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MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 JAMADA ALAWWAL 30, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Assembly panel Rio police Recession Hamilton leads demands tough storm vast no laughing Mercedes action against favela in dawn matter for to big win homosexuality2 operation7 clown40 industry in18 Malaysia Improving bilateral Max 26º Min 16º ties top priority: Gul High Tide 00:03 & 12:22 Turkish president meets Kuwaiti media delegation Low Tide 06:29 & 18:48 40 PAGES NO: 16121 150 FILS By Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan Kuwait Times Editor-in-Chief

ANKARA: Improving bilateral relations with Kuwait is a top priority for Turkey where the Gulf state has a special place in the Turkish people’s hearts. This was stated by Turkish President Abdullah Gul during a recent meeting with edi- tors-in-chief of Kuwaiti newspapers who visited Turkey ahead of Gul’s official visit to Kuwait tomorrow. “Boosting cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council states in gener- al and Kuwait in specific has been an issue of key impor- tance since the beginning of my political career,” Gul told the Kuwaiti delegation. “Turkey’s relationship with GCC states is important for both sides.” Gul focused during his time as foreign minister on strengthening ties with GCC states, which later resulted in signing a framework agreement of strategic cooperation between the two sides, he said. “Cooperation with Kuwait under this agreement is a top priority for Turkey,” Gul indi- cated. In the meantime, President Gul said that he looks for- ward to his scheduled visit to Kuwait, the third since he became president in 2007, saying that it is an opportunity to “discuss the future of bilateral relations between Turkey and Kuwait in light of the rapid changes in the region and the world.” The visit will also be an opportunity to discuss the latest regional developments with HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Gul said. “The region is going through a critical period which requires coordination and consultation between Turkey and Kuwait,” Gul indicat- ANKARA: (From left) Editor-in-Chief of Al-Rai Majed Al-Ali, Kuwait Journalists Association Treasurer Adnan Al-Rashed, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Anbaa Yousuf Al- ed. In this regard, he acknowledged HH the Amir as “one of Marzouq, Editor-in-Chief of Annahar Emad Bukhamseen, Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Turkey Abdullah Al-Thuwaikh, Head of Arab Media the most experienced world leaders on political matters,” Forum Madhi Al-Khamees, Director of Kuwait News Agency’s office in Ankara Mohammad Al-Mutairi, Second Secretary at the Kuwaiti Embassy Tareq Al-Khashram adding that his opinions on those issues are ‘reliable’. and Editor-in-Chief of Kuwait Times Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan pose for a group photo after a meeting. — Photo by Hani Al-Shemmari Continued on Page 3 Govt: Cost of Panel OKs raising children 9 conferences allowance by only KD 15 only KD 40m MP proposes 3-year jail for fighting abroad By B Izzak Rapporteur of the panel MP Mohammad Al- Security. Jabri said the proposal was approved being The lawmaker said that by approving the KUWAIT: A senior government official KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s financial the cheapest of all proposals submitted to the proposal, the committee members have yesterday refuted reports in the press and economic affairs committee yesterday Assembly to raise the children’s allowance. shown they care to fulfill the interests of the and social media over the cost of host- approved a proposal to raise the children’s Jabri said the annual cost of the proposal is people and to safeguard public funds at the ing the March 25-26 Arab Summit and allowance by KD 15 to KD 65 monthly for a just KD 83 million without including the cost same time. other earlier meetings, saying actual maximum of seven children per family. of transfers to the Public Institution for Social Continued on Page 13 spending was around KD 40 million ($142.5 million). “All information pub- lished about this issue are inaccurate,” Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al- No expatriate Mubarak Al-Sabah, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Coordination Committee of hajj pilgrims Conferences, told KUNA. Kuwait, under patronage of HH the Sheikh Mohammad from Kuwait Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber nessed three Arab League meetings. The Al-Sabah, has hosted nine conferences first was of the Economic and Social By A Saleh since November, he said. The Arab- Council, the second of the Arab foreign African Economic Forum, the Arab- ministers and then the Arab Summit, KUWAIT: During a recent meeting between the Africa Summit and the GCC ministerial which was held last week. “The costs of Kuwaiti hajj mission and the Saudi hajj ministry, meeting which featured participation of these conferences did not even reach both sides agreed that expatriates will not be Yemen, Jordan and Morocco were held the reported figures. The total spend- allowed to go for hajj from Kuwait and that they in Nov 2013. The Gulf Cooperation ing...was KD 39.7 million,” which included would have to go from their own respective coun- Council (GCC) Summit was held in Dec equipment, furniture, accommodation tries. Both sides also agreed to limit the maximum 2013, he said. Kuwait also hosted the and transportation among others, said number of expatriate workers with each convoy to 2nd international donors’ conference for Sheikh Mohammad. These expenses only four. In addition, both sides agreed that the the Syrian people on Jan 15. The GCC- were approved by the Audit Bureau, the maximum number of pilgrims to be received from Russia Strategic Dialogue was held in Central Tenders Committee, the Legal Kuwait for the next hajj season would be limited to the same month. and Legislation Department and the 6,400 and that all illegal convoys and ads for cheap Sheikh Mohammad said March wit- Ministry of Finance, he said. — KUNA services would be tracked in both countries.

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan casts his ballot Egypt presidential election May 26-27 at a polling station yesterday. — AFP CAIRO: Egypt is to hold a presiden- The commission said registration Erdogan’s party takes tial election on May 26-27, 10 of candidates would open today and months after the army ousted run until April 20, and campaigning strong lead in election Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi from from May 3-23. The announcement of the presidency, the electoral com- the dates by electoral chief Ashraf al- ANKARA: Turkish Premier Recep CNN-Turk said the AKP looked to mission announced yesterday. Asy came after Sisi resigned as Tayyip Erdogan’s party took a strong have scored around 48 percent of the Retired army chief Abdel Fattah Al- defence minister and army com- early lead in local elections yesterday, votes cast nationwide, based on more Sisi, who toppled Morsi, is widely mander last week to contest the elec- TV channels reported, despite turbu- than 10 percent of the ballots counted, expected to win the vote, riding on a tion, pledging to eradicate “terrorism”. lent months marked by mass protests, and was ahead in megacity Istanbul wave of popularity for having Egypt has been rocked by often vio- corruption scandals and Internet and the capital Ankara. Erdogan has removed the divisive president last lent protests and a spate of militant blocks. If the initial trend holds up, it been eyeing a run for the presidency in July. The election would go into a attacks which have killed almost 500 would considerably brighten the out- August - the first time voters will second round on June 16-17 if there people, mostly policemen and sol- look for Erdogan, who had gone on a directly elect the head of state - or may was no outright winner, but that out- diers, the government says. weeks-long campaign marathon ask his party to change rules and allow come seems unlikely given Sisi’s pop- Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood, ahead of the vote widely seen as a ref- him to seek a fourth term as premier. ularity and the absence of serious blacklisted as a “terrorist organisa- erendum on his 11-year-rule. With Despite much criticism at home and contenders. The only other main can- tion”, has said there can be no stabili- over 18 percent of the municipal abroad over what critics have labelled didate is leftwing politician ty under Sisi as president, accusing votes nationwide counted by early his increasingly authoritarian rule, Hamdeen Sabbahi, who came third him of having staged a coup against evening, his Justice and Development Erdogan and his party, have drawn CAIRO: Egyptian judge Anwar Rashad Al-Assi (third left), head of in the 2012 election that Morsi won. Egypt’s first freely elected and civilian Party (AKP) was at almost 50 percent large crowds cheering the man some- the presidential electoral commission, announces the timetable The new president will be president. of the vote, the private NTV television times dubbed “the sultan”. for the upcoming presidential election yesterday. — AFP announced by June 26 at the latest. Continued on Page 13 reported. Continued on Page 13 MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 LOCAL Panel demands tougher action against gays

By A Saleh and agencies agreement was reached during the hous- ing committee’s meeting to allocate a par- KUWAIT: MP Hamdan Al-Azmi announced liamentary session in the current term to that the so-called negative phenomena discuss the housing issue. The meeting committee in the parliament will discuss yesterday focused on financing housing gambling and the spread of illegal games projects, which has been a source of con- in Kuwait, as well as crimes and cases of cern for the government as it struggles to violence associated with domestic helpers. meet over 110,000 pending applications The panel also plans to send invitations to for housing welfare. the interior and social affairs and labor Abul said in a statement following the ministries in order to discuss the two meeting that the government is studying issues, Al-Azmi said in statements pub- ‘alternative visions’ to supplement the lished by Al-Rai yesterday. Al-Azmi, who Saving and Credit Bank in financing hous- chairs the committee that was formed to ing projects during the next few years. study aspects considered negative or Abul further indicated that the Saving and ‘strange’ to the Kuwaiti society, demanded Credit Bank faces the risk of falling into strong action from authorities against deficit if it was forced to provide loans to homosexuality in Kuwait. finance 12,000 housing units every year. KUWAIT: Philippine Labor Attache to Kuwait Atty Cesar Chavez (fifth from left) and Maripol Abdullah (fourth from right) pose here with the visi- “Social institutions are required to take tors of a Filipino forum in Kuwait City on Friday. —Photo by Albert Dimaculangan a stand against the so-called ‘gays’ in order Gulf pact to prevent the spread of cases that are Al-Rai also reported yesterday that the against religion, creation and human parliament’s foreign affairs committee is One year probation period for nature,” he said. Regarding the nature of expected to reject the Gulf security pact action he is demanding, Al-Azmi when its members vote on the controver- explained that the Interior Ministry is sial agreement this Thursday. The decision domestic helpers ‘very long’ required to “raid apartments that shelter is based on consultations with constitu- gays and where they practice prohibited tional experts in the parliament’s head actions that cannot be accepted under office who said that the pact was uncon- Plans to improve domestic sector any justification”. stitutional, said sources. The government “Men who are imitating the opposite had approved the Gulf security pact last By Ben Garcia domestic sector to regulate the contract employers return their housemaids (to the sex are required to either return back to year, but it cannot become effective until between employers and domestic helpers. The recruitment agency) to keep their money intact,” their senses and leave the life of humilia- the parliament ratifies it. The parliament is KUWAIT: While a probation period for domestic employer has the right to return the domestic disclosed Maripol Abdullah, President of the tion, or the law should be enforced firmly set to vote on the agreement in the mid- helper will be beneficial, Philippine Labor helper at any given time during one-year period. Filipino Association of Secretaries of Employment against them,” Al-Azmi proclaimed. He also dle of April. Attache to Kuwait Cesar Chavez said the one- “I think it will prolong the housemaid’s con- Agencies in Kuwait (FIL-ASEAK). accused the Interior Ministry of “not han- year period as proposed is a very long one. If tract - instead of just only two years, they might “Six months is okay, but I hope after six dling those cases as firmly as it should”, Kuwaiti-Qatari panel approved, it will affect new domestic helper ask for an additional year or two,” Chavez noted. months they send the housemaid back home and demanded coordination with state Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Khaled recruits from various labor-exporting countries “You are virtually allowing employers to take instead of returning her to the agency. The only departments to report any gay employees. Al-Jarallah considered the participation of such as the Philippines, Ethiopia, India, advantage of our workers. We do not want problem is what if the housemaid wants to work Al-Azmi proposed physiological and psy- Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Indonesia. The employers to take advantage of the proposed and transfer to a new employer. It’s really hard, chological treatment for homosexual indi- the Arab summit in Kuwait as a sign of his Philippines has about 80,000 domestic helpers in one-year probation and let their housemaids but I hope they’ll study the system correctly and viduals “in order to return back to being support of Arab joint actions. Speaking to Kuwait. Yesterday, Sheikh Faisal Al-Nawaf Al- work and later fire or return them to agencies implement the proper mechanism to the advan- normal citizens who can be integrated Qatar News Agency, Jarallah stressed that Sabah, Assistant Undersecretary for Citizenship without providing residency visas. Besides, trans- tage of both employer and employee,” she men- with the society,” while deporting expatri- both countries had very distinguished and Passports Affairs said the Interior Ministry fer to another employer will also absolve the PRA tioned. ate gays. relations and that arrangements were in might agree to increase a housemaid’s probation in the Philippines,” he added. Last month an Ethiopian housemaid killed her In other news, Minister of Housing progress to hold a meeting of the joint period from 100 days to one year. The president of Filipino recruitment agencies employer’s 19-year-old daughter. From then on, Affairs Yasser Abul announced that an Kuwaiti-Qatari committee soon. “That is too long for a two-year contract. in Kuwait is also not in favor of the one-year pro- several moves to regulate hiring domestic Maybe six months would be reasonable enough,” bation period for domestic helpers. “That is too helpers were discussed and heard in various said Chavez. Sheikh Nawaf will meet representa- long, and it can be used to the advantage of forums including reactivating the Barirah Project tives of Kuwait’s local domestic labor offices to employers. Even with the three-month proba- of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs which Indian injured in accident discuss suggestions on how to improve the tionary period, a day before 100 days elapse, was first introduced in 2006. By Hanan Al-Saadoun Pakistani expats to drugs control authori- ties for using drugs and alcohol. The two KUWAIT: An Indian expat sustained head were arrested following a car accident on injuries and bruises when he was run over King Fahd Road. by a car on Fifth Ring Road near Yarmouk. A police patrol reported a person identi- Meanwhile a six-year-old girl panicked fied by his initials TSM, posing as a police- when the lift she was in malfunctioned. She man and manning a checkpoint in Nuzha. was treated on site. When arriving at the scene, the suspect A 40 year old Bangladeshi expat suf- was seen with a flasher in his car. When tak- fered a head injury and wounds when his en to Faiha police station, another flasher vehicle flipped over on Sixth Ring Road. He was found along with batons as well as a was admitted in the Farwaniya ICU. bottle suspected to contain liquor. The sus- Ahmadi police sent Egyptian and pect himself was in an abnormal condition. Kuwait gives top priority to intellectual property protection KUWAIT: Kuwait attaches much attention haunting the protection of intellectual to intellectual property protection due to property rights in the Arab region as a its significance to the economic develop- result of lack of public awareness in this ment process, said a senior commerce offi- regard, he added. cial. “Kuwait has enacted laws and pieces of The conference is co-organized by the legislation aiming to protect intellectual Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the property and boost consumers’ awareness GCC Intellectual Property Center and about the perils of trademark infringe- Kuwait University. ment,” Undersecretary of the Ministry of The Kuwaiti official said the gathering Commerce and Industry Abdulaziz Al- revolves around ways and means of pro- Khaldi said at a conference held here yes- tecting intellectual property in the Arab terday. region by means of sharing experience and The protection of intellectual property expertise between the GCC and Arab coun- and trademarks will surely contribute to tries and international organizations. the preservation of consumers’ health and Kuwait seeks to open up to world mar- safety as per relevant international criteria, kets in order to bring benefits to con- he addressed the event entitled: sumers and the society and to create a “Intellectual Property and Economic competitive atmosphere to ensure a strong Development”. economy and provide more jobs, Al-Khaldi There are challenges and obstacles pointed out. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Outpatient clinics, third stage, dermatology, opthalmology, ear, nose and throat (ENT) pharmacy were opened at Adan hospital in the List of companies owned by presence of Health Minister Ali Saad Al-Obaidi, and Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Dr Ibrhaim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah. MPs, ministers on the way US Navy to boost long-term Gulf operations KUWAIT: The Ministry of Commerce and the ministry started preparing the list of MANAMA: US Navy operations in the Arabian but in a coalition environment.” mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare Industry is in the middle of carrying out properties, Al-Qabas reported yester- Gulf will go well into the middle of the century, According to Defence News, the LCS is a fast, or surface warfare missions. a complete survey to determine compa- day. the commander of the 5th Fleet and the US agile, focused-mission platform designed for The US presence in the region provides nies owned by members the cabinet Under article 131 of the Kuwaiti con- Naval Forces Central Command has said. operation in near-shore environments yet capa- expertise, might and leadership, added Miller, and parliament, and then put them in a stitution, members of the cabinet and Referring to the $580 million base expansion ble of open-ocean operation, according to the who replaced Vice Admiral Mark Fox as com- list containing detailed information parliament are not allowed to own pri- in Bahrain that includes modifications to accom- US Navy. It is designed to defeat asymmetric mander in May 2012. before sending it to the parliament. vate companies during their time in modate the US Navy’s new littoral combat ships anti-access threats, such as mines, quiet diesel “I see this role as growing over time and will MP Riyadh Al-Adasani had made a office. (LCS), due to be operational in the Arabian Gulf submarines and fast surface craft. The LCS class continue to grow; we provide a certain amount question to Deputy Prime Minister and In another news, Al-Qabas reported by 2018, Vice Admiral John Miller said that it consists of two variants, Freedom and of technical expertise; we bring a certain Minister of Commerce and Industry that minister Al-Modej accepted the res- indicated “an enduring presence.” Independence. The Freedom variant team is led amount of firepower to the maritime security Abdulmohsen Al-Modej, demanding ignation of Dr Suad Al-Tarawrah as chief “Some of the modifications that we are doing by Lockheed Martin. The Independence variant force as a sort of backbone, but the most impor- information about commercial proper- executive of the Protection of right now will help us get the base ready for the team is being led by General Dynamics, Bath tant thing we provide is leadership,” he said. “We ties owned by MPs and ministers. The Competition Authority. Dr Al-Tarawrah arrival of the littoral combat ships, which will Iron Works and Austal USA. have seen the addition of the flyover that con- ministry sent a request later demanding reportedly resigned in the middle of start right around 2018,” Miller told Defence The LCS seaframes will be outfitted with nects us to the waterfront side of things will be the civil ID numbers for members of the March in protest since the authority is News at the Doha International Maritime reconfigurable payloads, called mission modules completed in a few months, we continue to executive and legislative authorities in yet to start functioning 18 months since Defence Exhibition (DIMDEX). “Those are ships made up of mission systems and support equip- negotiate additional leases with the Bahrainis order to be able to provide the informa- its establishment. She also cited ‘lack of that will serve in the US Navy and this area right ment, which can be changed out quickly. These and we continue to see some growth there and tion required. healthy work environment’ and the until the middle of the current century. We modules combine with crew detachments and we also have opportunities with some other The parliament’s office recently sent board’s inability to employ and build a would not plan for this infrastructure if we did aviation assets to become complete mission partners to consolidate our maintenance activi- not plan on staying here and the second thing is packages, which will deploy manned and ties there to allow us to be more efficient.” lists containing full names and civil IDs technical structures as reasons for quit- that we plan on staying not just as the US Navy unmanned vehicles and sensors in support of — Gulf News of MPs and ministers, based on which ting.

KUWAIT: Kuwait witnessed dust storm with wind speed of up to 60 kilometers per hour. Director of the Meteorological Department Mohammad Karam said the winds were accompanied with clouds and scattered rains, making visi- bility as low as 500 meters. He added that the wind will shift northwest causing dust on Sunday night and will continue today also. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat and Fouad Al-Shaikh LOCAL MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014

ANKARA: Kuwait Times Editor-in-Chief Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan pictured with ANKARA: Editors-in-chief of Kuwaiti newspapers meeting President of Turkey Abdullah Gul. — Photos by Hani Al-Shemmari Turkish President Abdullah Gul. Improving bilateral ties top priority: Gul

Continued from Page 1 Iran’s position under the leadership of President Hassan threat that requires the entire world to stand united Rouhani that contributes to international efforts to end against. “The whole world without exception needs Gul said that stability of the Arabian Gulf region is the Syrian struggle. unit to fight terrorists and firmly thwart their evils,” he the ‘cornerstone’ for stability of the entire region and Regarding the incident of downing a Syrian fighter said, pointing out that terrorism “knows no religion or the world. Therefore, Turkey gives top priority to coop- jet in Turkey, Gul said that the Turkish armed forces sector”. According to Gul, the Soviet occupation of eration with GCC states, especially in the security fields, performed their duty in protecting Turkey’s borders Afghanistan and the subsequent war there was the as well as in efforts to establish peace and stability, he and atmosphere from the ‘risks and threats’ of the seed that bred terrorism and extremist ideology. “Our said. Syrian regime. He added that the incident was deliber- countries have unknowingly fed the growth of radical- Meanwhile, Gul acknowledged Kuwait’s role within ate as the plane was warned four times before it was ism and fundamentalism when they supported the the Gulf Cooperation Council, especially when it comes shot down. “Turkey is committed to keeping security jihadist factions in Afghanistan that fought against the to mediating between conflicting states. “Kuwait plays and stability on its side of the over 900-kilometer-long Soviet troops during the 1980s,” he admitted. a pioneering role in several fields, and Turkey highly border with Syria,” Gul said, adding that the Turkish Gul underlined the importance of cooperation appreciates the Kuwaiti role in those fields,” he said. armed forces carry out their duties “without violating between countries of the region to firmly reject Describing himself as a ‘friend’ of GCC states, Gul international laws and treaties”. extremism and fanaticism, “which are two ideologies underlined the importance of improving cooperation associated with terrorism”. He also warned from the between GCC countries, and between them and other Egypt and Iraq consequences of the spread of extremist ideologies states, while at the same time respecting each state’s President Gul recognized Egypt as an important “due to the spread of corruption and injustice and the privacy and sovereignty. “It is important to say that the country in the Arab World and the Mediterranean lack of democracy and justice”. interest of GCC states lies in that aspect,” he said. Basin. He added that Turkey and Egypt are two parts of “We as Muslims are required to deal with terrorism an ‘important equation’ in that region. “It is important from a religious standpoint, on the basis that Islam is President of Turkey Abdullah Gul Arab Summit and Syria for Turkey that Egypt becomes a strong country in its the religion most negatively affected by the spread of foreign trade during the past decade, saying that it On the 25th Arab League Summit that Kuwait host- terrorism when it is falsely associated with Islam; some- geographical surroundings, and a strong shield against jumped from $36 billion to $150 billion. He added that ed last week, Gul pointed out HH the Amir’s efforts in thing that is unjust towards Muslims and our efforts to foreign risks threatening the Arab and Islamic worlds,” 60 percent of Turkey’s exports go to markets in the ‘clearing the atmosphere’ and pacifying relations spread Islam,” Gul said. He called for joint Islamic effort he said. In the meantime, President Gul indicated that European Union, “the main commercial partner of between some Arab states which have been rocked to “acquit the Islamic faith from these unfair accusa- the recent events in Egypt have affected its position in Turkey.” Gul further indicated that Turkey managed to recently. “HH the Amir is a veteran world leader with tions”. the region. diversify destinations of its exports to include new over four decades of experience in diplomatic and On the Palestinian issue, Gul described it as a ‘bleed- Gul expressed regret for the setback that Egypt’s markets in Africa and Latin America. And while he indi- political work that enables him to clear tensions and ing wound’ that continues to hurt the Arab and Muslim position in the region suffered. “We warned Egypt out cated that Turkey’s economy is expected to grow by 4 unite conflicting Arab states,” he said. “I am confident worlds. Furthermore, he was not optimistic about the of good intention from events similar to those that that HH the Amir’s status in the Gulf and Arab scenes as chances of a breakthrough regarding the peace percent this year, Gul rejected the possibility of a drop Turkey experienced years ago and which had serious well as his political experience will contribute in end- process that has been on hold for years. “There are no in his country’s economic performance or increased consequences on stability and security in our country,” ing disputes between Arab and Gulf states,” he assert- positive indications on the horizon that give us hope budget deficit. “The deficit is limited and under con- he said, while expressing hope that calm and security is ed. about resuming negotiations between the Palestinians trol,” he said, “and it remains in accordance with eco- On the struggle in Syria, President Gul expressed restored in Egypt. Moreover, Gul pointed out the and Israel due to lack of seriousness from the Israeli nomic standards followed inside the European Union.” ‘deep regret’ for the nonstop fighting there, and on the ‘strong relations’ between the Turkish and Egyptian side,” Gul said. “Jewish settlement activities in Furthermore, Gul pointed out that the economic sit- death and injury of tens of thousands of Syrian people. people, which he said have been strong since before Palestinian territories are ongoing in blatant violation uation in Turkey is ‘a lot better’ compared to several EU He further reiterated that Turkey has called since day the term of ousted President Mohamed Morsi. to the principles of international laws and agreements.” nations, and expressed belief that Turkey’s gross one for a stop to the bloodshed and a return of normal On the situation in Iraq, Gul expressed concern over Meanwhile, Gul expressed regret regarding the domestic product will reach around $850 billion “in life in Syria. “The situation in Syria is ambiguous as the escalating sectarian violence in Iraqi cities. He also “weak Palestinian position against the Israeli intransi- light of increasing foreign investments in Turkey”. there are areas under the Syrian regime’s control while said that his country’s southern neighbor lives in a gence”. “Disputes between Palestinian forces are not At the conclusion of his meeting with editors-in- others are controlled by the Syrian opposition,” he said. state of sectarian fragmentation “unprecedented in the helping efforts to strengthen a united Palestinian posi- chief of Kuwaiti newspapers, Gul praised Kuwaiti “In the meantime, there are areas controlled by extrem- history of Iraqi”, in addition to lack of security and sta- tion,” he said, calling for “Palestinian unity in order to Ambassador to Turkey Abdullah Al-Thuwaikh, acknowl- ist armed factions that were not present in Syria before bility in many of its regions. “It pains me to see the face the upcoming challenges.” edging his extended efforts in boosting Kuwaiti-Turkish and no one knows who are behind them.” present situation in Iraq - a country that enjoys enor- relations. “I know [ambassador Al-Thuwaikh] since my Gul also lamented the lack of development in favor mous human and natural resources which if utilized for Economic ties time as foreign minister, and have been in contact with of the opposition since the Syrian revolution started the benefit of the Iraqi people, the situation there Gul said that his upcoming visit to Kuwait carries a him since then,” he said, before speaking about the three years ago, accusing Western powers of “forcing would have been different,” he said. “Failure in develop- special meaning since it coincides with the ‘golden ambassador’s diplomatic efforts throughout his time in the opposition in the face of a barbaric regime without ment led to the current situation in Iraq,” he pro- jubilee’, or 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Turkey. providing it with the support they were hoped to give”. claimed. the two countries. He underlined the importance of the The Kuwaiti press delegation included Editor-in- “This led to destruction in Syria as well as more than On the upcoming general elections in Iraq, Gul said economic ties that his country shares with Kuwait in Chief of Kuwait Times Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan, Editor- 150,000 dead and millions of Syrians becoming inter- that the question is whether the Iraqi leaders will be specific, and the GCC countries in general. in-Chief of Al-Anbaa Yousuf Al-Marzouq, Editor-in-Chief nally displaced or refugees in other countries,” he said. able to overcome sectarian and racial distinctions that “Kuwait is distinguished by having a long tradition of Al-Rai Majed Al-Ali, Editor-in-Chief of Annahar Emad Gul further indicated that Turkey shared ‘excellent divide the Iraqi people. “The Iraqi people’s diversity of investing in Turkey, as it led the way of investment in Bukhamseen and Head of Arab Media Forum Madhi Al- relations’ with Syria in most fields “until the genocides should be utilized by achieving national unity, instead fields like the banking sector, shopping malls, real Khamees, in addition to Kuwait Journalists Association’s that the Syrian regime committed against its people of being used to fuel sectarianism,” Gul said. He added estate and industry projects,” Gul said. “Turkey remains Treasurer Adnan Al-Rashed and Director of Kuwait News forced Ankara to change its position and stand by the that Turkey maintains equal relations with all Iraqi sec- committed to attract more Kuwaiti investments,” he Agency’s office in Ankara Mohammad Al-Mutairi. Syrian people”. He also denied accusations against his tors, in addition to good relations with both the central added. Furthermore, Gul expressed hope to see country of having a ‘secret agenda’ in Syria. government in Baghdad and the Kurdish administra- improvement in bilateral economic relations in the Furthermore, Gul expressed belief that there are two tion in northern Iraq. near future, pointing out the fact that the volume of EDITOR’S NOTE: Kuwait Times would like to thank influential powers in the Syrian crisis - Russia and Iran. trade between the two countries is ‘not large’ in com- Ambassador Al-Thuwaikh and his team for their “Turkey has previously contacted those countries in Fighting terrorism and parison to the volume of foreign trade between Turkey efforts and support during our visit. Special thanks search for peaceful solutions for the bloody fighting in the Palestinian issue and other countries. to Jassem Al-Najem, advisor at the Kuwait Embassy Syria,” he said, expressing hope for a ‘positive change’ in President Gul reiterated that terrorism remains a real Gul said that Turkey achieved ‘significant leaps’ in in Ankara, for his tireless efforts and support. Felonies, offenses dangerously rise in 2013

KUWAIT: Recent statistics about the total number of felonies WANTED and offences committed in Kuwait in 2013 showed that the EPA lauds success of number had slightly increased by one percent compared to the previous year, with a dangerous change in their nature as they Earth Hour celebration varied between murder, attempted murder, break and entry and shooting at people. Statistics showed that 51 murders KUWAIT: Director-General of the Dr. Al-Modhi appreciated the were committed in various residential areas and Kuwait’s Editors & Reporters Environment Public Authority (EPA) interest of mass media in the event deserts that mostly resulted from quarrelling and fights. Dr Salah Al-Modhi said Kuwait has which aims primarily to encourage Farwaniya governorate witnessed the largest number of mur- ders. successfully joined other countries individuals, communities, house- Statistics also showed that felonies and offenses filed in of the world in celebrating the holds and businesses to turn off 2013 totaled 6477 compared to 5,983 in 2012. They also Full time, must be in Kuwait, Earth Hour on Saturday. their non-essential lights for one showed that 20 attempted murder cases, 195 armed robberies, “The annual celebrations help hour as a symbol for their commit- 2,252 forgeries, 41 unlicensed possession of weapons and promote the awareness of massive ment to the planet. ammunition, 19 shooting, 7 kidnap, 55 suicide and attempted have transferrable 18 visa mainstream community, particular- He noted that the non-essential suicide and 5,060 robbery cases had been filed. ly among youths, about a broad consumption of power has adverse Statistics also showed that 30 arson cases were filed and and writing experience range of environmental issues,” he impacts on environment and it is a that they claimed the lives of 26 people in 2013. In addition, statistics showed that 65 assault cases were filed and that the said on the sidelines of a celebra- collective responsibility to curb the total number of suspects who had their fingerprints scanned at tion held by EPA between 8:30 pm global warming. the criminal evidence department totaled 1,128 citizens and and 9:30 pm. Earth Hour first started as a expatriates. Send CV, letters of reference “Though symbolic, the annual lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, The report also stressed that most bloody incidents usually EPA celebration has a social dimen- in 2007, before growing to engage started with two sides staring at each other and blaming each and 3 writing samples sion as it drew participation from more than 7,000 cities and towns other for it. In this regard, a high-ranking security official government and non-government worldwide; the one-hour event stressed that Farwaniya came first in the number of crimes to [email protected] organizations as well as growing continues to be a key driver of a committed by expatriates while Jahra came first for citizens, numbers of individuals,” he added. larger movement. —KUNA while Hawally, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al-Kabeer and the Capital Only those who are shortlisted will be contacted governorates witnessed the highest number of juvenile crimes. MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 LOCAL

kuwait digest kuwait digest Vacant seat Calling things of Syria Just felt that I am a Kuwaiti by real names and wish you the same!! By Dr Hasan Abbas By Dr Salah Al-Utaiqi ow do you evaluate the Arab summit that Kuwait o inscriptions truly describe the things behind hosted recently? I personally believe that the Arab what they are written on? Does that thing neces- HLeague’s various failures were embodied during Dsarily change if the inscriptions do? There is a the summit for several reasons: First of all, summits are folktale about a woman who often complained of find- organized to approve agreements and enhance relations. ing ants inside the sugar jar. After several failed attempts On the other hand, Arab summits have proven to be noth- to try to prevent ants from crawling inside the jar, the ing but a waste of time for the media as well as everyone woman decided to follow a relative’s suggestion of else who got stuck in traffic caused by road closures. changing the label on the bowl with one that said ‘salt’. In Europe, despite their bloody history, countries use They opened the bowl the next morning but found that summits to have a lot of discussions and realize important it was still filled with ants. She then realized that while achievements in record time. Examples of this include the ants cannot read, they can still tell the difference Greek economy crash and the situation in Ukraine on which European nations discussed how to act as a unified between sugar and salt! front against the Russians. The Europeans work according Some dictatorships put pictures of doves outside to a long-term strategic system and comprehensively on News prison walls in order to give the impression that they honor freedom. But have they guaranteed freedom for the grounds that everyone is willing to bear the conse- Al-Anbaa quences of their decisions, something that is completely their people? If a person uses clothes and plastic surger- absent here. Accepting children ies to cover physical defects, does that automatically In addition to lacking long-term vision and confidence of Kuwaiti women turn the person physically sound? Is expressing an oppo- with each other, Arab states also lack full independence. at university site opinion considered an oppositionist view? Is this an They do not act as per their personal interest and the accurate description of the opposition? Are political interest of their own people. The nearest example is found groups in Kuwait considered ‘parties’ from organizational in Kuwait’s summit. A group representing 22 nations and standpoints? So many questions come to my mind as I more than 220 million people failed in the most simple of wonder why we do not refer to things by their correct its issues (by most simple, I mean more clear and agreed names. upon), which is the Palestinian issue. The conferees failed kuwait digest Kuwait is home to several political groups that adopt to even set a deadline or talk about a specific mechanism ideas or goals that do not necessarily represent national to lift Gaza’s blockade, and all because of American pres- interests all the time, or sometimes reflect foreign or sec- sure. Relation between politics, religion tarian objectives. If we ask the question again - are politi- And then there is the Syrian issue that divided Arabs cal groups in Kuwait considered ‘parties’ in all senses of into two halves. Before speaking about it, I would like to the word? point out that many people, especially columnists and By Fahd Rashid Al-Mutairi I believe that the answer is yes. A political party is intellectuals, complain of foreign interference (Iranian, American, Russian, Turkish, etc) in Arab countries’ internal here are at least two forms of relations between what each inquirer wished to hear for the right price. established through an agreement of a group of citizens affairs. That is correct, but have they or anyone ever asked politics and religion, where either politics serve This was actually the beginning of ruling shaikhs in our who carry specific ambitions and clear objectives, and themselves why wouldn’t the whole world interfere in Treligion or vice versa. The first form, however, present days with only one difference - coyness. who are characterized by being more active and more Arab states’ affairs as long as we are weak and have left highly appeals to those longing for the hereafter while Apollo’s maid had to hide to keep a lid on various organized than others. Parties are different with regards our doors and borders wide open for them? the second appeals to those who are more concerned secrets while ruling shaikhs find no harm in shamelessly to their economic, professional, cultural, scientific and The Syrian issue is the largest door that Arabs have with worldly matters and life. The first party views reli- appearing on satellite TV channels! religious orientations. Parties are tools through which ever opened for foreign interventions. Terrorism which gion as an end while the second views it as a means. In the aftermath of Aug 2, 1990 when Kuwait social categories seek to achieve their goals, and they Arabs denounced in the ‘Kuwait Declaration’ is the same However, the common thing between both parties is appealed to the international community for help, we always put power as one of their objectives. that they created, sponsored and sent here and there. the idea calling for linking religion to all life concerns heard religious fatwas allowing seeking foreign troops’ Article 43 of the Kuwaiti constitution does not specifi- Furthermore, Arab states are guilty of toppling Arab including those related to politics. Religious blocs assistance to liberate Kuwait and others prohibiting cally refer to parties. It does not confirm freedom of regimes and brought foreigners to interfere with them. So would not have got so much popularity if it wasn’t for seeking such help from the ‘infidel’ West. This contradic- forming political parties, nor does it ban it. But according why are they complaining and denouncing terrorism and this totalitarian concept, neither would Islamic banks. tion was not out of different interpretations of religion, to the custom, permissibility is prevalent, while the gov- foreign interventions? Books about scientific miracles would not have flour- but rather in utilizing religion. Fatwas for foreign troops ernment’s opinion is advisory, not essential. came from Saudi Arabia and other GCC states while Last but not least, Syria’s seat remained vacant during ished nor would religious fatwas have interfered in poli- Kuwait has many political groups that in reality are tics. those against it came from countries like Iraq, Jordan, the latest summit, which means several things - it means parties functioning in the dark, including the Muslim that the opposition no longer represents the Syrian peo- In ancient Egyptology, a pharaoh would consult god Palestine, Algeria and Tunisia, which reflects how Amon before making any political decision and got the matching religious opinion of those countries were with Brotherhood, Kuwait Democratic Forum, Islamic Salaf ple; that the opposition does not have control over land in Alliance, Ummah Party, etc. While the political party Syria; and that the Arab states’ belief in the opposition has answer in the form of ambiguous signs that can only be their political attitudes. interpreted by his priests. In fact, they were the only Today, and after the Arab Spring revolutions, reli- experience in the Arab World is not encouraging for changed. Kuwait to adopt, I believe that having announced politi- The most notable thing is that the Arab states changed ones entitled to interpret those divine signs and thus, gious fatwas are back again but with more pace. Ruling cal parties that function officially under the govern- their supportive position to the Syrian opposition to the power shifted from the pharaoh’s palace to priests’ tem- sheikhs once more appear but more bluntly this time. point that President of the National Coalition for Syrian ples, and sometimes the gods had to be bribed to get Each party has clergymen who follow them. Once we ment’s eyes are better than ones that work in the dark. Revolutionary and Opposition Forces Ahmad Jarba was the answer they wanted. hear that Archangel Gabriel prayed as an imam in front NOTE: Article 43 of the constitution says: “Freedom to left to ‘beg’ for Syria’s seat. The Arab’s change of position The famous Greek historian Herodotus even men- of those demonstrating at Rabea Square and on other form associations and unions on a national basis and by can only mean that they cannot bear the responsibility or tions Delphi Temple where, through revelation, Apollo occasions we heard that Allah has destined Sisi to peaceful means is guaranteed in accordance with the honor commitments that they vow or sign to do. —Al-Rai responded to each question. This revelation turned out restore Egypt’s religion. The funny thing is that he who conditions and manner specified by law. No one may be to be a woman hiding behind a curtain responding with believes either fatwa ridicules the other! —Al-Jarida compelled to join any association or union.” —Al-Qabas

in my view Saudi, US need each other

By Abdulateef Al-Mulhim uring the beginning of the 20th century, the Americans after President Barack Obama drew a red United States emerged as arguably the most line for Syria if it used chemical weapons against its Dpowerful nation. It speeded up the end of own people? The answer is that the Americans didn’t WWI, and was in the driving seat during WWII. interfere in Syria to end the biggest atrocities in mod- Ironically, US didn’t want to be involved in these two ern time. Instead, they went to Iran, the country wars. During WWI, many Americans were thanking the which backed Bashar Assad and even provided him Atlantic for its separation from Europe during the and his regime with all the financial and military aid. administration of President Woodrow Wilson, who was And this is how all the political rift started between busy with internal affairs of his country. It wasn’t until Saudi Arabia and US. And this rift was not too secret. 1917 when America went to the war after the sinking The whole world noticed. This is one reason why peo- of the Motor Vessel, the Lusitania. But, after the end of ple around the world are watching the outcome of WWI, US returned its focus on the home front with lim- Barack Obama’s visit to the Kingdom when he holds ited attention to the outside world. At the near end of talks with Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Wilson’s presidency, the world wanted US to be part of Abdullah. the League of Nations, which US didn’t want to join, President Obama’s visit is very important because even though America’s signature was in the Versailles the two countries have the capabilities to solve sever- Treaty (WWI Peace Treaty). al issues. The visit will strengthen the bond between When WWII broke out in the two nations. The relation 1938, US stood idle and as a is based on strategic need matter of fact, it was so neu- On Syria, where are the with mutual understanding tral that America was the Americans after President of each other’s interests. The main supplier of raw materials Barack Obama drew a red visit comes amid regional to Japan during the first years and world turbulent times. of the war. line for Syria if it used chemi- The situation in Syria is It was however Japan that cal weapons against its own becoming unbearable, Iran dragged US into the war by intentions are not clear, attacking Pearl Harbor on Dec people? The answer is that Egypt is approaching a mile- 7, 1941. At the end of WWII, the the Americans didn’t interfere stone in its way out of the United Nations Organization in Syria to end the biggest Arab Spring and Libya is in (UN) was formed and New chaos and most important is York City was chosen to be atrocities in modern time. the issue of Palestinian-Israeli home of this newly formed conflict. organization which was formed to end all conflicts and Riyadh and Washington had in the past cooperat- prevent wars. US by now had become undisputedly the ed on many issues of global interest. The meeting super power. In any conflict or a dispute in the world between the two top leaders is expected to be candid after that it was required to mediate or intervene. and the visit is expected to find solutions to regional The world clearly saw the capability of US. The only and international issues. The Saudis and Americans country in the world that has a presence on the Seven have differences on many issues, but, like every time Seas, US became the most powerful country with a both countries will be able to navigate around these strong economy, thus adding burden on its governing issues and solve them. Saudis and Americans are administration too. In addition, the American home known for their ability to adjust the sails if they can’t front is very demanding. One third of the world’s control the wind. wealth is in US. And finally, in the past year, the world was following But, is the world changing or is it the pressing need the Obama drive to modify or change the health care sys- back home that US wants to do: Governing the inside tem. It is an important issue for Americans and it is appar- and forgetting the outside? Simply put, US and the ent that the health issue is taking a big part of the whole world can’t afford seeing the Red, White and American administration and may be the world events Blue out of any political formula. didn’t get the attention it should. But, US and the world In March 2012, I wrote an article in Arab News, can’t afford seeing things going unnoticed by the “Syria - Where are the Americans?” And later on I had American administration. America can’t even afford blink- to write an article, “America: Damned if you do, ing an eye. Actually, it did blink and look at what hap- damned if you don’t,” which was published on Jan. 26, pened in Ukraine and the Crimea. Or maybe we should 2013. think about more civilian casualties in Syria and the nine I ask this question again: On Syria, where are the million Syrian refugees. MON DAY, MARCH 31, 2014 LOCAL Kuwait Environment Society enters fifth decade of service Many new initiatives soon KUWAIT: Kuwait Environment Protection Society tion and management of solid waste), and (environ- officially accredited with the United Nations and today marks 40 years in service of the Kuwaiti envi- mental awareness and enthusiasm among the was granted right to participation in the ronment and public awareness and interaction on Kuwaiti public), the society also issues its own maga- Johannesburg Summit of 2000 on environment issues relating to pollution and to environment in zine which is the first publication in the Arab World and development. —KUNA general. Society Board Chairman Dr Mohammad Al- devoted to environment issues. Ahmad said, “the society enters the fifth decade of The society is also quick to address current con- service priding itself on its great accomplishments, cerns and issues, and has an array of documentaries Co-ops’ management made possible by its qualified and devoted staff.” produced in reaction to the phenomenon of (coral of school Since its establishment, he said, the society went bleaching), coinciding with the (bio-rock coral reef through different phases, and all the while, contin- restoration project), touching on the removal and canteens rejected ued effort and making sure all work is on track and replacement of asbestos pipes in Farwaniyah KUWAIT: Educators recently rejected a pro- in harmony with long-term strategy was “top priori- Governorate, and also shedding light on many posal made by Minster of Education Ahmad ty”. As the society celebrates the anniversary, it is to initiatives to protect and restore endangered indige- Al-Mulaifi on having co-ops run school can- launch many new initiatives, he stressed. nous fauna and flora. The society also cooperates teens, noting that this would be very dan- Founded in 1974, the society organizes and takes with local specialized bodies including Kuwait gerous and might lead to huge problems for part in seminars, programs, exhibitions, forums, and Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) school administrations. much more to both increase awareness and and the Environment Public Authority (EPA), and Informed sources said that various edu- Zain revamps Metro enhance its own capabilities as part of its training had supported calls for establishing the environ- cational zones had filed reports about the program. ment affairs committee at the National Assembly. proposal and that over 90 percent of school Mall branch The call for setting up the society was well The society’s contributions relating to urgent administrations were against the idea due received from its earliest days and the society was environment issues also included partnership in the to potential danger to students’ health as KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunica- they go. The revamping of the Metro Mall founded and accredited to become a distinguished panel formed by the Council of Ministers to look into well as security problems that might result tions company in Kuwait, reinforced its lead- branch is further evidence of our commit- example of an NGO working along the lines of the the Mishref Water Station incident, a role in the from the presence of non-school laborers, ership position in the country’s telecom sec- ment to giving customers what they want United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). investigation into the Ahmadi gas leak, and the issue which violates schools’ privacy. tor by completely revamping its Metro Mall right where they are. Through our wide The society’s objectives include curbing sources of a comprehensive report on the problem of dis- The sources explained that co-ops run- branch in Farwaniyah. The latest re-opening branch network covering all of Kuwait, our of pollution, encouraging and calling for measures carded used tires in different locations across the ning school canteens would be against the brings the total number of branches operat- customers can benefit from easy access to that would protect the environment, calling for and country upon the request of the Municipal Council. concept school canteens had been estab- ed by Zain to over 80, the highest number in the variety of services and products we offer suggesting legislation and administrative guidelines The Kuwaiti society’s achievements also include lished for in the first place - that is having Kuwait, which is in line with the company’s and our expansion strategy has focused on to help protect the environment, as well as conduct- recommendations to use 12 tools or systems to students practice selling and buying. ambition to conscientiously serve the developing deeper in-roads into the resi- ing and contributing to studies and research in the bring down water consumption which are now They also warned that the proposal largest customer base in the country. dential and commercial areas customers field. widely used, at Kuwait Oil Company buildings and would deprive schools of a source of income The newly revamped branch is set to most require our services.” facilities for example. that is necessary to finance many activities, maintain Zain’s high standard of customer Al-Kandari continued: “Zain’s customer Training courses The Kuwaiti body was a founding member of the especially since schools only get KD 3,000 in service and convenience, while offering the base is the largest in Kuwait, and we are The society also considers it a priority to engage Gulf Cooperation Council environmental network, a annual budgets and primary schools already latest in devices, accessories, packages, pro- keen to provide them with the best services in cultural, educational, and media activities, since member of the Arab waste management union, suffer because of the ministry-provided motions, and advice. and promotions, which are on par with its goal is to ultimately increase public awareness. member in the International Union for Conservation meals. Ahmad Al-Kandari, Zain’s Sales Director international standards. Zain’s successful dis- The society sensed a need to redouble its efforts to of Nature (IUCN), and a partner is the International “Educational zones still demand 100 fils said: “Zain constantly looks at ways to tribution channel through our own branch- face the aftermath of the Iraqi occupation of 1990. Council for Bird Preservation. per student in view of idle canteens in the improve the retail experience for its cus- es as well as authorized dealers, allows us to In addition to an array of training courses on It also has observer status at the Arab Forum presence of free meals,” said some primary tomers, including providing them with the process customers’ requests and concerns themes including (sewage water treatment), (collec- for Environment and Development (AFED), and is school sources. convenience of finding a branch wherever quickly and efficiently.”

KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality’s public services depart- ment began removing left overs from camps areas. Twenty-six truck loads were removed in the form of tents and furniture left behind by its owners in Mulaa area. Director Ahmad Al-Shraideh said campaigns will continue in cooperation with concerned authorities to protect the environment. —Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 LOCAL Three maids in hospital after carbon monoxide inhalation Hospital accused of negligence

KUWAIT: Three domestic helpers were hospital- friends. They added that his condition worsened A security source quoted in the report indicated ized in a critical condition after suffocating from on Thursday when he went to the hospital com- that the suspect tried to assault the 14-year-old smoke emitting from coal they left burning for plaining from acute chest pains. He stayed for girl when she came out of her house to pick up heating inside their room before falling asleep three hours before the doctor said that he can be the delivery, but the man ran away when she Friday night. Paramedics and police had rushed to discharged, but his bad condition forced medical screamed for help. Police went to the restaurant a house in Adan where the incident was reported, staff to keep him in the internal medicine ward, where the man works to arrest him based on the and found the Ethiopian women unconscious his friends said. They added that when they came girl’s descriptions, but he was nowhere to be inside their room located on the roof of their to visit him later, they discovered that he had found. The Asian man was soon located and employer’s house. The housemaids had reported- already died, adding that doctors were not even placed under arrest after police surrounded the ly failed to put out the coal before falling asleep, aware of his death. area and blocked its exits. He was taken to the and sustained complications of carbon monoxide authorities for further action. poisoning. They were rushed to Adan Hospital Armed robbery and admitted inside the intensive care unit. A Investigations are ongoing to identify and Juveniles’ fight case was filed for investigations. arrest two persons who committed an armed rob- Jahra police arrested a teenager hours after he bery at a supermarket in Farwaniya recently. left his neighbor bleeding from a deep stab Hospital negligence According to the police report, two men who had wound in their neighborhood in the area. Police Friends of a man who died at Farwaniya their faces covered with shmaghs (headdresses) and paramedics rushed to the scene in response Hospital recently accused medical staff of negli- stormed a co-op society branch with cleavers in to an emergency call reporting that a teenager gence which led to the Arab man’s death. hand. They stole cash and phone credit recharge was bleeding following a fight with another juve- According to a news report yesterday, the man’s cards worth KD 1,000 before escaping. Criminal nile. The boy was rushed to Jahra Hospital and friends said that he had been diagnosed with a investigators lifted fingerprints from the scene underwent surgery to close a deep gash in his form of cardiomyopathy that required weekly and obtained surveillance tapes that were used waist. Investigations revealed that the victim was checkups at the hospital. The man, who was in his during the investigations. stabbed by his neighbor who used a kitchen knife forties, also complained from swelling in his feet he got from his house to attack him during a fight associated with his medical condition. Despite Attempted rape for unknown reasons. The attacker was soon that, doctors refused to grant him permission to A delivery man was arrested on accusations of located hiding at his uncle’s home, and placed stay at the hospital for further treatment or be attempting to rape a teenager in a house in an under arrest. He was taken to the authorities to transferred to see a specialist, according to his undisclosed location, according to a news report. face attempted murder charges. KPC keen on implementing huge oil projects

KUWAIT: Deputy Chairman and seeks to bolster collaboration with Kuwaiti personnel recruited in KPC added value for the Kuwaiti oil Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait international partners in this field and its subsidiaries has ostensibly industry among other industries. Petroleum Corporation Nizar Al- to develop incessantly such impor- increased through providing youth He added, “KPC participation in Adsani confirmed that KPC, as part tant industry, enhance the status with job vacancies and rehabilitat- sponsoring the 2nd Gulf Petroleum of its responsibility, is keen on sup- the Kuwaiti oil industry interna- ing them to join and perform the Forum is among its keenness to porting the national economy, various phases of oil industry in avail of such significant forums enhancing effectively the develop- Kuwait. which serve its goals and ambitions ment plan and initiating sturdily He went on to say that human which are aimed at accomplishing progressive steps to achieve KPC resource is the key pivot for fulfill- more progress and devotion in the 2030 strategic directions. ing successful investment. It is the Kuwaiti oil sector.” In a press statement on KPC par- safety valve which helps achieve “As we live in a world whose ticipation in the second Gulf the forward-looking desires and incidents are moving very fast, it is Petroleum Forum which is organ- plans, as it enables KPC to enter necessary to optimize the opportu- ized by IG Events, Al-Adsani said, new promising markets particularly nity of building constructive collab- “KPC pays special concern to the in Asia; in addition to underpinning oration among the international scientific research; therefore, it is its strategic partnerships with inter- and national companies to be able keen on patronizing its activities; national distinguished institutions to confront and surmount the thereof, it tends to establish an of scientific research and training. future challenges and provide bet- KUWAIT: Kuwait Fire Service Directorate carried out an exercise at Awtad international research center spe- Al-Adsani emphasized that KPC ter future for energy,” noted Al- mall in cooperation with the medical emergencies department. The exercise cialized in oil industry to develop it is keen on implementing huge oil Adasni. and underpin its status territorially projects inside and outside Kuwait He further depicted the 2nd was to extinguish a fire at the mall that ‘resulted in several injuries, and were and internationally.” among which the fourth refinery Gulf Petroleum Forum, in which handled by the paramedics.’ —By Hanan Al-Saadoun He clarified that petrochemical project, the clean environment fuel several governmental and non- industry is one of KPC priorities Nizar Al-Adsani project, and the refinery and petro- governmental authorities, Gulf inside and outside Kuwait; accord- tionally and penetrate new inter- chemical complex in Vietnam; the and Arab private and public oil RBMP lauds Kuwait ingly, it seeks diligently to achieve national promising markets. matter will enhance the status of companies along with Gulf and integration between petrochemi- With reference to the Kuwaiti Kuwait internationally, as such proj- international oil experts take part, cal industry and refining industry personnel in KPC and its sub- ects will help produce petroleum as a distinguished and lucrative for its support to create an added value and opti- sidiaries, Al-Adsani said the human products in liaison with the interna- activity which highlights the role mize such goal which is one of the resource is considered one of the tional environment criteria and of the Gulf oil sector and coopera- BRUSSELS: Roll Back Malaria Partnership sage to the ambassador of the State of key pivots of KPC strategy. key elements of KPC strategic plans, stipulations allotted in this domain; tion in promoting such substantial (RBMP) and the African Union are organizing Kuwait in Brussels, Dharar Abdul Razzak Consequently, the corporation adding the percentage of the moreover, this helps create and industry. in Brussels on April 3 a high-level event on Razzooqi, tomorrow in a meeting and give “Health in the Broader Development and him a report of activities of the partnership Post-2015 agenda” on the sidelines of an EU- on behalf of Princess Astrid of Belgium who Africa summit. is RBMP’s Special Representative. “Indirectly this high level event is organ- “We hope that both the State of Kuwait ized thanks to the financial support that His and the Kuwait fund could still support us for Highness the Amir of Kuwait and the Kuwait the coming years, as we need to finish the Fund have given for the external relations job and we still have a lot of work to do and activities of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership” children to save” said Verhoosel, who will co- Herve Verhoosel, the RBMP Representative at moderate this high level event. the United Nations, said here yesterday. Besides Ban Ki-moon, Dr Nkosazana “High level advocacy and political leader- Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the AU ship are important and the participation of Commission, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and of Liberia, John Dramani Mahama, President Heads of State at this event show how the of Ghana, and Dr Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré, work of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership is Executive Director of the RBM Partnership, appreciated,” he said. are also expected to attend the breakfast Verhoosel said he would convey this mes- event.

