will be distributed for each needy training courses at Saveco Al-Rai and “The idea of the Kuwaiti Food Bank family in order to have basic food Al-Qurain. In these courses, family has been implemented in many Arab items. “Plus, we have clothes banks members will learn how to cook in a states and countries worldwide. It is a located at Saveco Al-Rai and Al- healthy way, which helps them to charitable idea aimed to achieve Qurain, and food academy training have a healthier lifestyle, since our slo- nutritional balance in the community.” courses that aim to train young peo- gan in Saveco is ‘A Way of Life.’” He further revealed the ‘Food Feeding ple and empower them for the benefit Officials pose for a group photo. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti Food Bank Project,’ where a KD 25 charity coupon of the Kuwaiti society,” he added.

KUWAIT: Head of the UNHCR office in Kuwait Dr Hanan Hamdan and Omar Al-Ghanim, CEO of Al- Ghanim Industries, sign the memorandum of understanding. —Photo by Joseph Shagra UNHCR, Al-Ghanim Industries sign MoU on educating Syrian refugees

By Faten Omar panies: Zain, Agility and Al-Ghanim Agility. “There are more than five mil- Industries, and there is an undergoing lion refugees and more than six million KUWAIT: UN High Commissioner for discussion with other companies to internally displaced people in Syria. Refugees (UNHCR) and Al-Ghanim cooperate with.” Agility, like many other companies, has Industries yesterday signed a three- supported people in need. 285 families year memorandum of understanding Long overdue were cared for as part of UNHCR’s cash (MoU) to educate Syrian refugees in Omar Al-Ghanim, CEO of Al-Ghanim assistance program to donate logistics MENA region through various key Industries, said that participating in this to transport relief supplies to refugees programs. event and signing the memorandum of in Greece and Jordan.” This took place following a high-lev- understanding with the UNHCR is a He added, “as for the role of the pri- el panel discussion held at UN House in long awaited step. “We appreciate the vate sector, we are seeking to provide Mishref on the role of Kuwait’s private efforts of UNHCR, relief agencies and funds to support people in the field, in sector in humanitarian response to the other governments in this area, but as a addition to working within our network refugee crisis in the MENA region. private sector, we have a key role to and encouraging the community to During her opening speech, head of play that can make a big difference for respond to the crisis, within the coordi- the UNHCR office in Kuwait Dr Hanan refugees in the region.” nation between civil society and what Hamdan stressed the importance of He stressed that the private sector, we can offer through goods and supporting the private sector in Kuwait including Al-Ghanim Industries, should involve people in various programs.” for humanitarian operations, pointing be more active “and the opportunity is at the vital role of this sector to alleviate right for all of us to start changing our Unique initiative the suffering of refugees in the region. mindset about a crisis.” Ghanim added Houssam Chahine, Senior Private Hamdan noted that the Government that hundreds of thousands of Syrian Sector Partnerships Officer (MENA), of Kuwait has been very generous in children suffer from lack of access to UNHCR, affirmed that there is a great supporting the refugees, and the sup- education. “Today, we face the risk of scope for partnership with the private port of the private sector will increase creating a whole generation of Syrian sector, adding that the United Nations the impact of Kuwait in preserving the children without the skills, confidence, worked two years ago focusing on dignity of refugees and provide them support and ability to build their future. cooperation with companies in the pri- with sustainable opportunities to meet Marketing with a humanitarian aspect vate sector to deliver the message the increasing humanitarian needs. to support the education of Syrian through several networks. “Kuwait has always been a supporter of refugee children, will provide financial “This year, the Commission the refugee issue through donations assistance to the educational activities launched a unique initiative with multi- and implementation of several interna- of Syrian refugees, and we will continue ple partnerships, the most important tional solidarity conferences to support our role as advocates of change during being the contribution of individuals them. Kuwait has hosted three interna- these difficult times.” and companies financially. The UN tional donors to support the humanitari- Ghanim explained that Al-Ghanim relies on transparency with this sector. an situation in Syria and nine meetings Industries’ project to support Syrian We seek to raise awareness among the with major donors to support the inter- refugees in the field of education is based refugees about the importance of edu- national humanitarian response to the on providing good teachers for refugees cation so that the future of a genera- crisis in Syria,” she said. because when they return to their coun- tion of refugees will not be available, She added that the Kuwaiti private try, the Syrians can contribute to the and the second is the monetary sup- sector is a very promising sector, reconstruction of their state. port program, where the United adding that they cooperated with pri- “The humanitarian cost of the war in Nations is working to mobilize support- vate companies for almost a year. “Now Syria is great,” said Tariq Sultan, Chief ers from all over the world to provide we have cooperation with three com- Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of cash support,” he said. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 LOCAL Arab Forum activities of E-government launches Sunday in Sharam Al-Sheikh Under the patronage of Egyptian Prime Minister

KUWAIT: Sharam Al-Sheikh City will wit- ness on Sunday the launch of the Arab Forum of the ongoing E-government under the slogan “the Road to Sustainable Development” which will be under the patronage of the engineer Shareef Ismael, Prime Minister of Arab Republic of Egypt. This forum will be held from 23 to 25 of April in the Maritim International Conferences Hall with a joint effort between Akhbar Al-Youm Foundation and Nouf Expo Company from Kuwait in addi- tion to the Arab Organization for Administrative Development (ARADO) which is one of the specialized organiza- tions of the Arab League. The Forum brings together many of the leaderships of E- Government programs and Information Technology and communications from Yusuf Khalid Al-Marzouq Yasser Rizk Dr Nasser Al-Qahtani Essam Al-Saghir Arab Countries in addition to specialized Government which is organized by Nouf Information Technology in the Arab Republic of to keep pace with the rapid global develop- services seeks to improve the relationship Arab and International foundations and Expo in Kuwait where its new session Egypt which is represented by His Excellency the ments in this field. He added that the participa- between citizens and their governments. Its companies. It is worth mentioning that which will be held in next November will Minister Yasser Al-Kadi ,and the support of both tion of Dar Akhbar Al-Youm in organizing the main objective should be focused on providing Yasser Al-Kadi, Minister of Communications be the fifth consecutively. the High Authority for Tourism and the Egyptian Forum stems from its deep belief in the impor- services that are more efficient, accessible and and Major General Khaled Fouda governor The organizers have spared no effort to Postal Authority. tance of supporting joint Arab action efforts in responsive to people’s needs. of South of Sinai as well as a gathering of convey this outstanding experience to the all various fields, especially in the technological An effective e-government can also help to senior Arab officials will participate in the Arab World through the window of the Platform for convergence field, pointing out the faith of Dar Akhbar Al- enhance participation in decision-making and opening of this forum. Arab Organization for the Administrative In this context, the General Manager of Nouf Youm in its social and national role which moti- make institutions more transparent and Development which is one of the special- Expo, Yusuf Khalid Al-Marzouq, said: “The organi- vates it to support any effort that achieves Arab accountable. All this is in line with the principles Communication ized and relevant organizations starting zation of the forum in Shaam Al-Sheikh stems interests. He praised the close cooperation and objectives of the Arab Vision for 2030, and ‘The Arab forum for the ongoing E- from Egypt with basic contribution from from the fact that it is a place distinguished by between the Akhbar Al-Youm Institution and the contributes to its implementation.” Government’ aims at setting stable scientif- Akhbar Al-Youm as it is the exclusive media tourism of international conferences, being a safe partners who participated in the organization of ic standards in order to expand the applica- partner and marketing partner. haven to organize such a forum that brings the forum, stressing his confidence that this Customer satisfaction tion of the foundations of ongoing or smart The forum has also an official and out- together the governments of the region with cooperation will lead to the success of the Essam Al-Saghir, Chairman of the Board of E-government in various Arab countries in standing support which is represented by major international companies. The organization Forum and achieve its objectives. Directors of the Egyptian Post, said that the par- order to achieve Arab communication in His Excellency the Prime Minister Shareef of the forum outside of Kuwait also confirms the ticipation in the Forum comes as part of the this regard. This Forum also builds on the Ismael and many other supports on the implementation of the Nouf Expo’s strategy of Community participation strategic plan of the Egyptian Postal Authority, in success achieved by the forum of E- part of Ministry of Communications and regional expansion, after it has successfully The Director General of the Arab being keen to utilize the latest technological achieved its local strategic objectives.” Organization for Administrative Development, applications and provide all services, whether Marzouq added: “We aim to make this forum Dr Nasser Al-Qahtani, stressed the importance of postal, financial or governmental, in accordance an Arab platform that enhances the opportunity technology in achieving the aspirations of the with international standards. He pointed out to learn about the latest international technolo- Arab peoples. that the Egyptian Post is currently utilizing the gies and the latest innovations and scientific He said: “Advanced technology is considered latest postal systems, such as tracking shipment solutions developed to help governments of the one of the most important channels to depart routes and calculating its cost through its differ- region in providing smart and innovative servic- from the cycle of challenges that plague our ent rates through the website. es to their people. Arab countries today need to countries, both in Egypt and in all other sister The National Post Authority has developed a launch their sustainable development programs Arab countries. We recognize that we must use ‘call center’ to make it an interface that reflects based upon what is available by the new oppor- all the means of modern technology through e- the interest that the Egyptian Post takes in its tunities provided by information and communi- government programs in activating programs of customers, in order to improve the service deliv- cation technology (ICT) in various fields. Nouf modernity and sustainable development to ery and ensure customer satisfaction when Expo ensures that all the conferences and advance our societies towards the horizons to dealing with mail. The Chairman of the Forums that it organizes are keen to deal with which we all aspire.” Authority explained that the new call center the issues and activities that affect the growth The Director General of the Arab employs 55 employees trained at the highest and development of societies that would bring Organization for Administrative Development level to receive complaints and inquiries from about development and prosperity. Information said that preparations are currently under way to customers. Moreover, the center employs the technology and E-government programs repre- prepare for the forum so as to make it at the lev- latest technology systems in customer relation- sent today a true window of hope for the desired el of the prominence of such an event. He point- ship management (CRM). change in the Arab world, and this is what the ed out that the Forum enjoys excellent media The development is still ongoing and the ‘Arab E-Government Forum’ seeks to achieve at patronage from Dar Akhbar Al-Youm, the Al- future is full of new projects that contribute to the the current and the subsequent sessions.” Idara Al-Youm (Management Today) Magazine development and improvement of the services and a strategic participation by the Ministry of provided so that every citizen will receive all serv- Important step Communications and Information Technology, ices in a decent and accessible manner. The activi- Leading Egyptian journalist Yasser Rizk, represented by the Minister Engineer, Yasser Al- ties of the Forum will be accompanied by an exhi- Chairman of Akhbar Al-Youm Institution, and the Qadhi, as well as by the Supreme Commission bition of technologies and services provided by Editor-in-Chief of the Al-Akbar newspaper for Tourism and the Egyptian Postal Authority Arab and international companies from the expressed his appreciation for the cooperation and many other governmental companies and providers of telecommunication solutions and of all parties to ensure the success of the forum, Agencies, by which participation contributed to services. Some of the successful Arab and interna- in the belief of its importance in supporting the enriching the topics of the forum. tional experiences in the field of developing e- development of mechanisms of governmental Qahtani added: “The Arab Organization for government programs will be presented through work in Arab countries. He expressed his hope Administrative Development, through holding the forum sessions, with the participation of 12 that the Forum will produce strong recommen- the ongoing ‘Arab E-Government Forum’ aims at countries, which are: Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi dations and new ideas through working papers supporting E-government in Arab countries, Arabia, Sudan, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Sultanate that can uplift the Arab technological thinking which through advanced electronic and mobile of Oman, Palestine and Morocco.

KUWAIT: Frederick Carstens and Paul Zalloua pose after signing the MoU in presence of Dr Salah Al-Sharhan and Yousef Al-Ruwaieh. KFH renews agreement with GUST

KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has MOU, that the framework of cooperation with Meanwhile, VP for Academic Affairs at GUST, renewed the Memorandum of Understanding GUST encompasses training programs, intern- Dr Salah Al-Sharhan said “We look forward to (MOU) with Gulf University for Science and ships, full-time and part-time jobs, KFH spon- continuing our cooperation with a leading Technology (GUST), in continuation of the efforts sorship of GUST activities, career seminars, institution in the private sector such as KFH, to further provide a framework for cooperation GUST facilities and space utilization, case stud- and we value their efforts in working with us in and coordination, while boosting a constructive ies programs including approaches and collab- preparing our students for leadership positions. connection between the two organizations. oration frameworks. He illustrated that pur- One of our top priorities is preparing our stu- Group Chief Human Resources Officer at KFH, suant to the MOU, KFH and GUST recognize dents to face the workplace with confidence, Frederick Carstens, and AVP for Planning and each other as important organizations in the equipped not only with academic knowledge Development at GUST, Engineer Paul Zalloua learning and development field. but also with skills that enables them to tackle signed the MOU at KFH Headquarters in presence Carstens reiterated that KFH is keen on main- everyday challenges.” of VP for Academic Affairs at GUST, Dr Salah Al- taining high levels of services and benefits to its “This MoU is important to the future of our Sharhan, Group Public Relations and Media at KFH, employees and new recruits, indicating the bank graduates. Being proactive with KFH through Yousef Al-Ruwaieh and officials from both sides. encourages them to be certified and highly our internship and placement programs, we “We are delighted to renew the long-stand- qualified by providing them with all the tools offer our students yet another opportunity to ing collaborative links with GUST. It is envisaged they need to enable them to enjoy productive join the workplace immediately after gradua- that renewing the MOU will definitely foster and satisfying careers. tion. KFH has been supportive of our programs, development links between the two organiza- KFH continues its efforts to be a leader in the and their feedback on the performance of our tions for the best interest of KFH employees and field of talent development, particularly national graduates is valuable towards preparing our stu- GUST students” said Frederick Carstens. labor by attracting, training and qualifying dents in aspects of workplace skill and produc- He added, on the sidelines of inking the young graduates. tivity,” Zalloua concluded. LOCAL THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

Judiciary members must submit In my view America: financial statements by May 13 Gothamized? By Jeri Al-Jeri Over 9,647 roaming taxi permits in Kuwait omic books, novels, and movies all reassure a sense By A Saleh ing that representatives failing to do their annually. Sheikh Khaled stressed that the of old school heroism. But let us not forget that jobs properly would be held accountable interior ministry regularly inspects these Cheroes need their polar opposites: ‘evil doers.’ KUWAIT: Minister of Justice and Minister of along with their supervisors. companies. He added that the ministry fol- Batman’s greatness is dependent on villains, with all their State for Assembly Affairs Faleh Al-Azeb lowed some measures to help reduce traffic stereotypes, to punch in the face, and to defeat. He can stressed that both members of the judiciary Taxi permits congestions, including suspending the only remain the Dark Knight and gain what vote-depen- and the board of trustees will have to file Deputy Prime Minister and Interior issuance of further roaming taxi commercial dent politicians desire, popularity, when he is out ‘fight- their financial statements by May 13 and Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah licenses and limiting the maximum number ing’ the good fight. those who fail to do so would be held legally said the total number of drivers holding valid of taxis owned by a company to 30. The world’s police, however, does not veil its ‘muscles’ accountable. Speaking at an open meeting roaming taxi permits was 9,647 as of March with a stealth attire. Instead, it champions justice loud held at the diwaniya of former vice president 28. In a response to an inquiry by MP Island development and proud, imposing [where necessary] basic ‘good’ of the Municipal Council Jassar Al-Jassar, Abdulkareem Al-Kandari, Sheikh Khaled Kuwait Municipality Director Ahmad Al- worldwide. Without being called an empire, the US feder- Azeb stressed that as the head of the Public explained that ministerial decision number Manfouhi issued an administrative decision al government took it upon itself to advance a number of Anti-Corruption Authority, he would never 182/2004 set some conditions for roaming forming a special team to study the Failaka intercontinental missions to secure territory across the hesitate to refer violators to prosecution. taxi permits including limiting the permit to island development project head by his globe, regardless of how debate-worthy it is, as Senator Responding to a question about the extradi- Kuwaitis. He added that the decision author- deputy Faisal Al-Jumaa. According to the Ron Paul would argue. tion of fugitive Fahd Al-Rajaan from Britain to ized the traffic licenses director to exempt decision, the team will study all data about Justice Minister Faleh Al-Azeb For the time being, wherever there is evil, it is going to Kuwait, Azeb said that he will be handed over non-Kuwaitis working for roaming taxi com- ownership on the island in order to overcome be its last place, the soaring eagle of the west will put the soon to face a fair trial, because he had violat- panies provided that the permits expire all the project’s obstacles to help realize the pany contracted for it because it failed to fear at rest. Yet, there are louder voices that disagree. Do ed public funds. Azeb also stressed that whenever the driver quits and changes com- development plan. The team will also include meet the execution schedule. The minister US President Donald Trump’s supporters have a point in grilling motions should be filed against the panies, and that at least 30 percent of the representatives from the ministries of also mandated the company to execute the calling the military as fictional as a DC Comic’s character? concerned ministers and not against the drivers should be Kuwaiti. defense, finance, electricity and water and projects at its own expense as stipulated in What happens to the eagle if it nests in the west perma- Prime Minister, and if a motion is found to be Sheikh Khaled added that the conditions public works, in addition to the housing, the penal clause agreed upon in the con- nently, with no fear-worthy enemies left in the world? constitutional, the government has nothing included holding a general driving license, industries, and environment authorities as tracts signed with it. The feathers are getting too expensive, the nest is to fear or hide. having a good reputation, not be convicted well as the National Council for Culture, Arts crashing down economically, the multiracial demograph- He also said that the courts’ notification for disgraceful crimes or felonies, not being and Letters. Free Trade Zone ics are a in state of antagonization, scientific progression representatives were not doing their jobs involved in serious accidents or driving under The Manpower Public Authority plans to is not living up to the standards of the past generation, properly in terms of notifying prosecuted the effect of drugs, alcohol or mind-altering Projects withdrawn legalize the statuses of commercial establish- the funding of NASA decreased, and yet Silicon Valley people about the hearings of cases filed substances, passing a test on Kuwait’s geog- Minister of Public Works Abdulrahman Al- ments located in blocks 1 and 3 of the Free thrives. Tragically, race relations and religious tensions against them. “Kuwait is a small country and it raphy, being able to speak both Arabic and Mutawwa decided withdrawing the Wafra Trade Zone and treat them as Kuwaiti private have been inflamed by the government’s political rheto- is not hard to reach any area,” he said, warn- English, work full time and renew the permit and Bidaa roundabout projects from a com- sector companies. ric. Will New York City or Washington, DC transform into Gotham? Is the true American way of life lost? Will America be great, but only historically? Speaker Ghanem, World Bank President Michael Moore laid down all of the signs of how discuss Kuwait’s economic reforms empires fall: Rudeness sexuality, aggression as entertain- ment, violence for the sake of itself, and the social disinte- WASHINGTON: The National Assembly ence held in Washington from April 17 to gration of the ‘nuclear’ family (which is very unfamiliar Speaker of Kuwait Marzouq Al-Ghanem 18, organized by the International concept for other nations). I find Moore’s observation to and his accompanying delegation met Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. be exaggerated. Still, I believe that there is a noble soul in with World Bank (WB) President Jim Yong The Kuwaiti delegation also included MPs the rib cage of each American, a genie in the lamp, an Kim in Washington late Tuesday, dis- Safa Al-Hashem, Salah Khorshid, eagle to be. A kind of Batman that is not fictional. cussing with him economic reform in Abdulwahab Al-Babtain and Thamer Al- For example, one blond teenage girl who ‘could not Kuwait. During the meeting held on the Suwait. take it.’ One sunny day, a hijab-wearing brown skinned sidelines of the Global Parliamentary Meanwhile, Ghanem and his accompa- Muslim woman was being kicked out of a shop by the Conference, the two sides affirmed the nying parliamentary delegation met with cashier under a barrage of racial slurs when, in the far importance of joint cooperation between experts in the small and medium-sized back, a white young girl came forward. She marched to the bank and Kuwait to boost the coun- enterprises from the World Bank (WB) in this racist employee and lectured him on how America try’s economy. Washington late Tuesday as well. The became great through racial acceptance. Then she Speaking to Kuwaiti media, Ghanem meeting discussed the importance of hugged the Muslim lady in tears, and made sure she said his meetings with international parlia- small and medium-sized enterprises in bought her groceries and escorted the woman to her mentary delegations during the confer- allowing the private sector to boost vehicle. ence were of great importance. The Kuwait’s economy. It also involved study- This was on TV. Soon afterwards, a cameraman came in Kuwaiti delegation learned of the impact ing the experience of other countries in and the TV host appeared to thank the girl and shake her of political changes on the economy of the field in order to overcome obstacles. hand. And then ‘gotcha’: it was all an act! But to the girl different countries, he noted. They also Later that evening, Kuwaiti Ambassador to who thought it was real - and to people behind the TV shared experience in overcoming obsta- Washington Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al- show who set up the prank - the idea of racism being cles facing small and medium-sized enter- Jaber Al-Sabah held a dinner banquet in allowed was too much. America does not need a new prises, he added. honor of Ghanem and his accompanying WASHINGTON: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem meets with World Batman, just ordinary people willing to stand up against Ghanem took part in the global confer- delegation.— KUNA Bank President Jim Yong Kim in in Washington, DC. — KUNA the casual racism of their compatriots and their leaders. Kuwait National Guard signs protocol with Jordanian Army

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti National Guard yesterday signed a protocol of cooper- ation with the Jordanian Armed Forces for promoting cooperation and coordination, and sharing experience in training, security and technical fields. The guard’s undersecretary General Hashem Al-Refaai said in a press statement following a meeting with visiting Jordanian Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Major General Mahmoud Freihat that the protocol would lead to a further promotion and development of bilateral military and training domains. The cooperation protocol would also enable Kuwait and Jordan to make use of each other’s military experience, he added. He noted that the National Guard is eager to tap dis- KUWAIT: Kuwaiti National Guard’s Undersecretary General Hashem Al- tinguished military experiences in Refaai and Jordanian Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Major General Arab and friendly countries by means Mahmoud Freihat sign a protocol of cooperation. —KUNA of consolidating cooperation in mili- tary, security and crisis-management py to sign the cooperative protocol promoting and bolstering existing his- domains. Meanwhile, the visiting with the Kuwaiti National Guard. He torical relations and bonds between Jordanian general said he was so hap- hoped that the move would lead to Kuwait and Jordan.—KUNA

KUWAIT: The land borders security department held a field exercise yesterday in the presence of Interior Ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for Land Borders Security Major General Abdallah Al-Muhanna. The exercise was also attended by Director General of Land Borders Directorate Major General Fouad Al-Athari, Assistant Director General Major General Faisal Al-Essa, Commander of the Sixth Bridge Colonel Mohammad Al-Khurainej, along with other officials. —By Hanan Al-Saadoun THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 From the Arabic press

Al-Jarida Trees die standing! Al-Jarida The articles thief Partners in citizenship forgery By Ali Khajah eeks ago, a writer who is supposedly religious By Dr Hassan Jouhar posted a video of an old man speaking the e had just finished with the dual citizens issue Kuwaiti dialect with an accent of Kuwaiti or that preoccupied Kuwait’s public opinion for WPersian origins. The writer made sarcastic comments over five years without actually reaching any about the accent, and implying that he lives in a certain Waccurate or official results about the credibility of such a area inhabited by a majority of citizens with Persian ori- dangerous issue, when another issue came out of the gins. However, when followers warned him that the old blue: the citizenship forgery cases. It came out with the man comes from a well-known honorable family ‘Al- same direction method, starring the same actors. This Kandari,’ that man, with religious looks only, who is topic has become the talk of everyone, including blog- famous amongst journalists for being an articles’ thief, Says who?! gers, writers, Diwaniya visitors and MPs, but of course not deleted his post. I personally believe that the disaster was the government, as if it is just standing by watching not in the tweet that the ‘articles’ thief’ had posted, nor in everybody fight. the satirical remarks he made. The real problem lies in the What is remarkable about both issues is that the relat- fact that he deleted his post after realizing that the honor- ed documents have now reached the public who are ana- able old man belonged to Al-Kandari family. Personally, I lyzing numbers, scrutinizing IDs and defining the parties believe there is no harm when people speak different involved in the alleged forgeries, saying that their num- accents in Kuwait because all of us have migrated here bers are estimated at up to 400,000 out of one million from various places surrounding Kuwait. Kuwaitis; that is 40 percent of citizens. All of this is hap- There are many accents of migrants originating from pening without even a blink of an eye from the govern- north, south, east or west. It is also alright to imitate those ment’s side to deny such serious accusations amidst a accents for comic reasons in drama such as the role

Al-Anbaa state of general chaos, shock, anger and public disputes. played by comedian Dawood Hussein in the famous play The new scenario could indicate two things. Either the ‘Vote for Um Ali,’ the character of ‘Nahhash Fata Al-Jabal’ data are fake and the issue is nothing more than a new and many others. This is acceptable worldwide. play to distract people from more serious issues such as However, deleting the tweet reflects the ill intentions multibillion-dinar deals to sell out the country, or is used of the ‘articles’ thief.’ Why did he delete it? Has the man’s to cover up horrifying financial violations that are begin- accent disappeared on realizing he is a Kandari family ning to unfold. Well, voices about this forgery will eventu- member? Or did he intend to mock a certain sect before Artist arrested for swindling ally fade away in due time the same way those about dual realizing that his attempt was useless and decided to Hawally detectives arrested a Gulf artist who plaint to prosecution after she claimed that she was black- citizenship did, and that time might be the coming parlia- delete the post? That is the bottom line of the whole issue KUWAIT: swindled a Kuwaiti actress of KD 8,000 to design and make mailed by a man who practices usury. The woman’s lawyer mentary elections. because his motive was to get at a certain sect rather than special sofas for an upcoming project. The Gulf national accused a citizen of loaning his client KD 900 after she The other possible motive behind creating this mocking it. People have not noticed this, and focused claimed that he own a company known for such works, but signed a paper to borrow KD 1,600. Then when the woman ‘forgery’ vortex might be accepted for political analysis more on the old man’s identity. That has always been our he did not deliver on his part of the deal. Detectives found was not able to pay it back, he asked her to sign for another reasons until the government declares its official attitude. problem. We are being too superficial without scrutiniz- out that he had no relations with the company he claimed debt of KD 1,500 in front of a notary public to postpone the Otherwise, how come some MPs get access to documents ing or comprehending, and that is the reason of all our he owned. Based on their findings, police headed to the time of payment, making the total debt KD 3,100, though and information stating that the Interior Ministry gave everyday problems. — Translated by Kuwait Times man’s house and arrested him there. originally it was KD 900. The man is being summoned for around half a million ‘fake’ Kuwaitis the Kuwaiti citizenship In another case, an investigator referred a citizen’s com- questioning. — Translated from the Arabic press illegally, and that the Cabinet is using fake identification documents, while at the same time fight fiercely to keep the right to grant and withdraw citizenships in the hands of the government, rejecting judicial monitoring? What kind of logic are the new advocates using to instigate public opinion through loud threats, while at the same time fiercely defend the government and save it from any parliamentary political accountability? Shouldn’t MPs, the ones showing that much care for Kuwaitis, truly attempt to straighten up the government’s performance through grilling motions, or even refer it to public prosecution over what could be the largest for- gery case in contemporary political history? Doesn’t being silent about such violations make them accom- plices and partners in crime? — Translated by Kuwait Times Crime Report

Maid accused of stealing KD 150,000 necklace

KUWAIT: A well-known Kuwaiti businessman accused his domestic helper of stealing a KD 150,000 necklace from his Faiha house and then disappearing. Police are investigating. Separately, a Bangladeshi man told Maidan Hawally police that a person chocked him then robbed KD 225 in cash from him as well as his smartphone then escaped. A case was filed for investigations. In Shamiya, a citizen lodged a complaint Zain Gold Sponsor of with police saying that her expensive watch was stolen and gave them its serial number. She said the theft took place in AUM Career Fair 2017 Wahran Park while she was playing with children, as she placed it next to her on a seat. Meanwhile, an Iranian man told Salam police that the backseat window of his sports-util- Zain, the leading telecommuni- lighted the available job vacancies in the KUWAIT: ity-vehicle (SUV) was broken and KD 2,500 in cash were cations company in Kuwait, announced its company, provided a detailed explanation stolen from inside it. The theft happened while the vehicle sponsorship and participation in the of the nature of work at various depart- was parked in the parking lot of a Hitteen school, he said. American University of the Middle East’s ments and divisions, as well as answered Career Fair for the year 2017, held in the questions and inquiries visitors had. main campus in Egaila. The event was Zain participates in career fairs all year Mugging organized by AUM’s Tawteen Career round as part of its Human Resources strat- Investigations are ongoing to identify suspects who Development and Recruitment center. egy, which closely focuses on supporting reportedly mugged three different people in Nugra The AUM Career Fair, sponsored by Zain the educational sector hand in hand with and Maidan Hawally. Officials in those two areas were on an annual basis, witnessed high various universities, colleges, and educa- approached by three people who gave identical turnouts from both students and gradu- tional institutions in Kuwait to provide stu- descriptions for the culprits they said were driving a ates who were eager to learn about the dents and graduates with career opportu- black SUV. The suspects had pulled over next to the company’s available job vacancies. nities in the private sector. victim, stole their money and cell phone then escaped, Students of various business and engineer- Zain is committed to playing an active according to the victims’ accounts. ing majors learned about Zain’s leading role in the investment in the human capital experience in the telecom sector, as well as of Kuwait. The company seeks to provide its internal policy and wonderful work young and eager Kuwaitis with job oppor- Generator stolen atmosphere. tunities that allow them to apply their An unknown person stole a power generator from a Zain participated in the career fair practical skills, achieve their potential, and telecommunication company’s relay station. The compa- through its dedicated booth, where it high- fully develop their capabilities. ny’s lawyer told police that technicians have discovered the theft when they noticed that the metal barrier was broken and that the generator was missing. Detectives are investigating.

Insult A first Lieutenant in the fire department told Qairawan police that he was insulted while on duty. He said that while he was returning to the fire station, a driver obstructed his way, and when asked him to open the way, he pulled over next to him and verbally insulted him. The suspect, Iranian, was summoned for questioning.

Nonpayment A company salesman filed a case against an Egyptian man, accusing him of disappearing after buying a large quantity of medicines for an estimated value of KD 2,500 without paying for them. The case is being referred to concerned authorities, although the suspect had already left the country.

Drug possession Farwaniya police arrested two Egyptian women on drugs charges, while one of them is wanted for at least six cas- es. They had different types of drugs on them. Police stopped the two women who seemed abnormal while walking. The two were sent to concerned authorities.

Fight Three friends beat five citizens in Hadiya and stabbed one of them three times in his back. Police responded to a call ABK participates in AUM job fair about a fight, and three of those involved escaped as soon as they saw the cops. Meanwhile, the five victims were tak- KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) yes- Manager - Human Resources at ABK said, en to Adan hospital while suffering from various injuries. terday announced its successful participa- “Our participation in university job fairs Detectives were asked to arrest the three who escaped for tion in the American University of the stems from our belief in the duty we hold questioning. In another case, an Egyptian security guard, Middle East (AUM) job fair, which was held to act as supporters of fresh graduates, who was asked to guard a parking space, was beaten for on the 17th and 18th of April 2017, at the who are in need of exposure to the oppor- refusing to do so. A resident in the building that the man university campus. ABK’s participation tunities that await them. We would like to was guarding asked him to watch out for his parking reinforces its commitment to play an nurture their skills and abilities by increas- space, but he said “I am a security guard; not a parking active role in the support of Kuwait’s ing their knowledge on what the banking space,” which angered the citizen so he beat him up. The youth during the early stages of their industry entails and the requirements to guard went to Adan hospital for treatment and then took a work life. Commenting on the Bank’s pursue a career in the banking field medical report to the police station where he lodged a involvement, Hamza Enki, General through the ‘ABK Academy.’” complaint. — Translated from the Arabic press Community renewed THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 by refugees embraces Trump Le Pen hardens tone as campaign nears end Page 9 Page 10

WISCONSIN: US President Donald Trump holds a baby while greeting well wishers after arriving on Air Force One at General Mitchell International Airport. — AFP Trump has embraced autocratic leaders From Egypt’s strongman to ignoring China’s human rights record

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump meetings with statements about human Trump are planning to meet before next Egyptian president would be someone “very affront to core democratic values,” a state- congratulated Turkey’s president for sweep- rights or gathered separately with advocates month’s NATO summit in Brussels. The White close to me.” A post-meeting statement cited ment said at the time. ing up more power. Trump hailed Egypt’s or opposition leaders. House confirmed that it’s in discussions with their mutual commitment to fighting terror- But Trump’s tack on Turkey appeared to strongman as a “fantastic guy.” When China’s the Turkish government about arranging a ism and strengthening Egypt’s economy. It undermine his own State Department, president visited the United States, Trump Looking past abuses meeting between the leaders. Rachel Rizzo, a made no mention of el-Sissi’s crackdown on which before the Erdogan phone conversa- cited a burgeoning friendship and made no On Monday, as international monitors and NATO and Europe expert at the Center for a domestic opponents that has been widely tion with Trump spoke of “irregularities” in public mention of Beijing’s dismal human European allies voiced concerns about what New American Security, said the Trump condemned by international rights monitors. the Turkish referendum and “an uneven rights ecord. they said was a slanted political playing field administration sees its Turkey relationship The pattern may have been set by Trump’s playing field during the difficult campaign Since taking office, Trump has displayed a in Turkey’s referendum, the White House said “purely as a national security issue in terms of vociferous support for Putin. As a candidate period.” The White House’s statement on striking willingness to embrace autocrats as Trump called Turkish President Recep Tayyip needing their help fighting ISIS and with the and in his first weeks as president, Trump said Trump’s call to Erdogan made no mention potential partners in his “America First” agen- Erdogan to congratulate him on a victory migration crisis in Europe.” “It seems they’re Putin had been a strong leader and of those concerns. Turkey’s strategic loca- da, even if it means ignoring their heavy- that grants Erdogan more power. The mes- willing to look past human rights abuses,” she expressed a desire to work closer with tion between Europe and the Middle East, handed tactics and repression at home. It’s a sage was at odds with Trump’s own State said. Trump has praised Chinese President Xi Moscow, despite the cloud of an FBI investi- and its unique role as the only Muslim- posture that Trump also took toward Russian Department, which expressed unease about Jinping since hosting him at his Palm Beach, gation into allegations of Russian meddling majority NATO member, have long made it President Vladimir Putin until a dispute over a referendum that allows Erdogan to fulfill his Florida, resort; as a candidate, Trump sharply in the US presidential election. an indispensable American partner. Syria led Trump last week to declare US - long-held ambition for a presidency with criticized China’s economic policies. He has Even before this month’s Syrian chemical Obama, too, sought a close relationship Russian ties at an “all-time low.” executive powers. linked his warmer approach toward Xi with weapons attack and retaliatory US cruise mis- with Erdogan, viewing him as a possible Trump is hardly the first US president will- Erdogan’s government has imprisoned his effort to secure greater help from Beijing sile strike, Trump’s administration had been model for a new generation of Muslim ing to look the other way in dealings with scores of Turkish journalists. Since a failed in stopping North Korea’s nuclear program. “A souring on the Kremlin. Last month, it con- leaders. He traveled to Turkey in his first governments that flout democratic values. coup last year, Turkey has arrested thousands trade deal with the US will be far better for demned Russia’s crackdown on anti-govern- year in office and spoke frequently with For decades, Republican and Democratic of others accused of possible involvement. them if they solve the North Korean prob- ment protesters last month that included the Turkish leader. But as Erdogan moved administrations have cooperated closely with “The president’s number one job is to keep lem!” Trump said on Twitter, recounting what 1,000 arrests. “Detaining peaceful protesters, to consolidate power in Turkey, his rela- Saudi Arabia and China. President Barack Americans safe,” Trump spokeswoman Sarah he told Xi. Trump has locked arms with human rights observers and journalists is an tionship with Obama soured. —AP Obama opened new diplomatic channels Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday. “And if he Egyptian President Abdel-Fatah el-Sissi, a for- with Iran and Cuba, despite concerns about needs to work with countries like Turkey and mer general who toppled the democratically their repressive rulers. But rarely are US presi- others to do that, that’s his priority and what elected President Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim dents as warm and unabashed about their his focus is.” Brotherhood member. Obama never out- relationships with autocrats. The White House’s readout of the Trump- wardly condemned el-Sissi’s takeover. But Trump’s comfort level seems to stem in Erdogan call focused its concerns on the Obama kept Egypt’s leader at arm’s length, part from his background in business, where Islamic State group and Syria’s civil war, assailing Egypt’s human rights record and the details of a deal mattered more than the which the US and Turkey are coordinating suspending some US military aid. negotiating partner and flattery can get efforts on. Turkey is a US key ally against IS, results. When they were forced to deal with even if Turkey’s poorly controlled border has Different relationship imperfect allies, Trump’s predecessors, includ- been a contributing factor in the group’s After winning November’s presidential ing Obama and President George W Bush, expansion across Syria and Iraq. election, Trump offered el-Sissi a different made a point of using the moment to pro- Turkey’s foreign minister, Mevlut relationship. When el-Sissi visited Washington mote American ideals. They often followed Cavusoglu, said yesterday that Erdogan and this month, Trump told reporters the George HW Bush senior hospitalized in Houston

HOUSTON: Former US President George HW tal’s intensive care unit. His wife, former first Bush has been readmitted to a Houston hos- lady Barbara Bush, 91, had an overlapping pital for treatment of a mild case of pneumo- stay at the same hospital for treatment of nia, his second bout of that respiratory illness bronchitis. The couple marked their 72nd in three months, but “is going to be fine,” his wedding anniversary on Jan 6. Bush, the spokesman said yesterday. Family spokesman nation’s oldest living ex-president, served a Jim McGrath said the 92-year-old former pres- single term in the Oval Office as America’s ident was hospitalized on Friday “for observa- 41st commander-in-chief from 1989 through tion due to a persistent cough that prevented 1992. He is the father of former President him from getting proper rest.” George W Bush, who served two terms in the “It was subsequently determined he had a White House from 2001 through 2008, and mild case of pneumonia, which was treated former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who and has been resolved,” McGrath said in a unsuccessfully sought the 2016 Republican statement. “President Bush is in very good nomination for president. The elder Bush, a spirits and is being held for further observa- Republican like his sons, also served as vice tion while he regains his strength.” McGrath president for eight years during Ronald furnished no immediate additional informa- Reagan’s two terms as president before being tion except to say that Bush was at Houston elected to the White House himself, defeating Methodist Hospital, where he had spent more former Massachusetts Governor Michael than two weeks in January after developing Dukakis, the Democratic nominee, in 1988. pneumonia. He lost his 1992 re-election bid to Democrat Bush spent much of that time in the hospi- Bill Clinton. —Reuters INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 Gunmen kill cop near Egypt monastery

CAIRO: Gunmen attacked security forces bombings on Christian churches, also by Islamist militants, with three deadly Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood to the area’s tourism industry, which relies near St. Catherine’s Monastery in Egypt’s claimed by Islamic State, plunged the coun- church attacks in the span of four months. In in 2013 following mass protests against his heavily on Russian visitors. Egypt’s tourism south Sinai on Tuesday, killing at least one try into mourning and marked one of the February, scores of Christian families and stu- rule. Attacks in Egypt’s southern Sinai, a pop- industry, a crucial source of hard currency, police officer and injuring four others, the bloodiest days for the country’s Christian dents fled North Sinai province after a spate ular destination for tourists dotted with Red has suffered in the years of turmoil that fol- Health Ministry said, just a week after two minority in decades. St Catherine’s, founded of targeted killings. A successful assault on St Sea resorts, are by contrast rare. Security lowed the overthrow of President Hosni deadly church bombings killed 45. Islamic in the 6th century and located at the foot of Catherine’s would be the latest challenge to sources told Reuters that security had been Mubarak in 2011, as well as from the suspect- State claimed responsibility for the attack on Mount Sinai, is one of the oldest Christian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has put on high alert at tourist facilities across ed bombing of the Russian plane, which a police checkpoint about 800 meters from monasteries in the world and a UNESCO pledged to protect the religious minority as southern Sinai after the attack. killed all 224 on board. Israel took the unusu- the entrance to the monastery, one of the world heritage site. It is part of the Eastern part of his campaign against extremism. The attack in southern Sinai comes as al step earlier this month of barring its citi- world’s most important Christian sites. Orthodox church. Egypt has for years been battling an Russia is expected to make a long-awaited zens from crossing into the Sinai peninsula, The attack comes just 10 days before Egypt’s Christian minority, which makes Islamist insurgency in the rugged and thinly decision on whether to restore flights to the saying the threat of attacks in the area Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Egypt and up about 10 percent of the country’s 92 mil- populated northern Sinai, which gained pace Sharm el-Sheikh resort after a Russian airliner inspired by Islamic State and other jihadi just over a week after two deadly suicide lion people, has increasingly been targeted after the military overthrew President was downed in 2015, dealing a serious blow groups was high. —Reuters Turkey detains leftist activists after ‘No’ protests, says lawyer Detaining people questioning legitimacy of vote

