Budgets Panel Links Debt to Reforms and Non-Oil Income MP Demands Study on Financial Sustainability

RAMADAN 21, 1439 AH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018

Max 44º 28 Pages Min 29º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 17551 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

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IMSAK 03:04 FAJR 03:14 DHUHR 11:47 ASR 15:21 MAGHRIB 18:46 ISHA 20:17 Budgets panel links debt to reforms and non-oil income MP demands study on financial sustainability

By B Izzak

KUWAIT: Head of the National Assembly budgets com- Palestinian minister in Kuwait with ‘message of thanks’ mittee MP Adnan Abdulsamad said yesterday that the government borrowing program must be linked to key By Faten Omar budget reforms and raising non-government revenues. Abdulsamad’s statement came a day after an expanded meeting with the government which pushed MPs to KUWAIT: Palestinian Foreign Affairs and Expatriates approve a debt law to allow the government to borrow up Minister Riyad Al-Maliki said that Kuwait is under to KD 25 billion over the next three decades. great pressure because of its tough stance in support He said the meeting was attended by first Deputy of Palestinians. “Kuwait’s position on Palestinian issues Premier and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al- in the UN Security Council showed the greatness and Ahmad and Finance Minister Nayef Al-Hajraf along with prestige of Kuwait, and the credibility that raised the the budgets committee, members of the financial and eco- status of the Arabs in the international forum,” he not- nomic affairs and legal and legislative panels. Abdulsamad ed. In a press statement held at the Palestinian said the government explained to the lawmakers that the Embassy yesterday, Al-Maliki expressed thanks and level of cash flow available to the government from the appreciation for the role of Kuwait in supporting the state reserve fund was fast decreasing because the fund Palestinian people. was being used to finance the budget deficit. He thanked His Highness the Amir, the government The Finance Minister said after the meeting, that assets and Kuwaitis for their historic and honorable positions at the state reserves fund dropped to $87 billion last year in support of the rights of Palestinian people and their after funds from the reserve were used to pay around aspirations for freedom and independence. He said KD14.6 billion in budget deficits over the past three years. that he came to Kuwait carrying a message of “thanks Abdulsamad said the committees pointed out that borrow- and appreciation” from President Mahmoud Abbas to ing should be linked to certain reforms in the budget in His Highness the Amir. addition to guarantees to make the borrowing within the The minister said that Washington has already regulations and spending it in a prudent manner. The law- began to implement the ‘deal of the century’ by recog- maker said the meeting also underscored the importance nizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, where the deal of increasing non-oil revenues and tackling the roots of calls for building a New Jerusalem for the Palestinians structural distortions. from the surrounding villages and communities. He In the meantime, MP Khalil Al-Saleh yesterday called in pointed out that US administration began to imple- a letter on the Assembly Financial and Economic Affairs ment the elements of the deal of the century through KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday received the Palestinian Foreign Committee to study the basis of the government financial attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause. On other Minister Riyadh Al-Maliki at Seif Palace. Al-Maliki handed a letter from Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbas to His and economic sustainability program. In his letter, the law- hand, Maliki affirmed that the Palestinian government Highness the Amir. — KUNA maker demanded that the panel should study why the pro- will make all possible efforts to unify the Palestinian posed corporate and business tax was removed from the factions - because the continuation of the division has Hamas leadership would respond to everything agreed on the expected steps in the United Nations, especial- program while the government kept its plan to review significant negative effects on the Palestinian cause. upon in Egypt,” he said, adding that the siege imposed ly after the United States vetoed a draft resolution charges and prices of public services and commodities. He said that Hamas has refused to give up its secu- on Gaza 12 years ago has made Gaza the largest open calling for the protection of Palestinians in the occu- Saleh said the program raises fears over the government’s rity superiority in the Gaza Strip. “We hope that the prison in the world. During his visit, Maliki held talks pied territories. ability to stop squandering of public funds, diversifying sources of income and tackling distortions in the budget.

agreement,” he said, adding that a letter Ramadan Kareem Iran to boost was submitted to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) “yesterday regarding the start of certain activities”. Guard your tongue (2) uranium He specified this was just the start of the production process and “does not By Hassan Twaha Bwambale enrichment mean that we will start assembling the centrifuges”. Under the 2015 nuclear f you really believe in Allah, then say good TEHRAN: Iran said yesterday it has agreement that Iran signed with world words or remain silent. Abu Hurairah (RA) nar- launched a plan to boost uranium enrich- powers, it can build and test parts for Irated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, ment capacity with new centrifuges, rais- advanced centrifuges, but specific restric- “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him ing the pressure on European diplomats tions exist on what technology can be say good words or else remain silent.” (Saheeh scrambling to rescue the crumbling researched and in what quantity within the Muslims # 47) Commenting on this prophetic nar- nuclear deal after Washington pulled out. first decade of the deal. Salehi also empha- ration, Al-Imam An-Nawawi (RL) said in a long “If conditions allow, maybe tomorrow sized that these moves “do not mean the speech, “... and whenever speaking about an issue night at Natanz, we can announce the negotiations (with Europe) have failed.” and remaining silent are the same, then it is opening of the centre for production of European governments have been try- Sunnah to stay silent.” (Refer to Ihya’aUloumud- new centrifuges,” said Vice-President Ali ing to salvage the nuclear deal ever since Deen 3/200 Akbar Salehi, head of the Iranian Atomic the United States announced its with- Energy Organization, according to con- You may end up in the hellfire because of just drawal last month and said it would reim- ISFAHAN, Iran: An Iranian technician works at the Isfahan Uranium Conversion servative news agency Fars. “What we are one negative word. Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that pose sanctions on foreign companies Facilities (UCF), 420 kms south of Tehran in this file photo. — AFP the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said what can be doing does not violate the (2015 nuclear) Continuecd on Page 24 translated as, “A servant of Allah may utter a word without thinking about its repercussions and, because of it, he will slip into the hellfire farther than the distance between the east and the west.” Death toll from Saudi intercepts (Al-Bukhari # 6, 478 and Muslim # 2, 988) Abdullah Bin Masoud (RA) used to warn his fellow bona-fide Companions of Prophet Muhammad Tunisia migrant ballistic missile (PBUH) and all those who believed in the Prophet RIYADH: Saudi air defenses yesterday intercepted a (PBUH) saying, “I warn you against curiosity (about shipwreck hits 60 ballistic missile that targeted the western city of Yanbu others) and excessive talking. It is enough for you after being fired from rebel-held territory in neighbor- to say only what communicates your message.” TUNIS: The death toll from a ship packed with ing Yemen, a Saudi-led military coalition said. The mis- (See As-Samt by IbnAbi Ad-Dunya, page 241.) migrants that sank off Tunisia has risen to at least 60, sile fired at the coastal city did not cause any casual- A good word might raise you high in Paradise. with dozens still missing, the United Nations migration ties, coalition spokesman Turki Al-Maliki said in a Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Messenger of agency said yesterday. The overloaded boat went down statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency. Allah (PBUH) said what can be translated as, “A near the southern island of Kerkenna. At least 100 peo- Iran-backed Houthi rebels have in recent months servant of Allah may utter a word that pleases Allah ple were killed or are missing, the International ramped up missile attacks against neighboring Saudi without deeming it of any significance due to which Organization for Migration (IOM) said. “Among the 60 Arabia, which leads a military coalition that has fought Allah will raise him high in rank (in Paradise). victims transferred to the forensic department at Habib SFAX, Tunisia: People receive the bodies of their loved ones the insurgents since 2015. Conversely, another one might speak a word that Bourguiba hospital in Sfax, 48 are Tunisians ... 12 are in the Tunisian town of Sfax after more than 60 migrants The latest strike comes as coalition-backed Yemeni displeases Allah without considering its dire conse- non-Tunisian, the identifications are in progress,” drowned in the Mediterranean. — AFP forces advance on the rebel-held Red Sea port of quences, and for that reason he will sink down into Lorena Lando, chief of mission of the IOM in Tunisia Hodeida, the main conduit for humanitarian supplies hell.” (Al-Bukhari # 6, 478) said in a statement late on Monday. Human traffickers Mediterranean route. “That’s why UNHCR is advocat- into a country teetering on the brink of famine. United Nations envoy Martin Griffiths was in the rebel-held If you are a sincere believer, by virtue of Allah’s increasingly use Tunisia as a launch pad for migrants ing for safe routes for refugees to travel so that these capital Sanaa on Monday for talks with Houthi rebels grace, and then say a good word, among other heading to Europe as Libya’s coastguard, aided by unnecessary deaths don’t take place. People should be about de-escalating the fighting around Hodeida. In deeds, you may be raised high in Paradise. A good armed groups, has tightened controls. able to find protection and travel in a legal, safe way,” word is also a form of charity. Don’t claim moral late May, air defenses intercepted Houthi missiles over Tunisian authorities, which on Sunday said they had UNHCR spokesman William Spindler told a briefing. and religious authority to judge others: About this, the southern cities of Najran and Jizan, according to recovered 48 bodies, provided no new figures but said Countries must offer refugees “legal pathways” Jundub bin Abdillah (RA) narrated that the Maliki, who said there were no casualties. Saudi Arabia the coast guard was still searching for dozens of miss- including resettlement, family reunification and student Messenger of Allah (PBUH) narrated what can be earlier this month tested a new siren system for the ing migrants. The UN refugee agency UNHCR said 52 visas, he said. UNHCR estimates that about 17,000 capital Riyadh and the oil-rich Eastern Province, in a translated as: “A man said, ‘By Allah, Allah will not people were confirmed dead with 60 missing and Continued on Page 24 refugees in North Africa are in need of resettlement. sign of the increasing threat posed by the rebels’ arms. voiced concern about incidents along the central Continued on Page 24 Continued on Page 24 2 Established 1961 Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Local Defense Minister commends Mubarak Al-Abdullah College Sheikh Nasser delighted most lecturers are Kuwaiti

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and top military ofﬁcials pose for a group picture with the graduates during a ceremony at the Mubarak Al- Abdullah College of Joint Command and Staff. — KUNA photos

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah attends the graduation ceremony. Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah honors a graduate.

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of of officers from sisterly and friendly countries as a clear Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- proof on the world-class level of its military education and Sabah has expressed pride that Mubarak Al-Abdullah training. He wished the graduates more success in their College of Joint Command and practical and personal lives. Staff had become in parallel Meanwhile, the commander with the world’s top military of Mubarak Al-Abdullah College colleges. for the Joint Command and Staff, In a ceremony held Minister Rear Admiral Abdullah Dashti Monday to celebrate the grad- welcomed the First Deputy uation of the 22nd batch of the thanks UK’s Prime Minister and Minister of commanding and staff training Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah course, Sheikh Nasser said he support Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and other was delighted to see that most distinguished guests. lecturers at this prestigious Dashti noted that the study- military institution were ing joint command and staff Kuwaiti, the army said in a was one of the most important press statement. qualifications for officers. Commander of Mubarak Al-Abdullah He thanked the United Kingdom for its support which Later, Sheikh Nasser distributed graduation certificates College for the Joint Command and helped Mubarak Al-Abdullah College reach this remark- and awards to graduates and honored the outstanding Staff, Rear Admiral Abdullah Dashti First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al- able success. He cited the participation of a large number performers. —KUNA delivers his speech. Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and top military ofﬁcials arrive to the venue.

became nervous News in brief Man gravely upon seeing them. The man failed to Company loses contract produce a mili- 3,140 expats terminated by July injured in tary ID when asked, which for being behind schedule KUWAIT: The Civil Services Commission (CSC) recently prompted the informed a parliamentary committee that studies ways to collision detectives to replace expatriate manpower with national labor forces that check on him. It By Meshaal Al-Enezi the number of expats laid off in the public sector would By Hanan Al-Saadoun was soon after- increase to 3,140 by the beginning of July, said informed wards discovered KUWAIT: The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) recently cancelled a con- sources. The policy of replacing expat employees with citizens KUWAIT: One person was seriously injured that the man was tract signed with a contracting company because it failed to meet the sched- was gong according to schedule, the sources said, adding that a fraud, and that when he became trapped inside a mini bus ule of building Granada Co-op Society’s supermarket, and broke several a new batch of citizens with university degrees, who had been he had used the after it collided with a truck yesterday. Both deadlines it had promised to respect. MPW’s decision involves withdrawing registered with CSC and awaiting appointment, would be same uniform to vehicles caught fire which prompted quick the project from the contractor and completing it by others at the contrac- nominated for jobs by the end of July. — Al-Qabas carry out rob- tor’s expense, explained MPW’s assistant undersecretary for construction response from firefighters who rushed to the beries at several scene and managed to put out the blaze and projects affairs Ghaleb Al-Sofoug, who noted that that the decision was the mobile phone last of a serious of penal measures gradually taken against the contractor. rescue the trapped person. An investigation stores where he would pretend to purchase a Minister meets Kyrgyz envoy was opened into the accident. phone or an accessory before fleeing with the item without paying. The suspect confessed and Food boxes KUWAIT: Finance Minister Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf discussed Fake cop arrested led the detectives to a number of the mobile Al-Manshar Rotana Hotel had been cooperating with Kuwait Food Bank yesterday with Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Kuwait Andalus criminal detectives finally managed phones he had stolen. (KFB) since the beginning of Ramadan to distribute food boxes to needy Samargyul Adamkulova ways of strengthening economic to unfold the mystery surrounding several rob- families in Kuwait. It has so far donated 150 boxes of basic food supplies, relations between the two countries. During the meeting, they beries reported recently in Kuwait, during which Trespassing said KFB Manager Salem Al-Hamar. Meanwhile, Al-Manshar Rotana Hotel’s also discussed enhancing relations through the follow-up of the robber had impersonated a policeman and Kuwaiti authorities yesterday handed over to General Manager Pierre Zayoun expressed his joy for joining KFB in such a the First meeting results of joint Kyrgyz-Kuwaiti intergovern- used his camouflage to steal phones from a num- their Iraqi counterparts six Iraqi fishermen who generous initiative during the holy month of Ramadan. He also noted that this mental commission held in Kuwait last April 24-26. The min- ber of mobile phone stores. Case papers indicate had been arrested after illegally entering Kuwaiti partnership comes as part of the hotel’s social responsibility activities. istry pointed to the interest of the Kyrgyz side in holding a that detectives recently suspected a person in national waters, the Interior Ministry’s relation and joint committee on an annual basis and taking advantage of police uniform in Farwaniya, especially when he security media department said in a statement. Foul fish Kuwait’s experience in the management of state property and Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) inspectors recently land identification by using GIS program. — KUNA inspected the fish market in Sharq area where they confiscated and Kuwait-UK meeting destroyed around 66 kilograms of foul fish, said the authority’s acting public Entrepreneurs to Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al- relations manager Mohammed Jeraq. Kuwait deputy chair of FAO Council Jarallah will head Kuwait’s delegation on the 9510 patients 12th meeting of the Kuwait-UK Joint ROME: The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) market businesses Chairman of Kuwait Patients Helping Fund Society (KPHFS), Dr. Steering Group due to be held in London on Council on Monday elected Kuwait as Deputy Independent Mohammed Al-Sharhan said that 9510 patients, out of the total of 16275 who June 26-27, while the British side will be Chairperson. The Council if the organization’s “Governance had applied requesting financial help, have benefited from the society’s help in local parks headed by the British Minister of State for Structure” that takes over its executive powers and imple- with a total cost of KD 3,225,824. Middle East and North Africa Affairs Alistair ment its policies. Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to FAO By A Saleh Al-Sharhan added that KPHFS follows sets of rules and regulations that Yousef Al-Juhail stressed the importance of the move, which Burt, said Kuwaiti foreign ministry’s assistant would help achieve donors’ interest and help patients actually in need of help. followed nomination by the Near East and North Africa KUWAIT: The Business Development undersecretary for Europe affairs Waleed “Not all the cases circulated on social media networks actually need help”, he (NENA) group and supported by the G77 and China. Juhail Committee approved a proposal made by fire Al-Kubaizi. Kubaizi added that the meeting underlined noting that the society has its own specialized medical commit- said that electing Kuwait for the post came “in recognition of lawmakers to enable entrepreneurs to utilize would be dedicated to discussing various tee and social researchers who study each case for two days to decide the country’s active role in the organization tasked mainly parks in residential areas and display their topics such as education, defense, cyber whether it needs help. with issues of food security and humanitarian impact. Taking projects, build special courts for youth sports security, immigration, visas, investment, Al-Sharhan added that the society focuses on the humane side of each over this post for a two-year term is a big success for activities, build snack bars and operate mobile improving commercial exchanges, health case regardless of race, gender or religion. “We have helped non-Muslim Kuwait due to its effective efforts exerted inside the organi- trucks there. The proposal was made by MPs care and exchanging research and expertise. patients”, he stressed urging those wishing to find out more about the society zation’s bodies and along with member states, as well as its Jamaan Al-Harbash, Humoud Al-Khodhair, Further, Kubaizi said that several preliminary work to visit it in person instead of ‘staying eye-glued to mobile phones’ regional and international efforts, he noted. — KUNA Shoaib Al-Mowaizri, Thamer Al-Thafeiri and meetings had been held with representatives defaming others without verifying any piece of news. Abdullah Al-Enezi. of the participating government bodies. Established 1961 3 Local Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Amir receives report on Kuwait Expo, meets new National Fund members Amir offers condolences to Bahraini King, Guatemalan President

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah received at Seif Palace yesterday Minister of Commerce and Industry Khaled Al-Roudhan who gave His Highness a briefing on Kuwait Expo 2018 which was held on the 6th to 10th of Feb 2018. Roudhan, who is also Chairman of the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development, also introduced to His Highness the Amir members of the fund on the occasion of formation of the new board. The meetings were attended by Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Al-Jarah Al-Sabah. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry organized the Kuwait Expo 2018 under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, featuring several different exhibitions such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Commercial Exhibition and knowledge based small and medium enterprises (SME’s) and world manufacturers exhibition. Some 140 companies from 30 different countries participated in Kuwait’s Expo 2018. The opening ceremony was attended by four Ministers of Commerce and Industry KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with from Kuwait and different countries and 45,000 visitors. Sabah receives a report on Kuwait Expo 2018 from Minister of Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the SME Development Fund Roudhan also introduced the new members of the National Commerce and Industry Khaled Al-Roudhan. — KUNA photos Khaled Al-Roudhan, as well as members of the fund’s Board of Directors. Fund to His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. He also presented a report on Kuwait Expo 2018 to him. In other news, His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah met separately with His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at Seif Palace yesterday.

Condolences Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir sent a cable of condolences to Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Issa bin Salman Al-Khalifa over the passing of head of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khaled Bin Ali Al-Khalifa, asking Almighty Allah to bestow his mercy upon his soul. His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prime Minister sent similar cables to the Bahraini King. In the meantime, His Highness the Amir sent a cable of condolences to Guatemalan President His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Jimmy Morales on the victims of Fuego volcano eruption. His His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- meets with Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the SME Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prime Minister Sabah receives a report on Kuwait Expo 2018 from Minister of Development Fund Khaled Al-Roudhan, as well as members of the fund’s Board sent similar cables to Guatemalan President. — KUNA Commerce and Industry Khaled Al-Roudhan. of Directors.

Amir’s representative delivers message to Jordan’s King AMMAN: Representative of His Highness Abdullah II. His Highness the Amir’s mes- the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber sage to the Jordanian Monarch tackled Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and means of promoting the brotherly relations Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas between the two countries and peoples, Al-Saleh visited Jordan on Monday where besides issues of mutual interest, as well as he delivered a verbal message to King latest developments in the region. —KUNA

AMMAN: Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh meets with Jordanian King Abdullah II. — KUNA

in its initial stages of use, represent an Official has great epoch in the history of technology, Salem Al-Uthaina, the chairman of Kuwait’s expectations Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), said in a statement. for 5G technology He revealed that 5G will use additional spectrum in the existing LTE fre- quency range and new Millimeter wave KUWAIT: Smart phone users and the bands (24-86 GHz), which can support local telecommunications industry would data rates of up to 20 gigabits per sec- soon reap the benefits of the fifth genera- ond. Uthaina went on to say that CIT- tion of mobile data wireless technology RA welcomes such cutting-edge tech- (5G), said a Kuwaiti official yesterday. The nology that would prove instrumental in 5G Wireless Systems, with the ability to transforming Kuwait into an ultimate transmit 10 or more gigabytes per second tech hub. — KUNA

Maliki expressed during the meeting his Foreign Minister deepest thanks and appreciation for the State of Kuwait for its full support of the Palestinian case at world forums especially meets Palestinian the recent draft resolution it submitted to the United Nations Security Council call- counterpart ing to making arrangements to guarantee safety and protection of the Palestinian KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and civilians in the occupied territories, Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled including the Gaza Strip. Palestinian Al-Hamad Al-Sabah met yesterday with Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub the visiting Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and senior foreign ministry officials Minister of Palestine Riyad Al-Maliki. attended the meeting. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah meets with the visiting Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister of Palestine Riyad Al-Maliki. — KUNA 4 Established 1961 Local Wednesday, June 6, 2018

History of Kuwait

Taraweeh and qiyam fill mosques in Ramadan By Nawara Fattahova

uwait Times celebrates Ramadan in Kuwait with 30 days of the KIcons of Ramadan. We highlight our favorite activities, events, symbols and foods that are popular during this holy month, along with Kuwait’s Ramadan culture, history and traditions. Not only lifestyle and social activities change during the holy month of Ramadan, but even religious rituals. In people pray taraweeh at the mosque Ramadan, there are two special prayers immediately after the Isha prayer, while that are additional to the five regular some pray it at home. Some mosques prayers - taraweeh and qiyam. The start the qiyam prayer at 11 pm, while mosques are fuller during this holy other mosques at midnight, and some month compared to the rest of the year. even later. The length of the prayers dif- During the last 10 nights of Ramadan, fers depending on the sermon of the attendance soars, and worshippers spill imam and the break between the out into the yards outside. The Grand prayers. Mosque particularly pitches huge tents Also, one of the last 10 nights is the for thousands of worshippers, although Al-Qadr night, during which good deeds it hasn’t done so this year due to con- are multiplied manifold, so most Muslims struction works. prefer to be in the mosque. At the Grand Taraweeh follows the Isha prayer, Mosque, the number of worshippers and qiyam prayers are performed in the reaches 50,000 people during the last quarter of the night during the last qiyam, and more than 100,000 on the 10 nights of Ramadan. Both of these 27th night of Ramadan. prayers are not obligatory, but Muslims Email us at [email protected] KUWAIT: The desert, the overcast skies, the open air, the bounty, the man and the traditional clothes. They all make a wonderful view of aim to do more good deeds and be clos- with your favorite symbols of Ramadan what the Bedouin life looked like. (Source: A collection of commemorative printed images by the Ministry of Information. Prepared by er to God through these prayers. Most and Ramadan photos. Mahmoud Zakaria Abu Alella, heritage researcher at the Ministry of Information) Boursa Kuwait’s ghabqa gave thanks to the media

Naser Al-Sanousi, Marketing Director and Fahad Al-Reshaid, Head of Corporate Communications at Boursa Group picture for Boursa Kuwait team with local media. Kuwait among the media.

KUWAIT: Boursa Kuwait recently held a Ramadan at Sahara Golf Club. Media members and Boursa develop new relationships between Boursa Kuwait and mission to operate an efficient, fair and transparent ghabqa for members of the media, thanking the Kuwait staff were equally ecstatic at the event, which the media, as well as build up existing ones. capital market platform that services all relevant asset esteemed members for their support and coverage of was a celebration of the strong relationship between Boursa Kuwait recognizes the important role the classes, whilst focusing on clients’ interest through the company throughout the years. The event was held the company and the media. The ghabqa also helped media plays in helping it communicate and deliver its excellence in everything it does.

Attendees at the event. Boursa Kuwait team.

KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait continues distributing suhoor meals to outdoor cleaning and construction workers as part of its activities during the holy month of Ramadan. Established 1961 5 Local Wednesday, June 6, 2018

International Flavors Fini roti, Sel roti and potato pickle: Nepal’s popular dishes

By Faten Omar and potatoes. • Serve with food. epalese cuisine combines a range of ingredi- Sel roti ents, techniques and characteristics from its Ingredients: Nneighboring countries with its own gastronomic • 1/2 kg of rice flour. history. Rita Hama, wife of the Nepalese ambassador to • 100 gm sugar. Kuwait, welcomed Kuwait Times to her kitchen and told • 200 ml milk. us the story of the popular dishes she prepared. “I will • 50 gm ghee. prepare three dishes - Fini roti, potato pickle and Sel • 500 ml cooking oil roti. Fini Roti is traditionally made on special occasion like Tihar, Dashain, weddings, etc. Potato pickle is Preparation known as alu ko achhar and is a very famous dish. “We • Mix ghee, sugar and flour together. can have it at any time with any food. It tastes a little • Add milk to the mixture and mix again. hot and sour,” she said. • Heat oil in a utensil and pour the mixture in a round shape and cook it for 3 minutes. Serve with veg- The story of Sel Roti KUWAIT: Rita Hama, wife of the Nepalese ambas- etables, meat or potato pickle as a snack. A long time ago, there lived a poor family in a village. sador to Kuwait. — Photos by Joseph Shagra Fini roti, Sel roti and potato pickle. The family consisted of a father, mother, son and daughter. Both the daughter and the son worked in order to meet daily necessities. One day, the son decided to go Fini roti Potato Pickle abroad in order to work to make the life of his family Ingredients Ingredients: easier. A long time passed, but he never returned home. • 1/2 kg refined flour • 4 potatoes. Due to this, his family was in sorrow. Time went by and • 1 kg ghee • 200 gm sesame powder. the festival of siblings called Tihar arrived. The daughter • 200 gm rice flour • 5-7 green chilies was making Sel roti and at the same time was praying to • A cup of water • 2 cucumbers God: “Today is the day when siblings meet and cele- • 2 tablespoons of cooking oil • 1 small lemon brate. All siblings in my village are in a great festive • 100 ml cooking oil mood, except me. Just like how this Sel roti makes a full Preparation • 1 teaspoon turmeric circle and meets where it originated, I hope my brother • Make dough out of refined flour with water. • 100 gm green peas. is also reunited with me regardless of where he is.” • Mix the rice flour with 2 spoons of oil, 2 spoons of • Salt according to taste Suddenly, like a miracle, her brother arrived home water and 100 g of ghee. with a lot of money that evening. When his family, • Stretch out the dough and then apply the rice flour Preparation including his sister, saw him, tears of joy came out from on it and then roll it and cut at every 3 inches. • Boil the potatoes and peel them. their eyes. They then celebrated Tihar together with • Give the pieces the shape of a chapatti. • Cut the cucumbers and potatoes in small pieces. great jubilation. It is said that ever since then, Sel roti is • Heat ghee in a utensil and then cook both sides of • Heat oil in a utensil and cook turmeric, chilies and made during the festival as well as on other special the chapatti for 2 minutes. green peas for one minute. The ingredients. occasions. • Serve with vegetables, meat or potato pickle as snacks. • Mix the heated ingredients with the cucumbers Marriott Hotels hold Ramadan ghabqa for media

KUWAIT: Marriott Hotels in Kuwait organized a embodies the special occasion, accompanied by stun- rience where the panoramic eight story high Atrium oriental and international dishes. Adding to the magi- Ramadan ghabqa for the local media on Thursday 24th ning Ramadan decoration and soothing live oud music, Restaurant is transformed into a beautiful Ramadan tent cal atmosphere, guests can enjoy a wide selection of of May, at Al-Thuraya Ramadan Tent at the JW all combining together to offering fascinating oriental and shisha flavors at the restaurant’s outdoor terrace and Marriott Kuwait City. The event was very successful create the ultimate invita- international buffets every night stand a chance to win prizes such as airline tickets and was attended by more than 100 media representa- tion into the homely setting. for iftar and delicious a la carte and much more. tives from different newspapers and magazines in It is the ideal spot for menus for suhoor. The weekly ‘Arraya’ Ballroom also offers a wide range of buf- Kuwait. The event included a wide range of activities, friends or family to come Held at raffle draw to win valuable fets for iftar and ghabqa perfect for corporate live music and various prizes. The ghabqa was a great and enjoy shisha following prizes, makes “Atrium” the per- events. George Aoun, Cluster General Manager at opportunity for Marriott Hotels to raise awareness ghabqa offerings. Guests Al-Thuraya fect Ramadan venue to enjoy Marriott Hotels in Kuwait, said: “on behalf of about the different offers and promotions available will also stand the chance to unforgettable time with friends Marriott Hotels Kuwait management and associates, I throughout the holy month of Ramadan. win valuable prizes every Ramadan Tent and family.” would like to wish Kuwait’s nationals and residents The JW Marriott Kuwait invites guests to enjoy the week, including free airline Furthermore, guests can cel- Ramadan Mubarak.” Aoun added: “Marriott Hotels in perfect Ramadan experience at the breathtaking ‘Al- tickets to various destina- ebrate Ramadan in style at the Kuwait always try to offer their guests exceptional Thuraya Tent’. The tent offers traditional settings com- tions, free gift vouchers and ‘Blendz’ restaurant at Residence Ramadan experiences, including rich iftar and plemented by live cooking stations, scrumptious sea- a lot more. Courtyard by Inn by Marriott Kuwait. ‘Blendz’ ghabqa buffets, live entertainment and valuable sonal specials and breathtaking ambience. ‘Al-Thuraya’ Marriott Kuwait also offers an amazing Ramadan expe- offers sumptuous iftar buffets featuring a variety of prizes at competitive prices.” Established 1961

InternationalWEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018 Deal or no deal, Italy’s Conte takes aim at migrants in maiden speech regime set to return to Page 8 south Syria Page 7

AMMAN: Demonstrators face Jordanian anti-riot police and security forces during a protest in Amman, Jordan. — AFP Demonstrators denounce IMF-backed reforms Jordan at crossroads over economic protests