Qatar buys copters, missiles in $23billion arms deals DOHA: Qatar announced contracts unit of Italy Finmeccanica’s and 5.5 per ‘Wataniya Telecom’ sponsors Juveniles pilot program worth about $23 billion over the week- cent by Stork Fokker. end to buy attack helicopters, guided Qatar also committed to buy a Patriot missiles, tankers and other weapons from missile defense system built by Raytheon KUWAIT: “Wataniya Telecom”, a member of program also included courses to 80 employees tiatives and activities which help our community equipped with PAC-3 missiles made by Ooredoo Group, is always looking for ways to of the Ministry of Social Affairs who are working and add value for people. It gives us great pride Boeing Co, Airbus and other arms makers encourage and inspire individuals in our com- closely with the Juveniles. to take part in inspiring individuals and enlight- as the Gulf state accelerates its military Lockheed; advanced daytime, high-defi- munity in spite of their circumstances. Wataniya The program included courses like “The Youth ening their lives. As a progressive organization build-up. nition sensors and radars for Apache heli- cooperated with the Ministry of Social Affairs Empowerment Seminar (YES)” involving Yoga we will continue to find new vistas which The world’s top liquefied natural gas copters; and Javelin missiles built by a and “The Art of Living Foundation” to give a and Meditation to offer powerful breathing enhances the quality of life as part of our (LNG) exporter announced deals with Lockheed-Raytheon joint venture, pilot program to the Juveniles Home. The pro- techniques, relaxation processes that help Corporate Social Responsibility” Wataniya stated. about 20 global companies, including according to sources familiar with the gram is to help the inmates to lead to a healthi- young minds to effectively handle emotions and Wataniya has developed many new initiatives firms from the United States which were matter. er, socially responsible life with help of tech- realize their potential. It was scientifically proven which support members of society in their awarded deals worth $7.6 billion, said a Raytheon had told analysts in January niques which would eliminate stress, create a that this process eliminates stress from the body. endeavors to succeed. Wataniya will be sponsor- spokeswoman for a Doha defense con- that it expected to finalize an order with sense of belongingness and restore human val- The program also enhances confidence, concen- ing several more events in the following months ference where the announcements were Qatar in the first half of 2014 for over $2 ues. tration, creativity and enthusiasm which leads to which will empower different segments with made. billion in Patriot missile defense system The pilot program was successfully delivered improved academic performance, better inter services, benefits and opportunities to grow and The weapons purchases include large equipment. to 326 boys and 6 girls from the Juveniles Home personal relations and good health. become prominent contributors in the overall deals with Lockheed Martin, Raytheon The Pentagon approved the sale to for 3 executive days, starting from March 15. The “At Wataniya, we have always embraced ini- social welfare. and others. Qatar of $9.9 billion worth of Patriot fire Qatar, and other Gulf Arab and Middle units, radars, and various Raytheon and Eastern countries are looking to acquire Lockheed missiles in November 2012. GCC industrialists conference Kuwait hails new high-tech military equipment to The Defense Security Cooperation protect themselves from neighboring Agency, the US body which oversees for- kicks off in Oman relations with Qatar Iran and internal threats after the Arab eign arms sales, had notified lawmakers Spring uprising. in July 2012 of a possible sale of Apache MUSCAT: Kuwaiti Minister of Commerce and tion with the GCC General Secretariat, and the DOHA: A senior Kuwaiti official yesterday lauded Kuwaiti- Boeing confirmed that the announce- helicopters to Qatar. Industry Abdulmohsen Al-Madaj said he was hap- Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC). Qatari relations as being “distinguished and based on frater- py to be in Oman as part of the 14th GCC The opening ceremony was inaugurated by ment included a contract to buy 24 AH- A spokeswoman for the US agency nity, understanding and interdependence”. 64E Apache attack helicopters and three had no immediate comment. Industrialists Conference which discusses the con- Representative of Sultan Qaboos, Asaad Bin Tariq Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Undersecretary ditions of export industries in the GCC and Yemen. Al-Saeed with the participation of GCC and Yemeni Boeing 737 Airborne early warning and Washington has been keen to deepen of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khaled Al-Jarallah control aircraft. its cooperation with Gulf nations, which The minister said in a press statement yesterday Ministers of Commerce and Industry, GCC industri- said arrangements are underway for holding a Kuwaiti- that the conference which kicked off yesterday alists, and international experts. The deal for the helicopters was val- have been long-standing allies, on missile Qatari joint committee meeting soon. ued at 8.9 billion riyal , said the spokes- defense and increase pressure on Iran under the slogan “Export Industries, Opportunities It’s of great importance to develop the industri- He said Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s and Challenges” will also discuss the development al sector since it plays a huge role in developing woman for the conference. over its nuclear program. participation in the recent Arab Summit in Kuwait reflected In Paris, France’s Defense Ministry said The Apache helicopters are built by of export industries and the challenges facing the countries’ economies and create job opportu- his keenness to further promote and cement inter-Arab Qatar had agreed to buy 22 NH90 mili- Boeing and used by the US Army, Egypt, them, including legal terms and their effects on nities, said Omani Minister of Commerce and relations. Al-Jarallah highly commended Qatar as a key tary helicopters from a unit of European Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, the subject both regionally and internationally. Industry Ali Bin Masoud Al-Senaidi in the opening player in ongoing efforts to ensure the promotion and Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab The two-day conference is organized by the speech. The conference aims to allow the coun- development of cooperation and coordination among all aerospace group Airbus worth 2 billion Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Gulf tries and individual industrialists to share their Arab countries. euros ($2.76 billion) and two Airbus- Emirates, and United Kingdom. Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC), experiences in exporting, exchange deals for their He voiced his country’s willingness to bolster and con- made refueling tankers. They will be fitted with Longbow Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), factories, and increase production rates, said Al- solidate relations with Qatar and to beef up the experiment NHIndustries is 62.5 per cent owned radar equipment made by a joint venture the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Senaidi, noting that the event is also a chance to of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) under such critical by Airbus’ Eurocopter helicopter unit, 32 of Lockheed and Northrop Grumman Export Development (PAIPED) and Oman develop export projects and attract foreign circumstances. —KUNA per cent owned by AgustaWestland, a Corp. —Gulf Business Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in coordina- investors. —KUNA MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014

Two Spanish journalists Plane search stepped up, relatives demand answers freed in Syria: Employer

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RIO DE JANEIRO: A young man poses for a picture in front of an armoured personnel carrier on patrol at the Favela da Mare shantytown complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday early morning. More than 1,000 police backed by the military and armored vehicles occupied the vast Mare favela near Rio’s international airport at dawn yesterday, just 74 days before the World Cup. — AFP Rio police storm vast favela in dawn operation

RIO DE JANEIRO: More than 1,000 police huge slum “pacification” program since 2008 least 14 armored vehicles and four helicop- Few living there wanted to talk to the Rio’s bid to turn the city into an international backed by the military and armored vehicles aimed at making the city-which also hosts the ters. media. “Me, I think it’s fine, the state must be showcase for the World Cup and the Olympics occupied a vast favela near Rio de Janeiro’s 2016 Olympics-safer. In the operation, police seized “large quan- present everywhere in Rio,” a trucker called in 2016, the first Olympiad in South America. international airport at dawn yesterday, just Prior to yesterday, Police Pacification Units tities of drugs and weapons” that were hidden Jorge-he declined to give his full name-told The occupation of Mare by security forces 74 days before the World Cup. (UPPs) had been installed in 174 Rio favelas near the Olympic Village and a public school, AFP. will be similar to that carried out in 2010 in the A squadron belonging to the feared home to around 600,000 people. On Sunday said the GloboNews chain. “Now it will depend on the police who Alemao network of favelas, home to about Special Police Operations Battalion, along they took the initiative to enter Mare, a drug- According to the intelligence services, move here because there are those among 300,000 people. Alemao was occupied a week with a dozen armored vehicles, swarmed trafficking stronghold and haven for organ- drug traffickers who left Mare-home to them who commit abuses.” after 35 people had died in bloody clashes through the notorious Mare shanty town ized crime considered one of the most dan- around 130,000 people from 16 clustered between police and drug dealers. without facing resistance, while helicopters gerous places in the city. neighborhoods-after the announcement Trafficker territory Rio state secretary for security affairs Jose buzzed overhead. Police had their weapons trained on the Monday of the imminent occupation could After decades battling organized crime in Mariano Beltrame insisted last Monday that The slum is just a few kilometers from the rooftops, but apart from a few bars close to come back later, meaning authorities face a the favelas, the poor communities surround- authorities “are not thinking about the World airport and a potential through route for tens the entrance of Mare that remained open, the long-term battle to keep the volatile area ing the city, authorities had hoped the slum Cup so much as the citizens of Rio, of police of thousands of football fans flying in and out labyrinth of narrow streets was empty and under control. “pacification” program had begun paying off, gunned down in cowardly fashion” on the of the city, which will stage seven World Cup dark. Later in the morning shops slowly began driving down crime. streets. matches, including the July 13 final. to open, but many residents in the favela But this year, renewed violence has claimed “Our response to the traffickers is to occupy Brazilian authorities have stepped up Unwanted presence were visibly irritated by the presence of secu- the lives of eight police officers-four of them in more territory, to make them lose more terri- efforts to quell violence in Rio as the football Rio’s security secretariat said 1,180 officers rity forces and journalists, an AFP reporter at “pacified” districts. tory” and show the state is stronger than the extravaganza looms closer, carrying out a were involved in the operation, backed by at the scene said. Keeping a lid on crime has become key to dealers. —AFP 21 Nigerians dead in attempted jail break

ABUJA: Nigeria’s secret police said yesterday that leading to the compound were cordoned off “to after the inmates seized the weapon. 21 detainees died during an attempted escape prevent possible assistance from external collabo- A number of Nigerian newspaper websites and from custody at its headquarters, with uncon- rators”. users of social media claimed that the detainees firmed reports that Boko Haram militants were The DSS headquarters are near the presidential were Boko Haram suspects but did not quote involved. villa and nearby residents reported hearing gun- sources. A security breach at the facility in Abuja, partic- fire on Sunday morning. President Goodluck The DSS had on March 3 paraded seven sus- ularly by the feared Islamists, would be an embar- Jonathan’s spokesman, Reuben Abati, had down- pected Boko Haram members arrested on suspi- rassment for the government and raise fresh ques- played the incident, writing on Twitter that the cion of killing a prominent Muslim cleric who had tions about its ability to tackle the extremists. head of state’s residence was not affected and criticised the group before the media at their But there was no official confirmation of the there was “no cause for alarm”. headquarters. — AFP involvement of the group, which has been waging “What happened at the SSS HQs has an increasingly violent insurgency in Nigeria’s nothing to do with the (Presidential) northeast this year. Villa. President Jonathan is safe & well. Marilyn Ogar, spokeswoman for the Thank you for your concern & support,” Department of State Services (DSS) — Nigeria’s he added. domestic intelligence agency-said only that The attempted break-out, especially detainees had died during the attempt. if Boko Haram suspects were involved, “It has been established that 18 casualties were will do little to instil confidence in the recorded, while two service personnel sustained government’s security operations. serious injuries,” she said in an emailed statement. The government has previously been “Three other detainees who sustained gunshot criticised for relying too heavily on con- injuries during the incident have also died. ventional military means to tackling an Meanwhile, (an) investigation is still ongoing to enemy fighting a guerrilla war. ascertain the immediate and remote causes.” Many users of social media initially believed the presidency was under Fears of outside help attack, given its proximity to the intelli- Ogar had said earlier that the incident hap- gence agency. pened at 7:15 am (0615 GMT) when one of its offi- Nigeria’s military was brought in to cers went to give the detainees food. secure the area surrounding the head- “One of the suspects attempted to disarm him quarters, which is known locally as by hitting him at the back of his head with his Yellow House, and conduct searches. handcuff,” she said. “His attempt to escape drew “Normalcy has returned to the area as the attention of other guards at the facility who the roads have been opened for free fired some shots to warn and deter others.” movement of persons and vehicles,” said No details were provided on the number of Ogar. inmates involved nor the reason for their deten- tion. There was no explanation either about how Boko Haram link? exactly the 21 died. But Ogar indicated they acted A security source told AFP the officer in case the detainees had outside help, as roads involved was shot with his own rifle MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Libya struggling with progress after Gadhafi ouster TRIPOLI: When a militia holding Libya’s the capital so they can escape the maraud- Ali Mihirig knows better than most how who have long felt oppressed by Libya’s The view from Zintan eastern ports loaded a North Korean- ing gunmen. hard it will be to get the country working Arab majority, have also targeted the Imohammed was a supermarket man- flagged tanker with oil earlier this month, “Really there is no army, I thought there together. Back in Libya after three decades country’s oil infrastructure. Armed ager during the Gadhafi years. He took up the Libyan parliament sacked its own was one, but then I realized there really living in Canada, Mihirig is not only in Amazigh shut down the vital El Sharara oil- arms early in the uprising, at first to defend prime minister and turned to US comman- isn’t any,” ousted premier Zeidan said from charge of electricity but has spent the past field for two months last year to demand his town, and then to oust the Libyan dos to bring its cargo back. Germany where he fled. year as a mediator and negotiator among more rights in the new constitution. leader. For days the government had threat- For many Libyans, the joy of freedom the country’s myriad factions. An Islamist militia, the Operations These days he feels a new sense of out- ened to blow up the tanker, called after decades under Gadhafi has given “It is like pulling teeth,” he said of con- Room for Libya’s Revolutionaries, has been rage. Like many in Zintan, an impoverished Morning Glory, if it left port. When it sailed way to confusion. Libya has descended vincing former fighters to put down their accused of kidnapping Zeidan and briefly town of around 35,000 people some 140 off, pro-government militiamen even gave into a scramble over the future shape of guns and abandon their bases. snatching five Egyptian diplomats in km (90 miles) west of Tripoli, he complains chase on boats carrying jeeps mounted the nation, with ex-rebel commanders, for- “It is painful, it is hard, sometimes you Tripoli to secure the freedom of their com- that he has seen little of the oil riches or with anti-aircraft and cannons. mer exiles, Islamists, tribal leaders, and need anesthesia ... We have strong armed mander who was arrested in Egypt. Its development he believes the capital and But that failed, and when the tanker federalists all jostling for position. groups ... Fortunately or unfortunately, commander, Shaban Hadia, denied all kid- other cities enjoy, and laments the lack of reached international waters Libya’s parlia- At stake is the stability and integrity of they don’t agree with each other, which napping allegations. basic services, new schools, hospitals, even ment fired Prime Minister Ali Zeidan, who this vast North African territory, rich in keeps this process going.” Rival militias are also lined up on com- a basic water supply. fled to Europe. A few days later, US Navy both oil and gas. The government has negotiated with peting sides of Libya’s divided parliament “Winning this war was a gift from God SEALS boarded the tanker to end the Neighbouring Tunisia, where the Arab militia chieftains to give up command where Islamists, represented by the Justice and made with the courage of the Zintan debacle. Spring began, has made its uprising work. posts they seized when they liberated people,” Imohammed, dressed in tradition- and Construction Party, a branch of Egypt’s The Morning Glory affair is one of the A new constitution was adopted in Tripoli. The army is recruiting more and al brown robes, said. “And what did we Muslim Brotherhood, are deadlocked with starkest symbols yet of how weak Libya’s January, Islamist and secular parties have the government co-opted former fighters get? We didn’t see any change. Now we central authority is. Three years after a compromised, and elections are due this by putting thousands of them on the state the National Forces Alliance, a group of are in a different war, a political war. But NATO-supported revolt toppled Muammar year. payroll. nationalist and liberal parties led by a for- they are just fighting for private gain, not Gadhafi, Libya is at the mercy of rival But that has often empowered rival mer Gadhafi official. like our sacrifices.” brigades of heavily armed former rebel Libya, by contrast, is floundering. militias and created a mishmash of securi- But the two most powerful groups in Zintan city council leader Mohammed fighters who openly and regularly defy the “There was a euphoria that accompa- ty forces and quasi-official military units. the country are the militias west of the al Waqwaq puts it more succinctly: new state. nied the overthrow of the dictator that did Even on a casual drive outside Tripoli, visi- capital, one in the mountain town of “Zintanis felt it was a duty to fight. And Libya’s parliament agrees on little, its not take into account some of the stark tors pass checkpoints manned by guards Zintan and the other in the port city of that duty was not rewarded.” interim government has no army to realities ... What is the unifying idea here?” whose ragtag uniforms are no clue to affili- Misrata. Bristling with weaponry and a That’s one reason the group has not enforce security let alone impose its will, one Libya-based Western diplomat asked. ation. The former rebel groups, political sense of entitlement, the rivals both claim given up their greatest prize: Saif al-Islam, and a new constitution meant to forge a “It’s not as though removing Gaddafi factions and tribes are proving more loyal the mantle of champions of the revolution. Gadhafi’s son, who was captured by the sense of nation remains undrafted. was going to mean the ... box would open to their vision of Libya than to the compro- Each brigade is loosely allied to competing Zintanis, and is still held by them despite In the vacuum, ex-fighters have briefly and out pops Dubai. All the problems that mises required in a unified state. political factions, and neither shows any requests by both Tripoli and the abducted Zeidan from his Tripoli hotel were covered over, papered over or bribed In Benghazi, in the country’s east, three sign of disarming or falling in behind the International Criminal Court in the Hague room, stormed the foreign ministry, and over or suppressed, they are emerging key ports have been seized by a group of government in Tripoli. to hand him over. taken over the interior ministry, even again.” former oil security forces who defected “We are keeping our weapons, not City council leaders say Saif will be held before the renegades made their failed with their leader Ibrahim Jathran, a former because we want to end the state, but we and tried in Zintan because it is the only attempt to export oil. Pulling teeth Gadhafi fighter, last summer. They want are waiting for a real organisation to place that can guarantee his security. Lawmakers joke that they may need to Working his phone to resolve another more autonomy for the region. appear,” said Khalid Imohammed, a former Tripoli cannot even protect its own prime use the secret tunnels Gadhafi built under Tripoli blackout, Libyan Electricity Minister Ethnic Amazigh, the berber people military commander in Zintan. minister, they say. — Reuters Iraq attacks kill nine, one month before elections Two police officers killed by roadside bomb

BAGHDAD: Attacks in Sunni-majority areas of Iraq killed nine people yesterday, exactly a month ahead of parliamentary polls that remain in disarray after the mass resignations of elec- tion commissioners last week. The violence came hours after seven soldiers were shot dead at a checkpoint in a late-night attack by militants in the north, the latest in a months-long surge in bloodshed that has killed nearly 500 people so far this month. JERUSALEM: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, poses for a photo The unrest has been driven principally by with members of Masa, a program which provides educational trips for young Jewish anger in the Sunni Arab minority over alleged adults, before attending the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem, yes- mistreatment at the hands of the Shiite-led terday. — AP authorities, as well as by the civil war raging in neighbouring Syria. A suicide bomber detonated a vehicle packed Fate of Israel-Palestinian with explosives on a major bridge in Ramadi, a city west of Baghdad where security forces are talks to be clear within days still grappling to retain full control after militants took over several neighbourhoods two months JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister reporters on Sunday, while stressing it ago. The blast killed seven people and wounded Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday it would not happen as long as Palestinian 10 more, and also badly damaged the Hauz would be clear within “days” whether the president Mahmud Abbas was preparing to Bridge, a key crossing used by civilians connect- crisis-hit peace talks would be extended “blow up the negotiations” the very next ing the north and south of the city. Ramadi origi- beyond an April 29 deadline, local media day. But Zehava Galon who heads the left- nally had five bridges across the Euphrates River reported. wing Meretz party urged Netanyahu “to before a militant surge earlier this year. His remarks, reported by several Israeli take brave decisions, even if they are diffi- But two are used exclusively by security news websites, come as US officials work cult.” forces, and two others-including the Hauz around the clock to prevent a collapse of “The Israeli government cannot unilater- BAGHDAD: Al-Qaeda fighters wave Al-Qaeda flags as they patrol in a commandeered Iraqi mil- Bridge-have now been damaged to the point itary vehicle in Fallujah, 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Baghdad, Iraq, yesterday. Al-Qaeda- the negotiations over a dispute about ally break promises that we made under they can no longer be used. Civilians in Ramadi Palestinian prisoners. the auspices of the Americans,” she said, linked fighters and their allies seized the city of Fallujah and parts of the Anbar provincial cap- are now able to use only the Albu Faraj bridge in ital Ramadi in late December after authorities dismantled a protest camp. — AP “It could be a matter of just days,” adding that despite the difficulty in releas- the north of the city. Netanyahu reportedly told ministers from ing such prisoners “the government must Ramadi is the capital of Anbar province, a tor. Violence has surged in Iraq in the past year, tion will be delayed,” Maliki warned last week, his rightwing Likud party who met just implement the fourth phase.” predominantly Sunni desert region in west Iraq with nearly 500 people killed so far this month, referring to the Independent High Electoral before the weekly cabinet meeting. “Either that shares a border with Syria. In early January, and upwards of 2,200 this year, according to an Commission. “We will enter a tunnel we might the matter will be resolved or it will blow ‘Ball in Israel court’ anti-government fighters seized control of parts AFP tally. not be able to get out of,” the premier said. up. And in any case, there won’t be any “The ball is now in Israel’s court,” of the city and all of nearby Fallujah, also in Analysts and diplomats have urged the “Troubles will come, one after another, against deal without Israel knowing clearly what it Palestinian prisoners minister Issa Qaraqaa Anbar. But while security forces have managed Shiite-led authorities to do more to reach out to the state.” will get in exchange,” he said. told Voice of Palestine radio on Sunday, to take back most of Ramadi, a stalemate per- the Sunni community to undermine support for The IHEC board has been frustrated with “And if there is a deal, it will be put to saying the leadership was expecting an sists in Fallujah, which remains in militant con- militancy, but with the elections looming on what it says is a vague provision in the electoral the cabinet for approval.” With the talks tee- answer from the Israeli government within trol. Elsewhere yesterday, two police officers April 30, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and other law that requires parliamentary hopefuls to be tering on the brink of collapse, Washington 24 hours. Aside from the release of the 26 were killed by a roadside bomb that exploded Shiite leaders have taken a hard line. “of good reputation”. has been fighting an uphill battle to coax veteran detainees, Abbas reportedly wants near their car in Tikrit north of Baghdad. Like The polls, however, have been thrown into Based on that article, a judicial panel has the two sides into accepting a framework an Israeli commitment to free even more Ramadi, Tikrit’s population is made up mostly of disarray by the mass resignation last week of barred several prospective lawmakers, including proposal which would extend the negotia- prisoners as one of his conditions for agree- Sunni Arabs. Iraq’s nine election commissioners, citing parlia- Maliki opponents such as former finance minis- tions beyond April to the end of the year. ing to extend the talks. Late on Saturday, mentary and judicial interference. ter Rafa al-Essawi, with no obvious avenue of But the matter has become tied up with an official in Ramallah told AFP that Seven soldiers killed Though lawmakers say their resignations are appeal. the fate of 26 veteran Palestinian prisoners Netanyahu had expressed willingness to The attacks came just hours after militants unlikely to be accepted, and the commissioners Parliament has meanwhile reportedly ruled who Israel was to have freed this weekend free another 400 detainees and reduce its opened fire on an army checkpoint near the have not left their posts, the sudden decision that the IHEC must not bar any candidates under terms of an agreement which military presence in the West Bank in restive northern city of Mosul, killing seven sol- has raised the possibility of Iraq’s first elections unless they have criminal convictions, a decision brought about a resumption of talks. exchange for Palestinian agreement to diers in a late-night shooting. since 2010 being delayed. an electoral official said was at odds with that of Israel on Friday informed the extend the talks. In Mosul city itself, gunmen also killed a doc- “If IHEC stays this way, that means... the elec- the judicial panel. —AFP Palestinians they would not free the Israeli officials refused to comment. detainees, with US State Department con- Under a deal that relaunched peace talks firming it was working “intensively” to last July, Israel agreed to release 104 prison- resolve the dispute. ers held since before the 1993 Oslo peace Two Spanish journalists freed in Syria: Employer The Palestinians say they will not even accords in exchange for the Palestinians consider extending the talks without the freezing all efforts to seek further interna- MADRID: Two Spanish journalists handed over to the Turkish military”, girlfriend, the journalist Monica some of the most dangerous points prisoners being freed, but Israel has refused tional recognition. taken hostage in Syria by an Al- the Spanish newspaper said on its Garcia Prieto, on Twitter early Sunday, in the Syrian conflict, including the to release them without a Palestinian com- So far, Israel has freed 78 of them in Qaeda-linked group were freed after website. Espinosa called El Mundo’s without giving further details. siege of Homs in February 2012. On mitment to continue the talks, prompting a three batches, and the last group which the six months in captivity and were offices on Saturday evening and said “It has been a hard few months. February 22 he escaped that blood- fresh crisis of confidence. Palestinians insist includes 14 Arab Israelis heading back to Spain yesterday, one they were in good health, it added. We knew the wait would be long but bath in which human rights groups “We agreed to the fourth batch,” jailed for nationalist attacks-was to have of their employers said. El Mundo The paper said the two journalists you never get used to it,” said the said 700 people were killed and thou- Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz told been released on March 29. — AFP correspondent Javier Espinosa, 49, would fly back to Madrid on Sunday, director of El Mundo’s international sands injured, and made it back to and freelance photographer Ricardo without specifying the time. pages, Ana Alonso Montes. Lebanon a week later. Garcia Vilanova, 42, were “freed and “Pure happiness,” wrote Espinosa’s “You never know when the Among those killed in Homs were moment of liberation will come, two other Western journalists: US Lebanon army vows to fight although we never doubted it would,” reporter Marie Colvin and French she told national radio. Espinosa and photographer Remi Ochlik. terror after troops killed Vilanova were seized on September Espinosa wrote of his escape from 16 at Syria’s border with Turkey, the the city, under fire among a crowd of BEIRUT: Lebanon’s army vowed to battle mined to implement the security plan... latest of scores of journalists cap- wounded refugees, in a compelling “terrorism” hours after a suicide bomber whatever the sacrifices”, the statement said. tured while covering Syria’s civil war. reportage published in March 2013. There was no immediate word on killed three soldiers at a checkpoint in the Late on Saturday the three soldiers were “We believe the Syrian people need Sunday on whether any demands east near the border with war-torn Syria. killed when a suicide bomber detonated our work, and that we must live up to were made by their kidnappers or any “The army knows that it is now more his vehicle at a checkpoint at Aqabet al- our responsibility,” said Prieto, who is ransom paid. El Mundo identified the than ever targeted by terrorists who want Jurd in the Arsal region. Arsal, near the bor- captors as members of the Islamic also a prize-winning journalist, in to prevent the establishment of the author- der with Syria, is a Sunni town where resi- State of Iraq and the Levant, a jihadist December. ity of the state and its attempts to eliminate dents support the rebels fighting Assad’s faction in Syria with roots in Al-Qaeda’s An online forum that frequently discord,” the military said in a statement forces. The town also hosts tens of thou- Iraqi affiliate. The newspaper had kept features statements from jihadists issued late on Saturday. sands of Syrian refugees. the kidnapping quiet until December had also called on the militants to It came as a new security plan came into Saturday’s attack was claimed on Twitter while it contacted the captors via inter- free the two. The Honein jihadist effect on Sunday aimed at quelling by a shadowy group calling itself Liwa mediaries. It said at that time that the forum said the two journalists were a spillover violence from the conflict in Syria. Ahrar al-Sunna-Arabic for the Brigades of kidnappers had made no demands. “good hand for advocating our issues Lebanon’s north and east have seen the free Sunni Muslims-which also vowed TORREJON DE ARDOZ: El Mundo correspondent Javier Espinosa (R) Espinosa has been a Middle East corre- in Iraq and Syria, and carrying the clashes between those who support the more attacks. “The next few days will see and freelance photographer Ricardo Garcia Vilanova arrive at the mili- spondent for El Mundo since 2002 and silenced truth”. Garcia Vilanova has rebellion against Syria’s President Bashar al- several jihadist and blessed attacks like this tary airbase in Torrejon de Ardoz, near Madrid, yesterday. Two Spanish is based in Beirut. contributed to Agence France-Presse Assad and those who back Damascus. one. This is only the beginning,” the group journalists taken hostage in Syria by an Al-Qaeda-linked group and other world media such as the The army command “will continue to said, adding that the army would be walked free after six months in captivity and were heading back to Dangerous points New York Times and the Washington fight and pursue terrorists, and is deter- among its targets.—AFP Spain today, their friends and colleagues said. — AFP Like Vilanova, he has covered Post.— AFP INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 Washington mudslide death toll up, churches honor victims

ARLINGTON: Churches held services yesterday to is gone. Those at the service prayed both for the “She’s still hoping beyond hope that they find him we’ve got to learn to accept things.” offer prayers for the victims of last week’s devastat- miracle of his safety and for the woman’s coming to alive, and everybody’s wishing for that,” he said. ing mudslide in Washington state as the death toll accept her loss with a measure of peace, Little said. “Sometimes we don’t get what we really want but Funerals planned from the disaster kept rising but the number of Funeral preparations are also beginning for missing fell sharply. those lost in the tragedy. At the Weller Funeral The presumed body count rose to 28 on Home in the town of Arlington, only a few miles Saturday from the March 22 catastrophe northeast from the site of the mudslide, staff members who of Seattle, with the official tally of those killed now typically plan two to three funerals weekly are 18 based on bodies extricated and identified by preparing for 12 this week. medical examiners. But despite the grim toll, news “Some people who have come here, they’ve also came that the number of missing fell to 30 only found one family member, and they’re now from 90 as officials were able to account for dozens searching for the fourth or fifth or sixth member of of people as “safe and well.” the family,” said Diane Wilson-simon, who helps Rescue and recovery workers pushed through families plan services at the funeral home. wind and rain on Saturday to comb through debris No one has been pulled alive from the rubble a week after a rain-soaked hillside above the north since the day the landslide hit, when at least eight fork of the Stillaguamish River gave way without people were injured but survived. Rescuers have warning and sent a wall of mud cascading over found no signs of life since then. dozens of homes near the rural Washington town Ron Brown, a Snohomish County official of Oso. Churches lead prayers yesterday for victims involved in search-and-rescue operations, said the and their families as well as rescue workers who debris field may end up being the final resting have been searching through a debris field that place for some victims, who may be buried so thor- covers a square mile (2.6 square km). oughly they cannot be found. “That’s going to be Gordy Beil, a 63-year-old photographer and hallowed ground out there,” he said. In addition to painter in Darrington, about 10 miles (16 km) from prayers, many are offering donations of money, Oso, said he attended the painful service at the food, clothing and other items. At the Weller Episcopal church. Funeral Home, Wilson-simon said she had been Don Little, 66, a Redmond, Washington, resident overwhelmed by the generosity of people who had in town to visit his son, said he attended the DARRINGTON: Rescue workers use chainsaws and other tools to dig through a tangle of trees and donated to help pay for victims’ funerals. “It’s just Church of God of Prophecy in Darrington, where mud marked as having a possible victim of the Oso mudslide along State Route 530 near Darrington, overwhelming to see so much loss of life, but one of the congregants has a husband among the Washington. Rescue and recovery workers slogged through thick mud and debris as rain poured heartwarming to see so much outpouring of com- missing and is having a hard time grasping that he down on the area one week after the devastating disaster. — AP munity support,” she said.” — Reuters Plane search stepped up as N Korea vows not to rule relatives demand answers out a new nuclear test Twenty-nine family members arrive in Malaysia SEOUL: North Korea vowed not to rule out a “new shutting its eyes to the US madcap nuclear exercises, form” of nuclear test yesterday after the UN Security ‘denounced’ (our) self-defensive rocket launching PERTH: Family members of Chinese Council condemned its latest ballistic missile launch drills to cope with them as a ‘violation of resolutions’... passengers on board a missing amid simmering tensions over Seoul’s joint military It is absolutely intolerable,” said the ministry. Malaysian airliner arrived Sunday in drills with Washington. Pyongyang also warned the US to “stop acting Kuala Lumpur-some angrily seeking Pyongyang has carried out a series of rocket and rashly”, saying it was ready to take “next-stage steps answers and others seeking closure-as short-range missile launches in recent weeks which which the enemy can hardly imagine”. the search for the plane intensified. have prompted stern reactions from South Korea and “If a catastrophic development which no one Eight ships-the largest number so the United States. On Wednesday it upped the ante wants occurs on the peninsula, the US will be wholly far-and 10 planes from six countries by test-firing two mid-range ballistic missiles capable responsible for it,” the ministry said. Wednesday’s were sweeping a vast expanse of the of striking Japan, sparking condemnation from the tests-believed to be the first mid-range missile launch southern Indian Ocean off Australia United Nations Security Council (UNSC). since 2009 — coincided with a summit attended by for wreckage from the Malaysia “(We) would not rule out a new form of a nuclear the South, the US and Japan aimed at uniting the Airlines Boeing 777, as the hunt test for bolstering up (our) nuclear deterrence,” three nations against Pyongyang’s nuclear threat. entered its fourth week. Pyongyang’s foreign ministry said in a statement car- The impoverished but nuclear-armed state has Nothing has been seen of the ried by the North’s state-run KCNA news agency. staged three atomic tests in 2006, 2009 and last year. plane or its 239 passengers and crew The UNSC said the North’s missile launch Pyongyang’s powerful National Defense Commission, since it vanished off radar screens dur- Wednesday was a violation of UN resolutions barring chaired by the North’s leader Kim Jong-Un, threat- ing a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Pyongyang from any nuclear or ballistic activity, ened on March 15 to demonstrate its nuclear deter- Beijing on March 8. agreeing to consult on an “appropriate response”. rence. But the country has shown no signs of launch- Officials believe it went down in Pyongyang slammed the UNSC criticism as ing an imminent atomic test, Seoul’s military said last the sea thousands of miles off course. SUBANG JAYA: Chinese relatives of passengers from missing Malaysia “absolutely intolerable”, defending the launch as a week. The North’s third atomic test in February 2013 Hopes of finding physical evidence of Airlines flight MH370 display banners and the Chinese flag (far R) at a hotel a crash have been repeatedly raised “self-defensive” act in protest against the ongoing — its most powerful to date drew widespread inter- in Subang Jaya yesterday. Thirty-nine Chinese relatives of passengers on by debris sightings, then crushed as Seoul-Washington drills being held in South Korea. national condemnation as well as new UN sanctions. board missing flight MH370 arrived in Malaysia earlier in the day to press the items turned out to be random The North has habitually lashed out at the annual The North responded angrily, putting its “strategic” for answers about the fate of their loved ones. —AFP sea junk such as fishing gear. Key Resolve and Foal Eagle exercises between the two rocket units on a war footing and threatening to strike As the hunt resumed 1,850 kilome- But not all were in militant mood. first thought before it is presumed to allies-held this year from February to April-labelling targets on the US mainland, Hawaii and Guam, as well tres (1,150 miles) west of Perth, At a regular briefing by Malaysian offi- have run out of fuel and plunged into them as practice for war. “The UN Security Council, as in South Korea. —AFP Australia said its former military chief cials for family members in Beijing, a the sea. Angus Houston would head a new woman said not all the group mem- unit to help in the search, which bers took the trip to put pressure on Families frustrated involves the militaries of seven the Malaysian government. But debris sightings by Chinese, nations-Australia, China, Malaysia, “Some of the next of kin want to Australian and New Zealand planes on Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and see for themselves the last place Saturday did not yield any solid clues, the United States. where their loved ones ever set foot,” compounding the frustration of fami- Prime Minister Tony Abbott said she added, breaking down in tears. lies. Malaysia believes the flight was Houston would coordinate diplomatic deliberately redirected by someone contacts between search participants, ‘Difficult and demanding’ search on board, but nothing else is known. and ensure families get all the infor- Abbott said the Australian govern- A wreckage sighting could bring mation and help they need. ment “won’t rest until we’ve done much-needed closure for relatives. About two-thirds of those on everything we reasonably can to get And it might also help searchers find board were Chinese and their loved those families and to get the wider the main body of the plane and the ones have complained bitterly about community of the world a little more flight recorder before its battery-pow- what they see as Malaysia’s secretive peace and a little more insight into ered “pinger” locator stops working. and incompetent handling of the exactly what happened”. The battery normally lasts one search. Kuala Lumpur has official Authorities continued to pour month. But Captain Mark Matthews responsibility for the operation. resources into the operation, which is —- the US Navy supervisor of salvage Twenty-nine family members scouring an area about the size of and diving-said that while the pinger arrived yesterday in Malaysia to push Norway. An Australian ship with US- is certified for 30 days, it could last up for more answers, according to an offi- supplied equipment on board to to 15 days longer than that. cial of the Malaysian Chinese locate the “black box” flight recorder Aviation expert David Learmount Association which is providing sup- was due to depart from Perth later said the disappearance of the plane- port for them. yesterday. Two Malaysian C-130 which he called a deliberate action by An airline official earlier put the fig- Hercules aircraft were to join the oper- either the crew or the crew under ure at 39. Many passengers are partic- ation for the first time. “Until items are coercion-may remain a mystery forev- ularly incensed at the announcement picked up by a ship and assessed by er. “I don’t think we’ll ever see either on March 24 by Prime Minister Najib expert investigators, no conclusions the black boxes or anything else,” he Razak that-based on detailed British as to their origin can be made,” said told Australia’s 60 Minutes TV pro- analysis of satellite and other data-the New Zealand’s Air Vice-Marshal Kevin gramme. “We will only recover what plane had been lost at sea. Short. “It’s difficult and demanding floats.” Fifty Malaysians were on the Clinging to shreds of hope, several work, scanning the ocean for small plane and signs of mourning such as desperate relatives refuse to accept items, even flying low over the water walls for leaving tributes are every- this until wreckage is found. at comparatively slow speeds. It where. “Tell us the truth. Give us our rela- requires total concentration.” Teams and spectators at the tives back,” read one poster displayed The search had moved Friday to a Malaysian Grand Prix Sunday after- Sunday by the Chinese relatives who new sea zone after fresh data indicat- noon observed a minute’s silence for traveled to Malaysia. ed the plane was flying faster than the victims. — AFP New party tries to woo Hungary’s Roma

OZD: With elections looming on April 6, a new party is trying Mistrust to win over Hungary’s largest ethnic minority, the Roma, a Sometimes called Gypsies, the Roma account for around 8- community scarred by deep poverty and racism and disillu- 9 percent of Hungary’s 10-million population. But only four sioned by traditional politics. Roma MPs are in the outgoing 386-seat parliament, and three “Until now, the Roma have never had credible leaders,” said of them are from Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz Party. Aladar Horvath, a prominent rights campaigner and leader of The fourth, Agnes Osztolykan, of the green LMP party, the new Hungarian Gypsy Party (MCP), at a recent party event. often complained of being a lone voice battling against “If we stick together, we can fix our problems. No one else Jobbik’s anti-Roma rhetoric. Battered by poverty and discrimi- will,” the soft-spoken 49-year-old told AFP in Ozd, a rusting for- nation, many Roma harbour deep mistrust of politicians. mer industrial town right on the Slovakian border. “Always empty promises, then they just stuff their pockets Vast steelworks once employed thousands of Roma in Ozd, once elected,” said Galambacz Peterne, a 40-year-old Roma a town of about 34,000 inhabitants, but today, they lie mother of two, who lives on the outskirts of Ozd. derelict. Widespread unemployment and poverty has fuelled “If they swapped places with us for one week, they’d see mistrust against the Roma, and far-right party Jobbik-the what it’s like without even enough bread for the children,” she country’s third biggest party-is building on that anger. told AFP in her tidy but sparsely-furnished house. Its posters are plastered across the town, while in its mani- “I’ve sold most of my furniture to pay bills, and buy festo, it vows to stop “Gypsy crime”, create ghettoes for Roma Christmas presents for the kids.” There is widespread apathy “deviants” and place “difficult” Roma children in special live-in about elections in dirt-poor Roma neighbourhoods where schools. But Horvath is pledging to fight that. Campaigning in most people have other things on their minds. a ramshackle community hall, he told a crowd of about 100: “I “Politicians have done nothing for us for the last 25 years, I have brought good news, you have something and someone don’t see any point in voting,” said one of a group of men to vote for!” hanging around on a dusty potholed street in a Roma neigh- “We will defend ourselves from Jobbik, prevent our chil- bourhood. “We don’t have access to proper jobs,” said unem- dren from starving and guarantee free education in unsegre- ployed Peter Galambacz, complaining of discrimination often gated schools, and normal jobs,” he said. faced by Roma on the labour market. —AFP INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 Kerry, Russian counterpart set to talk on Ukraine

PARIS: Russia yesterday set out demands for a And, despite the Russian assurances, US, crisis began but have not yet been able to agree on hypocrisy. He said it was inconsistent for the west diplomatic resolution to the crisis in Ukraine, say- European and Ukrainian officials are deeply con- a way forward. The pair met last week in The to refuse to recognize Crimea’s annexation, which ing the former Soviet republic should be unified in cerned about the buildup, which they fear could be Hague, where Kerry presented Lavrov with the pro- followed a referendum on joining Russia that was a federation allowing wide autonomy to its various a prelude to an invasion or intimidation to compel posal, which was a response to ideas Lavrov gave overwhelmingly approved, while at the same time regions as US Secretary of State John Kerry and Kiev to accept Moscow’s demands. him at a March 10 meeting in London. accepting the new government in Kiev, which was Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov prepared to In his interview, Lavrov made clear that Moscow Yesterday’s meeting follows an hourlong phone formed after the pro-Moscow president fled the meet in Paris in another bid to calm tensions and believes a federation is the only way to guarantee call Friday between U.S. President Barack Obama country. “If they are willing to accept the first event resolve the crisis over Ukraine. Ukraine’s stability and neutrality. “We can’t see any and Russian President Vladimir Putin in which as legitimate, then surely they are obliged to After a brief call on French Foreign Minister other way to ensure the stable development of Obama urged Putin to withdraw his troops from acknowledge the second,” Lavrov told Russia’s Laurent Fabius, Kerry was to sit down with Lavrov Ukraine but to sign a federal agreement”, Lavrov the border with Ukraine. The Russian leader, who Channel One television. The two sides remain far at the residence of the Russian ambassador to said, adding that he understood the United States initiated the call, asserted that Ukraine’s govern- apart, a situation underscored by the fact that the France to go over Moscow’s response to a US plan was open to the idea. ment is allowing extremists to intimidate ethnic White House and the Kremlin offered starkly differ- to de-escalate the situation as Russian troops con- US officials have been coy about their position Russians and Russian-speaking civilians with ent summaries of the Obama-Putin call, which tinue to mass along the Ukrainian border. on a federation and insist that any changes to impunity - something Ukraine insists is not hap- occurred while Obama was traveling in Saudi Appearing on Russian television ahead of his Ukraine’s governing structure must be acceptable pening. That call did little to reassure US officials Arabia. White House officials described the call as talks with Kerry, Lavrov rejected suspicions that the to the Ukrainians. Ukrainian officials are wary of that Russia is not planning to invade Ukraine after “frank and direct” and said Obama had urged Putin deployment of tens of thousands of Russian troops decentralizing power but are now exploring politi- its annexation of Crimea that the west has con- to offer a written response to a diplomatic resolu- near Ukraine is a sign Moscow plans to invade the cal reforms that could grant more authority to local demned as illegal and a violation of Ukraine’s sov- tion to the Ukraine crisis that the U.S. has present- country following its annexation of the strategic governments. The plan that Kerry and Lavrov are to ereignty and territorial integrity. The United States ed. He urged Moscow to scale back its troop Crimean peninsula. discuss covers Ukrainian political and constitution- and Europe have imposed sanctions on senior buildup on the border with Ukraine, which has “We have absolutely no intention of, or interest al reforms, as well as the disarmament of irregular Russian officials in response, sparking reciprocal prompted concerns in Kiev and Washington about in, crossing Ukraine’s borders,” Lavrov said. Russia forces, international monitors to protect minority moves from Moscow. a possible Russian invasion in eastern Ukraine. says the troops near the border are there for mili- rights and direct dialogue between Russia and The Kremlin, on the other hand, said Putin had tary exercises and that they have no plans to Ukraine, according to US officials, who say it has Dead-end strategy drawn Obama’s attention to a “rampage of extrem- invade, but US and European officials say the num- backing of Ukraine’s government. In the interview with Russian television, Lavrov ists” in Ukraine and suggested “possible steps by bers and locations of the troops suggest some- Kerry and Lavrov have met several times in per- called the sanctions a “dead-end” strategy that the international community to help stabilize the thing more than exercises. son and spoken by phone almost daily since the would not achieve results and accused the west of situation” in Ukraine. — AP Ruling Socialist Party ‘Craigslist killer’ says hammered in French vote 2 victims escaped death HARRISBURG: A woman dubbed the so-called and a lack of corroborating evidence. Far-right wins key towns Craigslist killer suspect, who is accused of luring a In the interview published on Sunday, Barbour man to his death through the classified ad website, said she was supposed to meet up with two other PARIS: France’s ruling Socialist Party Hollande’s government since his 2012 tious and tough-talking Interior claims two other men responded to her online men who responded to her Craigslist ad, but they did suffered heavy losses in nationwide election. “We have had a very severe Minister Manuel Valls is their favourite post but failed to show up to their planned meet- not arrive for their dates and escaped being mur- local elections yesterday and the far- warning,” acknowledged Segolene to replace him. Veteran Foreign Minister ings, according to a jailhouse interview published dered. right National Front claimed control of Royal, Hollande’s former partner who is Laurent Fabius is also seen a contender. yester day. “I tried it a few times but it never worked out,” at least two mid-sized towns, the first tipped for a return to government in Final turnout last Sunday was 63.5 The accused killer, Miranda Barbour, 19, who in an Barbour was quoted as saying in the interview at the exit polls indicated. the reshuffle that is expected to follow percent - a record low for local elections earlier interview said she had killed at least 22 peo- state’s maximum-security women’s prison in Muncy As ballots closed, the National front in the wake of Sunday’s electoral deba- in a country with a strong attachment ple, named Big Lake, Alaska; Mexico Beach, Florida; earlier this week. (FN) said it was on track to claim 1,200 cle. The party run by Marine Le Pen had to its mayors, who wield considerable and Raleigh, North Carolina as places where authori- “I knew we were going to do this since the day we already made a breakthrough in last power. municipal council seats nationwide in ties might find evidence, according to the article met, and we tried, but the others just didn’t show up,” what one prominent activist described week’s first round of voting by winning Dissatisfaction with Hollande’s published by the Sunbury, Pennsylvania Daily Item. she said. as the biggest electoral success in the power in the northern town of Henin- tenure and a string of legal intrigues party’s history. Beaumont. Its previous record was the involving opposition conservatives “They are looking for full bodies,” Barbour told Barbour said she dumped body parts of one vic- Exit polls indicated that candidates three towns it won in 1995 local elec- were expected to dampen turnout. reporter Francis Scarcella in the jailhouse interview. tim in Big Lake in southern Alaska, about 13 miles backed by Marine Le Pen’s party had tions. “Clearly we are entering a new Next presidential and parliamentary “They won’t find any. But they will find body parts.” from Wasilla where she once lived. secured the mayor’s seat in the south- phase, the duopoly of French politics elections are scheduled for 2017. A high Barbour and her husband, 22-year-old Elytte Pieces of another body were left in Mexico Beach, abstention rate was expected to help Barbour, have pleaded not guilty to the stabbing and Florida, while another body, apparently intact, was the anti-immigrant FN win in the strangling in November of Troy LaFerrara, 42, whose dumped along Interstate 95 near Raleigh, North depressed post-industrial north and in body was found dumped in an alley in Sunbury. Carolina, she said. southern towns such as Beziers or If convicted, they face the possibility of the death According to the Daily Item, police in all three Frejus. penalty. locations said they were investigating but knew of no Prosecutors say the couple used Craigslist to lure unsolved murders from the times Barbour described. Striking break through him to a meeting, offering sex, in a shopping mall The three police departments could not be Pollsters identify half a dozen FN-run parking lot. In an interview with the Daily Item in reached for comment yesterday. towns emerging after the vote, giving February, Barbour said she was a member of a The Northumberland County, Pennsylvania district the party a chance to try exercising satanic cult. attorney’s office and the public defender represent- power once more. Its attempts to run Authorities have expressed skepticism about her ing Barbour could not immediately be reached for four southern towns it won in 1995 and claims of being a serial killer, noting her petite size comment. — Reuters 1997 were criticised as revealing a lack of competence. The FN made a striking break- through last Sunday by winning power outright in the northern town of Henin- Beaumont, a former coal-mining centre with unemployment now around 18 percent. The new FN mayor, 41-year-old Steeve Briois, was officially given the mayor’s traditional tricolour sash during the first town council yesterday, to applause from his supporters. “Change was necessary,” he said in HENIN-BEAUMONT: Steeve Briois (L), newly elected French far-right Front the town council chamber, packed with National (FN) party mayor of Henin-Beaumont, poses with French far-right journalists. The outgoing Socialist may- Front National party’s president Marine le Pen (R) in the City Hall during or, Eugene Binaisse, said: “We are offi- the municipal council yesterday in Henin-Beaumont, northern France. cially entering the resistance. Henin- Briois was elected in the first round with 50,26 of votes. — AFP Beaumont is not a lab, its people are ern towns of Beziers and Frejus, but has been broken and we must reckon not guinea pigs.” missed out on key targets elsewhere. with a third force,” Le Pen said. Socialists Despite the election losses, “We have moved onto a new level,” and mainstream conservatives have Hollande’s government has said it will Le Pen said. “There is now a third major long dominated French politics. stick with economic reforms and political force in our country.” The his- Yesterday’s runoff round of voting spending cuts, including a plan to toric city of Avignon, where the FN had came after a week that saw French phase out 30 billion euros ($41 billion) headed the first round vote, remained unemployment surge to a new record, in payroll tax on companies in under left-wing control and Le Pen’s making a reverse of first-round losses exchange for hiring more workers. party also failed to win the northeast- by the Socialists unlikely and a cabinet A government source said Paris was ern town of Forbach, which had been reshuffle by Hollande possible as soon preparing tax breaks for households, one of its top objectives. as today. which would raise questions over The centre-right UMP also claimed Some 80 percent of the French want whether France can fulfil a promise of to have had a successful night, describ- him to dismiss Prime Minister Jean- bringing its public deficit down below ing itself as the principal victor in the Marc Ayrault, according to a Harris the European Union target of 3 percent first electoral test for President Francois Interactive poll this week, and ambi- of gross domestic product. — Agencies Failed presidential bid deals heavy blow to Slovak PM