ISTANBUL: Istanbul police yesterday The Freedom and Solidarity Party police raided houses of the suspects nition in the penal code.” Demirdogen detained 16 leftist activists involved in (ODP), a left-wing movement not rep- before dawn, saying 16 people were said those detained were being ques- demonstrations against the ‘Yes’ victo- resented in parliament, said police detained so far but arrest warrants tioned at police headquarters in ry in the referendum on expanding had detained its Istanbul chairman were issued for a total of 38 people. Istanbul and were awaiting a decision President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Mesut Gecgel on accusations of “agi- by prosecutors on the case. There was powers, a lawyer said. There have tating the public” by claiming the ‘Yes’ Stop asking questions no immediate confirmation of the been daily street protests in anti- vote was illegitimate. Gecgel had him- Describing the accusations as detentions by the police. Erdogan neighborhoods in Istanbul self written on Twitter that he was “strange”, he added: “They are accused Speaking in Ankara earlier, Prime since Sunday’s referendum, which the being detained for protesting against of provoking people to question the Minister Binali Yildirim said the issue of opposition claims was marred by bla- the ‘Yes’ victory. Gecgel’s lawyer Deniz legitimacy of the ‘Yes’ in the referen- the election result was closed and tant vote rigging. Demirdogen told AFP that anti-terror dum. “But there’s no such crime defi- warned against street protests. “Turkey is a state of law... and there can be no talk of anarchy, activities in the street,” he said. “I call on people not to give in to MOSUL: A man with a bullet wound from a sniper cries out in pain as he provocations or get caught up in incite- is transferred by Iraqi Special Operations Forces medics at their field ment,” he added. The ‘Yes’ camp won hospital. —AP Sunday’s poll with just 51.41 percent of the vote. But the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has for- In Mosul, snipers tracking mally requested that the Supreme Election Board (YSK) cancel the result jihadists around the clock over to alleged violations which the opposition says swung the result. The opposition is particularly MOSUL: A few hundred meters from an ‘Human shields’ incensed by a last-minute move by iconic mosque in west Mosul, Iraqi sniper To help the snipers find their targets, in the YSK to accept ballot documents in Salah Al-Zuheiri has his eye glued to his a nearby room Iraqi soldiers take turns envelopes without an official stamp. scope as he searches for Islamic State tracking IS fighters through binoculars. The YSK was considering the petition group jihadists. Iraqi forces are battling to And on a screen, members of a special and was expected to make an retake Mosul from IS, after the group over- unit survey thermal footage sent in from announcement later in the day. CHP ran the city in 2014 and its leader pro- aircraft above the city. “We’re the ones spokeswoman Selin Sayek Boke claimed a “caliphate” from the mosque in who decide to shoot or not. We also have vowed that the party would use all its Old City. IS “fighters are within range. thermal binoculars, but we check the data means to challenge the result and We’re tracking them day and night,” says with our colleagues to avoid an error,” says could even consider withdrawing Zuheiri, a sniper with the Iraqi federal Lami. An officer in the group, who asks to from parliament. “We will use all the police who has taken up position some remain anonymous, says snipers recently legal paths, and all legitimate demo- 300 meters from the Al-Nuri Mosque. killed an IS emir, or leader, in west Mosul. cratic rights for the millions (of voters), Inside a darkened room in a four-storey “Our snipers killed an IS emir on the west no one should doubt this,” she told building retaken from the jihadists, Zuheiri bank, creating great confusion in the Old reporters in Ankara. “This can include tries to steady his rifle on sandbags. A City,” he says, referring to the west bank of withdrawing from parliament or con- map of the surrounding neighborhood, the River Tigris, which divides the city. ISTANBUL: Supporters of the “No” march at Besiktas to submit their petition calling for the tinuing to work in parliament,” she hand-drawn in red, hangs on the wall in Fearing air strikes, jihadists went to annulment of a referendum that approved sweeping constitutional changes boosting President added, calling for the referendum to front of him. Zuheiri and his colleagues the leader’s funeral unarmed, the officer be re-run. —AFP stay in the same positions for up to 12 says, “but forced civilians to attend to act RecepTayyip Erdogan’s powers, claiming blatant vote-rigging had swung the result. —AFP hours a day, he says, for two weeks as human shields”. The presence of civil- straight. They “get food three times a day”, ians in the Old City is a major obstacle for he adds, and leave their positions “only Iraqi forces fighting to retake west Mosul when it’s really necessary, like to go to the after seizing the east in January. The Somber mood as Iraq’s bathroom”. “We kill between three and five United Nations says some 600,000 civil- jihadists a day,” he says. ians remain in IS-held sectors, which Nearby, Murtada Al-Lami lies on his include two thirds of the Old City, a war- stomach, the end of his barrel jutting out ren of narrow streets. As military vehicles through a tiny hole in the wall in the direc- cannot advance in the historic city cen- Yazidis mark New Year tion of the Al-Nuri Mosque and the adja- tre, last month, General Raed Shakir cent “Hadba”, a leaning minaret that has Jawdat said dozens of snipers had been long been Mosul’s most recognizable land- deployed on its roofs to cover advancing Thousands of Yazidis flocked to a shrine in persecution of the Yazidis, issued a statement urging the ing the greatest danger facing the Yazidi community, LALISH: mark. IS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi troops. But IS also has snipers of its own. northern Iraq to mark the New Year yesterday, in the community to continue defending its faith, a unique which may ultimately be more dangerous than the made his only public appearance at the “A few days ago a jihadist fired at me, but minority’s biggest gathering since it was targeted for blend of beliefs. “Yazda calls on our people to continue ongoing genocide itself,” the Yazda statement said. mosque in July 2014 to declare a self- he hit the wall behind me,” says Zuheiri. “I genocide by jihadists. Wearing traditional Yazidi clothes, to observe their religious events to preserve the ethno- Nadia Murad, a prominent Yazidi human rights styled “caliphate” in parts of Iraq and located his position and shot him down holding candles and paraffin lamps, they started gather- religious identity and heritage of one of the most activists who has been campaigning worldwide to draw neighboring Syria. quickly.” —AFP ing in the holy town of Lalish on Tuesday for celebrations ancient peoples,” its director Murad Ismael said. attention to her people’s plight, stressed in a New Year ahead of their New Year. Yazda voiced concern that even areas that were message delivered during a visit to Stanford University in The event, known by the ethno-religious minority as retaken from IS remained unsafe for Yazidis due to dis- California that the jihadists had not yet been held “Carsama Sari Sali”, is meant to commemorate the cre- putes between local forces for regional supremacy. accountable. “Our hearts have been broken as we still ation of the universe by the angels and celebrate nature Tensions have recently escalated between peshmerga seek justice, and we haven’t found it yet,” said Murad, Evacuations resume and fertility. But the mood was sombre among the faith- forces form the main party in Iraq’s autonomous who blast year was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize ful gathered in Lalish, every one of whom was affected Kurdistan region and forces from Turkey’s Kurdistan and awarded the prestigious Sakharov Prize jointly with after deadly bombing by the violence that erupted nearly three years ago Workers’ Party (PKK). “This situation has resulted in creat- Lamiya Aji Bashar, another Yazidi woman. —AFP when the Islamic State group took over their traditional RASHIDIN: Evacuations of thousands of preparing himself never to see his home- homeland. besieged Syrians resumed yesterday with town of Fuaa again. “Someone like me, “I’m not happy, it’s not like before, because there are tight security in place after a weekend who is already 85 years old-I’m going to those who are still in the hands of Daesh (IS),” said Zoan bombing against those leaving govern- die tomorrow or the day after.” Msaid, a Yazidi woman from the Sinjar area who now ment-held areas killed dozens, including Pro-government militiamen among lives in a camp for displaced people. “We cannot forget nearly 70 children. A large convoy of bus- those being evacuated from Fuaa and our customs and traditions but I just want those who are es set out from the government-held Kafraya squatted next to one bus, smok- still held to come back, that’s all. We ask for nothing towns of Fuaa and Kafraya in Idlib ing cigarettes. Standing nearby, 55-year- more.” Yazidis are neither Arab nor Muslim and when IS province, carrying 3,000 people to the old Um Joud from Fuaa said it was diffi- swept across northern Iraq in 2014, it carried out mas- rebel-held transit point of Rashidin near cult to describe how she felt. “I’m not sacres against the minority which the United Nations Aleppo, an AFP correspondent said. afraid, because everything is in God’s said qualified as genocide. Most of the several hundred At the same time, 11 buses carrying hands,” she told AFP. “Of course I would thousand members of the minority live in northern Iraq, around 300 people left rebel-held have preferred to stay in my home, but I mainly around Sinjar, a large town which anti-IS forces Zabadani, Serghaya and Jabal Sharqi in left for the sake of my children and their have now retaken but was extensively destroyed. IS Damascus province, the Syrian lives and futures.” jihadists captured Yazidi women and turned them into Observatory for Human Rights monitor The evacuations are part of a deal sex slaves to be sold and exchanged across their self- said. In Rashidin, security was tight after a between government and opposition rep- proclaimed “caliphate”. Around 3,000 of them are devastating bomb attack on evacuees at resentatives that is also seeing residents believed to remain in captivity. the site on Saturday that according to the and rebels transported out from several Observatory killed 126 people, including areas under regime siege near Damascus, ‘We live in sorrow’ 68 children. Most of the dead were from primarily Madaya and Zabadani. It was “Of course, after three years under the domination of the two Shiite-majority towns, with a brokered late last month by Qatar, a long- the jihadists who killed Yazidis and imposed mass slav- handful of aid workers and rebels guard- time opposition supporter, and Iran, a key ery, nothing is like before because we are all suffering,” ing the convoy also killed. Dozens of regime ally, but its implementation had said Cheir Ibrahim Keshto, a professor and expert in DOHUK: Iraqi Yazidis light candles and paraffin torches outside Lalish temple situat- wounded were taken to hospitals in near- been repeatedly delayed. Yazidi culture. “We live in sorrow now and the situation in by rebel-held territory, while others were When yesterday’s evacuations are com- the camps is catastrophic,” he said. ed in a valley near Dohuk, 430 km northwest of Baghdad, during a ceremony to cele- taken to Aleppo, which government forces plete, a total of 8,000 people should have Yazda, a charity supporting victims of the jihadists’ brate the Yazidi New Year. —AFP regained full control of late last year. left Fuaa and Kafraya in exchange for 2,500 civilians and rebels from opposition areas. ‘I left for my children’ Zabadani and Madaya “are now empty of Iraq says ‘friendly’ nations contacted over captives Armed rebels were standing guard at any rebel presence,” said Mayyada Al- Rashidin yesterday and carefully inspect- Aswad, a member of the coordinating BAGHDAD: Iraq’s prime minis- to secure their release. “We diately respond to a request for said one of the hunters and “his ing vehicles arriving in the area. “We chose committee for the operation on the gov- ter says “friendly” neighboring asked all friendly countries to comment. Iranian state media Asian companion” were freed, a different location as the gathering point ernment side. countries have been contacted Iraq and neighboring countries did not immediately report on al- but no word of the hostages has for fighters from Fuaa and Kafraya with Yesterday’s evacuations mark the end of over the fate of Qatari ruling to Iraq to cooperate with us to Abadi’s comments. The abduc- been made public since. their families, because we are obliged to the first stage of the deal, with a second family members and others kid- find these kidnapped individu- tion took place at dawn on Dec Muthanna is a predominantly protect them until they leave here,” said phase due to begin in June. Fuaa and napped in late 2015, adding als,” Al-Abadi told journalists. Al- 16, 2015, at a desert camp near Shiite province and is not a rebel fighter Abu Obeida Al-Shami. Kafraya will be emptied entirely, with resi- that a Qatari official is in the Abadi also said Qatar’s non-resi- the Saudi border in the southern region where the Sunni extrem- Buses were parked in a semi-circle, dents and fighters heading to Aleppo and country “to help in their dent ambassador had come to Muthanna province, some 370 ists of the Islamic State group are forming a makeshift barrier around an area then on to government-held Latakia or release.” Haider Al-Abadi’s com- Iraq to help in securing the cap- kilometers southeast of the capi- known to operate. The in the centre of a lot where evacuees Damascus. All rebels are expected to leave ments late Tuesday came as tives’ freedom. A Qatari aircraft tal, Baghdad. Gunmen kid- Associated Press reported last including dozens of children milled. Madaya, Zabadani, and other nearby oppo- suspicion over the December used by the small, energy-rich napped some two dozen Qataris week that a Qatari ruling family “Where do I even start? It would have been sitions-held areas, but civilians who want to 2015 kidnappings has fallen on country’s ruling family has been and support staff who taking member paid $2 million in an easier if we had just died. Death is so much remain may do so. Those leaving rebel-held Shiite militias, suggesting Iraq in Baghdad since Saturday. part in a falconry hunt. In April effort involving hackers to secure easier than this humiliation,” said elderly areas will head to Idlib province, which is may have reached out to Iran Qatari officials did not imme- 2016, the Qatari Foreign Ministry the hostages’ release. —AP evacuee Abu Ahmad. He told AFP he was held by an opposition alliance. —AFP THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Frontrunner Le Pen hardens tone as campaign nears end Stresses threats of immigration and terrorism

PARIS: Far-right presidential frontrunner Macron, conservative Francois Fillon and far-left in the event of violence. The two arrested sus- Marine Le Pen said yesterday that French peo- firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon. Two of them are pects, who were found in Marseille with a cache ple felt “dispossessed” in their own country as expected to advance to a run-off vote on May 7. of weapons and explosives, were being ques- she stressed the threats of immigration and After a string of Islamist-inspired assaults in tioned in the southern city yesterday where Le terrorism in the final days of campaigning. France since 2015, security concerns moved to Pen is set to appear later at a rally. Left-leaning The 48-year-old former lawyer has spent years the centre of the campaign Tuesday following Le Monde newspaper warned that Le Pen’s trying to broaden support for her National the arrests of two French men suspected of claim that she would have prevented attacks Front party, but she has signaled a return to preparing an attack to disrupt the election. that have claimed hundreds of lives was the core concerns of many of her supporters Le Pen has proposed expelling any foreigner “absurd”. “You don’t seek votes on the backs of in recent speeches. convicted of a crime or suspected of being radi- dead people. It’s a sort of moral red line,” the Speaking on BFM television yesterday, Le calized. Convicted extremists with dual national- newspaper said. LONS-LE-SAUNIER: French presidential election candidate for the far-left coalition La Pen emphasized how she would pull France out ity would also be stripped of their French pass- France insoumise Jean-Luc Melenchon (C) poses for a picture as he visits “Trivolution”, a of the European Union, slash immigration, make ports. “The measures that I want to put in place Future of EU at stake workshop dedicated to industrial recycling. — AFP it harder to get French nationality and crack would mean that many of these people (Islamist Some analysts have also depicted the French down on suspected Islamists. “French people attackers) would not have been on our territory election as a sort of referendum on the eurosceptic far-left opponent, sought to soften The Communist-backed candidate has pledged have the feeling of being dispossessed of their or living freely,” she told BFM, repeating a claim European Union, with Le Pen proposing to pull his position on Tuesday night, stating that he to renegotiate some of the founding treaties of identity, of their social security system and their from a speech on Sunday night. France out of the 28-member club and scrap the did not seek to end the European Union or the the bloc, however, which would cast serious sovereignty,” Le Pen told the channel. French voters have so far been more con- euro common currency. On Tuesday night, she euro despite criticising the “ultra-liberal” trading doubt on the viability of the postwar project of Polls show a four-way race developing ahead cerned about unemployment and their spend- insisted that the TF1 television channel remove bloc for years. “Don’t believe what they tell you, integrating the continent. Polls show that a of the first round of the election on Sunday ing power than terrorism or security, polls show, the blue-and-yellow European flag from behind ‘He wants to leave Europe, the euro’... let’s be majority of French people still support the EU between Le Pen, 39-year-old centrist Emmanuel though analysts warn this would change quickly her before an interview. But Melenchon, her serious,” he told supporters on Tuesday night. and the euro. — AFP

Britain set for election in shadow of Brexit

LONDON: British lawmakers yesterday overwhelmingly backed Prime Minister Theresa May’s call for a snap elec- tion, paving the way for a June vote she hopes will give her a “mandate to complete Brexit”. The House of Commons voted by 522 to 13 to hold a general election on June 8 — plunging Britain back into political uncertainty just weeks before the start of negotiations on leaving the European Union. May stunned the country on Tuesday when she announced her plan for an early vote, despite having repeatedly said she would wait until the next election scheduled in 2020. In fiery exchanges in the House of Commons yesterday, May said an early election would strengthen her hand against domestic critics seeking to “frustrate the process” of Brexit, which formally began last month. “I will be asking the British people for a mandate to complete Brexit and to make a success of it,” the Conservative leader said, to cheers from her lawmakers sitting behind her. Riding high in the opinion polls, May is seeking to increase her slim majority of 17 in the 650-seat Commons before the battles begin with the EU over Britain’s exit bill and future trade and immigration ties. She insists an early election would provide “certainty and stability” in the negotiations, which will now start after the vote. In a sign of the key campaign issues ahead, May trad- ed barbs in the Commons with opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, whose party is deeply divided and lan- guishing up to 20 points behind the Conservatives. Corbyn accused the government of “broken promises” on health, education and the economy during its seven years in office. May hit back that Labour offered only “bankruptcy and chaos”, but denied she was complacent, saying: “We will be out there fighting for every vote.”

‘Election landslide’ British elections are fixed in law but can be changed with a two-thirds majority in the Commons-a threshold eas- ily passed during yesterday’s vote. All sides are now gearing up for the fourth major election in four years, after last June’s shock referendum vote for Brexit, the 2015 general election, and the 2014 Scottish independence vote. Brexit will dominate the campaign, with May-who took office after David Cameron resigned following the EU vote- seeking public backing for her plan to pull Britain out of Europe’s single market. A European Commission spokesman said the “real political” negotiations on Brexit will start after the election. Three weekend opinion polls put the Conservatives about 20 points ahead of Labour, and if translated into votes, this could give May an “election landslide” with a majority of more than 100, according to an analysis by The Times. May, Britain’s second female prime minister, also has strong popular support for her handling of the political earthquake unleashed by Brexit. By contrast Labour is wracked by divisions, over Brexit and Corbyn’s left-wing leadership, which is opposed by many of his more centrist MPs. So far, Labour’s stance on Brexit has been to allow the government to go ahead with the EU divorce, but only under certain conditions, such as retaining strong econom- ic ties with the bloc. That approach risks satisfying neither its traditional working-class supporters, many of whom backed leaving the EU, or its urban, pro-European members-leaving many commentators predicting an electoral bloodbath. Three Labour MPs have already announced they will not stand again. Former Conservative finance minister George Osborne, a powerful voice in favour of Britain’s EU member- ship during the referendum campaign, also said he would not seek re-election. — AFP McDonald’s order trips up Facebook slaying suspect

CLEVELAND: Facebook slaying suspect Steve Stephens was undone by a 20-piece Chicken McNuggets and an order of fries. The man who police say shot a Cleveland retiree at random and posted video of the killing on Facebook pulled up to the drive-thru window of a McDonald’s restaurant outside Erie, Pennsylvania, and waited for his order. It was late Tuesday morning, almost lunchtime, and authorities were in the third day of an intensive manhunt for Stephens. Now, more than 100 miles from the shooting, his time on the run was nearly up. The attendant who took his money recognized the suspect and dialed 911. Stephens pulled up to the next window, where restau- rant owner Thomas DuCharme Jr. and a supervisor tried stalling him by telling him his fries were delayed. Stephens didn’t want to wait. He took his McNuggets and whipped out of the parking lot, nearly hitting Gail Wheeler, 54, a retail operations manager from Erie who was on her way home from the grocery store. “Two seconds later, I hear these sirens, and they come whipping past me,” she told The Associated Press. Wheeler followed behind for a couple miles. She said the chase slowed suddenly from 50 mph to about 20 mph when the road narrowed from four lanes to two. One of the pursuing troopers picked his spot - in front of an abandoned school - and hit Stephens’ bumper to get him to stop. The Ford Fusion did a half-turn and came to rest at the curb. Police were starting to get out of their cruisers when “I heard a shot. It was loud and distinctive,” Wheeler said. —AP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

LEWISTON: Abdiaziz Shaleh, right, a Lewiston high school senior and co-captain of the soccer team, and LEWISTON: Trump supporter Stephanie Rodrigue, 17, picks up one of the campaign signs she’s collected Essa Gedi, center, both whose families emigrated from Somalia, sit with classmate Isiah Leach, left, during in her room. — AP photos lunch in the school’s cafeteria. How a community rejuvenated by refugees came to embrace Trump A different take on president’s more ‘controversial’ policies

LEWISTON, Maine: Richard Rodrigue stood in down to: What’s enough?” No one invited the move to another school district in the county it. Our country needs to do the same thing.” hotels, do the laundry at the hospital. People the back of a banquet hall, watching his blond- Somali refugees to Lewiston. They fled bullets because she believes immigrant students Taxpayers do help some of the immigrants, don’t see them working, so it’s easy to assume haired, blue-eyed daughter mingle among her and warlords to eventually be chosen for reset- monopolize teachers’ attention. Once a Barack whose population exploded as Somali refugees they are living off handouts. high school classmates. These teenagers speak tlement in big American cities. Obama supporter, Beauchesne turned to Trump - gave way to those seeking asylum, from Angola, Republican leaders - from the president to the dozens of languages, and hail from a dozen and she cheers his efforts to curb the flow of Burundi, Rwanda, a dozen nations in all. Still, governor to the local GOP - have seized on the African nations. They fled brutal civil war, famine, ‘We wanted to be safe’ refugees into the US She wants Trump to design many of the newcomers work, said Catherine resentment that breeds. The county Republican oppressive regimes to find themselves here, at a In early 2001, a few refugee families strug- a tax system that funnels less of her money to Besteman, a professor of anthropology at party routinely rails against what it calls “the pre-prom fete in this once-dying New England gling to afford housing in Portland ventured 30 aiding those from other countries. Maine’s Colby College. refugee racket,” and complains that the school mill town, revived by an influx of some 7,500 miles north and found a city in retreat. Empty “I just don’t like giving money away that’s not Maine’s immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa system is forced to accommodate 34 languages. immigrants over the last 16 years. Rodrigue downtown stores were ringed by sagging apart- benefiting me and, not to sound selfish, but then made $136.6 million in income in 2014, and paid Lewiston School Superintendent Bill Webster smiled and waved at his daughter, proud she is a ment buildings. The refugees saw possibility in seeing it benefit other people,” she said. “As a $40 million in taxes, according to one report acknowledges that does cost money. But he has part of it. “It will help her in life,” he said. “The Lewiston’s decay. Friends and families followed. business owner, my husband wouldn’t donate from a bipartisan think tank. But Besteman said a statistic he likes to share with critics. world is not all white.” The town morphed in a matter of months into a $500 to the Salvation Army if we couldn’t afford they work invisible jobs: they take out trash at Rodrigue believes the refugees resuscitated laboratory for what happens when culture sud- ‘Death spiral’ his town - plugging the population drain that denly shifts. Maine’s population is 94 percent An average of 78.3 percent of immigrant stu- had threatened to cripple it, opening shops and white, and its citizens were abruptly confronted dents graduate from his district within five years, restaurants in boarded-up storefronts. But he with hundreds of black Muslims, barely able to compared to an average of 73.3 percent of also agrees with Donald Trump that there should speak English. Ardo Mohamed fled Mogadishu in native-born students. And now some of those be no more of them, at least not now. His work- the 1990s, when militiamen burst into her home immigrant kids are going off to college to get ing-class community, built along the banks of and started shooting. She watched her father degrees, as teachers, doctors, engineers. Two the Androscoggin River in the whitest state in die, as the rest of the family escaped into the years ago, immigrant children led the high America, is a place that some point to as proof woods. They wound up in refugee camps, sepa- school soccer team to win the state champi- that refugee integration can work. And yet for rated for years, then finally Atlanta, then onship - a moment heralded as a triumph of cul- the first time in 30 years, voters in Androscoggin Lewiston in 2001. tural cooperation. “If the immigrant population County chose a Republican for president, “We wanted to be safe,” said the mother of hadn’t happened,” Webster said, “Lewiston would endorsing Trump’s nativist zeal against the very five, “just like you do.” When the refugees began be a community that was contracting, and sort of immigrants who share their streets and arriving, Tabitha Beauchesne was a student at potentially in a downward death spiral.” their schools. Lewiston High School. Her new classmates were Yet many on the outskirts of Lewiston have The mills that line the river sit mostly shut- poor, but Beauchesne was poor, too. It felt to her quietly stewed over the change in their county - tered today, and a quarter of children grow up then, and it still feels to her now, that the and Trump’s “America First” message rings espe- poor in the county of 107,000. So Trump’s sup- refugees got more help than her family. “They cially true with them. Thirty miles up the high- porters here tie their embrace of his immigration just seemed to take over,” she said. way, David Lovewell stood in the parking lot of clampdown to their economic anxieties. “There’s Beauchesne doesn’t consider herself racist, the paper mill where he used to work, before it got to be a point in time when you have to say, though acknowledges that race and religion like- shed hundreds of jobs. Now he runs a logging ‘Whoa, let’s get the working people back up. ly play a role in her sense that the refugees over- company with his sons just outside the town of Let’s bring the money in.’ But they keep coming, whelmed her community. She’s now a stay-at- LEWISTON: A worshipper takes his shoes off before entering the Lewiston Auburn Islamic Livermore Falls. A few months ago, business got keep coming,” Rodrigue said. “I guess it just boils home mother of two, and she left Lewiston to Center for prayers. so bad he laid off eight employees. — AP Fresno shooter wanted to Kill white people: Police

FRESNO: A man wanted in the slaying of a secu- rity guard set out to kill as many white people as he could on Tuesday, gunning down three men on the streets of downtown Fresno before he was captured and admitted to the shootings, authorities said. Kori Ali Muhammad, 39, was arrested shortly after the morning rampage that left three white men dead, police said. Muhammad, who is black, fired 16 rounds in less than two minutes at four places within a block, shooting men who appeared to be going about their day, authorities say. During his arrest, Muhammad shouted ATLANTA: Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff walks with his girlfriend Alisha Kramer “Allahu akbar,” but Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer after speaking to his supporters as votes continue to be counted in a race that was said the shootings had “nothing to do with ter- too close to call for Georgia’s 6th Congressional District in a special election to rorism in spite of the statement he made.” replace Tom Price, who is now the secretary of Health and Human Services. — AFP “This is solely based on race,” Dyer told reporters. Authorities say Muhammad first Georgia house heading walked up to a utility truck and shot a Pacific Gas & Electric Co employee sitting in the passenger seat. The driver of the truck, who is Latino, sped to high-stakes runoff off to the police department for help, but the worker, a 34-year-old white man, died. DUNWOODY: A Georgia congressional elec- came in for Ossoff. The close outcomes in con- tion is headed to a high-stakes runoff that’s servative Kansas and Georgia underscored Sparing other races shaping up as a referendum on President Democrats’ potential to capitalize on surging Muhammad then shot at another person and Donald Trump ahead of crucial midterm elec- liberal energy following Trump’s election, but missed, police said. He aimed at a third, killing tions next year. Democrat Jon Ossoff, a little- also pointed to the limits of how far they can the 37-year-old on the sidewalk as he walked known 30-year-old former congressional go in Republican-friendly districts. with a bag of groceries in a neighborhood lined staffer, fell a few percentage points shy of an Republicans hold a 237-193 majority in with tall trees, authorities say. The final victim, FRESNO: Fresno Police chief Jerry Dyer reviews notes on the triple fatal shooting before outright victory Tuesday amid an 18-candi- the House so Democrats would need to pick 58, was gunned down in the parking lot of a addressing the media. — AP date scramble in Georgia’s 6th Congressional up more than 20 seats to retake control in charity building. Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer District. His strong showing in the conserva- the 2018 midterm, an uphill climb. Another said Muhammad approached a vehicle in ed, but then he noticed the bag of groceries nation for his client, saying Muhammad tive district, driven by eye-popping fundrais- special election is coming up in Montana between shootings, but he spared the lives of near the body. “It looks like a guy carrying his “appeared eccentric with some bizarre beliefs.” A ing numbers from out-of-state donors, under- next month. two women who were in the car with a child. groceries home from the store,” Hughes said. On psychiatrist who examined Muhammad believed scored Democrats’ eagerness to get a win Democratic National Committee Chairman The women were Latina, he said. what appeared to be Muhammad’s Facebook he had psychosis, Muhammad’s attorney said in against Trump as they strive to take back Tom Perez insisted Democrats have the “These individuals who were chosen today page, he repeatedly posted “#LetBlackPeopleGo” the court filing. House control in 2018. momentum in the Georgia race, and made did not do anything to deserve what they got,” and encouraged “black warriors” to “mount up.” A He also “suffered auditory hallucinations and Republican Karen Handel, a former clear his party will not be shy about tying Dyer said. “These were unprovoked attacks by an flurry of posts emerged in the past day. had at least two prior mental health hospitaliza- Georgia secretary of state, finished a distant Handel to Trump. “She’s the person who sup- individual that was intent on carrying out homi- He wrote that his “kill rate increases tremen- tions,” according to court documents. His attor- second in the crowded field, qualifying for the ports Donald Trump’s efforts to repeal the cides today. He did that.” Police had put out a dously on the other side” and also posted about ney said that Muhammad had “paranoia” and June 20 runoff. Handel treated Trump gingerly Affordable Care Act. I wonder if Donald Trump news release hours before the shootings “white devils.” On several occasions, he wrote thought the justice system and his defense throughout the campaign in a district he and she are going to campaign on that issue Tuesday, saying that Muhammad was armed and updates that included the phrase “Allahu Akbar,” attorney were conspiring against him, court barely won in November. But the president in her district,” Perez said on CNN. “We have a dangerous and wanted in the shooting death of meaning “God is great” in Arabic. Muhammad papers said. The attorney who represented called to congratulate her Wednesday morn- lot of wind at our back. The progressive ener- a security guard at a Motel 6 last week. The has a criminal history that includes arrests on Muhammad in that case did not return a call for ing, and Handel said she hoped he would gy out there is palpable,” he added. The win- guard, 25-year-old Carl Williams, was white. weapons, drugs and false imprisonment charges comment Tuesday. come to campaign for her. “I would hope so,” ner in Georgia will succeed Republican Tom Muhammad told officers at his arrest that he was and making terrorist threats. He had been asso- Public records list Muhammad as Cory Taylor Handel said on CNN. “I mean look, all Price, who resigned the seat to join Trump’s the guy they were looking for, Dyer said. ciated with gangs. but he was not a confirmed and other aliases with addresses in Fresno and Republicans, it’s all hands on deck for us.” administration as health secretary. “I did it. I shot them,” Dyer said Muhammad member, police say. Sacramento. A woman who identified herself as Trump had attacked Ossoff in recent days Leaders in both major parties agree the told officers. Police are searching for the revolver Taylor’s grandmother said Tuesday that the fami- and took to Twitter again Wednesday morning race offers a prime test run for 2018 elections, Muhammad said he tossed into a pile of cloth- Bizarre beliefs ly last saw him on Easter Sunday. She hung up to crow about the outcome in Georgia follow- because the affluent, well-educated Georgia ing. The gun may have been picked up by some- Muhammad was charged in 2005 with pos- the phone before giving her name. Authorities ing Democrats’ failure to win a different spe- district is replete with the kind of voters one else, Dyer said. Stephen Hughes, 66, said he sessing cocaine with intent to distribute, court spotted Muhammad running and took him into cial election in Kansas last week. Democrats must attract to reclaim a House and his wife rushed home Tuesday after receiv- records show. Federal prosecutors said at the custody. Police are looking for the revolver. “Dems failed in Kansas and are now failing majority and win more gubernatorial and ing a frantic call from a neighbor. Hughes came time that he was also in possession of a 9mm Police say two of the victims may have been in Georgia. Great job Karen Handel! It is now Senate races. For Democrats, Ossoff’s near win home to see a body draped in a blanket on the semi-automatic handgun and two rifles after clients of Catholic Charities, which provides a Hollywood vs. Georgia on June 20th,” Trump encourages the opposition movement that sidewalk leading to his front door. being convicted of a felony. He claimed insanity, variety of services for refugees, the homeless wrote, alluding to celebrity donations that has flourished since Trump’s election. — AP He first thought the shooting was gang-relat- and his attorney requested a psychiatric exami- and those with disabilities. — AP THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 INTERNATIONAL 5 things to know about India’s mosque dispute

NEW DELHI: India’s Supreme Court said Muslims could worship in the inner court domes to rubble before reducing the yesterday three senior members of the and Hindus the outer. But in 1949, idols rest of the historic mosque to ruins. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of Lord Ram appeared inside the destruction triggered some of the worst should face trial over the demolition of a mosque, allegedly placed by Hindus. religious riots since India’s bloody parti- mosque a quarter of a century ago. Here Muslims objected and both parties went tion in 1947. The violence culminated in are five things to know about the long- to court, beginning a decades-long legal 2002 when a trainload of Hindu activists running dispute. fight over the right to worship at the site. were burned alive as they returned from Ayodhya, sparking retaliatory riots in What is the dispute about? Who was behind its destruction? Gujarat state that left upwards of 1,000 Hindus and Muslims have for decades In 1984, a group of Hindus formed a mostly Muslims dead. been bitterly divided over the 16th-cen- committee to “liberate” the birthplace of tury Babri mosque in Ayodhya, a city in Ram and build a temple-or mandir-at the Where does it stand legally? India’s northern Uttar Pradesh state. disputed site. The movement was head- In 2002, three High Court judges Hindus believe the mosque was built on ed by L K Advani, a senior figure in the began hearings to determine who could the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated ruling BJP, now headed by Prime Minister lay claim to the contested site. An to their god Ram. Tensions boiled over in Narendra Modi. Its supporters began important ruling came in 2010 when a 1992 when a Hindu mob tore the travelling to the site to demand a temple High Court ruled that Muslims and mosque to the ground, sparking reli- be built, and even today the cause Hindus should split the site-albeit gious violence that left about 2,000 dead remains a rally cry for Hindu nationalists. unevenly, with Hindus granted the lion’s across India. share. A Muslim group appealed and the When did tensions escalate? Supreme Court in 2011 overturned the How long has it been a flashpoint? On December 6, 1992 a huge Hindu lower court’s ruling, leaving the issue Hindus believe a Muslim conqueror crowd converged on the mosque site to unresolved. In March, the Supreme AYODHYA: This file photo taken on December 6, 1992 shows Hindu fun- razed the Ram temple in the 1500s to symbolically and provocatively lay the Court said charges against Advani and damentalists shouting and waving banners as they stand on top of a make way for the mosque. The British first stone of the new temple. The other top BJP leaders could not be stone wall and celebrate the destruction of the 16th century Babri erected a fence in the 19th century to 200,000-strong mob broke through dropped, indicating the case could be separate places of worship so that police cordons, first smashing three revived. —AFP Mosque. —AFP Indian politicians to finally face trial over mosque demolition Three are accused of inciting Hindu zealots

NEW DELHI: Three senior members ty. Bharti, India’s water resources BBC, Advani said it should never over within the lifetime of Mr. of India’s ruling Hindu nationalist minister, said after the ruling she have happened and described it as Advani.” The opposition Congress party including a cabinet minister was “ready to hang” for the temple the saddest day of his life. He has said the ruling party had “tried should face trial over the demoli- cause and would travel to Ayodhya been tipped to be India’s president every trick in the book” to ensure tion of a mosque a quarter of a cen- later yesterday. “There was no con- when the role becomes vacant later that Advani, Bharti and Joshi did tury ago, the Supreme Court ruled spiracy. Everything was out in the this year, but local media said the not face charges. yesterday. The three are accused of open for everyone to see,” she told charges could scupper his chances. “What they (the Supreme Court) inciting Hindu zealots to pull down reporters. The Supreme Court ordered that have said today means there’s the 16th century Babri mosque in “I am absolutely clear about one the case, which has dragged on clinching evidence that needs to be Ayodhya in 1992, igniting one of thing-I have always been very since charges were first filed in now argued out in the court,” said India’s most explosive religious dis- proud of my participation in the 1993, should be completed within party spokesman Sanjay Jha. putes in which thousands died. Ram temple movement. “I am ready two years. The court also ruled that a fourth India’s top court said govern- to hang, to go to jail for this.” However some legal experts senior BJP politician, Kalyan Singh, ment minister Uma Bharti, former Advani, now 89, has consistently expressed fears it would drag on who was leader of Uttar Pradesh at SHIMLA: Indian rescue personnel and volunteers stand amidst wreckage deputy prime minister L K Advani, denied a criminal conspiracy to longer. “There are hundreds of wit- the time of the incident, should face and victims after a bus accident, at the bottom of a ravine near the River and M M Joshi-all senior members destroy the mosque. The former nesses in the case and now all of criminal conspiracy charges. His tri- Tons at Chopal, some 115kms north of Shimla. —AFP of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leader of the BJP was in Ayodhya on them will have to be re-examined,” al, however, will be delayed until his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the day of the demolition and his said IB Singh, a senior lawyer who stint as governor of Rajasthan state — should face criminal conspiracy campaign for the temple came to cross-examined Advani for the offi- is over because the position of gov- Bus crash kills 44 charges. The ruling came after a define his political career. cial enquiry into the Babri demoli- ernor gives him immunity from lower court dropped the charges But in a later interview with the tion. “I doubt if this will anyway get prosecution. —AFP brought against them by India’s in northern India Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), kicking off a series of NEW DELHI: A bus has swerved off a dren were among the dead. Local televi- appeals and counter-appeals. “We mountain road and plunged into a deep sion networks reported that the driver have allowed the CBI appeal ravine in a Himalayan region of northern informed passengers shortly before the against the Allahabad High Court India, killing 44 people, an official said yes- accident that the bus suspension was judgment with certain directions,” terday. Only two of the 46 people on board damaged. Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Press Trust of India news the bus survived when it flew off a cliff and offered his condolences to the families agency quoted the Supreme into a river in northern Himachal Pradesh who had lost loved ones, and said he was Court judges as saying. state, around 115 kilometers from the capi- “extremely anguished by the accident. The demolition of the mosque in tal Shimla. Ten others earlier believed to be Compensation of 200,000 rupees the northern state of Uttar Pradesh aboard the bus had in fact alighted before ($3,100) would be awarded to the families sparked nationwide riots in which the accident, said Rohan Chand Thakur, of those killed, and 50,000 ($770) for the thousands were killed, most of deputy commissioner of Shimla. injured, Modi added. India has some of the them Muslims. It marked the culmi- “Unfortunately there are only two sur- world’s deadliest roads with more than nation of a virulent campaign led by vivors, including the conductor of the bus 150,000 fatalities annually due to poor the BJP, which recently won elec- who managed to jump out in time. 44 oth- roads, badly maintained vehicles and reck- tions in the state, India’s largest. ers have died,” Thakur told AFP. “We are less driving. In February, 16 people were Many Hindus believe the Babri now bringing the last four bodies out.” killed and more than 50 injured when a mosque was only built after the Officials at the accident site near Nerwa vil- truck carrying churchgoers overturned in a destruction of a temple that marks lage were trying to identify the dead, he hilly region of northeast India. Survivors the birthplace of their god Ram and added. Images of the scene showed lug- said the driver was maneuvering recklessly the issue remains hugely divisive. gage strewn around the mangled chassis and lost control of the vehicle in the rugged of the bus on the ravine floor, as volunteers terrain. A month earlier 13 people—mostly and local residents scoured the site. children aged between seven and 14 — ‘Ready to hang’ DW Negi, senior police superintendent were killed when a school bus collided with Some BJP leaders including of Shimla, said 11 women and three chil- a truck in northern India. —AFP Bharti want a temple to Ram to be UTTAR PRADESH: In this July 28, 2005 file photo, Indian opposition leader and President of the built on the ruins of the razed Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) LK Advani, second right, senior BJP leaders Uma Bharati, right, mosque-an idea that horrifies Uttar Kalyan Singh, second left, and Murli Manohar Joshi wave to people during a public rally in Rae Pakistan set for Supreme Pradesh’s significant Muslim minori- Bareilly, in the northern Indian state. —AP Court decision that Delhi bans red car beacons to end elitist culture could remove PM NEW DELHI: India said yesterday it will ban minis- ters and senior officials from using red beacons on their cars to cut through traffic, a longstanding ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: A looming a spokesman for Khan’s Pakistan privilege that has caused resentment and accusa- Supreme Court decision that could dis- Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said he expected tions of elitism. From May 1 only emergency serv- qualify Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif a verdict against Sharif, but he made ices will be allowed to use the flashing beacons to over corruption allegations had the clear the opposition would not launch move swiftly through India’s notoriously congest- country on edge yesterday, as a drawn- a new street movement if they were ed streets. “We are removing the rule which allows out investigation related to the disappointed. state and central government to specify who can “Panama Papers” leaks neared a conclu- “Imran Khan has clearly stated that use the red lights,” finance minister Arun Jaitley sion. Disqualifying Sharif would leave we will accept the decision of the his party in power, but it would cause Supreme Court, but we believe that said at a news conference in New Delhi. “From May intense turmoil at a time when Pakistan enough evidence has been presented 1, no vehicle will have a red light. There will be no is experiencing modest growth and to remove the prime minister and that exceptions.” The red beacon, perceived as a symbol improved security after years of vio- a verdict should be reached that is of privilege and arrogance, is used by ministers lence, and the civilian government and based on the evidence,” he said. In and top bureaucrats to cut through traffic while on powerful military have appeared to 2014, Khan led a months-long protest official business. But often even lower-level politi- come to uneasy terms. that paralysed the government quar- cians and officials misuse the beacons to show off Sharif has denied any wrongdoing, ter in the capital, Islamabad, after their importance, especially in smaller towns. but the Supreme Court agreed to inves- rejecting Sharif’s decisive election win It is also common for policemen to put up barri- tigate his family’s offshore wealth late a year earlier. cades and block routes to allow free passage to last year after opposition leader Imran The case stems from documents dignitaries while the rest have to wait for the roads Khan threatened street protests. The leaked from the Panama-based to open. “It’s a huge democratic decision,” said road Supreme Court could take a range a of Mossack Fonseca law firm appeared to transport minister Nitin Gadkari. Delhi’s Chief steps. It could clear the prime minister, show that Sharif’s daughter and two Minister Arvind Kejriwal took the lead in 2015 by or order a furtherjudicial commission of sons owned offshore holding compa- asserting he would not have the red beacon on his inquiry or even declare him ineligible to nies registered in the British Virgin car. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the son of a tea- hold office, as it did in 2012 with then- Islands and used them to buy proper- seller who takes pride in his humble beginnings, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani over a ties in London. Sharif told parliament NEW DELHI: This file photo taken on May 8, 2015 shows an Indian politician’s car with often breaks protocol to shake hands and pose for contempt of court case. Pakistani stocks last year that his family wealth was photos with the public. —AFP fell 1.5 percent in early trade after the acquired legally in the decades before a red beacon on it outside Parliament House. —AFP news overnight that a decision would he entered politics and that no money be announced today. The benchmark was siphoned off-shore. Khan, howev- KSE 100 later rebounded and closed up er, has argued that the prime minister’s Court throws out case, no one could understand 1.6 percent. lawyers have changed stories on the Both the government and opposi- source of the offshore money several NEW DELHI: Anyone dealing with Times daily quoted MB Lokur and unclear,” the landlord’s lawyer, EC glean from the original order. tion expressed confidence yesterday. times and that it is up to Sharif to India’s overburdened legal system Deepak Gupta as saying yesterday. Agrawala, told the Hindustan Times. The “(The)...tenant in the demised premises “There is no chance that decision will prove the offshore companies were knows that the wheels of justice move Even the lawyers representing the property dispute dates back to 1999 stands aggrieved by the pronounce- come against our leadership. Our gov- not used for money laundering. slowly. But in one case, they have two sides in the row between a landlord when the landlord filed a petition to ment made by the learned Executing ernment and entire leadership are per- Corruption is endemic in Pakistan, ground to a halt completely after and his tenant said they were unable to evict his tenant for not paying rent. Court upon his objections constituted forming their duties as per routine,” which ranks a dismal 116th out of 176 Supreme Court judges said they were understand the original order issued by In a nearly two-decade struggle, the therebefore... wherewithin the apposite Talal Chaudhry a prominent leader of in Transparency International’s annual throwing out a lawsuit that used so a lower court. “We normally prepare an landlord finally took his matter to the unfoldments qua his resistance to the Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz index of the world’s most graft-ridden much jargon it was incomprehensible. appeal in two days’ time. However, in country’s top court after the Himachal execution of the decree stood discoun- told Geo Television. Naeem ul Haque, countries. —Reuters “We will have to set it aside because one this case I took more than a week Pradesh High Court favored the tenant. tenanced by the learned Executing cannot understand this,” the Hindustan because the facts of the case were But even that much would be hard to Court,” it read. —AFP THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Taiwan leader calls for calm over pension reform chaos

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s leader called for calm after mounting among public-sector workers and an organizer of Wednesday’s protests, criti- violent protests over pension reforms out- retirees as the government unveiled draft cized the government’s “rough and irre- side parliament yesterday saw scores of bills aimed at reducing their pensions and sponsible” methods and vowed to stage demonstrators scuffling with police and phasing out a special savings rate for them bigger demonstrations. “The Tsai govern- politicians. The rallies were staged as parlia- which pays 18 percent interest. The govern- ment blames us but it is their incompe- ment began reviewing controversial bills ment has warned that various pension funds tence that is forcing many people, not just which are designed to stop the struggling are likely to go bankrupt within three to 14 civil servants and teachers, to take to the pension system from collapsing but are years unless the system is overhauled. streets,” said Lee Lai-hsi, a spokesman for expected to hit nearly 500,000 civil servants the alliance. and teachers. Seized the podium Last December parliament plunged into Several lawmakers and politicians said More than 100,000 civil servants, teach- chaos with opposing lawmakers brawling they were pushed, punched and had water ers and servicemen demonstrated last year in the chamber while labour activists set off splashed on them as they tried to enter the against the planned reforms-the largest smoke bombs outside in protest at pro- legislative complex in central Taipei, which street protest since Tsai became president. posed holiday cuts. Taiwan’s parliament, was guarded by barbed-wire barricades There was also chaos inside parliament yes- once notorious for its mass brawls, had and a heavy police presence. President Tsai terday as opposition lawmakers temporari- been relatively peaceful under the previous Ing-wen vowed to press ahead with the ly seized the podium and demanded the government, except for fights over a con- changes despite a recent string of protests government hold public hearings on the tentious China trade pact and a new and said her government would not toler- issue. The pension issue is the latest chal- nuclear plant. Taiwan’s pension schemes ate violence. lenge to Tsai, who has seen her popularity vary for different occupations. Public-sector “Intentionally causing conflicts will not ratings fall rapidly since taking the helm in retirees typically receive more generous deter the (government’s) determination for May last year as her government tackles a packages than other workers. The govern- reforms... our urgent task is to bring the pen- range of domestic issues-from gay mar- ment also aims to improve the pension sys- TAIPEIO: Government employees walk between barricades erected out- sion system back from the brink of bankrup- riage to judicial reform. tem for around 10 million non-public sector side the parliament during an anti-pension reform demonstration. —AFP cy,” she told reporters. Anger has been The Pension Reform Oversight Alliance, workers in its reform bills. —AFP Pence vows ‘overwhelming’ response to North Korea ‘Storm clouds gather on the horizon’

YOKOSUKA: The United States will growing. Aboard the USS Ronald in Japan and South Korea, who the Vinson was “on her way up” to counter any North Korean attack Reagan, the vice president, adopt- would be at the sharp end of any the peninsula, while Trump said an with an “overwhelming and effec- ing a Churchillian tone, told North Korean response. Seoul, the “armada” had been dispatched, tive” response, Vice President Mike troops he was there as “storm South Korean capital, is just 35 adding fuel to already rising ten- Pence vowed yesterday, as he clouds gather on the horizon” of miles (56 km) away from the mili- sions. But a defence official told stood on the deck of a massive Northeast Asia. “North Korea is the tary demarcation line that splits AFP on Tuesday that the group of American aircraft carrier docked in most dangerous and urgent threat the Korean peninsula, and is within ships was still off the northwest Japan. Donald Trump’s deputy is in to peace and security in the Asia- easy range of North Korean long- coast of Australia and would soon the region to reassure allies fret- Pacific,” Pence said. But, “we will range artillery. The Ronald Reagan, begin heading to the Sea of Japan ting over Pyongyang’s quickening defeat any attack and meet any whose home port is Yokosuka in (East Sea). But it would not arrive until next week at the earliest giv- en the vast distance. At the time of the strike group’s deployment, many media outlets JAKARTA: Candidate for Jakarta governor, Anis Baswedan (L), his wife Fery reported the ships were moving Farhati Ganis (R) and daughter Mutiara Baswedan (C) gesture after casting towards North Korea, suggesting their ballots. —AFP a looming showdown, when in fact they had temporarily headed Christian governor loses in the opposite direction. Wearing a green flight jacket, Pence also sought to reassure jittery allies Jakarta run-off: Pollsters who have seen Trump call into question decades-old mutual JAKARTA: Jakarta’s Christian governor home.” The defeat is also a blow for defence treaties of America’s yesterday lost heavily to a Muslim former President Joko Widodo, whose party had commitment. government minister in an election run- backed Purnama. The United States, Pence said, off, private polls indicated, after a divisive would be unwavering in its battle that has damaged Indonesia’s repu- ‘Stay unified’ alliances and unyielding in its tation as a bastion of tolerant Islam. Anies The incumbent had long been a shoo- resolve. In a veiled warning to Baswedan, who was accused of pander- in to win re-election after gaining popu- China, Pence added that “our treaty ing to hardliners to win votes, and his sup- larity due to his determined efforts to (with Japan) covers all the territory porters cheered as news came through clean up Jakarta. But the governor- administered by Japan, including that surveys showed him winning by over known by his nickname Ahok-lost a once- the Senkaku Islands”-a disputed 10 percentage points against Basuki unassailable lead after a controversy and uninhabited archipelago in the Tjahaja Purnama, who was fighting for his erupted last year over claims that he had East China Sea that is controlled by job while standing trial for blasphemy. insulted Islam, a grave charge in Japan but claimed by Beijing. There Official results are not expected until Indonesia. His troubles began in was also a warning to China regard- early May but the private pollsters, who September when he lightheartedly said ing the South China Sea, where in a speech that his rivals were tricking Beijing has built reefs and islets into count a sample of votes, are usually accu- PYONGYANG: In this April 15, 2017, file photo, soldiers march across Kim Il Sung Square during a fortified islands capable of hosting rate. The vote was seen as a test of people into voting against him by using a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea, to celebrate the 105th birth anniversary of Kim Il military assets to bolster its claim to whether the moderate Islam traditionally Koranic verse, which some interpret as practiced in the world’s most populous meaning Muslims should only choose Sung, the country’s late founder and grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un. —AP sovereignty over the sea. Pence said the United States Muslim country is under threat from hard- Muslim leaders. missile program, and its apparent use of conventional or nuclear Japan, is part of the Seventh Fleet would defend the right to freedom liners, who have led a series of mass The allegations drew hundreds of readiness to carry out another weapons with an overwhelming and is regularly deployed around of navigation through the water- demonstrations against Purnama over thousands of conservative Muslims onto banned nuclear test in its quest to and effective American response.” the western Pacific. way, one of the most important allegations he insulted the Koran. the streets of Jakarta in major protests, develop an atomic weapon that Pence’s comments come after a shipping channels on the planet. It came against a backdrop of rising and led to Purnama being put on trial for can hit the US mainland. senior North Korean official Treaty allies He also vowed that more of religious intolerance that has tainted the blasphemy in a case critics see as political- Pence, whose visit started in warned the regime had no inten- The Navy had said earlier this America’s most advanced military image of the diverse Indonesian archipel- ly motivated. Purnama won in the elec- South Korea the day after the tion of dialing down its missile pro- month that a strike group led by assets would be deployed to the ago as a pluralistic country in recent years, tion’s first round in February but failed launch by North Korea of gram, pledging weekly tests and the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson Asia-Pacific. About 47,000 US with a surge in attacks on minorities. Baswedan was seen as the favourite in the what analysts said could have threatening “all-out war” if the US had been ordered to “sail north” as troops are stationed in Japan and Baswedan, a former education minister, run-off because the votes from a third, been a new missile, described the took any action against it. That a warning to Pyongyang. a further 28,000 are in South thanked Jakarta’s voters for supporting Muslim, candidate who was knocked out threat from the isolated regime as kind of rhetoric has unnerved allies Pentagon chief Jim Mattis also said Korea. —AFP him and hinted that he would move to were expected to go to him. heal the divisions in the capital after the Opinion polls in the run-up to the vote bitter poll, if his victory was confirmed. indicated that the race was neck and neck “We celebrate diversity... We are all but in the event Baswedan strongly defeat- China: Interpol notice issued ready to work together again,” the 47- ed Purnama, the pollsters indicated. They year-old said. Purnama, the city’s first showed him with about 57 percent to non-Muslim governor for half a century Purnama on 43 percent. More than 7.2 mil- for billionaire Guo Wengui and its first ethnic Chinese leader, con- lion people were registered to vote in the gratulated Baswedan and his running polls, which are also important as politi- mate, adding: “We are all the same, we cians view them as a potential stepping BEIJING: China’s foreign ministry said yes- ment, saying that Interpol does not com- part of President Xi Jinping’s broader cam- want a good Jakarta, because it is our stone to the presidency in 2019. —AFP terday that Interpol has issued a “red ment on specific cases without the agree- paign against corruption in the govern- notice” seeking the arrest of Guo Wengui, ment of the member country involved as ment and ruling party, which itself has a Chinese billionaire who has threatened a matter of policy. A “red notice” for Guo raised questions about Xi’s political to expose corruption at the highest levels would revive concerns over the election motives. Guo said that earlier this week he Philippine leader may launch of the ruling Communist Party. Foreign of a top Chinese police official as and the US-government-funded Voice of ministry spokesman Lu Kang gave no Interpol’s president in November. Rights America had received threats from Chinese ‘invasion’ of Abu Sayyaf isle details about Guo’s alleged crimes when advocated had warned that the abuses agents warning them against releasing an MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo they want, I will give it.” Referring to Abu announcing the Interpol notice. and lack of transparency within China’s interview in which he promised to dish Duterte warned yesterday he might Sayyaf’s strongholds, he said: “They must The real estate tycoon disappeared legal system meant there was the poten- information about Chinese leaders. The “invade” an island stronghold of the stay there, My order to the navy ... is to from public view in 2014 but resurfaced in tial for Interpol to be misused to attack interview will be streamed late Wednesday Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf to “fin- blow them up, no surrender. Shoot can- recent months, claiming in two interviews Beijing’s political opponents. in Beijing as planned, Guo said. ish the game” following a thwarted nons, destroy them.” Abu Sayyaf has its with overseas Chinese media and a stream Despite his humble roots in the central attempt by the group to kidnap tourists roots in separatism and the military says of Twitter posts that he held damning Political instrumentalization province of Henan, Guo’s transformation on a resort island last week. Duterte some elements are in close contact with information about party elites. Guo’s case “Our warnings about the risk of political into a billionaire developer - and his bare- offered cash rewards for the capture, Islamic State radicals in the Middle East. has been closely followed by Chinese instrumentalization of Interpol after put- knuckle business tactics - have been the dead or alive, of six Abu Sayyaf militants However, most of its activities are bandit- political watchers, who say his leaks could ting high ranking (Chinese Communist subject of sensational stories in domestic still at large following a day-long clash ry, like piracy and kidnap. It is notorious be potentially damaging as internal fac- Party) official at the top were not media. He reportedly worked with Ma, the last week on Bohol island, which killed for beheading hostages when money for tions jostle for power in the months lead- overblown,” Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty disgraced intelligence chief, to obtain a six rebels and four members of the their release is not paid. ing up to the 19th Party Congress expect- International’s regional director for East sex tape of a deputy mayor of Beijing who security forces. Duterte said he wanted civilians to ed this fall, when a new generation of par- Asia, wrote yesterday on Twitter. He noted blocked Guo’s high-profile real estate proj- The shootout on Bohol followed support the manhunt on Bohol and ty leaders will be chosen. that Guo had recently given an interview ect in 2006, leading to the city official’s warnings against travel to central offered a reward of 6 million pesos Guo has been linked to Ma Jian, a for- to the New York Times in which he repeat- downfall. Philippine islands by several Western ($120,668) for each of the six fugitives. mer deputy head of China’s intelligence ed his claims to have evidence of corrup- At the center of Guo’s recent corruption countries, which cited unconfirmed intel- He warned Abu Sayyaf might try to “cre- service who was charged with corruption tion among high-ranking officials. allegations are claims that relatives of He ligence of possible kidnap plans. The ate a disaster” at an meeting of trade in February. He is believed to be in the U.S. A “red notice” issued by the Lyon, Guoqiang, a former member of Politburo clash erupted after residents tipped-off officials of the Association of South East or Britain, two countries that do not have France-based International Criminal Police Standing Committee, China’s most power- authorities about the arrival of armed Asian Nations (ASEAN). Duterte said he extradition treaties with China. In brief Organization is the closest instrument to ful decision-making body, were secretly men on boats. The incident was highly wanted to arm civilians, and encouraged significant, coming during Holy Week at a them to kill not only Abu Sayyaf, but messages to The Associated Press on an international arrest warrant in use stakeholders in Founder Securities, a com- location far from Abu Sayyaf’s traditional drug addicts who were armed. Duterte’s pany that Guo sought unsuccessfully to Wednesday, Guo dismissed the Interpol today. Interpol circulates those notices to field of operations on remote Jolo, Tawi signature policy is a war on drugs, which notice as an empty threat from the member countries listing people who are purchase a stake in in 2014. Citing corpo- Tawi and Basilan islands. Duterte said has killed nearly 9,000 people in 10 Chinese leadership. ”It’s all lies, all threats,” wanted for extradition. China has sought rate registration documents and inter- Abu Sayyaf must not be allowed to months, mostly users and small-time Guo said. “It shows they are scared of me to enlist Interpol in its ongoing campaign views with relatives, The New York Times extend its reach. peddlers. “My order is dead or alive ... My leaking explosive information.” He added: to capture Chinese officials and business reported earlier this month that He’s fami- “I will, maybe, invade Jolo,” Duterte enemy is drugs and terrorists. These “Don’t worry, this is a good thing.” people accused of corruption who have ly did indeed have extensive ties to told reporters after a security briefing in drug addicts, they have firearms. Almost Guo was not listed on Interpol’s web- fled abroad. Founder, substantiating at least some of Tagbilaran City, Bohol. “All army, navy, will all of them are really paranoid. They site and agency officials declined com- Returning those suspects to China is Guo’s claims. —AP go there. It will be a fight. That’s what fight.” —Reuters NEWS THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

Emirates trims US flights...