AMMAN: Jordan’s King Abdullah II has warned that the coun- duties, not tips and handouts! and “down with the IMF!” Some ally, has largely avoided the unrest witnessed by other countries directed against Mulki as a person, they were against the try is “at a crossroads”, as protesters angered by anti-austerity brought children or presented trays of sweets to security forces. in the region since the Arab Spring revolts broke out in 2011, income tax draft law and the price hikes,” said Bushra Abu measures took to the streets again overnight despite the prime Last month, the government proposed a new income tax law, although protests did flare late that year after the government cut Jabbara, a 34-year-old pharmacist. “We want the government to minister’s resignation. Around 2,000 demonstrators gathered yet to be approved by parliament, aimed at raising taxes on fuel subsidies. respond to our demands and withdraw the bill, which hasn’t close to the prime minister’s office in central Amman to employees by at least five per- happened yet,” she added. A majority of deputies — 78 out of denounce IMF-backed reforms, hours after premier Hani Mulki cent and on companies by Resignation not enough 130 MPs-have said they will vote against the draft legislation. stepped down on Monday. between 20 and 40 percent. It The latest protests started Mulki’s resignation was “a positive sign” the government was “We are demanding a change to the government’s economic was the latest in a series of aus- last week when unions called for taking the protesters’ demands seriously, Jordanian political program, not just a change in prime minister,” said university terity measures since Amman nationwide demonstrations. They analyst Samih al-Maitah said. “The income tax draft law is student Ahmad Abu Ghazzal, 23. “We’re sick of seeing changes secured a $723-million loan have rocked several other cities, almost certain to be dropped now,” he said. The bill is one of a in the cabinet-it’s not good enough and it doesn’t have any from the International Monetary We want rights including Irbid and Jarash in the tranche of measures aimed at slashing Jordan’s public debt from results,” he said. The king blamed the country’s economic woes Fund in 2016. north, Zarqa in the east, and the over 90 percent of GDP to 77 percent by 2021. on regional instability, the burden of hosting hundreds of thou- Since January, resource-poor and duties, not tips southern city of Maan, which King Abdullah said gas supply cuts due to attacks on an sands of Syrian refugees and a lack of international support. Jordan, which suffers from high saw deadly riots in the 1980s Egyptian pipeline to Israel and Jordan had cost the kingdom “Jordan today stands at a crossroads: either it can come out unemployment and poverty, has and handouts! over rising food prices. After some $5.6 billion. He added that the closure of the borders of the crisis and provide a dignified life to our citizens, or, God seen repeated price rises includ- accepting Mulki’s resignation, with the kingdom’s main export markets, war-torn Syria and forbid, it can go into the unknown-but we have to know where ing for staples such as bread, as the king asked Education Iraq, and the cost of securing those frontiers, had added to we are going,” he told a group of journalists late Monday, well as extra taxes on basic Minister Omar al-Razzaz to form Jordan’s economic woes. The UN refugee agency says it has according to the official Petra agency. Protesters shouted slo- goods. Fuel prices have risen five a new government, a government registered more than 650,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan since gans against the government and the International Monetary times since the start of the year, while electricity bills have surged source said. But the premier’s departure did not stop people the conflict in Syria began in March 2011. Jordan says it hosts Fund as they gathered overnight under a heavy police presence. by 55 percent since February. The measures have sparked some from demonstrating after breaking the Ramadan fast in Amman 1.3 million Syrian refugees, and has repeatedly called for more Some carried Jordanian flags and chanted “we want rights and of the biggest economic protests in five years. Jordan, a key US and other cities. “When the protests began they weren’t just international help. —AFP

suspended from the regional body-although OAS General Assembly approaches, we see the US pushes for Caracas has already announced its own intent same movie,” Maduro said during a function in to pull out. In May, Maduro was returned to Caracas. “We call on all OAS nations to do this power in a vote that was largely boycotted by today-regarding Venezuela-and in the future Venezuela to the opposition and denounced as an unconsti- wherever necessary for the good of the region tutional assault on democracy by Washington and the world,” Pompeo said, to applause from be suspended and most of Venezuela’s neighbors. some delegates. Arreaza protested that the sit- Maduro’s Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza uation in Venezuela was a domestic one, placed from OAS was present as the OAS meeting opened to on the agenda of an international meeting “in a defend his government and to hear Pompeo spurious manner”-but other senior officials WASHINGTON: The United States and six reiterate the US call for Venezuela’s suspen- from across the Americas disagreed. influential members of the Organization of sion. Suspending the South American country, “We must have a continent free of dictator- American States urged the body Monday to which sits on the world’s biggest proven oil ships,” OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, a reject Venezuela’s elections and to begin moves reserves, “would show that the OAS backs up stern critic of Maduro, said as he inaugurated to kick Caracas out of the club. There is anger its words with action and it sends a powerful the 48th annual meeting of the organization in among pan-American nations at Venezuela’s signal to the Maduro regime, only real elec- Washington. The draft resolution, seen by AFP, slide into chaos and autocratic rule, fueled by tions will allow your government to be included calls on members to reject the results of last what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the family of nations,” Pompeo said. month’s “unconstitutional” Venezuelan election. dubbed President Nicolas Maduro’s attempt to It further urges the body to use “the mecha- “dismantle democracy.” At the opening of the Applause from delegates nisms for the preservation and defense of rep- WASHINGTON: Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza listens the 48th annual meeting of the group, the United The top American diplomat accused resentative democracy” contained in the Inter- Organization of American States (OAS) 48th General Assembly in the OAS States was joined by Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Maduro of “dismantling democracy,” and American Democratic Charter-a first step Main Building in Washington, DC. — AFP Chile, Mexico and Peru in proposing a resolu- urged more Latin American states to join the toward suspension. tion to reject the result of last month’s “uncon- US in imposing increased economic and diplo- Under Article 21 of this charter, an extraor- stitutional” election in Venezuela. matic sanctions on his administration. The dinary general assembly of OAS member states exchanges of the annual meeting in day, declared support for the people of The motion is expected to come up for a Venezuelan leader later hit back, accusing the can suspend a country from the body, the main Washington, although Nicaragua also came Nicaragua and for all parties to engage “con- vote later Monday or on Tuesday. If it passes United States of developing a “blackmail cam- forum for Western Hemisphere countries to under fire for its own harsh crackdown on structively in peaceful negotiations to strength- as expected, it would set in motion moves that paign” and threatening the governments of develop shared democratic norms. The political opposition protesters. en democratic institutions and hold free, fair could lead to Venezuela being symbolically Latin America into compliance. “Every time an crisis in Venezuela dominated the opening A draft text, which should be voted yester- and timely elections.”—AFP Established 1961 7 International Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Deal or no deal, regime set to return to south Syria Govt regains control over Syria with Russian backing

BEIRUT: Seven years after giving birth to Syria’s revolt, deployed elsewhere in the south. the country’s south looks set to fall back into regime hands likely through a rare consensus emerging among Sentinel in the south rival powers. The government has regained control of The strange aligning-of-the-stars over southern much of Syria with Russian backing, and a win in the Syria is the product of talks led by Moscow, which has south would cap a string of victories this year. Its leveraged military support to Syrian President Bashar strategic value comes from geography: the south bor- al-Assad into a mediator role. It called last week for ders Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, but urgent negotiations with the US and Jordan on the also lies close to Damascus. south, and on Thursday President Vladimir Putin dis- As a result, it’s a prized cussed Syria with Israeli region for nearly all stake- Prime Minister Benjamin holders in Syria’s warped Netanyahu. Israel sees the war: the regime and rebels, south’s fate in virtually exis- plus Iran, Jordan, Israel, Civilians don’t tential terms, seeking to roll Russia, and the United States. back its arch-nemesis Iran Typically bitterly divided trust the regime from Syria’s border with the over Syria, most of those occupied Golan. powers seem to agree on a or Russia “International powers government comeback in the have reached near-consen- southern provinces of Daraa sus on the Damascus and Quneitra. “The southern regime’s return to Syria’s front is the first example of south, with its Iranian ally international consensus for the regime’s return,” says distanced from the border,” says Sam Heller of the Nawar Oliver of the Turkey-based Omran Institute. The International Crisis Group. Perhaps in exchange the RMEILANE, Syria: Vehicles from the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group patrol the town of Rmeilane government has amassed troops in Daraa and Quneitra regime may be allowed to exert control over the neigh- in Syria’s Hasakeh province. — AFP for weeks and dropped leaflets over Daraa city, the cra- boring province of Daraa. “But some parties don’t trust dle of the 2011 revolt, demanding rebels give up. the regime to rein in its Iranian ally and commit to dis- Beirut,” says Oliver. That land bridge remains a major Foreign Minister Walid Muallem hinted a deal was in Oliver says the south may fall without a fight. tancing it from this sensitive area,” says Heller. concern for both Israel and the US, as it allows Iran to the works on Saturday, but introduced yet another “It’s clear there’s a consensus between powers-the Last month, Israel conducted unprecedented strikes supply Hezbollah in Lebanon. condition: the withdrawal of US-led forces from their Americans, the Israelis, the Jordanians and the on what it said were Tehran’s installations in Syria, eastern Syria base. Russians-that the better choice is for regime forces accusing Iranian fighters there of firing rockets at the Win without war Back in Daraa, civilians watch apprehensively as to deploy there without entering into a military Golan. “The whole point of the Israeli zone in Quneitra Russia is also seeking to appease Jordan, which world powers piece together the puzzle. “The way the operation,” he tells AFP. Rebels still hold most of is to provide sentinel on the Syrian side of the Golan hosts 660,000 Syrian refugees. Moscow, Amman, and media is reporting it, the regime sent reinforcements Daraa and Quneitra, but pro-regime forces, includ- Heights,” says Nicholas Heras of the Center for a New Washington announced a ceasefire in southern Syria and wants to storm Daraa, and foreign countries hold ing around 500 Iranian military advisers and mem- American Security. Iran, in return, would ask for “free- last year that Heras says was a precursor to the upcom- daily meetings,” says Daraa resident Ahmad Abu bers of Lebanese movement Hezbollah, are dom of movement along the land route from Tehran to ing deal. “The dirty, not-so-secret, secret is that the US Hazem. “Meanwhile, people have no idea what’ll hap- government believed from day one that the southwest pen.” Rebels, too, appear to have been left out. Syria de-escalation zone was just an interim step “We were not consulted when the de-escalation deal of Middle East research. “His ongoing detention is toward a broader deal with Russia,” says Heras. was reached, and we’re not looped in to current discus- further proof of the Bahraini authorities’ relentless With a regime offensive looming, Russian-led talks sions,” says a commander from the Southern Front, the Bahrain upholds determination to squash the right to freedom of are Jordan’s “last, best hope” to avoid a new refugee leading local rebel coalition. Although a full-blown expression... It is absolutely outrageous that he has influx, he adds. Amman could also gain from renewed assault would be catastrophic, a deal with the regime 5-year jail term to spend another single day behind bars solely for trade through southern Syria if the Nassib border remains hard to swallow. “Every family has someone expressing his opinion online.” point is reopened. “The Jordanians need Assad to win who’s been arrested or killed, since Daraa was the first The International Federation for Human Rights without war, and that is exactly what Russia is offering to revolt,” says the commander. “Generally, civilians of activist Rajab said the conviction showed Rajab was “a political with the reconciliation process,” Heras says. Syrian don’t trust the regime or Russia.”—AFP prisoner, subject to degrading treatment and who has to be silenced at any price”. Bahrain, a Shiite- DUBAI: A Bahraini appeals court yesterday upheld a majority country located between regional rivals five-year jail sentence in a case against high-profile Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been ruled for more than activist Nabeel Rajab linked to social media, a rights two centuries by the Al-Khalifa dynasty. Authorities group and family member said. Rajab, a leading fig- have jailed dozens of high-profile activists and dis- ure in 2011 protests against the Gulf state’s Sunni- banded both religious and secular opposition minority monarchy, was convicted of insulting the groups since protests demanding political change state, “deliberately disseminating ... false or malicious erupted in 2011. news” and “publicly offending a foreign country”, a They have stripped hundreds of those convicted reference to Saudi Arabia. of their citizenship, leaving many stateless. The The charges are linked to tweets and retweets Bahraini government has accused Iranian authorities made via Rajab’s account and critical of the Saudi- of backing the protest movement in a bid to over- led coalition, including Bahrain, fighting in Yemen in throw it. Tehran denies involvement. Amnesty has support of its beleaguered government since 2015. categorized Rajab as a prisoner of conscience, and He also tweeted criticism of the Bahraini govern- leading rights groups around the world have con- ment’s treatment of prisoners. Tuesday’s verdict, demned his trials as an attack on freedom of reported by the London-based Bahrain Institute for expression. Rights and Democracy and confirmed to AFP by a Rajab is already serving a two-year sentence for family member of Rajab, can still be appealed at “disseminating rumors and false information” in tele- Bahrain’s Court of Cassation, its highest court. vision interviews critical of the government. He has Rights groups were swift to condemn the verdict, served multiple stints in prison since 2012, all linked with Amnesty International describing it as “outra- to his role in the protests. Bahrain, playing a key mili- geous” and calling for Rajab’s immediate release. tary role in the Gulf, is home to the US Navy’s Fifth “The Bahraini Court of Appeal has missed a vital Fleet and a British military base. US President Donald opportunity to do the right thing and set Nabeel Trump has eased restrictions on arms sales to Rajab free,” said Lynn Maalouf, Amnesty’s director Bahrain since taking office in January last year.—AFP

after it was signed in Macron walks fine 2015. He and Netanyahu are scheduled to hold a press line as Netanyahu conference after their talks and launch a season of cultural seeks anti-Iran front exchanges between their countries this PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron meets year. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday on the second leg of his European trip amid deep dif- Balancing act ferences over how to contain Iran’s ambitions in the But relations have Middle East. It will be the third meeting of the two been further strained leaders in Paris since last July, and while they agree on by the killing of 123 the threats posed by Tehran’s missile projects and for- Palestinian protesters eign interventions, they differ strongly on the response. in Gaza by Israeli Netanyahu has pursued his strident attacks against forces since March, Tehran during his visit to Europe, warning during a including at least 61 French President stop in Berlin on Monday that its activities risked people on May 14 Emmanuel Macron fuelling a new influx of migrants towards Germany. Iran alone. Macron was intent on fuelling “a religious war inside Syria and denounced the “vio- the consequences will be many, many more refugees lence by Israel’s armed and you know where exactly they will come,” he told forces” even as he noted the country’s security con- German Chancellor Angela Merkel. cerns, a position deemed too simplistic by Israeli offi- Netanyahu has been emboldened by US President cials while also being derided by his leftwing critics in Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the 2015 accord France. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe can- curbing Iran’s nuclear program-and the threat of harsh celled a planned trip to Israel last month. sanctions against European firms doing business in the Several pro-Palestinian groups are planning protests country. Yet Macron has led a staunch defence of the against Netanyahu in cities across the country, while accord, whose other signatories France, Britain, three journalist unions have called his visit “intolerable”. Germany, China, Russia and the EU-have maintained a The journalist unions denounced the killing of common front so far. Palestinian journalists by Israeli forces, as well as “Benjamin Netanyahu’s goal is to not find himself women, children and people working for emergency isolated along with Washington,” said David Khalfa of services in Gaza. Against this backdrop, talks on seek- the Institute for European Prospective and Security in ing an end to the Palestinian conflict have fallen to the Paris. “At a minimum he’s looking to force Europeans to wayside, not least after Trump broke with decades of reinforce the existing accord” via the US sanctions, but protocol by recognising Israel’s claim of Jerusalem as also the prospect of joint Saudi-US-Israel bloc setting its capital. the agenda in the Middle East, Khalfa said. Last week, the European Union urged Israel to Macron has warned that letting the deal fall apart reconsider its decision to demolish a Palestinian will only inflame tensions, especially if harsh sanctions Bedouin village in the occupied West Bank, saying it smother the economic relief Iranians began to enjoy undermines “prospects for a lasting peace”. —AFP 8 Established 1961 International Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Italy’s Conte takes aim at migrants in maiden speech Italian PM reaffirms rejection of economic austerity

ROME: The leader of Italy’s new populist gov- “We want to reduce our public debt, but we Summits on horizon tatives of food deliverers in Italy’s gig economy. ernment vowed yesterday to redistribute want to do so with growth and not with austeri- Both former premier Silvio Berlusconi’s Afterwards Di Maio described the workers as migrants in the EU and review EU sanctions ty measures,” he told senators. “We will strongly Forza Italia party-a campaign ally of the “the symbol of an abandoned generation,” and against Russia, in his first policy speech to law- call for the Dublin Regulation to be overhauled League-and the outgoing centre-left underlined the need to give them “job security makers since being sworn in. Giuseppe Conte in order to obtain respect for a fair distribution Democratic Party have said they will not vote in and a dignified minimum wage”. Salvini has addressed the Senate ahead of two parliamen- favor of the new government. But the alliance wasted no time addressing immigration. Visiting tary confidence votes expected to confirm his between the anti-establishment Five Star Sicily, where thousands of migrants have arrived new cabinet, formed from a coalition of far-right Movement and far-right League is expected to in recent years, he declared at the weekend that and eurosceptic parties. His eurosceptic gov- pass the confidence votes in the Senate yester- Italy “cannot be Europe’s refugee camp”. ernment was sworn in on Friday after almost Call for Dublin day and in the lower Chamber of Deputies on The 45-year-old has repeatedly promised to three months of political turmoil that alarmed Wednesday as the two parties hold a majority cut arrivals and accelerate expulsions from a EU officials and spooked financial markets. Regulation to in both houses. country where around 700,000 migrants have A lawyer with little political and no govern- On the 53-year-old prime minister’s agenda arrived since 2013. “The good times for illegals ment experience, Conte was nominated by far- be overhauled in his first weeks in office are a Group of Seven are over-get ready to pack your bags,” he said right League leader Matteo Salvini and the summit in Canada this week and a key EU sum- Saturday. European Union interior ministers are head of the anti-establishment Five Star move- mit at the end of the month. Conte’s low profile ROME: Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte meeting on Tuesday to discuss possible reforms ment Luigi di Maio-both of whom are now his has fuelled speculation that he will take a back gestures as he speaks during a confidence of the bloc’s controversial Dublin regulation, deputy prime ministers. seat to his two powerful deputies. debate at the Senate in Rome. — AFP whereby refugees must file for asylum in the Conte’s maiden policy speech reaffirmed of responsibilities and to achieve an automatic Salvini is to be interior minister in the new first member state they enter. Salvini has blast- several of the coalition’s key manifesto themes, system of compulsory distribution of asylum cabinet and Di Maio will hold the economic had spoken with German Chancellor Angela ed the regulation as unfairly burdening including a tough line on migrants, rejection of seekers.” On Russia, which faces EU sanctions development portfolio. Merkel and French President Emmanuel Mediterranean countries and leading to “an economic austerity and conciliatory gestures over the Ukraine crisis, Conte said: “We will Since being sworn in Conte had limited him- Macron and would meet the two leaders at the obvious imbalance in management, numbers towards Moscow. promote a review of the sanctions system.” self to a Facebook post in which he said that he G7 summit. On Monday, Di Maio met represen- and costs”. —AFP

the Democrats, he would have been kicked apparent refusal to take seriously claims of News in brief Calls grow in out immediately. “I hope that Kurz’s visit Russian meddling in the US election. The will lead Mr Grenell’s tenure as ambassa- storm comes as ties between Germany and Iron-ore mine blast dor in Germany to be short,” added Schulz, the United States are strained after Trump kills 11 in NE China Germany to playing on the German word for short ditched the Iran nuclear deal and imposed “kurz”. Schulz had earlier tweeted that the punishing tariffs on European aluminium BEIJING: Eleven people were killed and nine injured expel disputed US envoy did not behave like a diplomat and steel. yesterday in an explosion at an iron-ore mine in but like a “far-right colonial officer”. Amid Underlining the souring transatlantic northeast China’s Liaoning province, state media US envoy the row, Germany’s foreign ministry is relationship, Chancellor Angela Merkel has reported. Twenty-five people are trapped in the seeking clarification from Grenell about his warned that Europe can no longer rely on mine run by China National Coal Group Co, accord- BERLIN: Leading German politicians yes- comments, with the topic to be raised at a the US to protect it and must “take its des- ing to state broadcaster CCTV. Some of the trapped terday called for the new US ambassador to pre-arranged meeting Wednesday tiny into its own hands”. Politicians in the victims were able to contact people outside, the be expelled after the staunch ally of Donald between the envoy and senior official US too baulked at Grenell’s comments. report said. The injured have been rushed to hospital Trump was accused of meddling in domestic Andreas Michaelis. “There will certainly be Democratic Senator Chris Murphy tweeted BERLIN: In this file photo then newly accred- and the municipal government of Benxi, where the politics and aggravating already tense ties. a lot to discuss and that’s why it’s good that the envoy’s interview with Breitbart ited US Ambassador to Germany Richard accident occurred, has dispatched a rescue team, Richard Grenell took up his Berlin posting that the ambassador will be a guest tomor- was “awful-ambassadors aren’t supposed Allen Grenell stands in front of a military CCTV said. The incident took place while drilling a on May 8 and immediately irked Germany row of state secretary Michaelis,” said to ‘empower’ any political party overseas”. honor guard during an accreditation ceremo- mining shaft, the broadcaster said. — AFP when he tweeted the same day that German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. ny for new Ambassadors in Berlin. — AFP companies should stop doing business with Why is he ambassador Iran as Trump quit the nuclear deal with the Awful interview For Juergen Hardt, foreign policy pro-Russia and anti-pluralist” forces in Fighter pilot dies Islamic Republic. But the opposition far-left Die Linke spokesman of Merkel’s centre-right bloc, Europe. Grenell had certainly fulfilled his He stoked further outrage last weekend party’s chief Sahra Wagenknecht said Grenell is simply seeking to weaken the task if he was sent to Germany to destabi- in Indian jet crash with reported comments to right-wing Grenell had disqualified himself as ambas- EU. The US wants to prevent “the lize Merkel’s coalition or the Atlantic website Breitbart of his ambition to sador. “Someone like US ambassador European Union from further integrating alliance, she said, “but if those are not his AHMEDABAD: An Indian Air Force pilot was killed “empower other conservatives throughout Richard Grenell, who thinks he can lord and becoming a stronger political and eco- orders... then a different set of questions yesterday after his fighter jet crashed near the coun- Europe, other leaders”. Grenell also raised over Europe and determine who is govern- nomic power”, Hardt told broadcaster hr- has to be asked”. try’s border with Pakistan, officials said. Sanjay eyebrows with his plan to host a lunch on ing here, can no longer stay in Germany as Info. Although Merkel herself belongs to “Why is the US ambassador in Chauhan was on a routine training mission in the June 13 for Austria’s arch-conservative a diplomat,” Wagenknecht told Die Welt the conservative camp, commentators said Germany giving an interview to remote Kutch desert region of Gujarat state when he Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, described by daily. “If the government takes the demo- Grenell was not trying to bolster the chan- Breitbart? Why is he involving himself in crashed, air force officials said. “The pilot died in the the US envoy as a “rock star”. “What this cratic sovereignty of our country seriously, cellor’s party base, but rather its oppo- partisan politics? For that matter, why is crash and we have ordered an inquiry in the acci- man is doing is unheard of in international then it shouldn’t just invite Grenell to a nents from the far-right. he an American ambassador at all?” The dent,” an IAF official said. It was not immediately diplomacy,” Martin Schulz, former chief of chat over coffee, but expel him immediate- “It is bad enough if that’s what he is Financial Times urged Berlin to respond clear what caused the single-seat Jaguar jet to the Social Democratic Party and an ex- ly,” she added. The appointment of Grenell, thinking, let alone saying it,” said the daily to Grenell’s “undiplomatic behavior” by crash.More than 30 fighters have crashed in India European Parliament president, told a hawkish supporter of Trump’s “America Berliner Zeitung. Media outside Germany holding its line on adhering to the Iran since 2012, with most accidents blamed on ageing national news agency DPA. First” stance, was long held up by US sen- also weighed in, with Washington Post nuclear deal, responding firmly to US tar- jets. More than 170 Air Force pilots have died in “If a German ambassador were to say in ators who objected to his allegedly dis- columnist Anne Applebaum arguing that iffs as well as stepping up to its defense accidents in the past three decades, mostly in inci- Washington that he is there to empower paraging tweets on female politicians and Grenell clearly intended to back “nativist, responsibilities. —AFP dents involving Soviet-era MiGs-unflatteringly dubbed “flying coffins”. — AFP Top EU court US sanctions won’t impact India-Russia defense ties rules same-sex NEW DELHI: India’s defense minister Nirmala partners have Sitharaman said Tuesday that US sanctions on Russia military exports would not impact long-standing ties between New Delhi and one of its key arms suppliers residence rights Moscow. US President Donald Trump in August LUXEMBOURG: Same-sex partners of EU citizens have signed a law threatening sanctions on any country the right to live in any member state whatever their nation- doing business with Russia’s defence and intelligence ality, even in countries that do not recognize gay marriage, sectors. The sanctions regime affects American allies the bloc’s top court ruled yesterday. EU laws on freedom like India, which has purchased Russian military of movement extend to the non-European spouses of EU hardware and expertise for decades. There had been citizens and the European Court of Justice judgment speculation last year when the sanctions were signed means this also includes same-sex partners. into law that the $6 billion weapons deal could be The decision, based on a case from Romania, risks fur- scuttled. But Sitharaman said the long-running nego- ther embittering relations between more socially tolerant tiations “have reached the final stage”. — AFP member states to the west of the EU and conservative countries to the east. The Luxembourg-based court recognized that EU member states “have the freedom whether or not to authorise marriage between persons of the same Turkish cartoonist jailed sex”. However, it added “they may not obstruct the freedom for insulting Erdogan of residence of an EU citizen by refusing to grant his same- BUCHAREST: Adrian Coman (L) and his father attend a press conference in sex spouse, a national of a country that is not an EU mem- Bucharest, Romania. — AFP ISTANBUL: Turkish police have jailed one of the ber state, a derived right of residence in their territory.” country’s most prominent cartoonists to serve out The court was ruling in the case of Romanian man Relu refers to a person joined to another person by the bonds equally relevant, for the purpose of free movement within a 14 month sentence first handed down last year on Coman and his American husband Robert Hamilton, who of marriage, is gender-neutral and may therefore cover the the EU,” Coman said in a statement released by ILGA- charges of insulting President Recep Tayyip were married in Brussels in 2010 and two years later same-sex spouse of an EU citizen,” the ECJ said. Europe, which campaigns for rights for gay, lesbian, bisex- Erdogan, Turkish media reported yesterday. Nuri sought to move to Romania. The Romanian authorities ual and transgender people. “We are grateful to the EU Kurtcebe, 69, was detained and sent to prison refused to give Hamilton permission to live in the country Victor for equality Court and to the many people and institutions who have Monday after a police check found him on a bus for more than three months on the grounds that he could EU member states are free to decide whether or not to supported us, and through us, other same-sex couples in a travelling in the northwestern Turkish city of not be classified as Coman’s spouse because the laws allow same-sex marriage in their own territories, the court similar situation. It is human dignity that wins today.” Yalova, the private Dogan news agency reported. there do not recognize same-sex marriage. said, but refusing to recognize a union lawfully made in The Romanian courts will now have to rule on Coman His lawyer Erdem Akyuz told the media that the The couple brought a case for discrimination on the another EU country “may interfere with the exercise of and Hamilton’s case based on the ECJ judgment. Evelyne authorities were enforcing the sentence after an basis of sexual orientation, arguing that Coman’s right to that citizen’s right to move and reside freely”. The court Paradis, ILGA-Europe executive director, said Tuesday’s appeal was turned down by an upper court. freedom of movement, guaranteed by EU law, had been said the obligation to recognize same-sex marriages for ruling was a victory for “equality, fairness and pragma- Kurtcebe was sentenced to a one year, two months curtailed by the restriction placed on his husband. The the purpose of granting residence rights “does not under- tism”. The court “has confirmed that rainbow families and 15 days jail term for several caricatures he case went to the Romanian Constitutional Court, which mine the national identity or pose a threat to the public should be recognized equally in the eyes of the law on drew in 2015. — AFP asked the ECJ whether under EU law Hamilton should be policy” of the country involved. “We can now look in the freedom of movement. Now we want to see the Romanian regarded as Coman’s spouse. “In the directive on the exer- eyes of any public official in Romania and across the EU authorities move swiftly to make this judgment a reality,” cise of freedom of movement, the term ‘spouse’, which with certainty that our relationship is equally valuable and Paradis said in a statement. — AFP

took over in April, the state-run Ethiopian News Agency Ethiopia, and appealed to anti-government protesters to er, and it can also be taken as a way of highlighting a Ethiopia lifts state (ENA) reported. give his administration time to work. He has also continued departure from the establishment that imposed the state of Former premier Hailemariam Desalegn quit on February a campaign of releasing jailed dissidents, which began emergency,” Hallelujah added. The repeal and prisoner 15 after years of political crises marked by protests against under Hailemariam. releases were welcomed by the United Nations High of emergency as his regime and mounting criticism over government’s Last month, his administration pardoned Andargachew Commissioner for Human Rights, which in a statement said crackdown on dissent. A day later government ordered the Tsige, a top member of armed opposition group Ginbot 7 these were “positive indications” of an improving rights state of emergency.Hailemariam’s shock resignation kicked who was arrested in Yemen in 2014 and extradited to situation in Ethiopia. political crisis eases off a behind-the-scenes succession battle within the ruling Ethiopia. Yesterday, ENA reported the House of Peoples’ Disenchantment with the EPRDF erupted into violence Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front Representatives approved the emergency decree’s repeal in late 2015 when the Oromo and later the second-largest ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia yesterday cut short a state of (EPRDF). in a “majority vote” and “after a detailed analysis of the ethnicity, the Amhara, began months of unprecedented emergency imposed after the resignation of the former The choice of Abiy, the first leader from Ethiopia’s security situation in the country.” anti-government protests. That unrest, which left hundreds prime minister, a move hailed as a positive sign the new largest ethnicity the Oromo, raised hopes of reforms in the “The state of emergency was already irrelevant dead and resulted in tens of thousands of arrests and the government is breaking with the past. Parliament voted to EPRDF, which controls all seats in parliament and is regu- because of the opening-up of the political space and the imposition of an earlier 10-month state of emergency in lift the six-month decree early, citing the country’s “rela- larly accused by rights groups of persecuting dissidents. release of political prisoners,” Ethiopian political analyst October 2016, was seen as a key factor in Hailemariam’s tive stability and calm” since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Since taking office, Abiy has visited major cities across Hallelujah Lulie said. “It’s a way of Abiy asserting his pow- resignation. —AFP ACCESS over 10,000 top jobs daily NETWORK with professional peers SHARE leading career content