BRATISLAVA: Philanthropist Andrej Kiska swooped in out “This election was a referendum on Fico and his govern- of the blue to clinch Slovakia’s presidency by a landslide, ment, and he clearly lost it,” analyst Grigorij Meseznikov told dealing a heavy blow to the credibility of veteran leftist AFP. “Fico won’t resign, he will try to finish his term until Prime Minister Robert Fico ahead of general elections in 2016, although his authority will be weakened-authoritari- 2016. A non-aligned centrist who made his fortune in the an politicians like Fico don’t resign willingly.” consumer-credit business, the 51-year-old Kiska will be But others like Pavol Haulik, an analyst with the inde- Slovakia’s first president since independence in 1993 with- pendent Bratislava-based MVK pollsters, believe Fico might out a past in the Communist Party. consider quitting following the crushing defeat. “The pres- The millionaire-turned-philanthropist who has given sure on him will be great.” For his part, Dag Danis, a pundit away most of his fortune to charity has vowed to “re-estab- with the daily Hospodarske Noviny: “For the first time, the lish the people’s trust in the office of president” and “make populist Fico did not notice that the growing trend in pub- politics more human”. lic opinion isn’t specifically against right-wingers or leftists, Kiska scored 59.4 percent of the vote against 20.6 per- but rather against politics in general, him included.” cent for Fico, the election commission said, pegging turnout at 50.48 percent. Kiska capitalised on his untainted No immediate risks image and touted himself as a bulwark against a Fico power Fico’s defeat even featured in a YouTube video captioned grab. Analysts had warned that as president Fico could “Bye Bye Fico” and offering parodied version of Pharrell shepherd a constitutional amendment through a compliant William’s global pop music hit “Happy” on Sunday. In it, parliament to broaden his powers or even transform youths are pictured in various vacation locales jiving to the Slovakia’s parliamentary system into a presidential one. tune while holding up posters of the premier. Slovaks have become increasingly leery of their political While Kiska has no political track record, analysts believe class since high-profile corruption allegations in 2011 his election signals continuity for Slovakia’s staunchly pro- severely eroded trust in right-wing politicians. The scandal European course. Outgoing leftist President Ivan paved the way for a landslide for Fico’s Smer-Social Gasparovic, who will hand over to Kiska on June 15, was a Democrats in the 2012 general elections, enabling him to low-key head of state during his two five-year terms. form a one-party government backed by a strong 83-seat Though the office is largely ceremonial, the president independent majority in the 150-member parliament. ratifies international treaties, appoints top judges including But the prospect of Fico and Smer winning control of the supreme court chief justice and is the commander in both parliament and the presidency in Saturday’s run-off chief of the armed forces. galvanised opponents in the former communist country of The head of state can also veto laws passed by parlia- 5.4 million, which joined the European Union in 2004 and ment. “Kiska is less experienced, but is a mainstream demo- the eurozone in 2009. Now, Kiska’s triumph clouds the cratic politician,” said analyst Mesezenikov, noting that the future for the leftist Fico, who previously enjoyed ironclad millionaire has “free-market values and his foreign policy popularity, as he gears up for the 2016 general election. outlook is pro-Western.” —AFP

INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 If Modi wins, neighbours can expect more a muscular India

NEW DELHI: India will get tougher on territorial dis- became independent, as weak on national security. and peace. macy in the Indian Ocean, and a low tolerance of putes with China and in its old rivalry with Pakistan if However, the country is one of the top buyers world- “The Chinese will understand the new PM is not a Muslim militancy that India believes is often backed opposition leader Narendra Modi becomes the wide of military hardware, purchasing about $12.7 wimp and they won’t do anything adventurous,” the by Pakistan. prime minister in May after a general election, two billion in arms during 2007-2011, according to the BJP strategist said. “You will see a more nationalistic approach on of his aides said. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, issues relating to terrorism in our neighbourhood. It Modi, a Hindu nationalist who is the front-runner everything from basic military goods to an aircraft Hundreds of intrusions is a much more hard view of these things,” said one to win the five-week election starting on April 7, has carrier. Modi’s two advisers said that while his for- According to India, China has made hundreds of of the advisers. taken an aggressive tone against the two neigh- eign policy would be muscular, it would also aim to intrusions along their disputed border in recent Outgoing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has bouring nations. On the campaign trail, he has keep a lid on regional tensions to allow a focus on years. China denies crossing into Indian territory. pushed for peace with Pakistan, and had hoped to warned Beijing to shed its “mindset of expansionism” reviving the economy. Adding to disquiet in India are China’s forays into the visit his birthplace in Pakistan’s Punjab province in a and in the past he has railed against Pakistan, an “Ours will be an economy-driven foreign policy Indian Ocean and its involvement in building a final gesture of reconciliation before leaving office. Islamic state, for attacks by Muslim militants in India. and the whole idea is to build India’s economy so string of ports stretching from Pakistan’s Gwadar to But his efforts were stymied by opposition at “I swear in the name of the soil that I will protect solidly that you can deal with other countries on our Chittagong in Bangladesh. home over Islamabad’s failure to act against those this country,” Modi said at a rally in the northeastern own terms,” said a strategist involved in formulating The BJP wants a rapid naval build-up and a firmer India holds responsible for masterminding a 2008 state of Arunachal Pradesh last month, a region the manifesto of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). response to border violations. It also plans to speed attack on the city of Mumbai in which 166 people claimed by China. As leader of the economic-powerhouse state of up construction of roads and communication lines were killed by 10 gunmen from Pakistan. India, China and Pakistan are all nuclear powers. Gujarat for more than a decade, Modi has courted along the land border to narrow the gap with Rajiv Dogra, a former Indian ambassador to They are also jockeying to take positions in investment from China. As prime minister, the advis- China’s infrastructure on the Tibetan plateau. Pakistan, expects a more forceful policy under a BJP Afghanistan as Western troops start to withdraw ers say, he would seek to steer a course between The advisers, who spoke on condition of government, both because of domestic pressure from the war-torn nation after a 12-year insurgency. defending India’s security interests and growing anonymity because the BJP’s manifesto is still under and an uncertain regional environment as the India has fought three wars with Pakistan and business links with the world’s second-biggest econ- wraps, said Modi would move quickly to lay out United States pulls out troops from Afghanistan. had a 1962 border skirmish with China. It came close omy. Modi has never clearly spelled out his foreign India’s core security interests in its neighbourhood, “So far there has been a consensus in India - irre- to a fourth war with Pakistan in 2001 but since then, policy vision, but he has praised former BJP prime replacing what they dismissed as a reactive policy spective of the complexion and change in govern- its foreign policy has been mostly benign. Modi has minister Atal Behari Vajpayee - who ordered a series under the Congress party. ment - on the broad foreign policy contours,” he said. painted the ruling Congress party, which has been in of nuclear tests in 1998 - for adopting a strategy Topping the list will be an early settlement of the “But this time, if there is a change in government, I power for more than 50 of the 67 years since India based on both ‘Shakti’ and ‘Shanti’, Sanskrit for power border dispute with China, an assertion of India’s pri- do expect a break from that tradition.” — Reuters Voters rush to register for Afghan poll despite attacks Romanian soldier killed by explosive device

KABUL: Crowds queued up outside voter regis- tration centres in Afghanistan yesterday and presidential candidates held large campaign ral- lies, six days ahead of elections that have been shaken by Taleban attacks. The vote, which will choose a successor to President Hamid Karzai, comes as US-led foreign troops withdraw after 13 years of fighting the fierce Islamist insurgency raging across the south and east of the country. One Romanian soldier was killed yesterday by an improvised explosive device (IED) in the southern province of Zabul, taking the US-led coalition death toll to 3,429 since operations began in 2001. On Saturday, the Kabul head- SOUTH CHINA SEA: A dilapidated Philippine Navy ship LT 57 (Sierra Madre) with quarters of the Independent Election Philippine troops deployed on board is anchored off Second Thomas Shoal, locally Commission (IEC) was attacked when five known as Ayungin Shoal, yesterday off South China Sea. On Saturday, China Coast Taleban militants occupied a nearby building Guard attempted to block the Philippine government vessel AM700 carrying fresh and unleashed rockets and gunfire towards the troops and supplies, but the latter successfully managed to docked beside the ship fortified compound. to replace troops who were deployed for five months. — AP All five attackers were killed by Afghan securi- ty forces six hours after the attack began, and Philippines presses UN there were no other casualties. “Our vote is our responsibility, people want change and we will bring that change through voting,” said Abdul case over China sea row Waris Sadat, a 21-year-old student waiting with HERAT: Afghan presidential candidate and former foreign minister Zalmai Rassoul (C), his first several hundred people for hours outside a voter vice presidential candidate, Ahmad Zia Massoud (L) and his second vice presidential candidate MANILA: The Philippines yesterday filed a managing and resolving relevant issues (in registration centre in Kabul. Habiba Sarabi (R) greet their supporters during a campaign rally at a stadium in the north- formal plea to the United Nations challeng- the South China Sea) through dialogue and “The attacks by the Taleban have motivated western city of Herat yesterday. — AFP ing Beijing’s claim to most of the South consultation”. people to come to this centre, register and vote,” China Sea, defying Chinese warnings, a day Manila has argued that China’s claims he said. “This is only answer that they give to the while Abdullah Abdullah, who came second in landmines,” said Ziaulhaq Amarkhil, head of the after a dramatic maritime stand-off with the cover areas as far as 870 nautical miles Taleban.” Rassoul Khurami, a 60 year-old shop- the 2009 vote, campaigned in the southern IEC secretariat. “We want to the people to go to Asian giant. (1,611 kilometres) from the nearest Chinese keeper, added: “I know my vote counts, and this province of Kandahar. polling... we want the candidates to respect the Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del coast and interfere with the Philippines’ time even if I get killed I will go and vote, I’m not “We will be victorious in this election-not people’s votes and we want the candidates to Rosario said Manila has filed the plea before exercise of its rights to its continental shelf. scared of Taleban threats.” through fraud, but based on the votes of the avoid fraud.” a UN arbitration tribunal to declare China’s According to the latest IEC figures, nearly 3.7 people,” Abdullah told thousands of flag-waving A repeat of the violence and corruption seen claims over the strategic and resource-rich Dramatic stand-off million new voters have registered for Saturday’s supporters. “These attacks cannot stop the peo- in previous elections would undermine interna- waters as a violation of international law. The Philippine filing came a day after a presidential and provincial council elections. ple of Afghanistan, who want to have the elec- tional donors’ claims that the expensive 13-year “It is about defending what is legitimate- Filipino supply vessel slipped past a block- Afghan officials, the United Nations and foreign tion.” Rassoul is widely seen as Karzai’s favoured US-led intervention has made progress in estab- ly ours. It is about securing our children’s ade of Chinese coastguard vessels to deliver donor nations have struck a defiant note ahead candidate, and Ghani has drawn big crowds to lishing a functioning Afghan state. future. It is about guaranteeing freedom of supplies to, and rotate troops from, a of the vote after recent attacks on IEC centres, his rallies, but the two could split the Pashtun A small European Union monitoring team will navigation for all nations,” he told a news remote and disputed South China Sea reef. Kabul’s most prestigious hotel and a guesthouse ethnic vote while Abdullah retains strong sup- assess the election, and will issue a preliminary conference. China’s claims over the South The dramatic confrontation took place at run by a US-based anti-landmine charity. port from non-Pashtun communities. report two days after voting. China Sea, believed to harbour vast oil and Second Thomas Shoal, where a small num- “Thousands of people are queuing every day Eight candidates are running in the April 5 The Romanian government confirmed that gas reserves, overlap those of the ber of Filipino soldiers are stationed on a behind IEC offices to get voter cards, showing presidential election, with a second round run- one of its soldiers was killed and five injured on Philippines as well as Brunei, Malaysia, Navy vessel that was grounded there in strength and determination that nothing will off between the two leading contenders expect- Sunday on a patrol with Afghan forces along the Vietnam and Taiwan. 1999 to assert the Philippines’ sovereignty. stop us,” said interior ministry spokesman Sediq ed in late May. The IEC announced on Sunday main highway from Kabul and Kandahar. The Philippines announced last year that China had said its coastguard successful- Sediqqi. that 748 polling stations would stay closed as On March 20, four Taliban gunmen smuggled it will ask the United Nations to declare ly turned away a similar Filipino attempt on they were in dangerous insurgent strongholds, pistols into Kabul’s high-security Serena hotel China’s claims over the area illegal under March 9, forcing the Philippine military to Candidates hit campaign trail leaving a total of 6,757 stations to open on and shot dead nine people including four for- the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. air-drop supplies to the marines. Former World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani Saturday. eigners. The victims included Agence France- The tribunal had given Manila until Sunday The Philippine foreign department and Karzai loyalist Zalmai Rassoul held rallies in “The sites that will remain closed are in places Presse journalist Sardar Ahmad, his wife and two to submit its legal brief. argues the disputed areas, including the the northwestern province of Herat on Sunday, where the observers cannot go, or there are of their three children. — AFP Chief Philippine government lawyer Second Thomas Shoal, are part of the Francis Jardeleza said he expects the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and International Tribunal for the Law of the continental shelf over which Manila has sole Thais vote for Senate as Sea, based in the German city of Hamburg, sovereign rights under the UN sea treaty. to advise both parties on the next steps. He Both China and the Philippines are sig- did not know when a ruling will be made. natories to the 1982 treaty, but Beijing has Both officials declined to disclose the repeatedly said it has sovereign rights over PM showdown looms specifics of around 4,000 pages of docu- the entire Spratlys as well as waters and ments that were submitted to the tribunal. other islets approaching its neighbours. China has refused to take part in the arbitra- It has also accused the Philippines of ille- BANGKOK: Thais voted yesterday to elect the tion with its foreign ministry spokesman gally “occupying” Second Thomas Shoal, upper house of parliament in a poll that could Hong Lei last week warning that bilateral which is around 200 kilometres from the hold the key to the fate of the prime minister, relations will suffer if the Philippines pur- western Philippine island of Palawan and who faces possible impeachment for negligence sues the appeal. about 1,100 kilometres from the nearest after months of street protests. Hong also said China was “committed to major Chinese land mass. —AFP While the Senate is officially non-partisan, in reality the two main political camps are vying for control of the chamber in the absence of a func- tioning lower house following incomplete Sri Lanka ruling party wins February polls. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has resis- vote test with lower margin ted massive pressure to step down despite COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s ruling party won 2016. Rajapakse’s party won comfortably months of street protests and a slew of legal local elections, but with smaller than in his home constituency of Hambantota, moves against her-including over her alleged expected margins in a crucial mid-term with 57.42 percent of the vote, but down role in a rice subsidy scheme that could lead to test for President Mahinda Rajapakse, from 66.95 won in 2009 in that district, an impeachment vote in the Senate. official results showed yesterday. one of three that make up the southern Polls closed yesterday afternoon, according The president campaigned for polls province. There was no immediate com- to an election official, who said there was no held Saturday for southern and western ment from the ruling party or the main repeat of the widespread disruption caused by provincial councils, both in the ethnic opposition United National Party whose anti-government protesters to a February 2 gen- majority Sinhalese heartland, which vote remained steady. eral election, which was also boycotted by the account for more than a third of the Two smaller opposition parties-the main opposition party. country’s electorate. Marxist JVP or People’s Liberation Front, That vote was voided by the Constitutional Rajapakse’s Freedom Alliance party and the Democratic Party of former army Court earlier this month. “Today’s (Sunday’s) BANGKOK: A Thai woman (L) casts her vote in the senate elections at a polling station in secured 33 of the 55 seats in the south- chief Sarath Fonseka-made significant election went smoothly... if the parties con- Bangkok yesterday. Polls opened in Thailand yesterday to elect the upper house of parliament ern province, down from 38 at the 2009 gains. The department of elections is cerned create a stable political situation then an in a vote that could hold the key to the fate of the prime minister, who faces possible impeach- poll, with three opposition parties win- expected to announce more detailed election can be successful,” Election ment for negligence after months of street protests. — AFP ning the rest, final results from the elec- results in the coming days, including out- Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn told tion office showed. comes for individual candidates. reporters. take days to approve. At a central Bangkok clashed with the royalist establishment, fled The president’s party suffered a big- The ruling party had tried to turn With Thailand’s political crisis lurching polling station a steady streams of voters cast overseas in 2008 to avoid jail for a corruption ger erosion of support in the western Saturday’s vote into a referendum on a towards its sixth month, the Senate polls have their vote, according to AFP reporters. conviction, but he is seen as the de facto leader province where it won 56 of the 104 UN Human Rights Council’s resolution taken on fresh importance. Experts say the elect- “Elections are best for democracy. Whatever of his sister’s Puea Thai party. seats up for grabs, down from 68, with last week to set up a war crimes probe ed portion-a narrow majority of the 150-seat we do, we must have elections,” said 65-year-old Yingluck has faced months of mass rallies the smaller opposition parties making into the island, a move that angered the chamber-could install many pro-government voter Amnuay Aransri. demanding she step down to make way for an inroads. Rajapakse government. senators to help bolster the administration in unelected interim government to oversee Elections for the councils, the highest The party asked voters to send a the face of looming legal challenges. Negligence charges reforms. level of local government, are seen as a strong message to the UN that ordinary The other, unelected senators are appointed Thailand has seen years of political conflict Political violence, often targeting protesters, gauge of popularity for Rajapakse-who Sri Lankans were against an international by institutions seen as allied to the anti-govern- and rival street protests by opponents and sup- has left 23 people dead and hundreds wounded has maintained an iron grip on power probe into allegations up to 40,000 civil- ment establishment, such as the Constitutional porters of Yingluck’s brother, fugitive former pre- in grenade attacks and shootings in recent since 2009 — and his party ahead of par- ians were killed in the final months of the Court and the Election Commission. mier Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted in a months, although the bloodshed has abated liamentary and presidential polls due in island’s war. Preliminary results are due late Sunday but coup in 2006. since the demonstrations were scaled back at the official list of newly elected senators could The billionaire tycoon-turned-politician, who the start of March. —AFP NEWS MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014

ARRABE: Arab Israelis wave Palestinian flags during a rally commemorating Land Day yesterday in this northern Arab-Israeli town. — AFP Panel OKs raising children allowance... Palestinians rally Continued from Page 1 allowance to KD 75 will costs an additional KD 270 mil- lion to the state’s budget. “Kuwait hosted 4 summits The issue has been in the National Assembly for sev- within a year which cost at least KD 480 million,” Hashem eral months after a large number of MPs submitted a said, insisting at the same time that citizens “must be given the right of an allowance for their children”. to mark Land Day variety of proposals calling for the raise, but almost all were rejected by the government citing their cost. Some Shiite MP Faisal Al-Duwaisan meanwhile yesterday MPs had called for doubling the allowance and make submitted a draft law calling to jail for three years peo- ARRABA: Palestinians and Arab Israelis commemorated person arrested. beneficiaries unlimited, while others called for increas- ple who fight abroad. The bill targets those who take yesterday Land Day with rallies remembering six of their Spokeswoman Luba Samri told AFP that Land Day ing the allowance to KD 75 and the number of children part in fighting in an Arab country or in a member of the number who were shot dead during a 1976 demonstration demonstrations were “over or nearly over” by the evening open and a number of other MPs sought the allowance Organization of Islamic Conference. Last month, law- against land seizure. In the northern Israeli town of Arraba, and that nothing out of the ordinary took place. There were to become KD 75, capping the number of children at maker Nabil Al-Fadhl submitted a similar proposal call- thousands of people turned out for the main demonstra- also several gatherings in the Gaza Strip, with scores of peo- seven. ing for a jail sentence of up to 30 years for those who tion, many waving Palestinian flags, an AFP correspondent ple attending a demonstration near the northern town of The government had told the Assembly that all the fight outside the country or send militants. said. A smaller gathering also took place in Sawawil, a Jabaliya organised by the ruling Hamas movement. Among proposals were costly and would overburden the budg- MP Yacoub Al-Sane said yesterday that he has not Bedouin village in the southern Negev desert which is not the crowd were youngsters wearing green baseball caps et already inflated by huge salary and subsidy increases withdrawn a proposal to amend the constitution in a bid recognised by Israel, with police saying hundreds partici- and makeshift tunics fashioned out of the Palestinian flag. during the past few years. But MPs insisted that the to raise the Assembly membership from the current 50 pated. They changed slogans and held up banners reading: “We increase was necessary to help parents cope with an to 70 members. The lawmaker said that the number of The annual Land Day demonstrations are held to will return to our land, no matter how long it takes.” ever-rising cost of living, but chose the least expensive MPs who signed the motion has dropped to 17 after one remember six Arab Israeli protesters who were shot dead A demonstration near the southern city of Khan Yunis proposal of all. The Assembly is expected to debate the MP withdrew his name, “but this will not make him by Israeli police and troops during mass demonstrations in drew similar numbers, among them dozens of children issue tomorrow even if the government rejects the draft abandon the idea”. Sane said he still needs the signa- 1976 against plans to confiscate Arab land in Galilee. In holding balloons bearing the Palestinian flag or scrawled law. tures of five more MPs in order to officially submit the annexed east Jerusalem, some 70 demonstrators gathered with the word “Gaza”. Scattered demonstrations and sit- MP Safa Al-Hashem insisted that Kuwaiti citizens have proposal to the Assembly. Under Kuwaiti law, the prior outside the walls of the Old City by Damascus Gate, throw- ins also took place in the West Bank, including in the ing stones and chanting slogans, a police spokeswoman southern city of Hebron where foreign peace activists the right to enjoy a state of welfare in line with the coun- approval of HH the Amir is essential for starting the said, adding that the rally was quickly broken up and one also attended. — AFP try’s wealthy status. Hashem argued that the govern- lengthy and complicated procedures to amend the con- ment was not honest regarding the concerns it stitution, which has remained without change since it expressed, and is instead trying to avoid fulfilling the was issued in 1962. Erdogan’s party takes strong lead... duty of guaranteeing welfare to Kuwaitis. “If the govern- The legal and legislative committee in the meantime ment wants welfare for Kuwaiti citizens, they are approved the amendment of the unemployment bene- Continued from Page 1 “Our democracy must be strengthened and cleansed,” required to provide them with allowances and decent fits law for nationals, rapporteur of the committee MP said Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the main opposition services,” she said in a statement yesterday. Abdulkareem Al-Kandari said. But the panel delayed a Anticipating a poll triumph, a boisterous crowd of his Republican People’s Party as he cast his vote yesterday, Hashem questioned the government’s arguments decision on a draft law concerning arms until the gov- flag-waving followers were watching TV coverage on a vowing to build “a pleasant society”. Two activists of the including one that indicated that raising the children’s ernment sends its opinion on the issue, he said. large screen outside AKP headquarters in Ankara, waiting group Femen, which has backed the Gezi movement and for Erdogan to give a “balcony speech”. “Once the ballot protested the Twitter ban, were arrested after staging a boxes are opened, the rest is only footnotes to history,” bare-breasted protest with the words “Ban Erdogan” Egypt presidential election May 26-27 Erdogan earlier said as he voted in Istanbul. “Today it is across their chests. what the people say which matters rather than what was Erdogan’s government has been hit by damaging Continued from Page 1 ist, were killed in clashes between Islamists and police in said in the city squares,” he told reporters, as supporters online leaks that started in December, with wide-ranging Cairo. In Sinai, militants killed a soldier yesterday, security chanted “Turkey is proud of you” outside. bribery and sleaze claims against Erdogan’s inner circle The Islamists have vowed to continue protests, which officials said. Months of political turmoil - fought out in fierce street going viral in the youthful country. Erdogan has accused along with persistent militancy, threaten to further dam- Sisi has vowed to restore law and order and address clashes and explosive Internet leaks - have left Turkey Fethullah Gulen, an influential US-based Muslim cleric, age the country’s already battered economy. At least the teetering economy, in turmoil since a popular uprising polarised between Erdogan’s Muslim conservative sup- and his loyalists in the Turkish police and justice system, of 1,400 people, mostly Islamists, have been killed in a police overthrew veteran strongman Hosni Mubarak in 2011. He porters and a secular political camp. The premier’s heavy- being behind the leaks and plotting his downfall. The spi- crackdown on street protests, according to Amnesty is supported by a broad range of liberal and nationalist handed response to being challenged on the streets and ralling crisis has sent down the Turkish lira and stock mar- International. parties. But some dissidents who supported his ouster of online has included a deadly police crackdown on pro- ket and rattled investors’ faith in the Muslim democracy Yesterday, a student was killed at Al-Azhar university in Morsi, after millions demonstrated demanding the testers in Istanbul and blocks on Twitter and YouTube. The that has often been described as a model for post-Arab Cairo, a prestigious seat of Sunni Islamic learning, in clash- Islamist’s overthrow, now say he is reviving undemocratic clampdown has alienated NATO allies and detracted from Spring countries. If Erdogan’s party manages to sustain its es between protesters and security forces, official daily Al- practices. The retired field marshal has said there will be Erdogan’s much lauded record of driving an economic early lead as the ballot count continues, it would suggest Ahram reported on its website. The student’s death comes no return to the corruption and human rights violations boom and transforming the country spanning Europe such troubles have been largely shrugged off by many of two days after five people, including an Egyptian journal- of the Mubarak era.— AFP and Asia into an emerging global player. Turkey’s over 50 million eligible voters. — Agencies MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Issues Move to forestall succession crisis

By Angus McDowall audi Arabia’s appointment of Prince Muqrin as deputy crown prince is a first step towards addressing its biggest Sdynastic challenge for 50 years and forestalling a possible succession crisis in the world’s top oil exporter. The ruling Al- Saud family is fast approaching the moment when it must decide how to jump down a generation from a line of brothers born to the country’s founder King Abdulaziz to their sons and nephews, a process fraught with difficulty. For a dynasty that now sees itself as governing a rare island of stability in a region aflame with conflict and political discord, and facing looming demographic challenges, that decision is growing increasingly urgent. “There is no alternative. You have no choice. There should be clarity and there should be a correct approach to succession,” said Khaled Al-Maeena, editor at large of Saudi Gazette, an English-language daily. Although any jostling for power among the 40-odd branch- No breakthrough in Obama-Abdullah talks es of King Abdulaziz’s descendents is kept carefully hidden behind the ornate doors of royal palaces, Saudis with royal con- By William Maclean and Angus McDowall Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said before Saudi faith in Obama was shaken by his permanent settlement, their concerns have nections say some members of the family worry about being Obama and Abdullah met late on Friday approach to the Arab uprisings in 2011, diminished. sidelined. But they are keen to avoid a full-blown internal power audi Arabia’s leaders hope US President night that the relationship had improved when they wanted him to do more to pro- Nevertheless, Riyadh had hoped for con- struggle of the kind that brought down two previous Saudi Barack Obama and their King Abdullah since the autumn thanks to better coordina- tect shared allies who were unseated by crete developments on improving the dynasties in the 18th and 19th centuries, and to prevent a Sunderstand each other better after talks tion on assisting Syria’s insurgents. popular protests, and by his failure to press weapons flow to Syria’s rebels, especially repeat of the administrative paralysis 18 years ago when King and can stabilise a close regional security But the comments made by a senior Israel into ending settlement construction in after US media reported last week that the Fahd was incapacitated by a stroke without formally passing on alliance after months of rockiness over administration official later on Friday did not occupied territory that Palestinians want for White House was considering a new plan his powers. Middle East policy, diplomats said. Friday’s indicate any shift in areas where the two a state. Last year their anger boiled over that involved providing more arms and step- “It’s putting the house in order because the king and the two-hour exchange at Abdullah’s desert sides have disagreed. “It’s too early to judge when Obama backed away from air strikes ping up training efforts. But a senior adminis- heir apparent are advanced in age and not in the best of health. camp did not yield a shared statement or any whether the meeting is successful. Judge against the forces of Syrian President Bashar tration official said after the meeting that US Therefore it is a precautionary step to ensure that in case of evidence of policy changes, leading some and jury on this is if the American policy on Al-Assad after a poison gas attack in the reluctance to provide anti-aircraft missiles, need there is no vaccum and I think that is significant in and of Saudis to question whether differences over Syria changes quickly enough,” said Mustafa country’s civil war, and when Washington seen by backers of the rebels as indispensa- itself,” said Joseph Kechichian, a historian of Gulf Arab monar- Syria’s war or Iran’s nuclear program were Alani, a security analyst with close ties to the and five other world powers agreed a prelim- ble if they are to start turning the tables of chies. Abdullah looked well and sustained a vigorous two-hour closer to being resolved. kingdom’s Interior Ministry. That point was inary deal with Iran over its disputed nuclear the stalemated conflict against Assad, had discussion with Obama on Friday evening despite wearing an But diplomats said the mere fact Obama echoed by Abdullah Al-Askar, chairman of program. not changed. oxygen tube attached to his nose, US officials said, but he rarely made the effort to visit and discuss issues the foreign affairs committee in Saudi They have been pressing for US involve- Robert Jordan, US ambassador to Riyadh appears in public or conducts high level meetings with foreign “frankly” - in a US official’s words - with the Arabia’s Shoura Council, a body appointed ment of some kind, whether air strikes or from 2001-03, said that normally such sum- leaders. king should reduce the margin for public by King Abdullah to discuss policy issues and more help in turning the Syrian rebels into a mits produced action on concrete meas- As princes lined up on Sunday to pay allegiance to spats and counter an impression that both advise the government. competent military force, since early in the ures. In this case, he said, “it’s not clear to Muqrin, kissing him on the cheek under the chandeliers of sides value the alliance less. Obama visited “As you know, before the visit the relation- conflict but feel Obama has vacillated over me that either side got very much other Riyadh’s government palace in images broadcast by state the world’s top oil-exporter and birthplace of ship was a cold one, but not to a degree how far to commit. Saudi Arabia believes it is than words and reassurances”. A Saudi media, Saudi social media feeds were abuzz with rumours of Islam aiming to soothe Saudi fears that the where it was in danger,” he said, adding that facing a life-and-death struggle with Iran for source said the lack of tangible action was further moves. His appointment bypassed Crown Prince United States was retreating from its commit- he was speaking in a personal capacity and the future of the Middle East, including in “expected” and that the kingdom’s rulers Salman’s prerogative to choose his own heir upon taking ment to the security of Middle East allies and did not have direct knowledge of what Syria, and abhors the prospect of sanctions had lost their trust in Obama when he power, and has prompted speculation of a wider deal allowing Riyadh’s rival Iran more influence. Obama and Abdullah discussed. But Askar and other pressure on the Islamic Republic backed away from military action against between different wings of the family. Those concerns, revolving particularly added that although the meeting had being lifted. Washington’s early reassurances Assad. Alani said: “The question is how fast around the cautious US approach to the war appeared to go smoothly, it was not yet pos- that it would not allow Iran more scope to be he (Obama) is going to deliver on his prom- Generational Transition in Syria where Riyadh and Tehran back sible to judge its success. “We can figure out involved in Arab issues in exchange for a ises. This is a major issue now. Especially on Over the past two years Abdullah has made a succession of opposing sides, had led top Saudis to warn of on the ground...if there is a change (in US nuclear deal were met with suspicion in Syria. They will give it a month or two to see appointments, promoting many younger princes, including his a “major shift” from Washington and that they policy), it means the Americans now under- Riyadh. But as the interim nuclear accord has if there’s a shift. If it isn’t happening, we’ll go sons, to positions previously occupied by older members of the might “go it alone” in future. Deputy National stand the real story.” shown little sign of being broadened into a (back) to square one.” —Reuters al-Saud in an apparent effort to put in place a new ruling team. Two of those men, his son Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, who heads the Saudi Arabian National Guard, and his nephew Mixed legacy for Karzai as Afghan president Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the Interior Minister, are seen as the strongest two candidates for future rule of their generation. By Kathy Gannon of his greatest legacies. We are here and Matchmaker tias. Afghanistan, which was a monar- said Paula Newberg, a former special What some Saudis now hope is that the decision to appoint we can say whatever we want and we Shortly after the Taleban seized chy until 1973, has had other heads of adviser to the United States in Prince Muqrin is the opening gambit in a conversation about fghans go to the polls next can say it to him,” said Saima Khogyani, power in Kabul in 1996, Karzai state but none has been democrati- Afghanistan. how to transition to a suitable candidate in the next generation, weekend to choose a new pres- one of 69 women lawmakers in parlia- became a matchmaker of sorts, shut- cally elected. “There were other possi- “It’s sometimes hard to remember putting to bed potentially divisive debates over the succession. Aident, and that in itself may one ment. “Whether he does what we ask is tling between Afghanistan’s disparate ble leaders, but Karzai’s role in oppos- how isolated Afghanistan was in “It would give greater peace of mind. If there is a clear-cut direc- day be considered Hamid Karzai’s great- something else, but he listens.” anti-Taleban groups trying to unite ing the Taleban, his personal and fami- 2001,” said Newberg, a government tion, I think the people would welcome this,” said Maeena, est achievement. There has been no But widespread corruption, poor them under a single umbrella. After ly sacrifices, and his role in the war set professor at University of Texas. adding that managing the generational shift would require shortage of criticism of Karzai in recent governance and stubborn poverty fos- the US-led invasion in late 2001, Karzai him apart,” said Zalmay Khalilzad, who “Afghanistan from 1996 to mid-2001 great political acumen. years. His mercurial behavior and inabil- ter support for the Taleban, who control led a small band of men into southern served as President George W. Bush’s was a place where free speech was For the first time since the 1960s, most Saudis are unable to ity or unwillingness to tackle corruption vast rural sections of southern and east- Afghanistan to take on the Taleban special representative to Afghanistan. absent, women were hidden, food predict with any degree of certainty the names of the next in his government have been well doc- ern Afghanistan. The militants have not regime. The Taleban eventually sur- To many Afghan officials and for- was scarce, and healthcare almost three or four princes in the unofficial line to rule. King Abdullah umented. But in a nation hardened by only shown little interest in peace but rendered not to the Americans but to eign observers, Khalilzad was non-existent. Afghans themselves had and Crown Prince Salman are the last active members of a decades of war, the fact that he is step- have stepped up attacks aimed at dis- Karzai, seeking his guarantees of safe Afghanistan’s de-facto ruler in those little opportunity to improve their group of princes who in 1964 deposed King Saud in favour of ping down as president in the first dem- rupting the elections. Critics fault Karzai passage. initial months after the Taleban’s col- lives in Afghanistan, and large num- King Faisal, establishing the principle that power would move ocratic transfer of power ever is no small for employing former warlords linked to Karzai was still in the mountains in lapse. He lived at the palace, crafted bers were leaving the country for any from one brother to the next. A similar unifying moment has matter. It is made possible by a constitu- massive abuses. Karzai’s defenders say Uruzgan province when he was alliances and took center stage organ- place that would have them.” The list not yet occurred for the next crop of princes, and some fear that tion that Karzai helped draft and that he was hamstrung because the US-led reached by satellite telephone and izing the traditional grand councils or of challenges Karzai faced over the the eventual move to the next generation will destabilise the prohibits him from serving a third five- coalition enlisted those warlords to told that his lifelong dream would loya jirgas that would eventually years was daunting, said Newberg. balance of power between different branches of the al-Saud. year term. fight the Taleban, empowering them. come true: He would be the president approve Afghanistan’s constitution. “In “President Karzai’s tenure in office The April 5 election “is a historical Many remember the Karzai of the of Afghanistan. He was to head a gov- the early days he (Karzai) was very could not have been anything but Allegiance Council marker that will in many ways deter- 1980s, when he lived in Pakistan as the ernment cobbled together in Bonn, much obligated to the Americans, in challenging,” she said. “He came to If the ruling family can cut an internal deal now, it may help mine I think not only how he’s seen in former Soviet Union bombed his Germany, a collection of warlords- their lap as it were,” said Rashid. office with the high expectations of to present a united front at a moment when the kingdom faces history if he achieves that but will also homeland, napalm laying waste to the turned-politicians who brought with “Khalilzad was almost running the others and great optimism among bigger external challenges than at any time in recent history, as be a very important indicator about the countryside. He would talk of the them their weapons country. It took some time for him to many Afghans and foreigners alike.” war and political chaos reign across the Arab world. It may also future of this country,” US Ambassador Afghanistan of his childhood - ruby and their mili- emerge.” He wowed the West with his be a good idea to resolve any dynastic squabbles now, while James Cunningham said last week. red pomegranate orchards as far Khalilzad and Rashid agreed that impeccable English. Even the creative the country benefits from high oil prices, successive budget sur- Cunningham said the differences as the eye could see, tribal Karzai’s greatest contribution was his force behind Gucci, Tom Ford, anoint- pluses and foreign currency reserves of $717 billion, allowing it between Karzai and his former elders passing through his ability to cross ethnic lines, make deals ed Karzai, resplendent in his long to maintain high social spending. American backers will most likely be rel- family home outside with former enemies and hold the green and purple striped coat and sig- A future government will likely have to make unpopular egated to a mere historical footnote. the southern city of country together. “Karzai helped com- nature karakul hat, “the choicest man decisions about subsidies and high public sector employment Karzai has refused to sign a security Kandahar, his father, a munities overcome past divisions, on the planet”. But the presence of to make the kingdom’s economy more sustainable, economists pact with the U.S. that would allow Popalzai tribal elder, uniting the minority groups with the more than 130,000 US and NATO believe. Analysts have pointed to the announcement that thousands of foreign forces to remain dispensing wisdom non-Taleban Pashtuns,” said Khalilzad. troops in Afghanistan, a spike in Muqrin’s appointment was approved by the Allegiance Council, here after the end of 2014. Despite and making deci- “He enabled all communities to deaths of civilians by errant bombings a family committee set up by King Abdullah in 2006 to help for- overwhelming public support for the sions with a single come together and overcome, to a and a coterie of “yes” men by Karzai’s malise the succession process. “Although it has had several deal, he left the decision to his succes- sweep of his hand. large extent, the conflicts of the side caused the relationship to sour. meetings they have not really been at the vanguard of the suc- sor. Many believe Karzai simply did not “What he past. He has not put people in jail He began angering Washington with cession matter,” said Kechichian. —Reuters want to be remembered as the presi- understood as because they oppose him. He belligerent statements, sometimes dent who permitted foreign troops to democracy was allowed freedom of expression. State accusing the US of being in cahoots stay in Afghanistan. what his father prac- structures have been restored, though with the Taleban and more recently Karzai inherited a broken country ticed in Kandahar, unevenly.” calling the Taleban “our brothers” as he All articles appearing on these when the Americans and their allies traditional (ethnic) sought to bring them into a peace pages are the personal opinion of chose him more than 12 years ago as a Pashtun back and Leadership process. leader they hoped could cross ethnic forth, (use of) jirgas,” His leadership was affirmed in a Karzai resented the United States the writers. Kuwait Times takes no lines, embrace former enemies and as a tool of gover- 2004 election, although his re-election for not taking the fight to Pakistan, responsibility for views expressed bring Afghans together. As he prepares nance, said Afghan in 2009 was tainted by allegations of where he believed the war should therein. Kuwait Times invites read- to leave office, Afghanistan has made journalist Ahmad massive ballot box stuffing. With that have been fought instead of in ers to voice their opinions. Please great strides yet remains hobbled by a Rashid. “I think it is in mind, some candidates have raised Afghanistan. And his friends say he resilient Taleban insurgency and fears of his memories of his fears about fraud and government never forgave many world leaders for send submissions via email to: opin- a return to civil war. In many parts of the father and his past interference in the upcoming elec- what he felt was their deeply insulting [email protected] or via snail country, women have more opportuni- and how ruling and tions. Relentless insurgent violence criticism of the disputed 2009 elec- mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. ties, schools have opened and nascent governing was done also could keep jittery voters from the tion. “He disagreed with the United governmental institutions are function- in the 60s when he was polling stations. Time and distance States about the source of the war,” The editor reserves the right to edit ing. After five years of oppressive a child that has had just have caused memories to fade, Khalilzad said in an email. “Also, he was any submission as necessary. Taleban rule, people are allowed to a huge impact on him.” occasionally shining an unfairly treated personally in a way that violat- express their views in public. “This is one harsh light on Karzai’s performance, ed his sense of honor.” —AP MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 SPORTS

Haddin ready for a break Benghazi topple Ahly Ref in penalty confusion ITALY: Italian World Cup referee Nicola Rizzoli was involved in an extraordinary incident when DHAKA: Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin would be disappointed with his form at the World JOHANNESBURG: A couple of stunning goals helped Al-Ahly Benghazi eliminate title-holders Al-Ahly from the CAF Champions League this he awarded a penalty and then changed his mind after five minutes of angry protests during T20 in Bangladesh after outstanding test series against England and South Africa, according to second-placed AS Roma’s 2-0 win at Sassuolo yesterday. coach Darren Lehmann. Haddin missed a regulation stumping chance to dismiss hard-hitting weekend. Farag Abdel Hafiz and Moataz El-Mahdy scored within seven second-half minutes to earn the Libyans a shock 3-2 triumph over their Rizzoli initially awarded Sassuolo a penalty when their forward Nicola Sansone went down Chris Gayle when on 26 and the batsman went on to score 53 in the defending champions’ six- under a seemingly innocuous challenge by Roma defender Mehdi Benatia in the 36th minute wicket victory on Friday that all but dumped Australia from the tournament. Egyptian namesakes in Cairo. Benghazi took a one-goal lead into the sec- ond leg of the last-16 tie and qualified 4-2 on aggregate for the lucrative of the Serie A match. Both teams protested the decision, with Roma angry over the penalty “His keeping has been poor. That’s okay, he won’t mind me saying that,” Lehmann told and Sassuolo claiming that Benatia should have been sent off. Sassuolo reporters. “He’s honest enough for that. He’s been fantastic over a long period group stage. Democratic Republic of Congo clubs TP Mazembe and Vita and had already put the ball on the spot and were preparing to take the of time for us. “He took a great catch (to dismiss Samuels) and missed a kick when Rizzoli, after consulting his assistants, changed his mind couple of opportunities. “At the end of the day he’s been exceptional for Tunisians CS Sfaxien also secured places in the April 29 mini-league draw. Ahly entered the second leg at a spectator-less Air Defence Stadium in and awarded a drop ball. There were more protests at halftime as us. He’d be disappointed in his own form in these two games. That’s Sassuolo players again surrounded Rizzoli to protest the deci- not hiding away from the truth.” Haddin was hardly alone in strug- the Egyptian capital hoping to keep alive dreams of a record third con- secutive title. And they were on course to succeed 38 minutes into the sion. Serie A uses the additional assistant referees system pre- gling, though, Lehmann suggested. ferred by UEFA with extra match officials on each goal line. “The simple fact is (he’s) one of our better performers and a first half in an eerie atmosphere created by the authorities banning sup- porters because of previous clashes with police. Roma had taken the lead in the 16th minute with Mattia couple of our experienced blokes - Shane Watson, David Warner Destro’s 10th goal of the season. Sassuolo’s Simone Missiroli for example - they didn’t have the impact, those three, that Mohamed Naguib side-footed a cut-back across Benghazi goalkeep- er Wissem El-Boudi into the corner of the net for the opening goal. was caught in possession by Radja Nainggolan and he then we would’ve liked,” Lehmann added. slipped the ball through for Destro to lift the ball over “He’s had a lot of cricket ... But at the end of the day But disaster struck three minutes later as Egyptian captain Hossam Ashour fouled Zimbabwean Edward Sadomba and Abdulrahman Fetori Gianluca Pegolo with a neat finish. Roma’s second we all have jobs, we all have a lot of cricket to play. “But came at the end of a leisurely second half when he’s been fantastic around our group and we’ll stick with converted the penalty. Ahly had to score at least twice more under the away-goals rule to Sassuolo again lost possession in their own half him because he’s a brilliant person and he will get a rest avoid a first exit at the qualifying stage since losing to Nigerians Kano and Brazilian Michel Bastos was sent clear to place now and obviously freshen up and come back a better Pillars five years ago. —AFP his ball wide of Pergolo. —Reuters player.”—Reuters Bruins get past Capitals