Continued from Page 1

Emirates’ hub at Dubai International Airport, the world’s third busiest, is a major transit point for travelers who were affected by President Donald Trump’s executive orders temporarily halting entry to citizens of six coun- tries. The latest travel ban suspended new visas for people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and froze the nation’s refugee program. Like an earlier ban that also included Iraqi citizens, it has been blocked from taking effect by the courts. Emirates said the reductions will affect five of its 12 US destinations, starting next month. It called the move “a commercial decision in response to weakened travel demand” in the three months since Trump took office. “The recent actions taken by the US government relating to the issuance of entry visas, heightened security vetting, and restrictions on electronic devices in aircraft cabins, have had a direct impact on consumer interest and demand for air travel into the US,” the carrier said in a statement. Emirates did not provide financial data for its US operations but said it had seen “healthy growth and performance” there until the start of the year. In the three months Trump has been in office, however, there has been what it called “a significant deterioration in the booking profiles on all our US routes, across all travel segments”. “Emirates has therefore responded as any profit-oriented enterprise would, and we will redeploy capacity to serve demand on other routes on our global network,” it said. The cuts will reduce the number of US-bound flights from Dubai to 101, down from 126 currently. Twice daily Emirates flights to Boston, Los Angles and Seattle will be reduced to once a day. Daily flights to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando will be pared down to five per week. Like its smaller Gulf rivals Qatar Airways and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, Emirates has ramped up its US presence in recent years and recently launched a new service to Newark via Athens. Several big U.S. carriers have bristled at the Gulf airlines’ US push, accus- ing them of flooding the market with capacity while receiving billions of dollars of unfair government subsidies. The Gulf airlines deny the allega- tions. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines both stopped flying to Dubai last year, leaving Emirates the only carrier to offer direct US flights to what has Cows stand on a snow-covered meadow near Unterthingen in Germany yesterday. — AP become the world’s busiest airport for international traffic. — AP US weighs more military aid for Saudis over... Panel finalizes sports law Continued from Page 1 of the 50 seats. A majority of the opposition lawmakers Continued from Page 1 US would “reinforce Saudi Arabia’s resistance to Iran’s mis- urged the former minister to respond positively to inter- chief” and suggested the possibility of President Donald national sports bodies’ demands to secure lifting the- The US and Saudi Arabia have been security allies Trump visiting Saudi Arabia. “We are not leaving this IOC and world football body FIFA, in addition to sev- sanctions. The minister refused and he was grilled and since 1944. The retired four-star Marine general earlier region,” Mattis said. eral international sports organizations, suspended forced to resign after a large number of MPs said they met King Salman at Al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh, where Prince Mohammed told Mattis that Saudi Arabia and Kuwaiti sports in Oct 2015 over alleged government would support a no-confidence motion against him. he told the monarch: “It’s good to be back.” Mattis com- the United States are working to counter challenges in interference in sports, which contradicts international MP Omar Al-Tabtabaei said yesterday that he and a manded troops during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He the region, including “the malign activities of Iran” and to sports charters. The world sports organizations cited number of lawmakers have submitted a law proposing arrived in the kingdom on Tuesday afternoon to listen to bring stability “to the most important straits”. Trump’s changes introduced to the Kuwaiti sports law between regulations on rents in the private housing sector in Saudi leaders and learn “what are their priorities”, an Yemen focus has so far been on a major escalation of order to prevent rent from eating up most of the citi- American defense official said. attacks against militants from Al-Qaeda in the Arabian 2012 and 2015 that gave the government the right to As he met Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Peninsula. But after talks with Prince Mohammed, Mattis interfere in sports’ internal affairs. zens’ salaries. Tabtabaei said the proposal concerns Mohammed bin Salman, Mattis appeared to allude to warned of Iranian efforts to create a Yemeni militia “in the Former youth minister Sheikh Salman Hmoud Al- rents in the private housing sector and not in invest- deteriorated relations during the Obama administration, image” of Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Pentagon officials believe Sabah had rejected the demands by world sports feder- ment or commercial housing (apartment buildings). He which spearheaded a seven-nation nuclear deal with Iran members of the Quds Force, the foreign operations wing ations and considered them as an interference in said the proposal aims to check the increase in rent, that deeply upset the Saudis. “We can overcome any past of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, are in Yemen to help the Kuwait’s internal affairs. He even dissolved the board of which forces many citizens to pay half of their salaries in frustrations,” Mattis said while US journalists were in the Houthis. Hezbollah, a powerful political movement in directors of Kuwait Olympic Committee and several oth- rent while waiting for many years for a government room. “It is in our interest to see a strong Saudi Arabia,” Lebanon, is fighting alongside government forces in Syria er federations, escalating tensions with international house. Tabtabaei said they also submitted another pro- Mattis said at the start of talks, pointing to the country’s and has been declared a “terrorist organization” by sports organizations. The situation changed following posal to establish a new city with all services to provide “military security services and secret services”. He said the Riyadh.— Agencies November’s snap polls in which the opposition won half an efficient solution to the housing problem. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 ANALYSIS

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

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

Focus Deafening looms muffle desperation in India textile hub

dhiya Behera sat in a windowless room in the Indian textile hub of Surat, staring blankly at a small television as the ground shook with the Unoise of power looms on the floor below. For Behera, though, this was a moment of late-evening calm in a room he shares with 35 others, just off a lane crammed with frenetic, sleepless looms. “I operate 12 power looms through the day and the sound bothers me a lot. My head hurts,” Behera, 45, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation, speaking loudly to be heard over the din that enveloped the room. “It is quieter here.” Nearly 8 million people, mostly migrants from the eastern state of Odisha, like Behera, work on 600,000 power looms in the Western city of Surat in condi- tions that damage their hearing and often ruin their health. While the workers said they choose to work Fed up Brazilian voters eye outsiders here due to a lack of jobs at home, campaigners also suspect that some are trafficked across India. “The razilian voters are sharpening their pitchforks. As a match-ups. A February poll by the MDA institute gave as a wild outsider. Bolsonaro older workers become the recruiters. These are poor corruption scandal washes over the political class, him 30.5 percent of the vote, trouncing his rivals. Neves, has enthusiastically insulted people hit by crop failure and cyclones and need anti-establishment sentiment threatens a revolt for example, would get only 10 percent. But Lula faces the gays, defended the use of work,” said Umi Daniel, a migrant rights activist with Bahead of next year’s general election, analysts say. Around potentially fatal setback of being found guilty and barred torture, spoken up for Aide et Action in Odisha. 100 politicians, including many leading figures, were from public office or even jailed. If voters then go looking Brazil’s two-decades long The fabric they weave is durable, easy to care for and placed under graft investigations last week. That was on for an outsider with clean hands, the big beneficiary military dictatorship, and low cost, which has led to its popularity in both the top of many others already being probed in the so-called could be Joao Doria, the newly elected mayor of Sao yelled at a fellow member of Indian and international markets. India exports $6 bil- “Car Wash” scandal. And Brazilians - similar to large parts of Paulo, Brazil’s biggest city. Hugely wealthy, a good com- Congress that she would lion worth of synthetic fabric per year. This is used the electorates in countries such as Britain, France and the municator, and one time host of Brazil’s version of “The not “deserve” rape. worldwide - in Europe and the United States for “wrin- United States - are fed up with the status quo. Apprentice” game show, Doria has drawn comparisons to Nevertheless, Bolsonaro kle-free” school and hotel uniforms, and by the garment “They want change,” David Fleischer, professor emeri- another attention-grabbing, reality TV-loving, non-politi- is not on the corruption list. hubs of Bangladesh and Vietnam in high-street fashion. tus at the University of Brasilia, said. “You’ve opened a big cian: Donald Trump. With the centrist PSDB party, Doria And as a tough-talking rep- chance for people who can say ‘I’m not a politician, I’ve wrested Sao Paulo from Lula’s leftist Workers’ Party and resentative of the ever-more Hearing Loss never been a politician.’” The scale of the alleged corrup- presents himself as someone who gets things done. powerful evangelical right Textile weavers are exposed to around 102-104 deci- tion is staggering. One third of the Senate was put under Crucially, he faces no corruption probe. in Brazil, he’s seen by some Joao Doria bels of sound according to a study by India’s National investigation by Brazil’s Supreme Court last week, as well He has not declared a candidacy but other big beasts as a man who’d drain the Institute of Occupational Health, much more than the as a third of President Michel Temer’s cabinet, and nearly of the PSDB, like Sao Paulo state Governor Geraldo swamp. “We have to stanch the hemorrhage of corrup- legally permissible 90 decibels and putting them at 40 lower house representatives. All five living former pres- Alckmin, are tainted by “Car Wash”. In a new poll pub- tion,” he declares on his twitter profile. In the February severe risk of hearing damage. Sanjay Patel of migrant idents are under suspicion. lished Tuesday - commissioned by a pro-Lula trade union survey Bolsonaro was polling at 11.3 percent, a number labour rights group Aajeevika Bureau said: “Those work- That threatens to tear up the previously well estab- and carried out by Vox Populi - Doria registered a measly confirmed in Tuesday’s poll. ing here for 10 to 12 years are not able to hear well. Many lished list of candidates vying to take over from Temer in five percent. Yet that’s before he has taken a single step. An anti-establishment rebellion could also extend to are unable to work beyond the age of 45, and return to the Oct 2018 election. For example, ex-president Luiz the legislature. Brazilians will be voting next year for two their villages.” Patel said that many mill units do not fulfil Inacio Lula da Silva, a firebrand leftist, faces no less than Far right? thirds of the Senate and the whole lower house. In 2016, basic safety guidelines such as giving out ear plugs. five corruption trials. Centrist pro-business candidate Other candidates in that mold of center-right business the long-dominant Workers’ Party took a pasting in Most units register as shops or other establishments Aecio Neves, who narrowly lost the 2014 elections to leaders could appear. There’s also environmentalist municipal elections. The same may happen to other rather than factories, which would mandate them to lim- Lula’s protegee Dilma Rousseff, is equally tarnished, fac- Marina Silva who scored 11.8 percent in the February poll mainstays such as the PSDB and Temer’s PMDB, analysts it exposure to high noise levels to eight hours and pay ing five investigations, including into alleged bribetaking. and is a perennial outsider figure. But if change-hungry say. “Fears are growing among members of Brazil’s tradi- extra for overtime. Yet labor department and local gov- voters really want to go rogue, they may turn to federal tional parties that Operation Car Wash could destroy the ernment officials said they had not received any noise- ‘Brazil’s Donald Trump’ congressman Jair Bolsonaro. He may be fulltime politi- political system as they know it,” risk analysis group related complaints from workers. “We only get com- For now, Lula remains the easy leader in theoretical cian, but he is so radically rightwing that he comes across Stratfor said on Tuesday. — AFP plaints of non-payment of wages that we settle,” said P D Patel, an inspector with Surat’s civic body, which is responsible for checking the units. The penalties for exploitation offer little deterrent however. Nearly 200 employers were penalized with fines between 25 and 750 rupees ($0.40 to $11.60) in 2016 for violating guide- Kim family values on show at parade lines on work hours or not giving lunch breaks, Patel said. efore tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians stream of the Taedong river outside the capital. “This is the children commemorate the birthday of the president Kim Disease and Death marched before him, along with some of the most sacred place that all the people of the world look up to,” Il-Sung,” said Pak Won-Ae, her voice trembling with emo- Bikes, trucks, vans and cars ferrying around colorful fearsome weapons at his command, North Korean said guide Chon Hyon-Ran, who referred to April 15 as tion. “Under the warm love of the president, I have found fabrics are a common sight on Surat’s streets. But just a Bleader Kim Jong-Un and his audience were shown portraits Kim’s “birthdaymas”. “Relics” of family life are on display, my truly happy life today.” few miles from the bright, bustling markets are soot- of his grandfather and father. Pyongyang’s giant weekend from Kim’s great-grandfather’s pipe to an inkstone used by Ordinary North Koreans usually express only officially covered buildings, surrounded by piles of rotting waste parade was intended as a show of military strength aimed the future president. sanctioned views when questioned by foreign news organ- and filth, where the workers live. Poor nutrition, a lack of at Washington, Seoul, Tokyo and others with tensions soar- A steady stream of pilgrims come to pay their respects - izations. The Kim family is not without its black sheep - Kim basic hygiene, long work hours and unsafe sexual habits ing over its nuclear and missile ambitions. It was also a the site receives 1.8 million visitors a year, Chon said - and Jong-Un’s renegade half-brother Jong-Nam was murdered have made thousands vulnerable to a cocktail of dis- domestic affirmation of Kim family authority over the drink “holy water” from the Kim family well. Kim was born in Malaysia in February, with both Seoul and Kuala Lumpur eases - from HIV/AIDS to tuberculosis. country, analysts say. when his country was a Japanese colony, and according to blaming Pyongyang. The nationwide celebrations for the A local government office in Surat has received more Banners hung from buildings around Kim Il-Sung the official narrative, his first written phrase - at the age of two men’s grandfather are a means of control in them- than 40 death compensation applications from families Square, which is named for the founder of the Democratic four - was “The independence of Korea”. Aged only 13, he selves as well as a declaration of legitimacy, according to of power loom workers over the last two years. “The People’s Republic of Korea - as the North is officially known left Mangyongdae “determined not to return before our one Asian-based diplomat. deaths were recorded as natural. Those who died were - and its ruling dynasty. One offered Kim Il-Sung “eternal Korea became independent”, led the armed struggle “They do these events because the events themselves in the 40-59 age group,” an official said. Officials in Surat glory”, with another reading: “Let us safeguard with our against Tokyo’s forces, and “finally liberated our country in are what they do. Pretty much everybody gets to do said most cases of tuberculosis involve migrant workers, lives the central committee of the party headed by the 1945”, still aged only 33. something for it and probably people quite enjoy it,” he who work on the looms until they fall ill. “There are no great comrade Kim Jong-Un”. Despite dying in 1994, Kim Il- No mention is made of the US’ role in Japan’s World War said. “It’s a sign to the world of everything they wish to deaths in the power loom units. They occur only when Sung remains the titular leader of the North, where he is II defeat, or that of the Soviet Union in installing him in the project about the regime,” he added - apparent military workers go back home,” said Gagan Sahu, a professor at “Eternal President”, and his “Juche” or “self-reliance” philoso- North. At a pavilion on the estate, singers from the district power and a supposedly successful economy despite South Gujarat University and textile industry specialist. phy centred on the concept that “man is the master of all women’s league in flowing traditional dresses rehearsed sanctions, along with “Kim’s love of the people and the things” - is proclaimed as its guiding tenet. anniversary praises for Kim. “In our country, even young people’s love of Kim”. — AFP Moving Goalposts In a speech ahead of the march, senior Kim aide Choe When Vipra Padhyali, 40, started work in a loom unit Ryong-Hae declared it “a loyal report to the great presi- 25 years ago, he worked four machines and found it dent Kim Il-Sung and (his son and successor) the great manageable. “But about a decade ago, they told me if I leader Kim Jong-Il that we are maintaining the revolution- operated more machines, I would produce more cloth ary cause”. Pictures of the two men are ubiquitous and earn more money. So I agreed,” Padhyali said, who throughout the country, where Supreme Leader Kim Jong- now walks up and down all day between the 12 looms Un - still only in his 30s - is consistently referred to as the that he operates. Power loom workers here are paid less “respected general”. than 2 rupees ($0.03) for every metre of cloth they pro- duce. They make roughly 500 to 600 rupees ($8-9) a day. “When I worked on three machines, I was paid 80 ‘Leader in rocketry’ The parade was “a big deal for the Kim family cult in the paisa ($0.01) per metre, but when they increased my North”, said senior Rand Organisation researcher Bruce machines to six, they cut the price to 70 paisa,” said Bennett. At the same time, Pyongyang was “sending mes- Debakar Behera, who is also a migrant from Odisha. sages of deterrence toward everyone”, he added. The new Debakar quit and he now drives an auto rickshaw. But US administration of Donald Trump has ramped up pres- most people cling to their jobs out of desperation. sure on Pyongyang and declared that Washington’s “strate- “We found workers who had worked 72 hours at a gic patience” is over. The North, which says it needs nuclear stretch as they were covering for an unwell friend or a weapons to protect itself against the threat of invasion, roommate,” said Sahu. “Workers hardly have any bar- failed with a missile launch the day after the procession gaining power - their payments, working hours and and its exact military capabilities are shrouded in secrecy. living arrangements are compromised. They are lead- But it invites international media to observe the ing miserable lives.” — Reuters parades, and analysts scurry to examine pictures of the missiles on display - whether real or mock-ups - for clues about its progress. Choe told his audiences in the square, the country and abroad that the North was a “powerful All articles appearing on these pages are the nuclear-armed state” and “Asia’s leader in rocketry”. North personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait Times Korean parades are a regular occurrence, said Jeffrey takes no responsibility for views expressed Lewis, of the Middlebury Institute of International therein. Kuwait Times invites readers to voice Studies in California. “It’s like Christmas, but for Juche their opinions. Please send submissions via instead of Jesus.” email to: [email protected] or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. The editor Sacred place reserves the right to edit any submission as Religious terminology is prominent at Kim Il-Sung’s necessary. birthplace, a heavily restored grave-keeper’s cottage at North Koreans sit at the back of a truck as it drives along Mirae Scientists Street yesterday in Pyongyang, which Mangyongdae, a rural idyll overlooking islands in the just celebrated its late leader Kim Il Sung’s 105th birth anniversary with a military parade. — AP p15_Layout 1 4/19/17 9:26 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 SPORTS

Serena Williams hints Monaco offers Dortmund a Philander sidelined she may be pregnant gift as a show of solidarity with groin injury

LOS ANGELES: Tennis great Serena Williams hinted MONACO: In a show of solidarity before they face each other in LONDON: South Africa all rounder Vernon Philander will miss Sussex’s One yesterday that she’s expecting her first child, the Champions League, Monaco has offered Borussia Dortmund a Day Cup group stage fixtures after suffering a groin injury. posting a photo of herself on Snapchat cap- gift following last week’s bus attack in Germany. Last Tuesday in Philander is signed to the English county for the first tioned “20 weeks”. The photo, captured by US Germany, three explosions went off as the team headed to the half of the 2017 season, but the injury will keep him media, shows Williams in a yellow swimsuit stadium for the home leg against Monaco, leaving defender Marc on the sidelines for a significant length of time. with what appears to be a baby bump. Bartra needing hospital treatment following injuries to his wrist Sussex had planned for Philander to play in six Williams, 35, hasn’t played since beating and arm after a window was shattered. The match was hurriedly County Championship matches and the group her sister Venus in the final of the rescheduled for the next day and Monaco won 3-2 to put itself in stage of the One-Day Cup, which runs from April 27 to May 17. The 31-year-old, who has featured Australian Open in January to clinch a a strong position to reach the semifinals. Dortmund’s fans rallied record 23rd Grand Slam singles title. in 43 Tests and 30 one day Internationals for the to help their stranded Monaco counterparts by offering them a She cited a knee injury in pulling out Proteas, sustained the injury during Sussex’s open- place to stay for free on Tuesday night, while Monaco’s fans chant- of tournaments in Indian Wells and ing County Championship match against Kent at the Miami in March. In December she ed for Dortmund for long spells during the rescheduled game. It weekend and will return home to South Africa for announced her engagement to was this mutual respect that prompted Monaco vice-president his rehabilitation. ‘Sussex regret to announce Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, Vadim Vasilyev to give Dortmund’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke a that overseas player Vernon Philander first sharing that news on the Reddit plaque with several photos showing the communion between the will be out of action for a period of two to three weeks,’ a club state- social media site. —AFP two sets of fans last week. — AP ment read.—AFP

Kuwait national cricket squad Kuwait cricket team ready for ICC World Cricket League Division

KUWAIT: Kuwait Cricket is the official governing body for his tenure has briefed the squad that “discipline and com- the game of cricket in Kuwait and is an associate member mitment is going to be the key to success, it doesn’t matter of the International Cricket Council and a full member of what the end result is, all that matters is that you are able the Asian Cricket Council. to tell yourself at the end of the day that I gave my 100%”. Kuwait National cricket team under the incisive captain- Chairman of the Council, Mahmood Bastaki, also a for- cy of Mohammad Khan left for Chiang Mai, Thailand yester- mer captain of the Kuwait Nationals in the Asian Games day to participate in the all important ICC World Cricket where the Kuwaitis performed exceptionally well is going League Division 1 - Asia which is being organized by the to head the delegation and has been an integral part of the Cricket Association of Thailand under the International ongoing three months camp where he has been actively Cricket Council. turning up to each and every single session along with all The tournament will commence on April 22, when the practice matches, “We have selected the best 14 based Kuwait will take on Qatar at the Royal Chiang Mai Golf on health, fitness and performance and I am confident that Head of Delegation - Head Coach - Senior Coach - Club. The tournament is of great significance to Kuwait the boys will go out there and play like tigers that they are Mahmoud Bastaki President Haider Farman Ghayour Ahmed Mohammad Tahir Cricket as they have to win the seven-nation event in order and they have proved it in their domestic and international ment has been supportive as to qualify for the Global World Cricket League - Division 5 performances in the past and as the head of the delegation always and we are now just focused on our mission to scheduled to take place in South Africa in September 2017. I will make sure discipline and commitment is at its best in compete well and to play each and every match to the best The 14 members squad consists of some of the most ChiangMai”. Director Domestic & Marketing, Sajid Ashraf, a of our ability and take each game at a time as we move on experienced players who have represented Kuwait at former cricketer for Kuwait at U-17, U-19 and the national in the tournament”, said the Head Coach, Ghayour Ahmed. International level in many tournaments organized by ICC team at International level on numerous occasions is going Muhammad Khan, the captain of defending champions and ACC. The squad has been selected by the Kuwait to be managing the team in Thailand. “I would like to thank Future Stars of KC Domestic 50 overs league is an extreme- Cricket Board based on fitness, domestic performances the Kuwait Cricket board led by the president for all the ly intelligent cricketer who bats middle order with respon- and ability to perform on the International platform based support to the boys over the past few months and with the sibility and keeps behind the wickets ever since his repre- on valuable feedbacks from the local coaches. kind of facilities, training and motivation we have provided sentation in the first ACC trophy in 2000. “This is a very big Apart from Kuwait, the teams vying for the top honors to the entire squad, I believe it’s time for the players to opportunity for me as a captain to lead our beloved coun- will be host Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Bhutan, Qatar shine and give something back to Kuwait as a nation to cel- try Kuwait and in all honesty, we really have to prove our- Team Manager - & China. The grueling event has 50 overs back-to-back ebrate inshallah”. selves in Thailand and all the boys strongly feel that we are Sajid Ashraf Usman Waheed matches played at Prem Tinsulanonda International School Kuwait National Cricket team is sponsored by Reliance more than capable of doing it”. and Sajid Kalam Ground, Chiangmai Gymkhana and Royal Chiangmai Golf Worldwide Catering Co who are the official catering part- Imran Ali who is born in Kuwait has an incredible stats Fast Bowlers and Spinners: Imran Ali, Fiaz Ahmad, Abdullah Club. The formidable Kuwait squad is beaming with confi- ners for Kuwait Cricket. MGA, the prime sponsor of Kuwait’s of as many as 113 first class matches under his belt with a Khan & Haroon Shahid. dence after an intense three months camp at Doha Cricket Domestic Cricket has come forward and announced a cash proven track record and is going to be the vice captain of Head of Delegation: Mahmoud Bastaki Ground and Sulaibiya Cricket Ground respectively. prize of $6,500 to be distributed amongst players if the the team. Imran will lead the pace bowling attack of Kuwait Team Manager: Sajid Ashraf With its increasingly adept aggression in batting, fast Kuwait team goes on to win the tournament. Al Hafiz is the and his international experience will be of utmost signifi- Head Coach: Ghayoor Ahmed bowlers that are the finest in the region along with proven official print solutions and refreshments partner. Sports cance to Kuwait’s success and progress in the tournament Senior Coach: Tahir Khan spinners and tremendous fighting spirit, Kuwait Cricket Equipment partners include Maahas Sports, Pro Sports, along with all the other members of the squad. Tournament Schedule: Board led by the President, Haider Farman is confident of AHS and SAS apparel. Q7 Mobile company and Schneider Apart from the 14 members squad, three extremely tal- 22nd April: Kuwait VS Qatar at Royal ChiangMai Golf Club an exciting result. “Winning or losing is part of the game, have also shown their generous support as silver sponsors ented Kuwaiti nationals will also be accompanying the 23rd April: Kuwait VS China at ChiangMai Gymkhana but when you lose, you have to gather yourself, support of the team. squad for more international experience and exposure and 26th April: Kuwait VS Saudi Arabia at Prem Tinsulanonda each other and make sure you comeback in the next match The team has been undergoing vigorous training under they are Fahad Bastaki, Abdul Rahman Kandari and International School and win it, this is how champions are made and this is what the watchful eyes of head coach Ghayour Ahmed & senior Abdullah Bastaki. 28th April: Kuwait VS Bahrain at Royal Chiangmai Golf Club we expect the Kuwait National team to do, keep up the coach Tahir Khan and the young outfit has game sense, Kuwait’s Top Order: Aamir Javed, Usman Waheed and 29th April: Kuwait VS Bhutan at ChiangMai Gymkhana fighting spirit and play bravely and my best wishes are with flair and undoubted skill as a team to get to the top of the Muhammad Irfan Mughal 1st May: Kuwait VS Thailand at ChiangMai Gymkhana all of them”. points table by the end of the tournament. “The spirit and Kuwait’s Middle Order: Muhammad Amin, Ali Zaheer, Kuwait Cricket wishes the squad all the very best and all Vice President, Faisal Al Marzouk, who is the former cap- commitment has been excellent from the boys over the Kashif Shareef and Mohammad Khan. the fans and followers can catch the action live on tain of Kuwait with excellent results under his belt during past three months, and the board along with the manage- Kuwait’s All Rounders: Adnan Idrees, Muhammad Asghar www.kuwait-cricket.com and or @kuwaitcricketofficial.

Muhammad Khan Abdul Rehman Al Kandar Abdullah Bastaki Abdullah Hussain Ghulam Adnan Idrees Ali Zaheer Fahad Bastaki Fiaz Ahmad

Haroon Shahid Aamir Javed Sajid Kalam Imran Ali Kashif Shareef Muhammad Amin Muhammad Asghar Muhammad Irfan THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 SPORTS

CYCLING Valverde extends Fleche Wallonne dominance

HUY: On-form Spanish veteran his first success in 2006. Belgian rider Dylan Teuns completing made to measure for me.” of cycling’s five “Monument” races. For Alejandro Valverde notched up a record Luxembourg’s Bob Jungels launched the podium in third. “The Ardennes clas- It was a remarkable 10th win of the Martin, it was the second time in four fifth win in the Fleche Wallonne yester- an attack before the Cote de Cherave sics are courses that I love. I feel a bit like season for the Spaniard, who vowed to years the Irishman was denied by day, with Ireland’s Dan Martin taking but was caught on the third and final I’m at home here,” said Valverde. return to Fleche Wallonne next year Valverde and his third podium finish second at the summit finish on the Mur ascent of the Mur de Huy, leaving the “I’m in excellent physical condition, I before throwing down the challenge to here. “I came second again, it looks like de Huy. The Movistar rider, who turns 37 seasoned Valverde to again claim the had to take advantage of it. “The team his rivals ahead of Sunday’s Liege- I’ll have to wait for Valverde to retire,” next week, has made the Ardennes clas- honours. worked right from the first kilometre, we Bastogne-Liege. Martin said after the race. The Quick-Step sic his own since 2014, winning four He saw off Martin by one second at had the belief we were going to win. It’s Valverde is a three-time winner (2006, rider was runner-up to the Spaniard in straight editions a decade after claiming the end of the 204.5 kilometre ride with a course that suits me very well, it’s 2008 and 2015) of the event billed as one 2014 and came third a year ago. — AFP Phelps on possible comeback: ‘We’ll see if I get that itch’

LOS ANGELES: Michael Phelps hasn’t gotten the urge to return to swimming. Not yet anyway. The winningest athlete in Olympic history is clearly enjoying marriage, fatherhood and a newfound willingness to speak out on con- tentious issues such as doping . But, in a tantalizing concession that he hasn’t totally closed the door on another comeback, Phelps told The Associated Press that it might be tough to stay away from the pool - especially if he attends the world championships in Budapest, Hungary, in July. “The true test will be, if I do end up going over to the worlds this summer, do I have that itch again?” Phelps said Tuesday during a tele- phone interview. He was already strongly considering his first comeback when he attended the 2013 champi- DUESSELDORF: In this Nov. 29, 2015, file photo, Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko, right, onships in Barcelona, and there was no doubt and Britain’s Tyson Fury exchange blows during a boxing bout in Duesseldorf, west- he’d be back for his fifth Olympics when that ern Germany. Fury won the bout. DuringKlitschko’s rein as champion, every oppo- meet ended. nent was kept at arm’s length. Punches were traded cautiously — probably with “I was just like: ‘This is a joke. How can these good reason, considering what Lamon Brewster did to him back in 2004. Klitschko guys be swimming this slow?’” recalled Phelps, never won any style points, though he kept winning against a series of opponents who was especially motivated by a disappoint- who could never seem to crack the code. — AP ing performance from the men’s relay team. “We’ll see if I get that itch again.” For now, he’s happy with his post-swimming BOXING life, which includes a new sponsorship deal with Colgate in which he is pushing water conserva- Klitschko admits what boxing tion. While Phelps still travels extensively, tend- ing to various sponsors and business interests, LOS ANGELES: In this March 21, 2017, file photo, Michael Phelps and his wife, Nicole Johnson, fans always knew: He was boring he gets a lot more quality time with wife Nicole smile during an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles and their son, Boomer, who will celebrate his Clippers in Los Angeles. If Phelps returns to competitive swimming, the demands of training NEW YORK: Wladimir Klitschko was never Both are Olympic gold medalists first birthday in a few weeks. would surely cut heavily into his family time. That’s why, if he tries to predict what the future really embraced by the average boxing fan, (Klitschko in 1996, Joshua in 2012). Both are “He has started standing by himself a little bit might hold, it doesn’t include a sixth Olympics at Tokyo in 2020.—AP despite dominating a lackluster heavy- massive heavyweights with the skills usual- from time to time,” Phelps said. “He’s on the clout to issues that he considers important to media blitz this week for his new deal with weight division for the better part of a ly found in smaller fighters. Both have the move all the time now and loving it. He’s killing swimming and the world. In the lead-up to the Colgate and the “Save Water” program, coincid- decade. He understands why, even as he kind of knockout power that may make it a it. It’s so fun to watch him. Every day, it’s some- Rio Games, Phelps talked for the first time about ing with Earth Day on Saturday. looks to change his ways in what could be short night in London. thing different, something special. It’s a treat for the scourge of doping, saying he wasn’t sure if “It completely blows my mind to think about his last hurrah next week against Anthony And Klitschko now says it’s time to me to see it face to face. It’s wild. It’s mind-blow- he had ever competed in a totally clean race, how much you can waste when you brush your Joshua in London. “It’s not as boring as it throw caution to the wind. ing for Nicole and I. We still look at each other even while winning a record 23 gold medals and teeth twice a day,” Phelps said. “If you leave the was with me during all those years,” “I have nothing to defend so I need to sometimes and go: ‘Wow, we have a son. This is 28 medals in all. In February, he took it a step water running while you brush your teeth, it’s Klitschko said. “You can like me or hate me bounce back and be the hunter,” he said. our son.’” further by testifying at a congressional hearing wasting four to five gallons every time you do but when one person conquers it all, it is “Joshua has the title and it’s something I If Phelps returns to competitive swimming, on improving anti-doping measures. He said that. Every time. If we can get people to stop boring. I totally get it.” will need to get. It will be a totally different the demands of training would surely cut heavily athletes don’t believe in the testing programs doing that, think how many millions of people in It wasn’t just Klitschko’s dominance that attitude. I will not hold myself back.” into his family time. That’s why, if he tries to pre- that are already in place, and he urged lawmak- the world could contribute in just that small soured boxing fans on him. It was the way If experience is a key in the fight, dict what the future might hold, it doesn’t ers to help “ensure the system is fair and reliable.” way.” Phelps said this second retirement, coming he fought. Every opponent was kept at Klitschko has a huge advantage against include a sixth Olympics at Tokyo in 2020. “Throughout my career, I never spoke out about after an Olympics in which he won five gold arm’s length. Punches were traded cau- Joshua, who began his amateur career late “I’m having so many amazing experience, so anything,” Phelps conceded. “I stayed in my lane medals and a silver with his new family along for tiously - probably with good reason, con- and has only 18 professional fights. many cool experiences, with my family,” he said. and focused on what I was doing. To get out the ride, has enabled him to truly appreciate the sidering what Lamon Brewster did to him After regaining a piece of the heavy- “I don’t see myself making a comeback. I have no front and speak out on things that are passion- enormous accomplishments of his career. He still back in 2004. weight title in 2006, Klitschko made 18 suc- desire right now to do it. I’m in the second chap- ate to me, to take different approaches to things feels like Rio was the perfect ending. “I never had Klitschko never won any style points, cessful title defenses in a row before losing ter of my life. I have a lot of things I now want to I want to talk about in different walks of life, that moment before to sit back and think about though he kept winning against a series of to Fury in a desultory effort. He’s won 64 of accomplish. I’m realizing that more and more. that’s pretty cool and pretty special for me. The what I had done,” Phelps said. opponents who could never seem to crack 68 fights and has fought for the heavy- This is a really cool opportunity for me to do opportunities I have are absolutely amazing. “I’m so stoked that I came back for (the 2016) the code. Then Tyson Fury entered the pic- weight title 28 times. some things I was not able to do when I was “Hopefully,” he added, “I can change some Olympics. I finished exactly how I wanted.” Is he ture, making Klitschko look slow and old in But with the wins came the criticism. swimming.” things and make a difference.” He’s doing a really finished? Stay tuned.— AP breaking his 11-year winning streak to win Klitschko, who lost the title by knockout to That includes lending his still-considerable his heavyweight titles. Brewster in 2004, was widely panned in Now Klitschko challenges the unbeaten boxing for playing more defense than Joshua for the title once again. He does so offense as he won fight after fight against a as an underdog going into enemy territory, group of mediocre challengers. Boston Marathon retires Bib 261 with 90,000 fans expected to be cheering “I think after so many years of defending their countryman on a week from Saturday the title, unifying the title, it built up the at Wembley Stadium. pressure,” Klitschko said. “At some point, it for women’s pioneer Switzer cramps your style.” NEW FIGHTER Klitschko plans have his brother, Vitali, in BOSTON: A line stretched the length of the in Seneca Falls, New York, where they quote Geoffrey Kirui won the 121st edition of the At the age of 41, he says he feels like a the corner as he usually does for his fights. block outside the Boston Marathon store on Laurel Thatcher Ulrich: “Well-behaved women men’s race on Monday, and Edna Kiplagat won new fighter. Even better, he says he feels Vitali Klitschko, now the mayor of Kiev, was Boylston Street as runners waited to embroider seldom make history.” the women’s division to complete the first like really fighting. a dominant heavyweight champion in his their finishing times onto the jackets they “It was a very good thing she wasn’t well- Kenyan sweep in five years. The Americans had “I understand I don’t have titles any- own right, before retiring to take up politics bought to celebrate their achievement. behaved on that morning,” said Joann Flaminio, their best results since the race went pro in 1986, more, but in a certain way I feel relieved,” in his native Ukraine. Inside, another line of runners was there on the first female president in the 125-year history placing two women in the top four and six men Klitschko told The Associated Press in a call Meanwhile, he’s enjoying the prepara- Tuesday to celebrate Kathrine Switzer. of the B.A.A. Switzer won the New York in the top 10, including runner-up Galen Rupp. from his training camp in Austria. “I feel tions for a fight he never thought he would A day after she returned to the course on the Marathon in 1974 and continued to run Boston In all, 26,411 people finished the race on calmer, more free. Before it was all defend- get after his rematch with Fury was 50th anniversary of her 1967 landmark run, the until 1976 before providing TV commentary for Monday - 97 percent of those who started - ing and caution. Now it’s different, and I like derailed by Fury’s emotional problems. first official female entrant saw her bib No. 261 the next 37 years. But this year, at the age of 70, including 11,973 women. There were a total of the feeling that I don’t have any pressure.” “I think I’ve been very, very fortunate retired by the Boston Athletic Association. It’s she ran it again, finishing in 4 hours, 44 minutes, 2,596 medical “encounters” on the hotter-than- The fight shapes up as a familiar boxing with having Joshua as my opponent,” he the first number to be retired, though B.A.A. 31 seconds - only about 25 minutes slower than ideal day; 168 of them were transported to hos- matchup, with the up-and-coming young said. “For the first time in a long time I’m an spokesman Jack Fleming said No. 61 has been when she was 20. pitals; 15 to 18 stayed overnight and all are slugger from England tested by the aging underdog. He’s either great, or I’m still held out of circulation in honor of Johnny Kelley, “Fifty years before, it was so freezing,” she doing fine, according to medical director Chris veteran who has piled up a deep bag of great. The question marks on both fighters who started the race a record 61 times (and fin- said. “This time it was wall-to-wall cheering, and Troyanos. “I’m not sure how it can get any better tricks over the years. make this a fight for the fans.” — AP ished 58). people not just congratulating me, but thanking than how everything went yesterday,” race direc- Fans crowded the brief ceremony, hugging me. It was extremely validating. It was a joyous tor Dave McGillivray said Tuesday at the annual and posing afterward for pictures with Switzer, a experience. I was not only pushed by that tail- day-after briefing. “I’m my own worst critic, but ATHLETICS women’s running pioneer. “People have such an wind, but also buoyed by the crowd.” my critique document is still blank.” — AP appreciation for what running has done for them and how it’s changed their lives,” said London Marathon’s oldest runner Switzer, who named her 261 Fearless foundation after the bib number that was nearly torn from still going strong at 83 years her back on the marathon course. “It’s beyond me; it’s the number now,” said LONDON: His times are getting slower. He ages me,” Jones said in a phone interview. Switzer, who ran the race on Monday along with says he sometimes gets “very lazy.” He aches a “She says, ‘You’ll never finish if you don’t get 118 women and “seven intrepid men” who raised lot after his training runs. This particular out there and train.’ Some days it can be grim, money for the charity that uses running to marathon runner can be excused all of that. cold, not very nice, but she gets me out.” improve women’s lives around the world. “We A month before his 84th birthday, Jones lives in Strabane, a town in Northern can make it happen through running. The num- Kenneth Jones will be running - or “trotting,” Ireland near the border to Ireland. He moved ber now stands for all of those things.” as he describes his style - the London there 14 years ago, having previously lived all Switzer was a 20-year-old student at Syracuse Marathon for the 37th straight year on his life in London, where he worked as a civil when she entered the men-only Boston Sunday. He’ll be the one wearing tracksuit servant and first got a passion for running. Marathon in 1967, using her initials on the regis- bottoms, a pair of old running shoes and a That passion exists to this day. On a usual tration form. Although Bobbi Gibb was also in wide grin. He’ll be the one getting inter- week, he goes out on the country lanes near the race for the second straight year, one of the viewed by the BBC on Tower Bridge during his home for two runs, getting plenty of well- unofficial runners known as bandits, race direc- the race. He’ll be the one who still expects to wishes along the way. But the exercise regime tor Jock Semple fumed at the sight of Switzer in be passing many runners in their 20s and 30s has been ramped up ahead of the London an official bib and tried to pull her off the course. in the closing stages. Marathon, with Jones doing a long or short Pictures of that splashed across newspaper “At almost 84, to do 26 miles, it’s not bad, walk or run every day. front pages, and Switzer somewhat inadvertent- is it?” Jones says. Jones is the oldest runner in He also goes swimming twice a week. ly became a symbol of the women’s movement. this year’s race, at 83 years and 339 days. He is “I don’t touch the sides or the bottom of “It was the worst thing in my life at the time. It one of 12 so-called “Ever Presents” who have the pool for an hour,” he said. “Just keep became the best thing in my life,” she said run every single London Marathon since the going.” Tuesday. “He inspired me to completely not only first in 1981. So what is the secret to Jones’ Jones, who was a torch-bearer at the change my life, but to change millions of longevity and enthusiasm? London Olympics in 2012, has run more than women’s lives.” He puts it down to his love of the fresh air 100 marathons since his first in 1966 and his and nature, his longstanding passion for Tai personal best is 2 hours, 41 minutes. Last year, HISTORY Chi, and his wife’s vegetable stews. In fact, he ran 6:53 hours and is hoping to break the Switzer began organizing women’s road races BOSTON: Kathrine Switzer, middle with fist up, the first official woman entrant in the Boston Nora - who is aged 82 and has been married seven-hour mark on Sunday, with the plan to that helped persuade the Olympics to add a Marathon 50 years ago, cheers at a news conference, Tuesday, in Boston, where her bib No. 261 to Kenneth for 57 years - is his inspiration. walk the first 2 miles, jog the next 20 miles women’s marathon in 1984. In 2011, she was was retired in her honor by the Boston Athletic Association. Switzer is surrounded by runners “Some days I get very lazy, so she encour- and hang on at the end.—AP inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame with her 261 Fearless foundation, and at far left is, BAA President Joann Flaminio. — AP THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 SPORTS

The unique Wings for Life World Run returns on global stage to battle spinal cord injury Run for Those Who Can’t at the Boulevard on May 7

The groundbreaking global charity run, Wings for Life World Run will return on May 7, 2017, with official start locations for the fourth consecutive event spanning six continents, including Kuwait where the run will take place at the Boulevard in Salmiya, in partnership with Boulevard Mall. Thousands of runners using the Wings for Life World Run App worldwide will hit the streets simultaneously, raising money to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Everyone can take part as the moving finish line, aka the Catcher Cars, gives chase and records fall. The Wings for Life World Run was launched in give runners the indication when the car belief in its noble cause, Kuwait’s Red Bull About Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research still to be found, steady progress has been 2014 in order to raise funds for the Wings for Life catches them. athletes Mohammed Burbayea (Jet Ski) and Foundation made. One hundred percent of the Wings Spinal Cord Research Foundation, and more In this year’s edition, held in May, 1,255,000 Mansour Al-Safran (BMX) and Mohammed Jaffar Worldwide, millions of people are for Life World Run entry fees and funds of than 300,000 people have participated so far. kilometers were run, and a staggering 6.6 million (Motocross) are enthusiastically participating in dependent on a wheelchair after having this global running event will help work The international event is a milestone of the euros were raised for Wings for Life’s single goal. the run this year. “I’m extremely proud to be sustained a spinal cord injury, most often toward Wings for Life’s ultimate goal. Every sportive calendar for runners at every level, from “The aim is to raise funds for the treatment of supporting the spinal cord cure researches and I as the result of a traffic accident or a fall. step taken at the Wings for Life World Run beginners to dedicated runners and competitors spinal cord injury, ultimately to make spinal cord urge everybody to participate in this race and Wings for Life is a not-for-profit spinal cord on an actual running location or via the in a regular, everyday wheelchair. Registration injury curable. One hundred percent of the support this noble cause,” expressed research foundation with a single mission app is a step in the right direction – for the 2017 race is open on money raised from the entry fees goes towards Mohammed Burbayea. to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Since www.wingsforlife.com www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com. this research,” says Colin Jackson, an Olympic “It feels just great to be part of supporting 2004, Wings for Life has funded life- Pioneering the concept of a synchronized medalist from the United Kingdom who broke this cause for the second year, or to merely be changing research projects and clinical race where participants across the world run world records in the 110-meter and 60-meter part of curing spinal cord injuries. I truly wish I trials around the globe. While the cure is simultaneously, the event introduced the hurdles and is the Sports Director of the Wings could do more to those suffering this disability”, exciting element of the Catcher Car format: at for Life World Run. “It’s an incredible investment. said Mansour Al-Safran. each location, a vehicle gives the runners a 30- The scientists working on this say to me that one “I always look forward to this event to be part minute head start, then chases the field at a day, one day, we shall find a cure.” of it; my participation is a direct support for t predetermined pace as a moving finish line. Until that day arrives, the Wings for Life World those suffering from spinal cord injuries, and Whether the Catcher Car rolls by them early or Run will continue. Every step taken is a step in particularly those who could be Motocross Free Advertisemen late, participants get a kick out of surpassing the right direction - to find a cure for spinal cord champions. I pray for their recovery for all spinal personal goals, and the last individual man and Injury. cord patients around the world,” said woman to get caught are declared Global In Kuwait, runners are to join the Wings for Mohammed Jaffar. Champions. In Kuwait, the application will Life World Run from regardless of their age and It is time to sign up for the 2017 edition of the replace the actual car, as the speed of runners gender, first by downloading the app run and Wings for Life World Run on will be detected via the app and will therefore selecting Kuwait as their location. With a strong www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com.