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Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Analysis

Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

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Where’s Melania? US First Lady’s vanishing act sparks speculation

he is known for her privacy and White House independence, often breaking with her husband’s Sschedule. But Melania Trump’s unusual 25-day absence from public view following surgery for a “benign” kidney condition has raised questions. The first lady had been scheduled to re-emerge in the public eye late Monday at a private reception for families of US soldiers killed in action-her first public appearance since being hospitalized last month. But the Melania mystery only deepened when the White House event took place with no media access, and another day went by with no press sighting of her. After that reception, Mrs Trump put out a tweet that said she and Trump “were honored to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. Thank you to the Gold Star families that joined us in celebration & remembrance.” Accompanying the text were photos of the reception, including one of her sitting next to the president. Mrs Southeast Asia’s plastic ‘addiction’ blights world’s oceans Trump, 48, has not been spotted since May 10, when she joined the president in greeting three American n her lunch break, Bangkok office Plastic addiction said he has “yet to see any real change life should be a “wake-up call” for people hostages released by North Korea. Shortly afterwards, worker Chinapa Payakha emerges In Thailand, where two million tons of coming from these promises”. But a to cut their use of plastic, said Jonas she entered Walter Reed National Military Medical Ofrom a 7-Eleven store with two plastic waste is produced a year, plastic is spokesman from the government said it Leones, a senior official in the environ- Center for what the White House described as a benign plastic bags. One holds a Big Gulp soft an “addiction,” said Geoff Baker, an anti- was committed to minimizing plastic use. mental department. The Philippines, like kidney procedure. Despite the operation’s routine drink. The other carries her lunch, with a plastic campaigner with Grin Green “We have been trying to raise awareness. its regional neighbors, has not imposed a nature, Melania remained there for five days, returning banana in its own plastic wrapper. “For International. “Everywhere you go they People are so used to the convenience of nationwide ban on plastic bags, but some to the White House on May 19. office life, plastic bags are necessary,” said just throw plastic at you,” said Baker, who plastic that they don’t think about the con- local authorities regulate their use. Some On Sunday, her spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham Chinapa, 34, whose shopping habits illus- caused a stir on social media in April when sequences,” said the spokesman, shopping malls have also replaced plastic confirmed that Melania will not accompany the presi- trate the challenges facing anti-plastic he covered himself in 700 plastic bags, Weerachon Sukhonpatipak. with paper bags and encouraged dent to the G7 summit in Canada, nor to planned North campaigners in Thailand, where plastic walked into a 7-Eleven and stared disap- reusable bags. Korea nuclear talks in Singapore. It is a noticeable shift bags are handed out in abundance on any provingly at people buying plastic- Wake-up call In Malaysia, the new housing and local from weeks prior to her kidney surgery, when she visit to a shop or market. As World wrapped bananas. Other governments have set ambitious government minister, Zuraida engaged in several high-profile events. In April, she rep- Environment Day on Tuesday takes place The recent death of a pilot whale in goals too. Indonesia, ranked second behind Kamaruddin, said in an interview with the resented the Trumps at former first lady Barbara Bush’s and the United Nations calls for the Thailand with 80 pieces of plastic rubbish China in the 2015 study of mismanaged local news website Malaysiakini that she funeral, rolled out her “Be Best” awareness campaign to “biggest-ever worldwide cleanup” of plas- in its stomach garnered headlines locally, plastic waste from populations living near wants to introduce a nationwide ban on help children, and orchestrated an elaborate state dinner tic pollution, experts are focused on but drew more attention outside the coun- coastal areas in 192 countries, has pledged plastic bags within a year. Anchalee for the Macrons of France. Southeast Asia, home to four of the world’s try. Still, some Bangkok residents say com- $1 billion a year to reduce marine plastic Pipattanawattanakul, an ocean campaign- Following her surgery, her absence at events where top marine plastic polluters. panies are not doing enough to address debris by 70 percent by 2025. There have er with Greenpeace in Southeast Asia, the public has come to expect to see her alongside the From major cities like Bangkok and the problem of plastic pollution. been several attempts to impose taxes on said the region needs a coordinated president was well documented, leading her to take to Jakarta to beach resorts in the Philippines Watcharapon Prabsangob, a 28-year-old plastic packaging to help address the strategy on plastic waste. “ASEAN says Twitter to castigate reporters. “I see the media is working and Vietnam, plastic bags and bottles are engineer, emerged from a store with a waste problem. Industry Minister the problem needs to be addressed,” she overtime speculating where I am & what I’m doing,” she the ubiquitous face of pollution in the small bag carrying a coffee drink and Airlangga Hartarto has opposed the tax said, referring to the Association of tweeted Wednesday, assuring she was “here at the region. Globally, some eight million tons of straw. He said he tried to refuse the bag measures, saying in January it would hurt Southeast Asian Nations. “But there is no @WhiteHouse w my family, feeling great, & working plastic is dumped into the ocean every but the clerk moved too fast. He said that the local food and drink industry. action plan that will actually decrease the hard.” The tweet sparked a conspiracy theory that Trump year, killing marine life and entering the businesses should do more to stop cus- In the Philippines, the threat to marine use of plastic”.— Reuters himself may have written Melania’s message, given that human food chain, according to the UN tomers from taking plastic bags. “working overtime” is a favorite phrase of the president Environment Program. Five Asian countries CP All, which has over 10,000 7-Eleven when he tweets about the press. - China, Indonesia, the Philippines and stores across the country, said it would Comedian Sarah Silverman retweeted the first lady’s Vietnam and Thailand - accounted for up launch a campaign on Tuesday to reduce post, adding: “Who is this? where’s Melania?” The first to 60 percent of the plastic waste leaking plastic bags in some outlets in the southern lady skipped ceremonies, including a Memorial Day into the ocean, according to a 2015 report province of Satun as part of a green wreath-laying. And she was not seen Friday boarding by the environmental campaigner Ocean tourism campaign. It made no mention of the helicopter that shuttled the president, Donald Trump Conservancy and the McKinsey Center for the other 76 provinces including Bangkok, Jr, and daughters Ivanka and Tiffany to Camp David for Business and Environment. where 10 million residents use 80 million a weekend retreat. Spokeswoman Grisham dismissed the The five economies have “generated plastic bags a day, the capital’s administra- media speculation about Melania as “nonsense.” “Mrs. exploding demand for consumer products”, tion says. The food retailer Tesco Lotus Trump has always been a strong and independent the report said, but lacked the waste man- said it would offer redeemable points from woman who puts her family and certainly her health agement infrastructure to cope with the Tuesday to customers who do not take a above all else, and that won’t change over a rabid press surge in plastic garbage. Three years on, a plastic bag at check out. But the scheme corps,” she told Fox News. “trash emergency” on the Indonesian runs out at the end of June. Months after island of Bali and the Philippines’ decision the military seized power in a 2014 coup, Imagination ‘running wild’ to close the tourist island of Boracay the junta made waste management a prior- Meanwhile, the rumor mill churns online. Some have showed governments are recognizing the ity and set goals for 2021. speculated she has moved back to New York or is impact of plastic waste, said Susan Ruffo, They included cutting the use of plastic cooperating with special counsel Robert Mueller, while Ocean Conservancy’s managing director bags and bottles in government agencies for international initiatives. “But this is not others offer she may be healing after some secret plastic and businesses, and plastic bans in tourist just a government responsibility - corpora- surgery. Such a weeks-long disappearance by a mod- THANH HOA, Vietnam: A woman gathers shells in a coastal forest littered with plastic tions, civil society and citizens all have a destinations. A tax on plastic bags was also ern-day first lady is indeed rare, said Ohio University waste stuck in branches after being washed up by rising coastal tide in Thanh Hoa part to play,” she said, adding that engage- mentioned, along with a target to recycle province, around 150 km south of Hanoi. —AFP history professor Katherine Jellison, an expert on presi- ment was improving. up to 60 percent of plastic by 2021. Baker dent’s wives. “I’m amazed Mrs Trump has been able to do it,” she told AFP. The first lady is not an elected position, and Melania Trump is under no obligation to keep the American peo- He had a long conversation with Chinese President Xi is a close adviser, while his son Donald Jr was part of his ple abreast of her health, activities or whereabouts. Could opposites Jinping on a beach in Dalian, and at the first inter-Korean election campaign. Several 19th century first ladies spent long periods out summit in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsu- The two leaders are also uncompromising in their of view. But over the past half century, it has become the attract at la, attentively heard out the South’s President Moon Jae-in demands for personal loyalty. In the month from February expectation that people know the basic narrative of the as they chatted over tea in the open air for more than half 28 Trump sacked or lost the services of his White House first lady’s activities. Melania Trump, never one to an hour. Trump too has asked questions and listened care- communications director Hope Hicks, chief economic obsess like her husband about media attention, has laid Trump-Kim summit? fully to the answers on his trips to China and South Korea, adviser Gary Cohn, national security adviser HR low before. Delury added. “They are going to get in the room, they are McMaster, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and veterans going to ask good questions, open-ended questions. It’s affairs secretary David Shulkin. The latest North Korean She went quiet in March as a media storm raged hen Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un sit down in about revelations that her husband’s lawyer paid porn not going to be Trump gets in there and says ‘Give me changes of personnel emerged at the weekend, with Singapore next week it will be among the most your nukes or else’, but as Trump says it’s a relationship, reports that the defense minister and chief of the general star Stormy Daniels $130,000 before the 2016 election improbable diplomatic summits in history, with to keep silent over her alleged affair with Trump years W we are building a relationship, we are changing a relation- staff had been replaced, after Kim appointed a new direc- principals who could not be more different-but who also earlier. White House silence, including about why ship.” “And to do that you ask probing questions, you lis- tor of the military’s General Political Bureau described as a share some surprising similarities. Trump was the oldest ten, and then you come back. So that’s my optimistic view.” “highly trusted” lieutenant. Melania spent five days in hospital for a routine proce- US president ever to take office when he was sworn in last dure, is only fueling the speculation. “Without greater year, and will turn 72 two days after the meeting. detail about her ‘benign’ condition, the public imagina- Parallel lives Holding the hands of history The North Korean leader is still in his mid-thirties and Trump reached the White House via a career in proper- Kim has shown uncompromising ruthlessness-he had tion is running wild,” Jellison said. “For most of the 20th remains among the youngest heads of government in the century and certainly in the 21st century, a first lady has- ty development and reality television, followed by an his uncle Jang Song Thaek executed for treason in 2013, world-but has already been in power for more than six unprecedentedly populist presidential campaign that unmistakably asserting his authority over the old generals n’t had the option of not being a public figure-regard- years. He has overseen a rapid advance in Pyongyang’s less of unfortunate personal circumstances.”— AFP upended the US political establishment. In contrast, Kim who surrounded him, and his half-brother Kim Jong Nam nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, bringing the US Jong Un was the chosen heir, groomed for years to take his was murdered at Kuala Lumpur airport last year in a mainland within the range and sending tensions soaring place at the top of Pyongyang’s political pyramid, and has killing widely blamed on Pyongyang. But according to last year as the two men exchanged personal insults and no need to worry about re-election or tomorrow’s media people who have interacted with him, Delury said, in meet- threats of war-Trump promising “fire and fury”, and Kim headlines-or responding to them on Twitter. But the two ings he is “really well prepared, he knows his brief, he’s got describing him as a “mentally deranged US dotard”. leaders share some parallels. his notes but then he looks up from them, he’s not some- But recent months have seen an about-turn in their Both have appointed trusted family members to key one who’s going to just read the riot act and then stare at rhetoric-last-minute summit cancellations and reinstate- positions. Dynastic descent from the North’s founder Kim you blankly.” ments notwithstanding. “I think they are going to get on Il Sung is the basis of Kim’s personal legitimacy- And as well as nuclear weapons, a long hand clasp well,” predicts John Delury, a professor at Yonsei Pyongyang’s propaganda promotes the similarities could be high on the agenda in Singapore. Both men University in Seoul. “The kind of counter-intuitive thing is I between them in looks, mannerisms and even handwriting. have shown a predilection for grasping the palms of their think they are going to listen to each other.” Both Trump His sister Kim Yo Jong has emerged as one of his closest fellow leaders, Trump with the likes of French President and Pyongyang are renowned for incendiary commentary, aides, acting as his envoy to the Winter Olympics in the Emmanuel Macron and, more awkwardly, with British but Kim has displayed a marked tendency to listen to his South, spending almost the whole of the first Panmunjom prime minister Theresa May. In turn, Kim held hands counterparts in his new-found diplomatic role-until earlier summit at his side and accompanying him on his trip to with South Korean President Moon Jae-in for several this year he had not left the North since inheriting power US First Lady Melania Trump Dalian. In Washington, Trump’s daughter Ivanka is an minutes at a farewell ceremony at the end of their first from his father. assistant to the president and her husband Jared Kushner summit.— AFP Established 1961

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018 Business

European stocks edge higher Qantas defends online listing For the ﬁrst time in Kuwait, VIVA 12though RBS sale hurts London 13 of Taiwan as a part of China 14 to physically demo ‘5G’ services

AMMAN: People buy fruits and vegetables at a market in downtown Amman. — AFP Old Amman market feels the pinch Residents finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet

AMMAN: Every morning Salama Ali sets up shop in the old Salama says she wakes before dawn each morning to milk 40s, covering her face with a dark brown scarf. “Rising prices a wooden platform further down the sidewalk. market of Jordan’s capital Amman, hoping to scratch out a liv- her sheep, make cheese and yoghurt, collect fresh eggs and and taxes have destroyed people’s lives,” she said. “The prices have killed us. We don’t have anything left. It’s ing in one of the Arab world’s most expensive cities. The moth- prepare for the market. “The cost of living is high. Each year like the government wants the shirts off our own backs,” he er of five in her 40s stakes out a space on the sidewalk and is harder than the one before it... everything is getting ‘This is injustice’ said. Most goods are subjected to a 16 percent sales tax, in arranges her eggs and homemade cheese amid the city’s dust, worse,” she said. She and her husband struggle to keep their Jordan has seen the cost of basic goods and services like addition to customs duties and other taxes that sometimes traffic and early morning heat. “Life has become very, very dif- business going and their children fed. According to official bread, fuel and electricity steadily rise during the past year. exceed three times the product’s original value. In Amman’s ficult,” Salama said as she put the final touches on her display. estimates, 18.5 percent of Jordan’s population is unemployed, Last month, the government proposed a new income tax law, old fruit and vegetable market, where basic foodstuffs are Residents in the capital are finding it increasingly hard to while 20 percent are on the brink of poverty. yet to be approved by parliament, aimed at raising taxes on cheaper than supermarkets, the exhaustion is palpable. make ends meet in a city ranked the Arab world’s most Salama’s neighbor on the stretch of sidewalk, Umm Qusay, employees by at least five percent and on companies by There are no stalls here. Vendors line the sidewalks, prop- expensive in terms of cost of living, according to a recent has nine children to provide for. She also raises sheep and between 20 and 40 percent. ping their goods on wooden carts and makeshift tables. “The report by The Economist Intelligence Unit. It takes about two sells eggs, homemade cheese and yoghurt-and she, too, rarely The measures are the latest in a series of economic situation isn’t tolerable anymore,” said 65-year-old Abu hours by bus from her home in Madaba to reach Amman, breaks even. reforms since Amman secured a $723-million three-year Mohammed, as he moved between the stalls and crossed where a week of anti-austerity protests by citizens suffering “Everything is expensive. There’s barely enough from what credit line from the International Monetary Fund in 2016. items off his list. “The prices can’t go any higher if our from high unemployment and repeated price hikes pushed we sell to feed our children and buy sheep feed,” said Umm “What is happening is shameful, this is injustice,” said incomes remain the same. Look at the market, it’s almost at a Prime Minister Hani Mulki to resign on Monday. Qusay. “This year is the worst yet,” said the woman in her Mohammed Abu Arida, 48, who sells apricots and peaches on standstill,” he said. — AFP

British ministers back new Heathrow runway Airline boss stirs LONDON: British ministers backed plans for a new runway gender debate at London’s Heathrow airport yesterday, opening the way for a parliamentary vote after decades of delays, although the SYDNEY: Promises by the global airline industry to do project could still face challenges before building starts. more to promote gender equality veered off course when Heathrow is Europe’s busiest airport but is now operating at one of its top executives suggested his CEO role was too full capacity. In the past, plans to expand the airport have difficult for a woman. The issue of gender imbalance in aviation was a hot topic among over 200 airlines represented at faced opposition from local communities and environmental- the annual meeting of the International Air Transport ists but the current 14 billion pound ($18.5 billion) expansion Association (IATA) in Sydney, with the predominantly male plan is making progress. gathering agreeing more had to be done. The cabinet gave its blessing to the new runway plan yes- Asked about the issue among Middle East airlines in par- terday, said transport minister Chris Grayling, and lawmakers ticular, and why his job as head of his country’s flag carrier should now vote on the issue within 21 days. The decision couldn’t be done by a woman, outspoken Qatar Airways comes after almost half a century of indecision on how and Chief Executive, Akbar al Baker, gave a typically provoca- where to add new airport capacity in densely populated tive answer. “Of course it has to be led by a man because it southeast England. If it goes ahead it will be the first full- is a very challenging position,” he said, drawing gasps from length runway built in the London area for 70 years. those present. It was not clear whether he was serious or “Expansion at Heathrow presents a unique opportunity to trying to make a joke. The comments came minutes after Al deliver a multi-billion pound boost to our economy, strengthen Baker - who has a reputation for hitting out at rivals and our global links and maintain our position as a world leader in suppliers over poor performance. aviation,” Grayling said in a statement. In an attempt to satisfy He later said Qatar Airways was the first carrier in the opponents of the scheme, he said that the new runway would LONDON: In this ﬁle photo taken on February 18, 2015 a British Airways 747 aircraft ﬂies over roof tops as it region to have female pilots and the company had women in be delivered within existing air quality obligations, and include comes into land at Heathrow Airport in west London. — AFP senior roles. “So we actually encourage women. We see that a 6.5-hour scheduled night flight ban, plus compensation for they have huge potential in doing senior management posi- local residents and a new independent body would be set up these findings. Business leaders and politicians have argued routes to rapidly growing markets, is mission critical to ensur- tions,” he said. Alan Joyce, the gay CEO of Qantas Airways to monitor aviation noise. that a bigger Heathrow is even more important since Britain ing Britain can compete on the post-Brexit world stage,” CBI who campaigned for marriage equality in Australia, said The expansion plan could face legal challenges in future, voted to leave the EU in 2016, as the expanded airport will deputy director-general Josh Hardie said. ensuring a diverse workforce in general could help to drive however, with four local councils and environmental group enhance trade links and provide a boost to economic growth. For their part, airlines are keen for the new runway to be profits. “If you get the best talent, the best people, the best Greenpeace amongst those who could seek a judicial review Despite the opposition of some politicians within the ruling built but have cautioned over its cost as they don’t want air- jobs you’re going to perform better,” he said, sitting along- of the project. Heathrow, owned by Ferrovial, Qatar Conservative party, including foreign minister Boris Johnson, port charges to rise to pay for it as this would mean they will side Al Baker at a press briefing. “I think one of the reasons Investment Authority and China Investment Corporation lawmakers are expected to vote in favour of the plan, accord- have to increase ticket prices. The 14 billion pound cost of the Qantas turned it around so dramatically is that we’ve among others, still has to secure planning permission, with ing to polling by ComRes last month. A third runway would project will be privately financed and Grayling said on embraced diversity.” Gloria Guevara Manzo, the first female president of the World Travel and Tourism Council, said construction slated to start in 2021 and the new runway oper- help Britain catch up with European rivals. Paris and Frankfurt Tuesday that airport charges would be kept close to current investors needed to start pushing companies to do more. ational by 2026. An independent commission recommended have four runways while Amsterdam has six. levels. Reacting to the expansion news, Heathrow’s biggest “When you have diversity, your company’s results are bet- Heathrow as the site for a new runway in 2015, saying that British employers group, the Confederation of British airline, British Airways-owner IAG said: “We will be looking to adding capacity there would bring the country the greatest ter,” she told Reuters earlier on the sidelines of the Sydney Industry, called Grayling’s announcement “fantastic”. the regulator to protect customers and keep charges flat in airline talks. “It’s not just for the sake of it.” — Reuters economic benefits and government has based its policy on “Expanding our aviation capacity, and creating new flight real terms.” — Agencies 12 Established 1961 Business Wednesday, June 6, 2018

NBK Economic Update Kuwait: Credit growth was soft in 1Q18, up 1.9% y/y in March Bank credit eased further in March, registering its weakest performance since 2012

KUWAIT: Credit growth finished the quarter at 1.9% y/y in March, its weakest performance since January 2012. Modest business lending, a slight softening in household borrowing, and ongoing deleveraging by non- bank financial companies weighed on overall growth. Business credit (excluding non-bank financial firms) was lackluster, with growth slowing to 1.5% y/y in March from 3.4% in December 2017. Subdued business confidence may still be weighing on borrowing appetite. However, there were some promising sectors: lending for construction had its best quarter in 18- months, albeit still down in March year-on- year, and the oil sector’s quarterly performance was solid. Borrowing by other uncate- gorized sectors was also decent and the pick- up in domestic real estate sales saw credit to that sector higher over the quarter. Growth in household lending (excluding securities lending) eased slightly in 1Q18 to 7.1% y/y in March from 7.3% in December. Lending rose a moderate KD 189 million in the quarter, below its two-year average of KD 230 million, on softer, albeit still healthy installment loans (primarily used for the purchase of housing). Meanwhile, the contraction in consumer loans (used mainly for the purchase of durable goods) widened further to -5.9% in March, from -4.9% in December. Deleveraging in the non-bank to 3.5% in December. $US Libor rate. The negative spread, current- financial sector (primarily investment and The banking system’s liquid reserves ly close to-40 bps (chart 6), may lead the financing companies) picked up pace in edged higher in 1Q18. Bank reserves (cash, Central Bank of Kuwait to adopt a more pro- 1Q18. The contraction in the sector’s out- deposits with the CBK, and CBK bonds) active monetary policy stance. standing loans peaked in January (-12.6% increased by KD 287 million to KD 5.3 billion Credit activity is expected to finish 2018 y/y) settling at-11.5% in March. or 8.3% of bank assets. This coincided with at 4-5% against a backdrop of solid eco- the absence of public debt issuances follow- nomic growth but rising interest rates. Large jump in deposits ing the expiration of the public debt law in However, there are a number of upside risks: Private deposits growth over 1Q18 eased September 2017. With KD 1.2 billion in public a pick-up in project financing following the to 0.9% y/y in March-the seasonal jump debt maturing in 2018 and no new govern- steady pace of project awards observed usually associated with dividend payments, ment borrowing, liquidity is expected to con- through 2017 and early 2018; a rise in con- failed to materialize during this quarter. This tinue to rise this year. sumer and retail-related borrowing given the and a large jump in deposits a year earlier Domestic rates were higher in 1Q18ahead ongoing rise in consumer confidence and slowed growth in the M2 money supply to of the widely-anticipated March policy rate spending; lower real estate prices encourag- just 1.1% y/y in March. However, it is expect- hike that took place in March. Customer ing borrowing for home purchases; and a ed to pick up pace in April when the dividend deposit rates were up 16-21 basis points rise in oil-related lending to help finance payments filter through. Meanwhile, govern- across the board in 1Q18. The average 3- KPC’s ambitious expansion program, which ment deposits, which have been weakening month interbank rate rose 10 basis points to targets $113 billion in investment over the over the last year, improved in 1Q18, contract- 1.90%. Rates have moved higher since, with next five years. Borrowing for the latter is ing by a smaller 1.3% y/y in March compared the 3-month Kibor now at 2.0%, below the expected to start soon.

land makes seat belts and air bags for the likes of Honda, Nissan, Mexico firms eye Mazda and Subaru, is in a similar bind. “We aren’t aluminum manufacturers but we are in the industry, so at some point we’re going to have to absorb the price increases,” said Hiroyuki Namba, president of workaround on Ashimori Mexico. “I hope the (measures) aren’t definitive.”

Targeted tariffs US metals tariffs Critics of the US move say the escalating dispute could drive firms in Mexico to buy steel and aluminum elsewhere. “Once we hit them MEXICO CITY: Mexican firms will need to cut deals with suppliers and close US imports, we will have to source from third markets,” said and consider buying goods elsewhere once a conflict over US steel a Mexican official, who asked not to be named. Mexico’s government and aluminum import tariffs starts to bite, even as consumers are seen said it would retaliate with targeted tariffs on pork legs, apples, ultimately picking up the tab from any higher prices. Company execu- grapes and cheeses, plus steel. tives are braced for increased costs, while holding out hope that US The Mexican official said once the retaliatory measures were put in President Donald Trump’s tariffs are more of a negotiating tactic to place, the situation could backfire for Trump and end up hurting pressure Mexico and Canada in talks to rework the North American American producers. It is “economics 101 for dummies,” the official Free Trade Agreement. added. Mexico expects to publish the list of specific US products it “Of course, it’s a very serious distortion in the industry, because all will hit today or tomorrow, the Economy Ministry said. the supply chains that use these types of materials are impacted every Trump’s tariffs are aimed at allowing the U.S. steel and aluminum time they cross the border,” said Jose Ramon Elizondo, chairman of industries to increase capacity utilization rates above 80 percent for manufacturer Vasconia Group. One of Vasconia’s units produces alu- the first time in years. Still, Mexico already has a trade deficit in minum sheets, more than half of which are exported to the United those metals with the United States. Alfredo Arzola, head of the States. “We’re going to have a series of negotiations and discussions automotive industry cluster in the central state of Guanajuato, said with clients who have to absorb this tax,” Elizondo told Reuters. many auto parts makers in Mexico could be exempt from the U.S. Japanese auto safety products maker Ashimori Industry Co Ltd, tariffs because their steel and aluminum imports from the United whose plant in the central city of Silao in Mexico’s automotive heart- States are temporary.—AFP

trade around the level of the sale price. The European stocks edge Conservative government headed by Prime Minister EXCHANGE RATES Theresa May has sold a 7.7-percent stake in RBS, leaving it still with a majority of 62.4 percent. “The higher though RBS sale hardly removes the crushing hand of state ownership,” noted Beauchamp. The Edinburgh-based lender BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Egyptian Pound 0.014304 0.020022 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 sale hurts London underwent the world’s biggest bailout by taxpayers at Iraqi Dinar 0.000196 0.000256 the height of the global financial crisis a decade ago. CURRENCY BUY SELL Jordanian Dinar 0.422896 0.431896 Europe Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 LONDON: Most European stocks grew yesterday on The FTSE was also dented on Tuesday as strong serv- British Pound 0.396599 0.410499 Lebanese Pound 0.000150 0.000250 optimism over easing trade and political fears, but ices data sent the pound higher, hurting the share Czech Korune 0.005799 0.015099 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021231 0.045231 London sank as the UK government sold a chunk of prices of multinationals whose earnings are in dollars. Danish Krone 0.043561 0.048561 Omani Riyal 0.780955 0.786635 Euro 0. 347020 0.360720 Qatar Riyal 0.078964 0.083904 Royal Bank of Scotland at a sizeable loss, dealers said. Georgian Lari 0.122528 0.122528 Saudi Riyal 0.079740 0.081040 Frankfurt, Paris and Madrid all made gains while Milan Strong Wall Street lead Hungarian 0.001022 0.001212 Syrian Pound 0.001285 0.001505 nudged slightly lower in midday deals, as political US investors provided another strong lead with the Norwegian Krone 0.033345 0.038545 Tunisian Dinar 0.113038 0.121938 Romanian Leu 0.059208 0.076058 Turkish Lira 0.061103 0.071403 worries subsided somewhat in both Italy and Spain. Nasdaq chalking up a new closing high, as Friday’s Russian ruble 0.004883 0.004883 UAE Dirhams 0.081098 0.082798 Italy’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Giuseppe better-than-expected jobs report continued to pro- Slovakia 0.009039 0.019039 Yemeni Riyal 0.000985 0.001065 vide support despite an expected jump in Federal Swedish Krona 0.030620 0.035620 Conte on Tuesday declared that his eurosceptic gov- Swiss Franc 0.300181 0.311181 ernment wanted to reduce the country’s huge public Reserve interest rates. Attention this week turns to the Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd debt “through growth”, not austerity, as he made his Group of Seven summit that begins Friday in Quebec, Australasia first speech to the Italian Senate. Most Asian stock where Donald Trump is expected to face criticism Australian Dollar 0.223276 0.235276 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.206874 0.216374 markets also rose, extending recent gains as analysts over his decision to lump tariffs on Canadian, Mexican US Dollar 302.740 said optimism over the improving US economy was and European steel and aluminum. Canadian Dollar 234.495 America helping overcome worries about a possible trade war The EU and Canada have filed complaints at the Canadian Dollar 0.229164 0.238164 Sterling Pound 405.585 US Dollars 0.299000 0.303400 Euro 354.565 and geopolitical uncertainty. World Trade Organization while China has also US Dollars Mint 0.299500 0.303400 Swiss Frank 301.675 “Politics has calmed down for now, and so have issued a warning to Washington not to target its Bahrain Dinar 805.100 investors’ nerves,” noted CMC Markets UK analyst exports. While there are concerns about the impact a Asia UAE Dirhams 82.825 Bangladesh Taka 0.002999 0.003781 Qatari Riyals 84.060 David Madden. “The trade talks between the US and trade war would have on the global economy, ana- Chinese Yuan 0.045750 0.049250 Saudi Riyals 81.625 China have not progressed much, but more important- lysts say trading floors remain broadly upbeat. Oil Hong Kong Dollar 0.036537 0.039287 Jordanian Dinar 428.276 ly, there has not been an escalation in tensions.”On the prices meanwhile dipped with dealers on edge Indian Rupee 0.003929 0.004701 Egyptian Pound 16.939 before a June 22 OPEC meeting where the cartel will Indonesian Rupiah 0.000017 0.000023 downside, however, London’s benchmark FTSE 100 Sri Lankan Rupees 1.913 discuss its two-year-old output cap deal with Russia, Japanese Yen 0.002674 0.002854 Indian Rupees 4.515 index shed almost 0.6 percent in value, with concerns Korean Won 0.000273 0.000288 Pakistani Rupees 2.616 centred on the banking sector. “While European mar- with Saudi Arabia having indicated it could open the Malaysian Ringgit 0.072654 0.078654 Bangladesh Taka 3.624 pumps more. Nepalese Rupee 0.002734 0.003074 kets move higher once more, UK news has kept the Philippines Pesso 5.760 Pakistan Rupee 0.002004 0.002774 FTSE 100 from joining in the fun,” said IG analyst Tokyo and Hong Kong each ended 0.3 percent Philippine Peso 0.005606 0.005906 Cyprus pound 18.015 Chris Beauchamp. “Bank stocks have weighed heavily higher, while Shanghai climbed 0.7 percent. Seoul and Japanese Yen 3.760 Singapore Dollar 0.221712 0.231712 on the FTSE, led of course by RBS as the government Singapore were each 0.3 percent higher, while Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001557 0.002137 Syrian Pound 1.590 Taiwan 0.010055 0.010236 Nepalese Rupees 2.828 looks to cut and run from some of its stake.” Wellington, Manila and Jakarta also rose. But Sydney Thai Baht 0.009141 0.009691 Malaysian Ringgit 76.965 Britain yesterday said it had sold a small chunk of slipped 0.5 percent, while Taipei and Bangkok Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.595 state-rescued Royal Bank of Scotland for more than dropped. In early European trade, London fell 0.3 Arab Thai Bhat 10.455 Bahraini Dinar 0.797090 0.805590 Turkish Lira 65.520 £2.5 billion ($3.3 billion, 2.8 billion euros). Shares in percent, while Paris and Frankfurt each slipped 0.1 RBS slid 3.74 percent to 270.40 pence on the news to percent. —AFP Established 1961 13 Business Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Qantas defends online listing of Taiwan as a part of China ‘It’s not airlines that define what countries are’