WASHINGTON: Carl Soderberg and Jarome Iginla scored 41 seconds apart in the second period to break open a close game as the Boston Bruins clinched the Atlantic Division title Saturday with a 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals. Iginla scored twice to reach the 30-goal mark, and Patrice Bergeron added a goal as the Bruins won for the 14th time in 15 games. Chad Johnson made 31 saves, and he and Tuukka Rask have combined to allow only 13 goals over 11 games. Jason Chimera and Evgeny Kuznetsov scored, and Braden Holtby stopped 32 shots for the Capitals, who were down 3-0 before they could find any traction against the possession-minded Bruins. NEW JERSEY: Sergey Kovalev (left) of Russia, punches Cedric Agnew, of the United States, during the sixth round of WBO light heavyweight boxing title in AVALANCHE 3, SHARKS 2 Atlantic City. Kovalev won by knockout in the seventh round. —AP Semyon Varlamov had a season- high 47 saves as Colorado clinched its first playoff berth in four years by Kovalev successfully beating San Jose. Center John Mitchell had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche, who defends title moved past Chicago into second place in the Central Division with 100 ATLANTIC CITY: Sergey Kovalev successfully with a fourth-round TKO over Nathan defended his WBO light-heavyweight title Cleverly in Wales on Aug. 17, 2013. In his points in what might have been a Saturday night, stopping Cedric Agnew in most recent outing, Kovalev stopped Ismayl costly victory. the seventh round at Boardwalk Hall’s Adrian Sillah in the second round in Canada on Nov. Center Matt Duchene injured his Phillips Ballroom. 30, 2013. knee injury on the opening shift Kovalev improved to 24-0-1 with his 24th Saturday’s victory was his 11th straight Saturday when he collided with knockout, ending the bout with a powerful win via knockout or TKO. Because of his pow- teammate Jamie McGinn near the left jab to Agnew’s liver. Agnew (26-1) er, the 30-year-old is regarded as one of box- Sharks’ blue line. He fell to the ice and dropped to one knee in pain and remained ing rising stars. Kovalev entered the fight then gingerly skated to the bench. there for several minutes after referee with the second-highest knockout percent- Mitchell moved up to center Samuel Viruet completed his 10-count at 58 age among current world champions, Colorado’s top line, and came seconds of the seventh. behind only middleweight champ Gennady through with a big power-play goal to give Colorado a 3-1 lead at 6:32 of WASHINGTON: Jason Chimera No. 25 of the Washington Capitals and Kevan Miller No. 86 of the Kovalev had two other knockdowns in Golovkin. Skeptics wondered how focused Boston Bruins go after the puck during the second period at Verizon Center. —AFP the scheduled 12-round fight. He sent he would be for the Agnew fight after a the second period. Agnew to the canvas with a left hook to the potential unification bout against WBC light- scored for the Kings, who haven’t lost with a snap shot that trickled past The Devils earned one point, but jaw in the second and dropped him again heavyweight champ Adonis Stevenson fell DUCKS 5, CANUCKS 1 since March 17. Marian Gaborik and Khudobin. are still behind several teams in the with a body shot in the sixth. apart last week when Stevenson signed with Corey Perry and Saku Koivu each Willie Mitchell had two assists apiece Eastern Conference playoff race with had a goal and an assist, and Frederik Kovalev did have to overcome some HBO rival Showtime. Kovalev is under con- as Los Angeles took a 3-0 lead in the STARS 4, BLUES 2 eight games left. Nielsen gave the adversity, suffering cuts above both eyes tract to HBO. Andersen made 31 saves to help first period and cruised to its 14th win Colton Sceviour got the first two Islanders a 1-0 lead early in the sec- from a head butt in the fourth and an elbow “I don’t want to speak on Adonis Anaheim defeat Vancouver. in 17 games. goals for Dallas and Antoine Roussel ond before Henrique tied it. in the sixth. Stevenson,” Kovalev said. Agnew, 27, entered Luca Sbisa, Matt Beleskey and Matt Halischuk and Blake Wheeler scored on a breakaway in the third “I tried boxing because he has good the fight as a considerable underdog. Mathieu Perreault also scored for scored in the third period for the Jets, period to secure the victory over St. CANADIENS 4, PANTHERS 1 defense,” Kovalev said. “Then I went to the Despite his impressive record, he had not Anaheim, while Andrew Cogliano who hadn’t visited Los Angeles since Louis. Max Pacioretty had two goals and body. I saw how hurt he was.” Agnew spent fought anyone near Kovalev’s level in his first and Daniel Winnik added two assists Jan. 3, 1996. Cody Eakin had a goal and assist an assist to help Montreal extend its most of the fight on the ropes, content to 13 fights. He earned his biggest win in his as the Ducks moved into first place in Ondrej Pavelec gave up three and Kari Lehtonen was strong in net winning streak to five games with the absorb Kovalev’s punches before launching a last fight, a 12-round decision over former the Pacific Division. goals in the first period before getting for the Stars, who have won four of win over Florida. counter attack. middleweight contender Yusaf Mack 11 Brad Richardson scored for pulled, and Al Montoya stopped 12 five in pursuit of a Western Thomas Vanek added a goal and Occasionally, he was successful, catching months ago. Vancouver, which remained five shots in the final 40 minutes. Conference playoff spot. an assist for Montreal and Carey Price Kovalev with some left hooks and body A terrific co-feature saw Puerto Rico’s points behind the Phoenix Coyotes Dallas entered the day three made 36 saves. David Desharnais had for the final wild-card berth in the shots, but eventually was overwhelmed. Thomas Dulorme win the NABF junior-wel- BLUE JACKETS 3, HURRICANES 2 points out of a playoff spot before an empty-net goal. “He had an uncomfortable style,” Kovalev terweight title with a 10-round, unanimous Western Conference. Eddie Lack Ryan Johansen scored a power- winning for the second straight night Pacioretty’s second goal put the said. “He has an uncomfortable style. He’s not decision over San Francisco’s Karim Mayfield made 16 saves. play goal at 2:40 of overtime as and saddling the Blues with just their Canadiens ahead 3-0 in the second stupid. He kept a good distance. He was (18-1-1, 11 KOs). Judges Waleska Roldan (98- Columbus beat Carolina to earn two sixth regulation home loss. period. Pacioretty camped at edge of patient and I understood he was trying to 92), Ron McNair (97-93) and Joe Pasquale WILD 3, COYOTES 1 points in its push for the second play- Alex Steen had a pair of power- the crease and tipped in a pass from tire me out, but I was ready.” (96-94) all scored the bout for Dulorme. “I’m Zach Parise scored two of off berth in club history and first since play goals for the Blues, who had Desharnais at 14:00 for his 35th of the Kovalev, a native of Russia now living in a lot stronger and a lot faster,” Dulorme Minnesota’s three third-period goals 2009. been 8-0-2 in their previous 10 at season, a career high. Pacioretty has Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was making his sec- said through a translator. “I was able to as the Wild rallied to beat Phoenix in a Artem Anisimov had a goal and an home including an overtime loss to 11 points in his past 10 games. ond defense of the championship he won take his punches and come back.” —AP game with playoff implications. assist and Matt Calvert also scored for Dallas earlier this month. St. Louis fell Brad Boyes scored for Florida and Phoenix nursed a 1-0 through two the Blue Jackets. Jeff Skinner and one point behind Boston for first Dan Ellis stopped 15 shots for the periods on Mikkel Boedker’s early Andrei Loktionov scored and Riley place overall in the NHL. Panthers, who have lost five of their Vonn hopes to return to power-play goal, but the Coyotes Nash had two assists for the past six games. went 24:28 without a shot. Hurricanes, who fell to 6-11 since the ISLANDERS 2, DEVILS 1 racing in early December Parise tied it from the top of the Olympic break. Frans Nielsen scored in the second LIGHTNING 4, SABRES 3 circle off a face off 8:03 into the final Curtis McElhinney made 25 saves period and then added a goal in the Steven Stamkos scored two goals, BEAVER CREEK: Lindsey Vonn knows it was really nice person and I really enjoyed spend- period, then Jared Spurgeon scored for Columbus in his second straight shootout to lift New York over playoff- including the winner in overtime, and just some youthful exuberance when teenager ing time with her.” on a slap shot from the top of the start in place of flu-stricken starter hopeful New Jersey. Tampa Bay beat Buffalo to remain Mikaela Shiffrin playfully announced she was Vonn ventured around Beaver Creek on right circle with 7:03 to play and Sergei Bobrovsky. Nielsen scored in the first round, two points behind Montreal for sec- dreaming of winning five gold medals at the Saturday to support “Ski Girls Rock,” a program Parise added an empty-net goal in Brandon Dubinsky rang the left and Brock Nelson added a goal in the ond place in the Atlantic Division. next Winter Olympics. Vonn certainly appreci- that focuses on empowering girls through ski- the final minute. post midway through the extra ses- second against New Jersey’s Cory Alex Killorn and Ryan Callahan ates such a lofty goal by Shiffrin, who captured ing. She met with the kids, signed autographs, The Wild pulled three points sion for the Blue Jackets. Goalie Anton Schneider to hand the Devils their also scored for the Lightning, who the slalom title at the Sochi Games last month. posed for pictures and then called a brief ahead of Phoenix for the No. 7 spot in Khudobin couldn’t cover the puck, 14th straight shootout loss - 0-10 this have earned at least a point in 11 con- A light-hearted warning, though. timeout to sit on an outdoor couch near a fire the Western Conference. The Coyotes but forward Jiri Tlusty did - drawing season. Anders Nilsson turned aside secutive games. Matt D’Agostini, “I’m going to compete in the 2018 pit to rest her knee and film a video. She put are just a point ahead of Dallas for the the Hurricanes’ first penalty of the Adam Henrique, who scored in regu- Cody Hodgson and Cory Conacher Olympics,” Vonn said with a laugh. “So she’s an ice bag on the knee as she settled into the No. 8 spot. night at 1:54. Johansen then ended it lation, and Patrik Elias to win it. scored for Buffalo. —AP going to have tough competition in the speed couch. “The knee is coming along nicely,” she events.” With four years down the road in mind, said. “It’s obviously a slow process, but I’m RED WINGS 4, MAPLE LEAFS 2 Vonn is taking it slow with her surgically making progress every day, so that’s good.” Darren Helm had a hat trick as repaired right knee. She said she doesn’t antici- Vonn has already decided she’s not even Detroit sent Toronto to its eighth con- NHL results/standings pate a return to racing until early December. going to try to walk every hole as she trails secutive regulation loss, the Maple The four-time overall World Cup champion boyfriend Tiger Woods around at the Masters Leafs’ first such streak since 1985. Boston 4, Washington 2; Colorado 3, San Jose 2; Tampa Bay 4, Buffalo 3 (OT); Detroit 4, Toronto 2; Montreal 4, had her ACL fixed for a second time in January, next month - provided, of course, Woods even The Maple Leafs have 80 points Florida 1; NY Islanders 2, New Jersey 1 (SO); Columbus 3, Carolina 2 (OT); Anaheim 5, Vancouver 1; Los Angeles 4, sidelining her for Sochi. As it turned out, there plays, given his ailing back. “We’ll see how far I with just six games remaining and Winnipeg 2; Dallas 4, St. Louis 2; Minnesota 3, Phoenix 1. was “quite a bit of meniscus damage” in the make it,” Vonn said. “With my meniscus the might have to run the table to give Western Conference Eastern Conference themselves a legitimate shot at a sec- knee and that’s caused her to push back her way it is, it’s not great to be on my feet all the Pacific Division Atlantic Division time frame. Vonn hopes to train on snow by time.” Vonn tore two ligaments in her right ond straight playoff appearance. WL OTLGFGAPTS Boston 51 17 6 237 155 108 October and be racing in Lake Louise, Alberta, knee during a high-speed crash at the world They have two fewer games left Montreal 43 26 7 199 189 93 than the Red Wings (82 points), the Anaheim 48 18 8 239 187 104 two months later, on a hill where she’s always championships in February 2013. She then Tampa Bay 41 24 9 221 198 91 Columbus Blue Jackets (82 points) done well. But that’s all tentative. re-injured her surgically repaired ACL in a San Jose 47 20 9 232 184 103 Detroit 34 26 14 199 211 82 No sense rushing back to racing, no matter crash during training last November. Vonn and the Washington Capitals (80 Los Angeles 44 25 6 189 159 94 Toronto 36 32 8 220 239 80 how antsy she’s growing to step back into the tried to rehab the knee in time for Sochi, but points) in the Eastern Conference. Phoenix 36 27 12 206 212 84 Ottawa 30 29 14 210 246 74 starting gate. “If I have to push the date back sprained her MCL racing a downhill in France Cody Franson and Joffrey Lupul when I start, so be it,” Vonn told The on Dec. 21. scored for Toronto. Gustav Nyquist Vancouver 34 31 11 184 206 79 Florida 27 40 8 179 244 62 Associated Press on Saturday. “To ensure the Even though it was difficult not competing also had a goal for Detroit. Jonathan Calgary 31 36 7 189 217 69 Buffalo 20 45 9 142 222 49 next four years go smoothly, I have to give this in Sochi, Vonn said she caught nearly all of the Bernier, playing his third game back Edmonton 26 39 9 184 244 61 meniscus some time to heal.” races. However, her computer crashed just from a groin injury, stopped 24 of the Metropolitan Division 28 shots. Red Wings goaltender Pittsburgh 47 22 5 228 184 99 In between rehabilitation sessions, the 29- before the second run of the women’s slalom. Central Division year-old Vonn is finding plenty of other things She missed quite a recovery from Shiffrin, Jimmy Howard finished with 25 NY Rangers 41 30 4 200 183 86 to occupy her time. She’s sneaking in some fly who overcame a major mistake to win gold. saves. St. Louis 50 17 7 240 168 107 Philadelphia 39 27 7 210 206 85 fishing with her dog, Leo, starting a new foun- “Mikaela is skiing incredible,” Vonn said. Colorado 47 21 6 227 202 100 Columbus 38 30 6 208 200 82 dation and having coffee with skiing great “With her slalom, she’s in a league of her own KINGS 4, JETS 2 Chicago 42 18 15 247 196 99 Washington 34 28 12 214 222 80 Annemarie Moser-Proell, whose record Vonn right now.” Very soon, Shiffrin will be stepping Anze Kopitar scored two goals in Minnesota 38 26 11 186 189 87 New Jersey 31 28 15 178 192 77 the first period, Jonathan Quick made is chasing. Vonn remains three wins from into Vonn’s domain - the speed events. Shiffrin Dallas 36 27 11 214 212 83 Carolina 32 32 10 186 208 74 matching the World Cup record of 62 race vic- recently squeezed in some super-G training at 24 saves, and Los Angeles kept rolling Nashville 32 32 11 186 226 75 NY Islanders 29 35 10 206 247 68 tories by Moser-Proell. Beaver Creek on Raptor, the race hill for the toward the playoffs, beating Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the stand- Winnipeg 33 33 9 208 220 75 “She wants me to break her record,” Vonn world championships next February. She may Winnipeg for its sixth straight victory. ings and are not included in the loss column (L). said. “You don’t see that. I think she’s a really, just ski a few speed events next season. —AP Trevor Lewis and Tyler Toffoli also MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 SPORTS 76ers snap losing streak

PHILADELPHIA: The Philadelphia also the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Howard and Pat Beverley. scored 15 points each, Patty Mills 76ers broke their NBA record-equal- who dropped 26 straight from Sept. It wasn’t all good for Los Angeles. added 13 and Tim Duncan had 12 ing, 26-game losing streak, routing 12, 1976-Dec. 4, 1977. Blake Griffin left in the first quarter points and eight rebounds. San the Detroit Pistons 123-98 on Henry Sims added 16 points for with back spasms and didn’t return, Antonio (57-16) extended its lead to Saturday to avoid establishing the the Sixers, who hadn’t won before and Glen Davis missed the second 31/2 games over Oklahoma City (53- longest losing streak in US major pro their home crowd since beating half for disciplinary reasons after 19) for the league’s best record. sports history. Michael Carter- Charlotte on Jan. 15. Fans were into it throwing a temper tantrum in the Reserve guard Brian Roberts had Williams and Thaddeus Young each from the start and grew louder second quarter. 18 points to lead New Orleans (32- scored 21 points for the 76ers, who throughout, standing and cheering James Harden led the Rockets 41), which had its five-game winning won for the first time in exactly two for the final 45 seconds. Greg Monroe with 32 points, and Chandler Parsons streak snapped. Austin Rivers added months and did it with surprising had 20 points and 10 rebounds for had 28. DeAndre Jordan added 20 16 points, Tyreke Evans had 11 points ease, leading by as much as 32 the Pistons, who lost for the 11th points with 12 rebounds for the and Al-Farouq Aminu had eight points. They also ended an 18-game time in 13 games. Clippers, who are third in the Western points and 10 rebounds. home losing streak, which was one Conference. New Orleans was without shy of another NBA record. CLIPPERS 118, ROCKETS 107 Anthony Davis, its leading scorer and Beaten badly a number of times Chris Paul had 30 points and 12 SPURS 96, PELICANS 80 rebounder. Davis is day to day after MEMPHIS: Dayton forward Kendall Pollard (22) shoots against Florida center during their skid, the 76ers got to assists, Jamal Crawford added 22 Marco Belinelli scored 18 points injuring his left ankle 4 minutes into Patric Young (4) during the second half in a regional final game at the NCAA experience life on the other side, points as Los Angeles clinched its and San Antonio never trailed after the Pelicans’ victory over Utah on college basketball tournament. —AP ringing up a season-high 70 points in franchise-record third straight playoff its opening possession to extend its Friday night. the first half. appearance by stopping Houston’s winning streak to 17 games with the Florida first in Final Four Their 26 straight losses equaled five game winning streak. Houston win over New Orleans. WIZARDS 101, HAWKS 97 the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and was without injured starters Dwight Kawhi Leonard and Manu Ginobili John Wall scored 25 points, Drew MEMPHIS: First yet again this season, the Florida Florida gave Dayton a “big-time feeling.” Gooden had 16 as Washington Gators want more. Much more. Try a national “It’s always hard to lose the last game of the inched closer to its first playoff spot championship. Scottie Wilbekin scored 23 points season, but in the back of my mind, I’m not sure since 2008 with a win over free- and Florida became the first team to advance to a team in the nation captured more people’s falling Atlanta. the Final Four with a 62-52 win Saturday night hearts than these guys did, and they did it the Washington entered the game over the 11th-seeded Dayton Flyers in the South right way,” Miller said. The Flyers hit one more needing a win and a loss by the New Region final. The Gators reached their fifth Final field goal than Florida (19-18), but the Gators York Knicks on Sunday to make the Four after losing at this point in each of the past outrebounded them 37-26. They also had a playoffs. Wall scored 13 points in the three NCAA tournaments. This time, they came in massive edge at the free throw line (21 of 28) to last 7:16 of the third quarter and the as the country’s top-ranked team and the overall (6 of 8). Wizards finally escaped the pesky No. 1 seed. Florida finished the first half on a 15-1 run to Hawks, who have lost six straight and Florida won its 30th straight game and take the lead for good, going up 38-24. The 20 of 26. improved to 36-2, topping the 35 wins by the Flyers opened the second half with two quick 3s Jeff Teague scored 19 points and 2007 national championship squad. to pull within eight, only to watch the Gators Paul Millsap 17 for Atlanta. “I couldn’t be prouder and happier,” Florida push their lead to 17 with 11:35 left on a layup Washington followed up a 13-point coach Billy Donovan said after being drenched by Young. win over Eastern Conference leader with water in the Gators’ locker room. The Flyers kept coming but couldn’t get clos- Indiana on Friday with a win over the “In a lot of ways, outside the Michigan game, er than eight in the second half, the last at 58-50. Hawks, who lead the Knicks by 11/2 we were close to being in three out of four Final The Gators went cold down the stretch, once games for the final playoff berth in Fours right now, and that says a lot about these missing five shots on one possession with five the East. guys. But I think those experiences maybe helped offensive rebounds. Dayton missed chances to us be a better team this year than maybe we cut the lead as Oliver missed a 3-pointer with MAVERICKS 103, KINGS 100 would have if we’d have gotten to a couple of 2:07 left, then Scoochie Smith threw it away try- Dirk Nowitzki scored 19 points ones earlier.” ing to pass out to Matt Kavanaugh. and Dallas avoided a potentially seri- Patric Young scored 12 points, and Michael Miller said Pierre was completely exhausted ous blow to its playoff hopes by rally- Frazier II added 10 for Florida. The Gators will play late. “You can’t go to a guy eight times in a row ing in the fourth quarter to beat either UConn or Michigan State in Arlington, and expect him to score every time, but he gave Sacramento. Texas, in the national semifinal. us a fighting chance,” Miller said. The Mavericks blew a 17-point The celebration was a bit muted because a Then Wilbekin ended the Gators’ scoring lead and trailed by five in the fourth regional title isn’t the Gators’ end goal. “There’s drought at 4:39 with a pair of free throws, and quarter before recovering for their more hunger within us, within this whole team he hit four of six at the line to finish the game. 20th straight regular-season win at to keep going,” Young said. Dayton took over the FedExForum so thor- home against Sacramento, the Dyshawn Pierre led the Flyers with 18 points, oughly that the Gators were booed when they longest against any opponent in including the final 11 for Dayton (26-11). Devin came out for warm-ups and pre-game introduc- HOUSTON: Darren Collison No. 2 of the Los Angeles Clippers blocks a shot by Jeremy Lin No. 7 of franchise history. Oliver added 12 points. tions. Miller tried to use his deep bench, using the Houston Rockets during the game at the Toyota Center. —AFP Dallas (44-30) is in a virtual tie Dayton came in trying to become only the 11 Flyers at least 5 minutes trying to wear out with Memphis (43-29) for eighth fourth 11 seed to advance to the Final Four. The the Gators with sheer numbers. Donovan nearly place in the Western Conference, a Flyers had upset Ohio State and Syracuse in matched Dayton by going 10 deep himself. NBA results/standings half-game behind Phoenix. The reaching their first regional final since 1984. They The Gators went cold for nearly 6 minutes Mavericks have eight games left and missed their second Final Four and first since between a dunk by Casey Prather with 11:55 finish the regular season at the 1967 as Florida held them to their lowest scoring left in the half and a baseline drive by Frazier Philadelphia 123, Detroit 98; Dallas 103, Sacramento 100; LA Clippers 118, Houston 107; Washington 101, Grizzlies. Rudy Gay scored 30 for the game this season. with 6:00 to go. The Flyers scored eight straight Atlanta 97; Miami 88, Milwaukee 67; San Antonio 96, New Orleans 80. Kings. Monta Ellis had 17 points and Coach Archie Miller complimented the when Smith’s 3 gave them their first lead of the six assists, and Sam Dalembert added Gators, saying that just being on the floor with game at 21-19 with 6:58 remaining. —AP Eastern Conference Western Conference 15 as Dallas avoided a second loss to Atlantic Division Northwest Division a West also-ran on a franchise-record W L PCT GB Oklahoma City 53 19 .736 - eight-game home stand that ends Toronto 41 31 .569 - Portland 47 27 .635 7 Tuesday night against Golden State. VIVA offers customers chance Brooklyn 38 33 .535 2.5 Minnesota 36 35 .507 16.5 NY Knicks 30 43 .411 11.5 Denver 32 41 .438 21.5 HEAT 88, BUCKS 67 to attend Man United match Chris Bosh scored 14 points, Boston 23 49 .319 18 Utah 23 50 .315 30.5 KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing of their bill paid through direct debit, Philadelphia 16 57 .219 25.5 LeBron James had 13 as short-hand- ed Miami wrapped up its three-game and most developed telecom operator, and one chance for every KD 5 paid Pacific Division trip through the Midwest with a vic- announced the launch of a Manchester through direct payment. Prepaid cus- Central Division LA Clippers 52 22 .703 - United Draw for both, prepaid and post- tomers are granted one chance to enter Indiana 52 21 .712 - tory over Milwaukee. Golden State 45 27 .625 6 James Jones added 10 for Miami paid customers, presenting customers the draw for every KD 5 equivalent Chicago 40 32 .556 11.5 with the opportunity to attend the recharges. Phoenix 44 29 .603 7.5 in place of star guard Dwyane Wade, Cleveland 29 45 .392 23.5 Manchester United Match at the ‘Theatre In July 2011, VIVA announced it official Sacramento 25 48 .342 26.5 sidelined a second straight game Detroit 26 47 .356 26 of Dreams’; Old Trafford - UK. five season sponsorship agreement with LA Lakers 24 48 .333 27 with a sore hamstring. The Heat also Milwaukee 14 59 .192 38 played without Ray Allen and Mario The lucky draw winners will receive a the Manchester United Football Club, Chalmers. package, which covers a roundtrip flight, bringing the team closer to its fans in Southwest Division Southeast Division It didn’t matter against the team accommodation and the ultimate prize; Kuwait through ongoing promotions, Miami 50 22 .694 - San Antonio 57 16 .781 - with the NBA’s worst record. The Heat tickets to attend the Manchester United activities and surprises. Washington 38 35 .521 12.5 Houston 49 23 .681 7.5 led 46-29 at halftime and held the match. VIVA invites all customers and espe- To enter the draw, voice customers cially Manchester United fans to enter Charlotte 35 38 .479 15.5 Memphis 43 29 .597 13.5 Bucks to a season low for points in a Dallas 44 30 .595 13.5 half and in a game. John Henson had simply need to send ‘98’ to ‘567’ to sub- the draw, and win the chance of a life Atlanta 31 41 .431 19 scribe. Postpaid customers are granted 2 time with premier access to attend the Orlando 21 52 .288 29.5 New Orleans 32 41 .438 25 12 points and 10 rebounds for Milwaukee. —AP chances to enter the draw for every 5KD biggest game of the season.

Seventh Souq Sharq chess tourney launched

Right to left: Faisal Al-Qallaf, Hassan Ramadhan Jumaa (center) and Jumaa Ramadhan. Group photo of Mind Games Club Board. KUWAIT: In cooperation with Souq Company and organized by the KCMG play tournament in Kuwait, adding that countries including Kuwait, Egypt, petition was very strong as 12 players Sharq’s administration represented by on March 27. The championship was there are cash prices for the first 10 India, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, had two points following the second Dina Maaraf and chairman of Kuwait held under the supervision of organiz- places to encourage them. Pakistan, Philippines, Syria and round. Tournament official Zaina Al- Club for Mind Games Hassan Jumaa, ing committee chairman Faisal Al- Meanwhile, chairman of the referees Uzbekistan. He said the tournament fol- Fayyadh thanked Souq Sharq adminis- the seventh Souq Sharq chess tourna- Qallaf, who emphasized the support of committee Khalaf Al-Azmi said the lowed the Swiss system with seven tration for patronizing the seventh ment was launched under the patron- youth skills in various fields and mental tournament that was held with the par- rounds - the third and fourth rounds tournament, which achieved tangible age of the National Real Estate activities. He said this was the first fast ticipation of 63 players from various were held on March 29. Azmi said com- success. MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 SPORTS Sato wins pole for IndyCar season-opener

ST. PETERSBURG: Takuma Sato of Japan won pole position at St. Petersburg for yesterday’s season- opening IndyCar Series race. Sato circled the street course in 1 minute, 0.01 seconds in Saturday’s rain-delayed qualifying session to put his AJ Foyt Racing entry out front. It was a stellar debut for Honda and its new twin turbo engine. “It’s a fantastic day. I can’t really ask any more for the start of the season,” Sato said. “A.J. said ‘Very well done,’ and he was very happy, and making him happy is a very difficult thing. So I’m pleased.” Sato also praised Honda Performance HONG KONG: New Zealand’s Sherwin Stowers (top) is tackled by England’s Development, which struggled mightily Dan Bibby (bottom) during the final of the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tourna- in this race a year ago. He said having the ment. —AP engine ready early in the offseason allowed his team to do needed testing in advance of the opener. NZ win Hong Kong Sevens “Last year, my first test was the end of February with the team,” he said. HONG KONG: New Zealand brushed aside an off-the-ball offence, the men in black “It’s a very short time to prepare. But England 26-7 to win the Hong Kong had too much firepower and sub Sam this year, really the winter testing start- Sevens and reclaim top spot in the overall Dickson sealed victory with his side’s fourth ed from December, so effectively standings in the IRB Sevens World Series, try. The victory allowed New Zealand to more than two months ahead of what yesterday. regain the lead from South Africa who had we were last year.” The All Blacks Sevens, the defending entered the Hong Kong Sevens holding a Tony Kanaan qualified second, World Series champions, won its third tour- two point lead. With two more legs remain- 0.2951 seconds behind the Japanese nament this season in fine style, running ing in Scotland and England in May, New driver. Kanaan, the defending four tries past a hapless England to claim Zealand top the standings with 136 points, Indianapolis 500 winner, replaced their 11th Cup Championship in Hong Kong seven points ahead of South Africa who ST PETERSBURG: (Left) Team owner AJ Foyt and (right) Takuma Sato of Japan driver of the No. 14 Dario Franchitti during the offseason ABC Supply AJ Foyt Racing Honda pose with Verizon P1 Pole Award. —AFP and first since 2011. stumbled badly after losing in the Cup following Franchitti’s forced retire- First-half tries from Ben Lam and Tim quarterfinals to England, 14-7. ment from injuries suffered in an lot of comments over the years The qualifying session was Kanaan at KVSH Racing and is hoping Mikkelson gave New Zealand a 12-0 lead Fiji are third on 112 while England fourth October crash. because we struggled so much in delayed more than three hours for a strong debut in his hometown but England hit back just before the break on 105. England had booked their berth in His first qualifying session with his qualifying in street and road courses because a heavy rainstorm drenched race. But Bourdais waited late into the when Tom Powell burst through to touch the Cup final with a 17-7 victory over Fiji in new team led to Kanaan’s best start- and nobody was counting on that. I the course and forced the race pro- session to go out onto the course, down from a quickly taken tap penalty to the semi-final. Fiji had looked impressive in ing spot at St. Pete since 2010. It’s the like to be the element of surprise.” moter to clear the grandstands and and the red flags limited him to just reduce the deficit to just five points. the run-up and seemed on course for back- first time he advanced to the final Fast Ryan Hunter-Reay was third and ask fans to seek shelter in various one qualifying lap. He’ll start 13th. But evergreen captain DJ Forbes who to-back title as after winning in Tokyo last Six round of qualifying at this course followed by Will Power, who had won locations around the temporary “This is a joke,” he grumbled. “If we had a huge impact on the final day with his week but came unstuck against a disci- in three years. the pole the last four years. Defending street circuit. are going to qualify, we at least have bustling play at the breakdown, quickly put plined English side. New Zealand’s path to It could bode well for Kanaan, who IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon Fans huddled inside the parking to have a fair shot, and we didn’t. It New Zealand back in command, stretching the final was a 28-5 win over Wales in the improved seven spots to finish fourth was fifth and Marco Andretti rounded garage that serves as the garage for wasn’t much of a qualifying session. the lead after receiving a huge cut-out pass quarterfinals followed by a 19-7 victory over a year ago when he drove for KVSH out the Fast Six. many teams, and at least 12 drivers Because of the track conditions we from Sherwin Stowers to score uncontest- trans-Tasman rivals Australia. Racing. Juan Pablo Montoya failed to passed the time by posing for a “self- waited to go out to make sure that ed. Japan became the first Asian team to “It’s just qualifying. You’ve still got advance out of his group in his first ie” photo similar to the star-studded we had room in case something hap- “We were given a lesson by England last win a core team spot on the World Series to make it to turn one (Sunday),” qualifying session in IndyCar. He one Ellen DeGeneres took at the pened, so everyone else got in a lap week (in Tokyo) but here we are on the when it won the qualifying tournament Kanaan shrugged. “I think it has been returned to open wheel this year to Oscars. before the first red flag. “When we podium. It feels good to win in Hong Kong defeating Italy 26-5. Japan will play in the like three years since I have been in drive for Roger Penske after seven When the qualifying session did went back out I got one lap at speed again,” said an elated Forbes. remaining two legs this season in Scotland the top six. It feels really good, I can’t seasons in NASCAR with Chip begin, the first group was slowed by before the second red flag. We were Despite a second try by Lam being over- and England, and all nine legs in the World thank the Target Chip Ganassi Racing Ganassi. He’ll start 18th in the 22- several red flags. It infuriated too conservative and I feel bad for the turned, and the winger being sin-binned for Series next season. —AP guys enough. A lot of people made a car field. Sebestien Bourdais, who replaced crew.” —AP

KUWAIT: Group picture of Christian Nakhlé the French Ambassador, Matthew Tueller, the US KUWAIT: Gold medalists Stéphane Perves, Jean-Jacques Balcerzak, Nour-Eddine Ambassador, Douglas George the Canadian Ambassador, Mrs. Frédérique Asfar the President of Chaouki awarded by the French Ambassador Christian Nakhlé, President of the the UFE, Michael J Adler, Deputy Chief of Mission US Embassy, Alaa Selim, Al Jahra Copthorne Petanque International Federation Claude Azema and the president of the UFE Madame Hotel Manager, and Hussain Gaber from the Sales Department of Al Jahra Copthorne Hotel. Frédérique Asfar. Petanque contest brings back ambiance of southern France Competition held at Al Jahra Copthorne Hotel

KUWAIT: A Petanque contest has been only and it is a simple game and does not also have discussed ways to promote the Kuwait, we aim to encourage people of Petanque contest and the UFE open day organized at Al Jahra Copthorne Hotel & have the complications of other sports and game with representatives from the Public Kuwait to know about this game since it is a every year in our resort in Jahra with the Resort on March 21st 2014 by the UFE can be played by everyone at any age and Authority for Youth & Sports in Kuwait. And non-gender sport in which men and presence of their excellencies the ambassa- (Union des Francais de l’Etranger), “Union of anywhere, it provides lots of fun and a per- he concluded “We are ready to come back women compete on an equal basis with or dors of France, United States and Canada” the French abroad- Kuwait Section”, in the fect way to make new friends from every- to Kuwait again in the near future to organ- against each other. He added “ We are thrilled to recreate the presence of the President of the International where, It is simple and relaxing and it can ize training courses for Kuwaiti Petanque It can be played outdoors or indoors in a ambiance and atmosphere of southern Pétanque Fédération — member of the develop hand and eye coordination, thinking coaches under the supervision of the covered terrain, without the need for a spe- France here in Kuwait and set the pace for a French National Olympic Committee — processes, problem-solving skill and team- International Federation of Petanque , and cial skill or high level fitness on the part of wonderful family day in our resort, we want Claude Azema, and Christian Nakhlé French work” we are willing to arrange these courses in the player, she adds “The game originated to take place in promoting this beneficial Ambassador, Matthew Tueller, the US And he added “I’ve seen good move- France as well”. in 1907 in France and is now gaining popu- cultural activity. “We had more than 60 con- Ambassador, and Douglas George the ment and efforts to promote Petanque in Madame Frédérique Asfar the president larity all over the world, it now has an inter- testants formed into 20 teams during this Canadian Ambassador, Michael J Adler, Kuwait and have sensed interest about the of the UFE “the union of the French abroad- national Federation and one day we wish beautiful family day, followed by a BBQ Deputy Chief of Mission US Embassy. the game at the gulf area as well. It’s our aim Kuwait Section expressed her happiness that we can see a Kuwait Federation for the lunch by the pool and concluded by the Claude Azema expressed his happiness to spread Petanque at this part of the world, about the arrangements of this competi- game” medal awarding ceremony. The winners to visit Kuwait, and his satisfaction from the I had the pleasure of meeting with the tion at Copthorne Al-Jahra, and she said “ Alaa Selim the Hotel Manager of Al Jahra were awarded by the French Ambassador, well organized contest by the UFE held at the French Ambassador in Kuwait along with We arrange this competition in this beauti- Copthorne Hotel & Resort said “ This annual President of the Pétanque International Al Jahra Copthorne. “Petanque is being the President of the UFE “Union des Francais ful resort twice a year for the members of event has become a popular social gather- Fédération Azema Claude and President of played by above 17 million people in France de l’Etranger” in Kuwait during my visit, we the UFE as well as the Petanque lovers in ing and it’s our pleasure to host the the UFE Madame Frédérique Asfar.

KUWAIT : Silver medalists second overall: Sébastien Dupas, Philippe Bayle and Philippe Gray KUWAIT: Bronze medalists third overall: Fabien Richard, Odile Darras and Yves Gabarre MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 SPORTS

World Twenty20 standings

DHAKA: World Twenty20 Super-10 round standings after yesterday’s matches (played, won, lost, tied, N/R, points, run-rate): Group One Group Two South Africa 4 3 1 0 0 6 +0.075 India 4 4 0 0 0 8 +1.280 West Indies 3 2 1 0 0 4 +1.223 Sri Lanka 3 2 1 0 0 4 +2.199 Pakistan 3 2 1 0 0 4 +0.893 New Zealand 3 2 1 0 0 4 +0.362 Australia 3 0 3 0 0 0 -1.549 Bangladesh 3 0 3 0 0 0 -2.315 England 3 1 2 0 0 2 -0.102 Note: Top two teams in each group qualify Netherlands 3 0 3 0 0 0 -2.176 for semi-finals.

DHAKA: India’s batsman Yuvraj Singh (center) plays a shot during their ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup match against Australia. —AP Yuvraj, Ashwin destroy Australia

DHAKA: Yuvraj Singh roared back to form with a pugnacious half- century and Ravichandran Ashwin grabbed 4-11 as India ham- mered listless Australia by 73 runs in the World Twenty20 in Dhaka yesterday. Yuvraj hit 60 off 43 balls to steer India to 159-7 after they were sent in to bat, before Australia collapsed in spectacular fashion to be bowled out for a paltry 86 in 16.2 overs. India, who had already qualified for the semi-finals, topped group two of the Super-10s with four successive wins. They will meet the number two team from the other group next Friday for a place in the final. It was Australia’s third loss in a row, leaving them at the bottom of the table along with Bangladesh. Pakistan, who beat Bangladesh by 50 runs earlier on Sunday, will clash with the West Indies tomorrow to decide the second semi-finalist from the group. South Africa have made it to the knock-out round from group one, while Sri Lanka will face New Zealand in Chittagong on Monday to determine the other semi-finalist. Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he was not sur- prised at the ease with which Yuvraj batted after a poor run earlier in the tournament. DHAKA: India’s bowler Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates victory over Australia “We all know what kind of a player Yuvi is and this T20 format in the ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup match. —AP SCOREBOARD is ideal for someone to get back into form,” Dhoni said. “He gave himself time to get set at the start and then he opened out. “There was no dew at all which helped the bowlers grip the Hamilton wins Malaysia GP DHAKA: Scoreboard from the World Twenty20 Super-10 group two match between Australia ball well. It was a really good effort in the field. We now need a and India in Dhaka yesterday: good rest before the semi-final.” SEPANG: Briton’s Lewis Hamilton won the his qualifying bid on Saturday. Having India: Australia: India, whose previous three wins came while batting second, Malaysian Grand Prix with a pole-to-flag vic- endured a tricky time during off season test- tory ahead of Nico Rosberg yesterday in a first ing, Vettel was delighted to make the podi- R. Sharma c Muirhead b Hodge 5 A. Finch c Kohli b Ashwin 6 were given first strike by Australian captain George Bailey and Mercedes one-two since they returned to um. “Congratulations to them, they are A. Rahane c Haddin b Bollinger 19 D. Warner c R. Sharma b Ashwin 19 found themselves in immediate trouble. C. White c Jadeja b Kumar 0 India’s top order faltered after opener Rohit Sharma fell to part- Formula One as a works team in 2010. The bloody quick, the package they have is very, V. Kohli c White b Muirhead 23 S. Watson b M. Sharma 1 timer Brad Hodge off the fourth ball of the innings and slipped to 2008 Formula One world champion easily very strong,” Vettel told reporters. Y. Singh c Maxwell b Watson 60 G. Maxwell b Ashwin 23 66-4 by the 12th over. pulled away from his rivals on a dry track with “For us there is mostly positives. It’s much S. Raina c Finch b Maxwell 6 G. Bailey c Kohli b Jadeja 8 Left-handed Yuvraj, who made one and 10 in the two innings a three-stop strategy to win the race by 17.3 better than what we expected during the M. Dhoni b Starc 24 B. Hodge c Jadeja b Mishra 13 he got to bat in the tournament, launched a spectacular counter- seconds, his 23rd career victory and first in winter.” Alonso was involved in a tight battle B. Haddin c Rahane b Mishra 6 Malaysia at the eighth attempt. with Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg in the R. Jadeja run out 3 attack that included five boundaries and four sixes. M. Starc run out 2 Dhoni made 24 during a fifth-wicket stand of 84 off 42 balls “Incredibly happy, it’s my eighth year here closing stages before finally overtaking the R. Ashwin not out 2 J. Muirhead c Dhoni b Ashwin 3 with Yuvraj before he was bowled by Mitchell Starc in the penulti- (at Sepang) and finally I got that win,” the German although he will be disappointed D. Bollinger not out 1 B. Kumar not out 0 mate over. Briton told reporters after taking the che- that once again the Ferrari looked well short Extras: (lb6, w10, nb1) 17 Extras: (lb3, w1) 4 quered flag for his second win for Mercedes of challenging the Mercedes duo. Total (all out, 16.2 overs) 86 Australia’s batting caved in under lights at the Sher-e-Bangla Total (for seven wickets, 20 overs) 159 stadium with Glenn Maxwell emerging the top scorer with 23. since he joined them last year and first points McLaren’s Jenson Button was sixth with Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Finch), 2-19 (White), 3-21 Felipe Massa of Williams seventh just ahead Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Sharma), 2-46 (Kohli), 3-53 Eight batsmen failed to reach double figures against the of the season. (Watson), 4-44 (Warner), 5-55 (Maxwell), 6-63 “Its quite special to get a one-two, I of team mate Valtteri Bottas after the Brazilian (Rahane), 4-66 (Raina), 5-150 (Dhoni), 6-152 (Bailey), 7-75 (Haddin), 8-79 (Starc), 9-83 steady Indian spin attack in which leg-spinner Amit Mishra sup- ported Ashwin with two wickets for 13 runs. haven’t had many in my career, so that makes refused to yield to his Finnish team mate (Yuvraj), 7-158 (Jadeja). (Hodge), 10-86 (Muirhead) Bailey said he was disappointed at the way this tournament it even more special. A great day,” added the despite team orders to do so. The row, at a cir- Bowling: Hodge 2-0-13-1 (w2), Maxwell 4-0-20- Bowling: Kumar 3-0-7-1, M. Sharma 2-0-11-1, former McLaren driver. cuit where team orders blew up into a major Ashwin 3.2-0-11-4 (w1), Raina 1-0-16-0, Jadeja 4- was going for his Australian team. “I don’t think we have been fans Rosberg, who won the season opener in controversy last season at both Red Bull and 1 (w1), Starc 4-0-36-1 (w4), Watson 4-0-36-1 (w3, 0-25-1, Mishra 3-0-13-2. of the way we have been playing,” he said. “There was a lack of Australia two weeks ago, started in third Mercedes, threatened to cause friction for the nb1), Bollinger 4-0-24-1, Muirhead 2-0-24-1 India won by 73 runs. game sense on a number of occasions. I just hope we can play well against the hoststomorow.” —AFP place but squeezed past quadruple world coming races between the new team mates. champion Sebastian Vettel into the first cor- McLaren’s Danish rookie Kevin Magnussen ner and was able to keep the Red Bull at bay and Toro Rosso’s Russian newcomer Daniil and stay top of the driver standings. Kvyat rounded out the top 10 of a race that Shehzad ton powers Pakistan It was Mercedes’ first one-two since 1955, suffered just a couple of light drops of rain their last year as a works team before 2010. despite concerns about possible thunder- Rosberg almost touched the wall as he took storms. to victory over Bangladesh Vettel at the start and struggled to manage Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, who was dis- his rear tyres in the early stages as the two qualified in Australia pending an appeal, Germans remained close before the missed out on points for the second race in a DHAKA: Opener Ahmed Shehzad smashed an unbeaten Mercedes driver pulled away over the closing row after a disastrous third pit stop when he 111 off 62 balls as Pakistan thrashed hosts Bangladesh by 50 laps. The second place finish moved him on was in fourth. The Australian pulled away runs to stay on course for the semi-finals of the World to 43 points in the standings, 18 clear of before his front left wheel was fully attached Twenty20 in Dhaka yesterday. The 22-year-old from Lahore Hamilton with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso third with engineers sprinting down the pitlane to hit 10 boundaries and five sixes in his first T20 international on 24 points after his second fourth of the push him back and fix the issue. century to lift Pakistan to a commanding 190-5 after they season. Ricciardo was then given a 10 second elected to bat. Mercedes took the lead from McLaren in penalty for the unsafe release but his chances Bangladesh managed only 140-7 in reply in front of a sell- the constructors’ standings. “I had a really of points were already over after he shredded out home crowd of 25,000 at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium to good start.. got away well and I thought a tyre and damaged a wing shortly before the suffer their third successive defeat in group two of the Sebastian was going to put me into the wall stewards’ decision and he retired before the Super-10s. but he stopped just before so thank-you for end. With both Bangladesh and Australia out of the race, the that,” Rosberg said. “My heart skipped a beat a “Deep down I’m really disappointed but at winner of Tuesday’s last league match between Pakistan and little bit but it was OK. I was trying to chase the same time there’s a little bit in me which the West Indies will join India in the semi-finals from the Lewis but he was a bit too quick today.” is happy because I think I’ve come out how I group. wanted to,” the Australian said of his start to “This was a great effort from the boys,” said Pakistan cap- VETTEL THIRD the season. tain Mohammad Hafeez. “Everyone knew how important Vettel finished third, 7.2 seconds behind “I still want to improve but we’ve started this game was. It was a special knock from Shehzad. “He Rosberg, for his first points of the season fol- off on the right foot. So for that I’m pleased. I showed today that he has all the shots in the book. We now lowing an early retirement in Australia as he know a little bit of luck will turn around soon confidently look forward to playing the West Indies.” struggled to make an impact on the and I’ll get my revenge and get some DHAKA: Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad (left) leaps in the air to celebrate Shehzad, who reached his century off 58 balls in the 18th Mercedes pair without the rain that helped points.” —Reuters scoring a century during their ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup match against over, was caught off a Mashrafe Mortaza no-ball in the 19th Bangladesh. —AP after hitting the previous ball for a six. The error proved expensive as Pakistan scored 44 runs in the last two overs, with Mortaza conceding 24 in the penulti- mate over. Shehzad hammered 31 in an opening stand of 43 SCOREBOARD with Kamran Akmal (nine) that came off just 27 deliveries. Bangladesh fought back by taking three quick wickets, two DHAKA: Scoreboard from the World Twenty20 Super-10 group two match between of them by left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak, as Pakistan Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Dhaka yesterday: slipped to 71-3 by the 10th over. Umar Akmal, Pakistan’s hero against Australia when he Pakistan: Bangladesh: made 94 off 54 balls, was dismissed by Mohammad Tamim Iqbal b Gul 16 Ahmed Shehzad not out 111 Mahmudullah for no score. Anamul Haque c and b Ajmal 18 Kamran Akmal c Ziaur b Razzak 9 Shehzad gave the innings a boost by smashing two sixes Shakib Al Hasan c Umar Akmal b Gul 38 Mohammad Hafeez st Rahim b Razzak 8 and as many boundaries in the 13th over bowled by seamer Shamsur Rahman c Kamran b Afridi 4 Umar Akmal c Tamim b Mahmudullah 0 Ziaur Rahman, which cost 22 runs. Mushfiqur Rahim lbw b Babar 2 Shoaib Malik st Rahim b Shakib 26 Nasir Hossain st Kamran b Ajmal 23 Shehzad put on 83 for the fourth wicket with Shoaib Shahid Afridi c Ziaur b Al Amin 22 Mohammad Mahmudullah not out 17 Malik (26) in the only substantial partnership of the innings, Sohaib Maqsood not out 1 Ziaur Rahman c Kamran b Gul 0 a lesson that escaped the Bangladesh batsmen. Extras: (b3, w9, nb1) 13 Mashrafe Mortaza not out 17 The hosts, looking for a bright start, lost four top-order Total (for five wickets, 20 overs) 190 Extras: (lb3, w2) 5 wickets in 9.1 overs with just 47 runs on the board. Shakib Al Hasan delighted the crowd with a 32-ball 38 that included Fall of wickets: 1-43 (Kamran), 2-70 (Hafeez), Total (for seven wickets, 20 overs) 140 two sixes and two fours, before he top-edged a catch off 3-71 (Umar Akmal), 4-154 (Malik), 5-188 Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Tamim), 2-36 (Anamul), 3-44 (Shamsur), 4-47 (Rahim), 5-91 (Shakib), seamer Umar Gul in the 15th over to effectively end (Afridi). Bangladesh’s challenge. Gul finished with three for 30 in four Bowling: Mortaza 4-0-63-0 (nb1, w5), Al 6-112 (Nasir), 7-116 (Ziaur). Bowling: Hafeez 3-0-16-0, Tanvir 3-0-26-0, Gul overs, while off-spinner Saeed Ajmal took two for 20. Amin 4-0-37-1, Shakib 4-0-21-1 (w1), Razzak 4-0-30-3 (w1), Ajmal 3-0-20-2, Babar 3-0-24-1 Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim blamed a batting 4-0-20-2 (w3), Mahmudullah 3-0-24-1, Ziaur (w1), Afridi 4-0-21-1. failure for the loss. “When you are chasing a big target, you SEPANG: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain holds up his trophy after 1-0-22-0. Pakistan won by 50 runs. need someone from the top four to bat all the way through, winning the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang International but that did not happen today,” he said. —AFP Circuit. —AP MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 SPORTS Bowditch takes three-shot lead at Texas Open

TEXAS: Australian Steven Bowditch a pulled abdominal muscle. His decision Hopefully tomorrow I will hit a few more chipped in at the first two holes on his way seemed purely precautionary, only two fairways and a few more greens.” to a three-shot lead after the third round at weeks before he shoots for a fourth green Bowditch was a champion junior in his the $6.2 million Texas Open on Saturday. jacket at the Masters. homeland but it has taken him a while to Boosted by the hot start, Bowditch con- Bowditch had never held an end-of- find his feet on tour. He is ranked 339th in tinued to display an exquisite short game, round lead in 110 starts on the PGA Tour the world and while he will start the final recovering from some poor long shots to before Friday, so his start to the third round round the man to beat, world number 11 notch just one bogey on his way to a four- was a perfect tonic to calm the nerves. Kuchar is brimming with confidence. under-par 68 at the TPC San Antonio. “I did- He chipped in for birdie from 25 feet at Kuchar, the only player among the tour- n’t hit the ball real well today at all,” the par-four first and then holed out from nament’s top seven with more than one Bowditch told reporters after posting a 12- nearly 30 yards for eagle at the par-five sec- tour victory, had eight birdies in his round. under 204 total with one round left. ond, leading comfortably for the rest of the He sank a bunker shot at the first hole for Matt Kuchar (65) carded the lowest day. birdie and also closed in style with a tap-in round of the week to storm into a tie for “The chip on the first was pretty simple birdie at the last. second on nine-under with fellow but the one on the second I was just trying “It’s an exciting position to be in,” said American Andrew Loupe (70), who to get around the hole and luckily it Kuchar, who has won five times on tour. bogeyed the par-five 18th. dropped in,” said the 30-year-old, who hit “My game’s in really good shape. The first The event lost its biggest attraction only eight greens in regulation. two days I left a number of shots out there SAN ANTONIO: Steven Bowditch tees off during the Valero Texas Open when five-time major champion Phil “I don’t even want to know how many (but) today was a much better perform- Mickelson withdrew on his 11th hole, citing greens I hit but I know it wasn’t many. ance as far as scoring.” —Reuters at TPC San Antonio AT&T Oaks Course. —AFP Hamburg braced for historic drop