DISTANCEA 01 14 00 6´30˝ 10 km//h PACE SPEEDD

JOIN THE WORLD IN RUNNING FORR THOSE WHHO CAN’T

BE A DOWNLOAD THE APP AND JOINN THE RUN PART MAY 7, 2017, 2:000 P.M. . OF IT! BOULEVARD,A SALMIYA 100% OF ALL MONEY RAISED GOES TO SPIINAL CORD RESEARCH

WINGSFORLIFEWORLDRWORLDRRUN.COM THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 SPORTS

Lions captain Warburton eager to taste New Zealand blood

LONDON: Sam Warburton has never umph in New Zealand was in 1971. as a bad thing, but I would never take departs at the end of May. Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau and Ross savoured victory over New Zealand but Added to that, two of the three Tests this the field against New Zealand and think, Moriarty, all of whom have been selected says he is relishing scaling the “pinnacle year will be played at Eden Park, where ‘Crikey, I haven’t beaten these before’,” ‘BRAVE DECISIONS’ for the Lions by Gatland, the Kiwi on sec- of my career” when he captains the New Zealand have not lost in the profes- the Cardiff Blues flanker, a veteran of 76 The Lions may be underdogs but ondment from his role as Wales boss. British and Irish Lions against the world sional era-with the All Blacks reeling off Tests, added. “You respect them for what Ireland’s 40-29 victory over the All Blacks Warburton resigned as Wales captain, champions. 36 consecutive wins, including a 2011 they are and you know they’ve got a fan- in Chicago in November proved the with lock Alun Wyn Jones leading the The Wales back-row was named skip- World Cup final triumph, at their tastic history and win percent ratio, but world champions are not invincible. side in the Six Nations. per when Lions coach Warren Gatland Auckland fortress since 1995. every time you take that field you’ve got “What was impressive, and when But while the softly spoken announced a 41-man squad Wednesday As for the Lions, their solitary win in a chance to win, regardless of who you England beat them in 2012, the break- Warburton has sometimes appeared a for the three-Test series in June and July. 10 Tests at Eden Park was a 9-6 success in are or where you are playing.” However, downs were ferocious,” said Warburton. reluctant skipper, he insisted he was in Warburton, the victorious captain during 1959. Eden Park was also the venue he admitted: “It’s going to be the tough- “They were both extremely brave in the right frame of mind to lead the Lions the 2013 2-1 series win in Australia, is just where Warburton was sent off for a dan- est thing I’ve done. 2013 (winning tour) their decision-making and you know you again after recovering from a slump in the second man after England great gerous tackle during Wales’s agonising 9- was amazing, it was all fresh, it was all are going to have to score tries. form. “If I felt I’d only scraped into the Martin Johnson (1997 and 2001) to lead 8 World Cup semi-final loss six years ago. new. “But captaining the Lions for a sec- “We are going to have to be slightly squad and they asked me to captain, I the Lions on two tours. “New Zealand are the only team I haven’t ond time and the fact it is in New more attacking than we are used to (in would have said I was not in the right But he has yet to enjoy a Test win over beaten yet in my international career and Zealand, it definitely ranks as the pinna- the Six Nations).” frame of mind to do it,” he said. New Zealand-with Wales’s last success it’s something I’d love to do,” said cle of my career so far,” added Warburton, This season saw Warburton’s Wales “Because now I do feel I am playing against the All Blacks coming way back Warburton after the squad was who expects to have recovered from a place called into question amid fierce well and I feel very confident about my in 1953. The Lions’ lone Test series tri- announced. “People would look at that knee injury by the time the squad competition from fellow loose forwards game, that’s why I said yes.” —AFP

BASEBALL Cubs rally past Brewers to snap four-game skid

CHICAGO: The Chicago Cubs pounded out gle. Triggs (3-0) allowed three hits and two 14 hits, including home runs from Kyle unearned runs in six innings. Santiago Schwarber and Miguel Montero, as they Casilla pitched a perfect ninth for his sec- snapped a four-game losing streak with a ond save. 9-7 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday in a Wrigley Field slugfest. The ANGELS 5, ASTROS 2 Cubs rallied from a 7-4 deficit with a four- Albert Pujols blasted his 29th career run sixth keyed by Albert Almora’s two-run home run at Minute Maid Park, a three-run pinch single and Jon Jay’s RBI triple. The ral- shot that was the decisive blow in Los ly overshadowed another big night for the Angeles’ victory. Pujols’ second home run of Brewers’ offense. Eric Thames went 3-for-5 the season came against Houston’s Joe with three runs, hitting safely in a 12th con- Musgrove (1-1) with one out in the fifth secutive start. Travis Shaw was 3-for-4 with inning, plated teammates Yunel Escobar a homer and three RBIs. Justin Grimm (1-0) and Mike Trout, and helped snap the worked a scoreless sixth inning, and Carl Angels’ six-game slide. Pujols has 54 career Edwards and Hector Rondon followed with home runs against the Astros, his most one shutout inning apiece. Wade Davis against any club. Los Angeles’ Andrelton pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his third save. Simmons snapped an 0-for-11 skid with his opposite-field, solo homer off Musgrove in MARLINS 5, MARINERS 0 the second. That blast snapped a 21-inning Wei-Yin Chen, Brad Ziegler and Kyle scoreless drought for the Angels. Barraclough combined for a one-hitter, Justin Bour had two hits, including a two- INDIANS 11, TWINS 4 run home run in the third, and Miami shut Jose Ramirez and Edwin Encarnacion out Seattle. The Marlins lost the no-hit bid each hit two-run homers, and Francisco when Mitch Haniger singled with one out Lindor added a two-run triple as Cleveland in the ninth inning against Barraclough. routed Minnesota. Ramirez, Lindor, Carlos Chen (2-0) was in full command through- Santana and Michael Brantley each had out, throwing 64 of his 100 pitches for two hits as the Indians scored in five of the strikes, and keeping Seattle hitters off-bal- first six innings to support starter Josh ance with a low-70s curveball and change- Tomlin (1-2). Encarnacion added an RBI up. Chen tossed seven innings, allowing no groundout for Cleveland after entering the hits, striking out two and walking two. game with one homer and two RBIs this MONACO: Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning against Britain’s Kyle Edmund during the Monte Carlo ATP Masters Series tournament season. Lindor ran his current hit streak to tennis match yesterday in Monaco. — AFP WHITE SOX 4, YANKEES 1 12 games while Ramirez is 14-for-24 with Miguel Gonzalez came within two outs seven runs, three homers and 10 RBIs in his TENNIS of a shutout, and Avisail Garcia hit a long last six games. Phil Hughes (2-1) was out three-run home run in the seventh inning after 3 1/3 innings for Minnesota, allowing as Chicago snapped New York’s eight-game eight hits and six runs (four earned). winning streak. Gonzalez retired the first 12 Murray, Nadal in tough hitters and gave up one run on four hits in NATIONALS 3, BRAVES 1 8 1/3 innings. Leury Garcia also homered Max Scherzer allowed two hits over sev- for the White Sox, who won for the fifth en shutout innings as Washington handed time in their past seven games. The Atlanta its first loss in its new Sun Trust wins to start clay season Yankees’ Luis Severino allowed four runs Park. Scherzer (2-1) struck out seven and (three earned) and three hits in a career- walked three in recording his third consec- high eight innings. After getting a career- utive quality start. He allowed only two MONTE CARLO: Andy Murray returned from think normal. clay, his record on the surface an outstanding high 11 strikeouts against the Tampa Bay runners to reach scoring position and over a month out with an elbow injury to launch “Maybe the technique changed a little bit. 366-34. The Spaniard swept the first set 6-0 Rays on Thursday, Severino fanned 10 on improved to 6-3 in his career against the his clay-court season with a gruelling 7-5, 7-5 You get into the match, and it’s tricky.” against 45th-ranked Edmund, but found himself Tuesday, eight of them in the first five Braves. Washington’s Sammy Solis pitched defeat of Gilles Muller at the Monte Carlo Murray was kept on the back foot in the fighting for survival in the third set. innings. a scoreless eighth inning but closer Blake Masters yesterday. opening set as he lost the first game and only The fourth seed finally squeezed home after Treinen loaded the bases in the ninth and The world number one was joined in the caught up late. two and a quarter hours. DIAMONDBACKS 11, PADRES 2 allowed a run. Shawn Kelley entered and third round by nine-time tournament champion In the second he was also far from his fluent Murray and Nadal were joined in round three Shelby Miller allowed four hits over 7 retired Emilio Bonifacio on a fly to right and Rafael Nadal, who held off British surprise-pack- best, before grinding out victory. It was the first by Swiss third seed Stan Wawrinka, who saw off 1/3 innings and Yasmany Tomas hit a three- struck out Chase d’Arnaud to end the game age Kyle Edmund 6-0, 5-7, 6-3 in the Spaniard’s time back on the ATP since his elbow problem- Czech Jiri Vesely 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. Three-time Grand run homer as Arizona cruised past San and earn his first save. 400th career match on clay. his last match was a second-round loss to Vasek Slam winner Wawrinka won Monte Carlo three Diego. Chris Iannetta also homered for the The Scot Murray waited until late in both sets Pospisil at Indian Wells on March 12. years ago over compatriot and friend Roger to make his move, finally putting Muller away in The three-time Monte Carlo semi-finalist Federer. “Overall it was a good match, the first Diamondbacks, who scored a third straight REDS 9, ORIOLES 3 victory. Miller (2-1) issued two walks with Adam Duvall hit his first career grand just under two hours as he builds up to the Murray, who has had a sticky start to 2017 with match on clay,” said the Swiss. “The feeling was French Open in May-June. form and injury, now stands 13-3 on the season good. Winning in three sets means it was a good five strikeouts, allowing two hits through slam and Joey Votto added a two-run But the 29-year-old was poor on his serve and has one title from Dubai in his pocket. victory. It’s important to win and keep going. the first six innings while retiring the Padres homer to lift Cincinnati past Baltimore. with eight double faults while breaking Murray said: “My elbow’s always a bit sore, “I prepared well, practise was good. Physically in order four times. Padres starter Jarred Cincinnati’s Bronson Arroyo (1-2), who Luxembourg’s Muller four times. always. That’s nothing to do with this week. I’m fine. “I know my level is good. If I’m able to Cosart (0-1) retired the first 10 needed a positive start after two rough “I definitely played better as the match went “The last two years, always when I serve, it’s improve I might have a chance in this tourna- Diamondbacks he faced before departing outings in his return to the major leagues on, obviously first service game was not ideal,” just a little bit sore. But it was nothing out of the ment.” Czech ninth seed Tomas Berdych put an the game before the fourth inning was over after two seasons, allowed three runs in Murray said. “But when you are coming back ordinary today.” end to the run of 39-year-old Tommy Haas 3-6, 6- with a strained right hamstring muscle. five innings. The Orioles’ Adam Jones hit a from not really serving for a few weeks, it’s I Victory for Nadal came in his 400th match on 1, 6-4. — AFP Cosart was charged with three runs (one two-run homer off Arroyo, his third of the earned) on two hits in 3 2/3 innings. season. Kevin Gausman (1-1) started for Baltimore and didn’t make it through the ROCKIES 4, DODGERS 3 third inning, allowing 13 of 20 batters to Nolan Arenado homered twice and reach base. Trevor Story also went deep as Colorado Tennis tournament concludes held off Los Angeles. The surging Rockies CARDINALS 2, PIRATES 1 had lost seven straight games at Dodger The General Tennis Tournament con- Hakem Al-Enezi and technical director Abbas Qallaf 6/0, 6/0. So a deciding double’s match Mike Leake threw 6 1/3 solid innings in KUWAIT: Stadium since they last won there last sea- cluded Tuesday evening at the Tennis Center Al-Busairi. The final match was between was played ending with Yarmouk’s double’s his third straight quality start and a shaky son June 8. The victory was the Rockies’ of Kuwait Tennis Federation, as the final match Yarmouk and Khaitan Clubs. In the first individ- players Abdallah Maqdis and Hassan Al- bullpen got the job done in St. Louis’ victo- fourth in five games on a road trip that was attended by KTF secretary General uals match Khaitan Club player Hamid Al- Mousa, defeated Khaitan’s Ali Ibrahim and ry over Pittsburgh. Leake (2-1) scattered began in San Francisco and ends Abdelreda Al-Ghareeb, Treasurer Faleh Al- Sulaiteen defeated Yarmouk Club player Ahmad Al-Rabee 6/3 - 6/4. The final standings Wednesday. Arenado’s first multi-homer seven hits and allowed a run, walking none Otaibi, Board Member Ali Al-Daihani, Yarmouk Abdelhameed Al-Shatti 6/4, 1/6, 6/2. In the of the teams were as follows: Yarmouk, Kuwait, game of the season gave him six for the and striking out one. He recorded 12 of his Sports Club board member Hussein Al- second individuals match Yarmouk’s Nasser Khaitan, Kazema, Salmiya, Tadhamon, Shabab, season and 11 RBIs, including six in the past 19 outs via grounders and saw his National Ghareeb, Khaitan Club member of the board Abdelsalam, defeated Khaitan’s Abdallah Al- Qadisiya, Sahel and Sulaibkhat. three games. Story, who entered the game League-low ERA rise to 0.84. The Cardinals 5-for-44, broke a string of 12 hitless at-bats own consecutive wins and a series victory with his home run. for the first time this season. Brett Cecil bailed Leake out of a seventh-inning jam RED SOX 8, BLUE JAYS 7 by inducing a 6-4-3 double play from pinch Andrew Benintendi’s two-out double in hitter Jose Osuna, who was making his the eighth inning provided the decisive run major league debut. Matt Bowman tossed as Boston held on. Toronto’s Ezequiel a scoreless eighth, and Seung Hwan Oh Carrera belted a pinch-hit, two-run homer worked out of a bases-loaded spot in the in the ninth off Matt Barnes to make it 8-7. ninth for his second save in as many nights. Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman (1-2) went 4 2/3 innings, allowing six earned on 11 PHILLIES 6, METS 2 (10 INNINGS) hits as Toronto lost for the 11th time in 13 Cameron Rupp scored the tying run in games this season. Red Sox left-hander the eighth inning and lofted the go-ahead Brian Johnson (1-0), who was making his sacrifice fly during a four-run 10th inning as second career big league start, allowed Philadelphia defeated New York. The four runs on seven hits over five innings to Phillies won for the second time in seven record his first career major league win. games while the Mets lost their fourth Mitch Moreland went 3-for-5 with three straight. Odubel Herrera homered in the RBIs for Boston. first for Philadelphia, which fell behind in the bottom of the inning when Jay Bruce ATHLETICS 4, RANGERS 2 delivered an RBI single and Yoenis Andrew Triggs, who hasn’t given up an Cespedes raced home on a wild pitch. The earned run in 17 2/3 innings this season, score remained 2-1 until the eighth when helped Oakland snap a four-game slide. Rupp drew a two-out walk, went to third Adam Rosales hit a game-tying two-run when third baseman Jose Reyes dropped homer in the Athletics’ four-run sixth what should have been an inning-ending inning, Khris Davis had a go-ahead sacrifice popup by Galvis and scored on a double by fly and Ryon Healy added a pinch RBI sin- pinch hitter Andres Blanco.—Reuters THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 SPORTS Mbappe helps fire Monaco to Champions League semis

MONACO: Teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe UEFA blamed “heavy traffic” for the hold-up increase their lead on 17 minutes at the end of a scored again to set Monaco on their way to a 3-1 but, on their official Twitter account, Dortmund counter-attack. second-leg victory over Borussia Dortmund yester- said they had been delayed in leaving their The rampaging Mendy’s initial cross came back day that allowed them to win their Champions hotel by police for around 20 minutes “without to Thomas Lemar and he held up a ball that was League quarter-final 6-3 on aggregate. justification”. headed home by captain Falcao, the prolific Radamel Falcao also netted for the home While the appearance of Spanish defender Colombian marking his 50th appearance in side in a whirlwind start at the Stade Louis II, Marc Bartra-who needed surgery for a broken European competition with his 45th goal. Like in and Dortmund were left with too much to do wrist suffered in last week’s attack-at the stadium the first leg, Tuchel’s decision to start with three at to save the tie. Their skipper Marco Reus pulled was a boost to Dortmund, the delay unsettled the back had backfired and he changed things up a goal back early in the second half but Valere Thomas Tuchel’s side and their hopes of turning before the half-hour mark, bringing on Ousmane Germain came off the bench to put the seal on the tie around were effectively ended in a terrible Dembele for Erik Durm and revertng to a four- a famous win for a brilliant young Monaco side, opening 20 minutes. The away defence backed man defence. Dortmund now needed to score who go through to the last four for the first off as Benjamin Mendy advanced and when the three times without reply just to force extra time time since 2004. full-back’s powerful left-foot strike stung the but they did not manage to get one back until Meanwhile, Dortmund bow out after a tie over- palms of goalkeeper Roman Burki, the 18-year-old three minutes after the restart, Dembele torment- shadowed by the bomb attack on the team’s bus Mbappe was on hand to convert the rebound. ing Mendy on the right before his cutback was last week that forced the first leg to be postponed That strike meant Mbappe, who netted twice in lashed home first-time by Reus. by a day. The Germans lost that match 3-2, their the first leg, became the youngest player ever to But it was Monaco who had the best chances minds elsewhere, but their hopes of turning the tie reach five goals in the Champions League, beating to score again after that, with Burki tipping over MONACO: Dortmund’s defender Matthias Ginter (L) and Monaco’s Colombian forward around in the second leg were not helped when Real Madrid great Raul by 41 days. Almamy Toure’s looping header and Falcao squan- Radamel Falcao go for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2nd leg quarter- their bus was held up on the way to the Stade Louis Nuri Sahin cracked a free-kick off a post at the dering a fine chance before substitute Germain final football match AS Monaco v BVB Borussia Dortmund yesterday at the Louis II sta- II, leading to a five-minute delay to the kick-off. other end and Monaco survived that scare to made sure of their place in the last four. — AFP dium in Monaco. — AFP Ex-NFL star Aaron Hernandez hangs himself in prison cell

BOSTON: Former NFL star Aaron Hernandez hanged himself yesterday in the prison cell where he was serving a life sentence for murder, taking his life on the same day his ex-teammates on the New England Patriots were set to visit the White House to mark their Super Bowl victory. His death came less than a week after the 27- year-old athlete was acquitted in a second mur- der case. Guards found Hernandez just after 3 a.m., Correction Department spokesman Christopher Fallon said. The onetime tight end was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead about an hour later. Hernandez had been housed in a single cell in a general population unit at the maximum-security state prison in Shirley. He tied one end of a bedsheet to a win- BOSTON: Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler, right, blocks a shot by Boston Celtics dow and tried to jam the cell door to prevent guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the fourth quarter of a first-round NBA playoff bas- guards from opening it, Fallon said. ketball game in Boston, Tuesday. — AP Fallon said he was not aware of any suicide note. He said officials had no reason to believe Hernandez might take his life, and if they had BASKETBALL had had any such worries, he would have been transferred to a mental health unit. A star at the University of Florida who dropped to the fourth round of the NFL draft Bulls beat top-seeded Celtics because of misbehavior in college, Hernandez was a productive tight end for the Patriots for 111-97 to take 2-0 series lead three seasons. In his second year, he caught 79 passes for MASSACHUSETTS: In this Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, file photo, former New England Patriots NFL BOSTON: Jimmy Butler scored 22 points, on their home court. Game 3 is Thursday 910 yards and seven touchdowns and helped football player Aaron Hernandez is led into his court appearance at the Fall River Superior Rajon Rondo finished one rebound shy of a night in Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo the team reach the Super Bowl. Court in Fall River, Mass. Massachusetts prison officials said Hernandez hanged himself in his triple-double and the Chicago Bulls beat had 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Bucks. In 2012, he signed a five-year, $40 million cell and was pronounced dead at a hospital early yesterday. — AP the Boston Celtics 111-97 on Tuesday night Khris Middleton scored 20 points and Greg contract extension. But when the Patriots to take a 2-0 lead in their series against the Monroe had 18. Lowry scored just four points returned to the playoffs the next season, acquitted in the deadly 2012 drive-by shootings impacted a number of families,” said Bristol No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Butler in Saturday’s Game 1 loss, missing all six of his Hernandez was unable to even watch on televi- of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado in Boston. County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, who added eight rebounds and eight assists. 3-point attempts. He was much better in sion while he was in prison awaiting trial in one Prosecutors said he gunned them down after prosecuted Hernandez in the Lloyd case. Rondo’s night ended with 11 points and 14 Game 2, going 6 for 12, including 2 of 5 from shooting and already a suspect in another. one of the men accidentally spilled a drink on Prosecutors suggested Lloyd may have been assists on a night when all five Bulls starters long range. His step back jumper with 8.9 sec- The team released him in June 2013, shortly him in a Boston nightclub. killed to keep him quiet about the 2012 Boston reached double figures. Dwyane Wade had onds remaining gave Toronto a 104-100 lead. after he was arrested in the killing of Odin Lloyd, Earlier in the week, cameras spied Hernandez killings. Hernandez’s lawyers did not immediate- 22 points, including 16 in the second half, a semi-professional football player who was dat- blowing kisses to the young daughter he ly respond to a request for comment. The and Robin Lopez added 18 points and CLIPPERS 99, JAZZ 91 ing the sister of Hernandez’s fiancee. He was fathered with fiancÈe Shayanna Jenkins. Patriots had no immediate comment. eight points. The Bulls host Game 3 on Blake Griffin led a smash-mouth revival convicted and sentenced to life without the pos- His death was “a shocking and sad end to a Authorities opened an investigation into the Friday. After a better start by the Celtics, a of Lob City with 24 points, DeAndre Jordan sibility of parole. Last Friday, Hernandez was very tragic series of events that has negatively death. — AP familiar theme started to take hold as the had a double-double and Los Angeles beat Bulls took control by again dominating on Utah to even their playoff series at 1-1. the offensive glass. Chicago held a 43-38 Jordan finished with 18 points and 15 rebounding edge for the game. Isaiah rebounds, and Chris Paul added 21 points Thomas scored 20 points for Boston. and 10 assists for the Clippers, who crushed the Jazz in the paint, 60-38. Los Angeles RAPTORS 106, BUCKS 100 stormed to a 12-point lead in the first quar- Kyle Lowry scored 22 points, including ter, reeling off the kind of dunks that the clinching basket with less than 10 sec- earned the team’s Lob City moniker years onds to play, and Toronto beat Milwaukee to ago. Jordan’s tomahawk jam put an excla- even the first-round playoff series at 1-1. mation on the end of the period. Gordon DeMar DeRozan had 23 points, Serge Ibaka Hayward led the Jazz with 20 points. Joe added 13 of his 16 in the second half and Johnson, whose floater at the buzzer gave Jonas Valanciunas had 10 points and 10 them a two-point win in Game 1, added 13 rebounds for the Raptors, who improved to points off the bench. Game 3 is Friday in 5-1 when playing Game 2 of a playoff series Salt Lake City. — AP

SOCCER Where now for miracle club Leicester?

LEICESTER: Their Champions League ing universe, Leicester now face an uncer- escapades ended by Atletico Madrid, tain future. Manager Craig Shakespeare, Leicester City return to a normality they last who has revitalised the team since suc- experienced before their fairytale Premier ceeding the sacked Claudio Ranieri, is out League title win electrified world football. of contract at the end of the season. “Life as a Leicester fan returns to normal, Do Leicester’s owners, Thai travel retail but it’s been bloody brilliant fun,” tweeted group King Power, reward him for his Gary Lineker, Leicester’s most famous ex- work or go in search of a more seasoned player, after Tuesday’s quarter-final exit at coach who might be able to lead the club Atletico’s hands. Leicester’s Champions to the next level? While they lost N’Golo League bow, which featured a near-fault- Kante to Chelsea, Leicester managed to less group-stage performance and a stir- keep the rest of their title-winning squad ring last 16 success over Sevilla, gave the intact, tying many of their players to new club a thrilling feel for life among Europe’s contracts. elite. But with Leicester currently 12th in the Premier League table, there are no ‘DON’T GET CARRIED AWAY’ Group picture of Gulf Bank’s team expectations they will return to Europe’s But having had a tantalising taste of the top table anytime soon. big time, might players like Riyad Mahrez “It’s been a wonderful experience for and Jamie Vardy be tempted to seek pas- everyone at Leicester and they’ll remember tures new in search of more enduring Gulf Bank takes home the Kuwait this for the rest of their lives,” said former exposure to European competition? Foxes striker Tony Cottee on Sky Sports. Clearly defined targets for the months “But can I ever see Leicester playing in and years ahead are needed to establish Banking club football league the Champions League again? Not in my what sort of club Leicester hope to lifetime.” In reaching the last eight in their become. Two years ago, they were relega- maiden Champions League campaign, tion battlers. A year ago, they were Premier KUWAIT: Gulf Bank proudly took home the Banking Club. Leicester bettered the competition debuts League champions. Kuwait Banking Club Football cup, after an The Kuwait Banking Club also presented of Manchester United, Arsenal and This season, they have enjoyed fine wins exciting finale against Boubyan Bank, which the members of Gulf Bank’s soccer team with Matches on TV Manchester City (since the tournament’s over such European nobility as Manchester was held on April 14, at the Sabah Al-Salem medals in recognition of their efforts, and 1992 rebrand). Their battling display City, Liverpool, Porto and Sevilla, but sat a Stadium in Al-Arabi Sports Club. honored Mustafa Izzat with a “golden boots” (Local Timings) against Atletico, who prevailed 2-1 on point above the relegation zone as recently The renowned tournament, which Gulf trophy for his outstanding performance UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE aggregate after a 1-1 draw on Tuesday, won as two months ago. “I’m not looking too far Bank has won for the sixth time, was held throughout the tournament. them universal praise. ahead,” Shakespeare said when asked what Manchester United v Anderlecht22:05 under the patronage of Majed Essa Al-Ajeel, Gulf Bank encourages its employees to Atletico coach Diego Simeone made a the future held for Leicester. “You’ve got to beIN SPORTS HD 2 point of saluting each of Leicester’s players be careful that you don’t get too carried President of the Kuwait Banking Association take part in sport activities to cultivate team KRC Genk v Celta de Vigo 22:05 at the final whistle, while the most com- away in football. “We have got to concen- and was attended by officials from both spirit and to lead active and healthy lives. beIN SPORTS HD 3 monly used adjective on Wednesday’s trate on points in the Premier League, on banks. Mrs Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager For more information on Gulf Bank, please Besiktas v Olympique Lyonnais 22:05 British sports pages was “brave”. climbing up the league, so the focus can’t Human Resources at Gulf Bank, attended the visit one of Gulf Bank’s 56 branches, call the beIN SPORTS HD 4 But after the giddy highs of the last 12 be too far away. “The here and now is the final game and received the trophy on behalf Customer Contact Center on 1805805, log on Schalke 04 v Ajax Amsterdam 22:05 months, which fleetingly made the King important bit and Arsenal, a week on of the bank’s winning team, presented to her to www.e-gulfbank.com, Gulf Bank’s bilingual beIN SPORTS HD 5 Power Stadium the epicentre of the sport- Wednesday, is the next game.”—AFP by Fadel Al-Mandi, Chairman of the Kuwait website, or visit its social media channels. Kuwait cricket team London Marathon’s ready for ICC World oldest runner Cricket League still going Division15 strong16 at 83 THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

Murray, Nadal in tough wins to start clay season Page 18 Juventus hold firm to knock out Barcelona

BARCELONA: Barcelona failed to produce another miraculous Champions League comeback as Juventus held out for a 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou yesterday to reach the semi-finals 3-0 on aggregate. The Spanish champions had overcome a 4-0 first leg deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 with a dramatic 6-1 win back on home soil. But Juventus showed why they boast the best defensive record in the competition as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were blunted as the Italians gained revenge for their defeat in the 2015 Champions League final. Juventus join holders Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Monaco in Friday’s semi-final draw. Straight from kick-off the visitors seemed deter- mined to learn from the French champions’ mistakes. Massimiliano Allegri’s men pressed high to prevent Barca dominating possession and enjoyed the better of the early chances. Former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain volleyed over from the edge of the area before only a brilliant challenge from Gerard Pique pre- vented Juan Cuadrado’s cross providing Higuain with a tap in. Barca had to wait 19 minutes for their first clear sight of goal as they intricately worked the ball around a packed Juventus box before Messi fired inches wide. Messi then Gianluigi Buffon’s palms for the first time on the half hour mark. At the other end, Higuain threatened again when he just couldn’t get enough power on Miralem Pjanic’s dinked cross to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Neymar had been Barca’s hero in a remarkable finish with two goals and an assist in the final minutes against PSG. Yet, he found it far harder up against friend and former Barca teammate Dani Alves and his frustra- tions at a perceived lack of protection from referee Bjorn Kuipers spilled over as he was booked just before half-time. Juventus also had the first big chance of the second half as Cuadrado fired across Ter Stegen but wide of the far post. Ter Stegen was then forced to turn behind another driven effort from the Colombian. Messi was being forced to come deep in search of possession, but he briefly had Juventus hearts in mouths with a low effort that was deflect- ed inches wide. Barca boss Luis Enrique forlornly turned to Paco Alcacer from the bench as the hosts played with four forwards for the final half hour. Messi had another big chance after a rare Buffon handling error from a corner, but unfortunately for Barca it fell on his right foot and the Argentine fired well over. Sergi Roberto was Barca’s unlikely hero with the 95th minute goal that sealed the 6-1 win over PSG six weeks ago. He nearly delivered another important and rare goal, but when the right-back’s effort flew inches wide 20 minutes from time so did Barcelona’s hopes. Juventus comfortably saw out the final stages to register their eighth clean sheet in 10 Champions League games this season. And the only negative news of the night for the Bianconeri was a yel- BARCELONA: Barcelona's Lionel Messi fights for the ball with Juventus' Mario Mandzukic, right, during the Champions League quarterfinal secondeg l low card for Sami Khedira that will rule the German international out of soccer match between Barcelona and Juventus at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, yesterday. — AP the first leg of their semi-final. — AFP Automakers see promise in Chinese ‘car-sharing’

Page 23

Sri Lanka battles labor shortage Business amid massive construction boom THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 Page 25 Al Babtain launches Death by overwork: Japan’s 100-hour overtime cap sparks anger the new Infiniti Q30 Page 25 Page 22

Markaz’s profit up 40% despite challenges Markaz’s Board of Directors Report

KUWAIT: Fluctuations in oil prices in 2016, have gate the effects of the fiscal deficit in the budg- holders that amounted 2.88 million, ie 6 fils per integrity and fairness of all financial data as well for income-generating, and low-risk investments led to concussions in the local and regional ets, welcomed by the market. GCC has share in 2015, with a net profit to shareholders as reports related with the Company’s activities. as well as those looking for low-risk short-term financial markets and significant geopolitical announced a plan for the application of value rose 40% on an annual basis as a result of high Given the unprecedented economic condi- real estate development opportunities. We events have caused major migrations and result- added tax (VAT) in 2018. Most governments of investments of the Company’s values and the tions in the region and the world, we expect that expect that 2017 will be a positive year, as invest- ed in confusion of the free trade. All of this has the member states had separately reduced sup- growth of their income from fees and charges. uncertainty in the investment climate will contin- ments we set out during the past three years will contributed to pushing the global economy ports of fuel and announced a plan to raise the The aggregated shareholders’ equity reached KD ue in the long term, with the emergence of new be sold. So this will generate attractive profits for towards a direction that has not been seen over electricity tariff. 93.28 million by the end of 2016. challenges in the medium term. Our strengths our investors. We also expect to hold the first the past decades, represented in political rheto- In Kuwait - with the exception of the last The Markaz’s total operating income was KD are still represented in the prudent policies, risk acquisition of real estate transaction in Europe in ric and protective policies in some of the most quarter of 2016 - there was a decline in investor 13.93 million by the end of 2016 with an management, and flexibility of our investment the first quarter of 2017, with a preference for important economic blocs in the world. confidence and poor corporate performance increase of 24% compared to the total operating operations and products and their ability to Germany and other northern European countries For example, after the referendum, which during the year, which led to significantly limited income for 2015, which amounted to KD 11.26 adapt to rapidly changing market conditions. To with strong economic fundamentals and positive resulted in United Kingdom’s withdrawal from yields of stock markets and reduction of the daily million. The Company’s income from fees and ensure that the Company continues to success- demographic factors. the European Union; the Euro area is currently trading volume in a historical manner. As is the charges of KD 7.80 million with an increase of fully pass the challenges and to take efficiently In 2017, we expect that merging operations, experiencing more pressure caused by the grow- case in the rest of the GCC countries, the Kuwaiti 6% compared to 2015. On 19th December 2016, advantage of opportunities, we will continue to acquisitions and consulting will attest growth ing threat of the public results of the elections of stock market has recovered from a loss of 5% in the Markaz paid the entire principal amount and adopt a set of initiatives that are based on the driven by the government projects and projects 2017 in countries such as France, Germany and August as per S&P Kuwait Index to close in high- accrued interest to holders of bonds issued in philosophy of the Markaz to grow steadily and of partnership between both public and private Italy. As for the emerging markets, although their er ratio by 4.2% by the end of the year. 2011 with a total value of KD 22 million on time. sustainably. sectors and medium-sized companies’ deals. This performance was better than performance of the Despite the emerging challenges facing the On 26th December 2016, the Markaz continued These initiatives include the following: To which will enable the Markaz reaping the bene- developed markets, trading using high values global and regional investment environment, the issue of bonds with a nominal value of KD 25 enhance the financial flexibility by diversifying fits of a strong trademark and the process of and low liquidity by the markets may lead to Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) increased by million for a period of five years. The new issue the Company’s long-term funding sources, building capabilities that have been refined sig- fluctuations from time to time. 40% in net profit for the shareholders in 2016 was widely welcomed which reflects the confi- through a set of common bonds and loans, nificantly over the past years during the activity Following a structurally decline in the oil compared to the same in 2015. Several factors dence enjoyed by the Markaz, as well as the which will contribute to the extension of the bor- of financial and financing services. prices and a range of political and security unrest have contributed to improve the Company’s issue of quality and high creditworthiness rowing Company’s long-term entitlement and to We expect that prosperity of fixed income in the region, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) profits, including diversity of the Company’s total enjoyed by the Company. strengthen its credit rating; To create new category will continue in 2017 benefiting from countries faced real options for economic reform investment, higher operating income, fees and In terms of financial ratios set by the Central sources of fees through the promotion and the sovereign bond issues and corporate bonds. regarding sustainability of its primarily model- charges income, and flexible investment prod- Bank of Kuwait, the ratio of the Company’s total development of advisory services provided by However, the demand for the “Markaz’ Fixed based oil economy. However, these options had ucts of the Company and their adaptability on an liabilities to total shareholders’ equity stood at the company through supporting the public and Income Fund” would rise with increase in interest implications on welfare of citizens, markets and ongoing basis along with the market conditions 0.36:1, which indicates the low ratio of the private sectors regionally and capacity develop- rates and expansion of the bond market in the the system of the Gulf economy in general. and the rich and huge record of the Company’s Markaz’s borrowing than the ratio imposed by ment in the financing of major projects; To work region. Concerning issuing bonds, the Markaz As a result of the economic and financial pres- activity in financial and financing services. the Central Bank of Kuwait at 2:1. Also, the on developing automation systems, which is one will continue in attracting tasks of consultation, sures faced by countries in the region during this The Company also continued to gain confi- payable liquid assets ratio during this month to of the ongoing initiatives of the Markaz that rep- management and distribution of issues as a year due to the drop in oil prices, Moody’s down- dence of many experts and specialists in the total obligation of the Markaz reached 21.21% resent the core of our operations strategy, quali- result of its track record. graded its outlook for classification of sovereign financial sector, as the Markaz had won last year’s compared to the minimum imposed by the fying us to continue raising the Company’s effi- In conclusion, we cannot fail to thank the stuff debt of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as award of “Best Asset Manager in Kuwait” and “Best Central Bank at 10%. These ratios reflect the ciency by reducing our operating costs, improv- of the Markaz for their tireless efforts to maintain classification of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Investment Bank” by EMEA Finance, a magazine Company’s ability to fulfill its obligations and ing risk management tools, and intensifying our the Company’s position as one of the most stable, Sultanate of Oman, and reviewed classifications specializing in the financial sectors in Europe, financial durability thanks to the availability of activities at the lowest cost. innovative and credible financial institutions in for Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. Reflecting these Middle East and Africa. As well as, the Markaz in comfortable liquidity ratio. We expect that the turbulent conditions in the region, while preserving the work ethics and developments, the liquidity in the capital mar- 2016 won the award of “The Most Innovative the GCC stock markets happened in 2016 will values that embody one of the pillars of the suc- kets in the region has dropped S&P Pan Arab Investment Bank in the Middle East” and “Best Outlook continue throughout 2017 as well, with some cess of the Markaz as a sustainable financial insti- Index fell by 17.3% in January 2016, but it recti- Investment Bank in Kuwait” by Global Finance, a The Board of Directors recommended a cash attractive investment opportunities. We will fol- tution. We would also like to thank all regulatory fied its losses by the end of the year by an magazine specializing in the global finance and dividend at the rate of 6% of the nominal value low a defensive policy in these markets to keep authorities of the Central Bank of Kuwait, the increase of 7.93%). investment sector, issued from New York. of the share, i.e.6 fils per share for the sharehold- the total assets under the Company’s manage- Capital Markets Authority, the Kuwait Stock In response to the financial pressures result- ers registered in the Company’s records on the ment, targeting new investment opportunities Exchange, the Ministry of Commerce and ing from decline in oil revenues, the govern- Financial Results for 2016 date of the General Assembly meeting, noting to create positive returns. This is a strategy that Industry, as well as public and private sector insti- ments of GCC have embarked the application of The Markaz in 2016has achieved a net profit that the Board had recommended a remunera- has improved our performance in 2016. tutions and civil society groups for their trust and economic reforms. Most notably was the of KD 4.03 million for the shareholders; ie 8 fils tion to the Board members for 2016 amounted For Global Real Estate, the conditions are still partnership with the Markaz aiming at achieving issuance of government bonds that aim to miti- per share, compared to a net profit for share- to KD 84,000. The Board of Directors confirms favorable to meet the needs of investors looking the common good. How ‘Islamic’ bar became French election scandal

SEVRAN: Amar Salhi is still amazed at how his Salhi’s business became a punching bag as legacy of its colonial history in Africa and its scruffy bar north of Paris sparked an election the Socialist party selected its presidential candi- desire for cheap labor in the booming post- scandal after it featured on national television date in January, and has been a feature in war years. Hakim El Karoui, the author of a in December during a report about Islam and speeches and debates ever since. Even left-lean- major study on Muslims in France last women. In footage shot with hidden cameras ing centrist Emmanuel Macron, who talks admir- September, believes the footage from the and broadcast during prime-time by state ingly of France’s ethnic diversity, was still refer- Jockey Club misrepresented the bar-but it was media giant France 2, two women activists ring to the need to ensure “women can sit down so explosive because it rang true. “There are were seen facing a hostile welcome as they on a cafe terrace” until recently. His wife, a former segregated areas in France, segregated tried to go for a drink in the Jockey Club. school teacher, is said to have been shocked by because there are only immigrants there... “There’s no mixing in this bar,” one client was the report. “Everyone has been attacking me, where the cultural norms are of Africa, not of heard saying. “You’re not in Paris here... it’s a everyone,” sighs Salhi, a welcoming 59-year-old France in the 21st century,” he said. He believes different mentality, it’s like the village back Frenchman of Algerian origin, his voice hoarse successive governments have looked the oth- home (in north Africa),” said another. and his face lined by lack of sleep. er way as ghettoes built up and an aggressive One of the women left disgusted, compar- Things started changing at the beginning strain of political Islam took hold, particularly ing the situation in the multi-ethnic suburb of of last month when the French media began among disaffected young people. Sevran to Saudi Arabia. In a matter of hours of casting doubt on the original investigation. “It According to a survey that formed part of SEVRAN: French bar owner Amar Salhi serves a customer at his bar in Sevran, northeast the report airing, social media lit up with com- (the report) doesn’t represent me at all!” the Karoui’s controversial study for the respected of Paris. — AFP ments, from members of the far-right National father-of-two added as several women min- Montaigne Institute last year, 28 percent of Front but also others across the political spec- gled among his mostly male clientele who Muslims in France reject the values of the groups. Following three major Islamist- in public spaces. A separate survey in March trum appalled by the sight of women’s rights come to drink and bet on horse racing. He is French republic. “They are in favor of inspired attacks since 2015, most election can- by Ipsos showed that only 39 percent of being trampled. In the minds of some, the still appalled at how his business-and not polygamy, they are against secularism, around didates broadly agree on the need to continue respondents believed “the way Islam is prac- report appeared to crystallize widespread unemployment, poverty or housing problems- 70 percent (of this minority) are in favor of cracking down on radical mosques and being ticed in France is compatible with the values fears about the impact of immigration or had drawn so much attention ahead of the women wearing the burka,” he says, reeling off stricter on foreign funding of the religion. But of French society.” Yasser Louati, a campaigner Islamists imposing their rules in a country two-stage election this Sunday and on May 7. the problems. The study called “A French Islam there is much wider, politically charged against Islamophobia in France, sees the traumatized by a series of deadly terror attacks is possible” also showed about half of Muslims debate about French national identity and Jockey Club footage as more yet more damag- since 2015. “Here’s the result of decades of Minority within a minority in France (46 percent) were integrated fully, whether to go further with the country’s strict ing stereotyping and warns about deepening submission,” wrote National Front vice-presi- France has Europe’s biggest Muslim com- while another 25 percent were judged as con- secularism, which led to bans on veils and reli- the stigmatisation experienced by moderate dent Florian Philippot. munity, estimated at around five million, a servatives somewhere between those two gious symbols in schools as well as the burqa Muslims. — AFP THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 BUSINESS Indonesian investors seen returning to fundamentals Market to remains strong if no security issues

JAKARTA: Investors in Indonesian markets are him to significantly alter Jakarta’s growth trajec- upside. Baswedan’s running mate, private equity likely to return to fundamentals such as corpo- tory,” he added. Jakarta, a city of more than 10 tycoon Sandiaga Uno, told foreign reporters last rate earnings, as the political uncertainties sur- million people, accounts for over 15 percent of week his team would continue most of the cen- rounding the divisive Jakarta election diminish, national economic output and is home to major tral government’s infrastructure projects that business groups and analysts say. Former educa- construction projects, including a $5 billion were under way in Jakarta. tion minister Anies Baswedan beat his rival, Chinese-backed rail line connecting the capital Harry Su, head of research at Bahana Securities, incumbent Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, by a huge to the West Java city of Bandung. said that while financial traders may have a nega- margin on Wednesday - a surprising result as tive “knee-jerk reaction” to Purnama’s loss, their most opinion polls had previously pointed to a No security issues attention should eventually return to the market dead heat between the two candidates. During Some businesses had favored Purnama for his fundamentals. “If there’s any overly negative mar- his months-long campaign, Baswedan had pro- perceived ability to execute key infrastructure ket reaction, we should buy on weakness because posed policies including a “zero downpayment” projects, but analysts say his defeat may not nec- of the solid earnings that we are expecting from for home buyers, which he said would be target- essarily undermine President Joko Widodo’s goal Indonesian corporations going forward,” Su said. ed at lower-income groups. to build roads, ports and power plants. “As long The Indonesian rupiah weakened slightly after There were also fears he would implement as there are no security issues, the election out- unofficial results were announced. The 7-day rupi- Islamic sharia regulations in the Indonesian capi- come should not significantly stall the reform ah non-deliverable forward traded 0.4 percent tal, which he denied. Baswedan “would likely program of the national government, in our weaker against the dollar by 0816 GMT. The 3- play it safe rather than bring drastic changes,” view,” Citigroup said in a note. It maintained its month NDF traded 0.25 percent lower in offshore said Taye Shim, head of research at Jakarta-based year-end target of 6,150 points for the Jakarta markets. The local stock market was closed on brokerage Mirae Asset Sekuritas. “It’s too risky for stock exchange, which represents an 8 percent Wednesday for the election. — Reuters

Al-Babtain launches Infiniti Q30

KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al- istic of the Q30’s design is its combination Babtain Co, the authorized agent in Kuwait of elevated stance with an overall height of the luxury vehicles Infiniti, showcases that is comparable with models in the tra- the Infiniti Q30, a new type of premium ditional compact segment. The Q30’s vehicle for a new type of consumer with height (1,495mm) allows for a higher hip pride to represent Infiniti’s first entry into point (531mm), which aids ingress and the fast-growing premium compact seg- egress. The A-pillar design is intentionally ment. The Infiniti Q30 features Infiniti’s sig- slim, contributing to enhanced visibility for nature design cues, evolved them new a confident driving experience. The Q30 dynamic shapes. The double-arch grille Premium includes LED front fog lamps, with 3D mesh, for example, has grown body-colored and heated door mirrors, as from the Q50, with a more fluid movement well as chrome dual rectangular exhaust into the headlamps. finishers. 18-inch alloy wheels add to the The dramatic curves and turbulent lines Premium grade’s striking appearance. flow up the bonnet, over the fenders and Ranking among the best in the premi- across the body line into the strong shoul- um compact segment, front passenger der of the car. The Infiniti Q30 will be avail- seat width is 1,393mm; rear passenger seat able with 1.6L or 2.0L Turbo variants in a width measures 1,349mm; head room 2WD configuration. The 2.0L Turbo will also (without sunroof) is 108mm in the front be offered with an optional AWD drive and 43mm in the rear of the car. There is train. The 2.0L Turbo engine delivers 208hp 626mm of leg room in the front and and 350Nm torque. When equipped with 538mm in the back, and 1,324mm and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the 1,244mm of hip room front and rear, highest-performing engine in the range is respectively. Infiniti Al-Babtain welcomes capable of powering the Infiniti Q30 from all its customers at Infiniti showroom 0-to-100kph in 7.3 seconds. located in Al-Rai area, open every day An important, differentiating character- except Fridays.