SYDNEY: Qantas chief Alan Joyce yesterday changes. “We have some complexity to work defended the carrier’s move to list Taiwan as part of through,” she said. “The IT and technology that China on its websites after Australia’s foreign minis- underpins our websites and the connectivity takes ter said private firms must be able to conduct busi- time for us to get to grips with changes that need to ness “free from political pressure”. The Chinese Civil be put into the programming stages of that.” Qantas’ Aviation Administration sent a notice to 36 foreign decision comes amid souring Australia-China rela- airlines in April, asking them to comply with Beijing’s tions. Canberra has introduced a raft of reforms to standards of referring to Taiwan, Hong Kong and espionage and foreign interference legislation, with Macau as Chinese territories. Beijing singled out as a focus of concern. Despite Taiwan having been governed separately for around seven decades, with its own government ‘Difficult and sensitive’ and own military, China considers the democratic Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop yesterday island a renegade part of its territory to be brought acknowledged that the website was a matter for back into the fold, by force if necessary. In late May, Qantas, but said: “Private companies should be free AFP found several foreign to conduct their usual busi- airlines were still listing ness operations free from Taiwan as a country, political pressure of gov- including Qantas. Joyce ernments.” Asked about told reporters at an annu- Free from Bishop’s remarks, Chinese al meeting of global air- foreign ministry spokes- lines in Sydney that “our political woman Hua Chunying said: intention is to meet the “I don’t know what is requirements”, but there pressure implied by that.” were some technical “There is only one China SYDNEY: This picture taken on June 1, 2018 shows ground staff preparing a Qantas Airbus A380 aircraft delays. in the world. Hong Kong, for ﬂight at the Sydney International airport. —AFP He defended the Taiwan and Macau are all Australian carrier’s deci- part of China,” she said, sion to comply with Beijing’s demands, stressing that adding that this was an “objective fact” accepted by demands,” Taiwan’s foreign ministry said yesterday, sensitive a decision as this is, our view is that we “it’s not airlines that define what countries are, it’s the international community. “Therefore China’s calling the island a “sovereign country”. Air Canada would comply with the Chinese government require- governments”. “And at the end of the day, the request is legitimate. Any business that wants to is one of the airlines that has made the changes, and ment.” Beijing has in recent months renewed its push Australians, like a lot of countries, have a ‘One China’ operate in China should abide by Chinese laws and its chief executive Calin Rovinescu said the carrier to force Western companies to comply with its nam- policy,” Joyce added. “So we’re not doing anything respect the ‘One China’ principle. This is a basic was “not a government” and was “not making any ing standards-which Washington has labelled different than (what) the Australian government is requirement.” But Taipei hit back, saying it is lodging kind of a political statement”. “Orwellian” — or risk losing access to China’s huge doing in that case and I think that’s the case for a lot a protest with Qantas. “We do, like so many of the other airlines, take the market. Clothing supplier Gap and hotel chain of airlines.” “We call on all governments and international same view that when we operate into the various Marriott have also come under pressure to amend Qantas International chief Alison Webster said the firms to uphold their dignity and principles, using jurisdictions, we’ll comply with the requirements of websites or products that were perceived as slights carrier had been given an extension to make the moral courage to resist China’s unreasonable the various jurisdictions,” he added. “As difficult and to China’s sovereignty. —AFP

dential run. “But I’m a long way from making Starbucks chief any decisions about the future. “I want to be of service to our country, but that doesn’t mean I need to run for public office to Schultz retiring accomplish that,” Schultz told the Times. Britain banks £2.5bn Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 as director WASHINGTON: Howard Schultz, who built a of operations and marketing and helped small Seattle coffee chain into the global transform the Seattle-based company into a for slice of RBS powerhouse Starbucks, announced Monday global behemoth with more than 28,000 out- he was retiring from the company, fueling lets in 77 countries. LONDON: Britain’s government yesterday said it had sold a small chunk of speculation he may seek the Democratic “I set out to build a company that my state-rescued Royal Bank of Scotland for more than £2.5 billion ($3.3 billion, presidential nomination in 2020. Schultz, 64, father, a blue-collar worker and World War 2.8 billion euros), albeit at a loss. Britain on Monday resumed privatisation of has been serving as executive chairman of II veteran, never had a chance to work for,” the Royal Bank of Scotland, which at the height of the global financial crisis a Starbucks since stepping down as chief Schultz said in an open letter to past and executive in April of last year and handing decade ago underwent the world’s biggest bailout by taxpayers. present Starbucks employees. “Together over to Kevin Johnson. The Conservative government headed by Prime Minister Theresa May has we’ve done that, and so much more, by bal- Schultz will leave the company at the end sold a 7.7-percent stake in RBS, leaving it still with a majority holding of 62.4 ancing profitability and social conscience, of the month and take on the honorary title of percent, much of which it plans to offload through to 2023. “Over £2.5 billion compassion and rigor, and love and chairman emeritus, Starbucks said in a state- SEATTLE: In this ﬁle photo taken on March 22, worth of government-owned RBS shares were sold last night as part of the responsibility.” 2017, Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard ment. Schultz’s announcement triggered government’s policy to return the bank to private ownership,” the Treasury Schultz speaks at the Annual Meeting of immediate speculation that he may consider said in a statement. Racial bias awareness training Shareholders. —AFP entering politics as a Democrat and run for A total of 925 million shares were each sold for £2.71. However, this was at In its statement, Starbucks did not men- the White House two years from now. a total loss of £2.1 billion, with the government having spent about £5.0 per tion any political ambitions for the departing Schultz told The New York Times he hadn’t share in a rescue costing the taxpayer £45.5 billion. “If the rest of the govern- executive but said Schultz was “looking for- in a Philadelphia Starbucks, which sparked decided on his next move yet, but “for some ment stake is sold at a similar price then the total loss comes to something in ward to spending more time with his family outrage, protests and soul-searching about time now, I have been deeply concerned the region of £21 billion,” said Michael Hewson, market analyst at CMC this summer.” “He is also writing a book racial tensions that have been exacerbated about our country - the growing division at Markets UK. about Starbucks social impact work and the under President Trump. Speaking to CNN home and our standing in the world.” Schultz, The government noted however that the sale would help to reduce the efforts to redefine the role and responsibility about the closure, Schultz said “we realize who has been openly critical of President country’s mountain of debt. “This sale represents a significant step in return- of a public company in an ever-changing that four hours of training is not going to Donald Trump, said “one of the things I want ing RBS to full private ownership and putting the financial crisis behind us,” society,” it said. solve racial inequity in America or anyone to do in my next chapter is to figure out if finance minister Philip Hammond said in the statement. “The government Schultz’s departure comes a week after coming into our stores who may have a there is a role I can play in giving back. should not be in the business of owning banks. “The proceeds of this sale will the company closed more than 8,000 US problem. “But we have to start the conversa- “I intend to think about a range of options, go towards reducing our national debt- this is the right thing to do for taxpay- stores to provide racial bias awareness train- tion.” Starbucks shares were down 1.31 per- and that could include public service,” he ers as we build an economy that is fit for the future,” Hammond said. —AFP ing to around 175,000 employees. The move cent to $56.32 in after-hours trading on Wall said, when asked if he was weighing a presi- followed the April 12 arrest of two black men Street. —AFP 14 Established 1961

Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Business For the first time in Kuwait, VIVA to physically demo ‘5G’ services

KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing and most the customers in Kuwait.” developed telecom operator, launched the fifth-gen- What made VIVA launch unique is that for the first eration “5G”. Being the first telecom company in time, media and public interacted with the 5G servic- Kuwait to bring the unrivalled 5G to reality by physi- es being offered by VIVA. These services include cally showcasing the customers’ experience with the ultra-highspeed internet access, Virtual Reality media technology, reflects its continuous commitment to its and gaming, ultra-low latency drone control and customers to deliver up-to-date technologies that video streaming. The launching ceremony was meet their aspirations. This launch is the initial phase accompanied by a pavilion to explain about 5G; the for demonstrating the capabilities and readiness to editors were able to review the virtual neighborhood VIVA to offer the 5G services, while the full-fledged services by themselves. services to customers will be offered upon receiving In January 2017, VIVA succeeded in advanced the regulatory approvals. technical experiments in its lab. This technology is the Eng Zarrar Khan, Chief Technology Officer at coming fifth-generation wireless broadband technol- VIVA commented: “The 5G is one of the latest tech- ogy in the telecom world after the 4th generation nologies in the generation of communications, there- (LTE). 5G aims at higher capacity and better latency fore VIVA is proud to bring this unique service that than current 4G (LTE) which will allow a higher den- will enable customers to exchange information and sity of mobile broadband users, 5G will be providing communicate at high speed.” He added: “We have multiple gigabit speeds in cityscape areas which will confidence, knowledge and innovation, which will allow people and machines to step into a new era of enable us to lead the 5G era, and confirm VIVA’s pio- information technology and help better in implement- neering position in providing innovative services for ing the internet of things (IoT).

and has widespread use in Islamic societies to provide more finance Al Sayer name winners AUB organizes training for education, health and environmental issues, as well as public services. The terms of the trust and accompanying letter of wishes for private and must be compliant with the Islamic rules of inheritance. of Toyota Genuine The seminar included an update on the United Kingdom premium staff Commercial Real Estate Taxation laws. Overseas investors acquiring interests in UK commercial real estate will be subject to a tax from Parts raffle draw KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank (AUB) recently organized an exclusive April 2019. In recent years, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs KUWAIT: Mohamed Naser Al Sayer & Sons Co. (MNSS) training for its Private and Premium Banking staff in Kuwait, Egypt (HMRC) has imposed a variety of new taxes on residential property Group Spare Parts Division, a subsidiary of AL SAYER and Dubai on Trust and Taxation matters in the United Kingdom owned by overseas investors. From 2019, interests in commercial property owned by overseas Holding, held the first electronic raffle draw to select the win- (UK). The event, which was held at the Bank’s head office over two days, was led by Duncan Taylor, Head of Fiduciary Marketing at AUB investors will be subject to UK tax for the first time. One new ners of Toyota Genuine Parts special promotion on Thursday in London; Jeremey Mahoney, Director of AUB Trustees (Guernsey) coherent system of taxation will apply to capital gains made on any 24 May 2018 at the Ministry premises. Names of the winners Limited and Richard Jordan, Partner Private Wealth Tax, Trusts and interest in real estate from April 2019. A final draft of the legislation of iPhone x 64 GB from the first raffle are as follows: Estates Team from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, a London-based firm. is due this summer and will be keenly discussed by lawyers and During the seminar, speakers explained the applicability of trust accountants in the City of London, in particular Medhat Tawfik, Names of Winners arrangements and the overall advantages of an offshore trust. It was Senior General Manager, Private Banking & Wealth Management at First Prize Hamad Ameen Abdulmoneim explained that a trust is a legal arrangement which sets out legal and AUB said, “We are very pleased to be hosting important educational Second Prize Abdul Rahma Abdullah Mohammed financial rights and obligations between two or more people and is pri- training sessions adding more value to our staff. The underlying aim Third Prize Salman Rajaan Salman marily used to hold assets for another party. Moreover, trusts can pro- is to equip our employees in the Private and Premium banking serv- Fourth Prize Ahmed Waleed Yousef tect assets for those who may not be able to manage their own affairs. ices with the right knowledge and understandings of the latest top- The special promotion from Toyota Genuine Spare In addition, the speakers focused on the three pillars of offshore ics to be able to provide sound advice to our valuable customers.” Parts commenced on 16 April will continue till 15 July trusts, which include tax planning, flexibility and confidentiality. AUB continues to facilitate leading discussions around trending top- 2018 to feature the remaining draws on 24 June fol- Moreover trust, or Waqf in the Islamic Shari’aha, is a crucial topic ics that add value to both staff and customers. lowed by final draw on 24 July including the Grand Prize Draw for an all-new 2018 Toyota Camry. For every KD 5 spent on Toyota Genuine Parts at any ALSAYER Parts outlet of Service facility, customers Sayer Toyota Genuine Spare Parts operates 17 exclu- will be eligible to participate in the upcoming two raf- sive outlets across Kuwait to offer an enhanced cus- fles on 4 iPhone X mobiles per draw, plus a chance for tomer experience through better accessibility and con- all customers to win the Grand Prize. venience. All the winners can collect their prizes from Mohamed Naser Al Sayer continues to guarantee Group Marketing Department located at Toyota New highest level of customer satisfaction through quality Cars Delivery Center in Ardiyaby presenting the official assured genuine products at fair competitive prices. Al letter from Ministry.

Ford launches 2018 edition of Conservation and Gulf insurance Group Environmental Grants stays in the lead in

KUWAIT: Coinciding with World Environment Day on June 5, Ford Motor Company yesterday launched the 17th financial ratings edition of its Conservation and Environmental Grants pro- KUWAIT: Gulf Insurance gram, with $105,000 made available to successful entries Group (gig), the leading from around the Middle East and North Africa region. insurance service World Environment Day is the United Nation’s most provider in Kuwait and important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and MENA region, action for the protection of our environment. Since it began announced that Moody’s in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for pub- Investors Service agency lic outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries. has affirmed the insur- Each World Environment Day is organized around a theme ance financial strength that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environ- rating of A3 with a stable mental concern. The theme for this year’s World outlook for the Kuwait- Environment Day is “beating plastic pollution”, and Ford is based group with opera- increasing the total fund offering for 2018 with a $5,000 tions across the Middle special category grant for the project that best displays a East and North Africa plan to tackle the scourge of plastic on our environment. (MENA). Khalid Al Sanousi Accepted from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, plant-based PET materials and fibers. Ford also boasts Moody’s agency Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the first automotive use of Coca-Cola’s Plant Bottle plas- revealed gig’s insurance financial strengths rat- and Yemen, the touted Conservation and Environmental tic, used in the seat fabric, trim, carpets and headliner in ing reflects the group’s strong and leading Grants projects should be focused on one of three main an electric Ford Focus battery demonstration vehicle. The position in its target markets with a qualified areas: Environmental Education, Protection of the Natural World Wildlife Fund’s Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance (BFA) CBK signs memo of market share in the region, well-established Environment and Conservation Engineering. can, too, rely on Ford as a partner, as it works to support brand recognition, strong and consistent prof- Two further categories will receive financial support for the responsible development of plastics made from plant the winning projects: Best in Research - projects that show understanding with itability, good capitalization and strong man- material, and helps build a more sustainable future for the agement which has implemented prudent and use of research in finding, and implementing, solutions to a bio-plastics industry. specific environmental issue - and Best in Community PACI for e-services sophisticated risk management measures. Engagement, for the project that best demonstrates com- Factors that lead to an upgrade of the Success Stories group’s rating are significant improvements in munity engagement during its undertaking. Individuals or Projects in the past year alone have helped tackle the the sovereign ratings and economic environ- organizations with on-going projects focused on any of the issue of turtle by-catch in Tunisia, supported Morocco- ments of its non-Kuwaiti subsidiaries in addi- main areas of focus are invited to apply by downloading based project “Go Energyless” in producing and supply- the form here, and email it to [email protected]. ing low-cost coolers made of clay and other natural mate- tion to improvements in assets quality. The Applications will be received from June 5, with closing date rials to local communities, and helped students change group has established a strong brand across the for submissions on July 15, 2018 at 9pm AST (Arab community perceptions of conservation through the MENA region and ranks among the top 10 Standard Time).Jury voting will take place, virtually, in Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Jordan’s MENA insurance groups. The stable outlook on August, with winners announced in September of this year. Nature Ranger program. In its 17 years of existence, the gig reflects Moody’s expectation that the group “Our planet faces increasing environmental challenges; Ford Grants program has become one of the largest cor- will maintain its solid market position and brand such as greater congestion in cities, the rise of the global porate initiatives of its kind in the region, created to KUWAIT: Within the constant cooperation between the in its key markets while maintaining good capi- population, and the ongoing implications of climate empower individuals and non-profit groups that are Commercial Bank of Kuwait and other state institutes, CBK talization and delivering strong results. change - and so we continue to work tirelessly to maxi- donating their time and efforts to preserve the environ- recently signed a memo of understanding with the Public Khaled M Al Sanousi, Group Senior Manager mize our energy and water efficiency and minimize the mental well-being of their communities. Authority for Civil Information (PACI) to activate e-services said: “We are proud to remain recognized for waste and emissions footprints of our manufacturing Since its inception, the Ford Motor Company that would facilitate banking transactions for the bank’s our accomplishments in the region and by plants and vehicles,” said Mark Ovenden, president, Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants program has clients. Speaking on the occasion, CBK’s board chairman Moody’s Investors Service. The Group’s well- Middle East and Africa. received support and recognition from various governmen- Sheikh, Ahmed Duaij Al-Sabah stressed on the bank’s keen- established and comprehensive Enterprise Risk “The Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants pro- tal and non-governmental environmental authorities from ness to provide the latest creative services for its clients Management Framework with appropriate tools gram is one of many initiatives Ford has invested in to pre- such as using e-signature, which would enable a client use it around the Middle East, including the World Wide Fund for and techniques helps to identify, measure and serve our environment for future generations. With this Nature, and the Arab Forum for Environment and and the civil ID’s pin code to conduct integrated banking year’s World Environment Day theme of Beating Plastic transactions without the need for paper forms. “It will open manage risks on a Group level. We are the first Development (AFED). insurance company in Kuwait to be triple- rated Pollution in mind, the program will be including an addi- Recipients are chosen by an independent panel of a new horizon towards a new digitalized banking world”, he added noting that this was not strange from CBK that had from international credit rating agencies. In tional special category to be awarded a $5,000 ‘beating judges consisting of academics and leaders from regional already started using the customer service Kiosks and was addition to Moody’s, we are also rated at A lev- plastic’ grant.” environmental organizations. The judges are seasoned the first to introduce ATM machines in Kuwait over 35 years el by Standard & Poor’s and A.M.BEST. The For years, Ford has been working with renewable environmentalists or academicians from the region careful- ago. On his part, PACI director, Musaed Al-Assoussi presence of a strong and unified ‘gig’ brand materials, from farm elements to plastics. In partnership ly selected based on geographical coverage, age and gen- with Coca-Cola, Nike and Procter & Gamble, Ford stressed that the authority’s keenness on cooperating with across the companies we operate in helps us der equality. They look for initiatives that demonstrate a various public and private sector institutions. He also noted proudly co-founded the plant-based PET Technology well-defined sense of purpose, a commitment to maximiz- provide world class offerings and excellence in Collaborative (PTC), a strategic working group focused that e-signature was one of the most important uses of the our industry.” ing available resources, and a reputation for meeting civil ID and that it was significant for e-transactions safety. on accelerating the development and use of 100 percent objectives and delivering planned programs and services. Established 1961 15 Technology Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Europe up against a titanic Asian juggernaut in e-car battery drive

Only two European companies planning to build plants

LONDON/FRANKFURT/STOCKHOLM: Chinese electric advises firms in the energy, technology and power infra- vehicle giant BYD is looking at launching battery production structure sectors. in Europe, joining Asian rivals aiming to cash in on a green car ‘Green’ batteries revolution and threatening attempts by Brussels to nurture a Electric and hybrid vehicles are expected to account for home-grown industry. Keen to capture a European car bat- 30 percent of the global auto market by 2030, according to tery value chain that will be worth an estimated 250 billion metal consultants CRU, up from 4 percent of the 86 million euros ($290 billion) by 2025, the European Commission vehicles sold last year. Global automakers plan to invest at launched an alliance of local companies last year aiming to least $90 billion in electric cars and batteries, the most expen- build 10-20 huge battery factories. sive component in the vehicles, to finance hundreds of new “We are considering cell production outside of China and models over the next five years. that includes Europe,” Julia Chen, Global Sales Director at For now, carmakers in Europe have been importing batter- BYD Batteries, told Reuters, speaking about the production ies from Asia, but as production ramps up that will become of both automotive and home storage batteries. BYD, which less viable. Setting up production in Europe would cut ship- also makes electric buses, cars and solar panels, said it was ping costs by a quarter. But some carmakers are not waiting not clear where in Europe a battery site might be. “It would for a European industry, instead signing contracts with Asian be possible wherever there’s a firms coming to the region. market.” German’s BMW said it was not The company, which is involved in the European backed by Warren Buffett’s alliance while Europe’s biggest Berkshire Hathaway, joins automaker, Volkswagen , said it Korea’s SK Innovation, Japan’s A bit of plans to get batteries from LG GS Yuasa Corp and China’s imbalance in that Chem’s Polish factory due to Contemporary Amperex open this year. Mercedes maker Technology (CATL) in looking value chain Daimler has awarded a contract to locate battery plants in to CATL. Supporters of the ini- BANGALORE: Tarun Mehta, Co-Founder and CEO of Ather Energy, gestures while addresses the media Europe. South Korea’s LG tiative argue Europe can carve during the launch event of Ather 450 (C), electric scooter, in Bangalore yesterday. Ather Energy launched Chem, Samsung SDI both have out a niche by selling green the electric scooter along with Ather 340, a variant of previously unveiled scooter on the occasion of European factories due to batteries produced with renew- World Environment Day. —AFP open soon while China’s GSR Capital already produces bat- able energy and ethically sourced raw materials. tery cells at a UK plant it bought from Nissan. While Asian electric vehicle (EV) cell battery factories in Financing round that’s one of the reasons you see a limited amount of players biggest automotive supplier, Germany’s Robert Bosch aban- Europe would bring jobs, Brussels is concerned companies in Northvolt, which has held talks with European automakers, in Europe,” said Northvolt founder and Chief Executive Peter doned plans to make battery cells, saying it was too risky. the bloc are missing out on a growth industry and risk becom- aims to launch its $5 billion gigafactory in late 2020 and pro- Carlsson. “But we think that the model that we’re applying is ing dependent on foreign technology. But some investors say duce 32 gigawatt hours of battery capacity each year by changing this.” Carlsson, who used to work for U.S. electric Solid-state solution? they are wary of backing European EV battery suppliers after 2023. But investors have been cautious about pouring money car pioneer Tesla, says Northvolt can make a profit through Investors are wary because of their experience with solar seeing local solar panel firms founder in the face of cheap into new European battery ventures. Northvolt’s first financ- economies of scale, by using cheap hydropower and control- panel manufacturers as well as rapid advances in technology Chinese imports over the past decade. ing round, intended to raise 80 million euros to 100 million ling the processing of raw materials. that are slashing the price of battery packs, which consultants European battery companies would need billions in EU euros to help set up a test factory, took slightly longer than But Northvolt and TerraE will probably need about $2 bil- Arthur D Little puts at $190-250 per kilowatt hour now. “In support to rival Asian firms that have received similar state expected, a spokesman said. Much of the profit from the bat- lion each in government funding to build their gigafactories - battery manufacturing ... it’s very much about scale. So the subsidies and Brussels may be better off promoting next- tery value chain is generated by producers of raw materials, given the state support provided for similar projects in Asia established producers in Korea, China and Japan have clear generation solid-state EV batteries instead, investors say. “I such as cobalt and lithium, and those who assemble cells into and the United States, said Asad Farid, an associate director at advantages over new entrants,” said Simon Webber, lead don’t believe anyone in Europe can be competitive with the complex systems, experts say. private bank Berenberg who specializes in battery technology. portfolio manager on the global & international equities team Asians,” said Gerard Reid, founder of Alexa Capital, which “There’s been a bit of imbalance in that value chain and Four months after the European alliance launch the world’s at Schroders. —Reuters