BERLIN: Hamburg have just six games left to avoid a historic first relegation from the Bundesliga as they dropped to second from bot- tom after yesterday’s 3-1 defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach. As the only Bundesliga side to have never been relegated, Hamburg took a step closer to the second division at Gladbach after losing ten of their last 15 league matches. Cameroon right-wing Jacques Zoua gave Hamburg a first-half lead ITALY: Parma’s forward Raffaele Palladino (left) tries to score against Lazio’s before Borussia equalised when goalkeeper Federico Marchetti (center) and Lazio’s French defender captain Filip Daems tapped home a Abdoulay Konko during the Italian Serie A football match. —AFP penalty after goalkeeper Rene Adler saved his initial poorly-hit effort. Gladbach made sure of the three points with two goals in the Lazio stun Parma final five minutes when Brazil for- ward Raffael fired home a deft chip through from striker Max Kruse, as Fiorentina slip then Spanish centre-back Alvaro Dominguez scored from a corner. MILAN: Lazio defender Antonio Candreva posed, but said: “A draw was a fair result The defeat saw Hamburg struck late to secure a 3-2 win over Parma and although we’re disappointed not to take more replace VfB Stuttgart, who lost 3-2 maintain their Europa League hopes as given the chances we had, especially from at home to Borussia Dortmund on Fiorentina’s Champions League bid was dent- Vargas’s effort.” Saturday, in 17th of the league’s 18 ed in a scoreless draw away to Sampdoria yes- Mihajlovic’s expulsion came after he teams on goal difference while terday. protested a late decision vociferously into the Gladbach are sixth. GERMANY: Moenchengladbach’s Norwegian midfielder Havard Nordtveit (center) and Earlier, goals in either half from Mattia face of the linesman. But he, too, was satisfied Hamburg are on their third Hamburg’s Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu (right) vie for the ball during the German First Destro and Michel Bastos helped Roma to a with a draw: “We were up against a side which coach this season after Mirko Division Bundesliga football match. —AFP cagey 2-0 win away to Serie A strugglers plays the best football in the league. “Credit to Slomka took charge last month fol- Sassuolo to close the gap on leaders Juventus Fiorentina, they played well but we also had lowing Bert van Marwijk’s dismissal Despite the draw, Bayern still guests’ goals. minute winner. to 11 points. our chances in the second half.” in February while Thorsten Fink was remain 23 points clear at the top of Bayer Leverkusen hold on to Freiburg are unbeaten in their Juve are at third-placed Napoli later yester- Elsewhere, 10-man Verona kept in the hunt sacked in September. the table and extended their record fourth place despite drawing 1-1 at last four games as they enjoyed a 3- day when they will be looking to restore their for Europe’s second-tier club competition with Elsewhere, Werder Bremen’s unbeaten Bundesliga run to 53 home to bottom side Eintracht 2 win at home to Nuremberg to 14-point lead as they stride towards a likely a 3-0 home win over Genoa, with veteran strik- Austria defender Sebastian Proedl matches. Braunschweig as Sami Hyypia’s side move five points clear of the rele- third consecutive scudetto. er Luca Toni grabbing a late brace. headed home a 90th-minute win- Germany winger Marco Reus struggle for form with one win in gation zone. At the Olympic Stadium Senad Lulic gave Marco Donadel opened the scoring with a ner to seal their 2-1 victory at netted a hat-trick as second-placed their last 11 games. Mainz remain seventh but in the Lazio a 15th minute lead and after Jonathan low strike from outside the area and then Hanover 96 to keep his side 12th Borussia Dortmund fought back Braunschweig took a shock lead hunt for a European place with a 3- Biabiany had levelled barely 10 minutes later Verona were reduced to 10 men when and eight points from the relega- from two goals down to win 3-2 at through defender Ken Reichel just 0 win at home to Augsburg while Miroslav Klose put the hosts within sight of a Michelangelo Albertazzi picked up a second tion places while hosts Hanover ten-man Stuttgart. after the break before Stefan on Friday Schalke 04 were 2-0 win- precious win with a 67th minute strike. booking on the cusp of half time. drop to 13th. Dortmund, who face Real Kiessling slotted home a 53rd- ners against Hertha Berlin. Lazio suffered a blow when a defensive Genoa did little to capitalise on the advan- On Saturday, champions Bayern Madrid away on Wednesday in the minute penalty to spare Bayer’s Nigerian Chinedu Obasi put mix-up saw Michael Ciani intercept a cross tage and Toni made the visitors pay with two Munich dropped points for only the Champions League quarter-finals, blushes. Schalke in front after 16 minutes intended for Antonio Cassano with the ball late goals inside the space of six minutes to third time in the Bundesliga this found themselves 2-0 down after Fifth-placed VfL Wolfsburg are with Dutch star Klaas-Jan Huntelaar spinning away from the defender and out of take his tally for the season to 15, just three season as they were held 3-3 at just 20 minutes. Christian Gentner just a point behind Leverkusen adding the second goal just after reach of ‘keeper Federico Marchetti and into shy of leader Carlos Tevez. home by Hoffenheim. and Martin Harnik took advantage after their 2-1 win at home to the interval. It was Huntelaar’s 11th the Lazio net. Verona sit in ninth, only two points behind Hoffenheim ended Bayern’s of poor defending to net for the Eintracht Frankfurt with Brazil goal in 13 matches in a campaign Parma looked to be heading for a share of Lazio and one ahead of Torino who secured a record run of 19 consecutive hosts before Reus scored all of the defender Naldo scoring their 89th- disrupted by knee surgery. —AFP the spoils but when Spanish striker Keita 2-1 win over Cagliari, but Toni said the Europa Bundesliga wins, giving the Munich drove a daisycutter into the area Candreva ran League is now only a distant dream. giants a wake-up call ahead of their in to volley beyond Antonio Mirante and into “We’re trying not to think about it. We’re Champions League quarter-final German League results/standings the net for a welcome injury-time winner. coming off a really bad period and a lot of first leg at Manchester United Parma remain sixth with a game in hand people thought we were already on holiday,” tomorrow. Spain midfielder Thiago Borussia Moenchengladbach 3 (Daems 37-pen, Raffael 75, Dominguez 78) Hamburg 1 (Zoua 28); Hanover 96 1 (Huszti 43) Werder but are only one point behind fifth-placed said Toni. “But despite being a man down we Alcantara has been ruled out of Bremen 2 (di Santo 57, Proedl 90). Inter who occupy the first Europa League knuckled down today and got the win.” —AFP both quarter-final legs against qualifying spot ahead of their visit to Livorno United with a knee injury and is Played Saturday today. expected to miss the next six to Bayern Munich 3 (Pizarro 31, 40, Shaqiri 34) Hoffenheim 3 (Modeste 23, Salihovic 44, Firmino 75); Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Kiessling 53- Lazio’s 12th win of the campaign kept eight weeks. pen) Eintracht Braunschweig 1 (Reichel 47); VfB Stuttgart 2 (Gentner 9, Harnik 19) Borussia Dortmund 3 (Reus 30, 68-pen, 83); VfL them in eighth although Edy Reja’s men are Bayern leaked three goals in a Wolfsburg 2 (Olic 69, Naldo 89) Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (Aigner 11); Mainz 05 3 (Bungart 23, Hitz 38-og, Geis 83) FC Augsburg 0; now only two points off Parma and three Matches on TV Bundesliga match for the first time Freiburg 3 (Krmas 23, Mehmedi 53-pen, Klaus 65) Nuremberg 2 (Pogatetz 7, Drmic 45-pen). behind Inter. (Local Timings) this season after throwing away a Lazio’s win was tempered by a fans’ boycott 3-1 first-half lead following goals by German Bundesliga table after all yesterday evening’s match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): veteran striker Claudio Pizarro and in protest at current president Claudio Lotito, English Premier League Bayern Munich 28 25 3 0 82 16 78 Hanover 28 8 5 15 36 51 29 meaning the club’s home games have been Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri. Borussia 28 17 4 7 62 31 55 Freiburg 28 7 8 13 33 50 29 Bosnia midfielder Sejad sparsely attended. Sunderland v West Ham 22:00 Schalke 28 16 6 6 53 37 54 Nuremberg 28 5 11 12 34 52 26 Reja played down Lazio’s Europa League beIN SPORTS 4 Salihovic curled in a 44th-minute Bayer 28 15 3 10 47 34 48 free kick to make it 3-2 at the break Stuttgart 28 6 6 16 42 57 24 hopes and admitted his side are suffering beIN SPORTS 4 HD Wolfsburg 28 14 5 9 48 42 47 Hamburg 28 6 6 16 43 59 24 from the boycott. “It would be a minor miracle after striker Anthony Modeste gave Borussia 28 13 6 9 49 34 45 Eintracht 28 5 7 16 25 50 22 if we qualified for Europa,” he told Sky Sport the guests an early lead. Mainz 28 13 5 10 41 43 44 Note: Top three qualify directly for the Champions League, Italia. Italian Calcio League Hoffenheim equalised on 75 Augsburg 28 11 6 11 40 43 39 fourth goes into the play-offs, while fourth and fifth play in the “We’re still suffering from the absence of Udinese v Catania 20:00 minutes when Brazilian left winger Hoffenheim 28 9 9 10 63 62 36 fans, although we did hear the fans who did Roberto Firmino darted on to a Europa League. The bottom two sides are relegated and the beIN SPORTS 7 Hertha Berlin 28 10 6 12 36 39 36 turn up. Thanks to them, it gave us the extra through ball and his shot beat both Eintracht 28 8 8 12 35 48 32 team finishing 16th has a two-legged play-off against the side spur for the win.” beIN SPORTS 7 HD Bayern centre-back Dante and Werder Bremen 28 8 8 12 33 54 32 which finishes third in the second division. Fiorentina’s bid for a top three finish and Livorno v Inter 22:00 goalkeeper Tom Starke. Champions League qualification, meanwhile, beIN SPORTS 3 suffered a blow in a scoreless draw away in Genoa which saw Juan Vargas smash a free- beIN SPORTS 3 HD kick off the crossbar and Samp coach Sinisa Kalou late goal rescues Lille Mihajlovic red-carded at the end of the game Spanish League for dissent. Granada v Levante 21:00 PARIS: Lille tightened their grip on third place in Brittany outfit had picked up three straight vic- The Corsican outfit remain in 10th position. Fiorentina remain fourth but are now nine Ligue 1 with a dramatic 1-0 injury time victory tories following their French Cup quarter-final Monaco suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat away to points behind Napoli in third and only four beIN SPORTS 2 over Guingamp yesterday. success over Lille on Thursday. Evian on Saturday to leave Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Inter. beIN SPORTS 2 HD Ivory Coast international Salomon Kalou They will now play second division Angers for 13 points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table Coach Vincenzo Montella appeared com- came off the bench to prod the ball home in the a place in the Stade de France final against with just seven games left. 92nd minute to snatch three desperately need- either Monaco or Guingamp. Toulouse missed the opportunity to leapfrog ed points for Rene Girard’s side. “It’s been a beautiful week, with three wins in Marseille into the top six as they were held to a Hearts stave off relegation The match appeared to be heading for a three matches without conceding a goal,” said 2-2 draw by Ajaccio in Corsica. GLASGOW: Hearts staved off relegation with a when Jordon Forster headed past Jamie goalless draw before Kalou popped up inside Rennes coach Philippe Montanier. The visitors had fallen two goals behind as 2-0 win in the Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle MacDonald for what looked like a leveller the six yard box to knee the ball home following “It boosts morale after the many difficult Ricardo Faty and Gadji Tallo netted for Ajaccio, yesterday to deny rivals Hibernian the chance but his effort was ruled out for offside, with a corner from the right that led to a scramble. weeks. “It’s a week which has put us on the right but Issiaga Sylla pulled one back before Clement to condemn them to the Championship. television replays showing it was the wrong The win extends Lille’s advantage to six track. We took another step towards staying in Chantome, the on-loan PSG midfielder, Cash-strapped Hearts, who were docked 15 decision. points over fourth placed Saint-Etienne who are the top flight, and the perspective of a French equalised. points at the beginning of the season for Alan Maybury was then sent off for a sec- involved in the Rhone derby at Lyon in the Cup semi-final has spiced up our season.” But Toulouse missed a great chance to win entering administration, went into the match ond bookable offence before Billy King scored weekend’s final match later on Sunday. The hosts dominated from the outset with the game when Jonathan Zebina saw a stop- knowing their 33-year stay in the Scottish top in stoppage time to compound the misery for Lyon are alone in fifth spot and nine points Romain Alessandrini opening the scoring after page-time penalty saved by Guillermo Ochoa in flight could be ended with defeat at the hands the Easter Road side. adrift of Lille and the all important final 14 minutes and Swedish striker Ola Toivonen the home goal. of their fiercest rivals. It ended a run of four consecutive defeats Champions League berth for next season. doubling their advantage on 28 minutes. Elsewhere on Saturday, Odair Fortes scored to However, Gary Locke’s youthful side for the Jambos but the win only delays the Earlier, Rennes made it back-to-back league Cameroonian midfielder Jean Makoun round- earn Reims a 1-1 draw at home to Lorient, for showed they will not be going down without a inevitable for Hearts, who are 19 points adrift at wins with a confident 3-0 home success against ed off the scoring after 59 minutes. The victory whom Vincent Aboubakar netted a first-half fight as Dale Carrick finished off a good move the bottom with seven games remaining, and Bastia that moved them eight points clear of the lifts Rennes up to 12th position and eight points penalty, while there were goalless stalemates to fire Hearts in front in the seventh minute. they could be condemned to the drop if they drop zone. above the relegation zone with seven matches between Montpellier and Valenciennes and There was controversy in the 83rd minute fail to beat Aberdeen on Wednesday. —AFP It was the first time this season that the to play. Nantes and Bordeaux.—AFP 76ers snap Yuvraj, Ashwin losing streak destroy Australia

MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 16 18

Hamburg braced for historic drop Page 19

LONDON: Liverpool’s Luis Suarez (right) and Daniel Agger (center) and Tottenham’s Michael Dawson (center left) lunge for the ball as Jordan Henderson, out of frame, scores from a free kick during their English Premier League soc- cer match. — AP Reds beat Spurs to fire title dreams

lead with his 29th goal of the season ping run took him into the box and er into the far corner to claim his sixth after 25 minutes, before Philippe enabled him to put a low cross into the goal in four games. EPL results/standings Liverpool 4 Coutinho added a third 10 minutes into goalmouth. Kaboul’s afternoon then almost took a the second half. further turn for the worse four minutes Fulham 1 (Dejagah 71) Everton 3 (Stockdale 50-og, Mirallas 79, Jordan Henderson completed the rout DAWSON ERROR before half-time as he almost gifted Naismith 87); Liverpool 4 (Kaboul 2-og, Suarez 25, Coutinho 55, 15 minutes from the end, sealing an Suarez and Daniel Sturridge were Livepool a third goal. Henderson 75) Tottenham Hotspur 0. Tottenham 0 eighth consecutive league victory. No both lurking, but following a deflection Dallying in possession, the Spurs skip- Playing today team in the top flight has bettered off defender Jan Vertonghen, it was per was dispossessed by Sterling, whose Sunderland v West Ham United Tottenham’s nine away wins this season, Kaboul who inadvertently got the final cross was met by a powerful header from Liverpool 32 22 5 5 88 39 71 but Tim Sherwood’s side have now lost touch to nudge the ball over the line. Suarez, which was superbly touched onto Chelsea 32 21 6 5 62 24 69 LIVERPOOL: Liverpool returned to the their last three away from White Hart It was not totally one-sided as the post by Lloris. Man City 30 21 4 5 80 28 67 top of the Premier League table for the Lane, as their season threatens to peter Tottenham looked to respond on the Sterling was a source of constant wor- Arsenal 32 19 7 6 56 37 64 first time since Christmas with an out. counter-attack, but with little more than ry for the Londoners and eight minutes Everton 31 17 9 5 49 31 60 Tottenham 32 17 5 10 40 44 56 emphatic 4-0 win at home to Tottenham But while Spurs are beginning to look a quarter of the game gone, the into the second half he should have put Man Utd 32 16 6 10 52 38 54 Hotspur yesterday. a spent force, Liverpool are going from Londoners-still missing injured top scor- the game beyond doubt, but rather than Southampton 32 13 9 10 49 40 48 With title rivals Chelsea, Manchester strength to strength as they close in on er Emmanuel Adebayor-left themselves shooting he passed to Henderson, who Newcastle 32 14 4 14 38 47 46 City and Arsenal all dropping points on matching a run of nine successive wins with a near impossible task. shot over. The end was not long in com- Stoke 32 10 10 12 37 45 40 Saturday, Liverpool took full advantage from the 2005-06 campaign, when they Michael Dawson’s replacement of the ing, though, as just a couple of minutes West Ham 31 9 7 15 34 41 34 Aston Villa 31 9 7 15 34 46 34 to enhance their prospects of a first finished third. injured Vertonghen should not have later Jon Flanagan carried the ball out of Swansea 32 8 9 15 45 48 33 championship win since 1990. Liverpool manager Rodgers made one caused a major problem, with the long- defence and picked out Coutinho, whose Hull 32 9 6 17 33 40 33 An own goal from Tottenham captain change to the side that had beaten serving defender slotting back into low shot from 22 yards found the bot- Norwich 32 8 8 16 26 51 32 Younes Kaboul set Liverpool on their way Sunderland 2-1 in mid-week, with Tottenham’s defence alongside Kaboul. tom-left corner. When Henderson then Crystal Palace 31 9 4 18 20 39 31 West Brom 31 5 14 12 36 48 29 inside the opening two minutes and Raheem Sterling replacing Joe Allen. And But his rustiness following an injury curled a free-kick through a crowd of Cardiff 32 6 8 18 29 61 26 Brendan Rodgers’s side never looked Sterling immediately made his presence lay-off was apparent as his misdirected bodies and directly past Lloris, a repeat of Sunderland 29 6 7 16 27 46 25 back as they kept the destiny of the title felt as Liverpool took barely 90 seconds pass allowed Suarez a run on goal that Liverpool’s 5-0 win at Tottenham earlier in Fulham 32 7 3 22 31 73 24 in their own hands with City and Chelsea to go in front. he exploited to the full. Getting away the season was on the cards. This time Notes: top four teams qualify for next season’s UEFA still to visit Anfield. The winger combined with England from Kaboul, the striker beat Hugo Lloris there was not a fifth goal, but Liverpool Champions League; fifth-place team qualifies for UEFA Europa League; bottom three teams relegated to Championship. Top scorer Luis Suarez doubled the colleague Glen Johnson, whose overlap- with a left-foot shot across the goalkeep- had already done enough. — AFP Miami swings to the Everton inch hits of golden oldies MIAMI: Miami is one of the favourite stops on the WTA Tour towards top four because of the city’s hip, youthful vibe but the final of Sony Open on Saturday was more about the golden oldies as Serena took Roberto Martinez’s side to within four Williams and Li Na took centre stage. points of fourth-place Arsenal, who visit As the downtown core was rocking to a techno music festi- Fulham 1 Goodison Park next weekend. val, out on Key Biscayne at the Tennis Center they were savoring Everton also have a game in hand, but some old time hits as two 32-year-olds slugged it out for the while their fans begin to dream of Miami hardcourt title. Barcelona and Bayern Munich, it is Williams musical tastes may run more toward Mariah Carey Bournemouth and Blackpool who beckon but her play on a sweltering south Florida afternoon was more Everton 3 for Fulham after a defeat that left them five heavy metal as the world number one pounded out a 7-5 6-1 points adrift of safety at the foot of the win over Li to claim a record seventh title on the Miami hard- Premier League table. courts. “I don’t know,” shrugged Williams, when asked to explain LONDON: Steven Naismith came off the Everton were unchanged from their mid-week 3-0 win at Newcastle United, how two 32-year-olds have come to dominate the women’s bench to inspire Everton to a 3-1 success at game. while Fulham manager Felix Magath made Fulham yesterday that further enhanced “I just feel that both she (Li) and I, we just have this never their chances of qualifying for next season’s three changes, surprisingly handing a first give up fight and it just goes to show that you can still shine at Champions League. start to 17-year-old French striker Moussa any age.” Dembele. After weathering sustained first-half LONDON: Fulham’s French striker Moussa Dembele (left) vies with Everton’s English Number one Williams and number two Li have both won Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City pressure, Everton took a 50th-minute lead defender John Stones (right) during the English Premier League football match. — AFP two titles each this season and sit atop the world rankings as at Craven Cottage when Naismith’s deflect- on Saturday had opened the door for the circuit’s young guns scramble behind them. ed volley ricocheted off Fulham goalkeeper Everton, but it was Fulham who took the then obliged to save with his feet from before the interval. Li’s two wins include an Australian Open title and she has David Stockdale and into the net for an initiative in the first half on a warm spring Kieran Richardson, who had been played in Everton lost Ross Barkley to a calf injury reached the final in Miami and semi-final in Indian Wells. Her own goal. Fulham substitute Ashkan day in west London. by Dembele, before Stockdale produced a at half-time, but Naismith’s entrance in his loss to Williams was just her third of the season. Dejagah equalised with a blistering strike After Lewis Holtby had sliced an early similar save at the other end to thwart place proved the catalyst for an immediate With wins in Miami and Brisbane, Williams pushed her career 21 minutes later, only for another substi- warning shot off target, a right-wing corner Gerard Deulofeu. upturn in their fortunes. total to 59 titles (50 more than Li) and looks poised for another tute, Kevin Mirallas, to restore Everton’s was flicked on by Brede Hangeland to It was Fulham who were creating the The Scottish forward claimed the credit season of domination with just two losses on her record. lead with 11 minutes remaining. Pajtim Kasami, who could only head wide better chances, though, and Howard was for Everton’s opener, although the decisive “We’re playing great tennis and we’re both one and two and Naismith applied the coup de grace in at the back post. called upon to tip over a header from touch came from the unfortunate we’re both the same age,” said Williams. “For me, it was just an the 87th minute to complete a win that Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was Holtby and gather a header from Dembele Stockdale. — AFP honor to be there with her. — Reuters Six steps to a successful hire

Page 22 Business Japan shoppers brace for tax hike after years of deflation MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 Page 23 Gulf Insurance wins ‘Best Insurance Hunt on for new tigers: MINT, PPICS and CIVETS Provider ME 2014’ Award Page 24 Page 23

BASEL: View of the Emporio Armani booth at Baselworld in Basel, Switzerland. — AP Connected watches create buzz at Baselworld Jewel-covered timepieces showcase luxury, glamour

BASEL: Watches that connect to your smart- to time changes as smoothly as the device in closely, but appear reluctant to move down the gent” new functions. Stephane Linder, head of People said it would spell the end of watches, phone or even a satellite to ensure perfect time, your back pocket, while its new G-Shock model same route, sticking instead to the tradition Tag Heuer, the top watch brand in French luxu- but today watch sales are doing very well,” he regardless of where you are in the world, or can synchronize with precise time signals and skilled craftsmanship that have won them ry group LVMH’s stable, agreed, pointing out told AFP. alert you if you leave your phone behind? broadcasted by radio stations or satellites. customers for centuries. that a connected watch would necessarily be Connected watches were not a threat to the Although not on prominent display they were a “We expect huge demand, because people “Technically, there are lots of things that are more difficult to use than existing devices. market for prestige timepieces, he insisted, hot topic of discussion this past week at nowadays look for this technology more and possible,” pointed out Marc Hayek, who heads “With a telephone, I have a large screen, but pointing out that such tech objects “generally Baselworld, the world’s largest watch and jewel- more, so we are very confident,” Harald Swatch Group’s luxury watch brands Breguet, with a watch, it’s tiny,” he pointed out. are obsolete after a year, because there is ry fair. The show in the northern Swiss city was Schroeder, head of marketing at Casio Europe, Blancpain and Jaquet Droz. “But it’s not just Linder insisted though on the need to keep always a new version available.” “These are not yet again dominated by intricate mechanical told AFP. He stressed the popularity of a range because something is possible that the market a close eye on developments, pointing out that objects that you keep as a watch,” he said. watches, symbolizing centuries of tradition, and of brightly-colored plastic G-Shock watches will automatically be there,” he said, insisting technology has the power to suddenly reshuf- In fact, Martijn van Willegen, a Dutch jewel- jewel-covered timepieces showcasing the luxu- already available, which can control your smart- that a watch should not seek to simply emulate fle the deck, as Apple did when it dethroned er who each year places around 80 percent of ry and glamour that never seem to go out of phone’s alarm and music functions, let you the functions already available in phones and the reining mobile phone companies with its his annual watch orders at Baselworld, said he fashion. know when your phone is ringing in silent other wireless devices. iPhone. Watchmakers must remain ready to saw watches moving in the opposite direction But there were a few new offerings for the mode and vibrate if you leave your phone jump into the “smart watch” fray once they see of the phone tech drive. Fifteen years ago, tech-hungry crowd still waiting eagerly for their behind. ‘Don’t see big market’ the potential to bring true benefits to users. people mainly wanted super precise quartz wristband to catch up with their phone or Several other Asian tech giants, including “If it’s less comfortable to use ... (and) if it’s If that happens “you will see developments watches that you could simply replace if it tablet. Japan’s Casio had two new high-tech South Korean Samsung, Japan’s Sony and the same function, I think it will only mean dis- in the luxury segment as well,” he predicted. stopped working, he said. “Today, we’re back models on display both set for release later this China’s Huawei, have also unveiled new con- advantages, and I really don’t see a big market Patek Philippe chief Thierry Stern said he was to old school 16th and 17th century mechan- year. Its new Bluetooth controlled Edifice watch nected timepieces in recent months. Swiss for that,” he told AFP, stressing that watchmak- not worried by the smart watch hype.”We saw ics that really make your heart beat faster... I connects to smartphones, allowing it to adjust watchmakers are following the developments ers should instead reflect on “useful” and “intelli- the same thing when the iPhone was launched. love that.” — AFP Modi: Economic inspiration or illusion?

AHMEDABAD: To supporters in his thriving west coast fief- come from the state. “The entrepreneurship spirit in Gujarat Hirway, director of Gujarat’s Centre for Development dom, Narendra Modi is the inspiration behind an economic is so demanding bureaucrats cannot be lethargic.” Modi sup- Alternatives. The larger the company, the higher the rate success story that India has a chance to emulate if as expect- porters point to Gujarat’s infrastructure as another sign of of subsidy, in terms of capital subsidies, credit, VAT sub- ed he becomes prime minister. But ahead of elections begin- good governance. Downtown Ahmedabad has managed to sidy, she said. Hirway said bigger companies were often ning on April 7, skeptics accuse Modi of claiming credit for escape the gridlock common to most Indian cities and the granted favors in accessing land, water and natural an “illusion” in Gujarat that has mainly benefited big business city has bus lanes. Power cuts are rare. resources. and will be hard to replicate on a national scale. Governed by But it’s a different tale a short distance away in the run- “They give very cheap water for big industries. The Modi since 2001, Gujarat recorded average annual growth down neighborhood of Juhapura where Nadeem Jafri runs a land is given at a very cheap rate, highly subsidized, rates of 10.13 percent between 2005 and 2012, according to supermarket business. Modi first came to national promi- because the state wants to be the best in terms of latest figures, the second-highest pace among large or medi- nence in 2002 when communal riots erupted in Gujarat, growth,” Hirway told AFP. Not only has the environment um-sized states. soon after he took over as the state’s chief minister. The riots suffered as a result, but there has also been a knock-on And according to businesswoman Bhagyesh Soneji, it left more than 1,000 dead, most of them Muslims. effect on health while Gujarat’s education sector has been would be churlish not to acknowledge the leading role of While Modi himself has never been found guilty of play- neglected, Hirway said. the state’s chief minister who polls say is set to lead his right- ing any role in the bloodshed, one of his ministers was sen- Literacy rates are at 79 percent, still above the national wing Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party to a general tenced for inciting violence. When the violence broke out, average of 74 percent, but seen as disappointing for a election victory. After arriving in Gujarat in 1992 from the thousands of Muslims took refuge in Juhapura. Two years thriving state. In Kerala for example, run by the impoverished eastern state of Orissa with just 20 rupees (30 later, Jafri quit his job in advertising to open his first super- Communists or centre-left Congress for the last three cents) to her name, Soneji has built up a pharmaceutical market in a district largely abandoned by retailers. decades, the level is 94 percent. Furthermore, there is group that exports to some 28 countries, has an annual Ten years on, Jafri now runs a chain of 12 supermarkets skepticism over whether Gujarat’s successes can be turnover of around $5 million and employs 23 people. and supplies hotels and restaurants with his branded rice repeated elsewhere given some of its unique advantages. Soneji said since becoming chief minister, Modi has and tea products. “At a personal level, I had no help from the Sebastian Morris, an economics professor at the Indian made Gujarat one of the few states not to be suffocated by administration,” said Jafri. “Gujarat has been marketed well Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, said Gujarat was India’s infamous red tape and has ensured that businesses for the last five years. It has always been a progressive state blessed with large amounts of real estate as well as access which encounter obstacles get a friendly hearing. The 45- with good electricity and water supply. “But giving credit for to the Arabian Sea. “Land essentially has emerged as a year-old founder and chief executive of Ameda Pharma said this success to just one person is not fair. Credit must go to constraint all over the country and Gujarat is lucky to have Modi’s administration was characterized by a “proactive all people.” a lot of land available which can ideally be used for indus- dynamism”. Modi rarely passes up the chance to trumpet his try” such as oil firms, Morris told AFP. “We can meet principal secretaries and ministers easily to state’s track record, promising at rallies to replicate its Morris also warned that the style of government that discuss issues related to industry,” she told AFP in her office success nationwide. Every other year, Modi has hosted a the strongman leadership Modi has championed in in Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s commercial capital. “The bureau- “Vibrant Gujarat Summit”, inviting business leaders and Gujarat, bulldozing his way past critics and scything cracy here is businesslike, they understand the time politicians to celebrate its achievements. Some econo- through red tape, won’t work at a national level. “It is a demands of the business fraternity and corruption is also mists are unconvinced, saying only big businesses have corporatist model where the chief minister takes charge much less in comparison to other states,” said Soneji, who really thrived. fully and... bypasses all intermediate political levels,” said also serves as president of Gujarat’s chamber of commerce. Morris. “That is not too bad a model if you’re talking of ‘Larger the company, larger the subsidy’ hard infrastructure like ports, roads, electricity. But when Entrepreneurial spirit “This model is an illusion. Growth in Gujarat is highly it comes to health care, education, this model no longer “Gujaratis have entrepreneurship in their DNA,” she unequal in the sense that certain regions, certain sectors works because you need a greater involvement of the added, referring to the famed business talents of those who and certain parts of population are left out,” said Indira society which may be lagging in Gujarat.” — AFP Narendra Modi MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 BUSINESS Commodities fight back from mid-month wobbles

SAXO BANK WEEKLY COMMODITY REPORT

By Ole Sloth Hansen up for two very important government prices have already rallied strongly this year Head of Commodity reports on Monday which historically have because of existing droughts in large com- Strategy at Saxo Bank created a great deal of volatility. modity growing regions from Brazil and Precious metals accounted for most of the California to Southeast Asia. negative performance over the past week and what was initially driven by gold weak- Grain reports to set Q2 tone ness on reduced safe-haven demand and a Two key US government reports from the hawkish US central bank later spread to palla- Department of Agriculture - covering esti- dium which after failing to penetrate mates for prospective planting and quarterly $800/oz. ran into long liquidation from funds stocks - will be released March 31 and, if who had been betting on reduced supplies recent history is anything to go by, some fire- from Russia, due to sanctions, and South works in soybeans, corn and wheat can be Africa, due to strikes. Both these factors expected. The March quarterly grains stocks remain supportive for palladium considering figures will indicate the current pace of the importance of these two producers but demand for the 2013/14 season, while the limited liquidity in this metal can often Planting Intentions Report will offer the first become its biggest adversary, especially dur- surveyed look at which acreage US farmers ing corrections. will allocate to the different crops during the Natural gas recovered as total inventories 2014/15 season. In corn, the previous three reports have ollowing a mid-month wobble, com- in underground storage facilities slumped to yielded daily price moves on the May futures modities approached the end of the the lowest since 2003 below 900 billion cubic contract well above 5 percent. Staying with quarter on a strong note with individual feet. Inventory levels have slumped following F record heating demand this winter and it has corn, the current estimates from a Reuters Copper may finally be coming out of its descent to a 3.5-year low. positive performances coming from all sec- survey are pointing towards a planted refineries along the Mexican Gulf has result- ing March as news and economic data from tors apart from precious metals which con- left current inventories some 50 percent acreage range between 90 and 94 million ed in supplies falling to a two-year low there- the world’s biggest consumer of industrial tinued to adjust to easing safe-haven below the five-year average. Natural gas is acres while stocks range between 7 and 7.5 by reducing the bottleneck which at several metals continued to deteriorate. Silver fol- demand and the recent hawkish signal from normally stockpiled from April to October billion bushels. With expectations ranging so stages over the past couple of years, drove lowed gold lower but benefited relatively the US central bank. Attention next week will and then withdrawn from November to widely, we could once again see volatility WTI crude to trade at a double-digit discount against the yellow metal from this boost to continue to focus on developments between March to help meet peak winter heating spike higher. The downside probably poses to Brent crude. As a result of this current copper with the XAUXAG ratio dropping to Russia and the West together with the demand. the biggest risk considering the current ele- focus on Cushing inventories, WTI crude per- 65.4 after recovering from a seven- month monthly release of US payroll data on Friday. vated speculative net-long positions, espe- formed stronger than Brent crude despite high earlier in the week. The energy sector was supported by the Sugar supported by El Nino cially in corn and soybeans. However, so far, the North Sea variety and current global Gold’s 100 dollar drop in less than two continued drop in inventories at the US stor- Sugar recovered strongly from a mid we have not seen any major signs of long-liq- benchmark receiving support from supply weeks has rattled the bullish sentiment that age hub in Cushing, Oklahoma together the month sell-off which was driven by long liq- uidation, with hedge funds and money man- disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty. The prevailed since the beginning of the year. ongoing supply disruptions in Libya and uidation after rain returned to the drought- agers happily maintaining a bullish strategy, strong buildup in inventories in the Mexican Safe-haven demand and momentum buying Nigeria to mention a couple. Geopolitical stricken production regions of Brazil. The especially in corn and soybeans where the Gulf area which currently stands at a record above 1,300 USD/oz drove gold to an 18- uncertainty arising from the crisis in Ukraine turnaround this week was driven by renewed net-long is either at or near the highest in of 200 million barrels and the planned April month high on March 17 but the subsequent leaves little appetite for selling at this stage. concerns that the weather phenomenon El more than a year. release of US oil from Strategic Petroleum hawkish tone from the US Federal Reserve at Industrial metals received a boost from Nino may return later this year and create dif- Reserves (SPR) should however help limit the its most recent Federal Open Market Chinese-stimulus hopes with copper making ficult growing conditions among several Crude supported by Cushing, geo-politics current upside potential in both crude oils. Committee meeting together with a lack of a tentative recover from a 3.5-year low also major producing nations across the southern WTI crude oil made it through technical physical demand has left many speculative on signs that demand may slowly begin to hemisphere. Reports of increased Indian resistance at 100.30 and reached the highest Copper climbing on stimulus traders nursing losses and in need of reduc- improve. demand and drier-than-normal conditions in level in more than two weeks. The main driv- speculation - gold bulls rattled ing their exposure. Having dropped back Agriculture commodities recovered Thailand also lend support to the price. The El er behind this positive performance can be Speculation that China may step in with below the technically important 200-day strongly, not least soft commodities where Nino creates abnormal warming of the found at the delivery hub for WTI crude oil another round of stimulus to boost econom- moving average, gold is back looking for sup- talk about the potential impact of a new El Pacific Ocean that causes droughts in some futures in Cushing, Oklahoma. Improved ic growth may help stabilize the price of HG port, something we believe will now be Nino weather event later this year supported areas and flooding in others and it could pipeline infrastructure from the hub to the Copper which slumped to a 3.5-year low dur- found in the area between 1,280 and 1,262. sugar and coffee. Crop markets are gearing return at a time where global agriculture Six steps to a successful hire Emaar leads Dubai gains DUBAI: Property stocks helped Dubai’s bourse cent last Thursday after Sisi said he would run BAYT.COM POLL lead regional gains yesterday, while Egypt fell for president, fell a further 1.9 percent yester- for a second session since former army chief day to trim 2014 gains to 19 percent. But there he costs of a bad hire are enormous as 2. Be very specific about the ing a response that is adherent to the compa- Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said he would run for pres- were signs the correction was slowing and the any Human Resources department can nature of the position ny’s vision, mission and goals should be key to ident. Dubai’s index rose 1.3 percent to 4,438 market closed above the intraday low. Twell attest. A bad hire is costly in terms It is critical before embarking on a candi- whether the candidate gets hired or not. points, its highest close since September 2008. “Towards the end of today we saw a bit of of the time and resources entailed in sourcing, date search to gain an understanding of the Often the interview process is broken into two Shares in heavyweight Emaar rose 1.3 percent recovery and obviously some profit-taking was orientation, administration, relocation, train- unique requirements of the job. Managers stages; the first stage is to determine the can- to 9.95 dirhams, a level last seen in August to be expected after a strong performance ing and upfront bonuses. Here the career must familiarize themselves with the objec- didate’s “technical” skills, i.e. whether they can 2008. The developer’s stock has rallied for the year-to-date,” said Simon Kitchen, a strategist experts at Bayt.com, the Middle East’s #1 job tives of the position, the roles and responsibili- do the job effectively, and the second stage is site, offer six steps to help streamline the ties entailed, and the skills, competencies and to test “soft” skills, i.e. emotional intelligence, past two weeks after it hiked its annual divi- at EFG Hermes in Cairo. recruiting process and avoid common pitfalls: abilities required to optimize performance on rapport with the team and other intangibles dend and said it would list its shopping malls “From the valuations perspective, Egypt is 1. Widen your candidate pool the job. such as character, style and personality. unit. not particularly expensive relative to the rest According to the Bayt.com ‘Workplace 3. Make the hiring decision a team effort 5. Allow the candidate to come Other real estate and construction compa- of Middle East and North Africa and has poten- Dynamics in the MENA’ poll, June 2013, 54 It is very critical that the hiring decision is a to the interview prepared nies, such as Union Properties, Deyaar, Drake tial for a decent economic recovery, particular- percent of jobseekers in the region are actively team effort involving multiple decision mak- Since the goal is to determine whether the and Scull and Atabtec Holding, were also in ly in the second half of this year.” Sisi is expect- searching for jobs compared to 46 percent ers, including the direct manager. Have the candidate is willing and able to do the job, the black. Emirates NBD rose 0.9 percent to ed to win the forthcoming election easily as who say they are ‘passive’ in their job search, entire team meet with the candidate if possi- allowing them to come to the interview fully 8.32 dirhams after EFG Hermes raised its fair many Egyptians consider him a strong leader i.e. they have an online CV but do not apply ble. Direct managers, with the support of their prepared may be a very wise step. Giving value estimate on the Dubai bank to 10.00 that can stabilize a country in crisis. He also for jobs. While newspapers, online and job teams, must take an active role in the sourc- them a full job description and the option of dirhams per share from 8.10 dirhams and has the backing of most oil-exporting Gulf fairs are good sources of CVs from ‘active’ job- ing, screening and hiring process of a poten- researching the company beforehand leaves upgraded its rating for ENBD to buy from neu- Arab states, which have provided Cairo with seekers, they limit the efficacy of the hiring tial candidate. fertile ground to test their proactivity and tral. billions of dollars in financial aid. process by eliminating the vast pool of quali- 4. Focus the job interview on the job thoroughness at the interview. Failure to EFG Hermes said it expected ENBD to reclas- Saudi Arabia’s index added 0.4 percent as fied, but passive, professionals. To augment Job interviews must be tailored to the job research the company and industry may well sify its 9.4 billion dirhams ($2.56 billion) expo- most stocks rose following the naming of your sourcing activities, broaden your talent at hand. Too many traditional interviews fail indicate laziness, sloppiness and a certain lack sure to Dubai World to a performing loan, Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz as deputy crown pool through targeted online job sites such as because jobseekers have learnt to master this of willingness to adapt to the job. which would reduce provisioning. “We believe prince. This makes him second in line to suc- Bayt.com. Bayt.com provides a rich, current type of interview and can prepare for all the 6. Check references and easily searchable CV database to help you correct responses. The key to a successful There is no substitute for a sound reference that it is now just a matter of time before this ceed King Abdullah in the world’s top oil capture both passive and active jobseekers. interview is to determine the problems and check to determine whether the candidate has exposure is reclassified as a performing loan. exporting nation after his half-brother Crown You can also use the power of your internal gaps a candidate will be facing on the job, and indeed accomplished all that is stated on their Strong improvement in asset values and Prince Salman. The appointment reduces referrals. According to the Bayt.com ‘What assess during the interview how they will CV. Reference checks are used by the direct progress on asset sales has eased concerns on uncertainty regarding the succession, which Makes a Company an Attractive Place to solve the problems and fill the gaps efficiently, manager to ask questions about the candidate Dubai World’s ability to repay its liabilities, in has long clouded the local market. King Work?’ poll, February 2014, seven in 10 profes- effectively and profitably. A candidate’s prob- that were left unanswered during the interview our view,” EFG Hermes said in a note. Abdullah turned 90 last year and Crown sionals don’t mind recommending their cur- lem solving abilities and acumen in approach- stage, and to ensure that the candidate has not Prince Salman is 78. Muqrin was born in 1945 rent company to their friends and relatives. ing a problem, thinking it through and deliver- misrepresented information in their CV. Egypt according to the Saudi embassy in The Cairo bourse, which dropped 2.7 per- Washington.— Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.945 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 Nepalese Rupees 3.920 Singapore Dollar 0.220941 0.226941 South African Rand 0.020773 0.029273 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 86.530 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Chinese Yuan Renminbi 45.815 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001867 0.002447 Japanese Yen 2.748 Australian Dollar 259.98 256.98 Thai Bhat 9.645 Taiwan 0.009134 0.009314 Indian Rupees 4.727 Canadian Dollar 258.85 258.85 Turkish Lira 128.980 Thai Baht 0.008345 0.008895 Pakistani Rupees 2.883 Swiss Franc 327.41 325.41 Arab Srilankan Rupees 2.158 Euro 395.49 396.49 Bahraini Dinar 0.742483 0.750483 Nepali Rupees 2.945 US Dollar 281.25 284.25 Egyptian Pound 0.036799 0.039899 Singapore Dollar 226.000 Sterling Pound 471.17 474.17 Bahrain Exchange Company Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000079 Hongkong Dollar 36.415 Japanese Yen 2.83 2.85 Iraqi Dinar 0.000181 0.000241 Bangladesh Taka 3.633 Bangladesh Taka 3.620 3.890 CURRENCY BUY SELL Jordanian Dinar 0.394014 0.401514 Philippine Peso 6.284 Indian Rupee 4.608 4.908 Europe Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Thai Baht 8.704 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.155 2.590 Belgian Franc 0.007338 0.008338 Lebanese Pound 0.000138 0.000238 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Nepali Rupee 2.888 3.423 British Pound 0.463511 0.472511 Moroccan Dirhams 0.023421 0.047421 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Pakistani Rupee 2.758 2.790 Czech Korune 0.006025 0.018025 Nigerian Naira 0.001193 0.001828 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 76.64 77.11 Danish Krone 0.047971 0.052971 Omani Riyal 0.727344 0.733024 Saudi Riyal 75.363 Bahraini Dinar 748.57 750.64 Euro 0.383198 0.391198 Qatar Riyal 0.076845 0.078058 Qatari Riyal 77.653 Egyptian Pound 40.40 41.00 Norwegian Krone 0.043088 0.048288 Jordanian Dinar 400.29 405.94 Saudi Riyal 0.074657 0.075357 Omani Riyal 734.150 Romanian Leu 0.081470 0.81470 Omani Riyal 731.43 738.73 Syrian Pound 0.001751 0.001971 Bahraini Dinar 750.630 Slovakia 0.008076 0.018076 Qatari Riyal 77.67 78.22 Tunisian Dinar 0.174395 0.182395 UAE Dirham 76.965 Swedish Krona 0.039555 0.044555 Saudi Riyal 75.13 75.53 Turkish Lira 0.126402 0.133402 ARAB COUNTRIES Swiss Franc 0.312249 0.322449 Turkish Lira 0.126402 0.133408 UAE Dirhams 0.075892 0.077041 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.695 Yemeni Riyal 0.001282 0.001362 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.922 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.313 Australian Dollar 0.252949 0.264449 Tunisian Dinar 179.370 New Zealand Dollar 0.238331 0.247831 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate America Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 399.100 US Dollar 282.100 Canadian Dollar 0.250233 0.258733 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.896 Canadian Dollar 259.115 US Dollars 0.278250 0.282600 Syrian Lira 2.014 Sterling Pound 469.305 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 35.535 Euro 389.690 US Dollars Mint 0.278750 0.282600 US Dollar 281.950 Asia EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 318.405 Euro 390.650 Bangladesh Taka 0.003246 0.003846 US Dollar Transfer 282.500 Bahrain Dinar 750.835 Pound Sterling 471.550 Chinese Yuan 0.044297 0.047797 Euro 391.700 UAE Dirhams 76.780 Canadian Dollar 257.150 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034319 0.037069 Sterling Pound 473.470 Qatari Riyals 78.365 Indian Rupee 4.712 Indian Rupee 0.004375 0.004776 Canadian dollar 258.110 Saudi Riyals 75.700 Egyptian Pound 39.985 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000020 0.000026 Turkish lira 129.110 Jordanian Dinar 397.560 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.155 Japanese Yen 0.002668 0.002848 Swiss Franc 322.120 Egyptian Pound 40.430 Bangladesh Taka 3.628 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.156 Kenyan Shilling 0.003247 0.003347 Australian Dollar 263.570 Philippines Peso 6.267 Indian Rupees 4.702 Korean Won 0.000254 0.000269 US Dollar Buying 281.300 Pakistan Rupee 2.878 Pakistani Rupees 2.875 Malaysian Ringgit 0.082132 0.08132 GOLD Bahraini Dinar 750.650 Bangladesh Taka 3.626 Nepalese Rupee 0.002940 0.003110 UAE Dirham 76.750 20 Gram 240.000 Philippines Pesso 6.200 Pakistan Rupee 0.002629 0.002909 Saudi Riyal 75.300 10 Gram 121.000 Cyprus pound 692.895 Philippine Peso 0.006391 0.006671 *Rates are subject to change 5 Gram 62.500 Japanese Yen 3.760 MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 BUSINESS GIG wins ‘Best Insurance Provider Middle East 2014’ Award Japan shoppers brace for tax hike Demand for cars, furniture, houses likely to drop TOKYO: Japan is bracing for its first sales tax rise in years, with last minute shoppers buying up a host of goods from gold to ice cream, as the government tries to tackle its crushing national debt. Millions of shoppers are mak- ing a mad dash to stores ahead of tomorrow’s tax rise to 8.0 percent from the current 5.0 percent amid fears the increase could spark the return of a protracted economic slump. The last time Japan brought in a higher levy in 1997, it was followed by years of deflation and tepid eco- nomic growth. The upcoming hike has created a tricky balancing act for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he tries to nudge the world’s number-three economy out of the cycle of falling prices and lackluster growth with a growth blitz dubbed Abenomics. On Friday, fresh data showed Japanese con- sumer prices rose again in February, suggesting Tokyo’s efforts to slay 15 years of deflation was gathering steam. But the increase was largely driven by rising post- Fukushima energy import costs, rather prices going up on the back of strong, across-the-board consumer demand-dubbed “good” inflation by some economists. A key worry is that Japan’s last tax rise deterred consumers and foreshadowed the drop into a cycle of falling prices- although other factors, including the Asian financial cri- sis, were also blamed. The slowdown saw Japan’s power- house economy descend into a protracted slump. KUWAIT: Gulf Insurance Group (GIG), the leading company Opinion is mixed over whether history will repeat TOKYO: People are seen shopping at a department store. — AFP itself. Tokyo’s special budget to counter a tax-linked slow- in providing insurance services in Kuwait and the Middle turn, hurt producers and slowed economic growth. and people in general aim to hold it for a long period time,” East, announced yesterday that it has won the “Best down and the Bank of Japan’s unprecedented monetary the spokeswoman added. While some firms are absorbing Insurance Provider Middle East 2014 award” from Global easing were likely to offset a drop in spending, according Shoppers go for gold the higher tax fearing a drop in customer traffic, many oth- Banking and Finance Review. The award recognizes the to some analysts. “Daily necessities may not be affected The tax rise-a seemingly modest increase compared ers are raising prices as a sharply weaker yen has jacked up company’s innovative and comprehensive insurance solu- very much by the tax hike, but demand for cars, furniture with many countries’ consumption levies-has ushered in their own import costs. Beverage giants Asahi and Suntory tions that are offered since its establishment in 1962. The and houses is likely to drop temporarily,” said Kenji some less-than-typical shopping habits. Staff at jewelry are raising the price of vending machine bottled drinks, award honors companies that stand out in particular areas Yumoto, vice chairman of the Japan Research Institute. chain Tanaka Kikinzoku watched wide-eyed as gold sales while QB House, a 1,000 yen-a-head haircut chain, said of expertise in the banking and finance industry. “We’ll see whether the inflation is good or bad only surged five-fold this month from a year ago with customers prices will go up a full 8.0 percent to 1,080 yen. The compa- Corporate Communication & Investor Relations after we see the impact of the tax hike. If demand later converging on a shop in Tokyo’s glitzy Ginza district so they ny reasoned that it kept its thrifty rates capped despite the Manager Khaled Al-Sanousi said, “Gulf Insurance recovers, that could lead to good inflation.” Few shop- could buy 500 gram (1.1 pound) bars for 2.3 million yen last tax rise, when the levy rose to 5.0 percent from 3.0 per- Company’s successful achievements and sound track in pers seemed inclined to wait for prices to go up in a ($22,500) apiece. “We’ve seen unusual demand for gold,” cent. The kids-and adults-who depend on Japan’s ubiqui- providing an array of life and non-life insurance solutions country where consumers have become used to pay- Tomoko Ishibashi, a spokeswoman for parent company tous vending machines for their ice cream fix are sure to be was the main driver to receive this coveted award. The ing pretty much the same, year after year, for their tel- Tanaka Holdings, told AFP. disappointed as some of the sweet treats’ prices rise by 10 selection process recognized the company for its innova- evisions, beer and sushi. Falling or static prices may “Some customers bought now to avoid the extra tax levy yen to 160 yen at 20,000 locations operated by Ezaki Glico. tive and comprehensive insurance solutions, distinguished sound great for household budgets, but Japanese from April 1, but that’s not the only factor.” With prices on But the confectioner insisted customers will not be short- quality of products and superior customer service, wages have barely moved over the years and the cycle the rise across the nation of 128 million, some gold-hungry changed. “This is not just a price hike,” a company spokes- advanced technology system that links its operations to has meant shoppers tended to hold off buying in the customers may be betting on the perceived safety of the woman said. “We will update our products with higher the mainframe as well as a great moral approach to social hope of getting goods cheaper down the road. That, in yellow metal, she said. “Gold is known for its price stability quality or more volume.” — AFP responsibility.”