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Swiss Franc 306.160 Kenyan Shilling 0.002944 0.002944 Australian Dollar 232.640 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL US Dollar Buying 304.500 Korean Won 0.000257 0.000272 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 0.065464 0.071464 CURRENCY BUY SELL Japanese Yen 2.806 GOLD Nepalese Rupee 0.002956 0.003126 Indian Rupees 4.737 20 Gram 262.690 Europe Pakistan Rupee 0.002709 0.002999 Pkistani Rupees 2.916 British Pound 0.384832 0.394832 10 Gram 134.270 Philippine Peso 0.006067 0.006367 Srilankan Rupees 2.010 5 Gram 67.980 Czech Korune 0.004190 0.016190 Sierra Leone 0.000038 0.000044 Nepali Rupees 2.966 Danish Krone 0.039908 0.044908 Singapore Dollar 219.530 Singapore Dollar 0.213031 0.223031 Euro 0. 321623 0.330623 Hongkong Dollar 39.325 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd South African Rand 0.016877 0.025377 Norwegian Krone 0.031758 0.036958 Bangladesh Taka 3.750 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001638 0.002218 Philippine Peso 6.161 Romanian Leu 0.072191 0.072191 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Taiwan 0.009909 0.009075 Thai Baht 8.809 Slovakia 0.009141 0.019141 US Dollar 305.350 Thai Baht 0.008525 0.009075 Canadian Dolla 229.875 Swedish Krona 0.029992 0.034992 GCC COUNTRIES Sterling Pound 385.255 Swiss Franc 0.299384 0.310394 Saudi Riyal 81.574 Euro 326.577 Arab Qatari Riyal 84.018 Turkish Lira 0.077881 0.088181 Swiss Frank 308.180 Bahraini Dinar 0.803243 0.811743 Omani Riyal 794.439 Bahrain Dinar 809.890 Egyptian Pound 0.014058 0.019966 Bahraini Dinar 812.280 UAE Dirhams 83.530 Australasia Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000086 UAE Dirham 83.286 Australian Dollar 0.221333 0.233333 Qatari Riyals 84.755 Iraqi Dinar 0.000195 0.000255 New Zealand Dollar 0.208530 0.218030 Saudi Riyals 82.320 Jordanian Dinar 0.425248 0.434248 ARAB COUNTRIES Jordanian Dinar 430.575 Egyptian Pound - Cash 19.400 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Egyptian Pound 17.009 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 16.830 America Sri Lankan Rupees 2.011 Lebanese Pound 0.000152 0.00252 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.228 Canadian Dollar 0.222364 0.231364 Indian Rupees 4.733 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020404 0.044404 Tunisian Dinar 133.490 Georgina Lari 0.137890 0.137890 Pakistani Rupees 2.912 Nigerian Naira 0.000397 0.001032 Jordanian Dinar 430.810 Bangladesh Taka 3.800 US Dollars 0.301200 0.305600 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.038 Omani Riyal 0.786566 0.792246 Philippines Pesso 6.155 US Dollars Mint 0.301700 0.305600 Syrian Lira 2.180 Qatar Riyal 0.083047 0.084497 Cyprus pound 168.510 Asia Morocco Dirham 30.817 Saudi Riyal 0.080327 0.081627 Japanese Yen 3.800 Bangladesh Taka 0.003422 0.004006 Syrian Pound 0.001295 0.001515 Syrian Pound 2.425 Chinese Yuan 0.042838 0.046338 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Nepalese Rupees 3.955 Tunisian Dinar 0.129185 0.137185 US Dollar Transfer 305.700 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037180 0.039930 Malaysian Ringgit 70.150 Turkish Lira 0.077881 0.088181 Euro 326.950 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 44.760 Indian Rupee 0.004276 0.004964 Sterling Pound 386.400 UAE Dirhams 0.081697 0.083397 Thai Bhat 9.865 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Canadian dollar 230.200 Yemeni Riyal 0.000993 0.001073 Turkish Lira 82.700 Turkish lira 83.100 Japanese Yen 0.002723 0.002903 THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 BUSINESS Volvo to export China-made electric car

SHANGHAI: Volvo Cars, the Chinese-owned to concern about cost, reliability and limited hybrid to date and the first able to travel 100 of running out of power. The Cabinet’s plan- costs should fall, making them competitive Swedish automaker, said yesterday it plans to range. But Chinese authorities are using a kilometers on the equivalent of less than 1 ning agency announced a goal in February with combustion engines. make electric cars in China for sale world- mix of incentives and penalties to push for liter of gasoline. “Buick is committed to of having 100,000 public charging stations “That will create a market pull rather than wide starting in 2019 amid pressure by electric models. Automakers are scrambling expanding its portfolio of new energy vehi- and 800,000 private stations operating by the government forcing action,” he said. The Beijing for global auto brands to help devel- to develop models with consumer appeal. cles,” said a GM statement. “It will introduce the end of this year. status of manufacturing electric cars in China op its fledgling industry in alternatives to “It’s clear that China wants to take a lead- additional new energy vehicles in China in Electric cars also are exempt from sales is unclear for foreign brands, which are gasoline. The announcement at the ing role globally in terms of the regulatory the next two years, including hybrid electric tax and license plate quotas Beijing, required to work through joint ventures with Shanghai auto show is among a flurry of environment and electrification,” said David vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and Shanghai and other cities use to curb con- state-owned Chinese partners that assemble automakers’ plans for electric models in Schoch, Ford’s president for the Asia-Pacific. pure electric vehicles.” gestion and smog. Still, sales of electric and their vehicles. Previous rules required foreign China, their industry’s biggest market. The Models on display at Auto Shanghai 2017, On Tuesday, Volkwagen AG announced gasoline-electric hybrids fell 4.4 percent from automakers to hand over key technology to ruling Communist Party has the world’s most the global industry’s biggest marketing plans to launch a pure-electric car in China a year earlier in the first quarter to 55,929 a Chinese partner or pay import taxes even aggressive electric vehicle goals, both to event of the year, reflect the conflict between next year with a state-owned partner. It is to vehicles while SUV purchases rose 21 percent on models produced in China. Foreign com- clean up smog-shrouded cities and seeking Beijing’s ambitions for environmentally be the first in a full range of pure-electric to 2.4 million. Ford’s Schoch said that as man- panies balked at giving away expensive the lead in an emerging industry. friendly cars and Chinese consumers’ love of vehicles for China. Ford announced plans ufacturing volume of batteries - an electric know-how that might help a potential com- On Tuesday, General Motors Co said it will hulking, fuel-hungry SUVs. Nearly every earlier to manufacture a hybrid sedan, the car’s most expensive component - expands, petitor to develop. —AP produce a gasoline-electric hybrid version of automaker is displaying at least one electric Mondeo Energi, with a state-owned Chinese its Chevrolet Volt in China. Ford, Volkswagen concept vehicle, if not a market-ready model. partner, Chang’an Automobile Co. It is due to AG, Nissan Motor Co and other brands also They range from family-friendly SUVs to go on sale next year. One brand still display- intend to sell electric models in China, futuristic-looking, premium-priced electric ing only classic gasoline models was Italy’s adding to competition in a market that has muscle cars from Chinese startups such as Maserati, whose CEO, Reid Bigland, would been dominated by lower-cost Chinese pro- NextEV and Qiantu. South Korea’s Kia Motors not say if it might produce an electric or ducers. Volvo said its first pure-electric model Co debuted an SUV-inspired crossover, the hybrid. China is the biggest market for will be based on the economy-size CMA plat- K2 Cross, designed for the Chinese market. Maserati’s top-of-the-line Quattroporte form it shares with Chinese automaker Geely, GM said its Velite 5 hybrid will be sold by sedan and the brand’s total Chinese sales which bought the Swedish brand from Ford Buick, which has modest sales elsewhere but rose 90 percent last year to 12,250. in 2010. It said the name, size and other is GM’s main brand in China. GM’s joint ven- Regulators jolted the industry by propos- details were yet to be decided. ture with a state-owned automaker, ing a requirement that electrics account for “It will be for global export. So it is built Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp., will at least 8 percent of each brand’s production from the start to work all over the world,” said make it. Prices will start at 265,800 yuan by next year, rising to 10 percent in 2019 and Henrik Green, Volvo’s senior vice president for ($38,600). 12 percent in 2020. Automakers say they research and development. Volvo has three The Velite 5 will be able to travel 116 kilo- may be unable to meet those targets and factories in China. In 2015 it became the first meters on one charge, with an added gaso- regulators have suggested they might be automaker to export Chinese-made cars to line engine extending that to 768 kilometers, reduced or postponed. The government is SHANGHAI: A Volvo S90 car is presented during the first day of the 17th the United States. Chinese buyers have GM said. It said the Velite 5 will be the expanding China’s network of charging sta- Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition. —AFP shown little enthusiasm for electric cars due Chinese market’s most energy-efficient tions to reduce “range anxiety,” or buyers’ fear Ahli United Bank records 10 percent growth in Q1

KUWAIT: The Bank’s revenue from core net financ- higher than the minimum regulatory future growth. The Bank obtained ing activities grew by 10% amounting to KD 23.4 required level of 13.5%.” The Chairman several awards during past one year million during Q1 2017, up from KD 21.2 million attributed these positive results for including the “Best Islamic Bank recorded in the first quarter last year. The Bank the period to the efforts of the Bank’s Award in Kuwait” for the fourth con- recorded a net profit after tax of KD 16 million for management and staff who have pro- secutive year from the international Q1 2017, an increase of 3% over the KD 15.6 million vided distinctive services and inte- magazine, The Banker, and the net profit recorded for the same period last year. grated solutions for customers, main- “Second Safest Islamic Bank in This profit is achieved following a conservative taining customer confidence and Kuwait and Fourth in the GCC” approach to provisioning and credit policies to mit- enhancing the presence of the Bank in awarded by the Global Finance mag- igate the risks attached with the ongoing market Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, azine. Furthermore, the Chairman volatility and geopolitical instability in the region. Private Banking & Wealth expects further progress in the Dr Al-Mudhaf, Chairman of Ahli United Bank Management, and Treasury. Dr Anwar Al Mudhaf Bank’s performance with growth dur- SHANGHAI: A Singulato Concept car is displayed during the first day of the (Kuwait) remarked “The Bank’s successful strategy The Chairman stressed that the ing the forthcoming period, notwith- 17th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition yesterday. has resulted in realizing sound key performance management’s success has placed the Bank among standing the increased competition in the market. Global automakers unveiled new SUVs, electric vehicles, and futuristic con- indicator levels during the period”. “The Bank has the best and safest Islamic Banks, not only locally The Bank is committed to the continuous improve- achieved a return on equity (ROE) of 17% and a but also regionally. The Bank has continued to ment in banking services, including the innovation cept cars at the Shanghai Auto Show - racing for an edge in the world’s return on assets (ROA) of 2% at the end of March receive high credit ratings from international credit of its services, products and financial solutions. biggest auto market as growth slows after years of frenzied sales. —AFP 2017 being amongst the highest return indicators of rating agencies, such as Fitch, Moody’s and Capital In concluding his statement, Dr Al-Mudhaf banks announcing their results in the local market Intelligence. The Bank maintained a credit rating of extended his thanks and appreciation to the Automakers see promise for the same period. The higher returns contributed “A+” on the long term and “F1” on the short term Central Bank of Kuwait for providing valuable in generating earnings per share (EPS) of 10.3 fils as with stable outlook by Fitch Ratings Agency, and guidance to the Bank, to the Bank’s Board of compared with the EPS of 10 fils recorded in 2016. “A2” on the local currency with stable outlook by Directors, to customers, to shareholders, and to in Chinese ‘car-sharing’ The Bank’s total assets grew to reach KD 3.8 bil- Moody’s. Capital Intelligence affirmed the Bank’s management and staff for the confidence and lion at the end of March 2017 up from KD 3.7 billion long term credit rating of foreign currency to “A+” support they have conferred upon the Bank. This SHANGHAI: Unable to afford a car, Shanghai Johan Karlberg, a Shanghai-based partner recorded at the end of last year. Total deposits and enhanced the short term foreign currency rat- has enabled the Bank to realize these continued university student Long Yi endured an expen- with Roland Berger. reached KD 3.3 billion. The Bank has reported a ing to “A2”. All these ratings confirm the credit stand- achievements and maintain its preeminent posi- sive taxi commute across his vast city until he sound capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 17.6% being ing, capital quality, and stability of the Bank for tion in the Kuwaiti Banking sector. started using one of the car-sharing schemes Driving new sales quickly gaining momentum in China. German giant Daimler launched a car- Essentially an Internet Age twist on car rentals, sharing service last year that has since Beijing relaxes cross-border car-sharing is attracting Chinese millennials expanded to seven cities, gaining more than who increasingly demand mobility but shun 250,000 registered users, the company said. the burden of auto ownership. Long, 20, Jochem Heizmann, China CEO for drives himself to school for around 50 yuan Volkswagen, the country’s top car brand, told capital curbs; yuan steadies ($7) using EVCARD, a service launched by reporters in Shanghai VW would partner state-owned automaker SAIC Motor that has with Chinese car-sharing operator Shouqi in compact electric vehicles sprinkled around multiple cities, partly to boost electric-vehi- Capital flow curbs derailed the city, slashing his travel time and costing cle sales. “You have to see the development one-quarter the taxi fare. “It is cheaper and of such fleets as sales channels,” he stressed. SHANGHAI: China’s central bank has more convenient and very flexible. I’ll choose Lynk & Co-a new unit of Chinese automaker relaxed some of the curbs on cross- EVCARD as my primary mode of transport Geely, which owns Volvo-unveiled in border capital outflows it put in place almost every time,” said Long. Shanghai two SUVs with built-in touch- just months ago to shore up the yuan After years of skyrocketing China sales, screen sharing software developed with currency, banking sources said yester- the global auto industry is contemplating Microsoft and Sweden’s Ericsson. day. The first easing of the measures slower growth as it convenes this week for “Communities”, such as companies or resi- comes as China’s leaders and financial the Shanghai Auto Show, putting alternative dential developments, can jointly purchase markets feel more confident that pres- sales channels like car-sharing in focus. Long- vehicles to share, or owners can share their sure on the yuan and the country’s established in Western countries, such servic- car for a fee with other drivers who join Lynk foreign exchange reserves has dimin- es only began appearing in China in the past & Co’s network, said Alain Visser, the compa- ished, thanks largely to a pullback in two years, but are part of an ongoing ny’s senior vice president. “It becomes an the surging US dollar. The yuan Chinese personal-mobility revolution. interesting concept because sharing can slumped around 6.5 percent against Already bike-sharing businesses have reduce the cost of ownership,” he said. the dollar last year, but has firmed exploded across China, flooding major cities Lynk & Co also is partnering with nearly 1 percent in 2017, defying-for with bicycles that are unlocked by GPS using TripAdvisor and Tujia-China’s Airbnb on a pro- now-many analysts’ expectations of an app, can be left anywhere and have posed system combining shared accommoda- further depreciation. become critical to countless commutes. tion and cars. “Instead of entering the (car-shar- Indeed, a Reuters poll earlier this Similarly, drivers typically use a smart- ing) market once it becomes big, we want to month indicated investors likely phone app to find and unlock shared cars, make it big,” Visser said. Bill Russo, head of increased their bullish bets on the later parking them anywhere or at set loca- Shanghai-based consultancy Gao Feng, said yuan to the most since July 2015. tions. Dozens of Chinese and foreign com- such services will guide auto manufacturing in With less incentive for capital flight panies have now either launched or invest- future. “You may build them to entertain peo- and the economy on steadier footing, ed in car-sharing operations, with some ple in the backseat, or to provide more connec- China’s foreign exchange reserves making purpose-built cars. Germany-based tivity so people can be productive. We’ll see this have clawed back above the closely consultancy Roland Berger forecasts annu- segment influence specifications,” he said. watched $3 trillion level. Premier Li al market growth of at least 45 percent. China’s central government and many local Keqiang said on Tuesday that market “That is a significant growth opportunity authorities are keen to reduce congestion and confidence in the yuan has signifi- (for manufacturers). There are only a few air pollution and have dangled various incen- cantly improved, Xinhua news agency hundred thousand cars now, but it’s grow- tives for car-sharing, such as eased licensing reported. As of last week, the People’s ing and it’s growing very quickly,” said requirements and guaranteed parking. —AFP Bank of China (PBOC) is no longer BEIJING: A worker assembles an aluminum platform outside a construction site at the Central demanding that banks match out- Business District of Beijing. China’s economic growth ticked higher to 6.9 percent in the first flows with equal inflows, the sources quarter of the year, according to the latest figures. —AP OPEC ‘optimistic’ oil output said. The South China Morning Post obviously favours an easing of the plans for overseas investments and bound direct investment (ODI) first reported the relaxation of the (rules on) fund flows, but that doesn’t acquisitions, while foreign firms have slumped 30.1 percent in March from a cuts lead to price recovery capital controls earlier yesterday. mean that it is going to have solved the been more reluctant to invest in China year earlier as authorities kept a tight There was no immediate com- structural issue of the mismatch for fear of having trouble repatriating grip on outflows. In the first quarter, it ABU DHABI: Oil-exporting cartel OPEC is confi- global industry in general,” he said. OPEC and ment from the People’s Bank of between the corporate desire to go out profits. In March the US owner of Dick fell nearly 49 percent. dent that production cuts agreed with non-mem- non-OPEC producers said after talks in Kuwait last China when contacted by Reuters. versus the central government’s cen- Clark Productions Inc said that one of While Beijing says it supports bers to prop up prices will lead to a recovery in month that they were looking into extending the The State Administration of Foreign trally-driven approach when they talk its affiliates terminated an agreement legitimate overseas investment, reg- the market, its chief said yesterday. “We are opti- output cuts, as compliance with the agreement Exchange (SAFE) did not have an about offshore investment,” Yeung said. to sell assets to Chinese conglomerate ulators have warned they would pay mistic that the policy measures we have taken has increased. UAE energy minister Suhail Al- immediate response to Reuters’ While the world’s second-largest econ- Dalian Wanda Group, with Reuters close attention to “irrational” invest- already place us on the path of recovery,” OPEC Mazrouei told reporters at the forum that it was questions on the SCMP report. omy still has the largest stash of forex reporting earlier the deal was under ment in property, entertainment, Secretary General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo “still premature to make any decision” on the cuts. Expectations of further yuan depre- reserves by far, it had burned through pressure amid tight scrutiny by Beijing sports and other sectors. The sources said at an energy forum in Abu Dhabi. OPEC “The market is correcting itself. So far we ciation have eased in recent months, over half a trillion dollars since August on outbound deals. did not spell out what criteria would members agreed in November to cut production have not seen huge fluctuation in the price, opening a window for authorities to 2015 trying to support the yuan. The But the small relaxation step won’t still be applied to outflows. “Actually, by 1.2 million barrels per day for six months which is a good thing,” he said. “We want stabili- relax recent measures, but Beijing is government reacted by intensifying help much in terms of outbound it’ll be the same as SAFE’s previous beginning from the start of the year. Some non- ty in the market,” he added. Barkindo said the not likely to let go totally, said capital controls late last year, making it investment approvals, said Greg Burch, policy stance, emphasizing that cartel producers, led by Russia, joined in joint action has put OPEC and other producers Raymond Yeung, chief Greater China harder for individuals and companies who works on mid-market China out- cross-border settlements for legal December by committing to cut output by 558 in the “driving seat” to dictate events instead of economist at ANZ in Hong Kong. In to move money out of China. bound M&A deals as a Hong Kong- and compliant business are guaran- million bpd. “reacting to market developments.” The cuts addition to checking exchange rate Those measures are credited with based partner at the Locke Lord law teed,” said one of the sources, who The OPEC chief did not take a position on were agreed to help restore market stability “by expectations, the authorities were quashing speculative outflows and firm. “This particular move won’t help declined to be identified. uchM will whether oil ministers from participating countries addressing one variable, which is stock,” he said. also using capital controls to control helping to stabilize the currency, but on real M&A deals...It’s like the brakes depend on the outlook for the US cur- would extend the cuts when they meet in Vienna “As a result of the rising stock over the past where Chinese money flows, limiting have also hampered legitimate out- aren’t totally locked up any more, but rency, which analysts expect to next month. “These 24 countries, I believe, will years, the equation has gone out of balance.” All investments in foreign sectors flows as China Inc goes more global. the foot is still on the brake pedal pret- rebound eventually as the Federal take a decision that will be in the best interest of producers taking part in the cuts are committed deemed undesirable, he noted. Chinese businesses have complained ty hard,” said Burch. On Tuesday, China Reserve continues to slowly raise inter- not only producers but also consumers and the to restoring stability, he said. —AP “The current macro environment that the curbs were damaging their reported that its non-financial out- est rates. — Reuters THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 BUSINESS Reflation trades of 2016 deflate with remarkable speed Yield curves flatten, dollar and banks fall

LONDON: Stocks, bond yields and the dollar are presidential election and Britain’s vote to leave benefit of banks and financial stocks. But it is since November, and is below all its peers fallers on Wall Street have been banks. They all falling, yield curves are flattening and sterling the European Union-investors around the world now unraveling, in large part due to a clear slow- apart from Japan’s. And inflation expecta- rose more than 30 percent in the three is marching higher. The “reflation” trades of 2016 had positioned for a broad-based reflation trade. down in US growth and signs that global infla- tions are showing signs of peaking too. months after the US election but have since that were supposed to mark a turning point in Trump’s surprise election victory was supposed tion is leveling off. drifted lower and are now down on the year. global markets are fading fast. The question for to unleash a wave of tax cuts, banking deregula- Flatter yield curves where short- and long- It’s the yield curve The extreme overweight bank positioning investors is whether this is the play book for the tion and fiscal largesse that would lift US-and term bond yields are close to each other suggest Estimates of first quarter US growth have highlighted in the BAML survey suggests rest of the year, or whether the trends of 2016 will global-growth. economic uncertainty. “(They) are definitely not been slashed in recent weeks, with the there’s more room to fall. A flatter yield resume in the second half of the year. What is Meanwhile, sterling’s 20 percent plunge after corroborating a Trump reflation scenario. Some of Atlanta Fed’s closely-watched GDPNow curve is bad news for banks, who make clear is that much of the conviction with which the Brexit vote was supposed to pave the way the survey data is strong and has hit new multi- model pointing to just 0.5 percent com- much of their money by borrowing cheaply investors went into 2017 has been lost. for a surge in UK equities and inflation. This, year highs, but the real data has been tepid,” said pared with around 2.5 percent less than two at the short end and lending longer term at This week, Goldman Sachs ditched its long- indeed, is how it played out as 2017 got under- Jonathan Tepper, co-founder of Variant months ago. US Treasury Secretary Steven higher rates of interest. standing bullish call on the US dollar, and way. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates Perception Research. Citi’s economic surprises Mnuchin said the Trump administration’s The difference between 10-year and two- Deutsche Bank did likewise with their gloomy twice, the dollar reached a 14-year peak, Wall indexes for most of the world’s major economies timetable for tax reform is set to falter fol- year US yields touched 100 basis points on sterling outlook. Following the developed Street hit record highs, and government bond have been heading south for the past month. The lowing setbacks in negotiations with Tuesday, the lowest since November and a world’s two most seismic events last year-the US yield curves around the world steepened to the US index has suddenly tumbled to lows not seen Congress over healthcare. More than 40 per- far cry from 135 bps in December. And that’s cent of the fund managers surveyed by despite the 50 bps rise in US interest rates Bank of America Merrill Lynch do not expect since December. “Banks don’t tend to do US tax reforms to be passed before 2018. well in a flattening yield curve environment,” The same survey also showed that major said Tepper at of Variant Perception adjustments are taking place in key markets, Research, whose website states: “The yield and that some measures of positioning are curve is by far the best predictor of econom- reaching extreme levels. Investors’ exposure ic growth in most economies of the world.” to US equities is its lowest since January The dollar doesn’t do well in this environ- 2008, but their allocation to global banks is ment either. On Tuesday Goldman Sachs the highest on record. abandoned its bullish call. Also on Tuesday, “Investors are scrambling out of US equi- Deutsche Bank did the same with its bearish ties as the majority find US stocks overval- sterling forecast after British Prime Minister ued and perceive a risk of delayed US tax Theresa May’s surprise announcement to reform,” said Michael Hartnett, chief invest- call a UK general election - a “game-chang- ment strategist at BAML. Among the biggest er” for the pound, they said. —Reuters

YANGON: A bicycle porter smokes a cigarette as he waits for customers at a whole- sale vegetable market in Yangon yesterday. — AFP Reflation trades fizzle Gold loses shine

LONDON: Stocks flatlined and gold fell yes- overnight. It also cleared the 200-day mov- terday as investors continued to question ing average for the first time since June, the ‘reflation’ trades that had lifted markets putting the squeeze on a raft of speculative since the election of US president Donald short positions. Trump in November, while sterling basked in the glow of a six-month high following Wall St loses steam Tuesday’s surprise news of a snap UK elec- Earlier in Asia Japan’s Nikkei closed a tion. Safe-haven bonds dipped slightly but smidgen higher at 18,432 points, but largely held onto most of their recent gains Shanghai extended its recent retreat with a before presidential elections in France and drop of 0.8 percent. The Chinese market on escalating tensions between the United has fallen for four straight sessions on con- States and North Korea. cerns over tighter regulations. The dollar European stocks were flat in early trade, managed to recoup its broader losses in following the 0.6 percent fall in Asian equi- the Asian session, and was flat against a ties outside Japan to a one-month low, basket of currencies in early European trad- while E-mini futures for the S&P 500 were all ing. The euro stood at a three-week high of but flat too. Sterling was just off a six-month $1.0736. Against the yen, the dollar was up peak against the dollar above $1.28 having 0.4 percent at 108.80 having been as low as surged when British Prime Minister Theresa 108.39 earlier. May called an early general election for The dollar was undermined in part by an June 8, seeking to strengthen her party’s eroding interest rate advantage as U.S. majority ahead of Brexit negotiations. bond yields dived to five-month lows. “Sterling rallied across the board yester- Yields on 10-year Treasury paper sank to day on the back of Prime Minister May’s 2.17 percent , a world away from the 2.629 announcement of snap UK elections. The peak seen in March. They were last up market interpreted the move as an effort to slightly on the day at 2.19 percent. A run of strengthen the prime minister’s majority disappointing US economic data and and reinforce a more unified stance for the doubts that the Trump administration will upcoming negotiations with the EU,” progress with tax cuts have quelled expec- Unicredit analysts said in a note yesterday. tations of faster inflation and boosted fixed- “Geopolitical tensions are providing strong income debt. That, in turn, has taken the support to US Treasuries ... (and) in the steam out of Wall Street. The Dow fell 0.55 euro-zone Bunds are receiving support percent on Tuesday, while the S&P 500 lost from the general decline in risk appetite 0.29 percent and the Nasdaq 0.12 percent. and uncertainty related to the French presi- Goldman Sachs lost 4.7 percent in the dential election,” they added. largest daily drop since June after its earn- Germany’s DAX was unchanged at ings missed expectations as trading rev- around the 12,000-point mark , and Britain’s enue dropped. In commodity markets, prof- FTSE 100 fell a further 0.2 percent following it taking nudged gold down 0.4 percent to Tuesday’s 2.5 percent slide, its biggest fall $1,287.10 an ounce, and away from since June last year. British stocks are vul- Monday’s peak of $1,295.42. Oil prices nerable to a rising pound because more slipped as US crude stockpiles fell by less than two thirds of FTSE 100 company earn- than expected and a US government report ings are derived from operations overseas. said shale oil output in May was likely to The FTSE has now erased all its gains for the post the biggest monthly increase in more year. The pound was lording it at $1.2824 than two years. Brent crude was last little yesterday having shattered a month-old changed at $54.93 a barrel, while US crude trading range with a jump of 2.2 percent was also steady at $52.42. —Reuters US dollar kicked by ascendant sterling

TOKYO: The dollar index traded near currency strategist at Mizuho Securities in three-week lows yesterday, dragged Tokyo. “In the background, we still have down by a resurgent sterling after British other issues such as North Korea, which Prime Minister Theresa May called for an could weigh on risk sentiment, as well as early general election ahead of Brexit the French election,” he said. negotiations. The British currency sailed The failed North Korean missile test to more than six-month highs after May over the weekend was an attempt by the said the election would “secure the reclusive country to “provoke something,” strong and stable leadership” position US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on needed for talks with the European Tuesday, pledging that the United States Union about terms for the looming exit. will work with China to reduce tensions. The dollar index, which tracks the The dollar edged up 0.1 percent to greenback against a basket of six rival cur- 108.57 yen, while the euro was steady on rencies, edged up 0.1 percent to 99.548 , the day at $1.0732 after riding sterling’s not far from its overnight low of 99.465, its coattails to three-week highs overnight. deepest trough since March 28. Sterling French opinion polls show that far-right was steady on the day at $1.2845 after ris- leader Marine Le Pen and centrist ing as high as $1.2908 on Tuesday, its Emmanuel Macron qualifying next highest since early October, as investors Sunday for the May 7 run-off, but the gap scurried to cover short positions. “May’s with conservative Francois Fillon and far- decision to hold a vote gave sterling a lift leftist Jean-Luc Melenchon has been higher,” said Masafumi Yamamoto, chief tightening. — Reuters THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 BUSINESS Trump era a new challenge for the IMF

WASHINGTON: In its 70-year history, the International counter-argument to Trump, who has vowed to raise an expected tax reform, there has been optimism, some Monetary Fund has been no stranger to financial crises trade barriers and restrict immigration, who has assailed unleashing of ‘animal spirits,’” IMF Managing Director and policy disputes but now faces a new challenge: a the free-trade promoted by the World Trade Christine Lagarde said in an interview with several US administration fundamentally opposed to some of Organization and on Tuesday signed an executive European media outlets published Tuesday.’ its most important positions. With the Fund’s 189 mem- action to promote US firms over foreign ones in federal Just before Trump took office, the IMF had also bers due to stage a semi-annual meeting in Washington contract awards. The IMF has so far escaped the presi- markedly revised its US growth forecasts upwards, this week, there has been no shortage of divergences dent’s barbs. Not so in the case of the Commerce expecting 2.3 percent growth this year. It reaffirmed this with the White House. The Trump administration has Secretary. “Every time we do anything to defend our- prediction in an outlook published Tuesday despite vowed to dismantle much of the financial regulation selves...they call that protectionism,” Wilbur Ross told what it said was considerable uncertainty surrounding put in place after the 2008 financial crisis. But the Fund The Financial Times. “It’s rubbish.” Washington, mean- future US economic policies. The IMF is in reality faced warns darkly that excessive deregulation could “increase while, is calling on the IMF to pay closer attention to with a delicate balancing act: maintaining its independ- the likelihood” of another meltdown. member countries’ efforts to affect currency exchange ence without alienating its powerful financial backer. The IMF warns of the economic dangers of climate rates and other imbalances, particularly in trade, that To be sure, the United States does not have the legal change. But the Trump administration casts doubt on its harm the United States. “Clearly, there are some in the means to cut off the IMF’s livelihood. But it can make existence and seeks to revive its coal industry while Trump administration that have expressed enormous things difficult for the Fund by slowing the institution’s threatening to withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement skepticism toward multilateralism and if their line pre- efforts to become more active on social and environ- on emissions. It is nevertheless the volatile question of vails, institutions like the IMF will suffer,” said Douglas mental questions and to give greater weight to China or global trade that holds the greatest potential for friction Rediker, a former US representative at the Fund. Such International Monetary Fund Managing Director Russia.”The Trump administration will be able to have between the IMF and its largest shareholder. antagonism cuts a stark contrast with the Obama years, Christine Lagarde. some impact on what the Fund agenda is,” said Sheets. when the IMF found a receptive audience at the White said Nathan Sheets, former under secretary for interna- The thorny case of Greece could also be affected. Rubbish House in calling for raising the US minimum wage, com- tional affairs at the US Treasury. For the moment, the European governments are calling on the IMF to partici- Since the US presidential campaigns, the IMF has batting income inequality or giving a greater voice to IMF is holding its anti-protectionist line but also striking pate in the current aid plan for Athens but the Fund will repeatedly warned about the dangers of “inward-look- emerging countries. “There will be some tensions but a conciliatory tone by hailing the Trump administra- have to convince Washington that this is wise. “The ing” protectionist measures and defended multilateral- the weight of the US should not deter the IMF from tion’s plans to invest in infrastructure and cut corporate administration will be more reluctant to support IMF ism. It is hard to see this as anything but an implicit being blunt and frank in its assessment of US policies,” taxes. “As a result of an expected US fiscal stimulus and resources being used in Greece,” said Sheets. — AFP News Sri Lanka battles labor shortage in brief ECB’s Coeure castigates amid massive construction boom isolationism in NY visit FRANKFURT: Isolationism could leave the most vulnerable members of society even more exposed that they already are, European Central Bank board Contractors at home desperate for workers member Benoit Coeure said yesterday, defending globalization and urging more international coop- eration. Speaking in New York, Coeure said open- COLOMBO: Cheap Sri Lankan labor has built existing levels-to keep up with this surge, said ness, collaboration and tolerance have been key for skyscrapers and condos across the Gulf for Nissanka Wijeratne, the head of the Chamber economic growth while protectionism and unilat- decades but now contractors at home are of Construction Industry. eral deregulation would only yield short-term ben- desperate for workers as the island nation “We can’t get that many overnight and we efits at the cost of financial stability. With the US experiences an unprecedented construction will have to import. We are now facing a seri- administration advocating “America First” protec- boom. The labor shortage has seen builders ous labor crisis,” he said. Private contractors tionist policies, Britain leaving the European Union offer lavish incentives ranging from cash to are going to extreme lengths to stop the flow and several top French presidential candidates call- vehicles to keep workers from heading over- of tradesmen heading to the Gulf for con- ing for an isolationist shift, the status quo is facing seas, and in some cases, illegally employ for- struction jobs, offering bonuses like motorcy- its biggest challenge in decades. “As the benefits eign tradesmen to man projects. cles and cars to laborers who choose to work and legitimacy of international cooperation are on projects back home. being called into question, it’s essential to defend The government has taken a different the values that underlie global economic gover- approach and sought to put curbs on migra- nance,” Coeure, a top lieutenant to ECB President tion by raising the minimum wage require- Mario Draghi said. “In Europe, for example, ments for workers heading overseas. Under younger generations have grown up in the belief their proposal, Sri Lankans will be barred from that the free movement of people, goods, services going abroad for work unless they can show and capital is an unqualified right,” Coeure added. evidence of future earnings amounting to more than $400 per month. “We want to dis- BMW workers begin strikes courage those who go abroad for low pay. Some of these workers can get more money if over pension dispute in UK they stay back in Sri Lanka,” Finance Minister LONDON: Workers at three British plants of Ravi Karunanayake said. German car giant BMW began a 24-hour strike But it is a risky strategy. Roughly one in ten yesterday over proposed changes to pensions, Sri Lankans work abroad and their remit- COLOMBO: Chinese construction team members look on at a new apartment building leading to a halt in production of the iconic tances are the number-one foreign exchange complex in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo. — AFP Mini. Employees belonging to the Unite union earner for the island of 21 million. The pool of mates roughly 200,000 foreigners are Hotel. Across the street, their countrymen toil picketed at the plants in Cowley and Swindon, money flowing home is growing, with Sri employed illegally in the construction sector. on a vast $1.4 billion real estate development. in southern England, and in Hams Hall in the Lankans sending $7.24 billion last year com- “Foreigners are illegally employed like this Despite unemployment hovering at 4.5 per- centre of the country, with eight more walk- pared with $6.98 billion in 2015. The push to because we have a shortage of workers,” urban cent at the end of 2016, the crippling labor outs promised over the next five weeks. The recruit local workers has also suffered due to a development minister Champika Ranawaka shortage shows no signs of easing, raising carmaker said Mini and BMW engine produc- cultural stigma surrounding blue-collar said recently. fears that it will put the brakes on economic tion had stopped for the day as workers labour, meaning that Sri Lankans living in the “I am proposing that the government growth. A large-scale Sri Lankan contractor COLOMBO: A Sri Lankan construction protested against the closure of its two final- country often choose low-paying office jobs come up with a policy on foreign workers to said he had stopped accepting commissions laborer works on a new apartment build- salary pension schemes for around 5,000 over better remunerated opportunities in regularize this sector.” One company, which to build condos because he couldn’t find ing at a complex in Colombo. — AFP employees in Britain, according to the Press masonry, carpentry and plumbing.”There is a declined to be identified, said it was employ- tradesmen to finish the job. Association. Going ahead, the value of a work- Sri Lanka was left with a massive recon- social perception about construction industry ing foreign workers illegally but noted that The crisis is stretching beyond the con- er’s pension would be linked to the pension struction task at the end of the civil war in labor, and that is why young people prefer many others were doing the same. struction sector. Sewage and water works fund’s performance in the stock market, and 2009, with large parts of the north left in ruins public sector jobs even if they pay much less,” Chinese firms, unable to source local labor, projects are struggling to find laborers and not salary. The carmaker announced the plan by decades of fighting. Annual investment in Wijeratne said. “It is about social acceptance.” have moved armies of construction workers are turning to neighboring India for workers. last year, and aims to make the change on May new homes, roads and ports-which has hov- to Sri Lanka to man their mega building proj- Sri Lanka’s lucrative garment industry is also 31. “It is very much the last resort for a world- ered at around 600 billion rupees ($4 billion) ‘Illegally employed’ ects. Along one of Colombo’s main prome- facing a shortage of 50,000 machine opera- class workforce that takes great pride in mak- in recent years-is expected to almost triple to The dearth has spurred some desperate nades, hundreds of Chinese workers wait tors, and many companies have relocated to ing the iconic Mini and world-renowned Rolls- $11.6 billion in 2017. But Sri Lanka needs contractors to look offshore themselves-not every day for transport home after finishing a Bangladesh in search of cheap labor, accord- Royce motor cars and one which could have 400,000 new workers-a two-thirds jump from for work but workers. The government esti- shift building towers for a new Shangri-La ing to industry officials. — AFP been avoided if BMW’s bosses had been will- ing to negotiate meaningfully,” Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said. ‘Death by overwork’ Mike Pence thanks Morgan Stanley posts corporate Japan for strong 1Q profit; 74% Japan’s 100-hour overtime cap sparks anger NEW YORK: Wealth management and invest- boosting US growth ment banking firm Morgan Stanley saw profits TOKYO: Workaholic Japan has unveiled rise 74 percent in the first quarter, helped by its its first-ever plan to limit overtime, but TOKYO: Vice President Mike Pence yesterday hailed Japanese well-regarded trading desks. Morgan Stanley’s critics want to give it the boot, saying companies for contributing to US economic prosperity, moving wealth management arm, a part of the firm’s an “outrageous” 100-hour-a-month cap to ease fears over the protectionist agenda of President Donald business that management has been focusing will do nothing to tackle karoshi, or Trump. Trump has criticized Japanese auto giant Toyota for plan- much of its energy on, also grew profits in the death from overwork. Tokyo’s bid to ning to open a factory in Mexico, part of general broadsides quarter. The New York-based bank said yester- ease a national health crisis comes after against both foreign and domestic companies as he emphasises day that it earned $1.93 billion in the first quar- the top executive at advertising giant job creation in the United States. Last week his administration ter, or $1.00 a share, compared with $1.13 bil- Dentsu quit late last year in response to kept Japan on a Treasury Department watch list covering foreign lion, or 55 cents per share, in the same period a the suicide of a young employee who exchange policies of US trading partners, exerting tacit pressure year earlier. The results topped analysts’ expecta- regularly logged more than 100 hours on Tokyo to buy more American-made goods and services. Such actions, as well as Trump’s vow to root out alleged unfair trade tions of 89 cents per share, according to FactSet. of overtime a month. practices around the world, have sent shivers through Japan Inc, After Goldman Sachs reported a disappointing The death of Matsuri Takahashi gener- which has a huge presence in the US. But addressing dozens of first-quarter profit on Tuesday, largely due to ated nationwide headlines, prompting Japanese and US business executives on a visit to Tokyo, Pence lackluster trading, there were concerns that the government to come up with a solu- described his country as “grateful” for Japanese investment and Morgan Stanley might be in a similar position. tion to punishing work hours blamed for hundreds of deaths due to strokes, heart stressed the vibrant business ties between the world’s number That turned out not to be the case. Morgan one and number three economies. Stanley’s institutional securities division, which attacks and suicides every year. A panel TOKYO: A Japanese businessman, called salaryman rubs his eyes as he heads to headed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has his office in Tokyo. Workaholic Japan has unveiled its first-ever plan to limit “The trade between us is an important factor to our success,” includes its investment bank and trading opera- he said, noting that the countries together account for a third of tions, had net revenue of $5.15 billion compared since come up with a plan calling for a overtime, but critics want to give it the boot, saying an ‘outrageous’ 100-hour-a- maximum of 100 overtime hours a month cap will do nothing to tackle karoshi, or death from overwork. — AFP the world economy. “The economic partnership between the US with $3.71 billion a year earlier. and Japan will continue to grow and flourish,” he added. Pence, month. The conservative leader called it a his recession-hit employer. “He was levy penalties on firms that don’t comply- “historic step for changing the way peo- formerly the governor of the state of Indiana, also lauded Toyota depressed. He told me he couldn’t sleep both firsts in a country notorious for its and other big US companies for contributing to US prosperity. Restaurant group joins suit ple work in Japan” but critics think the or eat. I asked him to take a day off every gruelling work schedule. plan should be given its marching orders. “Your businesses create jobs and drive innovation in the United against US president Trump morning, but he still went to work.” The scheme, hammered out by states and in Japan,” he said. The Labor Lawyers’ Association of Japan NEW YORK: An organization that advocates Japan’s biggest business lobby Keidanren In early January, while still president-elect, Trump in a tweet has slammed the proposed cap as for restaurant workers has joined a lawsuit ‘How many more must die?’ and the Japanese Trade Union threatened Toyota with tariffs over a planned new vehicle plant “extremely inappropriate” and “impossi- that claims Republican President Donald The popular post-war image of a Confederation, known as Rengo, officially in Mexico. Weeks later, Toyota said it would invest $600 million ble to support”. “It’s tantamount to Trump is violating the Constitution by letting Japanese “salaryman” toiling long hours, says overtime should not exceed 45 and create 400 jobs at one of its US plants as part of some $10 endorsing a limit that could cause over- his businesses accept money from foreign drinking with the boss and then taking hours a month. But the proposed billion investments in the US over the next five years. Sadayuki work deaths,” said Association head Ichiro governments. Restaurant Opportunities the last train home has evolved over the changes to the labour laws, expected to Sakakibara, chairman of Japan’s largest business lobby Natsume. Others who have lost loved Centers United and a Washington, DC-based decades, but many still spend far more be submitted this year, would let employ- Keidanren, described a meeting Pence held with business lead- ones to karoshi agree. “We cannot accept luxury hotel event booker were added to the time at the workplace than their counter- ers make workers put in as many as 100 ers before the speech as “truly meaningful”. Sakakibara said he this-it’s outrageous,” said Emiko Teranishi, lawsuit filed by the watchdog group Citizens parts in other modern economies. hours of overtime if the office is busy-a explained to Pence how Japanese corporate activities have con- who heads a group for relatives of for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Currently, Japanese firms can make full- determination made by managers. tributed to the US economy. “I think (Pence) more than fully karoshi victims. Trump called the lawsuit “without merit, time employees work far beyond the Rengo’s president Rikio Kozu praised understood what we said,” Sakakibara told reporters. “I thought the government was finally totally without merit” when it was filed in usual 40 hours a week during busy peri- the scheme as “the first step taken toward On Tuesday the US and Japan kicked off talks aimed at going to tackle the issue.... But this has Manhattan federal court in January. A ods. Overtime is viewed as a sign of dedi- eliminating karoshi”. But it does not do achieving a new economic relationship-in line with Trump’s vow turned out to be (a) step backward rather spokeswoman for the Department of cation at many firms, even if Japanese enough to tackle the problem, said to focus on bilateral trade deals rather than multilateral ones than a step forward.” Teranishi’s husband Justice’s civil division said the government workers’ productivity lags behind that of Hifumi Okunuki, a unionist and teacher at that he says have damaged the US. Pence and the Japanese was the manager of a struggling soba had no comment on Tuesday. The lawsuit their US and European counterparts. And Sagami Women’s University, warning that Deputy Prime Minister led the talks and planned to meet again noodle restaurant in Kyoto when he com- claimed that a constitutional clause pro- more than one in five Japanese compa- the death toll was sure to mount unless before the end of the year to assess progress. The US vice presi- mitted suicide in the mid-nineties after hibits Trump from receiving money from for- nies have employees whose tendency to more stringent action was taken. “It dent said they could eventually result in a bilateral trade deal, suffering from depression blamed on eign governments for hotel stays or office overwork puts them at serious risk of seems we have drifted further away from though offered no specific time frame. Trump’s decision to scrap long working hours. “My husband leases. The rewritten lawsuit cites violations dying, according to a government survey that day in the future when the word the ambitious 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal worked for a total of 4,000 hours a year it says have resulted since Trump became published in October. ‘karoshi’ becomes an historical footnote,” championed by former president Barack Obama was a blow to without weekends off. At most, he had president, including the leasing of the Trump That survey was part of the nation’s she wrote in a Japan Times opinion col- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who expended substantial two days off a month,” she said, adding political capital to get the accord passed at home. — AFP International Hotel in Washington. first white paper on karoshi. The new umn. “How many more workers must die that he was pressured to work more by rules would limit monthly overtime and before our country wakes up?”— AFP THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 BUSINESS HSBC refuses to open account for Ai Weiwei