Apple focuses on speed and Washington sues parental controls in software upgrades online titans over SAN JOSE: Apple Inc on Monday unveiled software political ads upgrades that would let older iPhones run faster, help SAN FRANCISCO: The US state of Washington on parents limit their children’s screen time and make its Monday announced it was suing Google and Siri voice assistant work more like a rival feature from Facebook for not abiding by local law requirements Amazon.com. Taken together, the moves announced at regarding keeping records of political ads and their Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in backers. Campaign finance laws in that state call on San Jose amounted to focusing on keeping its base of ad sellers to keep track of who is behind ads and 1.3 billion users satisfied with their devices and catching how much is spent, and make the information avail- up with some competitors. Apple shares closed up 0.8 able to the public, Washington attorney general percent at $191.83 after the news, and rose to $192.40 Bob Ferguson said in a release. in extended trading. Suits filed in state court accuse Facebook and Apple faced a backlash late last year when it Google of failing to meet these obligations since emerged that the company slowed down some older the year 2013. “Washington’s political advertising iPhones with flagging batteries. The latest version of SAN JOSE: Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks during the 2018 Apple Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) disclosure laws apply to everyone, whether you are Apple’s operating system for the iPhone and iPad, iOS at the San Jose Convention Center. —AFP a small-town newspaper or a large corporation,” 12, will make older devices, such as the iPhone 6, work Ferguson said in the release. In the last decade, better. Software chief Craig Federighi said iOS 12 will now be able to limit the time children spend in “share” buttons from social media companies. Apple Washington candidates and political committees could carry out simple tasks, such as opening apps, up apps, as well as which apps they can use. “Some apps unveiled new steps to make it hard for advertisers to reported about $3.4 million in payments to to twice as fast as its predecessor, iOS 11. The new demand more of our attention than we might realize,” distinguish among users, building on its effort, begun Facebook and $1.5 million to Google related to system will work on a range of products that date Federighi said. The parent control system sits atop a last year, to prevent such tracking. advertising, according to the state attorney general. back to 2013. broader system that adults, too, can use to monitor and Apple also rolled out new tools for augmented Google and Facebook dominate the market for The company also will allow broader use of in-app limit their screen time. reality, saying users would be able to share worlds online advertising. Google and Facebook are among voice controls, which it had limited to a handful of apps, Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at Creative Strategies, in games, for instance. LEGO, the maker of inter- internet firms dealing with criticism and concerns such as PayPal and Uber. Amazon, by contrast, was said the flexibility of Apple’s system set it apart from locking toy blocks, showed off an app in which two about online platforms being used to spread division much more open to controlling apps with its Alexa others designed only for parental monitoring, offering players using iPads could put out a virtual fire blaz- and misinformation with the potential to sway elec- assistant. Apple also rolled out group video chat ses- the ability for teens and adults to impose their own ing on a physical house made of LEGOs. Federighi tions. Facebook last month said it began implement- sions with up to 32 users, putting it in direct competi- limits. “It’s a clear admission from Apple: ‘Our installed said Apple had been working on a “multi-year” ing a policy requiring labeling and verification of tion with companies such as Cisco Systems Inc and base is so big, and no two users are the same, so we’re effort to make it easier to move iPhone and iPad identities of those paying for political messages. Microsoft Corp’s Skype. not going to tell you what works for you,’” she said. apps onto Mac computers, a significant change The move came in response to criticism over New features help protect users’ anonymity online. because Apple’s iOS is often a top destination for Facebook’s role in allowing disinformation to Overuse by children The company said its Safari web browser for both developers, who frequently choose Android phones spread during the 2016 US election, in many cases In response to criticism that Apple contributed to Macs and iPhones will keep users from being tracked as the second platform. Federighi said the tools will with the help of automated “bots” or disguised computer overuse by children, iPhone and iPad users without their permission by websites that use “like” or come out next year. —Reuters Russian-based accounts. Facebook said its new handling of political ads has taken hold in the United States on Facebook and Instagram. It form provided by Facebook in order to intended to implement the same policy worldwide Facebook fan page benefit from the associated services can- in the coming months —AFP not exempt it from compliance with its operator has privacy obligations concerning the protection of personal data,” the Court of Justice of the responsibilities: EU European Union (ECJ) said in a statement about the ruling. SpaceX delays plans LUXEMBOURG: The operator of a fan The administrator takes part in deciding page on Facebook is also responsible for what data to collect and how to process it, protecting visitors’ personal data and can- for example by defining a target audience to send tourists not hide behind the social network, the and asking for demographic data or infor- European Union’s highest court ruled yes- mation on the lifestyles and interests of vis- around the Moon terday. The case stems from a dispute itors to the page, the ECJ said. The between a German fan page on Facebook Luxembourg-based court also reaffirmed WASHINGTON: SpaceX will not send tourists around the which used the social network to store an opinion given by a legal adviser in Moon this year as previously announced, and will delay cookies on visitors’ hard drives to collect October which said the German data pro- the project until the middle of next year, US media report- data about them. tection authority had the power to take ed on Monday. “A new timetable for the flight-now post- When a German data protection author- action against Facebook even though its poned until at least mid-2019 and likely longer-hasn’t been ity ordered the operator of the fan page, an European headquarters are in Ireland. released” by the California-based company, said the education company, to deactivate it Facebook had argued only the Irish reg- report in The Wall Street Journal. The reason for the delay is unclear. But it is a “sign that because visitors were not informed about ulator had jurisdiction over its activities, but This ﬁle photo taken on March 22, 2018 shows a computer screen displaying the logo of the social technical and production challenges are disrupting the collection of their personal data, the several other EU regulators have taken company argued it was not responsible for networking site Facebook, taken in Manchester, England. —AFP founder Elon Musk’s plans for human exploration of the action against the company for allegedly solar system,” said the report. “SpaceX also is confronting the processing of personal data by breaching privacy legislation. The ECJ said industry doubts about market demand for its Falcon Heavy Facebook and that any action should be a regulator was entitled to exercise its rocket,” it said. The tourists would ride aboard a Dragon brought against the social network. establishment in another member state - in which introduces a “one stop shop” princi- powers against a company even if the this case Facebook Ireland. The case pre- ple whereby companies only have to deal capsule, hoisted into space on SpaceX’s most powerful “According to the court, the fact that an responsibility for the collection and pro- rocket to date, the Falcon Heavy, which made its first test administrator of a fan page uses the plat- dated the entry into force two weeks ago with the authority in the member state of cessing of data belonged to that company’s of a new EU data protection regulation their main EU establishment. —Reuters flight only four months ago.—AFP 16 Established 1961 Health Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Cleaning up the ‘sacred lake’: Locals tackle Titicaca pollution ‘It hurts me that we are cleaning up what others throw away’ SANTIAGO DE HUATA, Bolivia: Under a Puerto Perez, also on the Bolivian side. But blazing sun on the arid banks of Lake Titicaca, environmentalists and local officials point to a high in the Andes Mountains, around a dozen bigger problem: the wastewater now flowing indigenous women work tirelessly to collect into the lake. cans, bottles and plastic bags. The women- Less than 30 years ago, people could still with their long black braids, traditional red drink the lake water, but no more. It is “a bell-shaped skirts, thick woollen jackets and problem that is causing serious pollution,” felt bowler hats-hope to set an example for says Fanny Zeballos, an environmental engi- other local residents and tourists who leave neer for the non-governmental organization tons of garbage by the lake every year. Agua Sustentable (Sustainable Water). The But their efforts may amount to nothing organization supports the clean-up initiative, more than window dressing-wastewater from although Zeballos acknowledges it “will not be the surrounding region is contaminating the enough.” lake, which many local people rely on for fish- ing to make a living. At 8,500 square kilome- ‘I feel that I’m dying too’ ters (about 3,300 square miles), Titicaca- Bolivian local councilor Reina Silva, who is which straddles the border between Bolivia also taking part in the clean-up day, says the and Peru-is as big as the French island of effects of the pollution are all too plain to see. Corsica. And at an altitude of more than “Our animals feed on totora (plants) and they 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), it is the world’s die of diarrhea. Our cows and sheep drink highest body of fresh water that is navigable water and die. That’s how we know that it’s by large vessels. polluted,” she said. “I feel bad-I feel that I’m The local Aymara people call it a “sacred dying too.” Agua Sustentable puts together the PUERTO P?REZ, Bolivia : Aymara indigenous women, arrive to clean the shore of the Titicaca lake in Puerto Perez, La Paz department. —AFP lake,”-legend has it that from these waters team of local women and provides the equip- emerged Manco Capac, son of the Sun God, ment to measure the level of pollution in the and his wife Mama Ocllo, who then founded lake. This time, they have collected about 100 the ancient city of Cusco, the capital of the kilos (220 pounds) of rubbish. Juan Jose Ocola, Inca empire. On the beach of Santiago de head of the bilateral Lake Titicaca Authority Huata, a town on the Bolivian shore of the lake, operated by the two countries, says pollution is by forklift trucks into large hangars. Critics clables, with collections for different cate- the women use latex gloves to lift bits of rub- concentrated on some banks but does not Recycling charge that Japanese consumers and retail- gories on different days of the week. bish one by one and put them in huge ers use too much plastic, as a mania for Most at a minimum have categories for biodegradable bags. Such clean-up days are Affect the entire lake. plastic: Japan style elaborate packaging results in almost burnable, unburnable, recyclable and plas- organized once or twice a year to raise aware- “Lake Titicaca is exposed to a serious pol- everything being wrapped even single tics, with many also requiring people to ness about the devastating pollution. lution problem, as it’s the receptacle for all the pieces of fruit. separate out cardboard and different types pollutants that are produced” in the sur- TOKYO: At a recycling plant outside There is no national legislation banning of plastic. That ensures more than one fifth Cows and sheep rounding area, he says. The contamination Tokyo, workers in face masks pick through single-use plastics, and penalties or disin- of plastic waste is recycled in Japan and In the dry season, when the water level is comes mainly from three urban centers, home an unending torrent of plastic rubbish, centives for using plastic bags are rare. the majority of the rest is burned either as low, the scale of the disaster is all the more to some 1.6 million people: Puno and Juliaca fuelled by a national obsession with pris- But Japan also has complicated and fuel, or to generate power or heat, accord- evident. “We find plastic, paper, bottles and all on the Peruvian side, and El Alto, next to the tine packaging-and famously strict rules strictly enforced rules on separating ing to the Plastic Waste Management types of rubbish,” even “used diapers,” says capital La Paz, in Bolivia. Ocola said that that ensure much of it is reclaimed and waste to help maximize the reuse and Institute. Around 10 percent is incinerated Helena Condori, a tradeswoman in the although the local women are making “major” reused. Some 10 tons of recyclable plastics recycling of garbage. without producing any energy and less Peruvian village of Juliaca on the opposite efforts, two things are badly needed: the con- are brought in every day to be processed Local governments across Tokyo and than 10 percent ends up in landfill. shore of the lake. “It hurts me that we are struction of water treatment plants and new at the Ichikawa Kankyo Engineering center, the rest of Japan each have their own rules About eight million tons of plastic waste cleaning up what others throw away.” But she garbage dumps. Peru has already announced where workers hover over conveyor belts on how residents must separate their waste, are dumped into the world’s oceans every is full of enthusiasm despite the immense task the construction of 10 water treatment plants, removing any stray items or contaminants. producing flowcharts that explain which year, the equivalent of one garbage truck of at hand, because “it makes us feel that Peru at the cost of $400 million, while Bolivia has The plastic is then compressed and items fit into which category. Plastics are plastic being tipped into the sea every and Bolivia are more united than ever.” The earmarked $80 million for a similar project in squeezed into huge “bales”, moved around separated from cans, paper and other recy- minute of every day—AFP women have already cleaned the beach at El Alto.—AFP Established 1961 17 What’s On Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Malabar continues relief campaign for people affected by Cyclone Mekunu

alabar Gold and Diamonds continuing the relief involved in the relief activities day and night by distributing offer our sincere help to those suffering from the impact of always at forefront when it comes to CSR activities. The activities in the Cyclone Mekunu stricken areas and groceries, water bottles, Iftar kits etc. Over 10,000 residents the Cyclone Mekunu. We are hoping the earliest possible group sets aside a fixed percentage of its net profit for the Mcontributing in a variety of ways. The company from Salalah, Mirbat, Thaka, Haffa, Daris, Dalkuth, Rakyuth recovery and praying to the almighty for the restoration of benefit of the needy in the respective markets it operates in. started the relief activities in Salalah, Oman right after the are benefitted from the relief campaign. Najeeb K, Regional the affected areas. Considering the number of requests we They undertake social welfare activities all year long, focus- Cyclone is affected. Team of Malabar Gold and Diamonds Head, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Oman commented by are receiving, we are extending our relief campaign to the ing on five priority areas such medical, educational sector, lead by Muneer Moideen, Asst. Branch Head, actively saying: “We would like to express our deepest sympathy and other affected areas as well.” Malabar Gold and Diamonds is environment as well as housing and women empowerment.

KIB celebrates girgian with KFH distributes children at Farwaniya Hospital iftar meals in

uwait International Bank (KIB) aimed at sharing the wonderful and joy- organized a visit to the children’s ous spirit of traditional events that take Farwaniya department at Farwaniya Hospital place in Ramadan, such as girgian. The onK the occasion of girgian. The visit Bank is particularly adamant on putting Governorate aimed at celebrating this joyous occa- smiles on the faces of sick people and sion with children and spreading the bringing hope to their hearts. KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) con- spirit of girgian by distributing gifts and Additionally, KIB is dedicated to tinues “Feed the Fasting” campaign in distrib- sweets amongst them. increasing its visits to civil institutions uting iftar meals in a mosque in Farwaniya Manager of the Corporate and hospitals, as part of its leading social Communications Unit at KIB, Nawaf responsibility program aimed at all seg- Governorate part of its Ramadan program Najia, said: “Visiting sick children and ments of the community. “Increase Good Deeds in Ramadan 4”, that their families to celebrate the joy of gir- It is worth mentioning that girgian is reflects the commitment in the corporate gian is a tradition we are committed to among the most important initiatives social responsibility and efforts to strengthen upholding every year during Ramadan. and activities within KIB’s Ramadan ties with the all segments of the society, espe- Mubarakiya and Hawalli Park. social and humanitarian initiatives. This visit comes as part of our unwaver- campaign. The Bank aims at organizing cially in the month of Ramadan. KFH’s Ramadan program “Increase Good KFH’s efforts in Ramadan underline the ing commitment to humanitarian activi- a number of humanitarian activities KFH voluntary team prepares and distrib- Deeds in Ramadan 4” includes various visits bank’s pioneering role in the social responsi- ties, as well as our dedication to engag- throughout Ramadan to support the uted iftar meals daily at four locations in col- and voluntary work, social and humanitarian bility, while contributing in strengthening the ing with all segments of the community community, enhance the lines of com- laboration with the Capital and Hawalli events and activities stemming from the social ties. KFH voluntary team prepares and under our new slogan ‘Bank for Life’.” munication, as well as strengthen reli- Governorates. The locations are: Nayef bank’s endeavors to solidify its commitment distributes Iftar meals daily on different loca- Naija pointed out that the initiative gious values. Palace, Alshamlan Mosque, Souk Al- towards the society, while supporting all tions until end of Ramadan. Spectacular performances at Mega Arts Fest Paradigm

Kuwaiti comedian Dawood Hussein for ‘Seventh Art his long career that started in 1977. The honoring ceremony was followed by a seminar during which Hussein justified Forum’ honors his recent absence by lack of proper scripts especially after he had almost Dawood covered all types of characters. He added that he had also taken part in a number of Egyptian movies and that he Hussein had been mentored by the late comedian, Abdul Hussein Abdul Redha. Meanwhile, Director Ramadan Khasrouh s part of activities of the ‘Seventh stressed that Hussein still owned unde- Art Forum’ held at The First veloped or used potentials in acting he Indian Community School (Senior) Vinukumar Nair (Vice Chairman), Agnello Mentor, Thought Leader, Writer, AMovie Group’s headquarters in tragedy and that the group was so glad was abuzz with the much awaited A.S. Fernandes (Joint Secretary), Dr V. Hypnotherapist and Educationist, Mariam Al Jabriya, the group recently honored to honor Hussein. TMega Arts Fest, Paradigm, held on its Binumon (Principal and Senior Dasti-Head of the Primary and Middle campus on the 12th and 13th of May, 2018. Administrator), Dr Sam T. Kuruvilla (Vice Sections of the Ministry of Private Education, The ICSK (Senior) Annual Mega Arts Fest, Principal, ICSK Senior). Principal, (Khaitan) marked their presence to bless and congrat- Paradigm, provides a mammoth platform to Gangadhar Shirsath and Principal (Junior) ulate the participants and winners. the students to exhibit their talents and build Sherly Dennis. The much awaited Prize distribution reck- up confidence. The festival includes music, To pay homage to the countries, audience oned with Kalathilak and Kalapratibha, the dance, and poetry along with visual arts. The stood up to the Kuwait and South African highest honour in the Arts Fest. Under fifth edition of Paradigm got off to a colorful National Anthem. Dr V. Binumon, Principal Category 3, Master Sanskar Mishra of class start with 118 items comprising 58 off stage and Senior Administrator ICSK delivered the 8 E won the kalapratibha and Christina Susan and 60 on stage items under three categories: welcome address to the august gathering. Viji of class 8 E won the Kalathilak. In Category 3, Category 4 and Category 5. The two day fest culminated with a vale- Category 4, Master Jove Cheruparambil Jose The inaugural ceremony was dazzling with dictory ceremony held on 13 May, 2018. of class 9 A was awarded kalapratibha and the presence of star dignitaries. H.E. Mzolisa General Ali Hamadan Al-Daihani, Manager Kaavya Vaidyanathan of Class 10 A was con- Bona, Ambassador of South Africa to Kuwait Farwaniya Governorate of Kuwait, the Chief ferred with Kalathilak. Category 5, Master was the Chief Guest for the day. The other Guest graced the occasion. Luminaries, K.G. Moses Kurien Mathew of class 12 E was con- dignitaries included the Board of Trustees - Abraham- Managing Director, NBTC Group, ferred kalapratibha and Miss Diya Ajay of Shaikh Abdul Rahman (Chairman), Dr T.P Sasikumar -Space scientist, Life class 11 H won kalathilak. 18 Established 1961 Stars Wednesday, June 6, 2018

CROSSWORD 1928 STAR TRACK

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

You will experience a great deal of clarity today. You will feel a It seems as though your life and the world around you have begun to great sense of inner peace. You may experience an abundance of energy and take on a much deeper meaning to you. Forgiveness, understanding, and empathy drive. Now is a good time to share your ideas in the workplace. Your strong play big roles in your life at this time and you seem to be seeking peace and har- communication skills are perfect for getting your point across today. The mony in all aspects of your life. Past experience seems to lead through your prob- peacefulness you are feeling will be noticed by all around you. Don’t be sur- lems with ease. You know where you have been and what you have experienced, prised if you find yourself the recipient of many compliments today. You may good and bad. You have learned from your mistakes. You are driven and focused even have a noticeable glow about you. Settle in and take time for the romance and ready for new beginnings. You have your goals set high and the level of drive novel or movie you have been wanting to see. Aries, now is great time to expe- and determination you are feeling will lead you no where but to success. rience greater meaning in your circumstances.

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

You may have been feeling a great need to make amends with others. You You may find yourself entering a period of soul-searching. You may feel as if tend to be misunderstood at times. Some may see you as controlling when you are feeding off of the mystical, emotional, and instinctive qualities you pos- this is not your intent at all. Today great opportunities to make amends and sess. There is great depth to these feelings. You feel led to be forgiving, under- mend fences may present themselves to you. This will leave you with a standing, and compassionate to all in your life. You may experience relation- greater understanding of life and all you have to offer this world, Taurus. This ships being mended today and barriers dissolving, Scorpio. This is a time of is a great time of understanding for you and a time to build close relation- peace in your life. ships with others.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Dream on! You may find yourself focused on the “what if’s” and “why nots” of this world. Let yourself go there. It is not often that Today finds you in a very positive mood. You have learned to value adversity, you allow your mind to drift off and relax to point you are able to be in a dreamy ACROSS DOWN as your positive approach keeps you focused on learning from your mistakes state. Enjoy this and let your troubles go for a while. Perhaps a long walk in the 1. The act of moving along swiftly (as before 1. Any of a number of fishes of the family and experiences. This quality makes you very appealing to others. You may park, a good book, or a hot candlelit bath is just what you need. You may find this a gale). Carangidae. find others tend to seek and value your opinions and advice. You almost have a totally clears your mind and sets the stage for your creativity to reach new levels. 5. Shape anew or differently. 2. City in southwestern Colombia in a rich mystical quality about yourself today. You place great value on love and for- Whether you use this in an artistic way or a new creative way of thinking you 12. The sense organ for hearing and equilib- agricultural area. giveness of those closest to you. Gemini, you may find much peace surround- may find this to be a very profitable asset to you. This is a great time to share rium. 3. Take away the weapons from. ing you today. Enjoy and relax! your ideas with others and begin a new project. 15. A stick that people can lean on to help 4. Cause to run off the tracks. them walk. 5. Gear (including necessary machinery) for 16. Someone who deliberately foments trou- a particular enterprise. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) ble. 6. Make richer. 17. The 21st letter of the Greek alphabet. 7. A white trivalent metallic element. Events today may solidify your belief that you cannot change oth- 18. (botany) Of or relating to the axil. 8. Located at or near the back of an animal. ers. The only person you can change is yourself. Today finds you 19. A city in southeastern Spain. Others are drawn to you. You are different and intriguing. You are forgiving and 9. Essential oil or perfume obtained from doing a great deal of soul searching. Changing your attitude and focus and 20. An ugly evil-looking old woman. feel these emotions at a much deeper level than most. While others watch you flowers. being determined to focus on only the positive in your world will help you 21. English theoretical physicist who applied handle your life situations with grace and style you may find them turning to you 10. A tricycle (usually propelled by ped- accomplish your dreams. Dismiss all that holds you back. This may be some- relativity theory to quantum mechanics and for advice. You are admired for your wisdom. Your independence is radiant and alling). thing as simple as a negative thought or attitude or a person that seems to predicted the existence of antimatter and well noted by those who may find you eccentric. You make life seem easy and are 11. A period marked by distinctive character always pull you backwards. Rid yourself and your life of all negativity and the positron (1902-1984). admired for the way you live it. Capricorn, you may have heard common sense is or reckoned from a fixed point or event. push forward. not that common, but you were blessed with an overdose of it. 22. Large short-tailed lemur of Madagascar 12. An ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure having thick silky fur in black and white and equal to about a bushel. fawn. 13. According to the Old Testament he was a 24. Destruction of heart tissue resulting pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel Aquarius (January 20- February 18) from obstruction of the blood supply to the Leo (July 23-August 22) (9th century BC). heart muscle. 14. Port city that is the capital and largest 26. Being one hundred more than two hun- Today may have you deep in thought about your future. You have city of Latvia. You find yourself becoming the “go to” person as others seek your advice for dred. found an inner peace and clear understandings of what you want and exactly very personal issues. Many complicated issues you may face will cause deep 28. A unit of power equal to 746 watts. 23. Someone who works (or provides work- what your plans are to achieve this. You place value on your loved ones and ers) during a strike. feelings within to stir. Your level of sensitivity should reach new heights. Great 30. The 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet. want to protect and nurture these relationships. While inwardly you are at peace harmony will be experienced. Now is a great time to surround yourself with 31. Sweet liqueur made from wine and 25. The smallest multiple that is exactly that may not be the case when it comes to your social life. Socially you may feel divisible by every member of a set of num- friends and loved ones and may be surprised how easily you are able to work brandy flavored with plum or peach or apri- as a misfit today. Today you may feel misunderstood and as if you are unable to together, Aquarius. Hard work and dedication will take you far in this life. bers. cot kernels and bitter almonds. communicate your feelings to others. Stick to yourself today, to what you know, Continue on the path you are on and you may reap great reward. 35. Alsatian artist and poet who was 27. A New England state. and in comfortable surroundings. This is not a great day to be out and about. cofounder of Dadaism in Zurich. 29. (Greek mythology) The last king of Troy. 37. A monarchy in northwestern Europe 32. A person of Iranian descent. 33. A trivalent metallic element of the rare occupying most of the British Isles. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 39. An outlying farm building for storing earth group. grain or animal feed and housing farm ani- 34. Live in or as if in a tent. Call it intuition, psychic ability or whatever you like. This is a time This day may prove to be very successful in the workplace. You are mals. 36. Large burrowing rodent of South and on point. Focus, cool, and collected best describe you. You are able 40. English aristocrat who was the first wife Central America. where you seem to be in touch. You know what others want and you know how to provide it. Seems all are drawn to you and fascinating by your intelligence and to solve any problem that comes your way. Today is a day you will shine. You of Prince Charles. 38. A Bantu language spoken by the Kamba may find solutions to problems that have long been bothering you. Today answers 45. A mature blood cell that contains hemo- people in Kenya. problem-solving skills. You find yourself in touch with your emotions and deeply in touch with the emotions of those surrounding you. You are in love with your will come to you quickly and seem to come out of nowhere. What once was so globin to carry oxygen to the bodily tissues. 41. A syllabic script used in writing Sanskrit complex to you seems so simple you almost find it frustrating you were bothered life and those who are in it. Forgiveness and making things right with those close 46. Tropical American insectivorous bird and Hindi. by the problem for so long. Someone may come into your life today that may play to you plays a big part in who you are and what is important to you at this time. having a long sharp bill and iridescent green 42. An independent ruler or chieftain (espe- the role of mentor to you in the near future. Be open to this idea and don’t allow Virgo, you are on the right track to live a life full of peace and harmony. or bronze plumage. cially in Africa or Arabia). your independent nature to push them away. 48. A constitutional monarchy in southeast- 43. Any of several tall tropical palms native ern Asia on Borneo and the Malay to southeastern Asia having egg-shaped Peninsula. nuts. Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution 52. Form a mental image of something that 44. A pilgrimage to Mecca. is not present or that is not the case. 47. An associate degree in nursing. 53. Aromatic gum resin. 49. Property that is leased or rented out or 54. A colorless and odorless inert gas. let. 55. Largest crested screamer. 50. A silvery ductile metallic element found 57. A member of the military police who primarily in bauxite. polices soldiers and guards prisoners. 51. (cosmology) The original matter that 58. Slightly open. (according to the big bang theory) existed 61. The branch of computer science that before the formation of the chemical ele- deal with writing computer programs that ments. can solve problems creatively. 56. Characteristic of or relating to winter. 62. Rock that form the continuous lower lay- 59. A string of more than 3,000 islands east er of the earth's crust. of Asia extending 1,300 miles between the 65. The wood of the sabicu which resembles Sea of Japan and the western Pacific Ocean. mahogany. 60. Lower in esteem. 68. Worn or shabby from overuse or (of 63. An agency of the United Nations affiliat- pages) from having corners turned down. ed with the World Bank. 71. Range of what one can know or under- 64. Jordan's port. stand. 66. An enclosure made or wire or metal bars 74. A federal agency established to coordi- in which birds or animals are kept. nate programs aimed at reducing pollution 67. Relatively small fast-moving sloth. and protecting the environment. 69. A river in northern England that flows 75. A deficiency of red blood cells. southeast through West Yorkshire. 77. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man. 70. Water falling in drops from vapor con- 79. An associate degree in applied science. 80. Soviet cosmonaut who in 1961 was the densed in the atmosphere. first person to travel in space (1934-1968). 72. A fencing sword similar to a foil but with 82. In bed. a heavier blade. 83. The compass point that is midway 73. A quantity of no importance. between north and northeast. 76. Animal reproductive body consisting of 84. Minute single-celled green freshwater an ovum or embryo together with nutritive organism having a single flagella. and protective envelopes. 85. (Greek mythology) Goddess of the earth 78. 10 grams. and mother of Cronus and the Titans in 81. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of ancient mythology. the alkali metal group.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution Established 1961

Lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018

Tania Met, of Spain’s Gardener’s theatre rehearses her moves for the Rosita character during the Living Statues International Festival, in Bucharest, Romania. — AP Armed with poetry and rap, South Sudan’s young artists battle for peace

group of artists and musicians in South and movement restrictions hindered work in on YouTube in August 2016, featuring artists, Sudan is on a mission - to mobilize young opposition-held territory. Talks in Ethiopia last slam poets and activists, is dedicated “to all people across the country through music, month to revive a failed 2015 peace pact and those we have lost in this senseless war and to Musician Manasseh Mathiang poses for a portrait in the A graffiti and poetry to help bring peace to the end the war broke up without a deal. Manasseh all those who are still here and are tired enough ofﬁce of the art group AnaTaban, whose name means ‘I war-torn nation. In 2011, the streets of the capi- Mathiang, a musician and another founding to make the changes we need”. The group’s am tired’ in Arabic, in Juba, South Sudan. — Reuters tal Juba were full of revelers, celebrating the member of AnaTaban, said it was crucial to social media campaigns are quickly shared, and We world’s newest nation. But hope for the future engage young people in the drive to forge a it has branches in neighboring Kenya, Uganda has soured after more than four years of civil better country for the future. and Ethiopia. thought war, with about a third of the country’s 12 mil- Almost 90 percent of South Sudanese are Striking AnaTaban murals adorn the grey lion people forced from their homes by conflict. under the age of 45, according to a 2008 cen- walls of streets and buildings in central Juba, we had a Arts movement AnaTaban, or “I am tired” in sus. But illiteracy tops 70 percent, UN figures quoting Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro and the Arabic, is trying to address anger over failed show, and unemployment is rife. “The youth of late John Garang, revered as the father of the country ... promises and suppression of independent voic- South Sudan for so long have not had the nation. In Kenya’s capital Nairobi, another This not es by advocating for peace and unity among opportunity or the platform to speak and to AnaTaban founder, Jon Pen de Ngong, meets young people through media they like - rap express themselves,” Mathiang told the regularly with South Sudanese activists to col- what we music, slam poetry, and YouTube videos. Thomson Reuters Foundation in the group’s laborate on political writings and poems. The “As South Sudanese we are branded to be headquarters in Juba. former child soldier said he fled to Kenya after fought for violent people but we are being unconventional “We’ve got to let the youth know they have colleagues were abducted, poisoned and killed. in a very intentional way,” said poet Ayak Chol the power - they have power to speak and they He received a death threat - a dog’s jawbone Deng Alak, 32, who helped set up AnaTaban in have power to change the narrative ... We’d like with a bullet lodged inside. Juba in 2016. The group is now aiming to spread to see AnaTaban in all the states in South “We thought we had a country ... This not A girl sits outside a school whose wall has a mural by the nationwide. “We have seen conventional art group AnaTaban, which means “I am tired” in Arabic. activism failing. If it is for our country, we might as well get the information out. It doesn’t really matter how, as long as we are not hurting anyone in the process,” she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Born in an Ethiopian refugee camp where treatment from an aid agency saved her life, Alak is now a doctor and published poet in South Sudan, but her campaigning has come with risks. Alak and other AnaTaban members say they have been interrogated, their cars confiscated, and some live apart from their families who have moved abroad for safety. While being interviewed by two Thomson Reuters Foundation journalists at her apart- ment in Juba, Alak was taken outside for ques- Musician Single Dee (right) and producer Shako, members tioning by a man who wanted to know who her Ayak Chol Deng Alak, 32, a doctor and poet, poses for a portrait Actor Jacob Bul Bior, 29, poses for a portrait in front of a mural of the art group AnaTaban, whose name means “I am guests were. South Sudan’s government did not in front of a mural by the art group AnaTaban, whose name by the art group AnaTaban, whose name means “I am tired” in tired” in Arabic, work in a recording studio. respond to requests for comment on its treat- means ‘I am tired’ in Arabic, in Juba, South Sudan. Arabic. ment of AnaTaban members. Previously the government has denied blocking anyone’s freedom of speech. Sudan,” he said. Peter Biar, chairman of the what we fought for,” he told the Thomson South Sudan Young Leaders Forum, based in Reuters Foundation. The exiles hope a peace Youth power Juba, said AnaTaban was one of a growing num- agreement will be reached so that they can “go South Sudan plunged into conflict in 2013 ber of youth groups - both in rebel and govern- back and claim our rights as South Sudanese”, after clashes between troops loyal to ment-controlled territory - striving for a better said Jackline Sadrack of AnaTaban’s Uganda President Salva Kiir and his former deputy tomorrow. “The only change that is possible in chapter. Despite the failure to reach a peace Riek Machar deteriorated into a military con- this country is a non-violent change - and this is deal so far, South Sudan’s youth remain hopeful. frontation. Tens of thousands have died in what we are going to attempt,” said Biar, who “I have this opportunity through my music to fighting between the two sides. The UN works to bring together academics, church and play a role in speaking on behalf of my people Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has youth leaders to advocate for peace and devel- and what we desire as a people. Most of my reported that more than 100 activists and opment. songs are about how I would want peace in my journalists have been killed, arrested, detained, country,” said Mathiang. — Reuters fired or censored since mid-2016, with news- Social media papers closed, often by the government. Biar said AnaTaban has given hope to disillu- The landscape of Juba, the capital city of South Sudan is UNMISS was only able to verify violations in sioned young people in the capital through art seen. government-controlled areas because insecurity and music. AnaTaban’s first music video, posted 20 Established 1961 Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Lifestyle Feature