International investors should pick growth stocks DIMAH INVESTMENT WEEKLY

By Hayder Tawfik

ill growth stocks continue to out- perform value stocks in the com- Wing years and keep their edge? We strongly believe they will do so. Also, we believe that small and mid-size growth stocks will outperform big capitalization stocks. This may not apply when it comes to big technology stocks as they are now dominating the entire sector. We think that small to mid-cap companies should be able to generate better than average gains in the next couple of years. Small cap companies have been delivering good performances over large cap ones over the past several years. We believe that the economic and the monetary environment are near perfect for small cap companies to challenge the larger ones that have too many factors to deal with. Growth stocks are most likely deliver much better results over the next couple long term interest rates rises we cannot of years. We expect them to be able to see them going back to where they were hold on or increase profit margins and to few years ago. At present, quality growth be able to increase capital spending. This stocks offer an attractive earnings yield for sure will benefit some big cap technol- that is much higher than interests on cash ogy stocks. Also, we believe that with eco- and savings. Growth stocks always nomic activities accelerating that may demand a higher valuation and in time of lead to the normalization of interest rate lack of growth, they demand even higher curve, financial stocks should benefit too. P/E multiples. Also, the quality and the Another area that we should expect to sustainability of the growth push the val- grow strongly is the shale gas industry. uation even higher. We have already seen big increase in capi- Equity investors can find growth stocks tal spending in the shale gas industry in in all sectors. The perception that growth the US. This should benefit companies stocks always related to start ups or tech- that have the right technology and the nology stocks has been misplaced. expertise in this field and not the big Growth stocks have some common char- upstream oil companies. Investors should acteristics. Their products are distin- expect sustain demand for onshore oil- guished around the world and consumers field equipment and oil service compa- have established some sense of belong- nies. ing to those trademarks. This is the great- One of the main reasons why these est successful marketing strategy for any companies have been growing above the company which produces consumers’ market average is the very low interest goods. Also, these companies not only rates throughout the yield curve. For come up with new products more often example the yield on 10 year Spanish but they improve on them and at the government bonds have fallen to 3.2 per- same time do not abandon the older cent that is an 8 years low. We can see products so their fan club increasing all similar low yields on most government the time, an example here is technology bonds in the developed world. The low companies. I always believe that success- yields on 10 year bonds has been helping ful growth companies are the ones that countries with high debt so far and at one create demands for their products rather point this low level of rates will stabilize than create products and hope for government debt to GDP and unemploy- demand to pick up and those kinds of ment as it has been happening in the US. companies are very difficult to identify in There is a strong historic correlation the early days of growth. between growth stocks and long duration My advice to investors for the coming assets. year is to stick to the winners of the past In the last couple of years growth few years and look to invest in some stocks have outperformed the market by stocks that are extremely undervalued a substantial amount. Growth stocks tend and allocate small portion to them. to outperform till the time when the main Countries that have seen their govern- leading economic indicators rise sharply, ment bond yields fallen to record lows because this makes the yield on the long should start outperforming nicely. bond rise too which changes the valua- Investors should target small and mid-cap tion model completely. companies in those countries. We think We at Dimah Capital do not subscribe some companies in Spain, France, Italy to the view that long term yields will rise and Greece are showing good value at as the economy starts the recovery current levels. International investors process because inflation is no longer a should start looking into those economies threat. Let’s not forget that throughout and start building small investment expo- the developed economies unemployment sure and wait for improvements in the is still very high and this should put a cap fundamentals then increase the exposure on wage push inflation threat. Even if gradually. BUSINESS MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 Hunt on for new tigers: MINT, PPICS and CIVETS Countries offer growth potential but carry intrinsic risks

PARIS: For more than 10 years the rise of big became evident in China and Brazil, just as the These countries also offer growth potential but advanced economies. In Russia, a sharp ing process going on in the big emerging emerging markets has re-shaped the global French trade insurance group Coface produced carry higher intrinsic risks. Coface said that slowing of growth is now being exacerbat- markets, and this is something the frontier economy but these are now slowing with matu- its list of what it called “neo-emerging” analysis of which countries, albeit smaller than ed by the back-draft of the Ukraine crisis markets do not have because they did not rity, and the hunt is on to identify which upstarts economies: the PPICS. This creature comprises the big five, could take over as leading emerging and an outflow of capital. Brazil has just have these excessive capital inflows”. He will be tomorrow’s tigers. The big five, which Peru, the Philippines, Indonesia, Colombia, and economies was needed because the big five been downgraded by the Standard & Poor’s also noted that regulatory constraints recently helped the world through financial cri- Sri Lanka. All of them have strong growth poten- were losing their competitive edge and had not rating agency. were a problem in many new emerging sis but are now experiencing marked growing tial exceeding 4.0 percent, diversified yet become competitive in producing high val- China is experiencing incidents in its economies and that “liquidity really is an pains, are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South economies, are not unduly dependent on ued-added goods and services. credit system. At the beginning of March issue, look at Kenya or Tanzania, there sim- Africa, the BRICS. On their heels come the MINT, exporting raw materials and have financial sys- For nearly a year many emerging markets, there was a payment default on some ply is not much that you can buy”. PPICS and CIVETS: acronyms created by econo- tems capable of supporting growth and of and notably the BRICS, have been undermined bonds, and the beginning of a minor run He offered another perspective. “For mists and investors to describe groups of coun- absorbing a degree of external shocks. notably by the winding down of easy-money on a small bank, highlighting concerns me the big risk is China so I would distin- tries of similar type which could lead the next Coface came up with a second list of coun- policies in the United States, which has raised about obscure parts of the banking system. guish between countries very sensitive to wave of emerging energy. tries, making 10 in all, comprising Kenya, risk and caused large amounts of investment The monitoring of the landscape of emerg- China, or less sensitive” Coface economist Last week more signs of economic tensions Tanzania, Zambia, Bangladesh and Ethiopia. funding to flow out of emerging markets back to ing markets has been underway for many Yves Zlotowski said that Mexico had been years. In 1988 a barometer called the MSCI described as an emerging economy in the Emerging Markets Index was launched to 1980s because it was able to borrow on follow 10 countries, and today it tracks 21 international debt markets, and the economies. The MSCI investment group has description had been a financial concept also created the MSCI Frontier Markets as were the new acronyms. For Zlotowski, Index covering 26 economies expected to the big emerging economies had not yet become dynamic, ranging from Argentina lost their emerging roar. “Yes, their to Nigeria and Sri Lanka. exchange rates are attacked but without Economist Jim O’Neill put the term BRIC catastrophic consequences,” he said. on the map when he was an economist at At Saxo Banque in Paris, analyst US investment bank Goldman Sachs. He Christopher Dembik did not need an has now identified a new group, called acronym to spot “among the leaders, Peru, MINT, comprising Mexico, Indonesia, Colombia and Indonesia” and two others Nigeria and Turkey. The Economist exposed to a high level of political risk, Intelligence Unit has let loose another ani- “Turkey and Nigeria”. But none of them mal, going by the name of CIVETS, for has a huge population and explosive Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, growth on the scale which put the BRICS Turkey and South Africa. in a class of their own. “For example, Indonesia has had growth of about 5.0 The limits of labels percent in recent years”, far behind the At ING IM bank, economist Maarten-Jan growth rates of 10.0 percent or more Bakkum said: “The thing with these fancy which China achieved. “But maybe this will names is that they only last a few years”. lead to more sustainable growth,” Dembik He also observed: “There is a de-leverag- said. — AFP

†VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK: A file photo shows a chain of volcanoes bordering the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. — AFP Oil quest hurts Africa’s oldest wildlife reserve

GOMA: The quest for oil may be the latest denounce the fact that SOCO has func- threat to Africa’s most venerable wildlife tioned inside the park for several months reserve, located in the Democratic since the government directly associated Republic of Congo, and already hard hit by the company with its own evaluation, thus deforestation, poaching and armed con- potentially biasing the outcome. flict. Early in March, European Development Commissioner Andris ‘The curse of oil’ Piebalgs warned that “with oil production “No drilling has been planned or is war- there would be a major risk of pollution at ranted at this stage,” SOCO announced in this site, located near the sources of the its outlook for 2014, but it said activity Nile.” The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and would include “scientific studies involving other environmental bodies, including a seismic survey of Lake Edward, environ- local ones, have also voiced concern mental baseline studies and social proj- about the planned joint operation by ects.” Sceptics argue that the seismic sur- small British firm SOCO International PLC vey is a cover for hidden oil prospection and the Kinshasa government in part of that could have serious consequences for the Virunga National Park. the environment. For Kinshasa, the bot- The whole protected territory on the tom line is the need to find oil for the eco- border with Uganda and Rwanda covers nomic development of the country, which 800,000 hectares (two million acres) and misrule and conflict have rendered one of has attained worldwide renown, notably the poorest nations in the world, despite for its rare and endangered mountain vast mineral wealth. Bantu Lukambo, gorillas. SOCO has stated that in July last director general of a non-governmental year, its chairman Rui de Sousa met with organisation named Initiative for WWF chief David Nusbaum, and proposed Development and the Protection of the that they “work together to find the best Environment, believes the government’s way forward”. The firm also expressed a stance is a conceit. commitment to “improving our dialogue” Based in North Kivu’s capital Goma, with all parties “about how (its) activities Lukambo cites damage done at Muanda, in eastern DRC could affect the flora and on the Atlantic coast far across the vast fauna of the Virunga National Park and the nation, where black gold has been livelihoods of the regional population.” pumped for about three decades. He Created in 1925 in the far east of what rejects “the curse of oil”. A recent report by was then the Belgian Congo, the whole a French NGO, the Catholic Committee park was declared an “endangered” part of against Hunger and for Development, said the global heritage by the UN Educational, that “far from constituting a manna for Scientific and Cultural Organization development”, oil production at Muanda (UNESCO) in 1994. The area is exceptional- had instead led to pollution and the ly rich in biodiversity, but is located in degradation of the environment. scarred North Kivu province, tracts of which have been ravaged by successive Conservation offers more gains conflicts for more than 20 years. For Thierry Vircoulon, the central Poachers and logging teams have dam- African project director of the aged the reserve, as elsewhere in Africa, International Crisis Group, “the confirma- but the park is also criss-crossed by rival tion of oil reserves in the east would exac- armed groups and soldiers, while local erbate the dynamic of conflicts” there. people have taken up illegal residence. A Disavowed by the British government, global protest campaign erupted after SOCO has declined to take the same posi- SOCO in 2010 won a contract from the tion as French oil giant Total, which signed Congolese government to jointly prospect a similar deal with Kinshasa but undertook for oil on a concession overlapping the never to operate in the Virunga National park’s territory. Park. International resistance proved strong SOCO has pointed out that it plans to enough to make Kinshasa suspend SOCO’s operate only within a small geographical permit the next year, until a “strategic area of “lowland savannah around Lake environmental evaluation” had been con- Edward and the lake itself”, and that it “will ducted. The launch of the study failed to never seek” to enter the gorilla habitat. satisfy the WWF and local organizations, This is insufficent for UNESCO, which has which argue that such contracts and per- declared that oil prospecting and produc- mits handed out by the state violate both tion are “not compatible” with world her- Congolese law on conservation and the itage statutes. The organisation warned UNESCO convention protecting World that part of the park may be unlisted, a Heritage Sites. prospect that horrifies wildlife activists. The WWF filed a complaint against The WWF argues that the DRC has more to SOCO and on February 14 welcomed a gain in economic terms by protecting the British government announcement of an park and developing sustainable tourism, independent probe into the oil company’s fishing and hydroelectric projects, rather activities in the DRC, including alleged than undertaking a search for oil that “threats against local activists.” Opponents might not even be there. — AFP MON DAY, MARCH 31, 2014 BUSINESS Adel Abbass Abdullah Hassan Abul wins KD 200,000 in Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah draw

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank announced Adel Bader Matouq Awad Matouq, Fareeda Abbass Abdullah Hassan Abul as the Al- Hussain Sakez; (Monday 17/03): Danah KD 200,000 draw winner of 2014. Mohammad Amthad Allah Abdulkareem, Balancing between regulatory, Manal Mobarik Ali Al-Hoti was the winner Mohammed Ibrahim Khalil Al-Hamar; of KD 125,000 and Yousef Ali Hussain Al- (Tuesday 18/03): Ali Saleh Ali Abdullah, Ali Luqman won KD 25,000. The draw Ahmad Sayyed Yousef; (Wednesday 19/03): developmental roles of CMA announcing the winners was the highlight Hadeyah Muhsen Mutar Mohammed of a special Al-Danah event that took place Marzuq, Sakina Bounoir; (Thursday 20/03): at the Bank’s Nuzha branch on March 27, Abdullah Ali Taleb Bakhsh, Sheikh/ Khalid Kuwait Economic Society Report held under the supervision of a Ministry of Naser Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Commerce representative and hosted live The next Al-Danah Quarterly draw will KUWAIT: Kuwait Economic Society (KES) of the governance rules is an inevitable course responsible for such delay. by Zeyad Al-Rasheed, Executive Manager at be held on June 26 for draw prizes of KD released a commentary on the discussion of of action to develop the performance of joint We also find that the CMA is required to pre- Gulf Bank. About 9 winners from the cus- 250,000, KD 125,000, and KD 25,000. Gulf Capital Markets Authority’s (CMA) decision to stock companies and underscore the impor- pare ongoing follow up reviews to assess the tomers who opened an Al-Danah account Bank’s Al-Danah 2014 draw lineup includes apply corporate governance controls to CMA tance of their role from a technical and financial effects of regulatory requirements on the effi- or those that have an existing Al-Danah daily draws (2 winners per working day regulated companies, calling for the necessity of perspective, not the least of which is, for exam- ciency of companies, and the impact of the account in the Bank’s Nuzha branch and each receive KD 1,000), as well as two addi- exploiting this discussion to enrich CMA’s role ple, reducing the cost of capital in the long term implementation of those requirements on the deposited KD 200 into their account, were tional prizes per quarter. Al-Danah’s 3rd and add a further strategic dimension to its role and consolidating investor confidence. However, performance of companies. The follow up stud- announced in an exclusive raffle draw for quarterly draw will be held on September through balancing between its regulatory man- this must be accompanied by a roadmap guided ies should allow for reassessment of those prizes up to KD 400. The event also provid- 25 (KD 500,000, KD 125,000, and KD 25,000) date and the functions related to its role in the by some of the experiences of the world mar- requirements and to what extent they should be ed attendees with instant gifts and prizes. and the final draw held on January 8, 2015 development and deepening the capital market kets, including regional markets such as Saudi maintained or amended in the future, to pro- Gulf Bank would like to congratulate Adel announcing winners of KD 50,000, KD through the adoption of innovative investment Arabia, and thus adopting the concept of grad- mote the spirit of renovation and creativity. Abbass Abdullah Hassan Abul (KD200,000 250,000 and the Al-Danah Millionaire. To be and financing instruments. ual implementation. On the other hand, we call for reconsidera- winner), Manal Mobarik Ali Al-Hoti (KD part of the Al-Danah draws, customers can At the outset, it must be emphasized that KES tion of the high compliance costs. This call is 125,000 winner) and Yousef Ali Hussain Al- visit one of Gulf Bank’s 57 branches, trans- has always been and is still in the forefront call- Procedural steps based on the fact that family companies, as is Luqman (KD25,000 winner). Gulf Bank also fer online, or call the Customer Contact ing for the adoption of various practices that are On the other hand, we call for the reassess- known, whether in Kuwait or the GCC as a announced the names of its winners for the Center on 1805805 for assistance and guid- capable of enhancing transparency in all sectors, ment of certain procedural steps based on the whole, form the largest segment of various cate- week of March 16 to March 20. The Al- ance. Customers can also log on to www.e- and the deployment of state of the art manage- experience gained during the implementation gories of companies. We believe that the recon- Danah daily draws include draws each gulfbank.com/alda-nahwinners, to find out ment concepts. We therefore renew our empha- of these procedures, to allow for overcoming sideration of this item will encourage those com- working day for two prizes of KD 1,000 per more about Al-Danah and who the winners sis on the importance of implementing gover- panies to move towards listing their shares in winner. The winners were: (Sunday 16/03): are. nance rules as they represent the first steps to be the stock market. This would contribute to the taken to develop the economic environment enhancement of transparency and provides and enhance corporate transparency. We find more added value, whether for the company that CMA’s Resolution No. (25) of 2013 on the itself, or to the stock market and investors. implementation of corporate governance rules, As for cases which may require companies to is truly an example to be followed, and we are outsource, and given the high costs of audit and calling for its adoption and implementation in compliance incurred by companies, we propose the other sectors of the State of Kuwait, not only the adoption of a mechanism taking the form of to CMA regulated joint stock companies. a dedicated fund providing for cost sharing between regulators and companies, similar to Regulatory vs market development roles the fund used by the Securities and Exchange As much as these concepts and articles, Commission (SEC) in the United States. including governance, gain particular impor- Past experience has confirmed the impor- tance and contribute to the consolidation of tance of achieving integration between policies CMA’s regulatory role, we at the same time, call issued by regulatory authorities. Although sever- on CMA to add a further strategic dimension to al committees were created in certain areas for its role by balancing between the fulfillment of this purpose, however, we propose to create a its regulatory role and the necessary endeavor mechanism for coordinating the formulation of to take critical steps towards the development policies between various agencies concerned, and deepening of the local capital market by including the CMA, Ministry of Commerce and introducing investment instruments and prod- Industry and Kuwait Stock Exchange, to avoid KUWAIT: Zeyad Al-Rasheed, Executive Manager, Gulf Bank and the Ministry of ucts similar to those used in international mar- duplication or conflict of resolution, which may Commerce representative seen during the Al-Danah draw event. kets, and cater to the requirements of investors Tareq Al-Saleh adversely affect companies themselves. and companies in the local market. Thus it can also benefit from the accumulated expertise some of the obstacles which were encountered Communication with other stakeholders amassed by these companies. during implementation. This prompts us to Finally, it must be emphasized that, given the In the same context, the implementation of pause at the following points: exact and profound nature of CMA’s functions, these rules must be flexible enough to enable Firstly, and in an aspect related to governance and the extent to which its decisions affect a financial institutions to create investment and rules, we find that the important and essential wide variety of economic sectors, we call for the financing products and solutions, instead of sub- role of the boards of directors of companies may deepening of the culture of communication with jecting them to a form of strict regulation caus- lose some of its luster, and decline in importance specialized and relevant agencies. We therefore ing them to refrain from performing their natu- particularly due to a certain exaggeration of the propose as follows: ral role and functions in this field. Therefore, we technical role of the independent directors. It is necessary to adopt an institutional pro- propose to adopt the concept of regulation of Although we totally believe in the importance gram launched by the CMA in collaboration with companies with flexible rules, not by adopting and necessity of such members of the board, economy-oriented professional associations to strict rules which adversely affect the spirit of however, assigning to them expanded roles develop human competencies in all regulatory innovation. transcends the purpose of their appointment, authorities concerned with corporate interests The development of capital market perform- and at the same time yields adverse effects. under the umbrella of the CMA. ance as part of CMA’s mandate, giving its activity Of the other procedures steps we are calling In compliance with best international prac- a further strategic dimension, must take into for, timelines or time periods allowed for disclos- tices, to develop clear and transparent mecha- account that it is necessary to reformulate indi- ing material information should be more flexi- nism for consulting with entities concerned, cators to measure performance related to the ble, particularly because some joint stock com- technical experts and professional associations implementation of CMA’s strategic vision for the panies are actively involved with institutions in and federations when drafting laws and regula- quantitative and qualitative development of the public sector. Those institutions are known tions. To ensure the flow of information between KUWAIT: Zeyad Al-Rasheed, Executive Manager, Gulf Bank interacts with the crowd capital markets in the State of Kuwait, whether a to be bureaucratic and slow to act in some companies and regulators, we propose that the during the first Al-Danah quarterly draw for 2014 held at the bank’s Nuzha branch. stock market or a market for other instruments, instances. This is a reality which may entail the governance rules incorporate a well-defined such as bonds, sukuk and investment funds. imposition of fines on companies as penalty for mechanism for communication with regulatory It is unanimously accepted that the adoption delayed disclosure, while they in fact are not authorities. Burgan Bank to hold Annual General Assembly Cuban lawmakers okay foreign investment law HAVANA: Cuban lawmakers on Saturday approved a But Murillo’s remarks suggested the government the state in a nascent private sector, though authori- and Shafafiyah Forum law aimed at making Cuba more attractive to foreign intends to continue in at least a watchdog role “so ties say they are not abandoning socialism. investors, a measure seen as vital for the island’s that there is no concentration of property.” Analysts say Cuba must demonstrate that it is tru- KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yester- annual Shafafiyah forum following the struggling economy. Meeting in an extraordinary “What the new law establishes is that the state ly open to foreign private investment after nearly five day that its Annual General Assembly AGM. The forum will serve as a platform to session, parliament replaced a 1995 foreign invest- must always be there,” he said. It’s also not clear that decades of government control of the economy. meeting for shareholders will be held today highlight the main events of the year 2013 ment law that has lured less overseas capital than the wholly foreign-owned ventures would enjoy the Meanwhile a recent corruption crackdown led to the at 12:00 pm at the Chairman’s Club - and an overall look into what 2014 has in island’s Communist leaders had hoped. Cuba’s GDP same tax benefits. Washington’s 52-year-old eco- imprisonment of a number of foreigners, as well as Burgan Bank Tower. As part of its corporate store for its shareholders, partners, institu- expanded 2.7 percent last year, below targets and nomic embargo on Cuba prevents most US trade dozens of Cuban officials and executives, sending a philosophy of advocating transparency tional investors and other members of the weak for a developing nation. Government officials with the island and includes sanctions to discourage chill through the foreign business community. with its investors, Burgan Bank will hold its financial community. say the economy needs 5 to 7 percent annual growth foreign outfits from doing business with Havana. Former Cuban Central Bank economist Pavel Vidal to develop properly. Cuban officials promise there will be no national- said foreign investment has averaged 20 percent less “Cuba needs from $2 billion to $2.5 billion a year izations of property, as happened after the 1959 than forecast in the years since Castro’s reforms in direct foreign investment to advance its socialist Cuban Revolution, except in cases of national inter- began. In a recent report, he wrote that the invest- socio-economic model, prosperous and sustainable,” est and only with compensation. The investment law ment law represents “the last opportunity for the said Marino Murillo, a vice president and the czar of is a fundamental part of Castro’s package of reforms, reform to come close to the growth goals planned President Raul Castro’s economic reforms. “Not using begun in 2008 with the stated goal of “updating” through 2016.” Cuba’s parliament usually meets twice those sources would retard national development,” Cuba’s economic model. Hundreds of thousands of a year, in July and December. Castro announced the Murillo told lawmakers in comments broadcast on Cubans are now legally working independently of extraordinary session late last year. —AP state television, where news of the approval was announced. Murillo said Cuba will especially look for agricultural investment. Foreign media were not giv- en access to the closed-door meeting. Some details of the legislation emerged in official media in recent days. Among other things, it would cut taxes on prof- its by about half, to 15 percent, and make companies exempt from paying taxes for the first eight years of operation. An exception would affect companies that exploit natural resources, such as nickel or fossil fuels. They could pay taxes as high as 50 percent. Meanwhile, many foreigners doing business with the island would be exempt from paying personal income tax. Cuban-born economist and University of Pittsburgh professor emeritus Carmelo Mesa-Lago said elements such as lower taxes, a shorter timeline for approvals and the ability to invest in property send encouraging signals, but it’s too early to tell.

Economic embargo “The test of the law is how it will be implemented LISBON: Protestors carry posters with the words “Government Out” during a demon- in practice,” Mesa-Lago said. Investment projects stration in Lisbon. The demonstration against the government’s austerity measures wholly funded by foreign capital would be explicitly was called by the youth section of Portugal’s main workers union CGTP, General allowed in all sectors except health care and educa- HAVANA: Members of the National Assembly raise their hands to vote during an extraordinary Confederation of Portuguese Workers. — AP tion, something that is essentially unheard of today. session overhauling their foreign investment law at the National Assembly. — AP Rosette Group to reach greater heights with GOExport alliance

KUWAIT: Kuwait-based conglomerate the presence of Rosette Group CEO Abdulaziz and Ibrahim Alarifi, CEO of Beitak Real Estate Rosette Group has partnered with several labeling, and all the required tasks for Rosette Group and GOExport, a Swiss export Al-Anjeri and GOExport Directors Rossano Development, KSA. innovative and ethical companies and indi- importing/exporting goods. and import company, recently announced Cabrino and Paolo Tossi. Present at the Rosette Group CEO Abdulaziz Al-Anjeri viduals in a range of industries such as finan- Rossano Cabrino, GOExport Director and their partnership agreement at an event held announcement luncheon were distinguished expressed his optimism of this partnership. cial services, export/import, media and mar- an FMCG expert, was visionary in his assess- in Dubai in conjunction with Gulfood 2014, guests and business executives from around He said, “We had looked forward to this glob- keting, and others. Equally distinguished, ment of the potential of their new partner- the world’s biggest food and hospitality the globe. Among the prominent attendees al partnership with GoExport. There’s much to GOExport is a global name with over 30 years ship with Rosette Group. He said, “We are show. The agreement encompasses a close were Gregg Stevens, Chairman for American gain in terms of access to international stan- of FMCG industry experience. looking forward to working with Rosette alliance whereby the two reputable compa- Business Council; Anne Jafery, US Trade dards of quality, techniques and expertise in GOExport sources products that should Group. They are bringing in their financial nies will exchange international experience Representative; Abdulla Almulla, Kuwait FMCG.” Rosette Group is reputed for its flour- be exported to the world, with emphasis on expertise and Middle East distribution knowl- to achieve high level of Fast Moving Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board ishing portfolio of independent yet inter-con- Europe, Asia and the Middle East. From its edge. We shall be breaking new grounds in Consumer Goods business services in the Member; Dr Mustafa Behbehani, Chairman of nected businesses. It aims to develop busi- offices in Lugano, Switzerland and Beijing, the Middle East soon. Working closely region. The agreement was announced at Kuwaiti Gulf Group; Rosanna Croft, Senior nesses that deliver satisfying results to cus- China, GOExport provides consultation, together and integrating our core competen- Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa on Tuesday with Executive for Wagonhut International Travel; tomers in selective world markets. To date, product assessment, rebranding, private cies, we can reach great profits.” BUSINESS MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 ECB to hold fire on rates despite slow inflation

FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank is not this month, the lowest level in nearly four years. ECB believe the ECBs hand will not be forced just yet. Nevertheless, Capital Economics economist expected to cut its key interest rates this week, even officials have repeatedly said they see no threat of ING DiBa economist Carsten Brzeski acknowledged Jonathan Loynes there could be an outside chance though inflation in the euro area continues to slow, deflation, but president Mario Draghi reiterated last that the drop in German inflation was a headache of concrete action as early as this week. analysts said. The ECB has held euro-zone borrow- week that the central bank stood ready to act if nec- for the ECB. But he suggested the trough in German Developments over the last month have not ing costs at their current all-time lows since essary. headline inflation might now have been reached clearly met either of the ECBs two contingencies for November. But no further monetary easing appears this year. Key will be the new inflation data for the further policy action, he said. Nonetheless, the to be on the cards at the banks next meeting on Many measures on hand euro-zone as a whole, he said.We dont think that ongoing danger of deflation and dovish signals Thursday just yet, given recent data suggesting the If any downside risks to (our inflation) scenario the ECB will react to a single data release but todays from several governing council membersnot least regions economy is in a tentative recovery, central appear, we stand ready to take additional monetary euro-zone inflation data could tip the balance in a Bundesbank President Jens Weidmannsuggest that bank watchers said. policy measures that ensure our mandate is ful- governing council which does not seem to have further stimulus is still in prospect. And given the At the moment, deflation is perceived to be the filled, Draghi told a conference in Paris. In other made up its mind yet, Brzeski said. At the current ECBs recent apparent predilection for surprise, an biggest threat to that recovery. Last month, area- words, we will do what is needed to maintain price juncture, we still think that the ECBs preferred next April move cannot be entirely ruled out, Loynes wide consumer prices edged up by just 0.8 percent, stability, Draghi insisted. Elsewhere, Slovak central policy option is to do nothing. The most likely out- said. For UniCredit economist Marco Valli, the most way below the ECBs target of just below 2.0 per- bank chief and ECB governing council member come of next weeks ECB meeting is that the ECB important issue for ECB chief Draghi on Thursday cent, with some observers warning of a destructive Josef Makuch also said the bank was ready to adopt will continue talking the talk in order not to have to would be if and how it will decide to become more spiral of deflation. Deflation is a general decline in non-standard measures to prevent slipping into a walk the walk, Brzeski said. vocal about the currency. A strong euro adds to the prices and can be highly damaging if consumers, deflationary environment. The ECB has many meas- deflationary pressures. But Valli suggested Draghi expecting prices to fall further, hold off purchases. ures on hand. Outside chance of action could take a softer approach here, dealing with the March inflation data for the entire euro-zone are In addition to cutting its interest rates, the ECB UniCredit economist Marco Valli agreed. We exchange rate only in the question and answer ses- not scheduled to be released until today. But data could ease monetary conditions by pumping mon- expect policy settings to remain unchanged, as the sion and stressing that the ECB stands ready to act if on Friday showed that inflation in Germany, the ey into the system or buy up government bonds to (anticipated) slowdown in March inflation is likely to currency appreciation were to endanger price sta- regions biggest economy, slowed to just 1.0 percent bring down borrowing costs. Nevertheless, analysts be largely driven by temporary factors, he said. bility. — AFP 14 projects partake in ‘Earth Hour’

Al-Mazaya turns off projects’ lights for 1 hour in Kuwait, UAE

KUWAIT: Al-Mazaya Holding Company on sustainable energy sources.” Al-Sultan con- Saturday, March 29, 2014 celebrated the global firmed that GCC cash savings that have event “Earth Hour”, as part of its participation in strengthened thanks to oil and gas revenues the global campaign which is celebrated must not be a motivator to increase consump- worldwide for one hour on the last Saturday of tion or to reach a profligacy level in the con- March each year, in order to raise awareness of sumption of energy sources, as according to the dangers of climate change. global reports, the consumption per capita of Al-Mazaya participated by turning off all electricity in the US is expected to increase by lights and non vital electrical equipment in all 0.8 percent per year until 2035, while the rate the company’s offices and projects in Kuwait in the GCC countries is projected to reach 2.5 and the UAE for one hour starting from 8:30 percent in the same period. pm until 9:30 pm, thereby joining millions of Al Mazaya seeks within its future plans to people and thousands of establishments in provide the market with real estate products more than 100 countries in turning off lights among special residential and commercial sec- on this day as a contribution to reduce the con- tors that rationalises energy consumption, sumption of energy sources and the emissions thereby providing one of the main supports resulting from them in order to protect the and achieving the principles of green environ- environment. ment-friendly real estate, in order to achieve a SHARJAH: LuLu Hypermarket’s new branch in Maysaloon area in Sharjah was inaugurat- In this occasion, Abdullah Al-Sultan, Chief sustainable environment and to protect natu- ed yesterday by Sheikh Salem Abdulrahman Al-Qassimi, Director General of Rulers Court property management Officer, said: “Mazaya’s ral resources and preserve them for future gen- and Member of Sharjah Ruling Family in the presence of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdulla participation in this global day comes in line Abdullah Al-Sultan erations. Al-Qassimi and Yusuff Ali MA, Managing Director of Lulu group. with the company’s plan to raise awareness Al-Sultan furthermore confirmed that the around the dangers of excessive consumption GCC, is among the highest in the world. It is number of projects involved under Al-Mazaya’s Lulu opens new hypermarket in of energy sources as part of its strong belief in therefore clear that great efforts are needed in umbrella that participated in the rationaliza- the important and significant role of all society order to change the behaviours and practices tion campaign for this year reached 14 proj- Sharjah; store count reaches 110 establishments and in public and private sec- of the individual citizen with regards the com- ects, including a number of projects in Kuwait, tors, in addition to enhancing the awareness of munity’s responsibility. We also want to high- such as the medical Clover Center which is SHARJAH: The much anticipated new Group said, “This is our fourth branch in the members of the community that work in light the efforts made by the governments of located in Al-Jabriya and consists 19 floors in branch of LuLu hypermarket in Sharjah alone and we are extremely hap- Mazaya or its subsidiaries in all of its projects in GCC countries in order to establish a strong addition to Mazaya Towers in the heart of the Maysaloon area in Sharjah was inaugu- py with the support and patronage we both Kuwait and the UAE.” electrical infrastructure the keeps pace with capital of Kuwait which contains three towers rated yesterday by Sheikh Salem have been receiving from the residents Al-Sultan added: “As it is well known, the highest standards of efficiency and quality with 28 floors, while some projects participat- Abdulrahman Al-Qassimi, Director of this great nation.” according to global reports, the energy con- in the region and that meets the requirements ed in Dubai, in addition to Mazaya projects in General of Rulers Court and Member of “It has been our policy to bring world sumption per capita in the various countries in of citizens and residents and in order to access various countries. Sharjah Ruling Family in the presence of class shopping as close as possible to the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdulla Al-Qassimi shoppers rather than make them drive and Yusuff Ali MA, Managing Director of long distance. Now with more than 37 Wataniya Telecom tailors exclusive packs Lulu group. sourcing offices worldwide including UK, The opening ceremony was also Africa and Far East, we are fully equipped for different communities in Kuwait attended by number of officials from var- to serve the diverse population of this ious government departments, represen- cosmopolitan country. KUWAIT: Wataniya Telecom recognizes the the Kuwaiti community pack. To join any customers to enjoy discounted call rates to a tatives from business community apart Other highlight includes special sec- diverse needs of the wide variety of people community, customers should dial *414#. handful of mobile numbers but completely from Saifee T Rupawala, CEO, Ashraf Ali tion to promote local grown vegetables who live here. Therefore it has developed Customers can join this special pack for transfers control to the members of the com- MA, Executive Director, Salim MA, and fruits which will not only give shop- special community packs that enable people just KD 1/month or 300 fils/week. Once they munity. The more members’ customers invite Director of the group. pers a chance to buy fresh produce but to form deeper connections and easily com- subscribe they can pick any one of the seven to their preferred community, the more calls The new 100,000 sq ft hypermarket also help the local farming community” municate at extremely low rates with others communities which are Kuwaiti, Indian, they will be able to make at the special rate of which is located near the Kuwait hospital added Yusuffali. who belong to their social circle. Egyptian, Filipino, Syrian, Bangladeshi and just 10 fils/minute. road is spread across two levels with the Shoppers can look forward to the best Wataniya’s Community Packsare specially Pakistani as well. The more people there are Wataniya understands the pulse of the food and grocery section on the ground range of not just grocery and food prod- tailored for prepaid customers. It offers them in a community the more benefits customers market and believes in creating experiences floor and department and lifestyle prod- ucts but also the biggest range of discounted rates of just 10 fils/minute on call- can enjoy. By encouraging friends and family that answer the distinct need of each com- ucts on the first floor. lifestyle and fashion brands at most swithin the community joined, which is the members to join the community offer, the munity. After the inauguration Sheikh Salem affordable prices. Another highlight lowest rate in the country. customer can enjoy staying in touch with The Community packs are the first of its Abdulrahman Al-Qassimi and other dig- would be the huge collection of latest Additionally, customers will enjoy free their close friends at the lowest call rates in kind. As the communities grow more and nitaries were led on a guided tour of the electronics and IT gadgets which is sure local and international SMS not only tomem- town. more people will be able to avail these hypermarket by Yusuffali MA and other to be a big hit with tech savvy shoppers. bers within their communitybut also to any- The Indian, Egyptian, Filipino, Syrian, incredibly discounted rates. This new pack senior management team members of On the first day itself huge rush of shop- one else; plus a 25 percent discount on inter- Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities will will give budget conscious users an opportu- LuLu and briefed them about the various pers was witnessed as many attractive national calls to their selected home country get 25 percent off on calls to these countries nity to optimize their usage without increas- sections, unique features and amenities. promotions have been launched in or 25 percent discount on all local calls for respectively. This type of pack does not limit ing their expenses. Commenting on the new store launch almost all categories as part of the inau- Yusuffali MA, Managing Director of LuLu gural offer. Joyalukkas, the world’s favorite jeweler, now open in Malaysia

KUWAIT: The globally renowned jewelry retail chain, Joyalukkas, has opened their much awaited, largest jewelry showroom in Malaysia. The mega showroom located in Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur was inaugu- rated in the presence of Minister Dato Hasan Bin Malek, the Minister of Domestic Trade, Co- operative and Consumerism, by popular Indian celebrity and filmstar R Madhavan. Many local dignitaries and VIP’s also attended the grand opening ceremony organized by Joyalukkas for its foray into Malaysia. “Firstly, a big thank you to the esteemed Minister Dato Hasan Bin Malek for taking time off from his precious schedule to attend our opening ceremony. I would also like to thank SHARJAH: The guests are taken on a tour of the new hypermarket. the residents of Kuala Lumpur for a very warm welcome. We have built the biggest jewelry showroom in Malaysia to offer the best experi- Al-Tijari announces Najma ence in jewelry shopping to residents here. Our promise is the best in choice, designs, val- account daily draw winners ue, service and convenience for jewelry lovers here at all times,” said Joy Alukkas, Chairman KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait occasions: The National Day, Eid Al-Fitr, and MD, Joyalukkas Group. held the Al-Najma Account Daily draw Eid Al-Adha and on June 19 which is Conveniently located in Jalan Masjid India, on March 30, 2014. The draw was held the date of the bank’s establishment. the large-sized showroom offers ample park- under the supervision of the Ministry With a minimum balance of KD 500, ing space and features the widest range and KUALA LUMPUR: Joyalukkas officials are pictured with filmstar R Madhavan. of Commerce & Industry represented customers will be eligible for the daily most exquisite collection of jewelry in all pre- by Saquer Al-Manaie. The winners of draw provided that the money is in the around the world with 94 showrooms and has ISO 9001-2008 certified jewelry retail chain cious forms, from gold, diamond, precious the Najma Daily Draw who get KD account one week prior to the daily a following of over 10 million loyal customers and has been recognized with many awards Stone and pearls, to platinum and silver. 7,000 are: Ilaf Fadhel Abbas, Noureyah draw or two months prior to the mega world-wide. “We are delighted to open our and accolades for its exceptional standards in Joyalukkas jewelry, Malaysia offers a choice of Yaqoub Al-Abdouh, Ali Hussain Al- draw. In addition, for each KD 25 a cus- first jewelry showroom in Malaysia and are jewelry retailing. Its popular Chennai show- over one million designs from around the Enezi, Mahmoud Ali Mohammed, and tomer can get one chance for winning extremely grateful to the country and its resi- room in India has been recognized by the world to meet all the dreams and expectations Abdul Rahman Ahmed Hassan. instead of KD 50. dents for the warm welcome they have given Limca Book of records for being the largest of jewelry lovers in Malaysia. The sales team The Commercial Bank of Kuwait Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes us. Our team is eager to serve jewelry shop- jewelry showroom in the world. Joyalukkas have also been extensively trained by retail announces the biggest daily draw in this opportunity to congratulate all pers here with the best and widest range in has been recognized with the ‘Superbrand’ sta- specialists to ensure a delightful experience to Kuwait with the launch of the new lucky winners and also extends appre- jewelry,” said John Paul Joy Alukkas, Executive tus five years in a row and in-addition to this shoppers here.. Najma account. Customers of the bank ciation to the Ministry of Commerce Director, Joyalukkas Group. The Malaysia has also been recognized by the Dubai gov- “Thank you Malaysia for a warm welcome. I can now enjoy a KD 7,000 daily prize and Industry for their effective super- Joyalukkas jewellery showroom has been ernment with its Dubai Quality Awards assure you with Joyalukkas you are sure of the which is the highest in the country and vision of the draws which were con- designed in signature Joyalukkas format with Program, for their strict adherences to quality best experience in jewelery shopping,” said another 4 mega prizes during the year ducted in an orderly and organized stylish and convenient interiors to offer the and procedures in all aspects of jewelry retail- Madhavan. Joyalukkas is the only jewelry worth KD 100,000 each on different manner. widest choice of jewelry under one roof. ing. The brand has also won the ‘Middle-East brand that is spread across 10 countries Joyalukkas is the only ISO 14001-2006 and Retailer of the Year’ award from Retail ME. MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 technology

iPhone 5 Black Diamond GoldVish ‘Le Million’ Piece Unique Tag Heuer Racer Seven most expensive mobile phones in the world

angalore: Other than just a 5 -Vertu Ferrari device to meet the communica- Price: $ 374, 000 Btion requirements, mobile Vertu Constellation Quest Ferrari is phones have become status icons. a mobile phone produced by Vertu, Plated with gold and embedded with the well-known company that is spe- precious jewels these devices come cialized in designing luxurious phones with hefty price tags reaching up to equipped with unique elements. The seven digits. Here is a list of 7 most phone boasts a sapphire crystal key- expensive mobile phones in the pad, a titanium battery cover, and a world. tachometer-inspired clock. As the phone is codenamed as Ferrari, it’s 7- GoldVish ‘Le Million’ pretty obvious that the phone has Piece Unique something related to the famous car Price $1.3 million company. And it is a Ferrari engine A handcrafted cell phone made of coating finish and a Ferrari leather 18-carat white gold, mounted with trim embossed with the Ferrari logo. 120-carat VVS-1 graded diamonds; The titanium battery cover has the that was what the Swedish designer trademark Cavallino Rampante Emmanuel Gueit had to offer the rich (prancing horse) symbol in stainless world. ‘Le million’ Piece Unique was steel. The phone runs on Nokia’s first introduced in September 2006 in Symbian operating system and has an Europe at the Millionaire Fair. internal memory of 8GB which is Ulysse Nardin Chairman Vertu Ferrari The product was purchased by a expandable to 32GB via microSD. It Russian businessman and the pur- comes with a camera of 5MP which chase was marked in the Guinness offers dual LED flash and autofocus Book of World Records as the sale with a resolution of 2592 x 1944 pix- declared as the most expensive and els. most exclusive mobile phone ever sold. GoldVish “Le Million” Piece 4- Porsche Design BlackBerry Unique will be produced upon special Price: $139, 000 request and only limited editions of Porsche and BlackBerry appeared hundred numbers are manufactured to put a large amount of work espe- in a lifetime. cially in the craftsmanship of the phone, Porsche Design Blackberry, 6- iPhone 5 Black Diamond which made the device eye-catching. Price: $8 million Instead of a plastic bottom, the entire Hughes, known for crafting incredi- body is forged out of stainless steel. bly priced tech products, created the The battery cover is wrapped in real design for the latest Apple phone, leather as well as each key on the iPhone 5, codenamed as Black QWERTY keyboard is made of metal Diamond iPhone 5. It includes an inlay and the navigation buttons placed of 600 white diamonds, a solid gold below the screen are designed of indi- Apple logo surrounded by 53 white vidual pieces of glass. diamonds, 135 grams of 24-carat gold Powered by 1.2GHz Qualcomm and sapphire glass for the screen. In MSM8655 Snapdragon processor, the Gresso Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot Porsche Design BlackBerry the case of black diamond, the stone phone runs on BlackBerry 7.0 operat- replaced the iPhone’s home button. ing system. Along with 768MB RAM,it speed processor of 1GHz. It comes pure gold. The entire panel of Gresso touch screen and a number pad on Apart from the design, Black Diamond has an internal memory of 8GB which 3- Tag Heuer Racer with a camera of 5MP with auto-focus Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot, is made of the front, a mechanical watch rotor on has similar specifications as iPhone 5. can be further expanded to 32GB via Price: $ 350, 000 and VGA front-facing features. African black wood, the most expen- the back and is quite expensive. The It features a 4-inch display with cus- microSD card. The device is equipped Tag Heuer, known for its luxury sive wood in the world. 3.2-inch touch screen display, made of tom designed ARMv7 processor called with a primary camera of 5MP which brand watches has come up with an 2 -Gresso Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot sapphire crystal runs on specially the Apple A6, an update to Apple’s offers various features like geo-tag- expensive phone, Tag Heuer Racer, Price: $1 million 1- Ulysse Nardin Chairman designed version of Android mobile operating system known as ging, face detection and image stabi- made from premium materials, With only 3 models sold so far the Price: $7 million Gingerbread and has an 8-megapixel iOS 6. In terms of storage, it has 16, 32 lization. The specifications are similar including stainless steel, carbon fiber mobile makes the name of the model Ulysse Nardin, the Swiss watch rear-facing camera with flash. It is or 64 GB but doesn’t support plug-in to those of any other BB phone, a and aeronautic-grade titanium. The worthwhile. One has to win the Las manufacturer has come up with its integrated with GPS 3G, with 32 GB memory cards and has an 8MP cam- minor difference being you get a “pre- casing is shockproof and certainly Vegas Jackpot to purchase one of Chairman Smartphone, and Guinness internal memory and comes pre- era along with various features like mium” Blackberry Messenger PIN feels heavy and sturdy even though it these most coveted pieces. The phone World Records has already awarded it loaded with Android apps for Gmail, geo-tagging, face detection, touch compared to the regular PIN of other isn’t waterproof. The phone is said to is decorated with black diamonds the title of “Most Expensive Mobile Facebook, YouTube and Google focus and the like. BB phones. pack a 3D user interface and a high found in Egypt and is coated with Phone Series”. It features a capacitive Maps.-www.siliconindia.com ITS launches a new shariah compliant Microsoft financial services for regional customer reverses, vows

KUWAIT: ITS - International Turnkey Systems explained why KIB chose ITS to be associated information and swift transactions. Lastly, it ‘Best Technology Vendor’ not to snoop announced the successful completion of an on this project: “We deployed ETHIX because connects all of KIB’s core systems together and ITS recently received further accreditation ICT project with KIB to upgrade its banking all the benefits serve the bank and our cus- this is vital for us. With ETHIX all our systems for its ETHIX suite of products by winning both on emails systems offering integrated and state-of-the- tomers and ETHIX’s overall competence to will be centralized and thus enable us to the ‘Best Islamic Finance Technology’ conferred art shariah compliant financial services. Within boost the Bank’s growth. This announcement reduce potential risk and errors and increase at the World Islamic Retail Banking Conference LOS ANGELES: A week after saying it was justified the first day of the banking system going live, represents a new step on the continuous the efficiency and productivity of the bank. 2013 and ‘Best Technology Vendor’ at the CPI in snooping through a blogger’s Hotmail account to Kuwait International Bank (KIB), which was efforts from KIB to deploy the best global tech- Additionally the system helps to develop com- Financial Islamic Business and Finance Awards track down a leaker of company software, Microsoft awarded Best Islamic Bank in 2014, received nology systems to serve KIB’s programs and mercial finance as well as retail finance services 2013. has changed course, saying it will refer such matters thousands of successful financial transactions activities which will aid in accomplishing our for our clients and customers.” The shariah-compliant ETHIX solution is to law enforcement starting immediately. The rever- and already reported a notable performance aims of improving the quality of customer Hany Ramadan, Director - Global Financial designed to support financial institutions to level improvement. services.” Solutions noted: “This is yet another successful sal, explained by general counsel Brad Smithin a reach operational excellence, accommodate blog post Friday, follows last week’s revelation that ITS, a specialist in developing Islamic deployment with a leading finance institution growth and achieve cost leadership in the it searched through emails and instant messages of Banking technology, led the project to deploy Centralized systems in Kuwait and an outstanding example of our financial services sector. ETHIX provides multi- ITS shariah compliant ETHIX financial solutions The ITS ETHIX suite of financial services expertise in the Islamic Banking sector. In fact channeled corporate and retail products and a blogger who Microsoft believed had received pro- with KIB. This plan has been applied and is cur- form the core banking technology for financial our flexible technology solution will empower services in Islamic finance and investment prietary code illegally. rently operating in all 26 branches of the bank institutions boosts operational and growth the technology processes within Kuwait including core banking, trade finance, branch The search, in September 2012, led to Alex across the country. capabilities enabling banks to offer new cus- International Bank, facilitating greater control automation, online banking, dashboards and Kibkalo, a Russian native who worked for Microsoft ETHIX will reduce operational expenditure tomer centric solutions in the spirit of shariah- of service and the adoption of quick changes reports in addition to other products and serv- as a software architect in Lebanon. Microsoft turned by consolidating the Bank’s original services compliance. The added value from ETHIX is as a result from policy, regulation and compe- ices that represent an answer to the challenges over the case to the FBI in July 2013. under one unified system which will improve the fact it provides banks with an award win- tition in the market.” Smith now says the company “will not inspect a customer services and experience, speed up ning comprehensive banking solution broadly In reality, all of these additional benefits will encountered by the financial institutions product development and achieve greater lev- recognized as one of the most flexible and allow well-timed execution of customer bank- which can only serve to enhance their compet- customer’s private content ourselves” and will refer els of efficiency through increased control and scalable technology solutions worldwide. ing services at Kuwait International Bank, refin- itive edge. the matter to law enforcement if it believes its serv- automation. By deploying its secure, flexible This was reinforced by Lamya Al-Tabtabai: ing its customer experience and increasing Understanding better than any other shari- ices are being used to facilitate theft of Microsoft and reliable ETHIX suite of financial technolo- “ETHIX provides solutions specifically designed management efficiency across the bank’s ah-compliant features and specificities ITS cre- property. Microsoft Corp owns Hotmail and the gy solutions within the Bank, ITS will support to meet the bank’s requirements in several processes. Hany Ramadan added: “We have a ated a full suite of ETHIX solutions including cloud storage service formerly known as SkyDrive. It Kuwait International Bank by leveraging their aspects, including managing processes of strong track record of working with leading ETHIX-Core, ETHIX-Branch, ETHIX-Finance, alleged that the services were used so Kibkalo competitive edge in the market. completion and executing transactions, the financial institutions and specifically integrat- ETHIX-Trade, ETHIX-360∞, ETHIX-Connect (IFX), could transfer software files to the blogger, includ- Lamya Al-Tabtebai, Deputy General integration of various departments, divisions ing our award winning ETHIX platform with ETHIX-Switch Connection, ETHIX-Treasury, ing a fix for the Windows 8 RT operating system that Manager Corporate Support from KIB and units to ensure streamlined access to existing core banking software infrastructure”. ETHIX (SMS), ETHIX-PCD, ETHIX-Launch Pad. hadn’t been released publicly. The case spawned a wave of criticism, and Microsoft initially responded to it by saying that it would consult with an outside attorney who is a for- mer judge to determine if a court order would be issued in similar searches in the future. Many saw its initial response as inadequate. “Last week’s response was trying to create a mimic of due process with a shadow court that was run by Microsoft,” said Kurt Opsahl, senior staff attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a privacy advo- cate. “It was good to see Microsoft reconsidered.” Smith said the company would also change its terms of service to make it clear what customers can expect, and consult with privacy advocates to come up with industry best practices going for- ward. Shares of the Redmond, Wash., company rose 94 cents, or 2.4 percent, to $40.30.—AP MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Global warming worsens security woes