HONG KONG: Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei said yesterday global banking giant HSBC Holdings Plc refused to open a personal bank account for him in Hong Kong for what he assumed were political reasons, a conjecture the bank dismissed. The burly, bearded artist, who was in the financial hub for three days to visit his exhibition, said he did not try to open accounts at other banks, but that he had no difficulty in the past when he opened a bank account in Beijing. Ai, arguably one of the world’s most high-profile contemporary artists and a well- known critic of China, said an HSBC staff member told him he had provided all the necessary docu- ments, but still rejected his application. “I was surprised, I asked him why, he said it was for commercial reasons,” Ai said. “He said you just A chance to win KD 250,000 can’t open an account here ... It’s very hard to imag- ine it’s not due to a political reason. But I have no from Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah evidence,” he added. Confidentiality concerns did not allow HSBC to discuss individual cases, the bank Deposit now, only 9 days left said in a written reply to Reuters. “However, HSBC Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei does not decline to open bank accounts because of until the closing date individuals’ political views,” it said. HSBC is among porations in Hong Kong are wary of offending longer ask customers their plans for the product. many banks in the region to have stepped up over- China. The former British colony, which returned Ai, who helped design Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” stadi- KUWAIT: Only 10 days are left until the 1 Million set a Guinness World Records sight of bank accounts to help guard against mon- to Chinese rule in 1997, has experienced a tumul- um for the 2008 Olympics, lost favour with the closing date for Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah achievement as the ‘largest prize linked ey laundering and terrorist financing. tuous few years, with pro-democracy protests Chinese government when he began campaign- account’s second quarterly draw for the to a bank account payout in the world’. Hong Kong leader-elect Carrie Lam has previ- quelled in what many residents view as creeping ing for justice for children crushed to death by prize of KD 250,000. The draw will be Overall, Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah account is ously acknowledged the difficulties some foreign- interference by Beijing in its affairs. shoddily constructed buildings in an earthquake held on June 29, however, the last day to the best because: Kuwait’s single ers and overseas businesses face in opening bank In 2015, toymaker Lego refused a bulk order that year. Since leaving China in the summer of deposit and enter the draw is on largest yearly cash prize of KD 1 Million accounts there. Ai described his dealings with of toy bricks by the artist because it would not 2015, the prominent advocate for human rights Thursday, April 30. Gulf Bank invites its in the world, according to Guinness HSBC on social media, prompting criticism of the endorse their use in projects with “a political has been based largely in the German capital of Al-Danah account holders to deposit World Records; Kuwait’s biggest quar- bank and renewed debate over whether big cor- agenda.” It later backed down, saying it would no Berlin. —Reuters today to increase their chances of win- terly cash prizes, up to KD 500,000; Two ning the draw. The Bank also invites both winners of KD 1,000 every working day; Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis to open an Al- Offers the most opportunities to win; AkzoNobel paints strategy to thwart US takeover bid Danah account today and deposit in Only account that transfers your THE HAGUE: The world’s leading paintmaker PPG last month-one which would have valued the for an extraordinary meeting to dismiss the chair- order to qualify for the next draw prize of chances to win from the previous year AkzoNobel yesterday unveiled plans to shed its whole company at 22.4 billion euros. man of the board, Antony Burgmans. KD 250,000. onto the following year. specialist chemicals division as it fends off a hostile The bids did not reflect the company’s poten- But AkzoNobel said the board still “strongly Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah 2017 draw line- Al-Danah also offers a number of US takeover bid, buoyed by stronger-than-expect- tial long-term value, and would “lead to uncer- supports” Burgmans, adding his removal “would be up includes daily draws, quarterly draws, unique services including: the Al-Danah ed first quarter profits. “We will create two focused tainty for the thousands of employees around the irresponsible, disproportionate, damaging and not and the final and biggest draw of the year, Deposit Only ATM card which helps and high-performance businesses,” chief executive world,” AkzoNobel said at the time. AkzoNobel’s in the best interest of the company, its sharehold- which is the annual 1 Million Kuwaiti account holders deposit their money at Ton Buchner said, valuing the chemicals division at paint-making business is seen as a broad barome- ers and other stakeholders.” Fighting back, PPG Dinars draw. For the daily draws, two win- their convenience; as well as the Al-Danah between eight and 12 billion euros ($8.5 billion to ter of underlying global economic activity. But sent an open letter to shareholders on Monday ners are awarded with KD 1,000 each, for calculator to help customers calculate $12.8 billion). “Both businesses have skills and the company has been under pressure in recent seeking to win them over, saying it had “a long and every working day in the week. The quar- their chances of becoming an Al-Danah capabilities to stand on their own and to deliver a weeks amid the increasingly hostile bid by the steadfast history of taking consistent strategic terly draws each include a large cash prize winner. Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah account is strong cash generation in the future.” Pittsburg-based paints and coatings business actions to grow our business”. It said it invested with the prize amount increasing every open to Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti resi- The Amsterdam-based group also reported net PPG. Most of the profits from the spin-off of the “more annually in research and development than quarter. The quarterly prizes are as fol- dents of Kuwait. Customers who open an profit of 240 million euros ($257 million) in the chemicals will be returned to shareholders, any other paint and coatings company”. lowing: KD200,000 in the first quarter - account and/ or deposit more will enter period from January to March, relatively stable Buchner vowed. Some 1.6 billion euros will also A merger between the two companies would which took place on March 30; the draw within two days. from a year earlier, but ahead of analysts’ expecta- be paid out to shareholders in 2017, which prove “a unique and attractive opportunity for the KD250,000 in the second quarter to To take part in the Al-Danah 2017 tions. Sales of such household brand names as includes a special one-billion-euro dividend to be future,” it argued. Formed in 1994 in a merger take place on June 29; KD 500,000 in upcoming quarterly and yearly draws, Dulux and Trimetal were up 7.0 percent to 3.7 bil- paid in November. But the Dutch daily Volkskrant between Akzo and Nobel, the group employs 46,000 the third quarter, which will take place customers must have an Al-Danah lion euros, the company said in a statement. The warned that “in order to make the chemicals divi- people in 80 countries. It says it makes a range of on September 28, followed by the account containing at least KD 200; cus- move to spin off the chemicals division within 12 sion more attractive, AkzoNobel will whatever products including “chemicals which are essential largest yearly prize for 1 Million Kuwaiti tomers can visit one of Gulf Bank’s 56 months either via a sale or a separate listing comes happens have to dismiss workers.” The rejection ingredients in everything from ice cream to asphalt, Dinars, which will take place on January branches, transfer on line for assistance after AkzoNobel rejected two bids from US rival of PPG’s offer led to shareholders last week calling soup to soap, and plastics to paper”. —AFP 11, 2018. In fact, our annual prize of KD and guidance. Ivanka’s biz prospers as politics mixes with business SHANGHAI: Since her father was elected while you’re in government,” advises Richard president of the United States, global sales Painter, who served as chief White House of Ivanka Trump merchandise have surged ethics lawyer under George W Bush. and the company has applied for at least nine new trademarks in the Philippines, New trademarks Puerto Rico, Canada and the US. The com- In fact, on April 6, Ivanka Trump’s compa- mercial engine of the first daughter’s brand ny won provisional approval from the is stronger than ever even as she builds a Chinese government for three new trade- new political career from her West Wing marks, giving it monopoly rights to sell office. Sales hit record levels in 2017, Ivanka brand jewelry, bags and spa services despite boycotts and several stores limiting in the world’s second-largest economy. That her merchandise. night, the first daughter and her husband sat next to the president of China and his Distribution is growing wife for a steak and Dover sole dinner at US imports, almost all from China, shot Mar-a-Lago. The scenario underscores how up an estimated 166 percent last year. The difficult it is for the president’s daughter, to brand, which Ivanka Trump no longer man- separate business from politics in her new ages but still owns, says distribution is position at the White House. growing. It has launched new active wear In a statement Tuesday, a spokesperson and affordable jewelry lines, and is working for the Ivanka Trump brand said that all to expand its global intellectual property 2017 Chinese trademarks were defensive, footprint. In addition to applying for the filed to prevent counterfeiters or squatters new trademarks, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC from using her name. To address ethical has won provisional approval from the concerns, Ivanka Trump has shifted the Chinese government for at least five since brand’s assets to a family-run trust valued the inauguration. at more than $50 million and pledged to recuse herself from issues that present conflicts. She is also no longer running her design business and has given day-to-day SAN JUAN: Photo shows shoes including Ivanka Trump brand shoes being sold at the Macy’s store in Plaza las Americas in responsibility to Abigail Klem, president of San Juan, Puerto Rico. — AP the brand. Panjiva Inc, which maintains and analyzes president has dismissed the suit as “totally Go buy Ivanka’s stuff global shipping records. without merit.” In a statement, Klem said the The overall brand itself says revenues China ties Gorelick, Ivanka Trump’s attorney, said trademarks are business as usual, and in rose 21 percent last year, with early Meanwhile, her husband has taken steps that she and her husband would steer clear some regions to prevent “trademark February seeing some of the “best perform- to distance himself from his sprawling New of specific areas that could impact her busi- infringement.” “We have recently seen a ance ever,” according to a statement by York real estate business, divesting some of ness, or be seen as conflicts of interest, but surge in trademark filings by unrelated third Klem. Because it is privately held, the brand his business interests including his stake in a are under no legal obligation to step back parties trying to capitalize on the name and does not have to declare its earnings or major Fifth Avenue skyscraper. “Ivanka will from huge swaths of policy, like trade with it is our responsibility to diligently protect where revenues come from. The actual cor- not weigh in on business strategy, market- China. Under the rules, Trump would recuse our trademark,” Klem said. porate structure of Trump’s retail business ing issues or the commercial terms of agree- herself from conversations about duties on Today, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC has 16 remains opaque. ments,” her attorney, Jamie Gorelick, said in a clothing imported from China, Gorelick said, registered trademarks in China and more Kushner’s financial disclosure form lists statement. “She has retained authority to but not broad foreign policy. “In between, than 30 pending applications, along with at two dozen corporate entities that appear direct the trustees to terminate agreements you have to assess it case-by-case,” she said. least five marks granted preliminary directly related to his wife’s brand. Trump that she determines create a conflict of Trademarks can be signs of corporate ambi- approval since the inauguration, according herself has yet to file a disclosure. Data interest or the appearance of one.” China, tion, though many countries - such as to China’s Trademark Office database and from Lyst, a massive fashion e-commerce however, remains a nagging concern. China, where “trademark squatting” is ram- gazette. Database filings are not immediate- platform, indicates some of this growth “Ivanka has so many China ties and conflicts, pant - also allow for defensive filings to pre- ly updated and may lag actual approvals. coincided with specific political events. The yet she and Jared appear deeply involved in vent copycats from using a brand. Altogether, they cover a wide range of number of Ivanka Trump items sold China contacts and policy. I would never goods and services, including cosmetics, through Lyst was 46 percent higher the have allowed it,” said Norman Eisen, who Ethical implications jewelry, leather handbags, luggage, clothes, month her father was elected president Ivanka Trump wears an outfit she served as chief White House ethics lawyer Trademarks pose ethical, and possibly shoes, retail, spa and beauty services. There than in November 2015. designed as she speaks to the audience under President Barack Obama. legal, implications for government employ- is no sign the recent approvals were partic- Sales spiked 771 percent in February prior to the presentation of her Ready- “For their own sake, and the country’s, ees because they are granted by foreign ularly swift. China’s Trademark Office did not over the same month last year, after White To-Wear Collection at the Lord & Taylor Ivanka and Jared should consider stepping states and confer the monopoly right to sell respond to a request for comment. House counselor Kellyanne Conway exhort- flagship store in New York. — AP away from China matters.” Instead, the first branded products in a particular country - Globally, the company has more than ed Fox viewers to “Go buy Ivanka’s stuff.” daughter and her husband have emerged an entitlement that can be enormously 180 pending and registered trademarks in Conway was later reprimanded. The bounce The commercial currents of President as prominent interlocutors with China, valuable. Intellectual property lawyers say countries including Canada, India, Japan, appears somewhat sustained. March sales Donald Trump’s White House are unprece- where they have both had significant busi- trademarks are also a crucial prerequisite for Israel, Mexico, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, as on Lyst were up 262 percent over the same dented in modern American politics, ethics ness ties. Last year, Kushner pursued hun- cutting licensing deals, which form the basis well as the US and Europe, public records period last year. “You can’t separate Ivanka lawyers say. They have created an unfamiliar dreds of millions of dollars in real estate of both Ivanka Trump’s and Donald Trump’s show. In December, the company applied from her role in life and from her business,” landscape riven with ethical pitfalls, and investments from Anbang Insurance Group, global business strategies. for five trademarks, covering handbags said Allen Adamson, founder of forced consumers and retailers to wrestle a financial conglomerate with close ties to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in and wallets in Puerto Rico, and lingerie and BrandSimpleConsulting. “Her celebrity sta- with the unlikely passions now inspired by the Chinese state. After media reports Washington, a government watchdog group, other clothes in the US. After the inaugura- tus is now not only being fueled by her Ivanka Trump’s mid-market collection of ruf- about the deal, talks were called off. on Tuesday expanded the scope of its federal tion, the company filed four more applica- wealth and her family connection, but by fled blouses, shifts and wedges. Publicly, Ivanka Trump has taken a gra- lawsuit against President Trump to include tions, for branded clothing and shoes in her huge role in the White House. All that Using the prestige of government service cious, charming approach toward Beijing. trademark approvals from China in its list of the Philippines, and perfume and other buzz is hardwired to her products.” to build a brand is not illegal. But criminal con- During the Mar-a-Lago meetings, her alleged constitutional violations. The emolu- items in Canada. That, he added, is a competitive advan- flict-of-interest law prohibits federal officials, daughter, 5-year-old Arabella, stood in a ments clause of the US Constitution pro- Ivanka Trump did not sign off on the tage other brands just can’t match - though like Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared gilded room and sang a traditional Chinese hibits federal officials from accepting any- new trademark applications, her brand said it does come with risk. Things could easily Kushner, from participating in government song, in Mandarin, for China’s president, Xi thing of value from foreign governments in a statement, adding that they are “not cut the other way for the first daughter. matters that could impact their own financial Jinping. The video, which was lavishly without congressional approval. necessarily an indication that the brand is Ashley King, 28 of Calabasas, California, interest or that of their spouses. Some argue praised by Chinese state media, played over As a White House employee, Ivanka planning to launch a category or a store in a bought Ivanka Trump black flats and a that the more her business broadens its 2.2 million times on China’s popular news Trump is also subject to the same rule. “She specific territory.” Whatever the future plans, cardigan several years ago. But King, who scope, the more it threatens to encroach on portal qq.com. The week of the summit, 3.4 needs to be careful,” said Painter, the former right now sales are growing - helped, some voted for Hillary Clinton, said she believes the ability of two trusted advisers to deliver tons of Ivanka Trump handbags, wallets and Bush administration lawyer, who is advising argue, by the glow of Ivanka Trump’s politi- Trump’s role in the White House represents credible counsel to the president on core blouses arrived in the US from Hong Kong on the lawsuit. cal rise. The G-III Apparel Group Ltd, which a conflict of interest. “This is bothering me issues like trade, intellectual property and the and Shanghai. US imports of her merchan- “If her trademarks are anything but rou- makes Ivanka Trump clothes, said net sales more and more,” she said. As for the Ivanka value of Chinese currency. “Put the business dise grew an estimated 40 percent in the tine they also would be prohibited emolu- for the collection increased by $17.9 million Trump items in her closet, she said, “I will be on hold and stop trying to get trademarks first quarter of this year, according to ments from the Chinese government.” The during the year that ended Jan 31. donating them.” — AP technology THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 FASTtelco organizes friendly gathering for staff

KUWAIT: FASTtelco, Kuwait’s leading offer an unlimited capacity of internet operations, data center consultancy, internet service provider, held a breakfast with no daily or monthly cap. and much more. gathering in Jumeirah Hotel for its FASTtelco also launched a fully This is especially important today, employees and upper management earli- equipped state-of-the-art data center. where businesses are faced with grow- er this week. The friendly get-together The announcement comes to further ing challenges to respond efficiently to was headed by CEO and General Manager reiterate FASTtelco’s commitment to new digital trends in IT, security and con- Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al- being one of the leading companies in trol. FASTtelco strives to be the trustwor- Thani, who lauded the employees of information technology solutions, and thy choice among its growing customers FASTtelco for their hard work and dedica- the company of choice for prospective as it continually transforms its services to tion throughout the past months, culmi- clients searching for ICT solutions, meet the needs of the digital world, nating in the release of several customer- catering especially for the needs of cor- ensuring peace of mind with end-to-end centric products and services that target porate and businesses. FASTtelco will solutions and 24/7 NOC, in addition to different customers’ needs. provide a suite of managed hosting opportunities for scalability and maxi- The CEO also reiterated the company’s services tailor-made to fit corporate and mum return of investment. commitment to developing its human business needs. FASTtelco recently announced its new resources, who are considered the main These services are ideal for corporate identity earlier this month, adopting a drive behind any company’s success, and businesses looking to better man- refreshed look with vibrant colors and a adding that in light of current internation- age their data, platforms and applica- new design. The move comes to change al trends, the telecom and digital services tions. The new data center provides the ISP’s market by introducing innova- sector plays a vital role in the lives of end-to-end IT solutions to customers in tive products and plans that fulfill cus- many people from different sectors. various sectors including financial, tomers’ growing needs through technol- FASTtelco recently launched new fixed healthcare, media, e-commerce, educa- ogy. FASTtelco was recently acquired by high-speed internet plans on a postpaid capacity of internet, the plans range in who opt for the fixed internet service will tional and governmental. The center is Ooredoo Kuwait, a member of the inter- basis, breaking away from the limitations speed from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps, mak- enjoy an unparalleled reliable speed of fully equipped to deliver an exceptional national Ooredoo Group, in a move to of traditional prepaid yearly payment. ing use of the increase number of areas internet at their home, with flexible pay- experience in services and solutions like bolster the telecom service provider’s Starting from KD 11 for an unlimited covered with fiber optics. Customers ment mode on a monthly basis. All plans managed CPE, cloud services, NOC and presence in the Kuwaiti market. Facebook wants to augment your reality Computer-generated images into real-world surroundings

SAN JOSE: Facebook wants you to sit in your bedroom wearing a headset and take a virtual vacation with faraway friends and family. Or use your smartphone’s camera to spruce up your dinky apartment, at least virtually. The promise of augmented and virtual reality was a big focus of Facebook’s annual conference for developers on Tuesday. CEO Mark Zuckerberg kicked off the gathering of programmers and other tech folks by talking about augmented reality tools he envi- sions on Facebook. Augmented reality involves FRANCE: A picture taken in Cournon-d’Auvergne on the outskirts of the overlay of computer-generated images into Clermont-Ferrand, shows an hologram of French presidential election candi- real-world surroundings. Zuckerberg said new date for the far-left coalition La France insoumise Jean-Luc Melenchon ges- phone-based applications might let you create a turing during a campaign meeting. —AFP three-dimensional scene from a single two- dimensional photo or splatter the walls of your house with colorful digital art. (You’d see the dig- France’s Melenchon returns ital additions by looking “through” your phone at with campaigning hologram the augmented physical world.) Making chores more interesting DIJON, France: French presidential candi- Tuesday’s rallies to hammer home his pro- Facebook executives stressed that the technol- date Jean-Luc Melenchon made a return to gram, which includes huge spending ogy is still in its early stages, and that the “journey hologram campaigning Tuesday, beaming increases and a pledge to renegotiate all to the future of augmented reality is just 1 percent himself and his far-left message to six cities European Union treaties, to crowds total- finished,” as Deb Liu, vice president of platform and marketplaces, put it. Zuckerberg envisions the as far away as the overseas territory of ing 35,000 people across France, his team CALIFORNIA: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks at his company’s annual F8 Reunion. For his last major rally before said. “The people’s program is about being marriage of augmented reality and Facebook’s Sunday’s nail biting first-round vote, the able to live off your work with dignity, to camera feature enabling people to make even developer conference in San Jose, Calif. —AP resurgent left-winger killed seven birds be looked after when you’re sick, to be mundane chores, like doing the dishes, look enter- Oculus’s VR headset, which sells for about $500 But advances in image and object recognition, with one stone by transmitting his onstage able to stop working when it’s time,” he taining with digital effects. Of course, it could also and requires an expensive computer to make it along with the ubiquity of smartphone cameras, appearance in Dijon to crowds in Nancy, said. And he took a swing at the super-rich, result in people staring into their smartphones work. But Facebook could still have the edge on “has put us on the course to bring augmented Grenoble, Montpellier, Clermont-Ferrand, deadpanning: “Being a billionaire does even more intently as they marvel at an alternate rivals such as Snapchat, which also launched reality,” Kirkpatrick said in an interview. Nantes and Le Port on the Indian Ocean nothing for personal happiness. It’s just an reality instead of their actual surroundings. “Over some augmented reality features on Tuesday, island of Reunion. accumulation of worries, which we’d want time, I think this is going to be a really important likely to coincide with Facebook’s news. Chatting with companies The Communist-backed firebrand has to take away.” technology that changes how we use our phones,” “Facebook has the resources to move fast in Facebook also announced a bevy of made a surprise breakthrough in recent Melenchon’s program promises greater Zuckerberg predicted. Facebook also launched a this area and the audience to spread those fea- updates to Messenger, its increasingly inde- weeks, with polls suggesting he has a shot job protection and a 100-percent tax on virtual world, called Facebook Spaces, designed to tures much more widely than Snapchat,” Dawson pendent messaging app. Messenger head at a place in the May 7 run-off as the race personal earnings over and above 400,000 let users of its Oculus Rift VR headset hang out wrote in a brief research note. Snap representa- David Marcus claims the app has become the has dramatically tightened. Far-right euros ($430,000). He denied that his euro with avatar versions of their friends in a virtual tives did not immediately respond to an email de facto “white pages” of messaging, since leader Marine Le Pen and centrist skeptic stance amounted to wanting to world. It’s the first time the company has connect- for comment on Tuesday afternoon. Facebook’s people can find and chat with friends without Emmanuel Macron have led for weeks, but leave the bloc, saying: “Don’t believe what ed the Rift to its social network in a meaningful focus on smartphones over high-tech glasses or knowing their phone number. Now, polls now show a four-way race with the they tell you.” A tech-savvy campaigner way, though it’s a development Zuckerberg hinted headsets makes sense given how familiar they Messenger wants to do the same for business- two frontrunners tied on 22-23 percent, with more than a million Twitter followers, at when the company bought Oculus back in 2014 are, said Gartner analyst Brian Blau. “People es, creating a “yellow pages” of sorts that let conservative Francois Fillon on around 21 Melenchon turned heads in February when for $2 billion. already have cameras and are used to having fun companies communicate with their cus- percent, and Melenchon surging as high he first made simultaneous hologram and being creative with them,” he said. tomers. Messenger will also let people chat as 20 percent. appearances at campaign rallies, a first for a Coming your way... Eventually “This will give people a chance to experience with outside businesses as a group. That Melenchon and his holograms used French presidential campaign.—AFP While the new tools and features are impres- augmented reality in a way that isn’t so scary or would, for instance, allow groups of friends to sive, analyst Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research off-putting.” Until the past year or so, it seemed share Spotify playlists or to make a restaurant cautioned that that “most of them won’t be in like it would be at least another decade before reservation through OpenTable that keeps users’ hands anytime soon.” That’s especially true augmented reality would have a chance to everyone on the same page. The idea is simpli- for the Spaces app, since relatively few of become a widely used technology, said Ficus fy what might otherwise require a flurry of Facebook’s 1.9 billion members are using Kirkpatrick, Facebook’s director of engineering. texts and sharing of links.—AP Only 5% of large companies to meet IT requirements of the New Digital Business

DUBAI: Dell EMC announced the research shows that most respondents Transformation progress and deter- manual processes and tasks; and run- results of a new study conducted by are falling behind a small and elite set mine the degree to which global ning IT as a profit center rather than a Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG), which of competitors who have cracked the organizations have achieved those dif- cost center. revealed that a majority of senior IT IT Transformation code, and they’re ferent stages based on their responses These companies: 96 percent leaders and decision-making man- competing more vigorously because of to questions about their organization’s exceeded revenue targets last year, agers of large companies surveyed it. As organizations progress in their IT on premise IT infrastructure, processes more than two times the least mature. around the world indicate their organi- Transformation investments, they can and organizational alignment. Are eight times more likely than the zations have yet to fully embrace the overcome the conflict between legacy Based on the global survey least mature organizations to report a aspects of IT Transformation needed to IT and digital business initiatives to real- responses, the 1,000 participating highly cooperative relationship remain competitive. While there is a organizations were segmented into between IT and the business. Made clear imperative for companies to the following four IT Transformation “excellent progress “running IT as a CALIFORNIA: Ron Nichols President of Southern California Edison (SCE), transform their legacy IT, digital trans- maturity stages: Stage 1 - Legacy (12 profit center rather than a cost center talks during a news conference at the SCE Center Power Plant in Norwalk, formation is becoming the driving percent): Falls short on many - if not all - (seven times more likely than the least California. —AP force to making IT Transformation a of the dimensions of IT Transformation mature.) Are seven times more likely top priority. in the ESG study. Stage 2 - Emerging than the least mature organizations to However the ESG 2017 IT (42 percent): Showing progress in IT have IT viewed by the business as a California utility launches Transformation Maturity Curve study Transformation but having minimal competitive differentiator. Leverage IT commissioned by Dell EMC shows 95 deployment of modern data center resources to speed product innova- first hybrid power systems percent of survey respondents indi- technologies. Stage 3 - Evolving (41 tion and time to market (six times cate their organizations are at risk of percent): Showing commitment to IT more likely than the least mature NORWALK: A California utility has launched er bills. Edison President Ron Nichols said falling behind a smaller group of Transformation and having a moder- organizations.) unique systems combining a hybrid battery the twin systems that went online March industry peers that are transforming ate deployment of modern data cen- According to ESG, the adoption of and gas turbine to produce and store elec- 30 operate somewhat like a hybrid car - their IT infrastructures, processes and ter technologies and IT delivery meth- modern data center technologies, tricity for use during hot summer months drawing first on the battery, then switch- delivery methods to accelerate their ods. Stage 4 - Transformed (5 percent): such as scale-out storage systems and other times when power demand soars. ing over to the gas turbine if power goals of becoming digital businesses. Furthest along in IT Transformation and converged/hyper-converged The new Hybrid Electric Gas Turbines are demands spike. Many organizations still measure initiatives. infrastructure, can improve the agility the first of their kind in the world, officials Energy output is combined between application cycle times in months, if The majority of respondents (71 and responsiveness of infrastructure with Southern California Edison and manu- turbines and new 10-megawatt lithium-ion not years; have isolated infrastructures; percent) agree that IT Transformation provisioning, IT project delivery and facturer General Electric said during an battery storage units. As a result, the sys- and continue to grapple with rigid is essential to ongoing business com- application development. The study event Monday near Los Angeles. The new tems do not burn fuel when they’re on legacy architectures - all barriers to Mohammed Amin petitiveness. Of the “Transformed” found: 54 percent of all respondents systems will reduce greenhouse gas emis- stand-by, significantly reducing green- undertaking a successful digital trans- companies, 85 percent believe their use converged or hyper-converged sions and air pollution by 60 percent and house gas emissions. And they can be formation. ize their goals, speed time to market organizations are in a “very strong” or infrastructure to support applica- save millions of gallons of cooling water turned on immediately to push power into “These findings mirror how the vast and increase competitiveness.” “strong” position to compete and suc- tions. 58 percent of all respondents annually, Edison said. the grid to compensate for outages or majority of customers are telling us The ESG 2017 IT Transformation ceed in their market over the next few have adopted scale-out storage sys- There were no numbers on how much increased demand. “The battery is there at they need to optimize their existing Maturity Curve study was designed to years contrasted with 43 percent of tems in some capacity. Roughly 50 consumers might save. But officials said the flick of a switch,” Nichols said. The sys- infrastructures to take advantage of understand the role that IT the least mature companies. The percent of respondents are commit- increased reliability and the reduced envi- tems are running in Norwalk and Rancho digital-age opportunities,” said Transformation plays toward becom- “Transformed” organizations report ted to software-defined as a long- ronmental impact will lead to significant Cucamonga at plants built to provide extra Mohammed Amin, Senior Vice ing a digital business. ESG employed a the most progress in leveraging IT term strategy and have begun to cost reductions for the utility, which will be juice following an especially hot summer President, Middle East, Turkey and research-based, data-driven maturity resources to speed product innova- implement, evaluate or plan for soft- passed on to customers in the form of low- that strained the grid. —AP Africa at Dell EMC. “However, the model to identify different stages of IT tion and time to market; automating ware-defined technologies THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Studies question autism link to antidepressants in pregnancy

MIAMI: Two scientific studies published Tuesday discrepancy could come down to how scientists ications while pregnant may be safer than previ- other factors,” said the second study. suggested the risk of children developing autism adjust for a variety of potential confounding fac- ously thought.” Most of the antidepressants exam- In 2015, a major Canadian study in JAMA, after their mothers used antidepressants while tors. “To our knowledge, this is one of the ined for the study were selective serotonin reup- based on more than 145,000 pregnancies, found pregnant may be lower than previously believed. strongest studies to show that exposure to anti- take inhibitors (SSRIs), a common class of drugs an 87 percent higher risk of autism when mothers One of the studies in the findings in the Journal of depressants during early pregnancy is not associ- that includes Prozac, Zoloft and Celexa. took antidepressant medications later in pregnan- the American Medical Association included 1.5 ated with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity A second study looked at more than 35,000 cy, a crucial time for brain development in the million infants in Sweden from 1996 to 2012, mak- disorder (ADHD) or poor fetal growth when taking children in Canada from 2002 to 2010 and found a fetus. As many as one in 45 children are diag- ing it one of the largest populations ever ana- into account the factors that lead to medication slightly higher risk of autism among the children nosed with autism spectrum disorder in the lyzed to understand the impact of antidepressant use in the first place,” said lead author Brian of women who took antidepressants, but the risk United States, according to a recent study by the use during pregnancy. The study found that D’Onofrio, professor at Indiana University. was no longer statistically significant after tweak- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. mothers’ use of antidepressants early in pregnan- “Balancing the risks and benefits of using anti- ing the adjustments for other factors, like genet- Scientists still do not fully understand what caus- cy did not increase the risk of their children devel- depressants during pregnancy is an extremely dif- ics and environment. Both studies stopped short es autism, though both genetics and environment oping autism. ficult decision that every woman should make in of proving any cause-and-effect. “Although a are believed to play a role. Around 10 percent of The report said these findings ran counter to consultation with her doctor,” he added. causal relationship cannot be ruled out, the previ- pregnant women are currently being treated with several previous studies, and the reason for the “However, this study suggests use of these med- ously observed association may be explained by antidepressants. — AFP

Battling old habits, the mayor of Warsaw launches climate revolution

LONDON: When Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, committed to addressing climate change. the mayor of Warsaw, introduced bus lanes But while Gronkiewicz-Waltz sometimes on one of the city’s main arteries to cut travel has to tell her husband off for not sorting times by public transport and to encourage rubbish properly, she doesn’t think women more people to use it, not everybody in the are better climate defenders than men. “I Polish capital was impressed. “There was a don’t want to sound sexist,” she said. lot of opposition,” Gronkiewicz-Waltz said. “Perhaps women pay more attention to “It’s not easy to convince people to use pub- green areas and cleanliness but men are sen- lic transport if driving a car is still quite an sitive, too.” entrenched habit.” Eight years later, Warsaw’s residents - or Revolution of the mindsets Varsovians - have not only got used to bus Changes happening in Warsaw are per- lanes but thanks to the city’s growing net- haps most visible on the banks of the Vistula, work of bike lanes they can now also cycle Poland’s biggest river. One of its shores has around town using one of the 4,500 munici- been returned back to its natural state, allow- pal bicycles available for hire. Gronkiewicz- ing Varsovians to relax on a sandy beach, cycle, Waltz, who took office in 2006 as the first walk along its leafy banks and even enjoy woman to hold the position, says she wants cross-country skiing in the winter. “It’s like to tackle Warsaw’s pollution and make being on holiday,” said Gronkiewicz-Waltz. Poland’s capital and largest city climate- Following upgrading work, the city’s waste- friendly as a legacy for future generations. water plant now generates nearly 50 percent “Everybody wants to live in a healthy of its power onsite, while later this year environment,” Gronkiewicz-Waltz told the Varsovians will be able to test a new car shar- Thomson Reuters Foundation in an inter- ing scheme - another initiative aimed at mak- view in Polish. “In my case it’s also about my ing the capital’s air cleaner. daughter and grandchildren - they are an Gronkiewicz-Waltz said many invest- CROATIA: This picture shows a small hydro plant on the Korana river, in Karlovac, Croatia. — AFP additional motivation.” Around the world, ments towards a greener environment in cities are increasingly at the forefront of Warsaw have been possible thanks to fund- action to curb climate change. Some have ing from the European Union. set ambitious emissions reduction goals, “Modernizing old trams, SKM (rapid city Blue heart of Europe at while others have pushed ahead with poli- trains) would certainly have been impossi- cies despite national-level foot dragging. ble without EU funds,” said Gronkiewicz- And increasingly, many of the cities lead- Waltz, a former central bank head. She said ing in climate change - Paris, Washington, while changing mindsets and cutting plan- risk of a heart attack Sydney, Cape Town - are run by women. In et-warming emissions in coal-dependent two years, the number of women leading Poland was a struggle, the country had large cities that are at the forefront of climate emerged as a pioneer in the battle against Croatian rivers face hydroelectric peril action has risen from four to 16, according to climate change, in part thanks to support the C40 Cities network of more than 80 cities from young people. —Reuters KARLOVAC, Croatia: Swans glide peacefully Mreznica and Kupa (rivers) are now at stake,” said for spatial planning and the environment. over green river waters in the central Croatian Denis Franciskovic of Eko Pan, a Croatian environ- Hydropower has been used in the region for cen- area of Karlovac, a tranquil spot popular with mental group. turies without devastating nature, he said. “There fishermen and swimmers that environmentalists is almost no waterfall without human interven- fear could be devastated by hydropower proj- Significantly fewer fish tion, from old watermills to modern plants.” ects. Croatia faces a dilemma as it produces no The large Lesce plant was inaugurated in 2010 more than 75 percent of the electricity it needs — the first in the former Yugoslav republic since Dangers are real’ for its 4.3 million people each year, half of which it became independent in 1991 — with the aim Advocates of small-scale hydropower empha- comes from its dense network of rivers. But to of boosting economic activity in an area particu- size the need to stabilize and distribute the sys- build on its self-sustainability risks damaging the larly hard hit during the 1990s Balkan wars. But tem, bringing production facilities closer to con- appeal of these picturesque waterways, in a barely a year later, authorities named a special sumers. Croatia’s accession to the European country where tourism brings in 18 percent of team to deal with the plant’s damage after it Union in 2013 has also helped to improve regula- gross domestic product (GDP). flooded a 13-kilometre stretch of one of Croatia’s tions in the sector. But the financial benefits for In 2016, the Karlovac region alone brought in most beautiful canyons. Zeljko Capan from a local communities are often small. The town of almost 300,000 tourists. Several dozen small local fishing club said he and fellow fishers had Ozalj in central Croatia, for example, gets less hydroelectric power projects are now planned noticed “significantly fewer fish” since the plant than 10,000 euros ($10,500) annually as compen- across Croatia, built by either the state-run HEP was installed. sation from a plant on the Kupa river. national energy group or private companies. “We should concentrate on tourism. What else Nikola Zivcic, a 57-year-old resident of the Activists fear they will have a far-reaching nega- is there to do in Karlovac and its region?” Eight tiny town of Slunj on the Korana river, is wor- tive impact in a country that prides itself on its small hydropower plants are now planned in the ried about two plants planned in the area pristine nature. “Small hydro plants are nothing area, where unemployment is high and commu- known for its picturesque watermills and MANILA: This undated handout photo shows a scientist removing the but misleading to the public, since it is implied nities are trying to revive their economies with waterfalls. “The benefits (of the plants) are top of the shell revealing a giant shipworm living inside, at a labora- that their impact is small,” said Irma Popovic activities for visitors such as canoeing and raft- small or negligible while dangers and potential tory in Manila. —AFP Dujmovic from the local branch of environmental ing. Forty percent of the region is also in Natura damages are real,” Zivcic said, stressing that watchdog WWF. 2000, a European Union network aimed at pro- tourism was crucial to the town’s survival. Sulphur-powered shipworm “In fact, their impact on small rivers is the tecting biodiversity across Europe. Concerns about new projects go beyond same as the impact of large plants on large rivers, Officials acknowledge that the Lesce plant’s Croatia’s borders and across the Balkans, where unearthed in Philippines notably if dams are constructed,” she said. In construction, based on a 1985 environmental there is a “tsunami” of plans to construct more Croatia, the situation is most critical in Karlovac, impact study, gave hydropower a bad name, but than 2,000 plants in the next few years, accord- MANILA: An enormous black worm that tive system, this was shrunken and known as the “town on four rivers”-one of which say lessons have been learned. “The environment ing to Franciskovic. “The blue heart of Europe is lives in the mud of the sea floor and sur- appeared to be largely redundant. Instead, has already been damaged by hydropower. “The will not be destroyed, it will be preserved,” said at risk of a heart attack,” warns Balkan Rivers, an vives on the remnants of noxious gases Kuphus Polythalamia relies on bacteria Lesce plant killed the Dobra river. The Korana, Marinko Maradin, head of Karlovic’s department ecological campaign group. —AFP digested by bacteria has been unveiled by that live in its gills, which digest hydrogen scientists for the first time. The slimy giant sulphide-a gas that smells of rotten eggs- shipworm can grow up to 155 centimeters from the mud and emits traces of carbon. in length, despite living a sedentary life in The process is photosynthesis in plants, ocean sediment and apparently eating where they take carbon dioxide from the Battle brews over where nothing more than the waste products of air, use the carbon to grow and expel oxy- the micro-organisms that live in its gills. gen as a by-product. “We are amazed. This is the first time “We suspected the giant shipworm was we saw a shipworm as large as this. radically different from other wood-eating to keep LA Zoo’s elephant Usually, shipworms are only as short as a shipworms. Finding the animal confirmed matchstick and are white,” Filipino marine that,” said Margo Haygood, a research pro- biologist Julie Albano said. The shipworm fessor at the University of Utah who also LOS ANGELES: A city councilman said Tuesday times bobs his head is a sign of trouble. Koretz the zoo for his physical and psychological is a not actually a worm at all, but a took part in the study. The discovery of the that he wants to move an Asian elephant from intends to introduce a plan for moving Billy at health. “I don’t believe that the zoo can take the bivalve-like mussels and clams-and has its giant shipworm, a species never before its longtime home at the Los Angeles Zoo to a Wednesday’s council meeting. necessary care and give what the elephants own brittle, tusk-like shell. Also known by studied, marked the first time scientists sanctuary where it can roam more widely. But Billy, born in 1985 and a resident of the zoo need,” said Melya Kaplan, founder of the Voice its scientific name Kuphus Polythalamia, had live specimens in hand, according to zoo officials say the animal’s state-of-the-art since 1989, is part of the Elephants of Asia exhib- for the Animals Foundation, told reporters. the mollusc is radically different from its an article published this week in American habitat gives him the range he needs for a good it that includes two females, Tina and Jewel. Zoo officials held their own news conference smaller shipworm cousins, which burrow journal Proceedings of the National life. Councilman Paul Koretz and the group Voice They are separated from him by a fence. at the zoo to defend their care of Billy, who in-and digest-wood. Academy of Sciences. “This remarkable for the Animals say Billy’s habitat is constrained Advocates of moving Billy to an elephant sanc- moved about in the background. “Billy is given Researchers who analyzed the creature species remains to be fully described and and that behavior by Billy in which he some- tuary contend he cannot get enough exercise at free range,” said Josh Sisk, curator of mammals. found that although it had its own diges- explained,” the journal said. —AFP “He’s given options each day. He has enrichment devices.” The Elephants of Asia exhibit opened in 2010 and is the zoo’s largest habitat, encompass- ing 6.5 acres. Almost half of it is open space and Kenyans protect wetlands includes bathing pools, a waterfall and varied topography. The habitat also includes a high-tech barn for to curb water scarcity care of all sizes of elephants. Zoo officials said the elephant’s habitat exceeds state and federal BUSIA, Kenya: Armed with a hoe and absorbing excess rainfall during floods, standards, as well as those of the Association of Wellington boots, George Wandera planted with the stored water then available in Zoos and Aquariums. Opponents contend that bamboo seedlings in neatly dug holes times of drought,” said Julie Mulonga, pro- Billy and the females cannot use the entire area along the banks of a stream on his farm gram manager at Wetlands International set aside for them because they are kept sepa- that feeds a nearby lake in western Kenya. Kenya, a conservation charity in Busia. rated. Zoo Director John Lewis said the separa- “I’ve never tried this on my farm before but During the current drought, farmers tion is necessary. “There is a barrier between it’s the first step in protecting the stream,” and herders have been drawing water from them. But they touch, they share food, they talk he said. “Before the last downpour a few the wetlands, and streams feeding them to each other, they socialize,” he said. days ago, the water source had completely have run dry. Unpredictable rainfall is not “And the barrier is there because the two girls dried up.” Large swathes of Kenya - includ- the only reason Kenya’s wetlands are under are post-reproductive cows, and we don’t want ing parts of Busia county where Wandera threat. Local communities have also been to take the risk that they might be bred by Billy lives - are experiencing severe water short- draining them to grow crops, Mulonga because that would be really bad for them.” Billy ages, which have damaged crops and left said. Wandera remembers when large parts displays the head bobbing behavior when he is 2.6 million people in need of aid. of the Sio-Siteko wetland, near the border aware he will be fed soon, Lewis said. “He uses The country’s wetlands too have suf- with Uganda, were drained to make way the bobbing in anticipation of his keepers, when fered in the drought, putting at risk com- for farmland. “We never thought our activi- he hears them in the barn, when he knows it’s munities who depend on them for fishing ties were harmful until we saw the conse- time to get fed,” he said. Voice for the Animals or irrigation, and who rely on them to act quences - that is, more floods during the plans to raise funds for moving Billy at a May as a buffer from floods and drought. rainy season and less water during the dry LOS ANGELES: Billy, a male Asian elephant, roams in his habitat at the Elephants of Asia exhibit comedy fundraiser featuring celebrities includ- “Wetlands such as lakes and floodplains act season, leading to a decline in vegetation at the Los Angeles Zoo. — AP ing Lily Tomlin and Craig Ferguson. —AP as natural safeguards against disasters, by and animal species,” he said. —Reuters THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Creativity, a mating boost for the unattractive male

PARIS: In the ruthless world of the mating game, the same pictures to another group of volunteers-but with less attractive faces get a big boost in the popu- highly? Watkins pointed to evolutionary biology-the plain-looking men instinctively know that being fun- this time he provided clues about the subjects’ cre- larity contest if they show a creative touch, Watkins hidden criteria that drive us to seek the best mate for ny, smart or poetic helps to compensate for a less- ativity. Attached to each picture were mini exercises found. “Creative guys with less attractive faces were ensuring healthy offspring and their survival. “Women than-stellar exterior. That gut feeling has now gained in the imagination. almost identical in attractiveness to really good look- on average are a more selective sex when it comes to scientific validation from an unusual study published ing guys who were not as creative,” he told AFP in a choosing romantic partners,” he said. Imagination and yesterday. Average-looking men become more allur- Look at me, I’m clever phone interview. inspiration may be “a proxy for intelligence,” he sug- ing when women sense the man has an imaginative In one test, there was a 100-word text based on The top-ranked men were those considered to be gested. “Creativity is thought to be a signal that an spark, it found. “The Lovers,” a surrealist painting by Rene Magritte in both physically attractive and creative. For women, individual can invest time and effort into a particular But for women, sadly, there may not be the same which two lovers kiss, their heads strangely covered in though, the news is not so good. Looks remain para- task or can see things in novel ways that may be use- boost. Indeed, one experiment suggests that less white cloths. Half of these texts, attributed to the per- mount. In one experiment, creativeness did nothing ful for survival.” attractive women even worsen their mating chances sons pictured, were dull or factual (“Are they being to boost the allure of attractive women-and it even That means nerds and poets are at a big disadvan- if they show mental zing. “Creative women with less held hostage?”), and the other half were inspired or reduced the appeal of less attractive women. tage in online dating, where decisions to swipe left or attractive faces seem to be perhaps penalised in conceptual (“It is perhaps an indicator that looks fade However, another experiment on similar lines had right-to shun or show interest-are often based on just some way,” said Christopher Watkins, a psychologist and in the end it does not matter as you will always be conflicting findings, Watkins found: creativity showed a glance. “Certain platforms that we have now for dat- at Abertay University in Scotland, who carried out the left with the personality of someone”). an equally boosting effect for average-looking ing might not be favorable for assessing people on research. Watkins first recruited a batch of volunteers In a second test, head shots were linked with an women and male counterparts. more complex attributes,” Watkins said. The allure of who looked at pictures of men and women, rating everyday object-a tire and a text describing an alter- creativity may not be limited to potential romantic each on the basis of their physical looks alone. Armed native use for it. Half of these descriptions were He’s a geek? Swipe left partners, but extend to potential friends too, the with this benchmark of beauty, he then submitted inventive, others less so. The results showed that men Why would women rate creativity among men so study found. —AFP Microdosing trend has Americans tuning in with psychedelic drugs