Ken Chan, the executive chef at the five-star hotel restaurant Le Palais in Taipei, demon- Ken Chan at the five-star hotel restaurant Le Ken Chan at the five-star hotel restaurant Le Palais in Taipei gesturing during an interview with AFP. strating his cooking during an interview with AFP in Taipe. — AFP photos Palais in Taipei, displaying two dishes during an interview with AFP in Taipei. Dropout to Michelin stars: The rise of chef Chan in Taiwan en Chan has come a long way since he started Taiwan’s most-recognized chef, Andre Chiang, A dying art? chef at another five-star hotel restaurant in Taipei, before out wheeling a trolley in a dim sum restaurant, famously gave up the two Michelin stars attached to his Life in the Hong Kong restaurant business was far taking the executive chef position at Le Palais in 2010. Kbecoming the first chef in his adopted home of eponymous Restaurant Andre in Singapore, closing it in from glamorous. Chan was tasked with washing the At the time, the restaurant had only been open for a Taiwan to win three Michelin stars. Hong Kong-born February to focus on other projects, including his Taipei underwear of a chef he worked under and recalls being few months and Chan was despondent over the lack of Chan, 53, worked through tough apprenticeships back restaurant RAW. But Chan says he believes receiving the hit on the head with a spatula when his “master” was in a customers on his first day. “I didn’t go home that night home before rising through the ranks on Taiwan’s culi- stars will boost the island’s burgeoning foodie creden- bad mood, even being thrown into a river for making mis- and locked myself in the office to ponder over how to run nary scene over the past three decades to become tials. “It inspires everybody to aim higher and higher,” he takes. “Back then if you wanted to learn something, you the restaurant,” he remembers. He came up with a new executive chef at luxury five-star hotel restaurant Le told AFP. Chan attributes his accolade to “luck”, but it is had to beg the master to teach you,” he said. “I had to menu of 27 dishes and replaced around a third of the Palais in Taipei. also testament to perseverance. After dropping out of buy drinks and fruit to treat my masters so they would staff as part of a major overhaul. Chan worries that tradi- Serving mainly Cantonese cuisine as well as Sichuan, school in Hong Kong aged 12, Chan began working in a casually teach me one or two steps.” Chan believes tional skills in Cantonese and Taiwanese cooking will Fuzhou and Taiwanese dishes, Le Palais became the restaurant in the city, pushing a dim sum trolley around young people now are too pampered and unable to han- eventually be lost as the old masters age and young chefs first and only restaurant in Taiwan to receive three the tables from which customers would choose dishes. dle pressure. “I have to ask them to learn,” he said. struggle to create the same flavors. But for now, he says stars when Michelin launched its Taipei guide earlier He already had a love of cooking passed down from With just HK$270 ($34) in his pocket, Chan began a his own goal is to keep reinventing himself. “I don’t see this year, describing the food as “truly outstanding”. his mother and remembers how she would give him two new chapter in Taiwan 30 years ago at the age of 23, myself as a veteran chef,” he told AFP. “My mentality is Chan’s menu is relatively affordable compared with Hong Kong dollars to buy ingredients in the market to after his mother died and his girlfriend dumped him. His that I am like a child just learning to walk and I have to three-star restaurants in the rest of the world, with feed the family, as she was working full-time to make first job was as a chef in a vegetarian restaurant and he constantly learn new things.”—AFP dishes ranging from steamed prawn dumplings and ends meet. Having to carefully think how to spend the recalls feeling isolated because he only spoke Cantonese, baked barbecue meat buns, priced from Tw$250 ($8), money to create the best meal has influenced his the dominant language in Hong Kong, not Mandarin to an eight-course set including lobster salad, bird’s approach in the kitchen now, says Chan. “I told my staff which is spoken in Taiwan. But he says a sense of pride nest soup, braised abalone with goose foot and ‘You shouldn’t just aim to finish the job but should do it made him stay and he began to build a reputation for his steamed tiger grouper at Tw$6,980. well, as if you were cooking for your parents,’” he said. Cantonese cuisine. Chan worked up to becoming head Bold Zimbabwean play recalls dark chapter of Mugabe era

muscular man in military fatigues ‘Talking about this is trouble’ pits, our property was destroyed. We and a red beret stands holding a Past mentions of the violence, including became destitute,” she said. Ahunting rifle over a prone woman. a report into the killings by the Catholic “I was young but I still have the vivid The actress playing the helpless villager church and an art installation, drew angry memories... it is not enough to say I am wakes up, letting out a piercing scream. reactions and bans from the government. sorry.” Davies Guzha, a director of “Finish them,” shouts another soldier to Mnangagwa in January insisted that Harare’s Theatre in the Park where the play Actors play two red berret soldiers celebrating the burning of a young gasps from the stunned audience as a sum- Zimbabwe should look to the future, not was staged, said that Gukurahundi needed child they had snatched from her mother on May 30, 2018, in Harare, in a mary execution is played out before their the past, when asked about the killings to be discussed openly. The Theatre in the scene from a play “1983 the Dark Years”. — AFP photos eyes. A new play, “1983: the Dark Years,” is during an interview at the World Park was also responsible for staging rekindling memories of one of Zimbabwe’s Economic Forum in Davos. “1983” begins “Operation Regasi”, a comic play that most painful episodes: the “Gukurahundi” with a female character played by 28- mocked Mugabe’s final months in power. massacres, in which thousands of people year-old actress Proficience Cadder dig- “We believe we are doing the right thing. were slaughtered at the height of the ging into her past after learning that she is We believe that the discussion around Mugabe era. That the play is being per- the daughter of a soldier who raped her Gukurahundi was long overdue,” he said. formed in Zimbabwe at all testifies to the mother at the height of the violence. free expression that has blossomed since “Talking about this is trouble enough former president Robert Mugabe resigned already my daughter,” she is warned by last November. her uncle who was there to witness the Since then, theatres have staged auda- atrocities. “Forget about it.” cious productions that have both poked He then described in graphic detail how fun at officials past and present as well as the soldiers forced the mother of Cadder’s seeking to shine a light on their alleged character to kill her own baby. “You may misdeeds. Previously such productions never know your father unless and until he would have been harassed by the govern- comes here to this village and says ‘where ment and its supporters or banned out- are my children’,” said the uncle. The play right. But the fact that a play about unusually blends the distressing narrative Gukurahundi-a term that means “the rains with elements of song, dance and even Actress Proﬁciency Cadder (left) plays holding her head distraught at the which wash away the chaff”-has been tol- humor to recount the dark period of news of how she was conceived of rape. erated by officials is even more striking. Zimbabwe’s history. Written by Mugabe’s successor, President Bhekumusa Moyo in 2011, the play was Emmerson Mnangagwa, is widely held to banned by the government the following have been involved in the bloody cam- year and was only unbanned following paign. The operations, supervised by Mugabe’s resignation. Mnangagwa who was then the security During one performance of “1983”, An actor plays a red berret minister, were intended to crush dissidents ‘We are listening’ Guzha introduced the audience to Sello soldier snatching a baby in the Midlands and Matabeleland “There are so many children from Nare-a retired judge who will chair the from a pleading and des- provinces but spiralled into a series of Matabeleland who, up to today, they do government’s recently-announced national perate mother. civilian massacres. The 1982-87 crackdown not know their backgrounds. It affects their peace and reconciliation commission that was widely seen as an effort by then-prime living,” director Adrian Musa told AFP. will investigate the Gukurahundi mas- minister Mugabe to vanquish his ally- “Many children from Matabeleland were sacres. “We are listening. We have heard turned-foe, the ethnic Ndebele liberation affected by Gukurahundi-even now they what has been said and all what the play is leader Joshua Nkomo. Mugabe always are affected.” Audience member Bester all about,” said Nare. — AFP Actress Proﬁciency refused to apologize for the killings — Moyo, who grew up in Matabeleland’s Cadder (left) plays 20,000 mostly Ndebele victims according largest city Bulawayo, said the play had falling to her kneels to some estimates-by the army’s now-dis- brought back bitter memories of the suf- as a soldier banded North Korean-trained Fifth fering she endured along with her family. approaches. Brigade, describing it merely as “a moment “We were so troubled during that time as a of madness”. family that we fled to live in the bush in

Van Gogh painting sells for over 7 million euros

painting by a young Vincent Van Gogh was sold at added. In France, Monday’s event was the first auction of Amsterdam for eight years until 2015. The last sale at a an auction in Paris Monday for more than seven a painting by the Dutch artist in more than two decades. Paris auction of a Van Gogh painting was in the mid- Amillion euros ($8.2 million), the Artcurial auction Van Gogh painted the work early in his career when he 1990s of his “Le Jardin a Auvers” (The Garden at house said. “Raccommodeuses de filets dans les dunes” was 29 years old. “We already find all the characteristics Auvers) which went for $10 million. — AFP (Women mending nets in the fields) dates from 1882 and of a Vincent painting, especially his treatment of land- was bought by an American collector in a hot bidding scape... a remarkable work, a milestone in the artist’s battle that boosted the selling price far above the esti- career,” said Bruno Jaubert, associate director of modern mated value of between three to five million euros. “It’s a art at Artcurial. It was the only landscape Van Gogh did In this ﬁle photo the painting world record for a Van Gogh landscape, in the Dutch at the time, painted in the countryside near The Hague, ‘Raccommodeuses de ﬁlet dans les dunes’ period, sold at auction,” Artcurial said. Jaubert said. (Women Mending Nets in the Dunes) by late “There are no more than two or three auctions of Van The former owner was a European collector who Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh is presented at Gogh works in the world each year,” the auction house had lent the work to the Van Gogh Museum in Artcurial auction house in Paris. — AFP Established 1961 21 Lifestyle Music & Movies Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Harvey Weinstein set to plead not guilty in NY

allen movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was said they were raped. The fall of Weinstein trig- Evans tells how he spoke of a possible place expected to plead not guilty yesterday to gered a tsunami in US society as many women in his show for aspiring models “Project Frape and sexual assault charges in New came forward with similar accusations against Runway”, before forcing her into doing indecent York, opening a legal battle for the #MeToo other powerful men in the entertainment world, acts, and then went about the day as if nothing movement that dreams of seeing him behind bars. the media and government. had happened. The prosecutor will still have to The 66-year-old Weinstein was charged with prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Weinstein rape and another sex crime in New York late last New lawsuits committed illegal acts, and with these two month, nearly eight months after his career Benjamin Brafman, Weinstein’s lawyer, is one women specifically. imploded in a blaze of accusations of sexual mis- of America’s most celebrated criminal defense No one, however, expects the lawsuits will be conduct. Weinstein was due in a Manhattan court attorneys. His past clients include former IMF dropped, as was the case for Strauss-Kahn. at 10 am (1400 GMT) for a formal reading of the boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who escaped Indeed, it is the same Brafman who defended the charges: he has been indicted for allegedly forc- criminal prosecution for alleged sexual assault in former IMF director against the same Manhattan ing a woman to perform in descent act on him in 2011. No details about the identity of the two prosecutor, Cyrus Vance. Last week three actress- 2004, and for allegedly raping another at a accusers were given by the prosecutor. Brafman es filed a new lawsuit against Weinstein alleging Manhattan hotel in 2013. said the rape complaint came from a woman who sexual assault. They urged other victims to come If convicted, that crime could put him in had a 10-year affair with Weinstein, but the infor- forward and join the complaint. Melissa Thompson, prison for as many as 25 years. Two women are mation was not confirmed. one of the women filing the class action lawsuit, Hagens Berman. “Deceptive tactics were used to Harvey Weinstein arrives named in this indictment. But nearly 100 have The accusation of forced fellatio comes from said she was sexually assaulted by Weinstein dur- entice her to turn over her visual and audio evi- for a court appearance said since October they were harassed or sexu- Lucia Evans, a marketing consultant who, in 2004, ing a 2011 meeting to discuss a new marketing dence of Weinstein’s conduct (which she did),” it yesterday in New York ally abused by Weinstein over several decades. was an aspiring actress. She told her story in tool. Following public revelations last year about said. “Melissa did not learn that Brafman was actu- City. — AFP That has turned the one-time toast of Hollywood October to the magazine The New Yorker. Her sto- his predatory behavior, Thompson said she was ally then or would later be Weinstein’s lead crimi- into the catalyst of the MeToo movement. Salma ry resembles many other reports of unwanted con- referred to Brafman and another attorney at his nal defense attorney until after turning over the Hayek, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie are tact from stars such as Ashley Judd or Paltrow. But firm, Alex Spiro. video as evidence.” — AFP among more than two dozen actresses who say especially countless were young unknown or just “Thompson was led to believe that Brafman and they were sexually harassed by the producer. A emerging stars who hoped to see the revered pro- Spiro were representing victims against few, including Asia Argento and Rose McGowan, ducer make them Hollywood stars. Weinstein,” said the law firm representing her,

Going ‘Overboard’: Hollywood’s glut of gender-swap remakes

rom the polarizing “Ghostbusters” while female-flipping may seem progressive, in remake to the controversy over female reality it militates against those really fighting Fversions of James Bond and Doctor Who, pay inequality, harassment and other forms of Hollywood’s proclivity for gender-swapped sexism. “Even though I can get excited for a retreads is among its most enduring and con- movie like ‘Ocean’s 8’... at the end of the day it tentious. The trend-seen as empowering or still seems to signify that women’s movies still annoying, depending on who you ask-is get- need some sort of male appeal to get made,” ting fresh attention with “Ocean’s 8” due for said Hazel Cills of female-focused pop culture release on Friday, “Overboard” still in theaters website Jezebel. “A gender-swapped movie and “What Men Want” coming out in January. implies that women aren’t important enough to The new “Overboard” swapped Goldie Hawn get their own, original stories, and thus must from the 1987 comedy for Eugenio Derbez piggy-back on franchises helmed by men that and Kurt Russell for Anna Faris, and has have already proven to be successful.” grossed a healthy $70 million worldwide on an It was an issue that came up when Sandra estimated $12 million budget. Bullock, Cate Blanchett and the rest of the But it was disliked by the vast majority of “Ocean’s 8” cast hosted a news conference at critics, according to online reviews collator New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art earlier Rotten Tomatoes, which dismissed it as a this month. Bullock admitted that initially she In this file photo US filmmaker Woody “remake that fails to clear the fairly low bar set “honestly didn’t think it would work, or get Allen attends the ‘Wonder Wheel’ screen- by the original.” There’s nothing new in made” while Blanchett agreed that, a few short ing at the Museum of Modern Art in New Hollywood, and gender-swapping has been ‘Men are insecure’ denly able to hear women’s thoughts-lends years ago, such a project would have been out York City. — AFP popular since Howard Hawks cast Rosalind With two months to go until its release, its itself more obviously to a gender-flipped of the question. Gary Ross (“Seabiscuit,” “The Russell for “His Girl Friday” (1940) in a part trailer had become the ninth most-disliked remake than most. Hunger Games”) directed while Steven played by a man in the source movie, “The YouTube video in history, with over one mil- Taraji P. Henson, who does the honors in Soderbergh, who made the male versions star- Front Page” (1931). A slew of female-led lion users down-voting it into oblivion. Various “What Men Want” (2019), told AFP at the ring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt remakes followed-from “The Incredible entertainment media estimated the eventual recent CinemaCon industry gathering in Las Damon, serves as a producer. ‘I should be Shrinking Woman” (1981) and “The Next losses for Sony and its partners at somewhere Vegas her role was an empowering statement “The thing that stuck with me about ‘Hunger Karate Kid” (1994) to “American Psycho II: All in the $55-75 million region, despite the film for women, but also a learning experience. Games’ was the impact it had on girls seeing a American Girl” (2002) but were largely seen garnering mainly positive reviews. The fact “You kind of just brush it off as ‘men like sex, protagonist like that, that they could relate to,” the poster as pale imitations. that these movies keep coming out despite the eating and farting.’ I was like, ‘How are they Ross said. “I was with a friend one night and we “Ghostbusters” (2016) could well be stud- missteps is a sign of progress and a “minor going to make this interesting?’” said the were talking about this, and I realized that there ied in future film history classes for the bizarre miracle,” according to Kelly Konda, of the We “Empire” and “Hidden Figures” star. “But then had never been this kind of ensemble. There had boy of backlash it received from the legion of “ghost- Minored in Film entertainment blog. I read the script and I’m like, ‘Wow, men are been a lot of male versions of this. There had bros” who swore lifelong loyalty to the 1984 “This used to be a one-and-done ordeal... really insecure about their looks, just like never been this kickass ensemble of women original. Much of the criticism was grounded However, with ‘Ghostbusters,’ Hollywood took women!’ I think that’s going to be great, for coming together like this.” — AFP #MeToo’: in straightforward misogyny-with a certain a big swing on a female-led project, and didn’t women to see that.” kind of male moviegoer scandalized both by overreact to its failure,” he wrote. The premise the presumption of a remake and by the very of “What Women Want” (2000) — Mel ‘Kickass ensemble of women’ Woody Allen idea of women trying to be funny. Gibson as a marketing executive who is sud- Some Hollywood watchers have argued that merican filmmaker Woody Allen has backed the #MeToo movement Aagainst sexual harassment and said he would have been a “poster boy” for the Superstar Gergiev makes no cause if he hadn’t been unfairly maligned. “It is a good thing they are exposing them,” Allen told Argentina’s Canal 13 tel- apologies for singing Putin’s praises evision network. The publication of bomb- shell articles about movie mogul Harvey ussia has two tsars, one in the Kremlin and propaganda”. Gergiev hit back that he is not homo- Weinstein in October has triggered a the other who sits equally imperiously on the phobic, saying “in all my work I have upheld equal watershed moment that has since felled Rthrone of the Mariinsky theatre in St rights for all people”. Hugely charismatic on the the careers of dozens of powerful men Petersburg as the country’s biggest classical music podium, even at 65 the conductor clocks up an across a variety of industries. star. The globetrotting conductor Valery Gergiev is, average of 275 concerts a year. “I took eight days “I should be the poster boy of the as it happens, a great admirer of his opposite num- off in January. If I get two weeks in August it will be MeToo movement. I’ve worked in movies ber, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Without him, great,” Gergiev told AFP during a stopover in Paris, for 50 years, I’ve worked with hundreds of Russia might have shared “the fate of Syria”, he told where he will give three concerts in the autumn. He actresses, and not a single one has ever AFP. “Twenty years ago Russia was at a low ebb said he draws strength from music and his passion suggested any kind of impropriety at all,” and I am not saying that Putin, on his own, has given from his roots in the Caucasus. it back its international importance, but I’m afraid he continued, adding that the women that’s the case,” he added. working in production in his films had all Gergiev-who sees Putin five or six times a year- been paid the same as men. The 82-year- has been fiercely loyal to the Russian leader, sup- old actor and director said that he was porting his annexation of Crimea, giving Pussy Riot frustrated he was being bracketed with short shift and flying to Syria for a concert in the abusers exposed by the movement over ‘Solo’ running on empty but still ruins of Palmyra. He has also performed in the allegations he molested his adoptive breakaway republic of South Ossetia-which is only daughter, Dylan Farrow, in 1992 when she recognized by Moscow. And this month Gergiev was seven years old. He was cleared of the top at North American theaters will again be center stage with Putin-who coasted charges, first leveled by his then-wife Mia to another electoral victory in March-as Russia Farrow, after two separate monthslong investigations. olo: A Star Wars Story” clung to “Adrift” from STX Films, at $11.6 million. hosts the World Cup finals. The president’s huge popularity “is something “People who have been accused by 20 the top spot in North American The movie stars Shailene Woodley and In this ﬁle photo Russian President Vladimir Putin the western world has difficulty understanding”, women, 50 women, 100 women of abuse theaters this weekend but again Sam Claflin in the true-life story of a (left) shakes hands with Mariinsky Theatreís “S Gergiev said, but to him and many other Russian Artistic Director, Valery Gergiev, during an award- and abuse and abuse, and I-who was only fell below expectations, taking in $29.4 young couple whose sailboat is slammed citizens the reason is clear-he has guaranteed sta- accused by one woman in a child custody million, just over a third its opening-week- by a hurricane in mid-ocean, leaving ing ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow. — AFP bility and restored Russia’s pride. The vast country, case, which was looked at and proven to end receipts, said box office tracker Claflin badly injured, the boat in ruins and he argued, does not want to be plunged back into Hyperactive be untrue-I get lumped in with these peo- Exhibitor Relations. That left the movie Woodley having to find the way back the chaos that followed the fall of the Soviet Union. Having lost his father at the age of 14, he left his ple,” Allen said. “This is just so crazy. This well behind two recent predecessors in the without navigation or communication “We certainly don’t want the fate of Syria, Iraq or native North Ossetia at 18 for St Petersburg. “My is something that has been thoroughly popular sci-fi franchise: 2016’s “Rogue tools. In its sixth week out, Marvel’s Libya,” he said. “One thousand times no to that.” mother gave me the force to go that bit further,” he looked at 25 years ago by all the authori- One” made $64 million in its second week- “Avengers: Infinity War” took $10.6 mil- said. But as well as winning him a global following, ties, and everybody came to the conclu- end while last year’s “The Last Jedi” did lion for fourth place. World Cup concert Gergiev’s hyperactivity has also drawn brickbats. sion that it was untrue. And that was the even better, at $72 million. The film, starring Robert Downey Jr., Gergiev will conduct a star-studded gala concert After eight years at the head of the London end, and I’ve gone on with my life. “And Some film analysts blame “Star Wars” Benedict Cumberbatch and Scarlett in Moscow’s Red Square with the cream of Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, The Guardian accused him now, for it to come back now, it’s a terrible fatigue. Even by the standards of today’s Johansson, has grossed $643 million talent and French-Italian tenor Roberto Alagna the of spreading “his considerable talent far too thinly, thing to accuse a person of. I’m a man sequel/prequel-heavy Hollywood, the fran- domestically and is the fourth biggest night before the World Cup kicks off on June 14. For so that routine and sometimes under-prepared per- with a family and my own children. So of chise from Disney-owned Lucasfilm has global release of all time, with $1.97 bil- his part, Putin has pumped 21.6 billion rubles ($700 formances have been far too frequent.” Similar criti- course it’s upsetting.” been prolific. Starring Alden Ehrenreich as lion. In fifth place domestically was million) into a new operahouse at the Mariinsky and cism has followed him to Germany where he now The allegations resurfaced in the wake a younger version of the swashbuckling Paramount’s rom-com “Book Club,” which praised Gergiev as “one of the outstanding musi- leads the Munich Philharmonic. “I have been hear- of the #MeToo movement, leading a space pilot, “Solo” has amassed a cumula- made $7 million. It stars Jane Fonda, cians of our time”, lavishing him with a Hero of ing that criticism for 20 years and that has not string of actors Allen has worked with to tive global total of $264 million, pushing it Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen and Mary Labor medal after reviving the Soviet honor. stopped me leading great western orchestras,” he distance themselves from him. Moses into 15th place for 2018. A strong second Steenburgen as aging friends whose deci- Even those in the West who have attacked replied, batting it away as adroitly as he does Farrow, the adopted son of Mia Farrow with $23.2 million was Fox’s “Deadpool 2,” sion to read the steamy “Fifty Shades” Gergiev for his “collusion with a tyrant”, do not attacks on his politics.—AFP and Woody Allen, released a lengthy per- the 11th installment in the X-Men series, trilogy ends up stimulating more than just deny his talent nor his drive. “Gergiev is a great sonal essay last month, disputing the story starring Ryan Reynolds as the fast-talking their intellects. — AFP conductor,” said Peter Tatchell, the British rights and accusing his mother of abuse. — AFP “Merc with the Mouth.” activist who once gatecrashed an opening night in In third spot was a new release, London to protest at Russian laws against “gay 22 Established 1961 Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Lifestyle Feature

International Women’s Group Kuwait marks 30-year anniversary

By Faten Omar ties presented by the diplomats’ wives where they show- case their home countries. his year, the International Women’s Group Kuwait Shatti said that she joined IWG in 1993 after the British (IWG), celebrates its 30-year anniversary - serving ambassador’s wife at the time invited her to join in recogni- Tthe international women community in Kuwait and tion of her efforts in social outreach. “I was nominated by bringing them together with their Kuwaiti peers. On this Tula Naqi to replace her as the Public Relations coordinator occasion, IWG member Narjes Al-Shatti spoke to Kuwait for IWG. I have been serving as IWG board member since Times about the background and the history of IWG. then - representing my country Kuwait. I have learnt so “IWG Kuwait chapter is a branch of the Denmark-based much since I joined IWG,” she said. International Women’s Group, which has branches world- “I learned how to deal with diplomats and I have become wide. All the groups do organize similar programs and aware of many cultural issues I wasn’t familiar with before. activities.” She said. We are always in contact with the ambassadors and other The IWG was founded in the 19th century. “The IWG top dignitaries in the society. The Queen of Denmark who scene, while also promoting Kuwait’s image and celebrating initiative started when the Queen of Denmark hosted the founded the group, said that this group is for those who everything that Kuwaitis take pride in. Therefore, I believe ambassadors’ spouses to introduce them to the culture of ‘walk the red carpet,” Shatti added. that it is about time that the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign her country. She organized social, entertainment and cul- After 1993, IWG expanded the group so that diplomats’ Affairs extends more of its support by taking the initiative tural activities so that members can talk about their wives can nominate members of their community to join the to take IWG under its auspices, so that IWG can continue respective countries to the other members.” Shatti group under their sponsorship and to represent their coun- doing what it does best while also adapting to challenges explained. tries in events when the wives are absent. “IWG started and changes of the future.” In 1988, the wife of Danish ambassador to Kuwait along with less than 50 members and now we have over 150 with Tula Naqi, wife of one of Kuwait’s highly regarded members,” she said, adding that IWG’s future plan is to merchants and Layla Rajab, wife of the son of the late establish a permanent location for the group to practice Tareq Rajab who founded the first museum of Islamic arts their activities freely. in Kuwait inaugurated IWG-Kuwait. Together, they started When asked what she wishes for IWG, Shatti said “After their activities by offering support through social and cul- 30 years of serving Kuwait tirelessly, I believe IWG has tural events. The group’s goal is to be a part of the greater gone far beyond its original role as a mere social and recre- community while learning and exploring other cultures. The ational organization for women of the foreign diplomats in group is a non-political, non-religious, non-commercial Kuwait. It has become a platform of meaningful cultural and and open to all nationalities. IWG regularly organize activi- social exchange that has quietly enriched Kuwait’s social ClassifiedsWednesday, June 6, 2018

Sabah Hospital 24812000 Amiri Hospital 22450005

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

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 6/6/2018 FEG 341 Sohag 13:50 Departure Flights on Wednesday 6/6/2018 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 Airlines Flt Route Time RBG 554 Alexandria 13:10 MSC 405 Sohag 00:05 KAC 618 Doha 14:10 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 JZR 144 Doha 13:55 THY 772 Istanbul 00:15 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 DLH 625 Dammam 00:50 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 MSC 502 Alexandria 00:10 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 102 London 00:50 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:15 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 CLX 792 Hanoi 14:30 JZR 539 Cairo 01:00 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:15 MSR 2615 Cairo 00:30 FEG 442 Asyut 14:50 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:15 KAC 364 Colombo 14:20 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 267 Beirut 01:25 KAC 512 Mashhad 14:25 MSC 406 Sohag 01:05 KNE 382 Taif 15:00 MSR 618 Alexandria 01:35 KAC 286 Dhaka 14:25 JZR 528 Asyut 01:45 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:00 UAE 853 Dubai 01:40 JZR 751 Madinah 14:30 KAC 417 Manila 01:45 QTR 1079 Doha 15:15 KLM 446 Bahrain 01:45 KNE 537 Jeddah 14:35 THY 773 Istanbul 01:45 KNE 538 Jeddah 15:25 KKK 1268 Istanbul 02:00 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:50 KAC 363 Colombo 01:50 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:15 KUG 080 Al Najaf 15:05 KAC 285 Dhaka 01:50 KAC 775 Riyadh 15:55 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 KAC 304 Mumbai 15:05 DLH 625 Frankfurt 01:50 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 PGT 860 Istanbul 02:25 KNE 529 Jeddah 15:05 JZR 502 Luxor 01:55 KAC 785 Jeddah 16:00 QTR 1086 Doha 02:30 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:05 KAC 677 Dubai 02:00 JZR 606 Kochi 16:00 KAC 418 Manila 03:05 KAC 412 Bangkok 15:10 MSR 619 Alexandria 02:35 KAC 743 Dammam 16:05 OMA 643 Muscat 03:05 KAC 562 Amman 15:20 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:45 KAC 563 Amman 16:10 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:05 OMA 645 Muscat 15:20 THY 765 Istanbul 02:50 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 RBG 215 Sohag 03:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 KKK 1269 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 619 Doha 16:15 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 KAC 382 Delhi 03:10 SVA 504 Madinah 15:55 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:10 OMA 646 Muscat 16:20 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 SAW 705 Damascus 16:00 JZR 142 Doha 03:20 KAC 615 Bahrain 16:40 QTR 1076 Doha 03:30 JZR 534 Cairo 16:10 PGT 831 Istanbul 03:25 SVA 505 Madinah 16:55 JZR 1539 Cairo 03:40 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 UAE 854 Dubai 03:30 SAW 706 Damascus 17:00 KAC 796 Madinah 03:45 KAC 118 New York 16:20 RBG 216 Sohag 03:45 KAC 503 Beirut 17:15 JAI 572 Mumbai 04:00 FDB 051 Dubai 16:20 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:20 KAC 544 Cairo 04:25 NIA 361 Alexandria 16:50 OMA 644 Muscat 04:05 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 KAC 784 Jeddah 04:30 KNE 535 Jeddah 16:55 QTR 1087 Doha 04:15 KAC 361 Colombo 17:35 JZR 609 Hyderabad 04:30 KAC 542 Cairo 17:00 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 PAL 668 Manila 05:00 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 JAI 571 Mumbai 05:05 KAC 381 Delhi 17:45 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 KNE 536 Jeddah 17:45 THY 770 Istanbul 05:15 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:35 KAC 303 Mumbai 05:35 NIA 362 Alexandria 17:50 JZR 603 Mumbai 05:25 JZR 145 Doha 17:35 KAC 103 London 05:45 KAC 331 Trivandrum 17:55 KAC 344 Chennai 05:30 JZR 177 Dubai 17:40 JZR 702 Taif 06:05 KAC 283 Dhaka 18:00 KAC 332 Trivandrum 05:40 JZR 555 Alexandria 18:05 THY 771 Istanbul 06:30 KAC 343 Chennai 18:00 JZR 561 Sohag 05:55 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 JZR 1770 Jeddah 06:35 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 BAW 157 London 06:10 RJA 640 Amman 19:00 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 284 Dhaka 06:25 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 RJA 649 Amman 07:00 JZR 608 Hyderabad 18:25 WAN 338 Alexandria 06:25 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 KAC 167 Paris 07:20 JZR 240 Amman 18:30 KAC 206 Islamabad 06:40 KAC 744 Dammam 19:10 PAL 669 Manila 07:40 JZR 266 Beirut 18:30 KAC 678 Dubai 06:45 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 171 Frankfurt 07:50 JZR 538 Cairo 18:35 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:00 KAC 156 Istanbul 19:35 JZR 778 Jeddah 08:00 WAN 135 Doha 18:40 JZR 143 Doha 07:00 KAC 776 Riyadh 19:35 BAW 156 London 08:20 KAC 1781 Jeddah 18:40 KAC 674 Dubai 19:40 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 WAN 342 Sohag 07:30 KAC 165 Rome 08:25 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 JZR 503 Luxor 07:50 KAC 511 Mashhad 08:45 KAC 616 Bahrain 20:00 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:05 RJA 641 Amman 20:00 KAC 384 Delhi 08:05 KAC 104 London 20:00 KAC 117 SNN/New York 09:05 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 KAC 358 Kochi 08:05 DLH 624 Frankfurt 20:05 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 JZR 552D Alexandria 20:05 JZR 529 Asyut 08:10 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 KAC 521 Al Najaf 09:30 FDB 058 Dubai 20:30 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 KNE 381 Taif 20:10 KAC 561 Amman 09:40 JZR 602 Mumbai 20:30 IRC 6552 ABD 08:50 KAC 620 Doha 20:15 IRC 6553 ABD 09:40 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:55 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 DLH 624 Dammam 20:50 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 166 Rome 20:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 09:45 KAC 353 Bengaluru 21:00 IRA 665 Shiraz 09:25 QTR 1088 Doha 20:40 JZR 535 Cairo 09:45 KNE 232 Riyadh 21:00 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 KAC 172 Frankfurt 20:45 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 KAC 357 Kochi 21:00 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:00 KAC 541 Cairo 10:00 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 IRM 1188 Mashhad 09:55 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 KAC 101 London 10:00 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 10:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:15 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 KAC 543 Cairo 21:20 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:15 KAC 617 Doha 10:10 KAC 301 Mumbai 21:35 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 KAC 168 Paris 21:20 JZR 750 Madinah 10:15 QTR 1089 Doha 21:50 JZR 703 Taif 11:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 155 Istanbul 10:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 QTR 1074 Doha 11:00 KAC 564 Amman 21:50 IRA 664 Shiraz 10:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 21:55 KIS 6032 Mashhad 12:00 QTR 1082 Doha 22:05 QTR 1071 Doha 10:40 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:05 IAW 157 Al Najaf 12:00 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 FDB 056 Dubai 10:40 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:10 JZR 1771 Jeddah 12:05 KAC 786 Jeddah 22:15 IRM 1189 Mashhad 11:10 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 WAN 134 Doha 12:20 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 JZR 554 Alexandria 11:20 KAC 783 Jeddah 22:25 RBG 553 Alexandria 12:30 WAN 136 Doha 22:30 AXB 890 Mangalore 11:20 KAC 383 Delhi 22:25 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 WAN 118 Bahrain 22:40 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 UAE 860 Dubai 22:35 CLX 792 Luxembourg 12:45 SVA 502 Jeddah 22:45 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 JZR 604 Ahmedabad 22:40 WAN 542 KTM 12:50 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:00 KUG 080 Al Najaf 12:00 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:50 KAC 522 Al Najaf 13:00 MSC 501 Alexandria 23:10 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:05 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 MSR 2614 Cairo 23:30 QTR 1075 Doha 12:10 KAC 411 Bangkok 23:15 KAC 774 Riyadh 13:30 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 KIS 6033 Mashhad 13:00 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 JZR 779 Jeddah 13:45 JZR 241 Amman 23:40 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:00 WAN 337 Alexandria 23:40 Established 1961 24 News Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Qatar ‘stronger’ despite bitter diplomatic rift DOHA: On the first anniversary of a bitter Gulf diplo- Iran. Qatar soon found its only land border closed by Emmanuel Macron intervene to prevent the deal going year. Qataris have been exposed to arbitrary arrest and matic rift, Qatar’s foreign minister yesterday declared Saudi Arabia, its state-owned airline barred from using ahead, raising fears of military action in the dispute. routinely denied freedom of movement, according to his country stronger than ever and said it was open to neighbors’ airspace, and residents expelled from the the report by the government-appointed body detailing dialogue with its regional rivals. Mohammed Bin quartet’s countries. ‘Smear campaign’ alleged abuses including one case of forced disappear- Abdulrahman Al-Thani also rebuked Qatar’s foes for Despite hopes that the rancorous rift between the Despite the impact of the crisis, many in Qatar view ance. “From the beginning, all the blockading countries “imaginary victories” against the small Gulf state, the former allies-which include some of the richest coun- the past year’s events as a victory for Doha. Qatari have tried to use the people to achieve their political target of a Saudi-led boycott. “One year on and Qatar tries on earth-would be resolved quickly, the crisis has papers were jubilant yesterday, with headlines such as goals,” NHRC chairman Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri said. and its people are stronger,” Al-Thani, one of the most endured. Qatar claims the dispute is an attack on its “Triumphant Qatar stays United” and “Qatar shines as There was no immediate reaction from the Saudi- prominent voices in the region’s worst diplomatic crisis sovereignty and punishment for pursuing an independ- smear campaign against it fails”. Taxi companies led bloc. In August, Saudi Arabia will welcome mil- for years, wrote on Twitter. ent foreign policy. Diplomatic efforts led by Kuwait and offered free rides to customers to mark the anniversary lions of Muslim faithful for the hajj pilgrimage to “(There’s) a lot of talk about imaginary victories and the United States have so far stalled. Al-Thani said the and some in Qatar have even called for June 5 to be Makkah, the holiest city in Islam. The Saudi govern- isolating Qatar, but after one year, the reality proved “door is still open for dialogue” between the Gulf rivals. made a national holiday. ment yesterday confirmed Qataris wishing to under- the opposite as Qatar emerged as an international part- However, he also told Qatar state-funded broadcaster Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) take the umrah pilgrimage to Makkah were welcome, ner that can be trusted.” On June 5, 2017, an alliance of Al Jazeera yesterday that Doha would continue with its released a report on the eve of the anniversary claiming but accused the Qatari authorities of a “negative Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt abruptly severed purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense missile sys- more than 4,000 human rights abuses had been com- attitude”. The umrah is a lesser pilgrimage that takes ties with Doha, accusing it of supporting terrorism and tem. Saudi leaders have asked French President mitted against Qataris by the alliance over the past place outside of hajj. — AFP