YOKOHAMA: In an authoritative report due out conflict. The U.S. Defense Department earlier this That illustrates the tricky calculus of climate and mass migrations, and making it harder for countries today a United Nations climate panel for the first month in its once-every-four-years strategic review, conflict, experts say. It’s hard to point at violence to keep control of their populations. time is connecting hotter global temperatures to called climate change a “threat multiplier” to go and draw a direct climate link - to say how much The migration issue is big because as refugees hotter global tempers. Top scientists are saying that with poverty, political instability and social tensions blame goes to warming and how much is from flee storms and other climate problems, that adds climate change will complicate and worsen existing worldwide. Warming will trigger new problems but more traditional factors like poverty and ethnic dif- to security issues, the report and scientists say While global security problems, such as civil wars, strife also provide countries new opportunities for ferences. Then looking into future is even more diffi- some climate scientists, environmental groups and between nations and refugees. resources and shipping routes in places such as the cult. “If you think it’s hard to predict rainfall in one politicians see the conflict-climate link as logical They’re not saying it will cause violence, but will melting Arctic, the Pentagon report says. spot 100 years from now, it’s even harder to predict and clear, others emphasize nuances in research. be an added factor making things even more dan- social stability,” said Jeff Severinghaus, a climate sci- The social science literature has shown an indi- gerous. Fights over resources, like water and energy, Common concern entist at the Scripps Institution for Oceanography rect link, especially with making poverty worse, hunger and extreme weather will all go into the mix After the climate panel’s 2007 report, UN who isn’t part of this climate panel. “Obviously that’s which will add to destabilization, but it is not the to destabilize the world a bit more, says the report Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wrote that along going to be controversial. The most important thing same as saying there would be climate wars, said by the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Inter-governmen- with other causes, the conflict in the Darfur region is that it’s going to be talked about.” University of Exeter’s Neil Adger, one of the study’s tal Panel on Climate Change. The summary of the of western Sudan “began as an ecological crisis, aris- lead authors. It’s not exactly the four horsemen of report is being finalized this weekend by the panel ing at least in part from climate change. “ While the Security problems the apocalypse, he adds. in Yokohama. IPCC report this year downplays global warming’s Severinghaus and other scientists say this will be Joshua Goldstein, an international relations pro- That’s a big change from seven years ago, the role in that particular strife, saying other issues were one of the more contentious issues as the panel fessor and expert on conflict at the University of last time the IPCC addressed how warming affected far more influential, the report’s drafts do add that representing more than 100 nations meets here and Massachusetts, sees that link, but says it is probably Earth, said report lead author Chris Field of the there is “justifiable common concern” that climate edits word-by-word a 30-page summary of the mul- weaker than people think. It’s not as a big a prob- Carnegie Institution of Science in California. The change increases the risk of fighting in similar cir- ti-volume report for political leaders. Observers said lem as other impacts from climate change, like summary that political leaders read in early 2007 cumstances. the closed door meeting went through the security those on ecosystems, weather disasters and eco- didn’t mention security issues will, he said, because “Climate change will not directly cause conflict - and climate section Sunday, in the hurried last nomic costs, he says. of advances in research. but it will exacerbate issues of poor governance, hours of editing. Poverty is the issue when it comes to security “There’s enough smoke there that we really need resource inequality and social unrest,” retired U.S. There’s an entire 63-page chapter on security problems - and policies to fight climate change to pay attention to this,” said Ohio University securi- Navy Adm. David Titley, now a Pennsylvania State problems, but most leaders will read the handful of increase poverty, says David Kreutzer at the conser- ty and environment professor Geoff Dabelko, one of University professor of meteorology, wrote in an paragraphs summarizing that and that’s where vative Heritage Foundation in Washington. the lead authors of the report’s chapter on security email. “The Arab Spring and Syria are two recent there may be some issues, he says. But environmental groups such as the and climate change. examples.” The chapter on national security says there is Environmental Justice Foundation are issuing For the past seven years, research in social sci- But Titley, who wasn’t part of the IPCC report, “robust evidence” that “human security will be pro- reports that dovetail with what the IPCC is saying. ence has found more links between climate and says “if you are already living in a place affected by gressively threatened as climate changes.” It says it Titley, the retired admiral, holds out hope that if conflict, study authors say, with the full report refer- violent conflict - I suspect climate change becomes can destabilize the world in multiple ways by mak- nations deal with climate change jointly, it can bring encing hundreds of studies on climate change and the least of your worries.” ing it harder for people to make a living, increasing peace instead of war to battling regions. — AP Study backs nonsurgical way to fix heart valves Survival rates better

WASHINGTON: A new study gives a big boost to fixing a bad aortic valve, the heart’s main gate, without open-heart surgery. Survival rates were better one year later for people who had a new valve placed through a tube into an artery instead. The results were reported Saturday at an American College of Cardiology conference in Washington and prompted some doctors to pre- dict that in the near future, far fewer people will CONAKRY: Workers build a tent in zone where people suspected of suffering of Ebola be having the traditional operation. fever are isolated at the Donka hospital where several cases were reported. — AFP “It’s going to be very hard to tell a patient that if they need an aortic valve, surgery is going to be their best option,” said one of the confer- Guinea battles ence leaders, Dr. Prediman K. Shah of Cedars Sinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles. A bad aortic valve can stiffen and narrow with age, keeping blood from passing through as it to contain Ebola should. Until a few years ago, the only solution was a major operation to open the chest, cut out CONAKRY: Guinea raced Saturday to contain some health publications as a “molecular the bad valve and sew in a new one. a deadly Ebola epidemic spreading from its shark”-leads to haemorrhagic fever, causing That changed in 2011, when Edwards southern forests to the capital Conakry, as muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea Lifesciences Inc. won federal approval for an neighbouring Senegal closed its border. and, in severe cases, organ failure and expandable valve that could fit in a catheter into The European Union pledged 500,000 unstoppable bleeding. No treatment or vac- a leg artery, be guided to the heart and be euros ($690,000) to fight the contagion, while cine is available, and the Zaire strain detected placed inside the old valve. Studies showed sur- the Senegalese interior ministry said border in Guinea-first observed 38 years ago in what vival was comparable to or a little better with it crossings to Guinea would be closed “until is today called the Democratic Republic of than with surgery, but strokes were more com- WASHINGTON: Medtronic Inc.’s CoreValve is photographed at an American College of further notice”. Congo-has a 90 percent death rate. mon after the catheter approach, making some Cardiology Conference in Washington on Saturday. A new study gives a big boost to fixing a The order affects crossings at Kolda and Sakoba Keita, who heads the Guinean leery of it. bad aortic valve, the heart’s main gate, without open-heart surgery. — AP Kedougou in the south of Senegal which are health ministry’s prevention division said it Earlier this year, a rival device - Medtronic heavily used by traders, particularly during a remains unclear how Ebola had arrived in Inc.’s CoreValve - was approved for treating peo- stroke. Two-year follow-up is not complete, but results. “It’s a great leap forward” for fixing valves weekly market attended by thousands from Guinea. Tests on the other cases of haemor- ple at too high risk to have surgery. The new “we are certainly encouraged” that trends through blood vessels, said Dr. David Kandzari of neighbouring countries. rhagic fever are still ongoing to determine study tested it in nearly 800 people less sick - eli- appear to be continuing, said one of the study’s Piedmont Heart Institute in Atlanta. Eight cases of Ebola have been confirmed their origin. “We hope to get (the results) gible for the operation but still with elevated leaders, Dr. David Adams of New York’s Mount The study was paid for by Medtronic, and in Conakry, the Guinean health ministry said quickly as these cases should be treated like risks. One year after treatment, 19 percent of the Sinai Hospital. many study leaders consult for Medtronic, late Friday, including one fatality. Ebola as they are also deadly,” he said. surgery patients but only 14 percent of those There were drawbacks to the CoreValve, Edwards or other heart device makers. Results Across the country, “the total number of Guinea is one of the world’s poorest given a CoreValve had died. though - twice as many patients needed pace- also were published online by the New England suspected cases recorded from January to 28 nations despite vast untapped mineral makers afterward. Other complications were a Journal of Medicine. March 2014 is 111 cases of haemorrhagic wealth, with a stagnating economy, youth Great leap forward tradeoff - more vascular problems with the Doctors say both companies’ artificial valves fever including 70 deaths ... or a fatality rate unemployment at 60 percent and a rank of Stroke rates also seemed lower, though this CoreValve but more problems with a fluttering need more long-term study to see if they hold of 63 percent,” the ministry said in a state- 178th out of 187 countries on the UN’s was not one of the main results researchers were heartbeat called atrial fibrillation among those up as well as the ones implanted surgically, ment. Samples taken from 45 of the suspect Human Development Index. tracking. After one year, 13 percent of surgery who had surgery. which typically last 20 years. Other firms are also cases included 19 which tested positive for The World Health Organisation said Liberia patients and 9 percent of the others had had a Still, several independent experts praised the testing catheter-placed valves. — AP Ebola. Most of the cases were recorded in had reported eight suspected cases of Ebola southern Guinea, but the disease has spread fever, including six deaths, while Sierra Leone to the capital since Wednesday. had reported six suspected cases, five of Those infected have been put in isolation them fatal. London skeletons reveal to prevent the virus from spreading, while aid Ebola can be transmitted to humans from organisations have sent dozens of workers to wild animals, and between humans through help the poor west African country combat direct contact with another’s blood, faeces or secrets of the Black Death the outbreak of haemorrhagic fever. sweat, as well as sexual contact or the unpro- tected handling of contaminated corpses. * ‘Deeply concerned’ MSF said the spread of the disease was LONDON: You can learn a lot from a tooth. Molars The EU’s aid offer came after a plea for being exacerbated by people travelling to taken from skeletons unearthed by work on a new assistance from the Economic Community Of funerals in which mourners touch the bodies London railway line are revealing secrets of the West African States (ECOWAS). The regional of the dead. Guinea has banned the con- medieval Black Death - and of its victims. This week, bloc said it was “deeply concerned” about the sumption of bat soup, a popular delicacy in Don Walker, an osteologist with the Museum of epidemic which presented a “serious threat to the country, as the fruit bat is believed to be London, outlined the biography of one man whose the region”. The tropical virus-described in the host species. — AFP ancient bones were found by construction workers under London’s Charterhouse Square: He was breast- fed as a baby, moved to London from another part of England, had bad tooth decay in childhood, grew up Obamacare detours to work as a laborer, and died in early adulthood from the bubonic plague that ravaged Europe in the 14th ahead for US health law century. The poor man’s life was nasty, brutish and short, but his afterlife is long and illuminating. “It’s fan- WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama’s University School of Law in Lexington, tastic we can look in such detail at an individual who embattled US healthcare law, having sur- Virginia. “What I worry about is that we died 600 years ago,” Walker said. “It’s incredible, really.” vived a rollout marred by technology fail- won’t be able to figure out whether it’s The 25 skeletons were uncovered last year during ures, reaches a milestone on Monday with worked or not until it’s too late,” he said. work on Crossrail, a new rail line that’s boring 21km of the end of its first enrollment wave, and Even before the first enrollment period tunnels under the heart of the city. Archaeologists immediately suspected the bones came from a ceme- with the administration likely to come close comes to a close, Republicans and some tery for plague victims. The location, outside the walls to its goal of signing up 7 million people in Democrats have separately proposed elec- of the medieval city, chimes with historical accounts. private health insurance. tion year changes that could appeal to vot- The square, once home to a monastery, is one of the But as the White House and its allies er concerns-and would leave the law sub- few spots in the city to stay undisturbed for centuries. declare victory, major hurdles remain. And stantially altered. To test their theory, scientists took one tooth from it will take years to determine whether the Republican proposals would undermine each of 12 skeletons, then extracted DNA from the law will accomplish its mission of creating Obamacare by making health insurance teeth. They announced Sunday that tests had found LONDON: One of the skeletons found by construction workers under central London’s stable insurance markets that can help a optional and returning sick people to high- the presence of the plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, Charterhouse Square. Twenty-five skeletons were uncovered last year during work on significant number of America’s nearly 50 risk pools. A handful of Senate Democrats in several of the teeth, meaning the individuals had Crossrail, a new rail line that’s boring 21km of tunnels under the heart of the city. — AP million uninsured gain health coverage, last week also proposed some Republican- been exposed to - and likely died from - the Black experts say. sounding ideas that would allow insurance Death. The findings didn’t stop there. Archaeologists, vegetarian late in life, indicating he may have entered ground. The burials were simple but orderly, the bod- Republicans are counting on that uncer- to be sold across state lines, discontinue historians, microbiologists and physicists worked an order of monks. Archaeologists were surprised to ies wrapped in shrouds and laid out in neat rows, tainty to play into their strategy for the the employer mandate for many small busi- together to apply techniques from several scientific discover that the skeletons lay in layers and appeared sealed with a layer of clay. midterm congressional elections in nesses and allow low-premium, high- disciplines to the discovery. to come from three different periods: the original The later skeletons, however, show more signs of November. Their plan: Draw on public dis- deductible plans to be sold in the market- Radiocarbon dating and analysis of pottery shards Black Death epidemic in 1348-1350, and later out- upper-body injuries, consistent with a period of law- satisfaction with the Patient Protection and places. helped determine when the burials took place. breaks in 1361 and the early 15th century. “It suggests lessness and social breakdown. that the burial ground was used again and again for Archaeologists are planning a new dig this sum- Affordable Care Act to help the GOP win Families USA, an administration ally on Forensic geophysics - more commonly used in murder and war-crimes investigations - helped locate more the burial of plague victims,” said Jay Carver, Crossrail’s mer to learn how many bodies lie under the square. control of the US Senate and retain the par- healthcare reform, plans to make its own lead archaeologist. Carver says the number appears to be in the “low ty’s dominance in the House of public recommendations this week on how graves under the square. Studying oxygen and stron- tium isotopes in the bones revealed details of diet and The Black Death is thought to have killed at least thousands.” And the teeth may not have yielded all Representatives. “We’re not really going to the enrollment drive for 2015 might be health. These were, by and large, poor people. Many 75 million people, including more than half of Britain’s their secrets. Experts in ancient DNA at McMaster know whether it worked or not until the improved. “Our recommendations will population, yet the burials suggest a surprisingly high University in Canada are working to sequence the  of the skeletons showed signs of malnutrition consis- third or fourth year. And of course, that’s build on the laudatory success of the first tent with the “Great Famine” that struck Europe 30 degree of social order - at first. As the plague ravaged plague genome found in the teeth, in order to learn two elections down the road,” said Timothy enrollment period,” said Ron Pollack, the years before the Black Death. Many had back injuries continental Europe - borne westward by fleas on rats - more about a disease that still infects several thou- Jost, a professor at the Washington and Lee group’s executive director. — Reuters suggesting lives of hard labor. One man became a city fathers leased land for an emergency burial sand people a year around the world. —AP MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE New drugs greatly lower cholesterol

WASHINGTON: A new class of experimental and Zetia, but use of Zetia has declined since Michael Koren of Jacksonville Center for Clinical in people with an inherited cholesterol disorder. Overall safety “is very, very encouraging,” said medicines can dramatically lower cholesterol, 2008, when research showed it failed to help Research in Florida, who helped lead two of the Dr. Scott Wasserman, Amgen’s executive medical raising hopes of a fresh option for people who prevent heart attacks even though it cut choles- studies. The three Amgen studies involved about Very encouraging director. Researchers also said: can’t tolerate or don’t get enough help from terol. Hopes are high that the new Amgen drug 2,000 patients in all. Doctors tested the drug in In general, side-effect rates were about the * Alirocumab, a similar drug being developed Lipitor and other statin drugs that have been and others like it will do better. people with high cholesterol not taking other same for evolocumab vs. placebo or Zetia. In by Sanofi SA and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals used for this for decades. “I would be happy to see it approved” on the medicines, as a long-term (one-year) treatment some studies, muscle aches, nausea and a few Inc., lowered LDL cholesterol by 47 percent vs. 16 The first large studies of these drugs were cholesterol results alone, said Dr. Hadley Wilson, in people already taking various medications other problems were a little higher with the percent for Zetia in a study of about 100 people presented Saturday at an American College of a cardiologist at Carolinas HealthCare System. and in combination with statins and other drugs experimental drug. not taking any other drugs for high cholesterol. Cardiology conference in Washington, and more “We need additional agents other than statins” to * Bococizumab, from Pfizer Inc., lowered LDL will follow soon. help patients, he said. 45 percent to 67 percent, depending on dose, Several companies are developing these Nearly all current cholesterol medicines - compared to placebo in 354 people with high drugs, which are aimed at 70 million Americans fibrates, niacin and top-selling statins - are cholesterol also taking a statin. and millions more worldwide who have high LDL decades old. Statins such as Lipitor, Zocor and “There’s great interest” in all of these drugs, or “bad” cholesterol, a major risk for heart dis- Crestor curb cholesterol production. Zetia, which but doctors will wait for evidence that they lower ease. Three studies of Amgen Inc.’s version of came out about a decade ago, helps block the heart risks, said Dr. Neil Stone, a Northwestern these drugs, called evolocumab (ev-oh-LOKE- absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. University cardiologist and spokesman for the you-mab), found it lowered LDL or “bad” choles- The new drugs block PCSK9, a substance that American Heart Association. terol by 55 to 66 percent from baseline levels interferes with the liver’s ability to remove cho- It may be easier to justify their use in patients compared to others who took a fake drug, and lesterol from the blood. with genes that cause high cholesterol at an ear- by nearly that much when compared to Merck’s They have big drawbacks, though. Statins are ly age, he said. A spokeswoman for the federal Zetia, another cholesterol medication. pills sold as generics for as little as a dime a day. Food and Drug Administration, Sandy Walsh, The new drugs are proteins rather than chemi- suggested that might be the case. Decades old cals, and those tend to be very expensive to “Although we cannot comment on the likeli- As impressive as that is, it’s still just part of the make. They also must be given as shots every hood of approval based solely on specific indica- picture. Doctors want evidence that the way two weeks or once a month. People can give the tions or populations,” two drugs recently were these drugs lower cholesterol also will lead to shots to themselves with a pen-like device. The approved based on cholesterol-lowering for peo- fewer heart attacks and deaths, because that companies developing the new medicines have ple with inherited conditions, she noted. proof already exists for statins. New studies are not said what they might cost. A decision on approval also will be influenced underway to test this, but Amgen said it will seek “We were very, very pleased” about how well by how much the drug lowers cholesterol, its approval for its drug this year based on choles- patients accepted the shots, and if they offer bet- effects on other fats in the blood and other heart terol-lowering alone. ter results, especially for those with inherited WASHINGTON: People arrive to attend the American College of Cardiology’s conference in signs such as inflammation and blood pressure, That was enough to win approval for statins conditions, “people will accept it,” said Dr. Washington on Saturday. —AP and its safety, she said. — AP WHAT’S ON MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa dims lights for Earth Hour umeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, JKuwait’s idyllic resort, joined forces with the rest of the world and marked the annual Earth Hour by dimming and switching off lights across its property for an hour. On Saturday, March 29, at 8:30pm local time hotel colleagues gathered and formed the shape of the Earth holding lit candles to mark Earth Hour. Together with Jumeirah Group’s luxurious proper- ties around the world, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa turned off its facade lights, signage and those on its tress along the garden and the hotel water fountains. This resulted in saved energy of approxi- mately 1200 kwh. Elsewhere, lights throughout the lobby, food and beverage outlets, Talise Spa and colleagues’ accom- modation were all dimmed. Candles were also placed Crowne Plaza Kuwait participates around the fountain and staircases to provide light in ‘Earth Hour’ global movement and save power. Earth Hour originally ontinuing its support to global environmental issues tions, businesses and individuals to take an action to reduce started in Sydney on March and in line with its social responsibility towards not climate changes. This year, the ‘Earth Hour’ took place on 31, 2007, when 2.2 million just the people and community, but also towards Saturday 29th March, 2014 and for one hour only. Switching C people and 2,100 business- planet Earth, Crowne Plaza Kuwait participated in the ‘Earth off the lights voiced the thoughts of the people and the Hour’ Global Movement on 29th March. management of the Crowne Plaza Kuwait as they stood es turned off their lights for With minimum amount of lights switched on, the hotel together in the soft glow of the candlelight towards working one hour. Many major management, guests and staff met at the lobby with can- better for the creation of a brighter future for our planet. cities, inspired by the col- dles symbolizing the hope for a brighter tomorrow. Taking part in the world’s largest global climate change lective effort, have since The idea behind earth hour global campaign is to create initiative, people from all walks of life came together in cele- joined Earth Hour, which awareness on the effect of electricity consumption on global bration and contemplation of the one thing they have in has turned into a global warming, and it aims to inspire the governmental institu- common - Planet Earth. movement.

Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive enters partnership with Dwaliya Technical Inspection

li Alghanim & Sons Automotive - the inspection, as well as innovative services that insurance documents on their vehicles and services sets Dwaliya Technical Inspection mented Yousef Al Qatami, General Manager exclusive importer and distributor for provide customers with the ultimate com- pay traffic fines, in addition to comprehen- apart from all other technical inspection of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive on this ABMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, Land Rover fort. sive examination and instant maintanance companies in Kuwait. unique partnership. “Providing technical and McLaren in Kuwait - has announced a Dwaliya’s service delivery is characterized which takes less than 15 minutes. For its part, Ali Alghanim & Sons inspection and comprehensive examination first-of-its-kind partnership with Dwaliya by providing a variety of options in one As part of its mission, the company also Automotive provides customers with a VIP services would fulfill the package of services Technical Inspection. place that enable customers to undergo offers VIP service wherein it can take the cus- service through a special discount that is provided by Ali Alghanim & Sons Dwaliya is a company commited to pro- technical examination of their cars and tomer’s vehicle from home or work and bring aimed at further enhancing its after sales Automotive.” viding the Kuwaiti market with all-new serv- renew their vehcle’s licence, being a certified it to the service center for the required serv- service and in providing the ultimate com- Dwaliya Technical Inspection is located at ices in the technical inspection of cars. Its center from the General Directorate of ices for the car. Afterwards, the vehicle will fort to customers. Al Rai district - Hassan Ben Ali Al Roumi St. mission is to offer the latest technologies Traffic in Kuwait. be delivered back to the customer within the “We believe that our services should not behind Al Shawaf Company. It is open daily and procedures for automotive technical Moreover, customers can also acquire shortest possible time. These distinctive be limited to our existing customers,” com- from 8 am to 1 pm & from 4 - 8 pm.

ILOA shimmers in resplendent glory

ndian Learners Own Academy students Mrs Asha Sharma and all the teachers English in the whole of Middle East. He has Abdulla (IV), Hamiya Nejeeb (IV), Diya Sanjana Shahzaib Tariq (III), Gabriel A. D’Souza( participated in the ACER IBT (International expressed their delight on the glorious been presented with a plaque, a certificate of P. (III), Sarah I. Khot (VI), Shahzaib Tariq (III), IV), Ishaan Nejeeb (VIII), Nikhil John Jose IBenchmark Tests for improved learning). achievements of their students. The principal honour and a cash award of KD 40/- He Aparna S. Nair (IV), Gabriel A. D’Souza( IV), (VI), Abu(IV), Karan Sanal (VIII), Maha I. Students from grades three to ten participat- stated that it was a proud moment for her to secured high distinction in Mathematics and Samyuktha M.S (VII), M. Nawfal (VI), B. Srihari Khot(IX), Sandra Anna(VI), Sarah I. Khot ed in the English, Mathematics and Science see her students keep up the motto of the distinction in Science. (III), M.Vishnu, V. Reddy (IX), Pooja Rajan (IX), (VI), Faizan Wagpurawala(III), Ishaan tests conducted in the school on (date). school with pride. The following students secured high dis- Aparna S. Nair (IV), Faizan Wagpurawala(III), Nejeeb (VIII), Abu(IV), Maha I. Khot(IX), The students have achieved such mar- The results of the IBT were announced in tinction Ishaan Nejeeb (VIII), Nikhil John Jose (VI), Nikitha Rajesh(VI), Samyuktha M.S (VII), velous results thus bringing the school to the school on Monday, 3March 2014. Anaf Elamkulam (X), Muhammed Waleed Nameera Nasir(III), Sarah Elsa Thomas (VI) Abu(IV), Nikitha Rajesh(VI), Assim(IV), greater heights of honor and glory. Principal Sehen Dilush Gamehawa topped the IBT in (III), Sanjay M.S. (V), Arjun Biju (VI), Fadil The following students secured distinction. Naethen Luke (V). WHAT’S ON MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014

Ayman Al-Sharra Sebamed Kuwait sales manager

Sebamed rewards kids at the Perfumes & Cosmetics Exhibition

By Sherif Ismail Represented by its exclusive agent in Kuwait; Al-Sanabel Al-Thahabiya, sensitive skin said Ayman Al-Sharra, Sebamed Kuwait Sales Manager. Sebamed distributed lots of giveaway gifts and memorial photos. Sebamed products ensure elegant looking and soft skin with nice fra- ebamed’s section at the Perfumes & Cosmetics Exhibition recently wit- As the world’s premier skin and body care manufacturers, Sebamed grances. Sebamed is one of the skin care trademarks and all its products nessed a flow of visiting kids and their families who came to purchase provides a unique skin care system that has been developed to act as a comprise high quality and effective ingredients to revive skin without harm- Smore of the products they had been brought up with. protection as well as skin repair system that provides utmost care for ing its amino acids. McDonald’s Kuwait offered 60,000 Pakistan National Day celebration free Egg McMuffins on National Day akistan Academy School Ahmadi cDonald’s Kuwait announced more than 800 crew members in 54 an international celebration of this Pobserved Pakistan that 60,000 free Egg McDonald’s Breakfast serving restau- scale. In the GCC alone, 230,000 Egg National Day on 23d March MMcMuffins were offered to rants across the country serving tens McMuffins were redeemed on March 2014 “Work, work and customers on the morning of March of thousands of customers in just five 17th. Dozens of other markets across work” is a call to wake us 17th, 2014 during National Breakfast hours. Asia, the Middle East and Africa also Day. Dubbed the World’s Biggest National Breakfast Day marks the participated in what is considered the from slumber and work Breakfast, National Breakfast Day saw second time McDonald’s has initiated brand’s most successful international hard to achieve national breakfast event. goals. It is the earnest Adel Fahmy, Marketing Manager at desire of every Pakistani to McDonald’s Kuwait commented: “We see Pakistani attaining the are absolutely thrilled by the positive stature visualized by our response to National Breakfast Day great leader “Quaid-e- across Kuwait. The goal of the celebra- Azam”. tion was to demonstrate to our busy Each one of us should consumers that a packed schedule shouldn’t compromise a nourishing try and act up the golden start to the day; the volume of partici- principle the Quaid gave to pation we observed during this year’s the nation and follow him event tells us we were successful in in his foot steps and thus not only meeting, but exceeding this obtain for Pakistan a goal.” respectable and dignified Egg McMuffins are an iconic hand- place in the comity if held breakfast consisting of a fresh nations, emphasized Prof. Grade A egg, Halal chicken roll and a slice of melted cheese, held together Syed Zakir Ali, the Principal by a freshly toasted English muffin. both to the teachers and First introduced in the US in 1971, the the students in his speech McMuffin range is now the brand’s delivered on signature breakfast offering, with Pakistan Day ceremony more than 1.2 billion sold per annum held at school premises. He worldwide. urged the students and advised to develop a KTPA celebrates Global Women’s day sound sense of discipline, character, initiative and sol- uwait Tamilosai Poets Association (KTPA) grandly cel- Tamil peoples of March month were remembered by the id academic background. ebrated Global Women’s day and alternatively abled KTPA’s deputy secretary Pattukkottai Sathya. A court of You must devote your- people’s day in their 95th monthly meeting held on poetry entitled as “Penkal nam Kankal” enacted during the K self wholeheartedly to March 7. The function was organized at Kohinoor party meet, was the pinnacle of the event. This was perfectly hall, Souk Sabah area, Fahaheel. The meet commenced presided over by poetess Jhansirani and poets Vidhyasagar, studies for that is your first with the recitation of Tamil Anthem at 10 am in the audito- Balraj and Yaqoob Ali recited poems on the topics of obligation to yourself rium named as “Aruntharnizh Pulavar Avvaiyar Women’s Educational achievements, social services and wholeheartedly to studies Pukazharankam” to commemorate the ancient Tamil lady Arts & Literature respectively. Prof. Paul Manuvel, Er. for that is your first obliga- scholar-”Avvaiyar”. Mrs Amutha Gopal presided over the Somasundaram, Gangai Gopal, Kavisaysekar and Janab tion to yourself, your par- meeting keeping Mrs Chellamma Vidhyasagar as front Hasan Mohammed expressed well wishing notes. E. ents and to the state and stager in the dais. KTPA’s president Dr Kumar delivered the Hameed won the prize for Tamil quiz conducted by the the ambition of welcome address, Thameem-un-Ansari, general secretary vice president Anbazhakan. All the ladies were honored by Muhammad Ali Jinnah. of Tamilnadu Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) along the gents on account of World Women’s day. KTPA’s The students after with Jainulabudeen, the organizing secretary of MMK General Secretary Vittukatti Masthan was felicitated by Hon graced the occasion as the chief guests. Special poems on President Sadhiq Batcha and all of the members for his recitation of verses from alternatively abled people were offered by poets Mrs Rani wedding anniversary. Masthan, delivered the vote of Holy Quran, sang mili Mohan and Anandaravi. Singers Kalibulla, Ganesh, Pandian, thanks. KTPA’s Treasurer Ajizuddin, his deputy Mannai Raja, Naghma, made speeches, Hidayatullah, baby Mahalaxmi and many more enthralled Ashok and Master Thalib neatly made all the arrangements present tableau and high- the audience by their sweet melodies. for the gathering. Plenty of new member families joined in lighted the different Impressive brief notes on ancient and contemporary KTPA. The function concluded with a delicious lunch aspects of the day. The stu- Tamil literature were delivered by the chief guests. Eminent served to all of the attendees. dents focused on the per- sonality of Jinnah whose firm determination and solid resolution made able to carve out Pakistan on the map of the world. Nothing could keep back the Quaid-e-Azam to transform the thought of Iqbal into the reality, for everybody knew that the Quaid always ,meant what he said, expressed one of the students. TV PROGRAMS MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014

10:45 How Do They Do It? 15:00 Good Luck Charlie 11:10 How Stuff’s Made 15:25 Austin & Ally 11:35 Fast N’ Loud 15:50 Austin & Ally 12:25 Classic Car Rescue 16:10 Violetta 13:15 Overhaulin’ 2013 17:00 Dog With A Blog 00:05 My Family: The Heart Of 14:05 Border Security Rosario Dawson 17:20 Austin & Ally Christmas 14:30 Storage Hunters 00:35 Doctor Who 17:40 Gravity Falls 14:55 Container Wars 18:10 Jessie 01:20 Upstairs Downstairs 15:20 Flying Wild Alaska 02:15 Five Daughters 18:30 Good Luck Charlie wants a Dolores 16:10 Fast N’ Loud 03:05 New Tricks 18:55 A.N.T. Farm 17:00 Ultimate Survival 19:20 Violetta 04:00 The Vicar Of Dibley 17:50 Wheeler Dealers 04:30 My Family: The Heart Of 20:05 Jessie 18:40 You Have Been Warned 20:30 Good Luck Charlie Huerta movie Christmas 19:30 One Man Army 20:50 Dog With A Blog 05:00 Tweenies 20:20 How Do They Do It? Turbo 05:20 Teletubbies 21:15 Gravity Falls laying renowned civil rights activist Dolores Huerta in Specials 21:40 Shake It Up the new biopic “Cesar Chavez” doesn’t seem to be 05:45 Jollywobbles 21:10 Storage Hunters 05:55 Me Too! 22:00 Austin & Ally Penough for Rosario Dawson. The actress, who knows 21:35 Container Wars 06:15 Tweenies 22:25 A.N.T. Farm and has worked with Huerta, would now like to bring her 22:00 Gold Rush 22:50 Good Luck Charlie friend’s life to the screen. “I hope with the success of this 06:35 Teletubbies 22:50 Alaska Gold Diggers 23:10 Wizards Of Waverly Place film that there’s an opportunity to tell her story, ‘cause she’s 07:00 Jollywobbles 23:40 Gold Divers 07:10 Me Too! 23:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place still writing it, she’s still out there on the front lines doing 07:30 The Weakest Link the stuff,” Dawson said in a recent interview. After appearing 08:15 Walk On The Wild Side in “Chavez,” which opens Friday, Dawson said she was “very 08:45 Friday Night Dinner much encouraged” to produce a story about Huerta. “I did 09:10 2 Point 4 Children so much research about her and it was just impossible - a 09:45 Doctors lot of the stuff that we filmed 10:20 Casualty 00:00 Party On didn’t even make it into the 00:30 Bang Goes The Theory 00:30 The Spin Crowd 11:10 Walter’s War cut,” she said. 01:00 Food Factory 00:55 The Dance Scene 12:00 The Weakest Link Starring Michael Pena in 12:45 2 Point 4 Children 01:25 How Tech Works 01:25 Style Star the title role and America 13:15 Friday Night Dinner 01:50 How The Universe Works 01:50 Style Star 13:45 Walk On The Wild Side 02:45 How The Universe Works 02:20 The E! True Hollywood Story Ferrera as his wife, Helen, 14:15 Doctors 03:35 How The Universe Works 03:15 Extreme Close-Up “Cesar Chavez” follows the 14:45 Casualty 04:25 Alien Planet 03:40 Extreme Close-Up Chicano activist as he builds 15:35 Walter’s War 05:15 Food Factory 04:10 THS the United Farm Workers 16:25 The Weakest Link 05:40 How Tech Works 05:05 E!ES union and eventually forces 17:10 Eastenders 06:05 Bang Goes The Theory 06:00 E!ES growers to sign contracts to 17:40 Doctors 06:30 Bang Goes The Theory 07:50 Style Star better the working condi- 18:10 Being Erica 07:00 Sci-Fi Saved My Life 08:20 E! News tions of mostly Latino field 19:00 My Family: The Heart Of 07:55 Storm Chasers 09:15 Opening Act laborers. “What’s really Christmas 08:45 The Ipod Revolution 10:15 Married To Jonas remarkable about this movie 19:30 Rev. 09:40 What’s That About? 10:40 Chasing The Saturdays is that it really shows how 20:00 New Tricks 10:30 Mega World 11:10 Giuliana & Bill women, specially his wife, 20:50 Spooks 11:20 Alien Planet 12:05 E! News were such a big part of 21:40 The Vicar Of Dibley 12:10 Scrapheap Challenge 13:05 Extreme Close-Up (Chavez’s) life and how broad 13:00 How Tech Works 13:35 E!ES 22:10 Upstairs Downstairs the community was of peo- 13:30 The Ipod Revolution 14:30 Style Star 23:05 The Weakest Link ple that made this move- 23:50 Eastenders 14:20 Food Factory 15:00 Keeping Up With The 14:45 How Tech Works Kardashians ment possible,” Dawson said. 15:10 Scrapheap Challenge 16:00 Keeping Up With The “He was a very sort of reluc- 16:00 Mega World Kardashians tant hero, he wasn’t the best 16:50 What’s That About? 17:00 The Drama Queen orator, speaker, speechwriter 17:40 Sci-Fi Saved My Life 18:00 E! News or any of these different 18:30 Joe Rogan Questions 19:00 THS things, but his message was Actress Rosario Dawson attends the premiere of 00:40 Come Dine With Me Everything 20:00 Keeping Up With The really clear - he was speaking 01:30 Come Dine With Me: 19:20 The Gadget Show Kardashians for himself, for his family and Pantelion Films and Supersized 19:45 How Tech Works 21:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills for the greater community.” Participant Media’s 03:05 Antiques Roadshow 20:10 Mythbusters 21:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills Huerta is just the oppo- ‘Cesar Chavez’ at TCL 03:55 Antiques Roadshow 21:00 Mega Builders 22:00 Hello Ross THE BOURNE LEGACY ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION site, Dawson said: “She is very Chinese Theatre on 04:50 Antiques Roadshow 21:50 Kings Of Construction 22:30 Party On forthright, she is very in your March 20, 2014 in Los 22:40 Sci-Trek 23:00 E!ES 05:40 Antiques Roadshow 04:00 The Brothers Solomon-PG15 face, she would have no Angeles. — AP 23:30 Space Pioneer 06:35 French Food At Home 06:00 I Think I Do-PG15 problem jumping into this 07:00 Cash In The Attic 08:00 The Big Year-PG meeting (saying) ‘I’ve never 07:50 Bargain Hunt 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 10:00 Hit List-PG15 02:00 Futbol Mundial had any experience writing a contract before but I’m going 08:35 Chef At Home Stewart 12:00 The Brothers Solomon-PG15 02:30 LPGA Tour in.’” “I think they really balance each other out and I think 09:00 Come Dine With Me: 01:00 The Colbert Report 14:00 The Producers-PG15 06:00 Trans World Sport having women be such a huge part of the movement is Supersized 01:30 Saturday Night Live 16:15 Hit List-PG15 07:00 NRL Premiership what helped it to stay non-violent and I just really credit 10:40 Come Dine With Me 00:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 00:05 Miranda 03:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:00 Ghostbusters II-PG 09:00 NRL Premiership (director Diego Luna) for making a film that really shows 11:30 Gok’s Fashion Fix 00:20 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 00:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 04:00 All Of Us 20:00 Freeloaders-PG15 11:00 Live NRL Premiership how many people were part of it and specially those 12:20 Holmes On Homes 00:45 Jonas 01:30 Emmerdale 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 22:00 Tough Guys-PG15 13:00 ICC Cricket 360 13:10 Antiques Roadshow 01:05 Jonas women.” Dawson first met Huerta a few years ago when 02:25 Coronation Street Jimmy Fallon 13:30 Futbol Mundial 14:05 Extreme Makeover: Home 01:30 Suite Life On Deck they collaborated about the organization Voto Latino, 02:55 The Adventurer’s Guide To 05:30 Better Off Ted 14:00 HSBC Sevens World Series Edition 01:50 Suite Life On Deck which was co-founded by the actress to promote the Latino Britain 06:30 Arrested Development 17:00 Trans World Sport 14:50 Out Of The Frying Pan 02:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place vote in the United States. Since then, they’ve kept in touch. 03:25 Ant And Decs Saturday Night 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 18:00 Golfing World 15:40 Bargain Hunt 02:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place Dawson has also worked with the Dolores Huerta Takeaway 08:00 All Of Us 19:00 PGA Tour Highlights 16:30 Chef At Home 03:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody Foundation. When Luna met Dawson to offer her the role, 04:45 Holiday: Heaven On Earth 08:30 Better Off Ted 01:00 Matching Jack-PG15 20:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 16:55 Chef At Home 03:20 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody the actress wanted to know exactly what his intentions 05:15 House Guest In The Sun 09:00 How I Met Your Mother 02:45 Les Miserables-PG15 21:00 Dubai World Cup Carnival 17:20 Antiques Roadshow 03:45 Jonas were. “I knew her and I loved her, so I was (like), ‘Why are 06:10 The Jonathan Ross Show 09:30 2 Broke Girls 05:30 Good Day For It-PG15 18:15 The Planners 04:05 Jonas 07:05 The Adventurer’s Guide To 10:30 Arrested Development 07:15 A Kiss At Midnight-PG15 you doing this film?’” she said, laughing. Then Huerta gave 19:10 Nigellissima 04:30 Suite Life On Deck Britain 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 09:00 Matching Jack-PG15 the casting her blessing and the deal was done. Dawson 19:35 Come Dine With Me 04:50 Suite Life On Deck 07:30 Foyle’s War Jimmy Fallon 10:45 Les Miserables-PG15 said the hardest part about playing Huerta was portraying 20:30 Come Dine With Me 05:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place 09:20 House Guest In The Sun 12:30 All Of Us 13:30 Dark Horse-PG15 someone who is still alive but also who she knows and 21:20 Antiques Roadshow 05:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 01:00 Bellator MMA 2014 10:15 May The Best House Win 13:00 Better Off Ted 15:00 Muhammad Ali’s Greatest admires deeply. “I have a tendency to gravitate toward sto- 22:15 Bargain Hunt 06:00 Austin & Ally 02:00 HSBC Sevens World Series 11:10 Emmerdale 13:30 Arrested Development Fight-PG15 ries like that ... (portraying) particularly strong women. I like 23:00 The Planners 06:25 Dog With A Blog 05:00 Top 14 12:00 Coronation Street 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 17:00 Carnage-PG15 playing women who make their presence known in their 23:50 Extreme Makeover: Home 06:45 Suite Life On Deck 07:00 Inside The PGA Tour 12:55 Miranda 14:30 2 Broke Girls 19:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking community,” said the star of films like “Sin City,” “Death Edition 07:10 A.N.T. Farm 07:30 PGA Tour 13:25 House Guest In The Sun 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Dawn Pt. 2-PG15 Proof” and “Grindhouse.” “But it’s also been really fun over 07:35 Wolfblood 14:20 May The Best House Win 21:00 The Bling Ring-18 13:00 Golfing World 07:55 Gravity Falls Stewart 14:00 NRL Premiership the years playing, you know, sick, soft, nervous and anxious. 15:10 The Adventurer’s Guide To 16:00 The Colbert Report 23:00 Neds-PG15 I find being vulnerable much more difficult to do for myself 08:20 That’s So Raven Britain 16:00 NHL 08:45 Suite Life On Deck 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 18:00 HSBC Sevens World Series as a role.” — AP 15:35 The Chase 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 09:05 Violetta 16:30 Please Marry My Boy 21:00 WWE SmackDown 09:55 Austin & Ally 19:00 2 Broke Girls 23:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 17:25 Miranda 19:30 Trophy Wife 00:05 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 10:15 Austin & Ally 17:50 Miranda 10:40 Camp Rock 20:00 The Goldbergs 00:55 Survive That! 18:20 May The Best House Win 20:30 Parks And Recreation 01:30 Cleanskin-18 Lady Gaga performs at 07:00 You Have Been Warned 12:15 Hannah Montana 19:10 Coronation Street 12:35 Hannah Montana 21:00 The Daily Show Global 03:15 Sparkle-PG15 07:50 Robson’s New Extreme 20:00 Holiday: Heaven On Earth Edition 05:15 Shadow Dancer-PG15 Fishing Challenge 13:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place 20:30 Please Marry My Boy 22:00 Girls 07:00 The Field-PG15 00:30 ICC Cricket 360 closing Roseland Ballroom 08:40 Fast N’ Loud 13:25 Wizards Of Waverly Place 21:25 Miranda 22:30 Getting On 09:00 Drew Peterson: 01:00 ICC T20I World Cup 09:30 Border Security 13:45 A.N.T. Farm 21:50 Miranda 23:00 Ja’mie: Private School Girl Untouchable-PG15 04:30 ICC Cricket 360 09:55 Storage Hunters 14:10 Jessie 22:20 Coronation Street 23:30 The Goldbergs 11:00 No Surrender-PG15 05:00 ICC World T20 Highlights 10:20 Container Wars 14:35 Dog With A Blog 23:15 Emmerdale 13:00 Flower Girl-PG15 06:00 ICC World T20 Highlights 15:00 Hold Fast-PG15 07:00 ICC Cricket 360 17:00 No Surrender-PG15 07:30 ICC Under 19 World Cup 01:00 Top Gear (US) 19:00 96 Minutes-PG15 2014 Highlights 02:00 Supernatural 21:00 Things We Lost In The Fire 08:30 Big Bash League Highlights 03:00 Game Of Thrones 23:00 Idlewild-18 09:30 ICC Cricket 360 04:00 Burn Notice 10:00 ICC World T20 Highlights 05:00 Suits 11:00 ICC World T20 Highlights 07:00 Last Resort 12:00 Live OSN Studio 08:00 Necessary Roughness 12:30 Live ICC T20I World Cup 09:00 Top Gear (US) 01:00 House At The End Of The 16:00 Live OSN Studio 10:00 Suits Street-PG15 16:30 Live ICC T20I World Cup 11:00 Burn Notice 03:00 Shadow Dancer-PG15 20:00 Live OSN Studio Post Match 12:00 Emmerdale 05:00 Zambezia-PG 20:30 ICC Cricket 360 12:30 Coronation Street 07:00 What To Expect When You’re 21:00 ICC T20I World Cup 14:00 Necessary Roughness Expecting-PG15 16:00 Emmerdale 09:00 Bernie-PG15 File photo shows Lady Gaga, center, and R Kelly per- 16:30 Coronation Street 11:00 The Guilt Trip-PG15 form at the American Music Awards held at the Nokia 19:00 Betrayal 13:00 Sky Force-FAM Theatre LA Live, in Los Angeles. — AP 20:00 Revenge 15:00 Class-PG15 ady Gaga celebrated her 28th birthday with an energetic 21:00 The Blacklist 17:00 Bernie-PG15 00:00 Ancient Aliens 23:00 Game Of Thrones 19:00 The Impossible-PG15 but short concert at the Roseland Ballroom in her first of 01:00 Pawn Stars UK seven concerts at the closing venue. Gaga performed for 21:00 Django Unchained-18 02:00 Storage Wars: New York L an hour Friday night in front of a feverish crowd. She started 23:45 The Possession-PG15 02:30 Storage Wars: New York 03:00 Haunted History with a slow version of “Born This Way” on piano, with the audi- 04:00 Swamp People ence joining in. She followed that with the jams “Monster” and 01:00 C.S.I. New York “Bad Romance.” She danced and sang on the side of the stage 02:00 Good Morning America 05:00 Pawn Stars UK 06:00 Ancient Aliens in a red tight leotard. 04:00 Rescue Me “Thank you so much for spending my birthday with me,” 05:00 C.S.I. New York 01:15 Angel’s Friends 07:00 Storage Wars: New York 06:00 Good Morning America 02:45 Blue Elephant 2 07:30 Storage Wars: New York she yelled to the audience, which included her actor-boyfriend 07:00 Emmerdale 04:30 Cher Ami 08:00 Ancient Aliens Taylor Kinney and Nate Ruess, lead singer for the band Fun. 07:30 Coronation Street 06:00 Angel’s Friends 09:00 Storage Wars Texas Gaga was in top form as she sang nearly a dozen of her 10:00 Emmerdale 08:00 Pacific Pirates 09:30 Counting Cars songs, including “Just Dance,” an acoustic version of “Poker 10:30 Coronation Street 10:00 Wreck-It Ralph 10:00 Pawn Stars Face,” and the recent hit “Applause.” The concert’s main surprise: 12:00 Royal Pains 11:45 Tom & Jerry: Robin Hood 10:30 Pawn Stars It was too short. After she ended, fans waited for the pop star 14:00 Live Good Morning America And His Merry Mouse 11:00 Storage Wars to hit the stage again. She never did. She performed some 17:00 Royal Pains 13:00 Angel’s Friends 11:30 Storage Wars tracks from her recent album, “ARTPOP,” which has struggled to 14:30 The Ugly Duckling And Me 12:00 Storage Wars: New York match the success of her other releases. But onstage, she 16:00 The Great Bear 12:30 Storage Wars: New York 18:00 Wreck-It Ralph showed no signs of slowing down. 13:00 Ancient Aliens Gaga closed with the new single, “G.U.Y.,” now wearing an 20:00 Fly Away Home 14:00 Storage Wars 22:00 The Ugly Duckling And Me all-white ensemble (her sixth costume change for the night). 00:00 Primal-18 14:30 Storage Wars “Thanks for making this the best birthday ever,” she said. The 02:00 Graystone-PG15 23:30 The Great Bear 15:00 Storage Wars: New York New York-born singer will perform six more shows at the 03:45 The Bourne Legacy-PG15 15:30 Storage Wars: New York 06:00 Swamp Shark-PG15 16:00 Storage Wars: New York Roseland Ballroom, helping close the famed venue that 08:00 Grosse Pointe Blank-PG15 16:30 Storage Wars: New York opened eight decades ago. Performers in the past have includ- 10:00 The Marine-PG15 17:00 Pawn Stars ed The Rolling Stones, Madonna and Beyonce, who famously 12:00 Dangerous Attraction-PG15 performed four shows in 2011 when she was pregnant. 00:00 The Runway-PG15 17:30 Pawn Stars 14:00 Grosse Pointe Blank-PG15 “How many New Yorkers are in here tonight?” Gaga asked 01:45 Jack Reacher-PG15 18:00 Storage Wars 16:00 Red Eye-PG15 04:00 Now Is Good-PG15 18:30 Storage Wars early in the show. “Do you believe in love? Do you?” The 18:00 Dangerous Attraction-PG15 06:00 Chimpanzee-PG 19:00 Storage Wars: New York Grammy winner kept the concert tame compared to her show- 20:00 Blown Away-PG15 08:00 Asterix And Obelix-PG15 19:30 Storage Wars: New York case at the South by Southwest festival this month, which fea- 22:15 Abraham Lincoln: Vampire 10:00 3 Holiday Tails-PG 20:00 Storage Wars Texas tured a performance artist vomiting paint on her. She thanked Hunter-18 11:45 Jack Reacher-PG15 20:30 Storage Wars Texas her fans a number of times in between songs. “When I woke up 14:00 The Wishing Well-PG15 21:00 Pawn Stars this morning I was so happy,” she said. “I couldn’t wait to get 16:00 Asterix And Obelix-PG15 21:30 Storage Wars here tonight. I have so many friends here ... so many fans I’ve 18:00 Red Dawn-PG15 22:00 Pawn Stars grown up with for six whole years, seven whole years.” Before 22:30 Pawn Stars 00:00 Tough Guys-PG15 20:00 Alex Cross-PG15 singing the song “Dope,” she added: “Thanks for keeping me 23:00 Pawn Stars UK SHADOW DANCER ON OSN MOVIES HD 02:00 Ted-18 22:00 Scary Movie 5-PG15 alive.”Gaga’s final Roseland show is April 7. — AP Classifieds

MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (27/03/2014 TO 02/04/2014)