WASHINGTON: After a litany of prescriptions media professional in the nation’s capital, has That classification brought mid-century stud- failed to control her stormy mood swings and taken recreational tabs of acid-which he said ies on using psychedelics as medicine to a stand- deep depression, writer Ayelet Waldman finally have run him about 10 dollars each-in addition still. Obvious hazards include ingesting street found relief in a blue vial of diluted LSD. Feeling to tiny doses. drugs cut with harmful substances or incorrectly she “had nothing to lose,” the San Francisco Bay- Rather than a full psychedelic experience, he controlling dosage, Johnson said. And because area former federal public defender deposited said microdosing gives him “a slight sharpening intended doses are so small, perceived positive two tiny drops of the psychedelic drug under her of concentration, I think produced by the effect impacts might actually be placebo effects. Still, tongue-and soon felt her gloom subside. “I was that LSD has of making everything feel textured he said microdosing warrants controlled study as starting to feel, frankly, suicidal,” the 52-year-old and interesting.” “I felt not on top of the world, “it’s absolutely interesting and very plausible that told AFP. “If the other option is death-or at least, but one percent more on top of the world than there could be effects of cognitive enhancement misery that feels like death-then there’s no rea- usual,” he said. “Which kind of made me feel like I and anti-depression.” son not to at least try something different.” wanted to work. ”Oliver said he thinks of micro- His own studies have yielded encouraging Waldman says she renewed her spirit by dosing as “a cop-out way of doing psychedelics.” outcomes using psilocybin to help cancer SOUTH AFRICA: This handout picture shows a leopard at the Soutpansberg “microdosing,” a modish-albeit illegal and Mountains, South Africa. — AFP potentially risky-trend that involves ingesting a nearly imperceptible portion of a psychedelic Key leopard population drug, often LSD or psilocybin mushrooms. The goal is not to hallucinate but to boost work per- formance and creativity or, as was Waldman’s crashing, study warns case, treat a laundry list of ailments including mood disorders. PARIS: The leopard population in a region though experts agree this is not a major “Within the first day I felt better,” she said. “The of South Africa once thick with the big cats cause of the population decline. depression was just gone-and that was astonish- is crashing, and could be wiped out within ing.” She credits her daily LSD regimen of some a few years, scientists warned yesterday. Bleak findings 10 micrograms of acid-about one-tenth of a full, Illegal killing of leopards in the A 2008 census of leopards in the 6,800- far more kaleidoscopic hit-with improving her Soutpansberg Mountains has reduced their square kilometer Soutpansberg Mountains relationships and enhancing her work. “I would numbers by two-thirds in the last decade, found a robust population of nearly 11 have access to ‘that flow,’” she said, describing the researchers reported in the Royal adult cats for each hundred square kilome- how subtle doses of LSD changed her writing Society Open Science journal. ters. To find out how the carnivores had habits. “Your mind moves swiftly but not errati- “If things don’t change, we predict leop- fared since then, Williams and his team set cally, with a kind of really delightful focus.” ards will essentially disappear from the up four dozen motion-triggered camera Microdosing has gained traction outside area by about 2020,” lead author Samual traps across the area, and left them in place drug-enthusiast circles in recent years, particular- Williams, a conservation biologist at from 2012 to 2016. The cameras captured a ly among young professionals in California’s Durham University in England, said. “This is total of 65 individual leopards during the Silicon Valley looking to dial up their careers. Its especially alarming given that, in 2008, this four-year period: 16 adult males, 28 adult growing popularity has been ushered along by area had one of the highest leopard densi- females and 21 younger cats. several influential US podcasts and most recently ties in Africa.” The number of leopards in They also fitted eight adults with GPS Waldman’s latest book, “A Really Good Day: How the wild worldwide is not known, but is collars to track their movements-or lack Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My diminishing elsewhere as well. thereof. Only two of the GPS-tagged leop- Mood, My Marriage, and My Life,” in which she The “best estimate” for all of South ards survived the monitoring period. details how psychedelics helped her get off the Africa, said Williams, is about 4,500. What is Three were done in by snares, one was manic-depressive rollercoaster. WASHINGTON: This photo shows LSD blotter tabs on top of a US quarter coin in certain, however, is that the regions these shot by a local resident whose cattle had Washington, DC. — AFP predators roam has shrunk drastically over been attacked, and two went missing, More in touch the last two centuries. The historic range of probably killed since they also disap- LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a “It’s much less threatening,” he said wryly. “And is patients manage anxiety and depression, or to Panthera pardus, which includes more than peared from camera surveillance. A statis- potent synthetic drug that gained notoriety in less likely to like, cause temporary ego death, or help tobacco smokers quit. In general, he said, half-a-dozen sub-species, covered large tical analysis of the results showed “a 66 1960s counterculture. In large doses it can make you spiral into soul-crushing confusion researchers focused on psychedelics say overreg- swathes of Africa and Asia, and extended percent decline over a period just over 7.5 induce hallucinations and drastically alter per- over the changing color of the sky.” ulation is hindering progress. The legal gamble well into the Arabian Peninsula. Leopards years,” the study concluded. ception and cognitive functions for prolonged ultimately dissuaded Waldman from continuing once roamed the forests of Sri Lanka and Ironically, the bleak findings helped periods of time. Carl, whose name has been A legal gamble to microdose. She received her initial 30-day LSD Java unchallenged. conservationists and local officials raise changed for fear of legal repercussions, works While microdosing has shown anecdotal supply from a friend of a friend-but procuring Today, they occupy barely a quarter of money to hire a “community engagement in media in Washington and told AFP he has medicinal and performance-enhancing prom- more proved nerve wracking. this territory, with some sub-species tee- officer.” “One of the things he does is help microdosed with LSD at work some half dozen ise, potential risks like long-term toxicity Drug penalties vary state by state, but are tering on the brink of extinction, trapped local people adopt non-lethal techniques” times in the past year. He said the tiny hits help remain unclear, said Matthew Johnson, who often similar to the federal ones: up to a year in in one or two percent of their original to prevent leopards from attacking cattle him stay focused. studies drug abuse and addiction at Johns jail and a $1000 fine for a first offense of LSD pos- habitat. Leopards were classified last year and other livestock, including the use of “You’ve got more energy,” the 29-year-old Hopkins University. Microdosing is “totally session. As a former lawyer who has defended as “vulnerable” to extinction on the guard dogs, Williams added. But the clash said. “The core of your consciousness is still unstudied” for both funding and legal reasons, clients on drug charges, Waldman said she could- International Union for the Conservation between humans and big carnivores, there-you just might be a little bit more in he told AFP: LSD was first criminalized in 1966 n’t justify the risk. Until LSD is legalized-unlikely of Nature’s Red List of endangered experts agree, is mostly due to humanity’s touch.”Oliver, whose name has also been and in 1970 the US government grouped it, anytime soon-she said she probably won’t micro- species, which tracks the survival status of expanding footprint, especially in Africa, changed, describes dropping microdoses as a along with psilocybin, in the most legally dose again. Unless, Waldman said, “I start to animals and plants. South Africa recently whose population is set to expand by more “very mild euphoria-almost like anticipation of restrictive category of substances alongside become suicidal again.”“If it’s a choice to die or suspended trophy hunting of leopards, than a billion before mid-century. —AFP something good.” The 25-year-old, who is also a drugs like heroin and mescaline. commit a crime, I’ll commit a crime.” —AFP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

Gulf Bank and Al Sadu Society hold Educational Workshops for Children

ulf Bank is pleased to announce its exclu- for Corporate Communications at Gulf Bank partner with Gulf Bank to deliver this year-long sive sponsorship of a year-long series of said: "In light of the fast-paced modernization of series of free children's textiles workshops." educational workshop in partnership Kuwait Al-Sadu Society and its programs are During these workshops, children are given a Gwith the Al-Sadu Society, a distinguished important because they promote and preserve guided choice of colors, designs and tech- Kuwaiti institution. Entitled 'Fun with Textiles,' the beautiful traditions of Sadu weaving and niques, through which they will be able to these workshops are designed for children to handicrafts among the young generations. Gulf develop their creative skills while having fun. develop their skills in crafts and textile art tech- Bank strongly supports preserving Kuwaiti her- Instructors will be present in each session to niques. The next session will be held on April 22, itage, as well programs that are educational in encourage children and teach them that crafts at Sadu House, followed by two more in May, nature. We are pleased to partner with Al-Sadu are a form of art. Based on Gulf Bank's sponsor- and will resume in September and run until end Society to encourage children to appreciate and ship, all workshops are free of charge, and are of the year. understand Kuwaiti heritage and traditions. We divided into different and varied activities. The workshops are free and open to children thank our partners at Al-Sadu for their ongoing Al-Sadu Society started in 1978, as a private ages 6-12, although advanced registration is work and dedication to Kuwait, and we look for- initiative, by a group of concerned Kuwaitis who required. Each session is open to 12 attendees ward to our ongoing partnership." wished to preserve a fast disappearing, yet who will learn and develop creative skills in a Sheikha Bibi Al-Sabah, Chair of Al-Sadu intrinsic, cultural identity, the Al-Sadu Project relaxed and stimulating environment, with the Society, highlighted the importance of preserv- was founded. It aims to promote and to cele- assistance of professional bilingual instructors. ing Kuwait's cultural heritage, saying, "One of brate Kuwait's cultural and textile heritage. Gulf The workshops are structured to ensure that it is Al-Sadu Society's objectives are to encourage Bank's sponsorship of Al-Sadu Society work- fun, flexible and practical. Children will learn everyone to experience our country's traditions, shops comes in line with its CSR program that how create modern, fun accessories for them- especially the younger generation. We are dedi- supports events and initiatives that are focused selves. Additionally, the children will be able to cated to documenting and promoting the rich on promoting Kuwait's heritage and culture, explore the exhibits at the Sadu House and diverse textile heritage of Kuwaiti Bedouins, supporting youth education, encouraging Museum. from the nomadic weaving of the desert to the health and fitness, helping the underprivileged Laila Al-Qatami, Assistant General Manager urban weaving of the town. We are proud to and empowering women.

LAPA presents 'Sabiliyyat Ismail' at Dasma theatre

ithin the activities of LOYAC's Academy for Performance Arts (LAPA), the 'Sabiliyyat Ismail' monodrama, that is based on a novel by Ismail Fahad Ismail and was recently presented in Kuwait at Dasma theatre, is currently represent- Wing Kuwait at the International Universities Monodrama Festival in Tunisia. The play is prepared by Fareah Al-Saqqaf, starred by actress Sherin Hajji and directed by Rasoul Al- Sagheer.

AUK restructures Intensive English Program

he American University of Kuwait conducted a develop- sentations and special topic courses. "The notion that we can pare students seeking admission to the academic degree pro- mental revision-with the approval of the Private Universities achieve excellence through the continued capitalization of the grams of AUK by enabling them to gain sufficient mastery of Council (PUC) and the Commission on English Language latest pedagogical approaches to learning and instructional the English language and successfully apply the critical thinking TProgram Accreditation (CEA)-of its Intensive English Program, delivery is what distinguishes us locally as well as regionally. We skills they need to excel both during and after their formal stud- which aims to strengthen and advance students' English profi- take pride in the successful integration of best practices as it ies. The IEP achieves its mission by training non-native English ciency to succeed in the university. The previously 3-level pro- advances the mission of our institution, and most importantly, speakers in specific uses of English for academic purposes, by gram has been restructured so students will be able to complete promotes and enhances the education and knowledge experi- providing quality English language instruction to all who have the course in 2 semesters. ence of our students. Our constituents expect nothing less," said chosen English as their medium of communication for academ- Students will be instructed for approximately 23 hours a week Dr Rawda H Awwad, AUK Provost. ic pursuits and by promoting international, intercultural, and on reading and writing, in addition to oral communication, pre- The mission of the Intensive English Program (IEP) is to pre- self-understanding. Al-Fadhel bin Al-Abbas Elementary Boys School holds sports closing ceremony

he closing ceremony of sports activities and physical boys Dr. Ahmad Al-Fayez Al-Hazza, and in the presence of education in Hawally Education Zone for the school senior physical Education Director for boys in Hawally Dr. year 2016-2017 was held yesterday under the patron- Istiqlal Al-Raqam. The ceremony was held at Al-Fadhel bin Tage of the Acting General Director of Physical Education for Al-Abbas elementary boys school in South Surra. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

'Q8 Pulse' 88.8 FM unveils programs during the holy month of Ramadan

By Nawara Fattahova Khalid Habib, Executive Chairman of Adline Media Network, that financed 88.8 FM noted that he is proud he popular radio station 'Q8 Pulse' (Nabd Al Kuwait) and impressed with the great achievements of the radio 88.8 FM unveiled its plan of programs for the holy station that were achieved in very short period. A report month of Ramadan during the media event held on by IPSOS on the Kuwait Radio Scene 2017 was presented TTuesday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Talal Al-Yaqout, CEO of during the event. This study showed different informa- the 88.8 FM said that investing in human resources is the tion about 88.8 FM such as the percentage of listener most important factor for any business. "From my long from both genders as 63 percent are males, while 37 are career in media I learnt that the factor of success of any females. business is in the investment in HR, and you are the best The study also showed that 85 percent listen to the sta- example. 88.8 FM is the most expensive radio station in the tion in their car, 13 percent at home, and 3 percent in the world, which cost KD 1.2 million, and they put their trust in office. 75 percent of the listeners use radio sets, while 21 me," he pointed out. percent listen to the 88.8 through the internet, and 9 per- cent through TV. It also mentioned the main businesses advertising in 88.8 including banks, airlines, cars, commer- cial centers and others. Al-Yaqout mentioned some figures highlighting the great success of the radio station. "88.8 FM reached over 58 thousand followers since its launch about five months back. We ranked as the number 1 commercial radio station in Kuwait according to IPSOS statistics within less than 6 months. The success is not just how we reached this posi- tion but how to preserve it," he explained. He then present- ed a review of the new programs that 88.8 FM prepared for the listeners for Ramadan. These include; Goool, Rab'a Al-Diwaniya, Capture, Yam'aetna Gher, El Dinya b Kher, Bouresli A'ala Nabd Al- Kuwait, Abnaouna Fi Ramadan, Sana Al-Kuwait, Mousalsal Al-Marhoum, El Hayat, Sawalif Moza, E'isabat Mara'oub, Degayeg A'ala Nabd Al-Kuwait, Insta Cook, Low Battery, Hazawi Ramadan, Al-Bandeera, and Kanz FM. These programs will meet the taste of all age cate- gories with its different subjects including history telling, cooking, fairytale, social discussions, sports debates, competitions, and many more.

Burgan Bank gears up for its two day TRI festival

urgan Bank is gearing up for the two-day aging children and adults alike to train and par- many activities and exciting draws. Burgan Bank is sporting festival 'Burgan Bank TRI Festival', ticipate in sports competitions. The festival com- proud to engage in community-driven interac- which will take place at Al-Corniche Club on mences on April 21, with a Sprint Aquathlon tions, which further reinforces its pioneering social AprilB 21 and 22. The 'Big Weekend' encourages the which includes a 2.5Km run, 500 meters' swim dedication to the wellbeing of the whole society. participation of all communities and is part of the and a 2.5 Km run, for individuals. It is worth mentioning that Burgan Bank's sup- bank's ongoing commitment to encourage utiliz- The Junior Aquathlon will also take place on port of this nationwide initiative falls under its ing sports as an engaging avenue to healthier liv- Friday, wherein children ages 6-9 will race for a recently launched full-fledged community pro- ing, while supporting athletes' passion for running, 100-meter swim and a 1Km run. Additionally, a gram entitled 'ENGAGE' -Together to be the swimming, and cycling. 200-meter swim race and a 2Km run competition change. This program sheds light on important With an expected outcome of 500 partici- for children ages 10 to 12 years old, followed by a aspects affecting every segment of the society by pants, the first of its kind festival in Kuwait is Team Relay race for different groups. The festival promoting social welfare through educational, cul- divided into 4 categories and is aimed at encour- also contains an entertaining program filled with tural, social and health

Al-Reqqa School concludes first Ahmadi Environment-Friendly Schools Competition

nder auspices of Ahmadi governor Sheikh Fawwaz Al- Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the presence of Ahamdi educational area director, Waleed Al-Oumi, AhmadiU security director, brigadier Saffah Al-Mulla, the first Ahmadi environment-Friendly Schools Competition was recently concluded and the third Ahmadi Governorate Environmental Exhibition was held at Al-Reqqa Secondary School for Girls; the first winner in the competition. Speaking on the occasion, Al-Sabah stressed that competi- tions and co-curriculum activities were ideal tools of encour- aging environmental awareness. Ahmadi educational area director, Waleed Al-Oumi said that preparations had been in progress for two years to promote environmental culture and awareness amongst the area 30 schools. The ceremony was also attended by the head of the environment-friendly schools project, Tareq Al-Shehab, the project supervisor at Ahmadi governorate, Ajmal Al-Ibrahim and Al-Reqqa school director, Safa Al-Saa'eed. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 TV PROGRAMS

21:50 Treasure Quest: Snake 08:00 Fish Tank Kings Island 09:00 Crime Lab 22:40 The Wheel: Survival Games 10:00 Origins: The Journey Of 23:30 Fast Nʼ Loud Humankind 11:00 Inside 00:00 Wanted 00:15 Swamp Brothers 12:00 Locked Up Abroad 02:00 The Gauntlet 00:45 Bondi Vet 00:00 Binny And The Ghost 13:00 Mega Factories 04:00 Batman: Bad Blood 01:40 Wild Animal Rescue 00:25 Hank Zipzer 14:00 Fish Tank Kings 05:30 The World Is Not Enough 02:35 Tanked 00:45 The Hive 15:00 Science Of Stupid 07:45 Last Action Hero 03:25 North America 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 16:00 Origins: The Journey Of 10:00 Lucy 04:15 Gator Boys Teenage Witch Humankind 00:05 Famously Single 11:45 Big Game 05:02 Swamp Brothers 01:40 Hank Zipzer 17:00 Inside 01:50 E! News 13:30 The World Is Not Enough 05:49 The Pool Master 02:05 Binny And The Ghost 18:00 Locked Up Abroad 02:50 Celebrity Style Story 15:45 Die Another Day 06:36 Swamp Brothers 02:55 Hank Zipzer 19:00 Science Of Stupid 03:50 Mariahʼs World 18:00 Harlock: Space Pirate 07:25 Pit Bulls & Parolees 03:15 The Hive 20:00 Origins: The Journey Of 05:30 Celebrity Style Story 20:00 Ladder 49 08:15 Wild Animal Rescue 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A Humankind 06:00 Just Jillian 22:00 Never Back Down: No 09:10 North America Teenage Witch 20:50 Inside Surrender 10:05 Tanked 06:55 E! News 04:10 Hank Zipzer 11:00 Pit Bulls & Parolees 07:10 Just Jillian 04:35 Binny And The Ghost 11:55 Bondi Vet 08:10 E! News 05:25 Hank Zipzer 12:50 Wild Animal Rescue 09:10 So Cosmo 05:45 The Hive 13:45 Gator Boys 12:00 E! News 05:50 The 7D 14:40 North America 12:15 Hollywood Medium With 06:00 Jessie 00:00 StartUp 00:00 Unfinished Business 15:35 Tanked Tyler Henry 06:25 Jessie 01:00 Marvelʼs Agents Of 01:45 Parenthood 16:30 Swamp Brothers 15:00 E! News 06:50 Tsum Tsum Shorts S.H.I.E.L.D. 04:00 The Rewrite 16:55 Swamp Brothers 15:15 So Cosmo 06:55 The Zhuzhus 02:00 Shut Eye 06:00 Liberal Arts 17:25 Treetop Cat Rescue 16:10 So Cosmo 07:20 Elena Of Avalor 03:00 Sleepy Hollow 08:00 Parenthood 17:50 Treetop Cat Rescue 17:05 So Cosmo 07:45 Bunkʼd 04:00 This Is Us 10:15 The Rewrite 18:20 Life At Vet University 18:00 So Cosmo 08:10 Stuck In The Middle 05:00 Good Morning America 12:15 Liberal Arts 19:15 Tanked 19:00 E! News 08:35 Bizaardvark 07:00 The Chew 14:15 Crazy On The Outside 20:10 North America 20:00 Keeping Up With The 09:00 Shake It Up 08:00 The View 16:00 Under The Tuscan Sun 21:05 Treetop Cat Rescue Kardashians 09:50 Thatʼs So Raven 09:00 How To Get Away With 18:00 Norbit 21:30 Treetop Cat Rescue 21:00 Keeping Up With The 10:40 Sonny With A Chance Murder 20:00 Blue Streak 22:00 Life At Vet University Kardashians 11:30 Good Luck Charlie 10:00 This Is Us 22:00 Someone Marry Barry 22:55 Gator Boys 22:00 Keeping Up With The 11:55 Disney Mickey Mouse 11:00 Marvelʼs Agents Of 23:50 Swamp Brothers Kardashians 12:00 Welcome To The Ronks S.H.I.E.L.D. 23:00 E! News 12:15 Gravity Falls 12:00 The Chew 12:40 Hank Zipzer 13:00 The View 13:05 Star Darlings 14:00 Live Good Morning America 13:10 Austin & Ally 16:00 How To Get Away With 13:35 Jessie Murder 00:30 Summer In February 14:00 Bunkʼd 17:00 This Is Us 02:15 Chariots Of Fire 00:00 It Takes A Killer 18:00 The Flash 01:00 Killer Kids Specials 14:25 Kirby Buckets 04:15 My Old Lady 00:20 Britainʼs Bloody Crown: War 14:50 Sunny Bunnies 19:00 Suits 06:00 And Justice For All 02:00 Crime Stories Of The Roses 20:00 Blindspot 03:00 Campus Killer: Santa 14:55 The Zhuzhus 08:00 Ronaldo 01:10 Big Easy Motors 15:20 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 21:00 Riverdale 10:00 Walking On Sunshine Barbara 02:00 Forged In Fire 22:00 Empire 04:00 It Takes A Killer And Cat Noir 11:45 Chariots Of Fire 02:50 Storage Wars 15:45 Elena Of Avalor 23:00 Sleepy Hollow 14:00 Oliverʼs Deal 05:00 Killer Kids Specials 03:15 American Pickers 06:00 My Crazy Ex 16:10 Liv And Maddie 16:00 Gone With The Bullets 04:05 Pawn Stars 16:35 Descendants Wicked World 18:00 Very Good Girls 08:00 Evil Up Close 04:30 Pawn Stars 09:00 It Takes A Killer 16:40 Girl Meets World 19:45 The Blind Side 05:00 Mountain Men 17:05 Stuck In The Middle 22:00 The Homesman 10:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 06:00 Lost In Transmission 11:00 The First 48 17:30 Bunkʼd 06:50 Ice Road Truckers 17:55 Bizaardvark 13:00 My Crazy Ex 07:40 Counting Cars 00:30 The Mindy Project 14:00 Evil Up Close 18:20 Disney Mickey Mouse 01:00 The Mindy Project 08:05 Car Hunters 18:25 Alex & Co. 15:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 08:30 Pawn Stars 01:30 Divorce 16:00 It Takes A Killer 18:50 Jessie 02:00 Divorce 09:20 Storage Wars 19:15 Tsum Tsum Shorts 17:00 The First 48 09:45 Storage Wars 02:30 Togetherness 00:00 Higher Learning 19:00 Evil Up Close 19:20 Backstage 03:00 Scrubs 02:15 X-Men: First Class 10:10 American Pickers 19:45 Austin & Ally 20:00 The Great Train Robbery 11:00 Sean Bean On Waterloo 03:30 Scrubs 04:45 The Fugitive 21:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 20:10 The Next Step 04:00 10 Items Or Less 07:00 Cas & Dylan 11:50 Battle 360 20:35 Cracke 22:00 My Crazy Ex 12:40 Swamp People 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 09:00 X-Men: First Class 23:00 My Ghost Story: Caught On 20:40 Disney The Lodge Jimmy Fallon 11:15 Cradle 2 The Grave 13:30 Ax Men 21:05 Girl Meets World Camera 14:20 Mountain Men 05:30 The Carmichael Show 13:15 Miracle 21:30 Thatʼs So Raven 06:00 George Lopez 15:45 Raising Helen 15:10 Ice Road Truckers 21:55 Star Darlings 16:00 Lost In Transmission 06:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 17:45 The Hunger Games: 22:00 Good Luck Charlie CRADLE 2 THE GRAVE ON OSN MOVIES HD 07:30 The Good Place Mockingjay Part I 16:50 Pawn Stars 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A 17:15 Pawn Stars 07:00 Iʼd Kill For You 08:00 10 Items Or Less 20:00 Talladega Nights Teenage Witch 23:35 The Hive 17:40 Forged In Fire 07:50 I Almost Got Away With It 08:30 Scrubs 22:00 The Gambler 23:10 Hank Zipzer 23:45 Loopdidoo 18:30 Big Easy Motors 08:40 Secret Lives Of Stepford 09:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 00:30 What Could Possibly Go 19:20 Mountain Men Wives 10:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers Wrong? 20:10 American Pickers 09:30 Love The Way You Lie 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 01:20 Race To Escape 21:00 Billion Dollar Wreck 10:20 Evil Stepmothers Jimmy Fallon 21:50 Gold Hunters: Legend Of 11:10 Killer Instinct With Chris 00:20 Amazoniaʼs Giant Jaws 12:00 George Lopez 02:10 Worldʼs Funniest Fails 01:10 Wild 24 03:00 Destroyed In Seconds The Superstition... Hansen 12:30 Breaking In 02:00 Storm Cats 01:00 Memory Loss 03:50 Ultimate Survival 22:40 Hunting Hitler 00:00 Henry Hugglemonster 12:00 Iʼd Kill For You 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 02:50 Expedition Wild 02:45 Ploddy Police Car On The 04:40 How Itʼs Made 23:30 American Pickers 00:15 Calimero 06:00 Gravity Falls 12:50 I Almost Got Away With It 14:00 Scrubs 03:45 Dr Oakley: Yukon Vet Case 05:30 Dirty Jobs 00:30 Art Attack 06:25 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 13:40 Secret Lives Of Stepford 14:30 The Good Place 04:40 Unlikely Animal Friends 04:15 Pirates Who Donʼt Do 06:20 Mythbusters 00:55 Zou 06:50 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero Wives 15:00 The Carmichael Show 05:35 Storm Cats Anything 07:00 Doki 01:05 Loopdidoo 07:15 Milo Murphyʼs Law 14:30 Love The Way You Lie 15:30 The Mindy Project 06:30 Expedition Wild 06:00 Alpha Dogz: Pups United 07:25 Bear Grylls Survival School 01:20 Henry Hugglemonster 07:25 The 7D 15:20 Evil Stepmothers 16:00 The Mindy Project 07:25 Dr Oakley: Yukon Vet 07:45 Egon And Donci 07:50 My Cat From Hell 01:35 Calimero 07:40 Supa Strikas 16:10 Evil Online 16:30 George Lopez 01:50 Zou 08:05 Two More Eggs 08:20 Unlikely Animal Friends 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 09:30 Bonta 08:40 How Itʼs Made 00:00 Chopped 17:00 Iʼd Kill For You 02:05 Art Attack 08:10 K.C. Undercover 09:15 Caught In The Act 18:00 Scrubs 11:15 Memory Loss 09:30 What Could Possibly Go 01:00 The Great Food Truck Race 17:50 I Almost Got Away With It 02:30 The Hive 08:35 Counterfeit Cat 10:10 Dr. Kʼs Exotic Animal ER 18:30 Scrubs 13:00 Ploddy Police Car On The Wrong? 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 18:40 Young, Hot & Crooked 02:40 Loopdidoo 09:00 Lab Rats 11:05 Strangest Bird Alive 19:00 American Housewife Case 10:20 Mythbusters 03:00 Man Fire Food 19:30 Love The Way You Lie 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 09:25 Lab Rats 12:00 Birthplace Of The Giants 19:30 The Carmichael Show 14:30 Bamse And The City Of 11:10 My Cat From Hell 04:00 Chopped 20:20 Evil Stepmothers 03:10 Art Attack 09:50 Future-Worm! 12:55 Hyena Coast 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring Thieves 12:00 Ultimate Survival 05:00 Guyʼs Grocery Games 21:10 Murder Comes To Town 03:35 Loopdidoo 10:15 Two More Eggs 13:50 I, Predator Jimmy Fallon 16:00 Bonta 12:50 How Itʼs Made 06:00 Barefoot Contessa 22:00 Pandoraʼs Box: Unleashing 03:50 Calimero 10:20 Pair Of Kings 14:45 Botswana 21:00 The Mindy Project 18:00 Curious George 13:40 Dirty Jobs 07:00 The Kitchen Evil 04:05 Art Attack 10:45 Pair Of Kings 15:40 Unlikely Animal Friends 21:30 The Mindy Project 20:00 Miffy The Movie 14:30 Doki 08:00 The Pioneer Woman 22:50 Murder Book 04:30 Henry Hugglemonster 11:10 Danger Mouse 16:35 Caught In The Act 22:00 Girls 21:45 Bamse And The City Of 17:30 How Human Are You? 22:30 Girls Thieves 18:25 Botswana 23:00 Togetherness 23:15 Egon And Donci 19:20 Blitzkrieg Sharks 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 20:10 Unlikely Animal Friends 21:00 Caught In The Act 21:50 How Human Are You? 22:40 Botswana 23:30 Birthplace Of The Giants 00:10 The Chase 01:10 Botched Up Bodies 01:00 Emmerdale 01:00 Clockstoppers 02:00 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 01:30 Coronation Street 03:00 Confessions Of A Teenage 02:25 Say Yes To The Dress: 02:30 Guess This House Drama Queen Bridesmaids 03:25 Broadchurch 05:00 Ice Princess 02:50 Love, Lust Or Run 05:15 Come Date With Me 07:00 The Unbeatables 03:15 Cake Boss Australia 09:00 Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The 03:35 Oprah: Where Are They 06:10 The Chase 00:10 Uncensored With Michael Now? Ware 3 Musketeers 07:05 Guess This House 10:15 Brave 04:20 Little People, Big World 08:00 Broadchurch 01:00 Parched 05:10 Toddlers & Tiaras 02:00 Ancient X-Files 12:00 Ice Princess 09:00 Broadchurch 13:45 Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The 06:00 Say Yes To The Dress: The 10:00 Come Date With Me 03:00 Rebel Pope Big Day 04:00 Uncensored With Michael 3 Musketeers Australia 15:00 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 06:50 Save My Style 10:55 The Chase Ware 07:40 Promzillas 05:00 Crime Lab 17:00 Because Of Winn Dixie 11:50 Guess This House 19:00 Max 08:30 Little People, Big World 12:45 Emmerdale 06:00 Mega Factories 09:20 Sister Wives 07:00 Science Of Stupid 21:00 Mary Poppins 13:15 Coronation Street 23:30 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 09:45 Say Yes To The Dress: 14:15 The Chase 07:30 Science Of Stupid Bridesmaids 15:10 Guess This House 16:00 Paul OʼGradyʼs Animal Orphans 16:55 5 Star Family Reunion 17:50 Come Date With Me Australia 18:45 Emmerdale 19:15 Coronation Street 20:10 Guess This House 21:00 Paul OʼGradyʼs Animal Orphans 21:55 5 Star Family Reunion 22:50 Emmerdale BATMAN: BAD BLOOD ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 23:15 Coronation Street 23:40 Coronation Street 14:55 Bear Grylls Survival School 08:30 The Pioneer Woman 04:45 Zou 11:35 Supa Strikas 15:20 Mythbusters 09:00 Cooking For Real 05:00 Art Attack 12:00 Supa Strikas 16:10 What Could Possibly Go 10:00 Sibaʼs Table: Fast Feasts 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster 12:30 Gravity Falls Wrong? 11:00 The Kitchen 05:45 Loopdidoo 12:55 Annedroids 17:00 Zoltan The Wolfman 12:00 The Pioneer Woman 06:00 Zou 13:20 Atomic Puppet 17:50 Finding Bigfoot 13:00 Sibaʼs Table 06:15 Calimero 13:45 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 00:15 Bangkok Airport 18:40 Destroyed In Seconds 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:30 Loopdidoo 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 01:05 Places We Go 19:30 How Itʼs Made 15:00 Chopped 06:45 Henry Hugglemonster 14:15 Mighty Med 01:30 Dog Whisperer 20:20 Mythbusters 16:00 The Kitchen 07:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 14:40 Disney Cookabout 02:20 Access 360 World Heritage 21:10 Zoltan The Wolfman 17:00 Cooking For Real 07:25 Sofia The First 15:05 Lab Rats 03:10 Fish Of The Day 22:00 Finding Bigfoot 18:00 Chopped 07:50 The Lion Guard 15:30 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty 03:35 George Clarkeʼs Amazing 19:00 Chopped Junior 08:15 PJ Masks Much Everything Spaces 20:00 Tia Mowry At Home 08:40 Jake And The Never Land 15:55 Right Now Kapow 04:25 The Food Files 21:00 Dinner At Tiffaniʼs Pirates 16:25 K.C. Undercover 04:50 The Food Files 22:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 09:05 Goldie & Bear 16:50 Walk The Prank 05:20 Raw Travel 23:00 Guyʼs Grocery Games 09:30 Minnieʼs Bow-Toons 17:15 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 05:45 Raw Travel 09:35 The Lion Guard 17:40 Milo Murphyʼs Law 06:15 Restoration Man 00:20 Street Outlaws 10:00 Sofia The First 18:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 07:10 Places We Go 01:10 Worldʼs Top 5 10:30 Doc McStuffins 18:10 Gravity Falls 07:35 Dog Whisperer 02:00 You Have Been Warned 10:55 Miles From Tomorrow 18:35 Mighty Med 08:30 Access 360 World Heritage 02:50 Deadliest Job Interview 11:20 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 19:00 Atomic Puppet 09:25 Fish Of The Day 03:40 Fast Nʼ Loud 11:50 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 19:25 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty 09:55 George Clarkeʼs Amazing 04:30 Storage Hunters 00:30 How Do They Do It? 12:15 Gummi Bears Much Everything 00:55 Food Factory Spaces 05:00 How Do They Do It? 12:40 Miles From Tomorrow 19:55 K.C. Undercover 10:50 The Food Files 05:30 How Do They Do It? 01:20 Strip The Cosmos 13:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 20:20 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 02:10 Ecopolis 11:15 The Food Files 06:00 Railroad Australia 13:35 PJ Masks 20:45 Mighty Med 11:45 Raw Travel 06:50 Street Outlaws 03:00 Prototype This 14:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 21:10 Walk The Prank 03:48 Mythbusters 12:10 Raw Travel 07:40 Fast Nʼ Loud 14:30 The Lion Guard 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 12:40 Places We Go 08:30 Marooned With Ed Stafford 04:36 How Do They Do It? 15:00 Sofia The First 21:45 Marvelʼs Avengers Assemble 05:00 Food Factory 13:05 Dog Whisperer 09:20 Storage Hunters 15:30 Doc McStuffins 22:10 Marvel Ultimate Spider-Man 14:00 Access 360 World Heritage 09:45 How Do They Do It? 05:24 Strip The Cosmos 15:55 Goldie & Bear vs The Sinister 6 06:12 Ecopolis 14:55 Fish Of The Day 10:10 How Do They Do It? 16:20 Miles From Tomorrow 15:25 George Clarkeʼs Amazing 10:35 Worldʼs Top 5 07:00 How Do They Do It? 16:50 PJ Masks 07:26 Prototype This Spaces 11:25 You Have Been Warned 17:15 Sofia The First 16:20 Miguelʼs Tropical Kitchen 12:15 Deadliest Job Interview 08:14 Mythbusters 17:40 Doc McStuffins 09:02 Ecopolis 16:45 Miguelʼs Tropical Kitchen 13:05 How Do They Do It? 18:05 Jake And The Never Land 17:15 Raw Travel 13:30 Storage Hunters 09:50 How Do They Do It? Pirates 10:14 Food Factory 17:40 Raw Travel 13:55 Storage Hunters 18:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 00:30 Blood Relatives 18:10 Restoration Man 14:20 Gold Rush 10:38 Strip The Cosmos 19:00 Sofia The First 01:20 The Perfect Murder 11:26 Prototype This 19:05 Fish Of The Day 15:10 Marooned With Ed Stafford 19:25 Sofia The First 02:10 Pandoraʼs Box: Unleashing 19:30 George Clarkeʼs Amazing 16:00 Railroad Australia 12:14 Mythbusters 19:50 Doc McStuffins Evil 13:02 How Do They Do It? Spaces 16:50 Fast Nʼ Loud 20:05 Goldie & Bear 03:00 Dead Silent 20:25 Miguelʼs Tropical Kitchen 17:40 Street Outlaws 13:26 Food Factory 20:35 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 03:48 I Almost Got Away With It 13:50 Ecopolis 20:55 Miguelʼs Tropical Kitchen 18:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Gummi Bears 04:36 Secret Lives Of Stepford 21:20 Raw Travel 18:55 How Do They Do It? 14:38 Prototype This 21:30 Miles From Tomorrow Wives 15:26 Strip The Cosmos 21:45 Raw Travel 19:20 Marooned With Ed Stafford 22:00 The Lion Guard 05:01 Secret Lives Of Stepford 22:10 Restoration Man 20:10 Storage Hunters 16:14 Mythbusters 22:25 The Lion Guard Wives 17:02 Ecopolis 23:00 Places We Go 20:35 Storage Hunters 22:55 PJ Masks 05:24 Love The Way You Lie 23:25 Dog Whisperer 21:00 What On Earth? 17:50 Prototype This 23:20 Henry Hugglemonster 06:12 Evil Stepmothers WALKING ON SUNSHINE ON OSN MOVIES FESTIVAL Classifieds

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (20/04/2017 TO 26/04/2017)

SHARQIA-1 THE BOSS BABY 7:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8-2D-4DX 12:05 AM THE BOSS BABY 6:15 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 1:15 PM UNFORGETTABLE 9:30 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 8:15 PM THE BOSS BABY 1:30 PM Real Madrid Vs Barcelona - Live Game 9:45 PM AVENUES-3 GHOST IN THE SHELL 10:30 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 3:30 PM UNFORGETTABLE 12:05 AM COLOSSAL 1:00 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 12:45 AM GHOST IN THE SHELL 5:45 PM COLOSSAL 3:15 PM UNFORGETTABLE 8:00 PM FANAR-3 COLOSSAL 5:30 PM AL-KOUT.4 GHOST IN THE SHELL 10:15 PM COLOSSAL 11:30 AM COLOSSAL 7:45 PM COLOSSAL 12:30 PM UNFORGETTABLE 12:30 AM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 1:45 PM COLOSSAL 10:00 PM COLOSSAL 2:45 PM COLOSSAL 3:45 PM COLOSSAL 12:15 AM UNFORGETTABLE 5:00 PM J7175997 and Civil ID No. SHARQIA-2 COLOSSAL 6:00 PM COLOSSAL 7:15 PM CHANGE OF NAME 283010802296 has FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:30 PM COLOSSAL 8:15 PM AVENUES-4 COLOSSAL 9:30 PM changed my name to COLOSSAL 10:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 1:30 PM THE BOSS BABY 3:15 PM UNFORGETTABLE 11:45 PM I, Chengal Rashid Khan S/o Surapu Raju Subramanyam THE BOSS BABY 5:15 PM COLOSSAL 12:45 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 4:15 PM hereinafter in all my deal- FAST & FURIOUS 8 7:15 PM Special Show “THE BOSS BABY” 4:45 PM BAIRAQ-1 Abdul Rahim, Rangrej hold- ings and documents. FAST & FURIOUS 8 10:00 PM FANAR-4 FAST & FURIOUS 8 7:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:15 PM er of Indian Passport No. FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:45 AM THE BOSS BABY 11:30 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:45 PM THE BOSS BABY 3:00 PM M5457594 & Civil ID No. (C 5297) 18-4-2017 FAST & FURIOUS 8 1:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:30 AM THE BOSS BABY -3D 5:00 PM 274040205076, has SHARQIA-3 FAST & FURIOUS 8 4:15 PM THE BOSS BABY 7:00 PM changed my name Abdul BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 12:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 7:00 PM 360º- 1 THE BOSS BABY 9:00 PM Rashid, hereinafter in all my BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 2:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:45 PM THE BOSS BABY 11:30 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:00 PM dealings and documents. ACCOMMODATION BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 5:00 PM Real Madrid Vs Barcelona - Live Game 9:45 PM THE BOSS BABY -3D 1:45 PM (C 5299) 19-4-2017 THE BOSS BABY 7:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:30 AM THE BOSS BABY 4:00 PM BAIRAQ-2 Room available in C-A/C flat for Asian couple/ Family/Working BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 9:30 PM THE BOSS BABY -3D 6:15 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 11:45 AM I, Sangaraju Subramanyam FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:45 PM MARINA-1 THE BOSS BABY 8:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 2:00 PM Ladies in Khaitian Airport Road. s/o Subbaraju, holder of Just one minute to all routes BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 1:15 PM THE BOSS BABY 10:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 4:45 PM Indian Passport No. MUHALAB-1 SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 1:30 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 1:00 AM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 7:30 PM bus stop. Tel: 51614467. GHOST IN THE SHELL 12:45 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 3:30 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 9:45 PM (C 5298) 18-4-2017 GHOST IN THE SHELL 3:00 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 5:30 PM 360º- 2 FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:05 AM GHOST IN THE SHELL 5:15 PM COLOSSAL 7:45 PM COLOSSAL 12:15 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 7:30 PM COLOSSAL 10:00 PM COLOSSAL 2:30 PM BAIRAQ-3 UNFORGETTABLE 9:45 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 12:15 AM COLOSSAL 4:45 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 11:30 AM GHOST IN THE SHELL 12:05 AM COLOSSAL 7:00 PM THE BOSS BABY 1:45 PM MARINA-2 COLOSSAL 9:15 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE- Arabic 4:00 PM MUHALAB-2 FAST & FURIOUS 8 1:00 PM COLOSSAL 11:30 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 6:00 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 1:15 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 1:30 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 8:00 PM THE BOSS BABY 1:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 3:45 PM 360º- 3 GHOST IN THE SHELL 10:15 PM COLOSSAL 3:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 6:30 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 1:15 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 12:30 AM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 5:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:15 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 3:30 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 8:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:05 AM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 5:45 PM PLAZA COLOSSAL 10:15 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 8:00 PM NOOR - Hindi 3:30 PM COLOSSAL 12:30 AM MARINA-3 BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 10:15 PM THE GREAT FATHER- Malayalam 6:30 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 11:45 AM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 12:30 AM NOOR - Hindi 9:30 PM MUHALAB-3 THE BOSS BABY 2:00 PM THE BOSS BABY 12:45 PM THE BOSS BABY 4:00 PM AL-KOUT.1 LAILA THE BOSS BABY 2:45 PM THE BOSS BABY 6:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:30 AM GHOST IN THE SHELL 4:00 PM THE BOSS BABY 4:45 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 8:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 2:15 PM THE BOSS BABY 6:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 6:45 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 10:15 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 5:00 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 8:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:30 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 12:30 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 7:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 10:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:15 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:45 PM AVENUES-1 FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:30 AM AJIAL.1 FANAR-1 UNFORGETTABLE 12:00 PM NOOR - Hindi 3:30 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 12:45 PM UNFORGETTABLE 2:15 PM AL-KOUT.2 NOOR - Hindi 6:45 PM MINE 3:00 PM UNFORGETTABLE 4:30 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 1:00 PM NOOR - Hindi 9:45 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 5:15 PM SAFRA 5 NJOOM 6:45 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 3:15 PM MINE 7:30 PM UNFORGETTABLE 9:00 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 5:30 PM AJIAL.2 BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 10:00 PM UNFORGETTABLE 11:15 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 7:45 PM THE BOSS BABY 3:45 PM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 12:15 AM BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 10:00 PM THE BOSS BABY 5:45 PM PRAYER TIMINGS AVENUES-2 BISTERI RAJEL - Arabic 12:15 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 7:45 PM FANAR-2 THE BOSS BABY -3D-4DX 11:45 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 10:30 PM THE BOSS BABY 11:30 AM THE BOSS BABY -3D-4DX 2:00 PM AL-KOUT.3 Fajr: 03:54 Asr: 15:22 THE BOSS BABY 1:30 PM THE BOSS BABY -3D-4DX 4:15 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 11:45 AM AJIAL.3 THE BOSS BABY 3:30 PM THE BOSS BABY -3D-4DX 6:30 PM GHOST IN THE SHELL 2:00 PM THE GREAT FATHER- Malayalam 3:30 PM Shorook: 05:17 Maghrib: 18:17 THE BOSS BABY 5:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8-2D-4DX 9:15 PM THE BOSS BABY 4:15 PM RAAJAKUMARA -Kannada 6:30 PM Duhr: 11:48 Isha: 19:38