recovered in a day or two now need days and much Bad air day: India stronger medication to get better.” The number of chronic pulmonary disease and lung cancer cases is rising among non-smokers, particularly women, he added. city chokes on “There is no reason for it (other) than primarily atmos- pheric pollution.” Children under five are also suffering world’s worst more, he added. In one overcrowded ward, 74-year-old Ram Lakhan, who spends long periods in hospital barely able to pollution breathe, blamed his suffering on cars. “Where are the trees now? We only have vehicles, pollution and traffic KANPUR: Soot turned the white handkerchief around jams. “With all the greenery gone, we are only breathing Abhash Kumar Sharma’s face to black as the police offi- what is available-pollution,” he said. “I’ve never had it cer tried to direct gridlocked traffic in the Indian city this bad before. I only used to feel breathlessness and with the world’s dirtiest air. It was all he had to ward off discomfort in bad winters, when there was smog. But it the pollution blamed for filling Kanpur’s hospital beds has been hard even in summers for the last two or three with growing numbers of chronic lung and cancer cases. years,” he added. “It is the same story for everyone who spends such long In the crippling traffic, it took an hour to drive the hours out in this city,” said Sharma, who does not get a seven kilometers from the hospital to the Uttar Pradesh mask for his duties. “The pollution gets into your eyes state pollution control office where chief officer Kuldeep and it often stings.” Misra also took aim at the 1.15 million vehicles on city The city of three million people has been smarting roads. “This is an industrial city but vehicles here pollute since a World Health Organization (WHO) report last more than industry,” he said. Misra was sceptical about month put it at the head of 14 Indian cities in the world’s Kanpur being the world’s dirtiest city as the UN report top 15 with the dirtiest air. The pain has building up for was based on “old data”. “The report caused ripples,” he much longer, but as the world marks Environment Day, acknowledged. “But we’re not sure about the tag.” the fallout has reached crisis point for many in Kanpur.Sunil Dahiya, senior campaigner with ‘No magic wand’ KANPUR: Smoke rises from a burning field near the industrial area in the Indian city of Kanpur. The city of three million Greenpeace India, said “the models available to us make The WHO report was based on 2016 Indian data on people has been smarting since a World Health Organization (WHO) report last month put Kanpur at the head of 14 it certain that hundreds of thousands of people are dying the number of particles under 2.5 micrograms-the small- Indian cities in the world’s top 15 with the dirtiest air. —AFP in India each year because of air pollution”. A senior est and most dangerous. It said Kanpur had an average doctor at the Murari Lal Chest Hospital, Anand Kumar, PM2.5 concentration of 173 micrograms per cubic said the number of patients has jumped from about meter-about seven times the normal safe level. Misra Time may not be on the side of 50-year-old Shiv phere. Look at this machine,” she said, pointing to her 40,000 in 2015 to 64,000 last year. believes Kanpur’s water pollution is worse than the air Kumari, a patient at the overcrowded chest hospital automatic breathing aid that cost more than $1,500. because of its huge leather industry and tanneries. The who wears an oxygen mask to help her breathe. “How can a poor person afford something like this, ‘Where are the trees?’ tanneries are often blamed for polluting the revered “Pollution, dust or smoke makes me breathless. I feel especially when it’s so important for survival in this pol- “More than 50 percent of these patients, maybe more, Ganges river, which passes through the city. Misra said that I am choking. I cough and feel as if something lution?” “The government should do something to fix come with breathing-related issues,” the doctor told the authorities planned to take action, but it would take sharp is pinching my throat,” she told AFP. “It has this,” she added before readjusting her mask as she AFP. “Even the severity is worsening. Many who earlier time. “There is no magic wand,” he added. become too difficult to live in this kind of an atmos- started feeling breathless again.— AFP

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt all cut immunity over what authorities said were anti-Israeli Azmi Bishara: From ties with Qatar a year ago, accusing the country of comments and ties to Syria. His books are banned in links to Sunni Islamist extremists and supporting Saudi Arabia and in 2014 Riyadh demanded Qatar Knesset black sheep Shiite Iran. Iran is the key regional ally of Lebanon’s shut down the Arab Center for Research and Policy Hezbollah, and Saudi Arabia’s arch nemesis. “Bishara Studies, a high-profile, Doha-based think tank head- plays a key role in Qatar’s approach to the region and ed by Bishara. “Since the UAE and Saudi view any to the Qatar insider the world through media and research,” said form of dissidence and opposition as a threat to the Theodore Karasik of the Gulf State Analytics state, the liberal narratives of Bishara’s centre and DUBAI: A controversial Arab Israeli former legislator research group. “His role is indisputable,” Karasik media outlets run counter to policies in Abu Dhabi who fled his homeland over a decade ago, Azmi said. “Given the harsh intra-Gulf fight, and the likeli- and Riyadh promoting the myth of authoritarian sta- Bishara is now among the key diplomatic players in hood of a permanent cleavage, the Palestinian intel- bility,” said Krieg. Other critics say the mustachioed the crisis that estranges Qatar from Saudi Arabia and lectual is likely to continue to find safety in Doha”. politician has only his personal interests at heart. And other Gulf peers. Once a Knesset black sheep over On social media and regional TV broadcasts con- no matter the outcome of the Gulf crisis, analysts say his pro-Palestinian stance, Bishara left Israel in 2007, sidered close to Saudi Arabia and its allies, Bishara he will likely survive politically. “If Qatar changes accused of advising Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah, has been slammed as “Doha’s Rasputin”, a Mossad path then, of course, Bishara will run somewhere Azmi Bishara a charge he denied. agent and the “godfather of terrorism”. “What has else,” said Karasik. — AFP been written about Bishara in the Gulf media has ‘Qatar’s Rasputin’ been widely exaggerated,” said Andreas Krieg, a A former Marxist and founder of Balad, an Arab defense expert at King’s College London who has intervened in Yemen in 2015 to push back the rebels Israeli political party, Bishara has since reinvented consulted for the Qatari government. “He is a and restore the internationally-recognized government himself as an Arab public intellectual, close to Qatar’s Christian Palestinian who used to have an Israeli Saudi intercepts.... circles of power. He is an Israeli Arab, defined as to power after the Houthis ousted it from swathes of the passport. He once was a socialist but has changed his country including the capital Sanaa. Nearly 10,000 descendants of Palestinians who remained on their Continued from Page 1 political views over time,” Krieg said. “To call him a people have been killed since the alliance launched its land when Israel was created in 1948. They account godfather of terrorism makes no sense.” intervention in Yemen in March 2015, contributing to for around 17.5 percent of Israel’s population today. Riyadh accuses its regional rival Tehran of supplying the Houthis with ballistic missiles, a charge Iran denies. what the UN has called the world’s worst humanitarian Bishara is a major personality in Qatari media and has Continuing controversy crisis. — AFP a Twitter following of more than 1.4 million. Critics of Bishara was a controversial figure long before his Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other allies the 61-year-old Christian from Nazareth accuse him involvement into Qatari politics. He resigned from the of permanently shifting alliances-politics that have Knesset in 2007, amid investigations into his alleged seen him labeled a supporter of “terrorism”, along role alongside Hezbollah in the war with Israel the uranium to 3.67 percent. It has previously stated it could with his host Qatar. year before. He was also stripped of parliamentary Iran to boost “within days” return to enrichment of 20 percent-still within the limits of civilian use but allowing for a much quicker jump to military-grade levels of 80-90 percent. in penitence.’ These are the ones who ‘truly’ believe uranium enrichment... Keen to preserve the nuclear deal-with which Iran Guard your tongue (2)... and whose hearts grow calm at the remembrance of Continued from Page 1 has so far been fully compliant according to internation- Allah. Most assuredly, it is by the remembrance of al inspectors-European governments are working on Continued from Page 1 Allah that hearts grow calm.” (Ar-Raad 13: 27 - 28) working in the Islamic republic by November. The measures to protect their businesses from US sanctions. The tongue is a blessing that if used wisely, will remaining parties-Britain, France, Germany, China and But Iran had already been denied much of the economic forgive so-and-so.’ At this, Allah - the Almighty - benefit us both here on earth and in the Hereafter. Russia-have vowed to stay in the accord but many of benefits it had hoped for from the deal, thanks to the said, “Who is he that swears by Me that I will not for- Abdullah bin Busr (RA) narrated that a man their companies have already started to wind down continued reluctance of international banks to facilitate give so-and-so? Verily, I have forgiven so-and-so and approached Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said, “O Iranian operations. On Monday, Iran’s supreme leader trade and a raft of non-nuclear US sanctions that were have rendered your good deeds null and void.” Messenger of Allah, indeed, the legislated optional acts Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the Europeans that never lifted. (Muslim # 2, 621) of worship in Islam are too much for me. So inform me “Iran will never tolerate both suffering from sanctions With the US pulling out of the deal entirely, several So, never use your tongue to curse people, judge of something to adhere to. He said, “Let not your and nuclear restrictions” and called for preparations to large firms have said it will be impossible to continue them, and slander them - or commit any sins of the tongue cease being moist with the mentioning and speed up uranium enrichment. operating in Iran except in the unlikely scenario that tongue. Allah (SWT) is the Only One who can judge us. remembrance of Allah.” (Al-Albani rated it as Saheeh Iran insists its nuclear program is for civilian uses they win bulletproof exemptions from Washington. On another hand, avoid entertaining people with lies; in Saheeh At-Targheeb # 1, 491.) only, but opponents in the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia France’s PSA, which manufactures Peugeot and Citroen making yourselves clowns, telling lies being driven by Finally, I would like to share with you an intriguing accuse it of seeking to build an atomic bomb. Israeli cars, on Monday became the latest to announce its the urge of making people laugh. This is very danger- piece of information that I heard from a nutritionist. He Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted swiftly to plans to pull out of Iran, where it sold nearly 445,000 ous. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned us of the evil said, “99 percent of our food choices are influenced by Salehi’s announcement, charging that the Islamic repub- cars last year. French energy giant Total is also prepar- consequences of that, especially if we die before we the tongue.” In other words, if your taste buds like the lic’s aim was “unlimited enrichment of uranium to create ing its departure from a $4.8-billion gas project in Iran, repent. He said what can be translated as: “Woe to him food, you will go ahead and eat it without considering an arsenal of nuclear bombs” to destroy his country. with its CEO saying last week that the chances of a US who tells lies when speaking to people in order to whether it is nutritious or not. As such, you may end up Under the 2015 agreement, Iran is permitted to enrich exemption were “very slim”. — AFP make them laugh! Woe to him, woe to him!” (Al-Albani contracting some preventable diseases due to your rated it as Hasan. Refer to Saheeh At-Tirmidhi # 2, 315 dietary habits. Therefore, not only is your tongue a - among others.) double-edged sword in religious affairs, the same 307 minors, 293 of whom were unaccompanied. Remember Allah (SWT) and mention Him constant- applies also to your mundane affairs. So, if you are ly: Whenever you have free time, instead of gossiping, wise, control your tongue and don’t let it control you. Death toll from Security officials said the boat was packed with backbiting, and slandering people, praise and remem- This Ramadan, consult a nutritionist to advise you on a about 180 migrants, including 80 from other countries ber Allah (SWT). It is very meritorious and rewarding healthy diet. Tunisia migrant... in Africa. Survivors said the captain had abandoned the to remember and mention Allah (SWT) constantly, boat after it started sinking to escape arrest by the especially during this auspicious month of Ramadan. Continued from Page 1 coastguard. Unemployed Tunisians and other Africans Your heart will grow calm by mentioning and remem- Courtesy of the TIES Center: the TIES Center aims have often tried to cross in makeshift boats from bering Allah (SWT). at empower Kuwait’s expats through social and educa- Tunisia to Sicily in southern Italy. The North African Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as: “Still tional services that promote a positive and productive The IOM said 68 people had been rescued after the country’s economy is in crisis since the toppling of those who disbelieve say, ‘If only a sign would be sent role in society, and to facilitate opportunities for intra- vessel sank - 60 Tunisians, two Moroccans, one Libyan, autocrat Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011 threw Tunisia down to him from his Lord, then we would believe and interfaith interactions that promote social solidari- one Malian, one Cameroonian national and three into turmoil with unemployment and inflation soaring. him!’ Say, “Indeed, Allah leaves to stray whomever He ty. For more information, please call 25231015/6 or e- Ivorians. It said 1,910 Tunisian migrants reached Italy Yesterday, new Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte so wills. Yet He guides to Himself whoever turns to Him mail [email protected] or visit www.tiescenter.net. between Jan. 1 and April 30, including 39 women and promised a crackdown on immigration. — Reuters Established 1961 25 Sports Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Detroit Tigers lose 7-4 to New York Yankees in Game one of doubleheader

McCutchen and Crawford hit back-to-back home runs

DETROIT: Aaron Judge endured a historically bad day, combined for five innings of one-run ball. Pierce but the New York Yankees’ results Monday were only Johnson (3-2) got the win after going two shutout half bad. The Yankees split a doubleheader in Detroit, innings, striking out two. taking the opener from the Tigers 7-4 before falling 4-2 in the nightcap. Judge struck out eight times overall-a PADRES 11, BRAVES 4 major league record for a doubleheader. He fanned five San Diego pounded out nine extra-base hits, includ- times in the second game and went 0-for-9 during the ing four solo homers, to defeat visiting Atlanta. Eric twinbill. In the first game, New York’s Austin Romine hit Hosmer, Cory Spangenberg and Raffy Lopez homered in a three-run homer during a the first four innings to give the sixth-run fourth. Luis Severino Padres a 3-2 lead. San Diego (9-1) limited the Tigers to two exploded for seven runs in the runs (one earned) on four hits Jefry Marte fifth against Atlanta starter Julio while striking out 10 and Teheran (4-4) and reliever Luiz walking none in eight innings. had four Gohara to break the game Aroldis Chapman got the last open. Rookie Franmil Reyes hit out for his 14th save. In the hits and a his fifth homer in a span of 10 second game, Leonys Martin games for the Padres’ final run reached base three times and home run in the sixth. scored twice, Victor Martinez had two hits and an RBI and ANGELS 9, ROYALS 6 James McCann scored and Jefry Marte had four hits, knocked in a run for the Tigers. New York had its five- including a home run, and Mike Trout and Justin Upton game winning streak snapped. each had three hits to lead Los Angeles over visiting Kansas City. The Angels rallied from down 5-2 in the fifth GIANTS 10, DIAMONDBACKS 3 inning to win for the third time in four games. The Angels Andrew McCutchen and Brandon Crawford hit back- scored once in the fifth and three times in the sixth to-back home runs to ignite a seven-run fourth inning, before Trout’s RBI single in the eighth put the Angels sending San Francisco to a victory over visiting Arizona. ahead for good. Upton and Albert Pujols added RBI sin- Pablo Sandoval and Nick Hundley also homered for the gles in the eighth, all three runs charged to Royals reliev- DETROIT: Brett Gardner #11 of the New York Yankees singles to drive in Clint Fraxier as catcher James Giants, who won their fifth straight while snapping the er Tim Hill (1-2). Cam Bedrosian (2-1), the fourth of five McCann #34 of the Detroit Tigers works behind the plate during the second inning of game two of a double- Diamondbacks’ winning streak at three. After Derek Angels relievers, picked up the win. Blake Parker pitched header at Comerica Park on Monday in Detroit. — AFP Holland lasted only four innings, four Giants relievers the ninth and earned his fourth save. — Reuters

Greatness named 2018 Kuwait Youth Basketball Belgian police champions detain 13 in tennis

KUWAIT: After an exciting and competitive match-fixing last 2 weeks, the second annual Kuwait Youth Basketball Tournament held at Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), came to an BRUSSELS: Belgian police yesterday held 13 people as part end last Sunday by announcing “Greatness” as of a major international investigation into match-fixing in ten- the champion wining the final game 70-61 over nis, barely a month after a report warned of a “tsunami” of “Elite Squad”. corruption in the lower levels of the sport. “Elite Squad” led the first and second quar- Officers swooped on 21 addresses in Belgium, while simul- ters with 16 - 21 and 26 - 34 respectively but taneous raids were launched on properties in the US, “Greatness” reduced the gap in the third quar- Germany, France, Bulgaria, Slovakia and the Netherlands. The ter and ended the quarter leading by 4 points raids were part of an international probe into an Armenian- (44 - 40). Despite the many attempts by “Elite Belgian criminal network suspected of bribing players to Squad” in the fourth quarter to end the game to throw games. their favor, “Greatness” retained their lead and Belgian prosecutors said the matches involved were on the ended the game 70 - 61 and were announced low-level Futures and Challenger circuits, away from the gaze the champion of the second round of the Kuwait of television coverage and where meagre prize money leaves Youth Basketball Tournament. Youssef Al- players susceptible to backhanders. The “investigation showed Failakawi was the top scorer for the winning Winning team receiving trophy. that an Armenian-Belgian criminal organisation actively would team and the game with 28 points while Imran have bribed professional tennis players from 2014 to the present day,” the prosecutors said in a statement. Nzairwas the top scorer for “Elite Squad” with players over this age, which adds expertise to This was done “in order to obtain a pre-arranged match 19 points. the participating teams. This year’s tournament result with the aim of betting on these fixed matches based on An awards ceremony followed the final game started on Thursday 24th of May 2018 with the insider information, thereby fraudulently boosting winnings,” and Najib Zantout, Head of the organizing com- participation of eight teams including a number they added. A judge will decide later on what further action to mittee, handed over the awards to the teams. of professional players in two groups. The winning team received the trophy, KD 500 take against the 13 who have been held. Zantout said: “We are very pleased with the The suspects mostly fit the same profile, prosecutors said- prize in addition to the first-place medals, while spirit and the level of the teams participating in no income, no job and facing financial problems. They would “Elite Squad” players received second place the tournament this year. The results of most be given money to bet on lower-division matches where prize medals. Hamad Adnan, was awarded top scorer games were close and winners were only money was around $5,000 to $15,000. of the tournament scoring 139 points and announced towards last minutes.” “These tournaments are usually not filmed, which would received prizes from the main sponsor, “On behalf of the organizing committee, I make the players easier to corrupt and the organisers of fixed “Hardee’s”. would like to thank Gulf University for Science matches generate a lot of cash, making themselves guilty of The Kuwait Youth Basketball Tournament is and Technology (GUST) for their fruitful coop- match fixing, corruption, money laundering, participation in an annual event launched in 2017 to encourage eration in hosting this year’s event and I would the activities of a criminal organisation,” the prosecutors said. the youth to practice sports in a competitive also like to thank all our sponsors, especially the Belgian authorities, first alerted to suspicious betting activi- atmosphere during the holy month of Ramadan. main supporter “Hardee’s” and the participating ty in 2015, said the criminal network “would not shrink from The tournament targets the youth under the age sponsors, “Honda Alghanim”, “The Sultan Hamad Adnan receiving best scorer award. violence” and used its contacts to move large sums of money of 21 years with the possibility of joining two Center” and others.” abroad anonymously.

BLIGHT ON THE GAME The latest blow to tennis’s reputation comes as the French up with her. Since Tuesday last week, she had wrote in ‘Unstoppable’. “Not long after I heard Open reaches the quarter-final stage, with Novak Djokovic Serena faces played six matches in six days, with her singles Serena told a friend, who then told me, ‘I’ll never aiming to reach his 32nd Grand Slam semi-final when he faces duties alternating with doubles alongside sister lose to that little bitch again’.” unseeded Italian Marco Cecchinato at Roland Garros. Wimbledon fight as Venus. That compared to just four matches-in Sharapova, the champion in Paris in 2012 and Cecchinato was himself embroiled in a match-fixing scandal Indian Wells and Miami this year since her 2017 2014, goes on to play a first quarter-final at the on the Challenger circuit, earning an 18-month suspension in Australian Open win. “I have made every sacrifice Slams since losing to Williams at the same stage at July 2016 before being cleared of any wrongdoing. Tuesday’s Paris party falls flat that I could. So it’s extremely disappointing,” she the 2016 Australian Open. It was in Melbourne that arrests come after the Independent Review of Integrity in added. “But also, I made a promise to myself and Sharapova tested positive for meldonium after Tennis report warned in April that the lower levels of the sport to my coach and to my team that if I’m not at least which she served a 15-month doping ban. PARIS: Serena Williams admits her dream of an were engulfed in betting-related corruption. 60% or 50%, then I probably shouldn’t play. “The “I was looking forward to my match against The report said the problems stemmed from too many eighth Wimbledon title could either be saved or fact that I physically can’t serve at all is a good Serena and am disappointed that she had to with- shattered in a Paris doctor’s office this week. The players in the likes of the Futures and Challenger circuits not indication that maybe I should just go back to the draw,” said Sharapova in a statement. “I wish her earning enough to make a living, coupled with the rise of 36-year-old American stunned the French Open on drawing board and stay positive and try to get a speedy recovery and hope she returns to the Monday by withdrawing from her eagerly-antici- online betting. better and not get to a point where it could be a tour soon.” There are around 15,000 professional tennis players but pated last-16 grudge match with bitter rival Maria lot worse.” It was not the greatest day for women’s tennis Sharapova just minutes before the two icons of the only the top 250 women and the top 350 men even manage to on Monday. As well as Serena’s withdrawal, the break even before coaching costs, lawyer Adam Lewis, who women’s game were due to clash on Court Philippe SHARAPOVA MESSAGE match featuring third seed Garbine Muguruza, the Chatrier. chaired the review panel, warned in April. With Wimbledon not starting until July 2, 2016 champion, and Lesia Tsurenko last just two After surveying more than 3,000 players as well as tourna- A pectoral muscle injury had slammed the Williams has a degree of time on her side in games. Ukrainian world 39 Tsurenko retired at 0-2 brakes on the ruthless Williams’s serving arm so ment organisers, officials and betting operators, the panel which to get healthy. A rematch with Sharapova down due to a leg injury which required an on- found “evidence of some issues” at Grand Slams and Tour she decided not to take up the opportunity to at the All England Club could have even greater court medical assessment as well as lengthy off- extend her 14-year, 18-match win streak over the events, but it did not uncover evidence of a widespread prob- significance as it was there in 2004 that the court treatment — after the first game. lem at those higher levels. Russian. “So I’m going to get an MRI tomorrow Russian, then a slender 17-year-old, stunned World number one Simona Halep needed just (Tuesday). I’m going to stay here and see some of The panel was set up in 2016 following allegations made by Williams to lift the title. 59 minutes to beat Belgium’s Elise Mertens for the the BBC and Buzzfeed that leading players, including Grand the doctors, see as many specialists as I can,” said It also lit the fuse on a relationship which has loss of only three games. She next plays Angelique the 23-time Grand Slam title winner. Slam winners, were involved in suspected match-fixing and generally been close to explosive ever since. Kerber who saw off Caroline Garcia, the last home that evidence had been suppressed. In a further demonstration “And I won’t know that (her Wimbledon status) Monday’s scheduled match was due to take place player in the draw, also in straight sets. until I get those results.” In Paris, Williams was of the woes blighting the lower rungs of the game, Ukrainian just two days after Williams had blasted Fourth round losers in the men’s and women’s Dmytro Badanov was handed a life ban and fined $100,000 playing her first Grand Slam since winning the Sharapova’s autobiography for being “100 percent tournaments all receive 222,000 euros ($260,000), 2017 Australian Open when she was two months last month for fixing a Futures match in Tunisia in 2015. Just hearsay” when it came to references about the a fact not lost on Italy’s Fabio Fognini whose five- days before the Badanov ruling, Argentinian player Nicolas pregnant and first since she gave birth to daughter aftermath of that 2004 Wimbledon final. “I think set defeat to Marin Cilic occupied 3hr and 37min. Olympia in September. Kicker was found guilty of fixing two matches on the second- Serena hated me for being the skinny kid who beat Women’s tennis “is another sport,” he said mis- tier Challenger Tour, and faces a life ban as a result. — AFP However, in the end, her Paris schedule caught her, against all odds, at Wimbledon,” Sharapova chievously. — AFP 26 Established 1961 Sports Wednesday, June 6, 2018 England recall Jake for injured Woakes for Australia ODI series

Buttler credits IPL for recent Test success

LONDON: England called up Nottinghamshire seam- England wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler says his er Jake Ball as cover for the injured Chris Woakes in stint in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) helped their squad to face Australia in a five-match one-day his return to the test arena by forcing him to concen- series this month. trate on making runs rather than losing his wicket. Woakes joined Ben Stokes on the sidelines through Buttler was dropped from England’s test side at the injury when he suffered a thigh strain in England’s vic- end of 2016 following a poor run of form but his con- tory over Pakistan in the second Test. sistency in limited-overs cricket, along with his high- Both will be unavailable to take on Scotland in flying IPL run, earned the 27-year-old a surprise test Sunday’s one-off one-day international and for the recall last month. “first part” of the series against Australia. The hard-hitting batsman, who recorded five half- Ball played the last of his 17 ODIs to date at Perth centuries in his last six matches for Rajasthan Royals, in January in the 4-1 series made two against Pakistan, victory over Australia. He scoring 67 and 80 in two has taken 21 wickets, with a Tests. best of five for 51, but aver- Ball has “Those couple of weeks in ages 45.28. the IPL gave me huge “Nottinghamshire seamer taken 21 amounts of confidence, play- Jake Ball has been drafted ing in front of those crowds, into England’s ODI squad for wickets the pressure of being an over- the Royal London series seas player,” Buttler told against Australia as cover for British media. all-rounder Chris Woakes,” “The tough thing with test the England and Wales cricket is that if you get out Cricket Board said in a early, you’ve got a long time statement. to think about it. In T20, you just move on.” “Woakes, who will be unavailable for the first part England squad to play Australia in the five-match Jake ball of the series with a right quad strain, joins Ben Stokes one-day international series: (left hamstring tear) on the injured list. Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonathan “Both players have commenced their injury rehab Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Fixtures: Jun 21: 4th ODI, Chester-le-Street (1300 GMT) programmes and will be hoping to respond to treat- Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Jun 13: 1st ODI, The Oval (1200 GMT) Jun 25: 5th ODI, Old Trafford, (1000 GMT) ment with the aim of featuring in the latter stages of Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Jun 16: 2nd ODI, Cardiff (1000 GMT) Note: Matches starting at 1000 GMT day games, the series.” Woakes, Mark Wood. Jun 19: 3rd ODI, Trent Bridge (1300 GMT) others day/night. — Agencies