SHARQIA-1 FANAR-5 DIVERGENT (DIG) 5:15 PM SABOTAGE (DIG) 12:45 PM BLOOD TIES (DIG) 1:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 8:15 PM SABOTAGE (DIG) 2:45 PM HAUNT (DIG) 4:00 PM DIVERGENT (DIG) 10:30 PM DIVERGENT (DIG) 4:45 PM THE DOUBLE (DIG) 6:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 1:15 AM SABOTAGE (DIG) 7:45 PM BLOOD TIES (DIG) 8:00 PM CAPTAIN AMERICA: DIVERGENT (DIG) 9:45 PM NO WED THE WINTER SOLDIER (DIG) 8:00 PM SABOTAGE (DIG) 12:30 AM BLOOD TIES (DIG) 10:30 PM WED NO WED CAPTAIN AMERICA: SHARQIA-2 BLOOD TIES (DIG) 12:45 AM THE WINTER SOLDIER (DIG) 10:45 PM MINUSCULE: VALLEY NO SUN+TUE+WED OF THE LOST ANTS (DIG) 12:30 PM CAPTAIN AMERICA: 360º- 1 NEED FOR SPEED (DIG-3D) 2:30 PM THE WINTER SOLDIER (DIG) 8:00 PM DIVERGENT (DIG) 2:00 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG-3D) 5:00 PM CAPTAIN AMERICA: DIVERGENT (DIG) 5:00 PM NEED FOR SPEED (DIG-3D) 7:00 PM THE WINTER SOLDIER (DIG) 10:45 PM DIVERGENT (DIG) 8:00 PM NEED FOR SPEED (DIG-3D) 9:30 PM NO WED CAPTAIN AMERICA: MARINA-1 DIVERGENT (DIG) 11:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 12:30 PM THE WINTER SOLDIER (DIG-3D) 9:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED kitchen and internet facility. NEED FOR SPEED (DIG-3D) 12:05 AM BLOOD TIES (DIG) 2:45 PM CAPTAIN AMERICA: NON-STOP (DIG) 5:00 PM THE WINTER SOLDIER (DIG) 8:00 PM SITUATION VACANT Contact: 97523316 / BLOOD TIES (DIG) 7:15 PM SHARQIA-3 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 24745162. (C 4676) NON-STOP (DIG) 9:30 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 1:30 PM THE WINTER SOLDIER (DIG) 10:45 PM An experienced person 27-3-2014 BLOOD TIES (DIG) 11:45 PM BLOOD TIES (DIG) 3:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED seeks an opening in NON-STOP (DIG) 6:00 PM 360º- 2 accounts/stores. Call BLOOD TIES (DIG) 8:15 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 1:00 PM MARINA-2 97835420. (C 468) FOR SALE BLOOD TIES (DIG) 10:30 PM SABOTAGE (DIG) 12:45 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 3:15 PM 31-3-2014 NON-STOP (DIG) 12:45 AM DIVERGENT (DIG) 2:45 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 5:30 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 7:45 PM Doctor selling Mitsubishi SABOTAGE (DIG) 5:45 PM Lady Indian physiothera- MUHALAB-1 DIVERGENT (DIG) 7:45 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 10:00 PM Gallant model 2013, done pist B.PT, M.Sc (UK) 4 years 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 12:30 PM SABOTAGE (DIG) 10:30 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 12:15 AM only 14000 km, like new, 4 NON-STOP (DIG) 2:30 PM experience, transferable CAPTAIN AMERICA: cyl, for KD 3250 only (new BLOOD TIES (DIG) 4:45 PM 360º- 3 visa, ready to join. Please THE WINTER SOLDIER (DIG) 10:30 PM KD 5400) & Jaguar X 2.50 NON-STOP (DIG) 7:00 PM DIVERGENT (DIG) 12:30 AM BLOOD TIES (DIG) 2:15 PM call 99651572. (C 4677) BLOOD TIES (DIG) 4:30 PM model 2002, done only BLOOD TIES (DIG) 9:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED 27-3-2014 CAPTAIN AMERICA: BLOOD TIES (DIG) 6:45 PM 83000 km, very good, THE WINTER SOLDIER (DIG) 9:30 PM MARINA-3 BLOOD TIES (DIG) 9:00 PM leather seats for KD 950 NEED FOR SPEED (DIG-3D) 12:30 PM BLOOD TIES (DIG) 11:15 PM MATRIMONIAL only. Tel: 66572082. MUHALAB-2 NEED FOR SPEED (DIG-3D) 3:00 PM AL-KOUT.1 (C 4679) NEED FOR SPEED (DIG) 2:00 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 5:30 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 12:30 PM NEED FOR SPEED (DIG) 4:30 PM NEED FOR SPEED (DIG-3D) 7:30 PM NEED FOR SPEED (DIG) 2:30 PM Marriage proposal for 29-3-2014 LEGEND (DIG) (Telugu) 4:30 PM NEED FOR SPEED (DIG-3D) 10:00 PM NEED FOR SPEED (DIG) 5:00 PM Marathomite girl 26 years LAMO AKHZA (DIG) (Arabic) 7:45 PM CAPTAIN AMERICA: 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 7:30 PM B/B in Kuwait (Ms) well NEED FOR SPEED (DIG) 9:45 PM THE WINTER SOLDIER (DIG-3D) 10:00 PM NEED FOR SPEED (DIG) 9:30 PM placed in Kuwait. Proposals NEED FOR SPEED (DIG-3D) 12:45 AM CAPTAIN AMERICA: MUHALAB-3 THE WINTER SOLDIER (DIG) 9:30 PM from Marthomite boys - SABOTAGE (DIG) 12:30 PM AVENUES-1 NEED FOR SPEED (DIG) 12:05 AM qualified and well placed in DIVERGENT (DIG) 2:30 PM MINUSCULE: Kuwait or GCC countries. SABOTAGE (DIG) 5:15 PM VALLEY OF THE LOST ANTS (DIG) 2:00 PM AL-KOUT.2 Email: No: 16121 DIVERGENT (DIG) 7:15 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 4:00 PM DIVERGENT (DIG) 2:00 PM [email protected] SABOTAGE (DIG) 10:00 PM LEGEND (DIG) (Telugu) 4:00 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 4:45 PM (C 4678) 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 7:00 PM DIVERGENT (DIG) 7:00 PM 27-3-2014 FANAR-1 LEGEND (DIG) (Telugu) 7:00 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 9:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 1:30 PM LEGEND (DIG) (Telugu) 10:00 PM DIVERGENT (DIG) 11:45 PM MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (DIG) 4:00 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 1:00 AM NON-STOP (DIG) 6:00 PM AL-KOUT.3 ACCOMMODATION FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 8:15 PM AVENUES-2 NON-STOP (DIG) 1:45 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 2:15 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 10:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 4:00 PM Accommodation available NON-STOP (DIG) 12:15 AM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 4:30 PM SABOTAGE (DIG) 6:15 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 6:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 8:15 PM in Kuwait city (Maliya) bed FANAR-3 FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 9:00 PM SABOTAGE (DIG) 10:30 PM space/sharing room avail- SABOTAGE (DIG) 1:00 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 11:15 PM SABOTAGE (DIG) 12:30 AM able for decent Goan bach- SABOTAGE (DIG) 3:00 PM FACTORY GIRL (DIG) (Arabic) 1:15 AM elor from 1st April with NO SUN+TUE+WED DIVERGENT (DIG) 5:00 PM AL-KOUT.4 kitchen facility. Contact: SABOTAGE (DIG) 7:45 PM BLOOD TIES (DIG) 1:00 PM AVENUES-3 50195621. DIVERGENT (DIG) 9:45 PM BLOOD TIES (DIG) 3:30 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 1:15 PM 31-3-2014 HAUNT (DIG) 5:45 PM SABOTAGE (DIG) 12:30 AM NON-STOP (DIG) 3:30 PM BLOOD TIES (DIG) 7:45 PM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 5:45 PM FANAR-4 BLOOD TIES (DIG) 10:00 PM Abraq-Khaitan bed NON-STOP (DIG) 8:00 PM space/sharing room avail- NEED FOR SPEED (DIG) 2:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 10:15 PM HAUNT (DIG) 12:15 AM 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE (DIG) 4:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 12:30 AM able for decent NEED FOR SPEED (DIG) 6:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED BAIRAQ-1 Goan/Indian bachelor in NEED FOR SPEED (DIG) 9:15 PM SABOTAGE (DIG) 1:15 PM two bedroom flat, beside CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER (DIG- AVENUES-4 NEED FOR SPEED (DIG-3D) 3:15 PM the main road and bus stop. 3D) 9:15 PM DIVERGENT (DIG) 2:15 PM SABOTAGE (DIG) 5:45 PM NEED FOR SPEED (DIG) 11:45 PM NEED FOR SPEED (DIG-3D) 7:45 PM Near police station round- about, from 1st May with

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 31/3/2014 FDB 057 Dubai 13:55 Departure Flights on Monday 31/3/2014 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 058 Dubai 14:35 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 QTR 1079 Doha 14:55 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:40 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:20 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05 JZR 267 Beirut 00:25 FDB 081 Dubai 14:55 UAL 981 IAD 00:25 KAC 673 Dubai 15:05 JZR 539 Cairo 00:30 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 BBC 044 Chittagong/Dhaka 00:35 KAC 617 Doha 15:30 MSC 403 Asyut 01:30 KAC 562 Amman 15:30 PIA 206 Peshawar/Lahore 01:00 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:35 ETH 422 Addis Ababa 01:45 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 JZR 502 Luxor 01:30 FDB 082 Dubai 15:35 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 OMA 645 Muscat 15:50 MSC 404 Asyut 02:30 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 GFA 211 Bahrain 01:55 KNE 460 Jeddah 15:55 ETH 422 Dammam/Addis Ababa 02:35 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 FDB 051 Dubai 15:55 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:30 KAC 118 New York 16:00 FDB 068 Dubai 03:45 FDB 052 Dubai 16:35 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:35 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 KNE 481 Jeddah 16:40 THY 764 Istanbul 02:40 RJA 640 Amman 16:20 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:20 OMA 646 Muscat 16:50 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:45 QTR 1077 Doha 04:25 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:50 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 RJA 641 Amman 17:20 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 UAE 857 Dubai 16:55 MSC 406 Sohag 05:00 QTR 1073 Doha 17:20 QTR 1076 Doha 03:25 FDB 073 Dubai 16:55 FDB 078 Dubai 05:00 FDB 074 Dubai 17:35 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:00 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 QTR 1085 Doha 05:20 JZR 538 Cairo 17:40 FDB 077 Dubai 04:15 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 JZR 560 Sohag 05:35 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:45 FDB 075 Dubai 17:45 THY 765 Istanbul 06:00 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:50 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 JAI 575 Abu Dhabi/Kochi 06:30 FDB 069 Dubai 05:50 UAE 858 Dubai 18:15 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 542 Cairo 18:15 RJA 643 Amman 06:35 BAW 157 London 06:35 JZR 184 Dubai 18:20 QTR 1080 Doha 18:25 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:00 JZR 503 Luxor 07:40 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 JZR 164 Dubai 07:15 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 FDB 076 Dubai 18:25 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:50 KAC 104 London 18:45 KAC 537 Sohag 08:00 JZR 238 Amman 18:45 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 FDB 063 Dubai 18:45 BAW 156 London 08:25 JZR 134 Bahrain 18:50 QTR 1086 Doha 07:55 KAC 618 Doha 18:55 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 QTR 1081 Doha 19:25 IRA 667 Esfahan 08:20 ABY 129 Sharjah 19:00 QTR 1087 Doha 08:55 FDB 064 Dubai 19:25 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 IRA 666 Esfahan 09:20 ABY 120 Sharjah 19:40 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:30 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 ABY 125 Sharjah 08:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:35 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:55 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 JAI 571 Mumbai 20:35 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:30 OMA 647 Muscat 19:55 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:15 FDB 062 Dubai 20:50 KAC 344 Chennai 09:35 FDB 061 Dubai 20:05 FDB 056 Dubai 10:15 KAC 331 Trivandrum 20:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:35 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:15 KAC 561 Amman 10:15 OMA 648 Muscat 20:55 KAC 352 Kochi 09:55 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:30 KAC 351 Kochi 21:05 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 SYR 342 Damascus 11:05 AXB 489 Kochi/Mangalore 20:35 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 SYR 341 Damascus 10:05 THY 773 Istanbul 11:20 FDB 079 Dubai 21:05 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:30 THY 772 Istanbul 10:20 KAC 541 Cairo 11:30 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 AXB 490 Mangalore/Kochi 21:35 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 IRC 6521 Lamerd 10:50 IRC 6522 Lamerd 11:40 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:45 FDB 080 Dubai 21:50 QTR 1074 Doha 21:30 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 MSC 405 Sohag 11:20 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 JZR 165 Dubai 11:50 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:15 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 JZR 135 Bahrain 21:45 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:20 UAE 860 Dubai 22:25 FDB 065 Dubai 11:55 FDB 059 Dubai 22:00 JZR 561 Sohag 12:00 KAC 103 London 12:30 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:30 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 FDB 066 Dubai 12:40 QTR 1075 Doha 22:40 THY 770 Istanbul 12:25 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 FDB 071 Dubai 12:35 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 FDB 060 Dubai 22:40 TAR 327 Tunis 22:55 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:40 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 JZR 185 Dubai 22:55 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 FDB 072 Dubai 13:15 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:45 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 THY 771 Istanbul 13:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:35 THY 766 Istanbul 13:10 PIA 205 Lahore/Peshawar 23:15 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:40 KAC 538 Sohag 13:40 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:20 THY 767 Istanbul 14:10 TAR 327 Dubai/Tunis 23:45 QTR 1078 Doha 13:45 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 23:40 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014

CROSSWORD 503 STAR TRACK

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

It is difficult to stay inside today. This may mean chores inside keep you Your psychic senses are in focus today. Your creative side is active and you from the beauty of the out-of-doors but more than likely it is just that the could come up with some wonderful ideas that will bring monetary responsibilities of this day seem to multiply and you would rather be somewhere else; join rewards. You may perceive how to proceed with plans and decisions regarding your life the club. When you stop to take a break, walk away from your project and chat a while situation. The romantic side in you is in full bloom. This is not the best time to engage in with friends or family. You may find that a card game has developed or some of your strenuous activity, however. Your mind is quickened, making you receptive to all external friends are up for a little ball game after you finish your project or work. Whatever the stimuli. Be practical and diplomatic in your discussions with loved ones. Take care when case, these friends keep you enthusiastic about completing whatever task is at hand; they interacting with friends-you could be overly critical-as a critic rates a movie. You may find may even help you. A great adventure may be in the works for later this year. Meanwhile, yourself serving to guide someone younger than you in matters of importance this smile at the camera-there are a lot of worthwhile memories. Happy birthday! evening. When you are determined to listen, you make a very good counselor.

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

This can be one of your better days for communication and understanding. This is a productive day. You could be most persuasive with others and can Out-of-town friends or distant family may want to visit with you and your new family. If strategize to everyone’s benefit. You may have difficulty concentrating on your home or family is not equipped to handle company, perhaps a meeting place mundane things-but, your psychic awareness is enhanced and you will intuitively know between cities can make available a get-together. Another way to handle out-of-town what is being asked of you. You may find yourself relating to new people around you as guests might be to pay for half the cost of a motel room. You may be of tremendous help though you have known them for a very long time. This is also a good time to help or just to a stranger or neighbor today. Get outside, weather permitting, and take a walk. This will be with your friends. You draw emotional sustenance and a sense of security from ideals, help to give your thoughts a good focus. Taking care of personal business is a major friends and social involvement at this time. You will probably be happy to know that your theme this afternoon. Good news comes to you from a long-distance call. You may reflect love relationship is improving and developing nicely. sweet romantic interests today.

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

Changes are in the air and you are looking forward to positive results. This is Today is a great time to be with others and to work together. Work, health, one of your better days for money. You will be successful-do not push too diet and the other things that take care of us if we take care of them can hard. Throughout today you will receive the best results for your efforts if you practice provide a lot of satisfaction. These things can lead to love and a new self-image, if you stick ACROSS cathode and a cadmium anode. with them. This is a time to consolidate your friendships-strengthen them before they 1. Tag the base runner to get him out. 2. A popular island resort in the patience and perseverance. If you are thinking about a job in your home, think about the service industry. Consider doing business and research for people and agencies that do wither away. You may find a good opportunity to help someone today that gave you some 4. Grass of the eastern United States and Netherlands Antilles. not have the time to do this work for themselves. This is one of your best business-devel- help in the past. Spending some time with close or old friends is advisable this afternoon- tropical America having spikelets enclosed 3. A small cake leavened with yeast. opment times. If you are artistic, allow your dreams and imagination to reach into areas step outside the usual routine. A neighbor or sibling could undergo some kind of transfor- in prickly burs. 4. Small yellowish- to reddish-brown pear. that you have not explored. Regardless of your special talents, music and imagination can mation, or your neighborhood may be in a redevelopment phase. Relaxation techniques 12. Being nine more than eighty. 5. An associate degree in nursing. take you into levels of consciousness you have never reached before. are most important throughout this next week. 15. A self-funded retirement plan that 6. A state in the western United States. allows you to contribute a limited yearly 7. 1 species. sum toward your retirement. 8. A thin strip (wood or metal). ) 16. A flat rectangular paper container for 9. Forming a continuous series of pores. Cancer (June 21-July 22 Capricorn (December 22-January 19) papers. 10. Activity involved in maintaining some- Taking care of business is a major theme where your emotional orientation Taking care of some personal business is a major theme where your emo- 17. Being ten more than one hundred thir- thing in good working order. is concerned. You crave organization and practicality and you want to get tional orientation is concerned. You crave organization and practicality and ty. 11. A rare heavy polyvalent metallic ele- things accomplished. Outer circumstances tend to work in your favor. You may find that you want to get things accomplished. Sometime today you may be looking for intellectual 18. Having three dimensions. ment that resembles manganese chemical- you are more organized than before, able to reach new levels of self-discipline. This can be stimulation in your reading material. This could mean you get a library card or go to a 19. North American yellow-breasted song- ly and is used in some alloys. a smooth time during which events seem to arrange themselves to your advantage. bookstore. You feel healthy and natural and have the opportunity to accomplish a great birds. 12. Small tropical American tree bearing Lunchtime spent with old friends may put you in a new light with co-workers. Your sense deal at this time. You may be redesigning or rescheduling some of your activities. You are 21. A loose sleeveless outer garment made edible plumlike fruit. of humor is obvious this afternoon. Others may find you especially witty. People value you the one others depend on and trust. Taking responsibility in helping to accomplish some for your independence and unique qualities. This evening is a good time to socialize or of your family goals is an important act now. There could be a new home or new property from aba cloth. 13. Being two more than twenty. enjoy the company of a loved one. near a lake in the near future. 22. A genus of Psittacidae. 14. Wearing or provided with clothing. 25. Harsh or corrosive in tone. 20. The capital of Bahrain. 26. An official prosecutor for a judicial dis- 23. A colorless and odorless inert gas. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) trict. 24. A metric unit of length equal to 1000 Leo (July 23-August 22) 28. (music) A notation written at the begin- meters (or 0.621371 miles). Your personal life calls for the solving of challenges. It takes little time for Your organizational skills come into play this morning and help you to com- ning or end of a passage that is to be 27. The fleshy part of the human body that your analytical mind to move through the problems. You will be able to plete a difficult project. Your intuition will lead you into important directions. A co-worker tackle tasks that require real discipline. You could find that you are appreciated or valued repeated. you sit on. may come to visit or perhaps this person goes to the same religious setting that you for your ability to respond where you are needed. This is a good day for building confi- 31. An ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure 29. A mental representation of some haunt- attend. Listening and sharing can be most beneficial. Time spent in a restaurant is a fun dences! Changes in the neighborhood may get on your nerves this evening. This may equal to about a bushel. ing experience. time later today. Influential people are around you and will help you-if you need it. Now is mean a new music group is beginning to set up practice periods or someone has a new the time to believe in yourself and move forward with your ideas. Your birth sign shows 34. Goddess of spring and wife of Bragi. 30. Two items of the same kind. puppy in their backyard. These things have a way of ironing out and you try to pay atten- that advancement in the workplace will happen soon but you must be on the watch. The 39. A member of the Siouan people former- 32. Affectedly trendy. tion to whatever is going on in your own home. Others may want to fill your free time with beginning of next week is a good time to take notes and make your professional desires ly living in the Missouri river valley in NE 33. A high-kicking dance of French origin what they think you should do. Consider a movie for this evening. Nebraska. performed by a female chorus line. known. If you miss this opportunity, there will be another one. 41. The right to take another's property if 35. Deciduous shrub of North America. an obligation is not discharged. 36. Enlarged prostate. 42. Capital and largest city of the Czech 37. A trivalent metallic element of the rare Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) Republic. earth group. 44. A unit of acoustic absorption equivalent 38. The cardinal number that is the sum of As you help someone today with advice as well as your sympathy, you will At home today, you have quick answers, great wit and a surplus of insights be helping yourself. Rewards are for the taking at this time. You may, however, need to and solutions for whatever problem may exist. Today is a good time to write to the absorption by a square foot of a sur- four and one. and communicate with real originality. All sorts of inventions, poetry, short stories, creative face that absorbs all incident sound. 40. At right angles to the length of a ship or think things over before you sign on a dotted line. Someone will pay back a debt they owe you, or some positive monetary results are realized from a past financial investment. Also, ideas and breakthroughs are possible. You have a knack for dealing with the public and 45. An Asian river. airplane. recent improvement within the company that you own or for which you work creates an may find yourself called upon to stop what you are doing and help a neighbor with a diffi- 47. A kiln for drying hops. 43. A river in north central Switzerland that opportunity for travel. Discussions of where, when and how you might travel will become culty. You could easily reach an important political status this year . . . Keep good notes of 49. (computer science) A coding system runs northeast into the Rhine. the topic of conversation with family and friends. It is time now to tend to the family. This the complaints citizens make and the needs they have. The work you have done toward that incorporates extra parity bits in order 46. A metallic element having four allotrop- evening is excellent for taking part in family activities. When you walk your dog this reducing your debts has been successful and will continue to be successful-don’t give up, to detect errors. ic forms. evening, try a different path. Count your blessings. you are almost there. 50. A radioactive element of the actinide 48. The capital and largest city of Yemen. series. 52. Possessing or using or characteristic of 51. Queen of the Olympian gods in ancient or appropriate to supernatural powers. Greek mythology. 54. Artifact made by weaving or felting or 53. (British slang) Cafe. knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic 58. Gum resin used especially in treating fibers. skin irritation. 55. Any wingless blood-sucking parasitic 60. Primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly insect noted for ability to leap. aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true 56. A white soft metallic element that tar- stems and roots and leaves. nishes readily. 61. The month following July and preced- 57. A healthy state of wellbeing free from ing September. disease. 62. A French abbot. 59. The southern part of the ancient 64. The branch of computer science that Palestine succeeding the kingdom of deal with writing computer programs that Judah. can solve problems creatively. 63. A digestive juice secreted by the liver 70. English theoretical physicist who and stored in the gallbladder. applied relativity theory to quantum 65. The United Nations agency concerned mechanics and predicted the existence of with atomic energy. antimatter and the positron (1902-1984). 66. (Greek mythology) Goddess of the earth 72. Rock that in its molten form (as magma) and mother of Cronus and the Titans in issues from volcanos. ancient mythology. 74. Sour or bitter in taste. 67. (British colloquialism) An excavation. 75. American prizefighter who won the 68. A particular geographical region of world heavyweight championship three indefinite boundary (usually serving some times (born in 1942). special purpose or distinguished by its peo- 76. Be earlier in time. ple or culture or geography). 79. A zodiacal constellation in northern 69. Very dark black. hemisphere between Cancer and Virgo. 71. A rotating disk shaped to convert circu- 80. The last (12th) month of the year. lar into linear motion. 81. A great raja. 73. A magnetic tape recorder for recording 82. A device for creating a current of air by (and playing back) TV programs. movement of a surface or surfaces. 77. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group. DOWN 78. A person who announces and plays 1. A rechargeable battery with a nickel popular recorded music.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 information

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

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

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

Nuzha 22526804 Afghanistan 0093 Iran 0098 Albania 00355 Iraq 00964 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Algeria 00213 Ireland 00353 Qadsiya 22515088 Andorra 00376 Italy 0039 Angola 00244 Ivory Coast 00225 Dasmah 22532265 Anguilla 001264 Jamaica 001876 Antiga 001268 Japan 0081 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Argentina 0054 Jordan 00962 Shaab 22518752 Armenia 00374 Kazakhstan 007 Australia 0061 Kenya 00254 Qibla 22459381 Austria 0043 Kiribati 00686 Bahamas 001242 Kuwait 00965 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Bahrain 00973 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Mirqab 22456536 Bangladesh 00880 Laos 00856 Barbados 001246 Latvia 00371 Sharq 22465401 Belarus 00375 Lebanon 00961 Belgium 0032 Liberia 00231 Salmiya 25746401 Belize 00501 Libya 00218 Jabriya 25316254 Benin 00229 Lithuania 00370 Bermuda 001441 Luxembourg 00352 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Bhutan 00975 Macau 00853 Bolivia 00591 Macedonia 00389 Bayan 25388462 Bosnia 00387 Madagascar 00261 Mishref 25381200 Botswana 00267 Majorca 0034 Brazil 0055 Malawi 00265 W Hawally 22630786 Brunei 00673 Malaysia 0060 Bulgaria 00359 Maldives 00960 Sabah 24810221 Burkina 00226 Mali 00223 Jahra 24770319 Burundi 00257 Malta 00356 Cambodia 00855 Marshall Islands 00692 New Jahra 24575755 Cameroon 00237 Martinique 00596 Canada 001 Mauritania 00222 West Jahra 24772608 Cape Verde 00238 Mauritius 00230 South Jahra 24775066 Cayman Islands 001345 Mayotte 00269 Central African 00236 Mexico 0052 North Jahra 24775992 Chad 00235 Micronesia 00691 Chile 0056 Moldova 00373 North Jleeb 24311795 China 0086 Monaco 00377 Ardhiya 24884079 Colombia 0057 Mongolia 00976 Comoros 00269 Montserrat 001664 Firdous 24892674 Congo 00242 Morocco 00212 Cook Islands 00682 Mozambique 00258 Omariya 24719048 Costa Rica 00506 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 N Khaitan 24710044 Croatia 00385 Namibia 00264 Cuba 0053 Nepal 00977 Fintas 23900322 Cyprus 00357 Netherlands (Holland) Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 0031 Czech Republic 00420 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Denmark 0045 New Caledonia 00687 Diego Garcia 00246 New Zealand 0064 PRIVATE CLINICS Djibouti 00253 Nicaragua 00505 Dominica 001767 Nigar 00227 Dominican Republic 001809 Nigeria 00234 Ecuador 00593 Niue 00683 Egypt 0020 Norfolk Island 00672 El Salvador 00503 Northern Ireland (UK) Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Endocrinologist England (UK) 0044 0044 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Equatorial Guinea 00240 North Korea 00850 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Eritrea 00291 Norway 0047 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Estonia 00372 Oman 00968 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Ethiopia 00251 Pakistan 0092 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Falkland Islands 00500 Palau 00680 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Faroe Islands 00298 Panama 00507 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Fiji 00679 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Finland 00358 Paraguay 00595 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 (1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 France 0033 Peru 0051 French Guiana 00594 Philippines 0063 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, Rheumatologists: French Polynesia 00689 Poland 0048 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 FRCS (Canada) 25655535 Gabon 00241 Portugal 00351 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dentists Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Gambia 00220 Puerto Rico 001787 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Georgia 00995 Qatar 00974 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Germany 0049 Romania 0040 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ghana 00233 Russian Federation 007 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Gibraltar 00350 Rwanda 00250 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Greece 0030 Saint Helena 00290 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Greenland 00299 Saint Kitts 001869 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Grenada 001473 Saint Lucia 001758 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Guadeloupe 00590 Saint Pierre 00508 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Guam 001671 Saint Vincent 001784 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Guatemala 00502 Samoa US 00684 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Guinea 00224 Samoa West 00685 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Guyana 00592 San Marino 00378 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Haiti 00509 Sao Tone 00239 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Saudi Arabia 00966 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Honduras 00504 Scotland (UK) 0044 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Hong Kong 00852 Senegal 00221 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Hungary 0036 Seychelles 00284 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sierra Leone 00232 Soor Center Iceland 00354 Singapore 0065 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 India 0091 Slovakia 00421 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 Indian Ocean 00873 Slovenia 00386 Indonesia 0062 Solomon Islands 00677 lifestyle MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014

Gossip

Cameron Diaz can be ‘incredibly vain’ he ‘The Other Woman’ star admits she has to remind herself not to focus on how she looks, but claims she doesn’t care if her fans see unflattering photographs of her. The 41-year-old actress told Tthe May issue of Glamour magazine: “I have very little vanity - but at the same time I’m incredibly vain. If I see a bad picture of myself in a magazine, I don’t care. I’m, like, whatever. But it’s a funny thing being out in the world in the way that I am. You really have to keep yourself in check because it’s easy to lose your head.” The blonde beauty doesn’t mind getting older and is excited about taking on different roles in Hollywood. She said: “Now that I’m getting older, people have stopped asking me about proving myself and started asking me whether I’m worried that I won’t get any interesting roles any more - when, actually, older roles are the best they weren’t really ever. They were just being objectified.”

Kristin Cavallari Kylie Minogue struggles with ‘commitment’ he ‘I Should Be So Lucky’ singer - who broke up with kept old shoes her boyfriend of five years, Andres Velencoso, last Tyear - has admitted she doesn’t like the idea of ristin Cavallari still has the first pair of Christian “being boxed into anything”, preferring to have her free- Louboutin heels she bought when she was a teenag- dom. She is quoted in The Sun on Sunday newspaper as Ker. The 27-year-old former ‘Hills’ star - who is expect- saying: “I am not the greatest with commitment. “I don’t ing her second child with husband Jay Cutler - cherishes like being boxed into anything - thoughts, clothes, being her first pair of the designer’s shoes as they bring back told what you are meant to do. I’m not the most naturally happy memories for her. She said: “The oldest thing in my committed person.” Kylie revealed she broke off her closet is the first pair of Louboutins that I bought when I romance with Andres after having an “epiphany”. She was 18. I remember being so excited. They are simple, explained: “I had a true epiphany. I had a vision of a hori- black open toe pumps.” While she’s nostalgic for some zon with nothing on it. “Our lives never have nothing on things she had as a teenager, blonde Kristin - who is the horizon, there is always something you are looking for- already mother to son Camden, 19 months - would rather ward to or dreading, but there was nothing there. “I felt forget the time she dyed her hair dark. She added to Life very calm and knew in that moment that I needed a new and Style magazine: “A moment I’d like to forget is when I landscape.” Kylie also admitted she still finds it tough to dyed my hair black in high school. It looked awful and talk about breast cancer - after getting the disease in 2005 ruined my hair. I had to strip my hair and then have it dark and then undergoing successful treatment - and described brown and slowly work my way back to blonde.” When it it as “the complete unknown”. Speaking on Norwegian TV, comes to style, the fashion designer looks to British model she said: “I find it difficult. I can’t talk about it for fives min- Kate Moss for inspiration because “she always looks so utes and then it is done. “It’s a huge experience that does effortless and chic.” go on ... You don’t want to have that experience but your life is richer because your body has gone through terror. “I’d never experienced that - the complete unknown.”

Rihanna and Drake aren’t official ihanna and Drake aren’t officially girlfriend and boyfriend. The duo have been dating exclusively for a number of weeks and were photographed holding hands Rin London earlier this week, but reportedly haven’t put a label on their relation- ship yet. A source close to the 26-year-old beauty told HollywoodLife.com that she is very “happy” that the ‘Hold On, We’re Going Home’ hitmaker, 27, “belongs to her” but they are in no rush to discuss their romance. The insider explained: “She’s just happy to be in his presence and wanted by him. “Nothing is official in terms of their relationship but they’re still dating and sleeping with each other exclusively. You’ll see them out and about, holding hands and being all lovey dovey these days. It’s no secret that he belongs to her and she to him but as far as them coming out and being like, ‘Oh hey, look at us, it’s official,’ who knows when that’s going to happen?” A source previously claimed the ‘Stay’ hitmaker is besotted with the Canadian star because he treats her so much better than her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, and they have been headed towards a relationship for a long while following their brief fling in 2009. The friend said: “Rihanna and Drake really have this chemistry and vibe with one another and that’s something they can’t Longoria explain. They’re both kind of infatuated with each other.” doesn’t need a baby

va Longoria isn’t sure if she will have children. Latin America’s Televisa media Ecompany, since the end of last year, has always wanted to have a family but admits she would only consider having a baby with the right man. She told Parade magazine: “I’ve always wanted a family. I believe in family. But children are a product of love. So I don’t think I’ll go off and have a baby by myself. I do not have that need to procreate.” The ‘Devious Martin hopes he and Paltrow Maids’ producer is “attracted to humor and intellect in a man” and hinted her new rela- tionship is going very well. She said: “Let me can ‘rediscover’ love tell you, I’m very lucky in my life.” The former ‘Desperate Housewives’ star is set to turn 40 hris Martin hopes he and Gwyneth Paltrow can “rediscover” their love for one another. The Coldplay singer - whose next March and isn’t upset about reaching the split from the actress was announced on Tuesday is said to be keen to work on their relationship in an attempt to milestone. She said: “Age is something you Csave their 10-year marriage. A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: “Chris still loves Gwyneth and would still can’t control, so why worry about it?” She like the marriage to survive. “He hopes they might be able to rediscover what they had years ago and would love to added: “I would never want to repeat my 20s. I rebuild their relationship back to what it once was.” It has also emerged that the two former lovers plan to live in their welcome age with open arms because I want Miami home, but in separate wings. Meanwhile, the pair were spotted having dinner with friends just days after announc- to evolve as a human being, gain more wis- ing their split. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday newspaper, an insider said: “You would never have guessed they had just dom. I have so much more to do! And the split up. They looked like they were getting on OK, but perhaps it was a little strained. “Chris seemed in good form and only way you do that is with age.” was telling lots of jokes. Gwyneth pulled a few faces but it was all in good spirits.” Swift —Bang Showbiz buys $20 million penthouse aylor Swift has reportedly snapped up two new pent- houses in New York City for $20 million. The 24-year-old Tsinger sparked rumors she quietly purchased ‘Lord of the Rings’ director Peter Jackson’s lavish apartments in the TriBeCa area, after being spotted going in and out of the upscale build- ing regularly in recent days. A source told Celebuzz that the ‘Red’ hitmaker began hunting for a house in the city in January and removal men were seen moving furniture into the build- ing, in which Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen also reside, this week. New Zealand-native Peter put his apartments in the 11- unit building on the market last May for $20 million and, according to official property records, he finally sold them to a mystery buyer last month. The filmmaker bought both top floor residences in 2008 for $17.35 million. He knocked down the walls to create one huge home, with 10 bedrooms and nine bathrooms, and originally listed it as one unit last year. However after failing to attract a buyer, he separated the space into two properties again and put them on the market for $14.85 million and $5.1 million. The records show that both homes were sold on the same day for $19.95 million to one mystery buyer, rumored to be the young country singer. Another listing in the building sold for $6 million recently but an insider insisted Taylor was not the buyer. The blonde beauty, who is said to be worth over $220 million, paid $11 million in cash for her mansion in Rhode Island, New England, in 2012. lifestyle MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014

Features Tens of thousands attend Utah Holi color festival

ens of thousands of people gathered Saturday at a Sri with live music. corn starch leaves participants drenched in color. “It’s a Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Utah for the start of an Indra Neelameggham, a Hindu, said she doesn’t mind if place for your inner child to come out,” Robynn Kirkham, an Tannual two-day festival of colors. The large majority young Mormons partake in the festival. “This festival has no accountant who runs a construction company, told The of participants in the event at Spanish Fork are not Hindus, religious significance. There are no prayers or no special Tribune. but Mormons, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. Thousands services connected with it,” she said. “It has evolved in India Ranjan Khurana and his wife, Anu, came from Boise, of students from nearby Brigham Young University take - particularly in the south - over the years and now is most- Idaho, because friends in the Spanish Fork Hindu congre- part in the festival, which is expected to draw 70,000 peo- ly about tourism and marketing - like Christmas or gation raved about how electrifying the event has become. ple. Revelers danced to music, practiced yoga and threw Halloween.” Das said the event is spiritual and many atten- “It’s vibrant and everybody is just so cheerful,” Anu Khurana colored corn starch in the air once every hour during the dees feel moved, but the heavy presence of young said. “It’s a blessing that so many people are here celebrat- all-day Holi Festival of Colors. Mormons doesn’t dampen the event. The festival unites ing the colors.” Haylee Buchanan, a BYU student, said she The large majority of participants are not Hindus, but strangers in a common experience, he said. He appeared has attended the event with friends and likened it to a big Mormons, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. Thousands of frequently on stage, exhorting crowd members to give party. “I wish that I could have read information on why students from nearby Brigham Young University take part hugs to strangers and not to think of themselves as ordi- and what they are celebrating,” she said, “because it was in the festival, which is expected to draw 70,000 people. nary. fascinating.” Buchanan said it was enjoyable to immerse The event stems from a Hindu tradition celebrating the “Each and every one of you is lovely and brilliant. No herself in a cultural event very different from her own end of winter and the triumph of good over evil. “It’s an exceptions,” he said. “This festival is to remind you who you Mormon faith.—AP opportunity for young LDS (Mormon) kids to come and are.” The festival gives participants a chance to gain expo- celebrate their spirituality without alcohol or drugs,” said sure to Hindu chants and beliefs while plastering others Caru Das, the temple’s priest. Das said the event feels more with dust of many vibrant colors that costs $3 per bag or like a rock concert than a religious ceremony, particularly $12 for five bags. The hourly throwing of rainbow-hued

Revelers with colored corn starched hands celebrate during the 2014 Festival of Colors, Holi Celebration at the Krishna Temple Saturday in Spanish Fork, Utah.—AP photos

Models parade creations of “Korean Fashion Designer Joint Collection” by South Korean designers during the bi-annual China Fashion Week in Beijing on March 29, 2014. The biannual China Fashion Week is being held in Beijing from March 25 to 31.—AFP photos lifestyle MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 AWARDS One Direction, Ariana Grande win at Kids’ Choice Awards

Mark Wahlberg gets slimed on stage at the 27th annual Kids’ Choice Awards at the Galen Center on Saturday in Los Angeles. — AFP photos he green slime flowed freely at the Wahlberg, who crossed himself and hud- Kids’ Choice Awards on Saturday, dled to withstand the deluge. “Iron Man” Twhere boy band One Direction and film series star Robert Downey Jr. won actress-singer Ariana Grande took home the favorite male “buttkicker” award for orange blimps handed out by youth last year’s blockbuster “Iron Man 3.” “I Mark Wahlberg gets slimed on stage. cable channel Nickelodeon. Shot from wasn’t always a buttkicker. In fact, life has canons, bursting forth from geysers and kicked my proverbial butt countless babbling in a river across the stage, times in many ways through many years everything and everyone, even “un- until I decided one day to start kicking slimable” host Mark Wahlberg, were back,” the 48-year-old actor who strug- soaked by the green stuff. The British- gled with addiction early in his career. Irish vocal group, who won favorite music “To all the kids around this wonderful group and favorite song for “Story of My blue planet, thank you for this awesome Life,” avoided the slime, accepting the statue, and remember: when life is kick- awards from London where they are ing your butt, never forget to kick it back preparing for an upcoming tour. right in the face,” Downey added. Actor- Grande, a 20-year-old pop singer and comedian Adam Sandler, 47, made it rain star of Nickelodeon series “Sam & Cat” orange balls on the crowd with a garbled won for favorite TV actress and “Sam & magic spell while accepting his blimp for Cat” was voted favorite TV show. Viewers favorite movie actor. Other winners were able to cast votes online in more included sci-fi adventure film “The than 20 categories, spanning film, televi- Hunger Games: Catching Fire” as favorite Adam Sandler accepts the award for favorite movie actor. sion, books, music and sport for the stunt-filled annual award show on the (From left) Cameron Ocasio, Ariana Grande, and Zoran Korach Viacom Inc-owned network. accept the award for favorite TV show for ‘Sam & Cat’. The show, in its 27th year, is an annual stop for Hollywood stars who are popular among teenage and young viewers. It featured performances by singer Aloe Blacc and indie rock band American Authors, who closed with the hit “Best Day of My Life.” Singer-actress Selena Gomez won an orange blimp for the sixth consecutive year. The 21-year-old former Disney actress was voted favorite female singer. She had won favorite TV actress from 2009 to 2013. “I just have to say that you guys have been the most loyal, dedi- cated people in my life because you con- tinuously every year bless me with the opportunity to do what I love,” Gomez said accepting the award. A running gag throughout the stunt-filled show was how “Transformers” star Wahlberg could Selena Gomez accepts the award for favorite female singer. not be doused in slime.

Buttkickers, books, blimps At the show’s end, the actor was dis- tracted by his kids and comedian Kevin Hart until the slime rained down

Dan Schneider accepts the lifetime achievement award. movie, and its star, Jennifer Lawrence, won for favorite movie actress and favorite female buttkicker, but was not on hand to accept the awards. Disney’s Oscar-winning film “Frozen” won for favorite animated movie, while comedian Hart won for favorite funny star and the youth fiction series “Diary of (From left) Lea Michele, LL Cool J and Kevin Hart . a Wimpy Kid” won favorite book. Dan Schneider, an executive producer of pop- ular Nickelodeon shows over the past two decades such as “Kenan & Kel,” “iCarly” and “Sam & Cat,” won a lifetime achievement award. — AP

Ross Lynch accepts Actor Robert Downey Jr accepts the the award for Ariana Grande accepts the award for Singers Austin Mahone and Cody Simpson get slimed onstage. award for Favorite Male Butt Kicker. favorite TV actor. favorite TV actress. lifestyle MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 AWARDS

(From Left) Actors Azim Rizk, Ciara Hanna, Christina Masterson, Cameron Jebo, Andrew Gray, and John Mark Loudermilk of Mighty Jim Parsons, left, presents the award for favorite animated movie Morphin Power Rangers. The band American Authors performs onstage. to Kristen Bell.

Winners:

FAVORITE MOVIE The Hunger Games: Catching Fire FAVORITE ANIMATED MOVIE Frozen FAVORITE VOICE FROM AN ANIMATED ANIMATED MOVIE Miranda Cosgrove in Despicable Me 2 FAVORITE MOVIE ACTOR Adam Sandler in Grown Ups 2 FAVORITE MOVIE ACTRESS Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire FAVORITE MALE BUTTKICKER Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man 3 FAVORITE FEMALE BUTTKICKER Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire FAVORITE TV SHOW Sam & Kat Ross Lynch in Austin & Ally FAVORITE TV ACTRESS Ariana Grande in Sam & Kat FAVORITE REALITY SHOW Wipeout FAVORITE CARTOON SpongeBob SquarePants FAVORITE ANIMATED ANIMAL SIDEKICK Patrick Star in SpongeBob SquarePants FAVORITE MUSIC GROUP One Direction FAVORITE MALE SINGER Justin Timberlake FAVORITE FEMALE SINGER Selena Gomez FAVORITE SONG Story Of My Life by One Direction FAVORITE APP GAME Despicable Me: Minion Rush FAVORITE BOOK Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney FAVORITE FUNNY STAR Kevin Hart FAVORITE VIDEO GAME Just Dance 2014 MOST ENTHUSIASTIC ATHLETE Ariana Grande Dwight Howard Actress Alexa Vega LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Dan Schneider-www.perezhilton.com

Singer Acacia Brinley Actress Kira Kosarin

Actors Jack Reynor and Nicola Peltz speak onstage.

TV personality Willie Robertson and wife Korie Robertson with family on the red carpet. Singer Aloe Blacc performs onstage.

Actress America Ferrera speaks onstage.

Kristen Bell accepts the award for favorite David Blaine gets slimed. animated movie.

Kevin Hart accepts the award for favorite funny Singer Todrick Hall performs Will Arnett, left, and Jayma Mays present star. onstage. the award for favorite TV show. One Direction, Ariana Grande win at Kids’ Choice Awards

MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 38

RecessionClowns pose for pictures as they take a breakno from thelaughing World Clowning Association annual convention matter in Northbrook, Illinois, no rthfor of Chicago on Marchclown 28, 2014. — AFP photos industry

n a global recession, being a clown is no which are more in demand, he says. “There is a how to feel an audience and to respond to them, laughing matter. That was the sombre verdict shortage in Europe of first-rate clowns,” he says. they will not be accomplished,” he says. “You Ias the World Clown Association wrapped up At the convention, Pedlar shows DVDs of clown- can’t just put on a ping pong ball-sized nose and Booming demand for shea, African its annual convention on Saturday after a ing icons of the past like Emmett Kelly or Buster draw a big clown face and you’re a clown.” decade which has seen their numbers dwindle. More than 230 clowns from the around the Generation of clowns ‘women’s gold’, helps reduce poverty world attended the event outside Chicago, gath- One of his protÈgÈs is Allie Alvarez, 12, from he fruit of the shea tree has long been the fruit, which looks like a large green plum, ering to share skills and hopefully encourage a Orlando, Florida, who started clowning this year considered sacred by many in Western is also a long and arduous process. It can take new generation to don a red nose, make-up and because she “thought it would be fun to make TAfrica because of its myriad health ben- several hours of processing, using over 22 a pair of oversized shoes. But it’s an art pursued people laugh.” Clowning isn’t new in her family - efits. But now growing demand among steps, to produce a single kilogram of the more as a labor of love of laughs these days than both her mother and grandmother perform. Western consumers for the fruit, known as butter. for a living. Alvarez learned new tricks through the work- “women’s gold” by those who harvest it, is Demand for shea is growing “both domes- “There are very few clowns who do it full time shops, but performed before public for the first helping improve lives in some of the world’s tically and internationally”, said Sangafowa anymore,” says Deanna Hartmier of Winnipeg, time Thursday night. “They all laughed,” she said. poorest communities. Sweet-lovers around Coulibaly, who wants to make the industry a the president of the World Clown Association Despite the early attraction, however, she the globe already consume the nut as shea “priority” because of its good prospects. Ivory and a clown for 18 years. “When big companies expects to be only a part-time clown. “I would butter, which is used to make chocolate, as Coast is already the fifth-largest producer of that, for 10 years, hired 12 clowns for their do it on the weekends,” she says. “It would be well as in products like margarine and as a shea in the world, harvesting around 40,000 Christmas party suddenly has budget cutbacks, cooking oil.Western companies such as tons a year, but the government wants to well guess what? They are hiring less clowns.” L’Oreal, The Body Shop and L’Occitane are more than triple that to 150,000 tons. also using more and more of the product as a Two factors, however, are holding the Her organization touts 2,500 members world- natural moisturizer and anti-ageing wide, a nearly 30 percent decline since 2004. ingredient in their cosmetics. Around Most are over 40. 600,000 tons of shea are produced That includes Arthur Pedlar, 81, of Southport, each year in Africa. Of that around England, who started clowning in 1938, when he two thirds are exported to Europe, was a child. Unlike many on the circuit, Pedlar-a more than double the amount “tramp” clown who goes by the stage name shipped 10 years ago, while the rest is Vercoe-does not perform at children’s parties, consumed locally. Cosmetics compa- but mainly presents his silent comedy, often nies, which purchase around a tenth involving a unicycle and musical instruments, for of Africa’s shea exports, have been audiences comprised of the deaf, handicapped, buying more to please increasingly and elderly. socially-conscious consumers. And now that change is starting to Modern-day vaudeville help women at the other end of the While cruise ships have become the modern- supply chain. Around 16 million peo- day equivalent of the vaudeville circuit, many ple in Africa-particularly women liv- Photo shows Nununa soaps, made from shea young performers drawn to clowning opt for ing in rural areas-are supported by butter in Leo, Burkina Faso. higher wages by becoming aerial performers, the shea industry, according to the Global Shea Alliance (AGK), which held its annual congress in Abidjan last week. In many of the countries where it grows, from Ethiopia to Taylor Moss, 10, of Indiana, spins hula hoops Senegal and down to the Democratic as part of the ‘Joey’ competition for child Republic of Congo, it is a lifeline for clowns at the World Clowning Association some of the world’s poorest people. annual convention. Shea provides a “substantial source of income” and an important tool for fighting poverty, said Mamadou Coulibaly Sangafowa, Ivory Coast’s agriculture minister. Noted clown Barry Lubin gives advice to hun- In northern Ghana, it “helps dreds of clowns after headlining the World improve the financial independence Clowning Association annual convention. of women a lot”, observed Stephanie A photo taken on January 24, 2014 shows Green, marketing manager for the shea nuts on a shea butter production line in too much work for me.” The convention helps Ghanaian company SeKaf, which pro- Leo, south-central Burkina Faso, on January keep clowns in touch at a time when many can- duces shea butter for cosmetics. With 24, 2014 in Leo, Burkina Faso. — AFP photos not practice their craft full-time. the money generated, local women Many are volunteers or use the clown skills can “create small businesses” in the villages, industry back. One is the quality of the crop, they’ve accrued for other professions, such as which help to “eradicate” poverty their com- “which is key for market access”, said Aminata munities, she said. Shea is central to both Coulibaly Barry, who runs a group of women public speaking or standup comedy. Hartmier, economic and social development in rural shea butter producers in Mali. Konte 48, a full-time clown who has performed all over communities because it can “pull up the rural Diarratouma, who oversees the national shea the world, says it often means traveling long dis- economy”, said Christophe Godard, who project in Mali, agreed. She urged the cre- Clown Yurie Hioki of Osaka, Japan gives a tances for paid work. At the convention, there works in Burkina Faso on behalf of the French ation of a central body representing produc- flute performance of “Somewhere Over the are seminars on a wide variety of clowning skills oilseed group Olvea. ing countries to impose quality standards Rainbow” during the World Clowning face painting, magic, juggling, balloon making, and improve logistics for transporting crops. Association annual convention in handling props, and developing skits. “People A ‘priority’ crop Addressing the “low level of organization of Northbrook. tend to think, ‘if I put on a clown costume, I’m a The shea tree grows wild and untamed the stakeholders” would help Mali create a clown,’” she says. “It’s the untrained clowns that across almost 4 million square kilometers (1.5 “shea (industry) that could compete in the Keaton to a new generation of clowns, aged 6- have scary makeup, that don’t know how to million square miles) of the African savanna, international market”, she said. 15. He said he wants “to expand their thinking approach people, they’re the ones scaring the and cannot be planted. Considered sacred by Another is poor levels of organization in that clowning is not just blowing up balloons or kids.” Clowning is best, she says, when it’s thera- many Africans, it can survive fires and the industry. Stephanie Green, who works for throwing a pie in somebody’s face.” peutic. “Laughter really is the best medicine,” she droughts and live hundreds of years. But it SeKaf, argued that the “domestication of the Keenan Chalmers, 9, of Minnesota sings an only bears fruit after 25 years, and even then shea tree and improving the conversion rate anthem holding his underwear to the tune It’s an art form requiring skill and concentra- says. “That being the case, clowns can really tion, he says. “The thing we can’t teach is clown- touch some people in ways that sometimes can only once every three seasons, according to should be priorities”, particularly as the exist- of the US National Anthem during a chil- AGK. Extracting the shea butter from inside ing stock of trees becomes older. dren’s competition. ing. We can teach skills but unless they know be miraculous.” — AFP