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 20/4/2017 FEG 933 Sohag 12:55 Departure Flights on Thursday 20/4/2017 PAL 669 Manila 13:10 Airlines Flt Route Time MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 Airlines Flt Route Time THY 767 Istanbul 13:45 MSC 501 Alexandria 00:05 AXB 393 Kozhikode 13:10 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 KAC 523 Al Najaf 13:55 THY 772 Istanbul 00:10 KAC 514 Tehran 13:10 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 FEG 932 Alexandria 13:55 KAC 102 London 00:15 KAC 522 Al Najaf 13:40 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 SVA 502 Jeddah 00:20 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 KAC 413 Bangkok 14:05 SVA 514 Riyadh 00:25 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 PIA 240 Sialkot 00:40 AXB 394 Kozhikode 14:10 MSC 411 Asyut 00:30 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 MSC 502 HRG 01:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 786 Jeddah 00:30 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:15 JZR 502 Luxor 01:15 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 267 Beirut 00:35 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:15 SVA 503 Jeddah 01:20 KNE 382 Taif 15:00 KAC 504 Beirut 00:45 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 SVA 515 Riyadh 01:25 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:00 DLH 635 Doha 01:00 KAC 352 Kochi 14:20 MSC 412 Asyut 01:30 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 JZR 539 Cairo 01:25 KAC 618 Doha 14:20 THY 773 Istanbul 01:40 QTR 1079 Doha 15:15 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 JZR 779 Jeddah 14:25 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:00 KAC 563 Amman 15:40 UAE 853 Dubai 01:40 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 KAC 692 Muscat 14:55 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:50 KAC 775 Riyadh 15:50 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:50 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:55 KKK 6505 Istanbul 02:55 JZR 188 Dubai 15:50 KKK 6506 Istanbul 01:55 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:05 AXB 396 Kozhikode 02:55 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 15:55 AXB 395 Kozhikode 02:00 OMA 645 Muscat 15:10 KAC 351 Kochi 03:05 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 QTR 1086 Doha 02:05 KAC 562 Amman 15:10 PGT 831 Istanbul 03:10 KAC 743 Dammam 16:00 KLM 446 Bahrain 02:05 KAC 502 Beirut 15:25 UAE 854 Dubai 03:30 KAC 619 Doha 16:00 PGT 830 Istanbul 02:10 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:30 OMA 646 Muscat 16:10 JZR 553 Alexandria 02:10 KAC 118 New York 15:40 MSR 607 Luxor 04:05 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 OMA 644 Muscat 04:05 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 KAC 418 Manila 02:50 SAW 705 Damascus 15:50 QTR 1087 Doha 04:10 KAC 615 Bahrain 16:30 OMA 643 Muscat 03:05 RJA 640 Amman 16:00 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 SAW 706 Damascus 16:50 MSR 606 Luxor 03:05 FDB 051 Dubai 16:15 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 KAC 417 Manila 04:20 KAC 675 Dubai 17:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 JZR 535 Cairo 16:20 JZR 560 Sohag 04:45 FDB 052 Dubai 17:05 FDB 069 Dubai 03:15 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:35 LMU 511 Cairo 05:00 KAC 503 Beirut 17:15 KAC 382 Delhi 03:15 KNE 531 Jeddah 16:35 QTR 1077 Doha 05:35 JZR 266 Beirut 17:15 QTR 1076 Doha 03:40 NIA 361 Alexandria 16:50 FEG 934 Sohag 05:55 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 KAC 1544 Cairo 03:50 KAC 542 Cairo 17:05 UAE 874 Dubai 06:15 KNE 532 Jeddah 17:25 LMU 510 Cairo 04:00 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 RJA 643 Amman 06:25 JZR 240 Amman 17:30 UAE 873 Dubai 04:15 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 THY 771 Istanbul 06:25 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 KAC 358 Kochi 04:50 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:35 KAC 773 Riyadh 06:35 KAC 357 Kochi 17:40 FEG 931 Sharm el-Sheikh 05:00 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 NIA 362 Alexandria 17:50 KAC 784 Jeddah 05:00 KAC 524 Al Najaf 17:45 JZR 238 Amman 06:55 KAC 381 Delhi 17:50 THY 770 Istanbul 05:05 QTR 1080 Doha 18:05 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 KAC 283 Dhaka 18:00 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 KAC 167 Paris 07:15 KAC 343 Chennai 18:00 KAC 344 Chennai 05:30 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 JZR 164 Dubai 07:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 JZR 529 Asyut 05:35 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 KAC 501 Beirut 07:50 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 362 Colombo 05:50 KAC 744 Dammam 19:05 KAC 613 Bahrain 07:55 JZR 184 Dubai 18:20 BAW 157 London 06:05 FDB 063 Dubai 19:10 BAW 156 London 08:20 JZR 538 Cairo 18:35 KAC 204 Lahore 06:20 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 KAC 785 Jeddah 18:45 QTR 8511 Doha 06:35 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:30 QTR 8512 Doha 08:35 QTR 1081 Doha 19:15 KAC 284 Dhaka 06:35 KAC 674 Dubai 19:40 KAC 513 Tehran 08:45 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 19:20 KAC 206 Islamabad 06:40 KAC 616 Bahrain 19:40 JZR 778 Jeddah 08:50 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:20 KAC 302 Mumbai 06:55 KAC 776 Riyadh 19:45 KAC 117 New York 09:00 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 KAC 156 Istanbul 07:05 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 JZR 503 Luxor 07:25 KAC 620 Doha 19:50 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:15 FDB 064 Dubai 19:50 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 KAC 561 Amman 09:30 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 KAC 354 Bangalore 07:50 KNE 381 Taif 20:10 KAC 691 Muscat 09:30 FDB 058 Dubai 20:30 KAC 384 Delhi 08:00 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:15 JZR 534 Cairo 09:30 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:05 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 IRA 672 Ahwaz 09:35 KAC 353 Bangalore 20:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 20:20 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 DLH 634 Doha 21:00 IRA 673 Ahwaz 08:35 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 KAC 101 London 09:45 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:55 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 KNE 232 Riyadh 21:10 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 564 Amman 21:00 KAC 521 Al Najaf 10:00 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:05 KAC 168 Paris 21:05 KAC 541 Cairo 10:00 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:15 QTR 1070 Doha 09:20 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:10 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 KAC 1543 Cairo 21:30 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:15 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:05 KAC 301 Mumbai 21:40 SVA 512 Riyadh 10:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:15 KAC 617 Doha 10:15 QTR 1089 Doha 21:45 FDK 803 Damascus 10:00 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 VIZ 205 TEQ 10:30 KAC 203 Lahore 21:45 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 FDB 8053 Dubai 21:25 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:30 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 774 Riyadh 10:45 KAC 676 Dubai 21:35 QTR 1071 Doha 10:35 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:00 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:50 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 155 Istanbul 22:15 PAL 668 Manila 11:00 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 FDK 804 Damascus 11:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 SYR 341 Damascus 11:00 NIA 161 Cairo 22:10 SVA 513 Riyadh 11:00 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:25 JZR 561 Sohag 11:10 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 FDB 8054 Dubai 22:25 MSC 403 Asyut 11:15 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:15 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 UAE 860 Dubai 22:35 KAC 614 Bahrain 11:15 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:00 KAC 383 Delhi 22:35 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:30 JZR 185 Dubai 22:55 SYR 342 Damascus 12:00 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:50 JZR 165 Dubai 11:50 JZR 241 Amman 22:55 RBG 554 Alexandria 12:10 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 JZR 239 Amman 12:20 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:00 MSC 404 Asyut 12:15 NIA 162 Cairo 23:10 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 KAC 783 Jeddah 23:10 THY 766 Istanbul 12:50 THY 764 Istanbul 23:45 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 stars34 THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

CROSSWORD 1584 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) Your imagination just keeps firing up with wonderful new ideas. Steer away from romantic arguments today. Circumstances may conspire Sometimes there are so many ideas that a few of them get forgotten along the way. to limit and hinder your sense of independence and originality-this will pass. You may Consider keeping a diary or catalog your ideas in a card catalog type of box. The wonder- spend a great deal of time communicating with others. Keep up the work-your patience ful worlds of design, advertising, consulting are all possibilities for you along with many and positive train of thought will gain you much. You show a bit of assertiveness as you other creative professions. While looking for a change and a better income, your attrac- work on a project with others. Your workday ends with all of your work completed. Be tions include your successes. Always add a picture or description of a few of your suc- sure to give everyone their due and take no solo bows. An older person will be giving cesses when you apply for a new job adventure. This time around your birthday is a high- you advice, strength and hope this afternoon. Your heightened instincts will prove bene- energy and positive time to achieve what you want. Picture what you want and begin ficial as you lend a helping hand in return for all the verbal encouragement. Music ends now to see, hear and smell your successes. your search for harmony and quiet moments this evening.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Communication is the drive today. Whether your business is directly in Solid, secure and comfortable situations can be expected in most avenues sales or not, you must make yourself understood-ask if the buyer has any questions. This of your life. This is a great time to be with others, in work or play. Others may require your will help to eliminate any disagreements or frustrations later. That little extra time will presence for a particular job and you are able to cope with the extra work. There may be endear you to your customers. Making yourself understood creates a clear path to your some serious decisions made about the future of a project, investment or term of positive gains. At home this afternoon, the same one-on-one situation may occur with employment with your business at this time. Your management and directional abilities regard to taking a little time to communicate well with each family member. This time, are in high focus. A feeling of being at peace and stable on the emotional level comes however, it is you who must do the listening. Make it a point to do your best to spend into influence at this time. Stability is important to you now and you look for every way time with each member of your little family so as to build stability. There is talk among you can to secure your future. You are sensitive to the needs of others and can be a good family members of investing in land near a lake and you like what you hear. mentor. Tremendous personal insights are available.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) There is a need to experience a change of ideas. You may begin to think Think seriously about your work this morning and what you have learned about learning morse code to open up a new avenue of possibilities. and how far you can grow within the company. If you want to stay, do not Things are in the process of changing at work and your attitude is a good one; sit back hesitate to present your ideas. If you want to move forward in your profession, privately ACROSS spinel. and see what happens. You tend to enjoy evolving. This is a time you can be successful at write down some definite goals. You may decide that now is the time to further your 1. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken 6. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike many things and there is no benefit to worry; be prepared for an interesting ride these education. Most of the time your capabilities leave your present work status behind; it is in the Dali region of Yunnan. part of an organism. next few weeks. For now, the swing of the day lends itself to many beginnings and end- time to reassess. Whatever you decide, this is the time to get down to business with your 5. A ballplayer who is batting. 7. Deciduous bushy Eurasian shrub with ings-projects, etc. You strive to expand your life experiences and this is a positive time. personal plans. If you have not gotten a health check yet, you may want to schedule one. Family matters are happily emphasized this evening. Leaving work early, you may attend If you start school or decide to change jobs, time off now would be a good idea. Best 12. An accountant certified by the state. golden yellow flowers and reddish-pur- friends will support your ideas and may have helpful information to share. 15. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot ple fruits from which a soothing salve is a performance or art exhibit with which a family member is involved. palm used in India for writing paper. made in Spain. 16. Any of various forms of aluminum 8. Offensively malodorous. oxide occurring naturally as corundum. 9. A soft wet area of low-lying land that Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. A slippery or viscous liquid or liquefi- sinks underfoot. able substance not miscible with water. 10. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish You may be urging communications between long-time enemies in order Your financial situation fares a bit better at this time but do not hesitate to 18. An official language of the Republic gods. to create a peaceful result. There is a dynamic and outgoing quality to your work out a plan that will help you to invest or save for the future. Continue lifestyle now. This is no time to be meek. You’d be smart to speak up-loud and clear. to avoid high-risk or frivolous spending. Willingness to cooperate over these past few of South Africa. 11. A narcotic antagonist (trade name Competition encourages you today. You may be besting others in the heat of competi- days has good points and questionable points. You may have been moved to the lime- 19. Situated at or extending to the side. Nalline) that counteracts the effects of tion and taking on a leadership role that means more to you at this time. A financial situa- light, especially with superiors. You may find that you enjoy your job but there are more 20. Fiddler crabs. narcotics (especially the effects of poi- tion deserves your attention this afternoon. Get an agreement in writing for your own responsibilities than usual. Because of your management techniques, you can change 21. A large fleet. soning by morphine). protection. Conditions permitting, this evening will find you following through on a few these additional responsibilities before it gets to be too much or you may find a raise in 23. An inflammatory disease of connec- 12. An upholstered seat for more than previous plans. Outdoor sports activities are the direction of your energies. A group from order. Think on these matters but do not act on them just yet as you may find yourself tive tissue with variable features includ- one person. work or a group you have joined may take part in a bit of competition. going against authority. Today it should be easy to channel your energy. ing fever and weakness and fatigability 13. A genus of temperate and arctic ever- and joint pains and skin lesions on the green trees (see spruce). face or neck or arms. 14. Fear resulting from the awareness of Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 24. A workman who laces shoes or foot- danger. There are many conversations around you today. There may be an occa- balls or books (during binding). 22. Generator consisting of a coil (the You will be feeling better and better about your career path now. People or time that blocks your progress may frustrate you; this is one of your life lessons to sion to listen to the comments of your co-workers around a conference table. Take notes 26. Very great. armature) that rotates between the poles learn. Allowing yourself patience, enough to go through the obstacles, learning lessons and just listen to the views of others for now; later you can research your particular inter- 28. A long-playing phonograph record. of an electromagnet (the field magnet) and moving ahead creates that complete person you are looking for within your own ests. With good information, and a basis for individual complaints or insight before the 30. An associate degree in nursing. causing a current to flow in the armature. self. The blocks we experience will prepare and teach us about our world and how we fit next conference, you will be able to lend some focus to what seems like a disaster wait- 31. Women's stockings made from a 25. State in northeastern India. into it. You can accomplish your dreams earlier than you thought possible. By carefully ing to happen. Your thoughts or comments may be up for debate but little will be said in conflict. You are the peacemaker. At home this evening you may find yourself able to be balancing your aims with your current circumstances and needs, you can gradually sheer material (nylon or rayon or silk). 27. An upholstered seat for more than more expressive. The desire to protect what you already have is strong and you may increase your finances. This is an excellent time to also increase your association with 33. A white linen liturgical vestment with one person. decide to refuse a request with no explanation; good for you. sleeves. 29. Capable of being influenced or others who share your ideals or goals. 35. A radioactive element of the actinide formed. series. 32. Set down according to a plan. 37. Regional and archaic. 34. Of or relating to the African people Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 41. Of noxious stench from atmospheric who speak one of the Bantoid languages pollution. or to their culture. You can become mesmerized by the magic of life and you enjoy being There is opportunity for success or financial growth that has not been available before. You should, however, avoid material status symbols at this time. 45. Informal terms for a mother. 36. A federation of North American caught up in the glamour. Keeping your concentration steady and knowing where or how you want to see your goals completed, you will remain untouched by the magic of Attempt to find a higher purpose in your career efforts. Be attentive to your responsibili- 46. The state of being a man. industrial unions that merged with the the unknown possibilities. Problem solving is easier when the creative mind is active. ties since they cannot be ignored. This is a most beneficial time to exchange ideas and 47. A public promotion of some product American Federation of Labor in 1955. You work to develop your creative mind in some venue of art, music or photography. seek out new project or investments. There could be an unexpected change in the nor- or service. 38. Avatar of Vishnu. You can encourage others to become expressive in some form of art as well. Your atti- mal family routine. This just could mean a change in scenery for some upcoming trip. A 49. Used in combination to denote the 39. Expel, as of gases and odors. tude is positive, making your professional life confident. Someone may compliment you feeling of being at peace and stable on the emotional level is important at this time. middle. 40. Panel forming the lower part of an on your tastes or belongings this afternoon. Physical bonds are important in order to Stability and permanence satisfies a deep emotional need. If you are staying home this 50. (prefix) Opposite or opposing or neu- interior wall when it is finished differently maintain a balance in life. Enjoy a friend’s company this evening. evening, a new cd or some other form of music could be enjoyed. tralizing. from the rest. 54. English historian noted for his consti- 42. (Judaism) A period of seven days of tutional history of medieval England mourning after the death of close rela- Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution (1825-1901). tive. 57. Any of several plants of the genus 43. Being one hundred more than three Manihot having fleshy roots yielding a hundred. nutritious starch. 44. Tropical American tree producing 58. Any of several coarse tall perennial cacao beans. grasses of most warm areas. 48. Of or relating to or characteristic of 60. The basic unit of money in Finland. Java or its inhabitants. 64. A Bantu language spoken by the 51. An honorary degree in science. Chaga people in northern Tanzania. 52. A cheese dish made with bread and 68. Title for a civil or military leader (espe- egg crumbs that is baked and served in cially in Turkey). individual fireproof dishes. 69. A person with the same name as 53. An outlying farm building for storing another. grain or animal feed and housing farm 72. A master's degree in business. animals. 73. A master's degree in library science. 55. German states who as chancellor of 74. A genus of Drepanididae. West Germany worked to reduce ten- 75. A decree that prohibits something. sions with eastern Europe (1913-1992). 76. Black-and-white short-necked web- 56. Containing sugar. footed diving bird of northern seas. 59. A person who gives a name or names. 77. Amino acid derived from tyrosine. 61. A Bantu language spoken by the 78. A loose sleeveless outer garment Kamba people in Kenya. made from aba cloth. 62. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables. DOWN 63. A city in southern Turkey on the 1. A wine bottle made of leather. Seyhan River. 2. (botany) Of or relating to the axil. 65. An Eskimo hut. 3. Tropical American tree grown in south- 66. The quantity a cask will hold. ern United States having a whitish pink- 67. A Loloish language. tinged fruit. 70. A federal agency established to coor- 4. West Indian tree having racemes of fra- dinate programs aimed at reducing pol- grant white flowers and yielding a lution and protecting the environment. durable timber and resinous juice. 71. A guided missile fired from shipboard 5. A pale rose-colored variety of the ruby against an airborne target.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 information

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

Afghanistan 0093 Lithuania 00370 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Luxembourg 00352 Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Anguilla 001264 Majorca 0034 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malawi 00265 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Malaysia 0060 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Maldives 00960 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Mali 00223 Austria 0043 Malta 00356 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Azerbaijan 00994 Marshall Islands 00692 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Adaliya 22517144 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Kaifan 24849807 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Shuwaikh 24814507 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Nuzha 22526804 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Qadsiya 22515088 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Dasmah 22532265 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Shaab 22518752 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Sharq 22465401 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Jabriya 25316254 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Bayan 25388462 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Sabah 24810221 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 New Jahra 24575755 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 South Jahra 24775066 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tome 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 North Jleeb 24311795 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Hungary 0036 Togo 00228 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam India 0091 Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Head, Division of Cardiology Internists, Chest & Heart Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Zambia 00260 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lesotho 00266 lifestyle THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

GOSSIP Knightley's surprise return to Pirates of the Caribbean sequel

iera Knightley has made a surprise come- as it was previously thought she wouldn't be directed by Joachim Ronning and Espen back to 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. The 32- back, despite Orlando Bloom, who plays her Sandberg, is centered on Captain Jack Sparrow - Kyear-old actress, who played Elizabeth onscreen lover Will Turner, also making a return played by Johnny Depp - and his war against old Swann in the first three movies in the Disney to the franchise, and Brenton Thwaites cast as rival Captain Armando Slazar, played by Javier fantasy film series, will reprise her role in the their teenage son Henry. The new trailer, which Bardem, with Sparrow searching for the leg- upcoming 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men features Japanese narration, shows clips of the endary Trident of Poseidon in order to defeat Tell No Tales' - which is also known as 'Pirates of film scenes, including one of Knightley as him. 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge' - though it is Elizabeth, in which she can be seen doing some- Tales' is released in cinemas on May 26. unclear how big a part she would play. Eagle- thing off camera wearing a corset dress with her eyed fans were surprised to spot the 'Begin hair in curls, although that is all that can be seen Again' star in a new Japanese trailer for the film, before the camera flicks back to Bloom. The film,

Richard Gere's views affected career

ichard Gere admits his support for Tibet has hin- don't want you doing press.' "MGM wanted to make an dered his career. The 67-year-old actor broke from overall deal with the Chinese. China told them, 'If you Rhis script when presenting at the 1993 Academy release this film, we're not buying it.' And so, they dumped Awards in order to protest China's occupation of the Far it." And on another occasion, the 'Pretty woman' actor was Eastern region and slammed its "horrendous, horrendous ousted from an independent, non-studio movie because of human rights situation" and later called for a boycott of the his forthright views. He said: "There was something I was 2008 Beijing Olympics. And because China now has the going to do with a Chinese director, and two weeks before world's second-biggest box-office market, Richard - who we were going to shoot, he called saying, 'Sorry, I can't do to play war has a lifetime ban from the country - admits his big screen it.' "We had a secret phone call on a protected line. If I had Pike appeal has dramatically reduced in the eyes of studios. He worked with this director, he, his family would never have said: "There are definitely movies that I can't be in because been allowed to leave the country ever again, and he the Chinese will say, 'Not with him.' "I recently had an would never work." But Richard insists he doesn't care reporter Marie episode where someone said they could not finance a film about being snubbed for Hollywood blockbusters as he with me because it would upset the Chinese." In 1997, still enjoys his work. He said: "The studios are interested in Richard appeared as a US businessman wrongly accused of the possibility of making huge profits. But I'm still making in bipoic murder in China in 'Red Corner', and while executives were the same films that I was making when I started. Small, Colvin initially happy with the film, it was suddenly dumped. He interesting, character?driven and narrative?driven stories. osamund Pike is to portray war reporter Marie Colvin in an recalled to the Hollywood Reporter: "Everyone was happy It hasn't impacted my life at all." upcoming biopic. The 38-year-old actress is to star in direc- with the film. "I get calls from the heads of the studio. Went Rtor Matthew Heineman's upcoming movie about the US on Oprah. Then, out of nowhere, I get calls saying, 'We journalist, who braved danger to report from the frontline in con- flict zones such as Chechnya, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. The 'Gone Girl' is expected to wear an eye patch for part of the role, after Colvin lost her left eye due to a blast by a Sri Lankan Army rocket-propelled grenade in 2001 whilst crossing the field to a Government controlled area. The war reporter lost Russell loved working with Stallone her life in 2012 at the age of 56 during a rocket attack whilst she was covering the civil war in Syria for the Sunday Times newspa- per. The script, penned by Arash Amel, is based on a 2012 Vanity urt Russell relished working with Sylvester Fair article, written by Marie Brenner, entitled 'Marie Colvin's Stallone on 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2'. The Private War' Meanwhile, producing is Thunder Road Pictures' Basil K66-year-old actor has joined a star-studded cast Iwanyk and Kamala Films' Marissa McMahon, as well as Denver & for the much-anticipated sequel to the 2014 hit, and Delilah Films. Erica Lee is executive producer. Production is Kurt has admitted he especially enjoyed starring along- planned for an October start in both the UK and Middle East. Pike side Sylvester, who plays the role of Starhawk in the has just wrapped on filming Scott Cooper's 'Hostiles' opposite new movie. He said: "I was just talking to Sylvester Christian Bale and Ben Foster. She recently admitted she barely Stallone, who's one of my favorite people, and he loved spoke to Bale on the set of the period drama. She said: "He is doing what he did in this movie too." Kurt also revealed intense in a wonderful way. We barely spoke off screen. He would he enjoyed working with actor Michael Rooker, having keep a distance. Our characters in 'Hostiles' are quite dysfunction- previously appeared alongside him in the Western al but have this profound connection that we let happen without 'Tombstone'. Kurt shared: "It's been fun seeing Michael ever really talking about it." She added: "I loved working with Rooker again. We did 'Tombstone' together, and I Christian because of this strange thing where we didn't really haven't seen Michael since then. So there were a lot of communicate, but yet I knew I could throw anything at him and positives in this project for me." Earlier this week, mean- he was just there. I would work with him again, any actress would." while, director James Gunn revealed the second movie In addition Pike stars in upcoming Jose Padilha-directed 'Entebbe' opposite Daniel Bruhl and the Brad Anderson-directed 'High Wire in the Marvel series will barely feature the color purple, because he was keen to distinguish it from the first film. ante with the pulp elements. "So we harken back a lot Act' opposite Jon Hamm. And she most recently starred with to 1950s/60s pulp novel colors and that look of 'Flash David Oyelowo in 'A United Kingdom'. James explained: "I wanted to make the second movie have a very distinct visual look that was much different Gordon' - both the 1980s version and the earlier comics. than the first movie. "One of the first things I did was Really grabbing onto this pulp feeling and bringing it ban the use of the color purple. "There's purple in the alive in a bright, big, colorful way was important." movie, but there's very little purple in the movie. Because purple was by far the dominant color in the first movie. "This movie is more about yellow and blue and teal and orange. "But I also really wanted to up the

Vergara to voice flamenco dancer in The Emoji Movie ofia Vergara will voice the flamenco dancer emoji in 'The Emoji Movie'. The 44-year-old Queen + Adam Lambert Sactress-and-comidenne announced on Tuesday that she has joined the animated movie, which also stars Sir Patrick Stewart, TJ Miller and announce UK shows Ilana Glazer, as the red dress-wearing messaging icon. The 'Hot Pursuit' star is thrilled to have landed ueen + Adam Lambert have added UK and Ireland dates the role bringing the emoticon to life as she says to their 2017 European tour. The shows, which kick off on people always tell her she looks like the woman. She November 1st at O2 Arena, Prague in Czech Republic and Q told People magazine: "I thought it was going to be wrap up at London's The SSE Arena, Wembley on December 15, will feature a brand new state-of-the-art production and set list. It a perfect role for me because people are always say- will be the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' rockers, Brian May and drummer ing that I look like her." Spilling details on what her Roger Taylor's first British tour with Adam Lambert in almost three character is like in the film, she added: "And she is years. They last stormed Britain in January 2015 when they played always doing the Flamenco. She does it in the morn- 10 sold-out shows. And in 2016 they got together for a one-off ing when she gets up, she does it when she's eating, Lorde, Lana Del Rey and more headlining set at the closing night of the Isle of Wight Festival last she probably does it when she's sleeping. It makes June. The new set list will no doubt acknowledge this year's 40th things like driving or putting on her makeup very anniversary of Queen's biggest-selling studio album to date, difficult." The Colombian-American beauty shared a 1977's 'News of the World', which included the mega hits 'We Will picture of herself in a red dress next to her emoji on for Radio One's Big Weekend Rock You' and 'We Are The Champions'. Roger Taylor said the forth- Instagram. Alongside the photo, she wrote: "Excited coming shows "will look entirely different to the show we took to be Flamenco Dancer in @emojimovie !!! #emoji- orde, Lana Del Rey and Kasabian are among those 1's Big Weekend is always a blast and I'm so happy to be around before. Production has really changed a lot, the things you movie (sic)" 'The Emoji Movie' follows the story of confirmed to perform at Radio One's Big Weekend in able to make it to Hull alongside the incredible line-up. can do now, you have a much broader palette, the technology has Gene (Miller), an emoji born with multiple expres- LHull. The UK radio station's annual music festival will Grimmy has told me all about Hull and we've already set really come along. But we don't use it all. We don't play to click sions, who joins forces with the notorious code- be held at Burton Constable Hall in Hull on May 27 and up a date to the Yorkshire pudding factory!" Ben Cooper, track. It's 100% live. We're planning on doing stuff we either breaker Jailbreak (Glazer) and heads off on an May 28, and the full line-up has been unleashed featuring Controller at Radio One said: "Radio 1's Big Weekend just haven't done before or haven't done for a long time. We started as adventure through a teenager's phone. The Sony some of the biggest names in pop across the globe per- got bigger. The young audiences in Hull and on the BBC an albums band, that's what we were. The fact we had hits was Pictures movie's director Tony Leondis previously forming. Also joining previously announced headliner Katy are in for one of the planet's greatest performers." Martin just a byproduct." While Brian teased they plan to incorporate said of the concept: "I know what you're thinking - Perry, Kings of Leon, Little Mix and Stormzy are Biffy Clyro, Green, the Director of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, added: Adam's different "dimensions" into what they do. He said: "The WTF. "What is their story? Emoji are expected to be Rag'n' Bone Man, London Grammar, Clean Bandit, Imagine "It's awesome that Katy Perry is headlining Saturday night general public knows the hits, so you've got to cater for that, but one thing their whole lives. So I thought, what if one Dragons and Emeli Sande. Zara Larsson, Shawn Mendes at Radio 1's Big Weekend. A superstar addition to a sensa- we can chuck in a few things that people really don't expect. We'll and Sean Paul are also on the bill with some artists which tional event, as well as to Hull 2017's fabulous music pro- do quite a bit more of that this time around. There are so many was born with not one, but lots of expressions ... and have been out of the spotlight for a while, including Plan B, gram." Hosted by Radio One DJs, Radio One's Big Weekend dimensions to Adam, which of course fits with our music. He can how would that affect the status quo? "Everyone get down and do the rock stuff really dirty, and you have all those has felt different-it's everyone's story." Other cast Rita Ora and Haim, who must be about to drop new music. is Europe's largest free ticketed festival, and will be head- dimensions, and we can explore that even more." The 'For Your members include Jennifer Coolidge as Gene's moth- 'Body On Me' hitmaker Rita said of the announcement: "So ing to Hull to coincide with the UK City of Culture celebra- Entertainment' hitmaker - who takes on the late great frontman er Mary Meh, Maya Rudolph as Smiler, and Jake T. excited I can't even tell you, It's so long overdue. It's the tions for Hull in 2017. Speaking about being on the bill, Freddie Mercury's lead vocals - is up for the challenge. He said: Austin as the teenager named Alex. They will be best news ever - I'm so happy. They're so up for it [Hull Kings of Leon said: "Looking forward to seeing you in Hull "What people should know if they came to the shows a couple of joining a previously announced cast made up of crowd]. I can always tell you that no matter what happens, for Radio One's Big Weekend at the end of the May. Huge years back, is obviously we will still be playing the big hit songs James Corden, who will voice Hi-5, Steven Wright as Big Weekend is probably one of the funnest festivals I've thanks to Radio One for leading the charge in helping us you know and love from Queen, but we thought it would be good Mel Meh, and Rob Riggle as Ice Cream. Tony Leondis ever performed at." 'Chained to the Rhythm' hitmaker Katy, get our music to our fans, it's going to be a great show, to challenge ourselves a bit. "Change it up a little bit, change the wrote the script alongside Mike White and Eric will head up the main stage on the Saturday. The 32-year- can't wait!" The festival has completely sold out with the visuals, change all the technology, change the set list to some Siegel, and Michelle Raimo is set to produce the fea- old pop superstar is most looking forward testing out the majority of tickets going to local people. degree. We will probably be pulling some other songs out of the ture. 'The Emoji Movie' is due to be released in Yorkshire city's local delicacies such as chip spice, savoury Queen catalogue which we haven't done before, which I am very August. patties and Yorkshire puddings. Discussing her plans to excited about." visit the famous pudding factor, she previously said: "Radio THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 lifestyle

MUSIC & MOVIES

Greek musician Yanni poses for a photo before a press conference at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center in Kuwait City yesterday. Yanni is set to perform two shows this weekend for the first time in the Gulf state as part of his international tour. — Yasser Al-Zayyat

New Prince music released For Tribeca film fest, a new a year after musician's death political moment to reconcile

set of previously unreleased tracks by Prince are going olitical currents have always flowed through the Tribeca Prince on sale to mark the one-year anniversary ofthe musi- Film Festival, founded in the wake of the Sept 11 attacks. Acian's death. One, "Deliverance," was put on iTunes and PBut this year, the festival has a slightly pugnacious edge Apple Music on Tuesday. Five other tracks will be released on to counter the policies of its midtown neighbor, President Friday and a disc version will be released on June 2. The over- Donald Trump. Tribeca co-founder Robert De Niro, after all, has all EP, entitled "Deliverance", features six songs recorded by repeatedly said he'd like to punch Trump in the face. Trump's Prince between 2006 and 2008 with fellow musician Ian Boxill, 100th day in office will fall during the New York festival, which who spent the last year completing the compositions, opened yesterday with a Clive Davis documentary, arrangements and production, independent record company "Soundtrack of Our Lives," and star-studded concert tribute to RMA, which is releasing the music, said in a statement. the legendary music producer. Tribeca , now in its 16th year, is "I hope when people hear Prince singing these songs it will the first big film festival to be programmed and substantially bring comfort to many," Boxill said in the statement. The oriented in the political climate since last November's election. songs were written and recorded when Prince was an inde- And Tribeca organizers acknowledge it has shaped this pendent artist, protesting what he saw as an unjust music year's festival all the way down to its slogan: "See yourself in This image released by the Tribeca Film Festival shows industry, the statement said. Prince died on April 21, 2016, at others." It recently trotted out an accompanying video in which director David Crowley on the set of "Gray State," a film age 57 at his Paisley Park, Minnesota estate. The official cause New Yorkers walk the streets with mirrored cubes for heads: an that will be shown at the Tribeca Film Festival. of death was given as an accidental, self-administered over- intended message of empathy, it says, for "a very divisive year." dose of the painkiller fentanyl. Prince notably blended ele- "We programmed the festival this year the way the current Polished performer ments of jazz, funk, R&B, disco and rock in a prolific output of administration did their budget," Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of After working on it for the last three years, the filmmakers more than 30 albums that have sold over 36 million copies in the festival, said tongue in cheek. "That said, we're also about completed it on inauguration day. "Which was surreal," says the United States alone since 1978. entertaining - which this administration has also done for us." Pettengill. "The Reagan Show" will undoubtedly be watched as He was also known as fiercely determined to maintain cre- Tribeca, which runs for 12 days, is a particularly eclectic festival illuminating another TV veteran in the White House. "This is the ative control over his music, famously changing his name to that encompasses celebrity talks (Springsteen and Hanks!), tel- roots. This is the formative moment that allowed us to get an unpronounceable symbol for several years during a bitter evision premieres (this year Hulu's anticipated "The where we are," says Pettengill. "I don't think there would have contract battle with Warner Bros. The value of his musical Handmaid's Tale" debuts there), an ever-expanding virtual real- been a Trump without a Reagan. The idea of having a media legacy, including an extensive cache of unreleased recordings ity component and several movie anniversary celebrations. personality who millions and millions of people feel like they said to be locked in a vault, has been estimated by some to This year, parts one and two of "The Godfather" will play at have access to, who they feel like has been in their living exceed a $500 million, when factoring in future royalties, retail Radio City Music Hall, with the casts in attendance. rooms." sales and commercial rights.-Reuters Conspiracy theories There is, naturally, much dissimilarity between the two. So while defining a theme in an increasingly multi-screen, Reagan, who is seen in the film wondering how previous presi- multimedia festival only goes so far, there's an undeniable dents managed without prior acting experience, is a clearly presence of films that dig into the past for clues that lead to more polished performer. Pettengill suggest that's the differ- Roberts named People's today. Many are documentaries that, though they've been in ence between the skills of a movie star and a reality TV star. Seth Rogen 'proud production for years, help articulate the populist unrest that "What being a performer means is very different in those two pushed Trump to the White House. "A Gray State," by "Grizzly different realms," she says. David Byars' "No Man's Land" tells 'most beautiful' for Man" producer Erik Nelson, is about an Iraq veteran from the story behind the Oregon protesters who occupied the to be a Pike' after Minnesota named David Crowley who was trying to create a Malheur National Wildlife Refuge last year. "Get Me Roger dystopian science-fiction film that gave voice to libertarian Stone," by Daniel DiMauro, is about the Republican self-pro- record 5th time and right-wing fears. But his death, along with that of his wife claimed "trickster" and Trump associate currently under FBI joining fraternity and young daughter, led to their own conspiracy theories. It's a scrutiny for his role in Russian interference in the presidential election. eth Rogen has gone from battling a fraternity to join- tragedy in which an intelligent but increasingly troubled man There is a trio of films that dig into police brutality: "Frank ing one. The actor who played a new dad doing battle appears to internalize the fringe politics he consumes himself Serpico," on the famous whistleblowing New York police offi- with a rowdy fraternity in "Neighbors" has officially with. "It's really a core sample, to me, of what's going on today," S cer; "LA92," on the Rodney King assault and its subsequent joined the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at the University of says Nelson, whose film is executive produced by Werner riots in Los Angeles; and "Copwatch," about a police-docu- Vermont. Rogen paid a visit to the fraternity Monday after Herzog. "David was speaking to that subcutaneous audience menting organization. And there are also issues of equal rights the brothers raised $32,000 for his Hilarity for Charity, which out there who are looking for truths that they don't see provid- (the trans icon investigation "The Death and Life of Marsha P. helps fund Alzheimer's research. ed in the quote-unquote 'mainstream media. And on election Johnson"), a number of environment-focused films and events After going bowling with the fraternity, he was inducted night, we saw those people kind of come out of the shadows scheduled around Earth Day, and even an appearance from as an honorary member in what the school calls a "top- and tip a few elections." Crowley documented much of his dis- Michael Moore for an anniversary of his 2002 documentary on secret ceremony." Rogen writes on Twitter that he's "proud integration on video and social media, and Nelson considers guns and mass shootings, "Bowling for Columbine." The festi- to be a Pike." Video shows him sharing drinks with fraternity his obsessive self-broadcasting part of his sickness. "It's not the val declares, "In the age of Trump ... there's no better time to members. — AP right film for the right time," says Nelson. "It's the right film for the wrong time." "The Reagan Show," by Sierra Pettengill and revisit" the film. "What's interesting," says Rosenthal, "is that we Pacho Velez, uses archival footage to show how extensively have films that are looking back that show: How did we get Ronald Reagan redefined the role of the US president through here?" — AP television. It shows the former Hollywood star's savvy manipu- lation of his media image: hitting his marks and sticking to the script.

This image released by the Tribeca This file photo Actress Julia Roberts poses for pho- Film Festival shows Duane Ehmer in tographers upon arrival for the screening of the film a scene from "No Nam's Land," a film Money Monster at the 69th international film festi- that will be shown at the Tribeca val, Cannes, southern France. — AP Film Festival. — AP photos ulia Roberts was named People magazine's world's most beautiful woman for a record 5th time yester- Jday, but the actress said she thought her best years were yet to come. Roberts, 49, was first given the annu- al honor in 1991, a year after she skyrocketed to fame in the romantic comedy "Pretty Woman." She was also named most beautiful woman in 2000, 2005 and 2010. "I'm very flattered," Roberts told People magazine, adding "I think I'm currently peaking." The actress, who won an Oscar in 2001 for playing against type in "Erin Brockovich," has been married for 14 years to cin- ematographer Danny Moder, with whom she has three children. Former "Friends" star Jennifer Aniston was last year's most beautiful woman for People mag- In this file photo, Seth Rogen arrives for "The Disaster azine. — Reuters Artist" at the Paramount Theatre during the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas. — AP lifestyle THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

FASHION Christian Dior's spring-summer 2017 haute couture collection

Models display creations of Christian Dior spring/summer 2017 haute couture collection to celebrate Dior's new shop at the Ginza shopping district in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP photos

Fatima Ismael: The iconic Rado Ceramica

atchmaker adds three new pieces to Winner of 2017 Most redesigned collection Swiss watchmaker WRado made waves last year with the relaunch of its iconic Rado Ceramica collection. Teaming up with renowned industrial designer Konstantin Grcic, the brand updated its well- Creative Designer known, starkly geometric timepiece with a con- temporary new look for the current zeitgeist. Now he Kuwaiti designer Fatima Ismael and winner of three new additions to the Ceramica family have 2017 Most Creative Designer is considered to be arrived and are ready to make a bold impact on Tone of the most influential designers in the world the wrist. of fashion. With strong lines and gently curved silhou- Her original and distinctive creations and her out- ettes, these three new Ceramicas are ideal for fans standing participation in Lebanon Fashion Week and in of minimalism. Following the success of the two Cannes Film Festivals prompted Mc Awards matt Ceramicas that were unveiled last year, International to invite her to Lebanon to be honored another model in matt black high-tech ceramic and grant her the 2017 Most Creative Designer award has been added to the collection. For a softer among a constellation of winners comprising some of look that is no less visually compelling, two mod- the most prominent personalities in the region who els in grey high-tech ceramic are also available. were given awards of appreciation and distinction in The polished grey version features the same economic, medical, media and beauticians from various Super-LumiNova indexes as its matt black coun- parts of the world. The ceremony hosted many politi- terpart, while the dial of the matt grey version cians, media personalities and entertainers. boasts a vertically brushed finished and concave Photo shows Kuwaiti designer Fatima Ismael and host Dalida Khalil. dots that function as indexes. This collection marks the first time that automatic movements have been used in the Ceramica family.

Greyscale cool As the name indicates, the Ceramica is made from high-tech ceramic, a material favored by lux- ury watchmakers for its incredible marriage of Ceramica family. Grey high-tech ceramic has lightness and scratch resistance. The aesthetic debuted in the Ceramica collection with two fin- properties of high-tech ceramic are no less ishes: a subtle, earthy sandblasted matt and a per- impressive: An astonishing range of colors and fect high-gloss polish, a testament to the versatili- finishes can be crafted from this futuristic materi- ty of this remarkable material. al, which was first used in the medical and aero- For designer Konstantin Grcic, color functions space industries before Rado pioneered its use in as a kind of coding: "Applied to an object, color is watchmaking. High-tech ceramic is also hypoaller- both functional and emotional. For example, a genic and adapts readily to the wearer's body black watch is perceived to be elegant, but also temperature, making it gentle and comfortable quite masculine, professional. A grey watch, in against the skin. comparison, is less gender specific. The color has a Seven high-tech ceramic colors - black, white, contemporary connotation. It feels younger, less plasma, grey, brown, green and blue - are now classical." For Rado, color means not only some- featured in Rado's collections. The launch of the thing beautiful to behold, but also represents the Kuwaiti designer Fatima Ismael while giving her speech. grey Ceramica marks the first time that this high- brand's dedication to technical achievement and tech ceramic color has been featured in the drive for innovation. lifestyle THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

FASHION

Elegant looks from Lebanese designer Abed Mahfouz during Beirut Fashion Week

Models display creations by Lebanese fashion designer Abed Mahfouz during Beirut Fashion Week on April 18, 2017. — AFP photos

Lebanese fashion designer Abed Mahfouz walks on the catwalk at the end of his show during Beirut Fashion Week. Elegant looks from Lebanese designer Abed Mahfouz during Beirut Fashion Week

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 39

Models Lauren Green (left) and Abi Moore wear floral dress creations, representing an iris and a poppy respectively, by New Zealand artist Jenny Gillies as they pose on the eve of the opening day of the Harrogate Spring Flower Show at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, northern England yester- day. The flower show, which features over 1,000 exhibitors and hosts the UK’s biggest exhibition by flower arrangers and florists, opens today and runs until April 23, 2017. — AFP photos

Bizarre News

Woman gets hand stuck down toilet A woman had to be rescued by firefighters after she got her hand stuck in the toilet. Gracie Henderson had just Stan's the man for Austrian hermit job moved into her new home in New Caney, near Houston in America, when her toilet got blocked, and instead of using a plunger to clear the pipes she decided to get more hands here's no running water, electricity or Vanuytrecht said that he believes his previ- on and use her hands instead. However, the watch Gracie pay but 50 people from around the ous experience working with the homeless, was wearing on her wrist got caught in the U-bend of the world still applied to be one of alcoholics, drugs addicts, prisoners and psy- toilet basin, which meant her arm was completely stuck T Europe's last hermits. Now there is a winner, chiatric patients will stand him in good down the loo. Firefighters were called to the property to Austrian officials said yesterday. "We opted stead. "It's important just to listen without help her, and in order to free Gracie's arm they had to detach the porcelain basin from her bathroom and take it for Stan Vanuytrecht because his personality talking oneself and without judging," he outside, whilst Gracie's arm was still attached. The emer- appealed to us. He radiates calm and comes said. His ex-wife's mental illness and the gency services were able to free her arm by smashing the across as well-anchored," said Erich poverty he experienced after their divorce toilet bowl, and although Gracie remained uninjured she Rohrmoser, mayor of Saalfelden near also taught him important lessons, he said. decided to share footage of the embarrassing ordeal on Salzburg in the west. Vanuytrecht, a His predecessor, former priest and psy- Facebook. divorced, Trabant-driving former artillery chotherapist Thomas Fieglmueller, returned officer, surveying technician and Catholic to Vienna after just one season — the her- Women earn more than men on social media deacon from Belgium with a white beard mitage is only open from April to November Women have reportedly defeated the pay gap on social and a pipe, said he was surprised to be cho- — to write. media, outperforming men by 35 percent. A study com- sen. "I thought I didn't have a chance," the "Life in the hermit's cell is spartan but the missioned by influencer showed a female influencer with Austria Press Agency quoted the 58-year-old nature is very beautiful. I met lots of nice 100,000 followers can earn up to £41,600 by posting two retiree as saying. "When I read about the people and had good conversations," he sponsored social posts a week. However, the founder of the Saalfelden hermitage I thought to myself: told the Salzburger Nachrichten daily. "But web platform, Ben Jeffries, was surprised by the outcome. that's the place for me." there was also criticism from apparently The 21-year-old said: "It's no surprise that influential indi- Although the spartan 350-year-old her- arch-conservative Catholics because I didn't viduals on social media are monetizing their social feeds - mitage is built into a cliff above the town, have a cowl or a beard," Fieglmueller said. they have been doing so for some years now - but it is a the job doesn't offer total solitude. People Vanuytrecht starts work on April 30. — AFP surprise to see that female influencers are commanding often hike up to enjoy the view and some- This undated picture shows Stan Vanuytrecht, new hermit of one of central Europe’s last higher fees than their male counterparts, flipping the tradi- times to confide in the hermit. But tional pay gap on its head." The gender pay gap is currently hermitages, built into a cliff above the town of Saalfelden, Austria. — AFP photos at almost 14 percent in the UK, but this figure has been challenged when it comes to women using their social media outlets as marketing tools. And it is assumed the increased popularity in the fashion industry is thought to be the cause of their success. It has been reported a woman with 20,000 followers can ask for £160 for each sponsored post from brands, whereas men can only earn £120. And females with 50,000 to 100,000 followers can earn up to £400 per post, whilst male influencers with the same following are earning £300 per post, which means there is over 50 percent increase for women and a 13 per- cent increase for men against the average salary of £27,500 for full-time employees. The findings also show 73 percent of 18 to 30 year old's follow social media savvy stars includ- ing Zoella, Alfie Deyes and Tanya Burr.

A beaver helps herd cattle A beaver was spotted herding cattle across a field. Adrienne Ivey and her husband Aaron were out visiting their 150 cattle at their ranch near Ituna, Canada, when they noticed their herd were following a semi-aquatic rodent. And it has been reported some of the animals even lowered their heads to take a closer look at the beaver, which was commanding them around. The farming couple are used to herding cows with horses or quad bikes and were left utterly gobsmacked at the site of one single ani- mal calling the shots. Ivey uploaded a video of the beaver shepherding her cattle to Facebook because she thought her friends and family would get a "great chuckle" from it. She told the Canadian Press: "We knew that people would get a great chuckle out of it because you cannot get more Canadian than that. "We talk about how awesome our Canadian beef is, but a beaver leading cattle around? It's the most Canadian thing ever!"

Man wrongly arrested over cat litter A man was arrested after police mistook his cat litter for ille- gal drugs. Ross Lebeau, 24, from Texas, was pulled over in his car by police who searched his vehicle and discovered the suspicious substance hidden in a sock, which they believed to be crystal methamphetamine. The officers arrested the driver on suspicion of possessing the forbid- den substance and kept him in custody for three days before they discovered the alleged drug in the underwear garment was cat litter, which the driver used to prevent condensation forming in his vehicle. According to the Metro newspaper, police soon released Ross from his cell after realizing the mistake. This undated file photo handed out by Saalfelden Leogang Touristik shows a large view over Saalfelden near Salzburg in Austria and one of central Europe’s last hermitages (right), built into a cliff above the town.