After mad dash Capitals down Knights to move to wire, Russia’s within one win of Stanley Cup WASHINGTON: The Washington A LITTLE LUCK stadiums open Capitals beat the Las Vegas Golden “We knew this game was very impor- Knights 6-2 on Monday to move within tant for us,” Ovechkin said. “Obviously we one win of the first NHL Stanley Cup have a little bit of luck on our side, they for World Cup championship in their 43-year history. hit the post. But we just grinded it out, we The Capitals now lead the best-of-seven use our chances, stick to the system, stick MOSCOW: Although some pushed it down Stanley Cup finals three-games-to-one to the plan, and we get the result.” to the wire, all 12 stadiums have been com- and will try to finish off the Golden Vegas coach Gerard Gallant called it a pleted in time for the June 14 to July 15 Knights in game five in Las Vegas tomor- “frustrating” first period. “I thought we World Cup in Russia. From Moscow’s grand row. The Caps withstood a quick opening played our best period of the finals so Luzhniki Stadium, which also hosted the barrage from Vegas, scoring three first- far,” he said. “We hit two posts, we had 1980 Summer Olympics, to the worrisomely period goals to seize control. Russian some good chances and we got nothing late Samara Arena, here is a look at where Evgeny Kuznetsov produced four assists, out of it.” John Carlson made it 4-0 with a the football games will be played. including one on T.J. Oshie’s power-play one-timer from the left circle on a power- goal 9:54 into the first period to open the play at 15:23 of the second before Vegas MOSCOW (Luzhniki Stadium) scoring. narrowed the deficit with goals from Neal Capacity: 80,000 Nicklas Backstrom with three assists and Reilly Smith in the third. Opening: 1956 (renovated 2017) and Oshie with a goal and two assists had Fleury made 17 saves for the Golden Estimated cost: $385 million (330 million three points apiece and goalie Braden Knights, but Michal Kempny scored just euros) Holtby made 28 saves for Washington. 1:13 after Smith to stretch Washington’s “One win away-it’s the hardest one,” said lead to 5-2 and Brett Connolly scored a Matches: June 14 - Russia vs Saudi Kazan Arena has grand ambitions, with The southern Russia city sits just 60 kilo- Washington captain Alex Ovechkin, 5-on-3 power-play goal to make it 6-2 Arabia; June 17 - Germany vs Mexico; June Russian authorities thinking of proposing it metres (40 miles) from the war zone in east whose assisted on Devante Smith-Pelly’s with less than two minutes remaining. 20 - Portugal vs Morocco; June 26 - as a future Summer Olympics venue. Ukraine, where a four-year conflict has goal with 21 seconds left in the first. Vegas have now lost three straight Denmark vs France; July 1 Round of 16; July killed more than 10,000 people. Russia is That strike made it 3-0 after Tom games-after losing three games total in 11 - Semi Final; July 15 - Final. SOCHI (Fisht Stadium) taking extensive security measures to make Wilson’s goal at 16:26. The Golden the first three rounds of the playoffs. They The historic crucible of Soviet and Capacity: 48,000 sure the fans are safe. Knights had looked more likely to take face a mountain to climb to become the Russian sport, Luzhniki is the national Opening: 2014 (renovated 2017) charge, producing five of the game’s first first debut team in major US sports histo- squad’s home ground and venue for major Estimated cost: $380 million + $65 mil- SAMARA (Samara Arena) seven shots. But James Neal missed from ry to win the title in the first season of political events, such as big speeches by lion for renovation Capacity: 45,000 point-blank range-just one of a string of their existence. The last NHL team to President Vladimir Putin. It was gutted and Matches: June 15 - Portugal vs Spain; Opening 2018 Vegas shots to clank off the post-and the rebound from a 3-1 series deficit to win rebuilt for the World Cup, turning it into a June 18 - Belgium vs Panama; June 23 Estimated cost: $305 million close call appeared to galvanize the Caps. the Stanley Cup was the 1942 Toronto football-specific venue. Only its original Germany vs Sweden; June 26 - Australia vs Matches: June 17 - Costa Rica vs Serbia; Oshie scored from the slot off the Maple Leafs-who rallied from 3-0 down facade remains. Peru; June 30 - Round of 16; July 7 Quarter June 21 - Denmark vs Australia; June 25 - rebound of a Kuznetsov shot, collecting against the Detroit Red Wings. The Final. Uruguay vs Russia; June 28 - Senegal vs the puck with his skate and firing over Capitals, meanwhile, are on the brink of MOSCOW (Spartak Stadium) Situated not far from Putin’s vacation Colombia; July 2 Round of 16; July 7 Quarter Marc-Andre Fleury. Wilson scored off a bringing Washington its first major sports Capacity: 45,000 home on the Black Sea and surrounded by Final. give-and-go with Kuznetsov and Smith- title since the NFL’s Redskins won the Opening: 2014 snow-capped mountains, Fisht Stadium is Samara Arena made international head- Pelly scored from below the left circle. 1992 Super Bowl. — AFP Estimated cost: $235 million Russia’s most scenic football venue. Sadly lines when FIFA noticed a few months ago Matches: June 16 - Argentina vs Iceland, for locals, Sochi has no team and the stadi- that it still had no pitch. The grass was finally June 19 - Poland vs Senegal; June 23 - um’s future purpose remains unclear. delivered from Germany in April, and the Belgium vs Tunisia; June 26 - Serbia vs stadium-while not looking as majestic as Brazil; July 3 - Round of 16. VOLGOGRAD (Volgograd Arena) originally envisioned after some corners Russia’s most popular team by a wide Capacity: 45,000 were cut-is ready for action. margin, Spartak Moscow had no place to Opening: 2018 started on the passion that runs through call home until the red and white arena Estimated cost: $260 million SARANSK (Mordovia Arena) Beckham backs Mexico because the players that I’ve opened to great fanfare four years ago. Matches: June 18 - Tunisia vs England; Capacity: 45,000 played against, I’ve played against them Spartak fans also think their stadium has the June 22 - Nigeria vs Iceland; June 25 - Saudi Opening: 2018 North America as a nation before and there’s not many best atmosphere, although that point is up Arabia vs Egypt; June 28 - Japan vs Poland. Estimated cost: $265 million nations that are as passionate as them.” for debate. Reminiscent of the “Bird’s Nest” stadium Matches: June 16 - Peru vs Denmark; June The former Manchester United and that hosted the 2008 Summer Games in 19 - Colombia vs Japan; June 25 - Iran vs World Cup bid Real Madrid star said he attended match- SAINT PETERSBURG (Saint Beijing, Volgograd Arena was built on the site Portugal; June 28 - Panama vs Tunisia. es the last time the United States hosted Petersburg Stadium) LONDON: David Beckham has of the Battle of Stalingrad, the heroic turning No matter which way you put it, thrown his weight behind North the event, in 1994, but that the game has Capacity: 68,000 point of World War II in which two million Mordovia Arena is a bit of a mystery. Never grown enormously in recent years. Opening: 2017 America’s bid to host the 2026 World people died. The stadium is now the focal famous for its football, Saransk had a minia- Cup as the vote looms, saying the fans’ “I’ve seen how much the game has Estimated cost: $700-$775 million point of a major city renovation project. ture airport and no modern hotels until the grown in the last 10 years and it’s Matches: June 15 - Morocco vs Iran; June passion for football would make the World Cup, with the region best known for event “very special”. incredible to have happened so fast and 19 - Russia vs Egypt; June 22 - Brazil vs NIZHNY NOVGOROD (Nizhny being a wilderness where Russia put most of changed in so many different ways,” Costa Rica; June 26 - Nigeria vs Argentina; The US-Canada-Mexico joint bid is Novgorod Stadium) its female penal colonies. The city now has a battling against Morocco for the right to said Beckham. “People are really get- July 3 - Round of 16; July 10 - Semi Final; Capacity: 45,000 brand-new arena that will house a third divi- ting behind the game now throughout July 14 - Third Place playoff. stage the tournament, with FIFA mem- Opening: 2018 sion side. bers picking the winner at a vote in the US and it’s great to see, it’s great to Under construction for more than a Estimated cost: $275 million have been a part of. I’m excited about decade due to bureaucratic red tape and Moscow on June 13. “A football competi- Matches: June 18 - Sweden vs South YEKATERINBURG (Yekaterinburg tion as big as the World Cup deserves to 2026 because if that really happens, if it graft, the majestic arena cost about three Korea; June 21 - Argentina vs Croatia; June Arena) does happen, I know for sure that as a times more than planned. Russia’s most high- be in great places and if the US, Canada 24 - England vs Panama; June 27 - Capacity: 35,000 and Mexico get that it will be very spe- fan I’ll be going to that World Cup.” tech arena, with a retractable roof and pitch, Switzerland vs Costa Rica; July 1 Round of Opening: 1957 (renovated 2018) A long-awaited report from FIFA will host some of the tournament’s most cial,” said former LA Galaxy star 16; July 6 - Quarter Final. Estimated cost: $210 million Beckham in a video released by Major inspectors last week left the North glamorous matches, including ones played With elegant, wave-like stands resem- Matches: June 15 - Egypt vs Uruguay; American bid as the clear front-runner by Argentina and Brazil. League Soccer. The former England bling those of Marseille’s Stade Velodrome, June 21 - France vs Peru; June 24 - Japan vs captain, who played for the Galaxy for after giving it a rating of four out of a the Volga River stadium will be home to a Senegal; June 27 - Mexico vs Sweden, possible five according to its criteria. KAZAN (Kazan Arena) six seasons and was awarded an MLS brand-new local team after the World Cup. To locals’ distress, fans had a good laugh franchise in Miami earlier this year, said Morocco, bidding to become only the Capacity: 45,000 at Yekaterinburg’s expense for building an second African nation to host the tour- Opening: 2013 he had experienced the passion for the ROSTOV (ROSTOV ARENA) arena with two vertiginous stands entirely nament, received only 2.7 out of five, but Estimated cost: $230 million game in all three countries. Capacity: 45,000 outside the arena. The stands overlook a advanced to the Moscow vote despite Matches: June 16 - France vs Australia; “I’ve been able to have played in one Opening: 2018 nearby highway, although organisers say red flags being raised over several criti- June 20 - Iran vs Spain; June 24 - Poland vs of these countries and I’ve been to the Estimated cost: $320 million they also offer a nice city view. The stands cal components of the bid. The 2026 Colombia; June 27 - South Korea vs other two as well and also played in Matches: June 17 - Brazil vs Switzerland; will only seat Russians and be dismantled World Cup will be the first to be Germany; June 30 - - Round of 16; July 6 - Canada for the Galaxy but I know the June 20 - Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia; June 23 after the tournament, slimming down the sta- expanded to 48 teams, posing a severe Quarter Final. passion that runs through all three of - Korea Republic vs Mexico; June 26 - dium to 27,000 seats-a solution FIFA those countries,” he said. “Don’t get me test for the hosts. — AFP Built for the 2013 University Games, Iceland vs Croatia; July 2 Round of 16. applauds. — AFP Established 1961 27 Sports Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Manchester United agree deal to sign Brazil midfielder Fred

Mourinho’s task will be to harness Fred’s passing ability

LONDON: Manchester United announced yesterday Shakhtar suggests. they have agreed a deal to sign Brazilian international United are in need of midfield reinforcements with midfielder Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk as Jose Michael Carrick retiring and Marouane Fellaini out of Mourinho seeks to topple reigning Premier League contract. Champions Manchester City. Mourinho’s task will now be to harness Fred’s The 25-year-old will cost the English giants a passing ability, while also finally getting the best out reported fee of about £52 million ($69 million) and of Pogba in his third season since an £89 million give Mourinho a powerful-looking midfield, with the move from Juventus. Brazilian set to slot in alongside Paul Pogba and Fred will hope to make the same impact on the Nemanja Matic. A statement on the club’s website Premier League as Brazilian international team-mates said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce it Willian and Fernandinho, who also arrived in England has reached agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk for the via spells with Shakhtar. transfer of Frederico United fans are unlikely to Rodrigues de Paula Santos get much of a glimpse of Fred (Fred). at the World Cup in Russia, “A further announcement Fred is though, as he is yet to start an will be made in due course.” international under current United finished second in more of a coach Tite. the Premier League behind Handed his deubt by Dunga City but were a whopping creator than in 2014, Fred’s international 19 points behind their fierce goalscorer career was disrupted after rivals. testing positive for the diuret- And beating City to the ic hydrochlorothiazide during signature of Fred, who was the 2015 Copa America. a target for the English He was banned from inter- champions in January, could prove to be a significant national football for a year by South America’s gov- first step. Fred caught the eye in Shakhtar’s run to erning body CONEMBOL, but only missed four the last-16 of the Champions League, where the months for Shakhtar as FIFA did not extend the ban Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos (centre). Ukrainians only lost out on away goals to Roma. A to cover all confederations until February 2016. Fred stunning free-kick in the first leg of that tie was a did not return to the national team until a 3-0 friendly glimpse of what Fred’s talented left foot can produce. win over Russia in March and Tite was keen for his “Players are always thinking of their careers. What the national team,” he said after Saturday’s 2-0 win However, he is far more of a creator than goalscor- transfer to be completed before the World Cup starts you say is please resolve it as soon as possible so we over Croatia at Anfield. “If I was a club manager, I er as his record of just 15 goals in five years at on June 14. can get them focused back on the task in hand with would be looking to sign him.” — AFP

Ake strike gives

Dutch 1-1 draw appearing against Israelis, but cannot Iran announce openly ban players because it breach- es international regulations. against Italy After much confusion over the WCup squad issue, Shojaei returned to the national TURIN: Nathan Ake headed in a late squad in March and Haji Safi was nev- equaliser as the Netherlands held 10-man without Ali er actually banned. Iran’s national Italy 1-1 in Monday’s international friendly in team has been coached for the past Turin between two heavyweights who failed Gholizadeh seven years by Portugal’s Carlos to qualify for the World Cup. Queiroz, a former enforcer for Alex Simone Zaza had put Italy ahead after 67 Ferguson at Manchester United and minutes in Juventus’ Allianz Stadium but the TEHRAN: Iran has announced its one-season boss at Real Madrid. hosts were hit two minutes later when final 23-man line-up for the 2018 Queiroz has led Iran to its first defender Domenico Criscito was sent off for World Cup as it arrives in Russia with back-to-back appearances at the a tackle on Ryan Babel. Bournemouth cen- arguably its most accomplished squad World Cup, but will be hoping to tre-back Ake got the equaliser past the ever and the wind in its sails after an improve on its winless appearance in hosts two minutes from time, and almost unbeaten run through qualifiers. Brazil. Iran, nicknamed “Team Melli”, added a second in injury time. Both sides Iran have some strong choices up had an unbeaten run in qualifiers, are rebuilding after failing to reach the front, including Alireza Jahanbakhsh, becoming the first to book their place World Cup finals in Russia. who became the first Iranian to top from the Asian Football New Italy coach Roberto Mancini’s first the scoring table of a major Confederation. three games in charge have resulted in a 2-1 European league with 21 goals for But they face a tough group in the victory over Saudi Arabia, 3-1 defeat by Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. There are World Cup, with Spain, Portugal and France, and 1-1 draw against the Dutch. “It TORINHO: Dutch defender Nathan Ake (3R) vies with Italian players during a friendly match also big hopes for 23-year-old strik- Morocco. was a friendly, I don’t know if that was really between Italy and the Netherlands at the Allianz stadium in Torino on Monday. — AFP er Sardar Azmoun, who has racked a red card,” said Mancini. up 23 goals for Iran since making his IRAN WORLD CUP SQUAD “Nevertheless it was an enormously naive debut in 2014. Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand error. Playing down to 10 men for 20 minutes 2016 and the World Cup. imed tackle, giving three-time World Cup The only change to the line-up (Persepolis), Rashid Mazaheri (Zob was tough, as we were already feeling tired.” Four-time world champions Italy proved runners-up the Netherlands a numerical when it was finalised on Monday was Ahan), Amir Abedzadeh Mancini said he was optimistic with what he wasteful in the first half despite dominating advantage. “I’m happy with the goal the decision to drop 22-year-old (Maritimo/POR) had seen in his first two weeks in charge. play with chances from Andrea Belotti, because I had sad memories of the national winger Ali Gholizadeh, who has just Defenders: Majid Hosseini “It’s difficult after 10 days to develop Simone Verdi and Criscito. Torino striker team, I felt a little emotional,” said Zaza, who signed with Belgium’s Charleroi. (Esteghlal), Milad Mohammadi really complex tactical situations, but we Belotti-starting in place of Mario Balotelli- has been recalled by Mancini having not Iran has an unprecedented number (Akhmat Grozny/RUS), Mohammad saw some good things against France and had the ball in the net within three minutes played since missing a penalty kick in Euro of players from international leagues Khanzadeh (Padideh), Morteza again today,” said the 53-year-old. “We’ve but the goal was ruled offside. Lorenzo 2016 against Germany. “We’re a young this year, with 12 of the squad cur- Pouraliganji (Alsaad/QAT), Pejman got to get playing and gaining experience Insigne-wearing the captain’s armband on group and we need time to prepare. rently playing with European clubs. Montazeri (Esteghlal), Ramin Rezaeian and that’s what the friendlies are for. his 27th birthday-then set up Verdi who Unfortunately in a way we have a lot of time Among them are Masoud Shojaei, 33, (Ostende/BEL), Roozbeh Cheshmi “The lads have got the right mentality, the fired over, with Criscito’s header cleared off to prepare for the next tournament.” The and Ehsan Haji Safi, 28, who were (Esteghlal) Midfielders: Saeid balance of these days is positive but we have the line by Ruud Vormer. Dutch-World Cup runners-up in 2014 — supposed to have been banned for life Ezatolahi (Amkar Perm/RUS), Ehsan to put some things right. There is optimism, Koeman’s side got into their stride more follow last week’s 1-1 draw against Slovakia, last summer after playing an Israeli Haji Safi (Olympiacos/GRE), Omid people are enthusiastic about this young after the break but Italy nevertheless opened having beaten Portugal 3-0 last Match. For team for their Greek club Panionios. Ebrahimi (Esteghlal), Masoud Shojaei national team and this helps us.” The Dutch the scoring when second half substitute Zaza Italy it was another 1-1 draw in Turin after Iran does not recognise the Jewish (AEK Athens/GRE), Ashkan Dejagah are also forging a new era under Ronaldo picked up a Federico Chiesa centre. But min- recent games against England, Spain and state and bars its athletes from (Nottingham Forest/ENG). — AFP Koeman after failing to qualify for both Euro utes later Criscito was sent off for a mist- Macedonia. — AFP

WORLD CUP WARNING FIFA files criminal With the World Cup set to kick off in just nine days, “Our training is the whole year outdoors, and FIFA also warned fans to stay clear of any “unauthorised Iceland fired we have very strong kids,” coach Freyr Sverrisson complaint against transfer and/or resale of tickets”. It also said that any- told Reuters as he kept a watchful eye on young one with a ticket that can be traced to an unauthorised up for World players during a session at the Haukar resale site may be refused entry to World Cup matches. Hafnarfjordur club south-west of Reykjavik. ticket firm Viagogo “FIFA reminds all fans that FIFA.com/tickets is the only The club also offers basketball, handball, skiing, official and legitimate website on which to buy 2018 Cup thunderclap karate and chess, but football is fast becoming the FIFA World Cup tickets,” the statement further said. dominant sport, especially with widespread invest- GENEVA: FIFA yesterday said it had filed a criminal Viagogo describes itself as “a global online platform REYKJAVIK: An inhospitable climate and the ment in full-size indoor pitches and outdoor astro- complaint against the secondary ticketing firm Viagogo’s for live sport, music and entertainment tickets”, that aims smallest population of any World Cup nation have turf surfaces. sale of 2018 World Cup tickets, opening a new battle to “helps ticket sellers ranging from individuals with a failed to dampen Iceland’s burning desire to make “Soccer was always very popular, but after the between sports organisations and websites seeking a spare ticket to large multi-national event organisers history at this month’s tournament in Russia in their Euros it’s getting bigger,” says Sverrisson, who share of their profits. reach a global audience”. own unique way. coached the country’s Under-16 team from 2002 to “As part of its efforts to protect the fans and prevent The company is no stranger to controversy, including What other national team coach, for instance, 2016. It wasn’t just the footballers that put them- unauthorised ticket resales for the 2018 FIFA World accusations of steep price markups as well as battles addresses the fans in a local bar before a home selves on the map in France - the “thunderclap” Cup in Russia, FIFA filed a criminal complaint on 4 June with the artists and sports entities that drive its business. international, as Heimir Hallgrimsson did before performed by Iceland’s fans provided some of the 2018 based on a breach of the law on unfair competi- Last month, English singer Ed Sheeran and his promot- Iceland’s recent game against Norway? For good most memorable moments in the stands. tion against Viagogo AG with the public prosecutor’s ers announced that tickets for his concerts sold on measure, Norway coach Lars Lagerback, who led With their faces painted in the red, white and office in Geneva,” world football’s governing body said Viagogo would be deemed invalid. The company was Iceland on their glorious Euro 2016 odyssey that blue tones of the Icelandic flag and plenty of in a statement. founded in 2006 by American businessman Eric Baker, ended in a quarter-final defeat by hosts France Viking imagery, they provide loud and colourful “Over the past months, FIFA has received numerous who had previously been the pioneer behind Stubhub, after knocking out England, also turned up to assist support to a team punching way above its weight complaints from individuals, consumer protection bodies the secondary ticket giant widely used by North in continuing the tradition. on the international stage. and other market players over the opaque and deceptive American sports fans, which was subsequently bought Despite sub-zero temperatures that make it vir- “It’s amazing, the support is so huge,” goalkeep- business conduct of Viagogo AG,” it added. The compa- by online retailer ebay. tually impossible to grow grass on pitches for much er Runar Runarsson told Reuters. “From my family, ny did not immediately respond to a request for com- In April, Britain’s Competition and Markets of the year, the game is thriving in the Nordic from my friends, from people I don’t even know, ment. FIFA noted that in seeking legal action it was join- Authority singled out Viagogo as the sole secondary island nation. With a modest population of about the support is huge. They’re so happy.” Set to face ing other sports bodies, including UEFA, which has pre- ticket seller which had refused to make changes that 340,000, the country’s men’s team is ranked 22nd Argentina, Nigeria and Croatia, Iceland have a viously taken Viagogo to court. The European confeder- the regulator deemed necessary to protect consumers. in the world, with the women three places better in tough task to make it out of Group D in their debut ation stepped up its battle against secondary ticket sites Key among those recommended changes was provid- 19th. The previous smallest country to have World Cup. But, regardless of the results, the tiny ahead of the Euro-2016 tournament, when it established ing better information to the seller about the ticket, reached the World Cup finals was Trinidad & nation and its colourful fans are guaranteed to its own online resale platform and asserted that no one including whether there was a risk it could be rejected Tobago in 2006, with 1.3 million people. make an impact in Russia. — Reuters but UEFA could legitimately sell match tickets. at the venue. — AFP Established 1961 Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018

Detroit Tigers lose 7-4 to New York England recall Jake for injured Manchester United agree deal 25Yankees in Game one of doubleheader 26 Woakes for Australia ODI series 27 to sign Brazil midfielder Fred

PARIS: Austria’s Dominic Thiem returns the ball to Germany’s Alexander Zverev during their men’s singles quarter-final match on day ten of The Roland Garros 2018 French Open tennis tournament in Paris yesterday. — AFP Thiem crushes Zverev to make last four Austrian widened his advantage with clinical display of hitting

PARIS: Austrian Dominic Thiem destroyed a lacklus- back, but the outcome was inevitable and Thiem put the only player to beat Nadal on clay this year and he when an under-cooked dropshot and double-fault tre and battle-weary Alexander Zverev 6-4 6-2 6-1 him out of his misery with a routine backhand winner oozed confidence from the outset against the tall offered Zverev the chance to break back but the yesterday to reach the French Open semi-finals for the into a wide-open court. German. Striking the ball harder and with more spin Austrian won a superb rally with both players at the third consecutive year. Claycourt specialist Thiem’s “It was very tough for him today,” Thiem, who fell to and holding serve with ease he always looked the more net. Zverev then watched a Thiem lob land smack on relentless accuracy from the baseline proved too much eventual winners Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the last likely player to make the first move and his chance the baseline as he fell 3-1 behind and his energy levels for second seed Zverev who looked jaded after a gru- two years, said on court. “He is one of the fittest guys came in the seventh game. dropped. elling path to his first Grand Slam quarter-final. on Tour but to play three five-setters in a row is tough After dropping serve to trail 4-1 Zverev called for After an even start full of high quality ball-striking, in Grand Slam. CROSSCOURT BACKHAND the trainer and had a bandage applied to his left leg- Thiem broke serve at 3-3 and quickly got on top, “I love it here and I will do everything to make one A forehand error by Zverev offered up a couple of hardly surprising considering the way he had been stretching his opponent all over Court Philippe more step this year.” Thiem, 24, will play either break points and Thiem converted with a dipping moved around by his close friend. Zverev went off court Chatrier. Second seed Zverev, 21, needed his left thigh Djokovic or Italian Marco Cecchinato hoping to crosscourt backhand that left Zverev wrong-footed. for more treatment at the end of the second set but any strapped in the second set and looked disconsolate as become the first Austrian to reach a Grand Slam final Zverev saved one set point on the Thiem serve at 5- chance of him becoming the first player to win four Thiem widened his advantage with a clinical display of since Thomas Muster in 1995. 4, racing to dig up a drop volley, but was powerless on consecutive five-set matches in a Grand Slam during hitting. Zverev had needed five sets to beat Dusan Lajovic, the next as Thiem flung down an ace. The signs were the professional era were over. With Nadal’s coach Thiem, seeded seventh, needed only 15 minutes to Damir Dzumhur and Karen Khachanov and his first- worrying for Zverev as he carelessly conceded serve at Carlos Moya an interested spectator Thiem moved go 4-0 up in the third with Zverev barely running for week graft caught up with him on a damp and cool yes- 1-1 in the second set, slicing a backhand wide. swiftly on to a victory that will not have gone unnoticed wide balls. Zverev began to let rip, snatching one game terday. Thiem lost to Zverev in the Madrid final but is Thiem’s first sign of frailty came in the next game by the defending champion. — Reuters

is good for us,” said Warriors forward Draymond keep taking positives from losses. We’re doing some start,” Warriors forward Kevin Durant said. “They have Cavaliers face Green. “We can play so much better. We’re going to good things, but it’s not translating into Ws so we’ve only lost one game so they are very confident there. need that going out on the road.” got to figure it out.” We’ve just got to come out, stick to our game plan, While the Cavaliers made the greatest comeback in The Cavaliers were the most recent victims of an keep playing hard and we’ll be fine.” now-or-never NBA Finals history from 3-1 down to beat Golden NBA Finals sweep, being blanked by San Antonio in It will be hard for Golden State to top game two, State in 2016, no team has ever rallied from 3-0 down 2007 in the first finals trip for LeBron James, now when Stephen Curry sank a finals-record nine 3-point- home stand in to win the title. playing in an eighth consecutive finals and ninth over- ers in a 33-point effort. “We had some slip-ups and “We have to make sure that we really bring it in all. “It sucks to lose, that’s for sure, but it definitely things we can correct going into game three,” Curry game three because that’s really the game right there,” won’t stop me from preparing to be better,” James said. “But the energy and effort and physicality and all NBA Finals Cavs forward Kevin Love said. “This is a team you said. “We’ve played some really good basketball on that from the jump was pretty dialed in and it gave us a don’t want to be down 0-3 against.” our home floor. But that shouldn’t give us any comfort. lot of momentum and confidence.” Warriors guard The Cavaliers are 8-1 at home in this year’s playoffs, We should still be uncomfortable. Klay Thompson, playing despite a left ankle injury in CLEVELAND: Defending champion Golden State losing only in their first-round opener against Indiana. “Just because we’re going home doesn’t mean we the opener, says Golden State has a strong focus has seized command of the NBA Finals as the series “We feed off our crowd. We really get up to play at can relax. This is the last team in the world you want to knowing the Cavaliers rallied from 2-0 down to beat shifts to Cleveland, where the Cavaliers must continue home. We know that come Wednesday we’re going to relax against.” James won two titles with Miami and Boston in the Eastern Conference finals. “It’s nothing their home playoff magic to sustain any title hopes. have to be better,” Love said. “Just being in front of achieved his goal of bringing a crown to his home to feel happy about being up 2-0,” Thompson said. The Warriors, seeking their third crown in four sea- our crowd will be huge for us.” region, but the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player “This team plays great at home and we expect their sons, could complete a sweep in the best-of-seven But the Cavaliers, facing Golden State in the finals would fall to 3-6 in the finals with a loss this year. The other guys to play even better at home, too, not just showdown with road wins Wednesday and Friday after for the fourth year in a row, are only 4-4 against the Warriors have imposed themselves upon the Cavs ear- LeBron, so we’re not going to relax at all.” Cavaliers taking a 2-0 edge with a 122-103 home triumph Warriors at home in all finals. “We have to do a better ly and see that as crucial for more success. coach Tyronn Lue stressed the need for a body-bang- Sunday. “I don’t think we’re close to our ceiling, which job at home,” Cavs guard J.R. Smith said. “We can’t “We’ve got to come out with a sense of urgency to ing style from his squad. — AFP